See Yourself Strong - Gloria Copeland

And we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Numbers 13:33

How does the devil see you? Does he see you as a terrifying and mighty warrior of God...or does he see you as a wimp he can whip in a minute?

The answer to that question depends on you. I realized that one day as I was studying the children of Israel and their failure to enter the Promised Land. The key to their failure is found in these words: "And we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in theirs."

The reason the Israelites were so terrified to fight the giants in Canaan wasn't because those giants were so big. It was because the Israelites saw themselves as so small! It was what they were in their own sight that defeated them.

The same thing is true for you as a believer. It's what you are in your own sight that will make the difference. If, in your own sight, you're a weak, powerless Christian, the devil will run over you three or four times a day or more if he's not busy. But when you begin to see yourself as God sees you, as a conquering son or daughter of the Almighty God equipped with the very power of God Himself, the devil will want to steer clear of you.

The devil would rather do anything than come against somebody who's bold and courageous, because he's a coward himself. In fact, ever since Jesus came up out of that grave, Satan's heart has melted within him at the sound of that Name in the mouth of one who has faith in it.

If you're not strong in the Lord in your own sight, you need to change that. You need to get so full of God's Word and so full of the Holy Ghost that you walk around like a spiritual giant. Turn the tables on the devil and let him find out what it feels like to be a grasshopper for a change

God's Compassion

2 Peter 3:9

Common English Bible (CEB)

⁹ The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives.

I walked outside today without shoes on my feet and instantly my feet began to burn from the heat of the concrete. Today, it is 113 degrees in Arizona.  That is HOT, ya'll!!  But it made me think about God's long suffering, compassion and patience.  God continuously delays Christ's return because He wants more children in His family.  The heat searing though my feet was a reminder that God had a redemptive plan in place before the beginning of time.

He not only spared us from death and Hell, but He provided supernatural provision and abundance in this life.  God shared His bounty with us.  Shouldn't we share that news with others?  Choose to share the mercy of God's love with someone today.  It literally means the difference between life and death.

Gentle Reminder

Matthew 10:30 (CEV)

"Even the hairs on your head are counted. "

A few days ago, I was fighting a bout of loneliness. As I near the end of my doctoral studies, I realized that I do not have anyone with whom I will share the accomplishment. Yes, I have my parents and my children but I do not have a spouse. I had to cast down imaginations (2 Cor 10:5) of loneliness and focus on God’s love. 

I went into a furniture store looking for an item for my daughter. As I walked to the counter to purchase her bedroom set. I noticed an entertainment center. I have wanted an entertainment center for my family room for about a year. However, the one I really wanted was almost $1200 and nothing in me wanted to pay that price. I walked over to the item and looked at the tag that read, “$398.” Yes, you read correctly. The brand new unit normally priced at $1150 was marked down to $398. This was not a clearance item. It was brand new on the sales floor. The cashier and the sales person were amazed at the price. The sales representative verified the price with the manager who promptly removed the tag. (I bought the unit for $398.) The cashier later confirmed the item should have been $898. 

Initially, I was just excited to get the item. I return the tithe and sow into God’s kingdom; therefore, I expect favor to reign in my life. Later that day, I stopped and really thought about the situation. God cared enough to give me the exact entertainment center I wanted for my family room. The item is insignificant in the wide-scheme of things. However, God’s attention to detail gives us the most intimate desires of our hearts. If God cares enough to give me an entertainment center, does He not care enough to present me to the man who will care for me and treat me like the precious gem that I am? The entire scenario makes Jesus’ affirmation in Matthew 6:25-33 very real. 

Choose to believe God’s love and word. Turn that belief in to faith with corresponding actions. God loves you.  Pass the word.

Play to Win By Kenneth Copeland

Who is he that over cometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

1 John 5:5

I've often heard people say, "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game." That's nonsense. If you play the game right, you'll win!

Any coach will tell you that part of playing the game right is having a winning attitude. That's what God wants us, as believers, to have. He wants us to have so much faith in Him that we expect to whip any obstacle the devil brings our way. He wants us to expect to win at the game of life.

We don't always come by that attitude easily. We're so accustomed to losing that we have to totally change our way of thinking if we want to have a winning mind-set. In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul told the Church to renew their minds. They needed to change their attitudes, to renew their minds to the fact that Jesus has overcome the world.

If you haven't already, you need to do that too! You need to develop a glorious sense of confidence that says, "Hey, devil, I'm going to be victorious and there's not a thing you can do to stop me!"

"But, Brother Copeland, you don't know the kinds of problems I'm facing."

I know I don't, but Jesus does and He said you should "cheer up" because He can give you peace in the midst of tribulation. He said that when Satan comes against you with everything he has, you should take heart because He's already beaten it-- Jesus has already overcome it and so can you!

First John 5:5 puts it this way, "Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?"

Do you know what that scripture means? It means that if you are a born-again believer, you have an absolute right to be a winner, to overcome every aspect of this evil world. Think about that. Meditate on it. Start developing a winning attitude today

Live in Power - Gloria Copeland

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4

As a believer, you actually have residing in you the same new life God gave Jesus when He raised Him from the dead. The old sinner you once were has died. You've become a new creation on the inside. You are full of the resurrection life of God! But sin, disobedience and living a selfish, carnal life will keep that resurrection life from flowing out. Sin will separate you from the power of God, even though you're born again. Resurrection life will lay dormant in you if you walk in sin. You can't overcome sin by trying to stop sinning, however. You overcome it by walking after the new life God has put within you; by spending time in the Word and in prayer. As you do that, the Spirit of God will strengthen you and enable you to put that sin under your feet. Remember, though, the Holy Spirit will not subdue those old fleshly habits of yours on His own. He'll wait on you to take the initiative. Then He will strengthen you to follow through with your decision. He will teach you how to walk in the new life that is in you. Take the first step today by asking for His help. Say, "Lord, I desire to experience the power to live by this new life every day. By a decision of my heart, I put down the dictates of sin. I declare myself dead to it. In Jesus' Name, I will spend time in prayer and in the Word today. As I do, I believe I'll receive a Holy Ghost refreshing in my life. I believe I'll begin to live out the resurrection power that You've placed in me!

Free from the Curse - Kenneth Copeland

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.

Galatians 3:13

You know the story. Satan came to Adam's wife in the form of a serpent and deceived her into disobeying God. Adam, although he was not deceived, followed suit.

When Satan came into the Garden that day, he didn't have any power at all. He had to come in like a sneak, not even talking to Adam directly but talking to his wife.

Now Adam was standing there, and he should have kicked him out right then. But he didn't. Instead, he set aside the command God had given him and did what Satan told him to do instead...and when he did that, he made Satan his lord.

In bowing his knee to Satan, Adam gave Satan the authority that God had given man. He made Satan the illegitimate ruler of the earth. Immediately things changed. Through one man's trespass, death passed to all men (Rom. 5:12).

The earth and everything in it was suddenly cursed.

"Okay," you say, "are we to live under this curse for the rest of our lives? Wasn't there anything God could do?"

He could and He did! He sent Jesus. Through Jesus, He set us free from the curse (Gal. 3:13).

The moment you made Jesus Christ Lord of your life, you were delivered from the lordship of Satan. You were redeemed from the curse. I didn't say the curse wasn't out there anymore. It is! You can see it all around you. But now you have a choice. You have authority over it in the Name of Jesus, so you can stand against it.

God's done everything that love can do. He sent Jesus to redeem you from the curse. The rest is up to you. Now you must appropriate what has already been done for you

Never Fall By Kenneth Copeland

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.

2 Timothy 2:15

A lot of people have been playing games when it comes to the Word. They claim to be faith people in public. But, in private, they never open the Bible at all. Then, when a time of trouble comes and they try to stand on the Word, they fall flat on their spiritual faces.

Well, the time for playing games is over. It's time for us to realize that real faith involves action. James 2:20 says faith without works [or corresponding action] is dead.

If you want the kind of faith that will keep you on your feet when others are falling around you, you need to take some action where the Word is concerned.

First, you need to study. You can study the Word in many ways. You can not only read it, you can dig deeply into it with concordances, Greek/Hebrew dictionaries and other study guides. What's more, if you have a cassette player, you can walk around half the day listening to teaching tapes. It's only one way of study, but it is a powerful one.

The second thing you need to do is go where the Word is being preached. When Romans 10:17 says "faith comes by hearing," it's talking about the preached Word.

Whenever I start feeling surrounded by problems and I'm having trouble hearing from God, I drop everything and find some place where I can hear the Word preached. I've received more answers from God that way than I can count. Even though the preacher may not have been preaching about anything even remotely connected with the issue I was struggling with, some Word of Scripture would suddenly start my thoughts in a certain direction. I'd realize, "That's the answer to that problem I've been dealing with for the past six weeks!"

Third, you need to start confessing the Word you've heard. Find the promise of God that covers your situation and then declare it out loud as if it had already come to pass in your life.

Get serious about the Word of God. Study it. Go hear it preached. Confess it. Become such a diligent workman that the devil himself will look at you with fear and say, "There's one believer who's not playing games anymore.

Seek Wisdom

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
James 1:5

Take Time to Listen
by Kenneth Copeland

When you're facing a problem, the very first thing you should ask God for is wisdom. Not money. Not power. Not even healing. But wisdom.

God's wisdom is the key that will unlock every door in your life. It will turn your every failure into success. So, stop wasting your prayer power begging God for things you think you need and spend some time instead listening to what He has to say about your situation.

If you've never tried that before, practically speaking, here's what you need to do.

First: Lay out the entire problem before the Lord, not because He doesn't know what you're going through, but because laying it out helps you. It helps you see things from a more objective point of view.

I remember when I used to take my problems to my father, A. W. Copeland. Somehow, when I was explaining them to him, they began to look different to me. I'd get a new perspective, and as I talked, he'd point out areas I hadn't considered yet. Explaining your problems to God, point by point, will help you accomplish the same thing.

Second: Listen for the Spirit of God to advise you. Pay particular attention to what He says through the written Word. Most likely, the care of your problem has choked the Word of God right out of your heart (Mark 4:18-19). If so, you need to get the Bible and begin to put that Word back in again. Then the Holy Spirit will begin to speak to you through it.

As you're listening, be sure to remain teachable. Be ready to accept rebuke if necessary. Be very honest with God. Look for ways in which you've been wrong and confess them to Him. It's all right. Those sins won't come as any surprise to Him. He already knows about them. Confession just gives you the opportunity to get rid of them.

Third: Act on the wisdom God gives you. Let go of your own methods and put His methods into operation. Be obedient. If you don't, that wonderful wisdom won't do you any good at all.

As you pray today, set aside your own ideas and start seeking the wisdom of God. It's the only thing that can permanently solve the problems you've been facing. It's truly the most precious gift God has to give.

Seek wisdom

Press on in Patience by Gloria Copeland

...be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 6:12

You've been walking by faith. You've been believing God to meet your need. But what do you do when the results seem slow in coming and you are tempted to give up?

Be patient!

There is not much said about patience these days. But, when it comes to receiving from God, it is just as important as faith.

It will make the difference between success and failure for you.

Patience undergirds and sustains faith until the result is manifested. After you have meditated on the promises of God and have them in your spirit, patience will encourage you to hold steady. Patience is power. It has the courage to refuse the lie of Satan that says the Word is not working for you. It knows that God's Word has never failed. Patience will not draw back in fear but will press forward in faith until you have the answer.

When the results of your faith seem slow in coming, don't give up! Continue to put the Word first, with patience, and you will surely receive the promise of God

Do Not Pitch Your Tent Near Sin

Genesis 13:12
Common English Bible (CEB)
12 Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot settled near the cities of the valley and pitched his tent close to Sodom.

I was reading the book of Genesis and came across the above scripture. I stopped and pondered it a couple of times. I was stuck on the words: "and pitched his tent close to Sodom." Those words standing alone do not have significant meaning. But combine them with verse 13 which reads,
Genesis 13:13
New Century Version (NCV)
13 Now the people of Sodom were very evil and were always sinning against the Lord.

I found it interesting that Lot chose to pitch his tent in the direction of sin. The enemy is very subtle. The book of James tells us to be cautious regarding our desires for sin. The desires lead us down the wrong path and when fully manifested brings forth death (James 1:14-15). By pitching his tent near sin, Lot gazed upon the wickedness and was drawn into it.

Genesis 14:12 tells us that Lot began living in the city of Sodom. So he went from just looking on sin to actually living it! Have you ever woke up one day and found yourself in a sinful situation? That's because you did not stop the desire as it began to brew inside you.

Even Jesus was tempted but chose not to sin (Hebrews 4:15). We have to turn away from sinful acts that try to draw our attention from God. Think about it: why does the enemy want to get you into sin? Because sin stops the power of God from operating in your life.

Whenever you are tempted, begin to praise God for deliverance. Praise God that you choose His ways and will not sin. Cast down those thoughts and think on the excellence of God (2 Cor 10:5; Phil 4:8). As long as the earth remains, we will face temptations. But we do not have to pitch our tent towards the temptation.

God sent Abram to save Lot. God sent Jesus to save us. Since we have been saved from sin, let's not pitch our tents in its direction.

Defeat Your Giant by Kenneth Copeland

Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? 1 Samuel 17:26

You may be facing a giant today. He may be a giant of sickness or failure, of financial shortage or another kind of trouble. But don't let him scare you. You have a secret weapon. A weapon that once turned a shepherd boy into a bear-busting, lion-killing, giant-slaying champion. That weapon was a blood covenant with Almighty God. Back in David's day, circumcision was the sign of that covenant. So, when he called Goliath uncircumcised, David was saying: This guy may be a giant; he may be strong; but he has no covenant with God and that's why I can kill him. Like David, you, too, have a covenant. But yours is better. The covenant David had offered a wealth of blessings to those who kept it, but it also included curses for those who broke it.

Yours doesn't. Yours is a New Covenant that Jesus bought with His own blood. It doesn't depend on your ability. It depends on Him and what He has already done. He has done it all! All you have to do is believe it and receive it.

Right now, read Deuteronomy 28:16-68. That's a list of the curses Christ has freed you from. You might even call it a list of the giants Jesus has already slain for you. It contains every diabolical thing the devil could ever use to destroy you. Read it and rejoice.

God has healed you and delivered you from those things! Don't let any giant intimidate you. You have a blood covenant with Almighty God. There's no uncircumcised circumstance on the face of this earth that can take your victory away from you

Do you want to get well?

John 5:5-6
Common English Bible (CEB)

5 A certain man was there who had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, knowing that he had already been there a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

When I first read this story in the bible, I thought that was an odd question for Jesus to ask a person who battled an infirmity for 38 years. However, when you read the entire story in context. Jesus' question makes complete sense.

John 5:2-9 NLT
Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”
7 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”

8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”

9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking!

Notice the man's reply when Jesus asked if he wanted to be well. "I can't."

The word can means "to be able to, have the ability, power or skill to." So cannot is the exact opposite. Meaning, you do not have the ability, power or skill to accomplish a goal. But that is not a true statement.

The bible says, we can do all things through Christ (Phil 4:13) and that we are healed by the stripes of Jesus (Isaiah 53:5). Given that we are under the new covenant, sealed with the blood of Jesus, we have the ability to make changes in our lives. Each of have endured hurts, disappointments and other life challenges. Yet, the bible says that Jesus healed us. I believe that applies to all forms of healing: emotionally, physically and spiritually.

So we revert back to the question: Do you want to be well? Either someone brought the man to the pool everyday or he lived there, whichever, he somehow received the necessary substances to sustain life for 38 years! He could have exerted energy by rolling, crawling, or whatever to get to the pool. Instead, he laid there day after day, month after month, and year after year waiting for someone to help me.

Are you that way? You struggle with the same situations over and over again crying out to God for help. God has provided all the help we need in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Let's stop making excuses and pick up our mats and walk. Jesus provided the victory. Let's choose to maintain it by having actions with our faith.

Put the Word into action today and change your tomorrow!

The Exchange Rate

2 Corinthians 8:9
Common English Bible (CEB)
9 You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although he was rich, he became poor for our sakes, so that you could become rich through his poverty.


1 Peter 2:24
New King James Version (NKJV)
24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.


Isaiah 61:3
New Living Translation (NLT)
3 To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

The word exchange means, "to give up for something for something else." Jesus performed the greatest change known to man kind. Jesus laid aside His rights and privileges as the second part of the Godhead to take on the sins of the world. (Phil 2:6). Why did He make that choice? So that we would have the right to enjoy and access life and life more abundantly (John 10:10).

The above scriptures outline for us the terms of the exchange. Jesus took our poverty so that would have the right to experience wealth in this life. The word "rich" in that verse is translated plouteo in the Greek. It means: to be wealthy, be increased with goods, rich. That is speaking of actual wealth. Cash Money! But in order to experience that wealth, we have to accept the exchange with Jesus. We have to choose to seek Him and not the things. God gives the things when He is priority in our lives (Matthew 6).

Partake in the exchange. Give God your junk and take on His goodness. See yourself as the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:22). See yourself as an heir of God and joint-heir with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17). Take on His provision, His joy, His deliverance, His wealth, His mindset.

Jesus agreed to the exchange for the joy that was set before Him. Seeing all His children enjoy the life that God intended. Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God waiting for His enemies to be made His footstool (Hebrews 12:1-2). He is the triumphant Victor. Exchange your defeat for His victory!

A Proven Success by Kenneth Copeland

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet....For this my son...was lost, and is found.Luke 15:21-22, 24

Prove yourself. In today's world, that's what you constantly feel you have to do, right? On the job, among friends, even at home you're always working to win the approval you need. Working to convince those around you that you deserve the salary, the friendship, and even the love they give you. Is there any escape?

You better believe there is! It's called grace. Unearned and undeserved favor and acceptance. And there's only one place you can find it--in the heart of God Himself. There's no better picture of God's grace in action than in the story of the prodigal son. Few of us today can really feel the impact of that story like those first Jewish listeners Jesus told it to. You see, by their standards the prodigal son had committed some of the most despicable acts possible. He'd not only taken advantage of his father and spent his inheritance in riotous living, he'd left the nation of Israel and made covenant with a foreigner--a pig farmer! That was as low as you could get.

In their eyes, that boy's rebellion was so serious his father's only recourse was to disown him. But that's not what this father did! He welcomed his repentant son home with open arms. He offered him grace--unmerited favor--that was based on the father's love rather than the son's performance.

Next time you catch yourself struggling to make up to God for something you've done wrong, working to win His approval, let the story of the prodigal son set you free. Let it remind you that, in spite of your sins, your Father has received you with open arms. He's put a robe of righteousness on your back and His signet ring on your hand. He's put the shoes of sonship on your feet!

Do you feel unworthy of all that? God hasn't based His relationship with you on your worthiness. He's based it on His love for you. You don't have to struggle to prove yourself to Him. As far as He's concerned, you're a proven success

The Path To Victory - From Gloria Copeland

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
2 Corinthians 2:14

Weary of Worry
by Gloria Copeland

As you fight the good fight of faith today, remember this: Your mind is where the battle will take place. Whatever you allow to captivate your mind will rule your life. Will it be the Word of God or the lies of Satan?

The decision is yours.

If you want the Word to reign, make up your mind now to resist the devil when he comes to plant doubts within you. Refuse to surrender to the circumstantial pressure he brings your way. Decide at the onset that you will not succumb to this trial. Dig your heels in and stand immovable upon the promises of God.

When thoughts come that are contrary to God's will, cast them down. And above all, don't worry. Worrying is meditating the thoughts of Satan.

When you recognize you are worrying, stop it immediately. Replace worried, fearful, and doubtful thoughts with the Word.

Be assured, Satan will continually try to tell you that your situation is hopeless. He will persistently peddle doubt, defeat, and discouragement. But if you won't allow him to sell you his goods, his commission will be zero. If you don't buy his lies, he can't cause them to come to pass in your life.

God has promised that He will always cause you to triumph in Christ. You are guaranteed victory over any adversity you face today. Make up your mind right now to be a winner and you'll spread the knowledge of victory in Christ everywhere you go

The Other Side of Goliath

1 Samuel 17:25
New Living Translation (NLT)
25 “Have you seen the giant?” the men asked. “He comes out each day to defy Israel. The king has offered a huge reward to anyone who kills him. He will give that man one of his daughters for a wife, and the man’s entire family will be exempted from paying taxes!”

1 Samuel 17 tells the story of David and Goliath. Goliath was a giant who ridiculed the army of Israel day and night. All of the soliders were afraid of him.

I believe the Lord laid it on my heart to share this passage so that we get our eyes off Goliath (the obstacle) and focus on the goal (Jesus). The above verse tells us what the man, who killed Goliath, would receive as a reward.

When David appeared on the battle field to find his brothers, (please read the entire chapter to understand the context of the story), he overheard the soliders talking about the reward. The men in the army saw Goliath. David saw the reward.

Satan always tries to send smoke signals and distractions to get our eyes off Jesus. He tries to get us to focus on the obstacles. Not enough money to pay the bills. No food in the fridge. No gas in the car, etc. Those things are just obstacles meant to distract you.

Train your mind to focus on the goal. I often ask myself, "If the enemy is tempting me with this, what is on the otherside of this? Clearly, that is where I need to be." Keep your eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus focused on the goal - seeing the lost become heirs of God and joint heirs with Him. He is now in heaven, seated next to God the Father, crowned the victorious Ruler! Let us take our place and reign with Him. Let us choose to look on the other side of Goliath and see the blessings that God is waiting to pour out on us!

Faith and Braces

"Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see." (Heb 11:1 - CEB)

As I laid in bed this morning preparing for my prayer time, I thought about the braces on my teeth and their connection to faith. (Stay with me.)

In August 2010, I went to see an orthodontist as I wanted straighter teeth and a more even smile. In my opinion, my teeth were not "that bad" but maybe they just needed a little straightening. After the pictures of my teeth were taken, the doctor showed me the problem areas and how he could adjust my teeth and make the bite even.

He could see what I couldn't see because his eyes were trained to look for the proper method of correction. He put the braces on my teeth and off I went. Trusting that over the course of treatment, my teeth would reflect the picture of what he (the doctor) envisioned. I had to do my part: return for follow up appointments, wear the rubber bands, brush and floss, etc. As long as I did my part and followed instructions, the process would result in a positive outcome for me.

Isn't that like faith? God gives us 66 books to help us see our lives the way He sees it. He gives us the Word (Jesus Christ) to help guide us into all the promises.

When we first get saved, we cannot "see" how reading the bible and adhering to God's word will have a positive impact in our lives. We just choose to believe that it will. Then over time, as we apply the word and follow instructions, we are able to see the manifestation of the blessings in our lives. Just like me and my braces.

Now, I am able to clearly see the difference between my smile 18 months ago and today. I am able to see how God has provided for me when I trusted His word by tithing, serving, and walking in the dominion He provided to me through Jesus Christ.

I had to trust that my orthodontist had the knowledge and skill to change my smile. The same holds true with God. We have to trust that He only gives good gifts (James 1:17). That He protects us (Psalm 91). That He always provides for us (Phil 4:19). We have to trust that God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). God is faithful and always provides a way of escape when the storms of life appear (1 Cor 10:13).

Choose to trust in God's Word and love for you. Your faith will produce powerful results in your life.

Permisson Granted? It's your choice

A few days ago, I wrote titled,"Do Not Sign For the Package" Today, I read a devotional by Kenneth Copeland that confirmed what I wrote. I do not give my body permission to participate in sickness. I do not give the enemy permission to steal from me or over any area of my life. I remind the enemy several times a day that he does not have permission to bring bad news, negative reports, lack, depression, disease, or anything else. Jesus told us satan's only purpose is to kills, steal and destroy.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. John 10:10

"The thief's purpose is to kill, steal and destroy." (John 10:10a NLT)

Uncommon Protection by Kenneth Copeland

Considering how much the devil hates people and how dead set he is on destroying them, it's no wonder we see so much tragedy and disaster in the world. In fact, it's amazing that we don't see more! I asked the Lord about that one time and He told me it takes the realm of darkness a long time to set up major disasters. Take the aviation industry, for example. It's highly regulated and works hard at policing itself because safety is its product. You take a highly regulated system like that and the devil has to work terribly hard to cause disasters. He can't just come roaring in and rip things up any time he wants to. If he could, he'd knock every plane out of the sky tonight.

But he can't do it. Why? Because he's bound. The Bible says he's bound to things that are common to man. He has to line up certain things in this natural, human realm before he can lay a finger on you. He has to use people to get his work done. But, bless God, we're not bound to what's common to man. We're free to use what's common to God! We fight our warfare with uncommon weapons.

What does that mean? It means you ought to have the devil wrapped up and sewed up. You ought to put him in a sack with a ribbon on top. The devil can't cause disaster in your life unless he has been given place. He can't come in and start destroying and stealing from you unless he can get you into a place of sin, doubt, ignorance, or disobedience. So if he's been giving you trouble, ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you've let those things in. Then repent and get rid of them. Once you've done that, pull out the weapons God has given you and fire away with both barrels. Pull out the Word. Pull out prayer. Pull out faith and use it to tie the devil in knots. Use the uncommon power of God to keep him bound and he won't be able to put anything over on you

Stop Allowing Guilt to Run Your Life

I read this devotional from Kenneth Copeland and thought it was very appropriate. The enemy tries to keep us in condemnation but the blood of Jesus sets us free! (Romans 8:1).

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
John 1:29

Out of the Shadow
by Kenneth Copeland

Jesus came to take away sin. Do you realize what that
means? It means that God, through the blood of Jesus, has so completely done
away with the power of sin that you, as a born-again believer, can live as if
it never existed. You can step out from under its shadow once and for all.

Understand now, stepping out from under sin's shadow
doesn't guarantee living a sinless life. You still might stumble sometimes and
fall into sin. But you have a promise from God, sworn in the blood of Jesus,
that says when you confess that sin, He's faithful and just to forgive you of
it and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.

You don't have to live under the shadow of that sin five
seconds if you have sense enough to repent and receive God's forgiveness.

"Oh, but Brother Copeland, I just feel so bad about
it!"

It doesn't make any difference how you feel about it. Do
it by faith. Learn to be quick to repent. Then stand up and laugh in the
devil's face.

I remember one time in particular when I was in that
spot. I'd missed it something awful, and I was supposed to go preach that
night. I felt so guilty that I just told the Lord I wasn't going to go.
"Lord, You'll just have to get Yourself another preacher tonight because
I'm not going over there to that service."

Suddenly the Spirit spoke up inside me. "Did you
confess that sin before Me, Kenneth?"

"Yes, I did."

"Do you account the blood by which you're sanctified
as an unholy thing?"

"Oh, dear God, no!" I answered.

"That's what you're standing there doing," He said.
"I gave you My Word that when you confess your sin before Me, I would not
only forgive you of it, but I'd cleanse it and cast it into a sea of
forgetfulness. Now it's not good taste for you to keep bringing it up."

I'm telling you, I dropped the matter right then and
marched into that service and preached for two and a half hours on the
forgiveness of God!

Don't let feelings of guilt and unworthiness rob you of
the power of Jesus' blood. Repent and step out by faith from under the shadow
of sin into the mighty light of God's forgiveness today

How Long Will You Wait?

"So Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?" Joshua 18:3 NIV

As I read this scripture, I was stuck at the first five words of Joshua's questions: How long will you wait?

How long will you wait to walk in the healing Jesus provided (Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24)?

How long will you sit in lack and poverty when Jesus is the source of your supply (2 Cor 8:9, Phil 4:9, Psalm 23)?

How long will you be sad, mad and disgusted when the Lord has provided joy and laughter (Neh 8:10b, Job 8:21, Proverbs 8:30-31, & Psalm 126:2)?

Now what Joshua asked, How long will you wait before taking possession of the land the Lord has given to you? means you have some responsibility in the situation. You have to partner with God, get up and go possess the land.

If I were standing in front of you holding a gift, would you hesitate to take it out of my hand? Even if someone were standing in front of you or others were trying to block your way. You would manuver, duck, crawl, etc to get those people out of your way to get to the gift I have for you.

The same scenario is true with God. The enemy's job is to block the blessings. His job is to steal the word that was sown in your heart (Mark 4:15). The enemy knows that if he can steal the word in your heart that it will not produce results. But it is up to you to stand your ground and take possession of all that God has for you.

We cannot do anything from stopping the enemy's attacks. He is going to try and use the cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches and the lust of other things to get your focus off of Jesus. As long as Peter focused on Jesus, he walked on the water (Matthew 14:29). As long as you focus on Jesus, you will get to the otherside of the situation. We know the enemy is going to attack. We have the blood and Word of Jesus to stop him in his tracks. He can throw stuff at you all day long. But as long as you stand on the word and stay covered with the blood of Jesus, the attacks are futile.

One of my favorite scriptures is: "And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (Exodus 33:14). Regardless to the number of giants that I may have to fight to possess my land, God is with me. His presence gives me the rest in His confidence to rebuke the enemy for me (Mal 3:9-10). In His presence, my joy is full and complete (Psalm 16:11).

Choose to have the necessary courage to fight the good fight of faith and go to possession your land. God is with you. God will protect you. Do not fear for the Lord is your light and salvation! Declare the battle is won because of the blood of Jesus!

Love

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love" (1 John 4:8)

Love is a decision. It is a simple choice that we make all day every day. Deciding to love is no different than deciding to drive to the store. We make up our minds that we are going to the mall for a pink top. Every thought we have aligns to create the reality of that decision. In the morning, we should make the decision to love those around us. Now, I recognize it is not always easy to love people based on their actions. But Jesus died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). We do not love because of what a person does or does not do. We love simply because God said we are to love.

When we choose to walk in unconditional love, we stop the power of the enemy. The bible tells us that God did not give us a spirit of fear (2 Tim 1:7). God placed in each of us the ability to love like He loves. We have to choose to love. When we harbor unforgiveness or hatred, torment comes. Think about it: you spend 10 years mad a person. That person is not even thinking about the incident. You have been tortured with the thoughts replaying in your mind over and over again. As you replay the thoughts, you re-live the emotions.

Love covers sin (Proverbs 10:12). Stop allowing the enemy to torture you and stop your blessings. Choose to walk in love. Take a look at 1 Cor 13 also known as the love chapter. Insert your name and let the words resonate in you.

Love (Dayna) suffers long and is kind; love (Dayna) does not envy; love (Dayna) does not parade itself (herself), (Dayna) is not puffed up; 5 (Dayna)does not behave rudely, (Dayna) does not seek its (her) own, (Dayna) is not provoked, (Dayna) thinks no evil; 6 (Dayna) does not rejoice in iniquity, but (Dayna) rejoices in the truth; 7 (Dayna) bears all things, (Dayna) believes all things, (Dayna) hopes all things, (Dayna) endures all things.
8 (Dayna)Love never fails.

How can I do this you ask? Because of Jesus. He is my source. It is in Him we live, move and have our being and purpose (Acts 17:28). It is in Him that we are over comers (John 16:33; 1 John 4:4). Make the decision to walk in love. Of course the enemy is going to try to put everything in your way to make you not walk in love. But love is a decision. Choose to walk in love. Choose to recognize the enemy's devices and pray for strength to endure the fight. Choose to forgive. Choose God's way of doing things. The benefits are more fabulous than you could ever imagine (Eph 3:20).

Trust

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;"Proverbs 3:5 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

As I was praying this morning I thought about this scripture and how easy it is to do this when things are going smoothly. But how do we trust in the Lord when the storms of life are blowing all around us? I just read a book titled, "The other side of faith." The focus of the book was how we allow fear into our lives without even realizing it. It is small anxieties over simple things. But the bible is very clear, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Phil 4:6 NKJV). This literally means that we should not concern ourselves with the cares of this life. As I pondered these scriptures, I thought of the Israelites prior to their departure out of Egypt. Exodus chapter 12 discusses the final plague that would strike Egypt. Draw your attention to verse 23: "When the LORD passes through to strike Egypt and sees the blood on the lintel and the two doorposts, He will pass over the door and not let the destroyer enter your houses to strike you."

We know the destroyer is the enemy as Jesus tells us he (the devil) comes to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). I was comforted by the thought that as long as I stay in the house covered with the blood of Jesus, the destroyer cannot harm me. There are many scriptures that talk about God raising a banner to protect His children when the enemy comes in like a flood (Ish 59:19) And we dwell in the secret place of the most high and hide under His wings (Psalm 91:1). All of a sudden it hit me, fear comes naturally to us. Think about that. It is easy to get into fear. It takes work to stand in faith. It takes work to trust in the Lord with all your heart when the bank account is low and the bills are high, the job is talking about lay offs, the cabinets are empty. It takes work to enter into the rest of God (Hebrews 4:11). It takes trust in God's word and His promises to cast down imaginations (2 Cor 10:5).

I have declared that 2012 will be a year of great victories. I have determined and purposed that my life will reflect the glory of God's goodness and greatness. I have decided to simply trust God. When my mind starts to wander to all the, "what ifs" and "what will I dos," I stop the thought and quote Psalm 23.

The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake.
4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD as long as I live. (HCSB)

These words are always a comfort to me. Over the past few years, I have faced many challenges. But this year is my year to simply trust God. I have made bad decisions which resulted in negative consequences. But through all of it, God showed grace and mercy. This year I stand on the promise that He will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings that I can not contain. And He will rebuke the devour on my behalf because I return the tithe and bring an offering into His storehouse. (Mal 3:10-11).

God said to prove Him. Put pressure on the convenant to get all that He promised. All good gifts come from the Father above (Matthew 7:11 and James 1:17). It is time to stand on God's promises. I choose to trust His word. The Word is Jesus Christ (John 1:14). He is the promise on which we stand. No matter what you are facing. Look into God's word. Figure out what He wants you to do. Do it and then watch His glorious power manifest in your life.

Jesus made this simple declaration: "Have faith in God" (Mark 11:22). Let us choose to do that. Let us choose faith over fear. Let us create a better tomorrow by applying God's word.

Enter the Rest

“ Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief" (Hebrews 4:11 KJV).

Strong’s Dictionary defines labor as: to use speed; to make effort, be prompt or earnest diligence, endeavor. As I read this passage of scripture, I thought to myself, “Why is it that we have to labor to enter into the rest of God?” Jesus said, “ Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

It is interesting to note that He said, “Let not.” Webster’s dictionary defines “let” as to allow or permit; to allow to pass, go or come, to grant the occupancy or use of space.” In others words, we have to power to decide whether or not we will let trouble occupy our hearts. It is also interesting to note that if we are to not let our hearts be troubled, then there are things that will attempt to trouble us or steal our rest.

Jesus clearly indicated that peace is a gift. He gave it to us. Imagine it is Tuesday and someone rings your doorbell. You answer and the person replies, “I have a gift for you. It is a check for $1million.” Did you do anything to earn the gift? Do you do anything to earn gifts? If your friend buys you a gift, did you earn it? No. It was just given to you because the person wanted you to have it. Jesus gave us the gift of peace because He wants us to have it. He wants us to embrace and accept His peace.

I would venture to say that Jesus honestly does not have any cares. How can I say that? Revelation 1:8 states, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Jesus knows the end from the beginning. He knows that the victory is won. This is why He tells us not to be discouraged or dismayed (Isaiah 46:10). We win because we are in Him.

The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). That is why we have to labor to enter into the rest of God. Yes, the rest is a gift. But the enemy wants to take that gift. We have to fight our flesh: mind, will, and emotions, in order to maintain the peace that Jesus provided for us.

Have you ever noticed that when you hear unpleasant news that your mind go off on a tangent? For example, you hear of a person possibly receiving a diagnosis of cancer. This has nothing to do with you. However, your mind provides pictures of you in the hospital, sick in bed, etc. It is not even about you. If you do not stop those imagines, that will become real to you and your emotions and body will began to act out the images in your mind.

You have to work diligently to make your mind focus on the things of God and His word. You have to fight the urge to have a pity party. You have to fight depression and fear. You have to fight to say, “The Lord God is my provider” when you have a stack of bills and $24 in the bank. You have to labor to enter God’s rest when your body aches from pain. You have to fight the good fight of faith to maintain your peace. The enemy can only steal from you if you let him. You let him by failing to maintain the confession of your faith. “So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word” (Hebrews 10:23 AMP).

If you were walking against the wind wearing a hat, you would hold fast to the hat so that it does not blow off of your head. You have to hold on to your peace in the same manner. Diligently press your way into the rest of God. Once you do, that peace will guard your heart and mind surpassing all understanding (Phil 4:7 NKJV).

Are you in a time of famine?

"There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham." (Genesis 26:1).

Chapter 26 is about Isaac. Webster's Dictionary defines famine as: "any extreme and general scarcity." People generally associate famine with food. But famine could relate to any life necessity.

When you read this chapter, you will notice Isaac followed the same pattern as his father, Abraham. When Abraham went to Egypt, he told Pharaoh that Sarah was his sister. That was partly true but she was first and first most his wife. Many plagues came upon the Egyptians as a result.

God told Isaac not to go to Egypt but rather to stay in Gerar (Gen 26:2). While there, Isaac told the men of Gerar that Rebekah was his sister. King Abimelech saw Isaac showing affection to Rebekah (that is another message about a husband's display of love for his wife) and asked Isaac why he lied. Isaac was afraid thinking the men would kill him and take Rebekah. Abimelech gave the decree that no one should touch Rebekah.

Isaac left there and moved out into the Valley of Gerar. The Philistines plugged all the wells that his father Abraham dug. Isaac however dug a well and found water. Because of arguing over the water, Isaac picked up and moved twice. Every time, he was able to find water. Notice the blessing of God on his life when he followed God's directions.

Let's back up to verse 12: "Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him."

Isaac sowed in a time of famine. That is critical to getting God's blessing. Being a person who gives. During a famine, things are scarce. Is there a famine in your life? Is there a storage of money? Love? Friendships? Then you need to sow in your time of famine. Many times when we hear of layoffs on the job, we stop giving and hoard what we have. Or if our spouses stop displaying affection, we withhold our love. But that is not the reaction we should have.

Let's visit Malachi 3:9-10:
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.


11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,
So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”
Says the Lord of hosts;
12 “And all nations will call you blessed,
For you will be a delightful land,”
Says the Lord of hosts.

When famine or lack tries to show up in your home and you faithfully return the tithe to God, you can stand on this promise that He will rebuke the devour for you. You do not have to do it. God does it!

Many people will say, "but I do not have anything to give. I barely have food for me and my family." You ALWAYS have something to give. Kenneth Copeland once said he used to put pens, pencils, the buttons off his shirt, shoe strings, whatever he could find into the offering bucket. Why? Because God looks at the heart. When you are committed to giving, then you are in position to receive all the blessings of God.

Jesus said, "give and IT will be given to you" (Luke 6:38). "It" is a very interesting word. Webster's Dictionary defines the word as: used to represent a thing, inanimate object or concept. In simpler terms, "It" takes on many forms. So you could read Luke 6:38 in this matter: Give food and food will be given to you. Give clothing and clothing will be given to you. Give love and love will be given to you. Give time and time will be given to you, etc.

When you are in a time of famine, do not stop your giving. Increase it! Choose to make a personal sacrifice to forgo your Starbucks coffee that week. Take a pair of pants out of the closet. Take a can of corn out of your cabinet. Decide to show love to your family and spouse. But do not fear! Your faith is in the act of giving.

Learn to become a giver during your time of famine and you will reap 100 times just like Isaac. This particular case relates to money. But give with the expectation of having all your needs met according to Phil 4:19. Whatever your famine, choose to give with the expectation of receiving!

Do Not Sign for the Package

Ding Dong!

The doorbell rings. You walk to the door and wonder who is on the other side. It
is a UPS delivery man and he has a package for you. You are curious as you did not order anything nor to your knowledge did anyone order anything for you. You politely ask, “From whom is this package?” The man replies, “Satan.” You laugh and ask him to repeat his statement. Again, he replies, “Satan. He is sending you sickness, poverty, disease, lack, divorce and depression.” You immediately tell the man, “No thank you. Send it back.”

If it were that easy, we would not fall for satan’s tricks. Paul wrote, we are not ignorant of satan’s devices (2 Cor 2:10-12). When I read that statement, it tells me that I can learn how satan operates so that I can identify his devices. Satan is cunning and crafty. Remember, he has been watching mankind for thousands of years. He attempts to present things in a positive light.

Flash back to the Garden of Eden. In my opinion, the serpent must have been a beautiful creature. Why? Well, two reasons: 1) everything God made was good. 2) If it was unattractive, he would not have secured the woman’s attention long enough to have a conversation with her. The enemy will always try to attack your weak spot. That is why spending time in prayer and in the word is vitally important. Just because the fruit looks good, does not mean it is good for you.

How do we sign for packages that he sends? We do it with our mouths (Proverbs 18:21). We sign for satan’s packages when we speak contrary to God’s word. When we align our words with the situation rather than with the Creator of Heaven and Earth, we are accepting the items
satan is offering. Jesus clearly explained this principle. Read this in Matthew 6:31.

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we
drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

We sign for the package by saying or speaking about the circumstances rather than praising the Creator who has the answer for the situation you are facing. In the middle of the battle, we
have to stand firmly and declare the works of the Lord. We have to look that situation square in the eyes and declare God’s goodness and faithfulness. I do not know how long you may have to do this. My old pastor once said, “you just have to last one second longer than the devil.” But this is what must be done to maintain your victory.

Focus on the positive. Control your urge to say what you see. Stop yourself and say what God has said about the situation. Stand on the word until you see the situation change for the better.
The longer you stand, the more the enemy is going to throw at you.

Remember Jesus’ words, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have
peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

Jesus told us tribulations, tests and trials will come. But we are immune from their effects as long as we abide in Him. 1 John 4:5 explains that we overcome every situation. Search your heart and decide today that you will seek the Lord on all decisions. Decide to decline signing for satan's packages. Speak words of faith and power.

Remember what James wrote: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing…Let noone say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone" James 1:2-4, 13.

The victory is yours. Accept that package by speaking words of victory!

Pray the Solution

In 2 Chronicles 19:3, we are told of a situation involving the Israelites and King Jehoshaphat. The children of Israel were surrounded on three sides by three different armies. Jehoshaphat is no different that anyone of us today. Verse 3 states, "Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah."

There are times when we are bombarded with negative news. Food is low. No money in the bank. News of layoffs. Bills due. Pain in our bodies. Those are equivalent to Jehoshaphat's situation. We are surrounded on every side by a problem or circumstance of life. But notice Jehoshaphat's reaction, he sought the Lord and went on a fast! He immediately did what he knew to do.

Now, let's take a look at how he prayed. We will break it down into several sections. His prayer starts at verse 5:

5 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the LORD’s temple before the new courtyard. 6 He said:

"Yahweh, the God of our ancestors, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You. 7 Are You not our God who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and who gave it forever to the descendants of Abraham Your friend? 8 They have lived in the land and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name and have said, 9 “If disaster comes on us—sword or judgment, pestilence or famine—we will stand before this temple and before You, for Your name is in this temple. We will cry out to You because of our distress, and You will hear and deliver.”

He started with praise and acknowledgement. He reminded God of the covenant with Abraham. He reminded God that they were in the place He called them to inhabit. And the last bolded part is my favorite. He acknowledged that God is the only source for an answer and that God will hear and deliver them.

The next section is where Jehoshaphat tells God the situation. Yes, God knows your situations and circumstances. Even Jesus acknowledged the Father knows what we need before we ask (Matthew 6:8). But we are to ask and receive that our joy may be full (John 16:23). Look at the words of Jehoshaphat:

10 Now here are the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir. You did not let Israel invade them when Israel came out of the land of Egypt, but Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them. 11 Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of Your possession that You gave us as an inheritance. 12 Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to You.

The last line is the key phrase of the prayer - we do not know what to do but we look to you. That is very humbling because Jehoshaphat recognized his limitations with creating a solution. It is similar to us. We can not use the credit card to buy groceries. It's maxed out. We cannot call our parents or other family members because they are not in a position to help. We are at the mercy of our employers who seemingly hold the power of our futures in their hands. Cry out - "Lord, I do not know what to do but I look to you!"

Look at God's response which starts at verse 15:

15 ... “Listen carefully, all Judah (Insert your name - Dayna) and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, go down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem (Insert your name - Dayna). Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you."

Take your time and read through the answer. God told them exactly where the enemy was located and exactly what to do. God said, you do not have to fight. I will take care of it for you. Just stand still! In today's society, standing still is a challenge. We want to DO something. Even as Christians. We want to DO something to help God. But there are times when we have done everything that we know how to do and it is just time to stand on God's word and promises (Eph 6:13). God told them DO NOT be afraid. DO NOT be discouraged. This directive tells me that opportunities will arise in which fear and anxiety try to creep into your life. You have to choose to accept and receive the word of God.

During your test or trial, seek Godly counsel. There is nothing wrong with going to a more mature Christian to get confirmation on what you heard the Lord say to your spirit. Choose to rest on that word. After you have prayed the solution, receive the victory. Look at what happen beginning with verse 20:

In the morning they got up early and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. As they were about to go out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in Yahweh your God, and you will be established; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.” 21 Then he consulted with the people and appointed some to sing for the LORD and some to praise the splendor of His holiness. When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing

Give thanks to the LORD, for His faithful love endures forever.

22 The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir who came to fight against Judah, and they were defeated. 23 The Ammonites and Moabites turned against the inhabitants of Mount Seir and completely annihilated them. When they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped destroy each other.

Because of their praise, the Lord delivered them from the hands of their enemies. The Israelites did not have to physically fight a war. The greatest battle is generally within yourself. You have to labor to enter into the rest of God and receive His promises. We have an adversary who will whisper "what are you going to do if you lose your job?" Where are you going to get money for groceries? How are you going to do this or that?"

You have to choose to be courageous in the face of those whispers. You have to choose to open your mouth and praise God. You have to choose to stand firmly on God's word. Choose today to declare the works of the Lord in your life. It is easy to fear. It takes work to have faith. Choose faith today and watch God destroy the enemies in your life too!