True Joy with God...

June 21, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 07:52:00 -0700

Put First the Word

I want to tell you the only real secret to getting ahead in this world. It's simple. Put the Word of God first place in your daily life.

"Well," you may be saying, "I've heard that before. It's no secret." But when you understand what I mean, it could be a revelation to you.

You see, the Bible is not just a textbook, a storybook, or a history book. It's a handbook for living. It's the wisdom of Almighty God written down so that you can apply it to your everyday circumstances.

God says that wisdom is the "principal thing." Principal means "first in importance." That means the Word of God needs to occupy the place of highest importance in all of your activities. I know from experience what an impact that can have on your life.

Twenty years ago I decided to read the gospels and the book of Acts three times in 30 days. It seemed an impossible task at the time. With two small children and my house turned upside down from a recent move, I couldn't see how I could possibly spend that much time reading the Word and still get everything done. But I set myself to put other things aside and do it anyway.

Surprisingly enough, at the end of the first day I had accomplished more than I would have under normal circumstances. And by the end of that 30 days, I'd not only read the gospels and Acts three times, I'd kept all my housework done, taken care of my children, and refinished several pieces of furniture to boot! I was amazed.

You'll be amazed at what happens in your life too, if you give God's Word priority. But let me warn you, don't wait until you think you have the time. Satan will see to it that you never do.

Just do like I did and set other things aside. Invest your time in the Word first and that investment will soon be paying off in every area of your life.

"For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.... Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her, and she will exalt and promote you; she will bring you to honor when you embrace her."

(Proverbs 4:7-8)

By: KCM

June 20, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 08:09:00 -0700

A Healthy Dose of Love

Walking in love is good for your health. Did you know that?

It's true! Medical science has proven it. Researchers have discovered that hostility produces stress that causes ulcers, tension headaches, and a host of other ills.

Now when you think of hostility, you may think of the type of anger you feel when something serious happens. But according to the experts, that kind of thing isn't what causes the worst problems. It's the little things: when the dry cleaners ruin your favorite outfit, for example. Or when the cafeteria lady puts gravy on your mashed potatoes after you've specifically told her not to. Sound familiar?

Just think how much stress you could avoid by being quick to forgive, by living your life according to 1 Corinthians 13 and not counting up the evils done to you. Imagine physical and emotional benefits of living like that!

If you've allowed yourself to be habitually bound by hostility, that may sound like an impossible dream, but it's not! Because as a born-again believer, you have the love of God inside of you.

If you'll yield to that love, it will set you free. Remember when Jesus called Lazarus forth from the grave? He was alive but still bound in the grave clothes. Jesus commanded the bindings to be loosed so that Lazarus could be free to walk.

Jesus wants that same kind of freedom for you. So get into agreement with Him. Say to those deadly habits that have you bound, "In the Name of Jesus, loose me and let me go! I'm putting hostility, unforgiveness and selfishness behind me. I'm going on with God. I'm going to live the life of love!"

Remember: It doesn't take a medical miracle to turn your life around. All it takes is a decision to yield to the force of love. Do it today!

"Love...is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it--pays no attention to a suffered wrong."

(1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

By: KCM

October 5, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 4 Oct 2011 07:28:00 -0700

Avoid Big Failures

There's a subtle strategy Satan uses to take control of our lives. The Bible calls it lasciviousness and it means "to have no restraint."

Lasciviousness has been preached as being extreme immorality, but it doesn't start out that way. It begins with just a few seemingly innocent thoughts. Then those thoughts grow and grow until they begin to produce serious sin.

One afternoon as a nine-year-old boy, for example, I just yielded to the desire to curse. I knew better, but I did it anyway. I had a relative who was so good atWest Texas cussin' that I thought he invented it. I was intrigued and I wanted to try it.

When I let go of all restraint and began to say those curse words, something evil moved in on my thinking that seriously affected me for some 20 years. A law was set in motion. As a result, my flesh gradually became boss over my entire being.

Don't let Satan use the strategy of lasciviousness on you. Make up your mind and heart today to obey God in the little things. Avoid big failures by walking in His Spirit one small step at a time. Major victories will eventually be yours.

Scripture Study: Ephesians 4:22-31

"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness."(Ephesians 4:17-19)

By: KCM

October 4, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 4 Oct 2011 07:14:00 -0700

The Deciding Witness

You've been there many times, standing in the valley of decision. Perched precariously between victory and defeat. On one side of you is the word of the world authored by Satan that says, for example, "You're not going to get healed." On the other side of you, the Word of God is saying, "My Word is Yea and Amen" and "By His stripes, ye were healed." Who will determine how it all turns out? You will. You're the establishing witness.

I remember a fellow once who wanted me to pray for him. I said, "Now the Word says you're healed." He interrupted me and said, "Yeah, I know it says that, but I've got this terrible pain here...."

I looked him in the eye and said again, "The Word says, 'By His stripes, you were healed.'"

"I know it," he answered, "but I've got this terrible...."

I shook my head. "Listen, the Word says you're healed!"

He turned beet red. "I KNOW IT SAYS THAT, BUT I'VE GOT THIS...."

Finally, he stopped and stared at me. He didn't realize it, but he'd allowed his physical symptoms to become his evidence. It was what he believed. No matter what the Word said, he believed the thing he could see and feel.

But when he got quiet, I said to him, "Look, you're wanting me to agree with you and you're mad because I won't. But if I agree with you, you're going to die. Now if you'll agree with me and the Bible, we can get you healed."

Suddenly he saw it. His eyes lit up. "Oh, praise God! I see what you mean. I agree with the Word of God!"

I put my hands on his head and God healed him instantly.

You see, when he finally decided to get in agreement with God, he could have received in his bedroom or driving down the road or anywhere else. He could have received any time he decided to become the establishing witness.

You pray and establish your witness. That's your part. If you'll do it, God will back you--and when He backs you, everything else either has to get in line or get out of the way.

You're the deciding witness. What do you say?<

Scripture Study: Matthew 18:15-20

"In the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. Matthew 18:16

By: KCM

October 3, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:58:00 -0700

Move Closer Every Day

Abiding in Jesus isn't something that comes automatically to any believer. It's a lifestyle that involves discipline and effort.

We have to choose to give ourselves to our union with Him, to give Him first place where our attention is concerned. If we want to grow spiritually, if we want to walk in power and in fellowship with the Lord, we'll have to spend the time it takes to know Him.

That's not something we can do for a while and then forget about either. We must continue in it every day. For the moment we stop moving closer to Jesus, we always start drifting away.

You see, here in this natural world you're surrounded by ungodliness. You live in a body that is totally natural. Unless you purposely counter that with daily prayer and time in the Word, your body and your mind will simply give in to the pressures around you and go the way of the world.

Right now, make a decision to give yourself to the things of God. Focus your attention on the Lord. Surround yourself with His Word. Listen to preaching and teaching tapes while you're getting dressed, driving to work, preparing dinner, working on your car, exercising, cleaning house and when you go to bed. Listen to the Word of God anytime, anywhere!

Abide in Him today.

Scripture Study: John 15:1-11

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

(John 15:5)

By: KCM

October 2, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:50:00 -0700

Let Your New Man Out

When you made Jesus Christ Lord of your life, you became what the Bible calls a "new creature." Inside, you're not the same person you were before. You have the nature of God born into you. But it's not enough for you just to have that new nature on the inside. You have to let it take over the outside as well.

Don't expect that to happen automatically. You have to make a decision to bring your body into obedience to the new man within you. You must determine to do what Romans 6:12 says and "let not sin...reign in your mortal body."

I know that sounds tough, but remember, you're not in this alone. You have a Helper inside you to enable you to carry out that decision. His name is the Holy Spirit. He's there to strengthen you. He gives you the power to put sin out of your life and under your feet.

Make that decisive dedication of your body today--and let that new man that's on the inside of you begin to come out!

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."(Romans 12:1)

By: KCM

October 1, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:39:00 -0700

Spiritual Armor for Spiritual War

Unfortunately, most of us don't know the first thing about fighting the kind of war in this scripture. For, as Ephesians 6:10-12 says, it's not a battle of flesh and blood, but of the spirit.

Most believers are so earthly minded (or carnally minded) that they never even realize the actual source of the enemy's attacks. They blame circumstances and people. They waste their energy fighting natural conditions instead of supernatural causes.

We need to wake up to the warfare that's going on in the heavenly realm!

We can get a glimpse of it in Daniel 10:12-20. There, we find that Daniel had been fasting and praying for 21 days, awaiting a word from the Lord. Then, an angel appeared to him 21 days later with the answer. What took him so long? He was fighting the enemy in the heavens.

That confuses some people. They say, "Devils fighting in heaven? I thought God reigned in heaven!" What they don't understand is that the Bible teaches there are three different areas called heaven:

1. The heaven where God resides.

2. The stellar heavens (what we call "outer space").

3. The heavens around this earth (the atmosphere surrounding this planet).

This last heaven is where spiritual war takes place. (That's why Ephesians 2:2 calls Satan the prince of the power of the air.) The air is where wicked spirits operate. From there, they attempt to rule the nations assigned to them.

And rule them they will unless the prayers of God's people keep them from it.

God has an army marching in this land. If we band together, we can prevent the wickedness in high places from ruling our nation. The time has come for us to pray. So, put on your full armor and take your place in the ranks of the faithful in intercession for our country and the nations of the world!

Scripture Study:Daniel 10:1-14

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

(Ephesians 6:12)

By: KCM

Sept. 30, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 05:09:00 -0700

Dare to Decide

I used to worry about making decisions for God. I used to be afraid to step out on faith and declare I was going to do something new that He'd shown me to do. I'd think, "What if I fail?" I was so scared of failing, I'd muddle around in indecision for weeks. Then one day I found out it wasn't my power that was going to carry it out anyway. But it took my decision to move God in on the scene. Once I decided what I was going to do and set it down firm, God backed me!

What I learned is a truth from the Word of God that, if you'll pay attention to it, will revolutionize your life. It's truth that carries an awesome responsibility with it, but it's a wonderful thing to realize.

Here it is: The right, the privilege, and the power to DECIDE has been left by God in the hands of men.

You have the right, for example, to decide where you're going to spend eternity. You have a right to make that decision, and God will back your decision.

God can do everything for you but decide. He's provided the power. He's provided His Name. He's provided the blood of Jesus. He's provided the kingdom of God. He's even made us partakers of it (Col. 1:12).

But He's not going to stuff that inheritance down our throats. Somewhere down the line we each have to make the decision to receive it.

Now the beautiful part is this: When you make that decision, God will back you to the hilt with His power. Once you make a decision to be born again, there's no devil in hell big enough to stop you. All you have to do is decide.

Decide now. Declare your decision. Let it be done unto you according to your words.

Is God leading you in some new direction? Is He leading you to step out in faith for healing or prosperity or to take a whole new step of ministry? Don't let fear hold you back.

Scripture Study:Romans 4:13-21

Be it according to thy word.(Exodus 8:10)

By: KCM

September 29, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:01:00 -0700

NO BURDEN

Do you know why the Word of God and the orders God gives to you in your spirit are not burdensome or oppressive? Because everything He tells you is for your good and for your victory!

God knows what it takes to live in victory in this present evil world. In fact, He's the only one Who knows. The people of this world cannot tell you how to live victoriously. They don't know how. But God does! He can make things work, even in the middle of darkness, and if we'll follow His instructions, commands and precepts from His Word, we can too!

Let me give you an example. One commandment that God gave to us is to love one another and forgive one another as He has forgiven us. This command is not grievous because it's the key to our freedom. If you can walk in the love that's been shed abroad in your heart, you'll have joy every day. But if you don't walk in this commandment of love, somebody will get your joy before lunch! God knows that. So, He made a command of love and forgiveness because love works! Without love, there won't be any joy, and the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Don't resent God's teachings. Don't consider His ways a burden to your lifestyle. Rejoice over them. Take them gladly by the hand and let them lead you all the way to victory!

Scripture Study: 1 John 5:1-5

For the [true] love of God is this, that we do His commands--keep His ordinances and are mindful of His precepts and teaching. And these orders of His are not irksome--burdensome, oppressive, or grievous. (1 John 5:3)

By: KCM

August 25, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 04:41:00 -0700

Hell Can't Put Out the Light

Whenever things around you get dark and you feel the devil is about to overpower you, remember this: You have the Light of the world in you, and try as they may, all the forces of hell can't put it out!

Even when you're at your weakest, even when you feel like the light within you is small, the devil's darkness is no match for you.

Let me show you what I mean. Imagine for a moment that you're in a large auditorium that has no windows or doors to let in outside light. The place is so black you can't see anything, not even your hand in front of your face. There's nothing around you but complete darkness!

Now, imagine one little lightning bug flying around that auditorium. Every eye in there would turn toward it. As small as that little light is in comparison to the great darkness around it, you would still be able to see it. That massive blackness wouldn't be able to do a thing to shut off that bug. Everywhere he flew, the darkness would just have to yield. It would always be dispelled by his light.

When the circumstances around you begin to get black and you're tempted to despair, think about that lightning bug. Meditate on the fact that Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, is in you. When the revelation of that hits you, you'll never again let the darkness back you into a corner. You'll start chasing it down-- overcoming it with your light!

"In Him was Life and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it." (John 1:4-5)

By: KCM

August 24, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 04:26:00 -0700

When Somebody Does You Wrong

Somebody's done you wrong! Sooner or later it happens to all of us. Somewhere along the way, we all get hurt or cheated or lied to or abused.

It's as predictable as it is painful. Yet when it happens most of us find ourselves strangely unprepared. In our outrage, we often cry out to God against the one who wronged us. We ask for justice, or even vengeance, and end up making things tougher on everyone involved--including ourselves.

If that's been true of you, it's time you found out how you can put the power of God to work for you the next time somebody does you wrong.

Step one: Identify the enemy! Right here's where the majority of us make our biggest blunder. We mistakenly identify our enemy as the person who hurts us. Don't waste your energy ranting and raving or plotting and scheming against people who cause you pain. They're simply under the devil's influence. Aim your spiritual ammunition at the right target. It's the devil who's behind it all. Go after him!

Step two: Fire! Once you've pointed your spiritual guns in the right direction, fire! Hit the devil fast and furiously with the Word of God. Use the Name of Jesus and the power that's been given you as a believer and bind the devil from doing you any further harm in that area. Then move on to the next and most important part of this spiritual battle.

Step three: Pray the prayer of intercession. In Matthew 5:44-45, Jesus gives us these instructions: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven."

Crying out for the vengeance of God to strike like a lightning bolt when somebody does us wrong isn't acting like our Father. Remember God has great, great mercy. Not just for me and you, but for everyone!

The devil will probably think twice before he bothers you again. Next time someone causes you pain, put the power of God to work for you. Identify the real enemy. Hit him hard with the authority you've been given as a believer. Then pray the prayer of intercession.

"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."(Luke 10:19)

By: KCM

August 23, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 04:19:00 -0700

Give God a Way In

God is vitally interested in your finances. He wants to multiply and protect them. But He won't be able to--unless you open the door for Him to do it.

How? Through tithing.

When you tithe, you give God the legal right to intervene in your financial affairs, to bless you richly, and to defend you against the destruction the devil brings. When you tithe, you lay a foundation for success and abundance. You establish deposits with God you can draw on when you need them.

But don't wait until your back is against the wall to start. Begin now. Start developing your faith when things are going well by meditating on the blessing God's Word promises you as a tither. Learn to act on that Word now, and when Satan tries to put you in a financial corner, he'll fail. His power over you financially will have already been broken. Because you've established yourself on the covenant of God, Satan will have no chance against you. God will rebuke him for your sake.

If you haven't yet opened the door and given God a way into your finances, don't wait any longer. Do it today. Then, when the pressures of tomorrow come, you'll be prepared and protected by the special privileges that are guaranteed to those who tithe.

"And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land." (Malachi 3:11-12)

By: KCM

August 22, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 04:05:00 -0700

Evidence of a Miracle

Don't ever short-circuit a miracle by trying to see it in progress! So many believers do that. They'll lay hands on someone and pray for healing or deliverance and then, when they don't see any immediate, outward change take place, they'll withdraw their faith and assume nothing happened.

The Lord taught me an unforgettable lesson about that once when I was in Jamaica. I was preaching to a group of about 150 people in a church that was lighted only by a single kerosene lantern. It was so dark I couldn't see anyone's face. All I could see was my Bible and the feet of the man right in front of me.

Suddenly I realized that I'd always depended on the facial expressions of the people to whom I was preaching to determine how my sermon was being received. Knowing what I did about faith, I knew that was dangerous. So I made a quality decision at that moment never to preach another sermon except by faith. I would not be swayed by the expressions of people.

Before that series of meetings was over, I saw just how important that decision could be. The Jamaicans, who tend to show very little expression anyway, sat through every sermon without any outward reaction at all.

One lady was completely healed of blindness during one of those meetings. She never let on that anything had taken place. She was almost rigid when she found me outside and said simply, "Brother Copeland, I was blind, but now I can see. Thank you." That was all! A miracle had taken place, and by watching, you wouldn't have been able to tell anything had happened at all.

Next time you're tempted to evaluate what God is doing by the looks of things, don't do it. Remember instead that it is faith, not appearances, that makes miracles happen. It's the only real evidence that you need!

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."(Hebrews 11:1)

By: KCM

August 21, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 07:26:00 -0700

A Supernatural Cycle of Blessing

One of the most exciting things I ever discovered about God's law of sowing and reaping was the fact that financial harvests are not seasonal. If you plant year round, you can be receiving year round.

Don't misunderstand. I'm not saying your harvest will come instantly. It usually won't. You may have to wait for it for several months. What I'm saying is, if you'll keep planting consistently, you'll receive just as consistently. If you'll continually cast your bread on the water, eventually it will come in on every wave!

Of course, some people never get to enjoy that kind of constant blessing. That's because, instead of giving, they keep waiting to receive. They stand on the beach saying, "I wonder where my prosperity is? As soon as it comes in, I'll start giving."

God's economy doesn't work that way. He said, "Give and it will be given to you again. The way you measure it, it shall be measured back to you" (Luke 6:38). You have to make the first move. You have to send a ship out before your ship can come in.

Think about that next time you're tempted to complain about the things life brings your way. Remember that whatever you've been casting out there is always what you find on down the road. If you've been giving doubt, unbelief and fear, that's what has been coming to you. If you've been giving nothing, then nothing is what you get.

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."(Ecclesiastes 11:1)

By: KCM

With All I am

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 07:23:00 -0700

August 20, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 07:06:00 -0700

Meditate on the Word

Do you ever have trouble believing the Word of God? Not just agreeing with it mentally, but really believing that what it says will work for you?

I do. There are times when the promises in the Word stagger my mind. There have been times when I've felt so defeated and the circumstances around me looked so bad that it was tough for me to believe I was "more than a conqueror" even though I knew God said I was.

What do you do when your mind staggers like that at the promise of God? You meditate on that promise.

Scriptural meditation simply means thinking about and reflecting on the Word of God. It means pondering a particular scripture and mentally applying it to your own circumstances again and again until that scripture permanently marks your consciousness.

That kind of meditation can affect your life in a way that almost nothing else can. It can, quite literally, alter your mind. That's what happened to Abram.

When God first told him that he was going to father a nation, he was an old man. His wife, Sara, was also old. What's more, she had been barren all her life. How could an aging, childless couple have even one child--much less a nation full of them? Abram couldn't even imagine such a thing. It contradicted his entire mind-set.

But God knew the mental struggle Abram would have, so He didn't just make him a verbal promise and leave it at that. He gave Abram a picture of that promise to meditate on. He took him out into the starry night, turned his eyes to the sky and said, "So shall thy seed be."

Can't you just see Abram staring out at the stars, trying to count them? Filling the eyes of his heart with the promise of God?

That's what meditation is all about. Taking time to envision the promise of God until it becomes a reality inside you. It's tremendously powerful, and by focusing on the scriptural promises God has given you, you can put it to work in your life just as Abram put it to work in his. Don't just read the Word. Meditate on it today.

"And [God] brought [Abram] forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness." (Genesis 15:5-6)

By: KCM

August 19, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 06:57:00 -0700

A Living Example of Love

Don't ever worry about not having enough love inside you. The Word says God's love is shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Ghost. God's love is in you. What you need to do is make a decision to let it flow.

Pray this prayer today.

"In Jesus' Name, I make a fresh and strong commitment today to live the life of love, to let the tenderness of God flow through me and heal the wounded hearts of those I meet. "Father, teach me to love even when things go wrong. To be patient and kind when the children are underfoot. To overlook the spiteful words of an angry spouse. To rejoice when someone at the office gets the raise that I thought I needed. Teach me to talk in love, to lay gossip quietly aside and to take up words of grace instead.

"Lord, Your Word says that Your love is already inside me...that it has been shed abroad in my heart. So today, I resolve to remove every obstacle that would keep that love from flowing freely into the lives of others. I put resentments behind me, and I forgive all those who've done me wrong.

"In the days ahead, cause me to increase and excel and overflow with Your love. Cause me to be what this world needs most of all...a living example of love. Amen."

"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:5)

By: KCM

August 18, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 06:42:00 -0700

Possess God's Rest

God's rest. Considering the hectic, busy lives you and I live that sounds like a pretty good thing to have, doesn't it? But exactly what is that rest? And how do we enter it?

The third and fourth chapters of Hebrews compares God's rest with the children of Israel taking possession of the Promised Land. That land was to be a place where their every need would be met, a place of freedom from their warring enemies, a place no one would ever drive them from again. All they had to do was go in and possess it. But something kept them from it: unbelief and disobedience.

As believers, we, too, have the opportunity to enter a Promised Land of abundance and peace. A land where we can rest from our struggles and enjoy the victory of God. To enter it we must do what the children of Israel failed to do. We must simply trust God and obey His voice.

How do you come to that place of trust and obedience? By getting to know your Father. By spending time fellowshiping with Him in prayer and in the Word. That is the labor that will bring you into His rest!

I'll never forget when I first discovered that. I had been learning the principles of faith, striving hard to do them. It seemed back then that keeping doubt and unbelief out of my heart was difficult. Then, one day, I began to labor to know the Father instead of just knowing about Him.

When I did that, He began to reveal Himself to me. He gave me glimpses of His heart, His nature and His love. As He revealed to me how much He wanted to do for His children, it changed my striving into peace, my doubt into trust, my fear into bold obedience. It enabled me to enter His rest.

"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God....Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief " (Hebrews 4:9,11)

June 19, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:53:00 -0700

Take Authority

God has given you authority over the things in your life just like He gave Adam authority in the Garden of Eden. You have authority over your family and your household. But if you don't exercise your authority, the devil will come in and take over your garden just like he took over Adam's garden.

When Ken and I were first born again, we didn't understand that. We just keep bumping around in the same old ruts we'd been in before we were saved. We stayed just as broke and as sick as everybody else in the world.

Oh, we knew God worked miracles. Ken saw them firsthand when he was working as co-pilot, flying Oral Roberts to his healing meetings. When they would arrive at the meeting, it was Ken's job to get the people in the invalid tent ready before Brother Roberts came in to minister to them.

The invalid tent was the place where the people went who were too sick to go into the regular meeting. Most of them were on stretchers or in the last stages of some terminal illness.

Yet, as Brother Roberts laid his hands on those people, Ken saw amazing miracles. One woman spit the cancer up, right in the middle of the floor. A girl, who came in strapped to a board because she was totally paralyzed, jumped straight up when Brother Roberts touched her, and began to run around the tent totally healed.

Ken saw those miracles with his own eyes. But do you know what? They didn't do anything for our family. It was when we heard that Jesus had already borne our sickness and carried our diseases that our personal lives changed.

It was when we saw in the Word of God that we had authority over sickness and began to say so, that we began to get free. When we realized that we weren't the sick trying to get healed, and the devil was trying to steal our health, we began to take dominion and say, " Devil, get out of here!" And he would flee and take his sickness with him.

Of course, its a thrill to see God work miracles. But you can't live day in, day out on miracles. What will change your life is taking hold of the authority that belongs to you in the Word of God and releasing that authority from your mouth. If you'll do that, you can keep the devil under your feet where he belongs.

For Further Study:
Genesis 2:15-17;
3:1-6

Daily Scripture Reading:
Genesis 38-39
Matthew 21

Speak the Word

All authority in heaven and on earth has
been given to me by Jesus Christ.

Matthew 28:18

By: KCM

June 18, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 02:12:00 -0700

"I Love You, Brother."

"Brother, sometime ago was deeply hurt by another Christian. I've tried to forgive, yet everytime I see that person . I still feel angry and resentful. Will I ever be able to truly forgive?"

I've been asked that question many times. And the answer is, "Yes, you can, and you must!"

Unforgiveness is downright dangerous. It will make your spirit feeble and your prayers ineffective. It will pull the plug on your faith so completely that you won't have enough power to move the molehills in your life - much less the mountains.

In Mark 11, Jesus didn't say, "When you stand praying, try to forgive" or "When you stand praying, forgive if you can." He simply said, "Forgive." Period.

Jesus made forgiveness a command. It would be unjust for Him to command us to do something we couldn't do. So you can be sure it's within your power to obey His command and forgive - no matter how you've been wronged.

Most people don't realize it, but unforgiveness is actually a form of fear. Quite often we don't forgive because we're afraid of getting hurt again. We're afraid we're never going to recover from the damaged that person has done to our lives.

If you want to freely forgive, get rid of those fears. Cleanse yourself from them by the "washing of water by the word" (Ephesians 5:26) Fill your mind and heart with promises of God that apply to your situation.

If you'll do that, I can assure you from my own experience, your feelings will change. It may not happen overnight.. but it will happen. One of these days, almost without thinking, you'll throw your arms around that person, give him a big and say, "I love you, Brother." What's more, you'll mean it from the bottom of your heart.

For Further Study:
Luke 6:27-36,
17:3-4

Daily Scripture Reading:
Genesis 40:41
Matthew 22

Speak the Word

I forgive those whom I have anything against
so that my prayers are not hindered.

Mark 11:25

By: KCM

June 17, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:44:00 -0700

Grace Will Shake Your Life

Brother Paul wasn't just using a figure of speech in this verse. He was referring to a very real power that was operating in his life. That power can be called favor. Could you possibly believe that you're God's favorite? Well, you are!

Even though we committed great sin against Him, He didn't turn away from us. He just kept coming. He just kept reaching for us. God is determined He is not going to lose us.

He is so willing to get involved with you, that He swore an oath in the blood of His own Son that He would personally carry out through you everything that is required of you, if you'll allow Him to be your Lord and take over your affairs.

Glory to God, that's grace!

I know I'm just scratching the surface here, but if you'll get your Bible and begin to study it, you'll get a revelation of it - a revelation that will come into your spirit, becoming very real to you and making you very bold. The longer you meditate on it, the bolder you will get.

I've had people accuse me of being on an ego trip because I talk confidentially about what God will do for me. But that's not my ego talking, it's my faith talking ! I'm not bragging on me, I'm bragging on God.

When you get a revelation of grace you'll have that same kind of boldness. You'll just reach out and take the promises of God by faith because you'll know they're yours. Romans 4:16 says, "Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace, to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed." Who's the seed? Galatians 3:29 says, "If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

You are just as much an heir to the promises of God as Jesus is!
How can that be? By grace - that's how!
You want to hear great power? You want to see the miracles of God happening around you? You want to see the gospel flooding the streets? Then, reach out for a revelation of grace.. it will shake your life!

For Further Study:
Ephesians 2:8-10

Daily Scripture Reading:
Genesis 36-37
Matthew 20

Speak the Word

God has bestowed His grace upon me,
By His grace, I am what I am.

1 Corinthians 15:10

June 16, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:21:00 -0700

Fear the Lord

What does it mean to fear the Lord? It means to give Him total respect, to honor Him, to let Him be God in your life. If you fear the Lord, whatever he says, you'll do. When you find something in His Word, you implement it immediately. You're quick to make changes.

God says people who live that way have no want. No want! That's a vast statement. But read the Bible and you can see that it's true. God has always taken total care of His people. When Israel followed Him, there was no lack in the whole nation. They had everything they needed. They were strong. They were prosperous. No enemy could stand before them. There was no sickness or disease among them.

God doesn't have any problem backing up His Word. The only problem He's had since the Garden of Eden has been finding people who would do would do what He says and allow Him to be God in their lives.

Listen to me closely. God knows exactly how to get you out of trouble. He hasn't forgotten how to part the Red Sea. He never changes. When He finds somebody who is loyal to Him, He's loyal to them.

2 Chronicles 16:9 says, "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." That word perfect doesn't mean one who doesn't make mistakes. It means "one who is loyal."

God isn't just willing to deliver you from trouble, He wants to deliver you. He is constantly searching for opportunities to show Himself strong on your behalf! But he won't force it on you. You'll have to fear Him, give Him total respect and honor Him. If you want to walk in the delivering power of God, you will have to want it enough to let God be God every day of your life.

For Further Study:
Proverbs 2:1-6

Daily Scripture Reading:
Genesis 34-35
Matthew 19

Speak the Word

I reverently fear the Lord, I respect and honor Him therefore I do not lack!

Psalm 34:9

June 15, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:53:00 -0700

Go the Other Way

When Jesus came preaching the good news of the gospel, He said to the people, "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

What did Jesus mean by this?

Change your mind and come My way. Turn around and go a different direction. Come into the kingdom of heaven. He was offering life to the people of His day, but for them to receive it, they had to repent - or change their will. They had to choose God's way of doing and being right.

That's what repentance is. It's not just being sorry for something you've done, or sorrowful over a situation. It's changing your mind, It's changing your will, It's changing your direction, It's choosing God and His way. It is a return to obedience.

When we sin and miss the mark, to make things right, we have to repent. Jesus then forgives us of our sins and we are cleansed by His blood (1 John 1:7, 9). He is our advocate with our heavenly father.

Romans 2:4 says the goodness of God leads men to repentance. If you've never been born again, repent and ask Jesus to be your savior. Make Jesus the Lord of your life right now and begin to move in God's direction.

If you are a believer, repentance includes choosing to obey God. It is turning back to God's ways when you realize you've sinned and missed the mark. As a Spirit-filled Christian, you know deep down inside what God wants you to do. Now, you may not want to do it, it but that knowing is on the inside of you.

When you repent, you not only ask for forgiveness, but you put away from yourself that which displeases God. It includes submitting to doing something God has asked you to do. It's turning from the direction you've been going, and turning to the direction God's told you to go.

I don't care what you've done.. or what you may do in the future.. whether you are a believer or not, if you repent, God will forgive you and receive you cleansed and made new by the blood of Jesus. You can live a life of obedience to Him.

Don't condemn yourself, or live a life full of guilt. Repent! That's all you have to do. Just ask God for forgiveness, and change. Go the other way.

GO TOWARD GOD IN YOUR LIFE!

For Further Study:
Luke 15

Daily Scripture Reading:
Genesis 29-30
Matthew 16

Speak the Word

I repent and turn away from sin for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 4:17

June 14, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:32:00 -0700

You Can't Blame It on Luck!

"It doesn't matter how hard I try, everything I do turns out wrong!"
Have you ever felt that way? I certainly have. There was a time in my life when everything I put my hand to fell apart. Back then, I chalked it up to "bad luck."

But I was wrong. I found out in the 25 years since then, that there's no such thing as luck - good or bad. In fact, I don't even use that word anymore.

It's not luck that determines how things turn out in our lives - it's choices. When we make good ones, things go well for us. When we make bad ones, things go wrong.

Now some would dispute me on that, but no matter how "right" you think you are at any given time, a decision that brings trouble is a poor decision.

"Oh, but Brother, there's no way in the world I could have known in advance what would happen in that situation!"

No, there may not have been any way in this natural world you could have made a better choice. But, if you're a born- again believer, you aren't restricted to making choices according to this natural world. You have another, far more powerful option.

Consider the disciples and Jesus in the boat during the storm in Mark 4:36-41. There were the disciples facing this fierce storm. No doubt they were doing everything they knew to do in the natural way to stay afloat. They were bailing; they were paddling.

But they didn't say a word to Jesus, even though He was right there in the boat with them! They didn't call on His power until the boat was full of water and they were about to sink. Why? They'd made a wrong choice. They had chosen to look to natural solutions instead of supernatural ones. Faith never even entered their minds until they were about to drown!

If they'd thought supernaturally, any one of them could have drawn by faith on the Anointing and the words of Jesus and stopped that storm. But they made the wrong choice.

May well meaning believers are making that same mistake today. They have Jesus right there in the boat with them, but they're depending on natural resources to got them through. They're making wrong choices, and are chalking it up to bad luck. If you're living like that, stop. Get in the Word. Start living according to the supernatural. Then, when the storms of life come, you'll know what to do. Instead of just grabbing a bucket and starting to bail, faith will rise up within you and you'll say, "Look here, Storm. Peace, be still." It will work for you just like it would have worked for the disciples. After all, you have Jesus in your boat!

For Further Study:
Mark 4:36-41

Daily Scripture Reading:
Genesis 27-28
Matthew 15

Speak the Word

I have faith in God. I will not fear.

Mark 4:40

June 13, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 06:38:00 -0700

Don't Just Open the Door - Take It Off the Hinges

When people came to Jesus and asked, "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent" (John 6:28-29). All through the Old Testament, every mighty exploit that was done, every time the mercy of God flooded into a situation, every time a miracle was performed, somebody had to have faith. Somebody had to believe God enough to act on His Word and open the door.

That was happened to me the day I was born again. I read that scripture in Matthew 6:26 that God cares for the birds of the air, and faith came into my heart. I didn't know anything about the new birth, yet when I spoke that faith out, I opened the door just a crack and God's mercy flooded my heart and changed it forever.

The same thing is true today. However wide you open that door of faith is how much of God's mercy and goodness will flow into your life. He'll fill up every inch you'll give Him.

I'm telling you, He's ready. He is eagerly yearning to bless you. He is hovering over you in mercy. He has an ocean full of salvation benefits and He's longing to pour them out on you.

When I say salvation, I'm not just talking about a ticket to heaven. Salvation denotes deliverance. From what? Oppression, poverty, sickness, danger, fear - anything from which you need to be delivered!

Salvation also means "soundness, protection, liberty, health and restoration." Glory to God!
Psalm 68:19 says God daily loads us with benefits of salvation. When you wake up in the morning, you ought to start the day thanking God for the salvation that's going to happen to you today. You ought to start by opening the door of faith. And don't just open it a crack - take it off the hinges!

Say, "Lord, here I am. Pour it on me!"

For Further Study:
Psalm 103:1-12

Daily Scripture Reading:
Genesis 25-26
Matthew 14

Speak the Word

I have access by the faith into the grace of God.

Romans 5:2