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!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
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!
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!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
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
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
Sunday, February 12, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
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!
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!
Monday, February 6, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
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
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
Friday, February 3, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
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!
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!
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