Turn on Your Radar

Radar is a device for determining the presence and location of an object by measuring the time for the echo of a radio wave to return from said object and the direction from which it returns. It can also be described as a means or sense of awareness or perception. From a spiritual perspective, we can say that faith is God's radar in the believer that gives them the ability to determine the natural from the spiritual or the visible from the invisible. "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." (Hebrews 11:3)

Jesus tells us,  "...“Have faith in God." (Mark 11:22)  A more literal translation of this verse is, "Have God's faith" or "Have the God kind of faith." In Greek, the verb is in the passive voice, which means that the action comes from the outside. Jesus does not ask us to have faith in God; He is saying that God gives us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) that in essence, is a part of Him. In other words, our human nature is incapable of generating the kind of faith that pleases God. We must take hold of God's faith. In a sense, Jesus was telling His disciples to receive God's faith to operate in the supernatural to bless others. 

Another aspect of faith is, it sees as real and complete that which has yet to be revealed to the natural senses, "the evidence of things not seen." Think about it, there are times when God commands that we do something, that might not seem to make sense, because the carnal mind cannot understand spiritual matters. (1 Corinthians 2:14) However, if we understand that faith is "the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1), we will begin to see things as God sees them. (1 Corinthians 2:9-10) God has already determined the end from the beginning as well as everything in between. So, how do we appropriate what He has declared in the now? This is where our faith comes in. It touches things in the spiritual realm that are already complete but cannot yet be seen in the natural realm or visible world. When our faith reaches into the spiritual realm, it gives us a conviction of its reality and persuades us to wait for the fulfillment of things not seen.In other words, faith converts things that cannot be seen, into a tangible reality in the physical world which manifests in the now, not in the future. 

If we continue reading the definition of faith as revealed in Hebrews 11:1, we will notice that there is still something pending, something that has yet to manifest, something that waits for the future, "things hoped for." But let us remember that in terms of eternity, where God resides, He has already completed everything. For example, He has already accomplished every miracle, sign, wonder, healing, provision or any other need that man could ever think or ask Him for. (Ephesians 1:3, 3:20) He has also completed and given every promise found in His Word. So, what is our part in all of this? We appropriate these eternal things into the now by activating our faith to believe for the impossible. Jesus tells us, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23) Also, keep in mind that with God, all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)

We may sometimes find ourselves in a place where these truths do not seem to be real. Maybe that is where you find yourself right now. You have asked in the Name of Jesus but what you have asked God for has not yet manifested in the physical realm. Well, in Mark's gospel a man came out of a crowd and asked Jesus to deliver his demon possessed son. He stated that he had some faith, but admitted to Jesus that it may not be enough, "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24) Maybe our faith has not risen enough to bring the eternal into the physical in a certain area, but the Lord certainly understands exactly where we are in our faith. As with the man in the above circumstance, let us also cry out to the Lord and ask Him to help our unbelief. With the mans honesty declaring his lack of faith, "Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him." (Mark 9:25-26)

Remember, God loves us and gave His only begotten Son to restore us to what Adam was and had before he disobeyed God. Not only that, in Christ, the believer has been given eternal life. Although Adam was not mortal nor immortal, but a perfect human being, He did not have eternal life. He ate of the fruit from the tree that brought death, not the tree of life. So, do not become discouraged, but continue to confess and stand on God's Word. Do not focus on the problem, but believe God for the solution, be thankful in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and release your faith now.

In the Midst of the Storm

One of the many exciting stories recorded in the gospels of the life of Jesus is found in the three synoptic gospels. Although the following account is very similar in detail in all three gospels I will still share some parts from all three. 

"Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side of the lake." And they launched out. But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another,"Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!" (Luke 8:22-25)

There are many interesting aspects to this story. First, we notice "a windstorm came down on the lake." Naturally, windstorms do happen because storms are the result of the fall of man. However, I believe this particular windstorm had demonic origins. Why do I say this? Before the fall, Adam was given dominion not only over the creatures that were on the earth, but God made him to have dominion over all of the works of His hands. (Psalm 8:6) Also, prior to this incident Mark records, "Jesus healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about Him to touch Him. And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw Him, fell down before Him and cried out, saying, "You are the Son of God." But He sternly warned them that they should not make Him known. And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:" (Mark 3:10-15)   Think about it, at this particular time all those on earth who either had direct authority or delegated authority over the forces of darkness were in this boat. The devil may have thought if he could take them out he would still have the authority that Adam forfeited to him. (Luke 4:6)

Although the storm was filling the boat with water to the point that they were in jeopardy, Jesus was still asleep. This is a very important key for believers to understand if we are to walk daily in victory over every circumstance in this life no matter how insurmountable they may seem. We must keep in mind that Satan is defeated (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14), that we have authority over all of the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19), that we also have been given the power of attorney to use the Name of Jesus which carries with it all authority (Matthew 28:18, Mark 16:17-18, Philippians 2:5-11), that we also have God's Word that is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12) and the we are God's Children (John 1:12, Romans 8:15-16)

We all of these mighty weapons of God available to us. By using them, we too can rest in the midst of the storm. However, do we apply to our lives what Solomon said, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) You see, walking in victory comes down to whose words you are going to believe, the words of man, the words of the devil or the Word of God? (Matthew 16:13-23)  Naturally, we must believe God's Word over man's and Satan's words, but how can we cause God's Word to work in our lives?

We must first understand that although reading the Bible and confessing scripture is a great thing, if we are not acting upon it, then we are not really applying faith. Simply put, this is how true Bible faith works, we believe God's Word and then act upon it. James tells us, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves...But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (James 1:22, 2:18) So how can I be a doer of the Word? How can I show my faith by my works?

First, we we must be people who abide in God's Word (John 8:32-33) To abide in God's Word is to accept it wholeheartedly with exception, to believe it without doubting, to stand upon it without wavering. We must be convinced that what God has promised He is also able to perform (Romans 4:20-21). Now we find scripture that is directly related to the circumstance, confess it with our mouth, believe it in our heart and then thank Him for the answer even when there is not one shred of physical evidence. You see, by thanking God for the desired results (which must be according to His Will which is His Word 1 John 5:14-15) I am acting on His Word. I thank Him not because of a manifestation, but because I agree that His Word is true and it never fails. (Isaiah 55:11) Jesus said it this way, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (Mark 11:23-24)

Mark 11:23-24 is one of the most controversial passage of scripture to most in the church today. However, this is the epitome of true Bible faith. Doubt will always neutralize faith. Peter had faith to walk on the water, and he did, but doubt caused him to sink. The doubt was brought on by fear. Doubt neutralized his faith!!! (Matthew 14:28-31) Jesus tells us that we must believe that those things we say will be done. Finally, Jesus tells us that we must believe that we receive what we have asked for and you will have them. Believe that you receive, not receive and then believe. True Bible faith receives what God has already said. What God has already promised. What God has already work through Christ, even though there is no physical  evidence.  "Now faith is a well-grounded assurance of that for which we hope, and a conviction of the reality of things which we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1)

The apostle.Thomas did not exercise faith even though Jesus told His disciple that after His death He would rise. (Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31, Luke 9:22) Nor did he believe even after many reported that in fact Jesus was risen. Not only did Thomas have to see the risen Lord, but he had to examine Him (the holes in His hands and feet, evidence seen) before he would believe. (John 24-29) This is the greatest struggle for most believers, believing that you have received without any physical evidence. Why? Because most believers have been taught to be skeptical of the supernatural. They have been trained to only accept things that their five senses can understand. This is exactly what Thomas did and Jesus rebuked him for it. He did not believe the Lord's Word concerning His resurrection. If he had, once he heard that Jesus was risen, he would have believed and acted upon it by rejoicing even though he himself had not seen the Lord. Instead, he had to see the Lord to believe that He was risen.

As the story winds down we see Jesus take control of the situation, He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. This should be the response of every believer when facing the difficulties of life. James tells us to count it all joy when you fall into various trials (James 1:2) In other words, do not let the trial have control, let joy rise up and then stand on God's Word remembering that God did not bring the trial (James 1:13) Also remember, believers are not called to fight the devil, Jesus defeated him. We are called to fight the good fight of faith. (1 Timothy 6:12) It is our faith in the integrity of God's Word that puts us over, not physical manifestations.

Think about this. If you are struggling with physical pain or some sort of sickness in your body, do not deny its existence, that would be lying. What you do, is deny its right to exist in your body which has been purchased by Jesus and is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Why do you take this position? Because God's Word says, "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 (past tense) healed." (1 Peter 2:24 also see Isaiah 53:4-5)  You believe what Peter says, (it's God's Word) denying the right of the physical manifestation of pain or sickness to have place in your body. As Jesus rebuked the storm, you rebuke the devil and the symptoms that he is trying to put upon you or has manifested in your body.

Finally, Jesus confronts the disciples asking them, "Where is your faith?" The other accounts of this story say, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith." (Matthew 8:26) and "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" (Mark 4:40) In either case, it comes down to an issue of faith. Will we exercise faith in God's Word or will we let fear and or doubt have place? Will we believe only if we see a manifestation or will we believe because the Word of God says so? For most, this can be an arduous ordeal. Why? It is because church leaders continue to teach believers through a somewhat subliminal message to trust in their senses and not God's Word. The only way to reverse these faithless words of doubt, fear and unbelief that have filled the hearts of God's beloved children, is to renew the mind with God's Word. (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:23)  Renewing ones mind and dealing with these stronghold takes a process of time. It comes down to each individual and just how deep these strongholds have captured their mind.

But be of good cheer, because God has given you a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) Through reading, studying and most importantly meditating on God's Word your faith will grow. (Romans 10:17) So, if you find yourself in the midst of a storm, "Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9) Don't lose heart. Don't give up "Let us hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23) God is faithful. His Word never fails. "It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11) and always keeping in mind, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony (that is, the Word of God) (Revelation 12:11)   
 

A Labor of Love

Shortly after Jesus faced Satan in open combat (Matthew 4 and Luke 4) He began His earthly ministry. One of the first things that He did was to call to Himself followers, that is disciples and out of them He chose twelve that He called apostles (Matthew 4:18-22, 5: 1-11, Luke 6:12-16) Once this was completed He began to show His disciples the Father's will, nature, character, purposes and plan through His actions and Words, "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Great multitudes followed Him, from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them..." (Matthew 4:23-25, 5:1-2)

Jesus had approximately three and one half years to impart Kingdom principles into His disciples before His departure from earth to return to His father. During that time He Himself would lead them into life situations and circumstances that would require them to look to the Father's abilities and not their own. They observed Him preach and teach but moreover, they watched as the Father released the supernatural through Him. He cleansed leapers, cast out demons, healed paralytics, restore sight to the blind, restore speech to the mute, "Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." (Matthew 9:35) and He raised the dead (Mark 5:21-24, 35-43, Luke 7:11-15, John 11:1-44) But the disciples saw something else about Jesus. Apart from all the teaching, preaching and miracles, "When Jesus saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)

Many Christians are compassionate, but few have compassion. What is the difference? A person can be compassionate, feeling sympathy and concern for others, but do nothing about it. However, to have compassion is to have sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others and then do something about it. This is what the ministry of Jesus was about. It was revealing to humanity the true nature of the Father, compassion for humanity. Jesus had been sent by the Father (John 6:38) to do something about the fallen, oppressed state of human suffering under the tyrannical powers of darkness.  Next, we see that His compassion for humanity is revealed to His disciples, "Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." (Matthew 9:37-38)

Interestingly enough many in the church today will pray this prayer because they are compassionate towards to state of humanity, but that is as far as they go. By praying for laborers, they expect God to answer their prayer by gathering others to go labor not thinking that they themselves are the laborers. Immediately after Jesus spoke to His disciples to pray in this manner, "He called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease."  (Matthew 10:1) He commissioned them to, "Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying,'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons..." (Matthew 10:6-8) The very prayer that Jesus had told His disciples to pray had now become an answered prayer through them. They were the very laborers that they were to pray for.

It is sad to here ministers tell believers that all they have to do is to pray this prayer and the congregation will grow because the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers. We don't know where these laborers are or where they come from, but somehow the Lord will bring in the harvest through these laborers. Jesus never meant this prayer to be a prayer of hope, but one of faith. Faith that "God is at work in the believer to both do His will and His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13) That all believers, "are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10) That all believers are to "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded." (Matthew 28:19-20)

The church (all believers) is the only vessel on this planet that has the "Good News." The good news is not limited to being saved from sin (which is certainly enough) but that the moment one places faith in Christ, they become New Creations. (2 Corinthians 5:17) They are declared righteous and have peace with God. (Romans 5:1-2) They become a child of God (John 1:12) God has given them unlimited rights and privileges as His heirs and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) (to name a few points concerning God's Good News to humanity) Let's remember, "That God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..." (John 3:16)

I do not believe that there is one believer that would want to see even the most vile sinner perish without Christ. So let us keep in mind God's incredible power to transform lives and then release upon that transformed life all the wonderful promises that He freely gives. Let us move on from praying to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers only and believe that we are the very laborers that God is calling to go forth and reap a harvest of souls through His power working in us, all for the Father's glory. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)   

Are There Giants in Your Land

As Israel approached the land of Canaan Numbers records, "And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel; from each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader among them. So Moses sent them from the Wilderness of Paran according to the command of the LORD, all of them men who were heads of the children of Israel." (Number 13:1-2) The spies return and give an exciting report, "Now they came back to Moses and Aaron and all the congregation of the children of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; they brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. Then they told him, and said: "We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit." (Numbers 13:26-27)

What a report. The land that God was giving Israel was not barren waste land, but a vibrant, fruitful land flowing with with milk, honey. In other words, the land was fertile, able to produce all manner of vegetation as well as sustain their flocks. This was evidence of what the Lord had spoken to Moses when He had called Moses to go to Egypt to deliver Israel from Pharaoh. (Exodus 3:8) However, the physical confirmation of the Word of the Lord was not enough for ten of the spies, "Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan." (Numbers 13:28-29) and "There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight." (Number 13:33) The results were, all of Israel believed the word of the spies rather than the Word of God.

This same scenario tends to repeat itself in many sectors of the church today. Many of God's children see life circumstances as giants rather than ants. They believe the report of their senses rather than believing what God has said. God spoke to Isaiah and said, "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'
(Isaiah 41:10) What a wonderful promise, but do you believe it? You see, we would have much to fear if God did not say, "I am with you." Distress would overtake us if God did not say, "for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." But again, do you believe this? Is this passage revelation that resonates in your heart or is it only knowledge that you reason in your head? When life circumstances seen like giants is your response similar to Israel's, "So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron... (Numbers 14:1-2) or is it like Joshua and Caleb, "Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us,'a land which flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them." (Numbers 14:6-9) This report sounds like the Word of the Lord to Isaiah, "Do not Fear, the Lord is with us." (Isaiah 46:10)

Jesus tells us how to deal with every giant that comes against the believer that stands in the believers way opposing him/her, "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:22-23) First we are to exercise God like faith. If you say that it is impossible for a mere person to have the God kind of faith, then you have just sided against the Word of God and your results will most likely be the same as Israel's when they sided with the ten spies rather than the Word of God, they got what they asked for. (Numbers 14:2-3, 26-30) Next, Jesus tells us that if we can believe the Word of God, and not doubt that is, believe the reasoning of man or the lies of Satan, then we would be able to move the mountain (giant) that we are facing.

This is not something that we try, but something the we live. Faith is of the spirit and not of the mind. What Jesus is telling us cannot be comprehended with the mind, although our recreated spirit can fill our mind with revelation from God's Word. So, if you are facing a situation or circumstance that seems like a giant, speak to it in the name of Jesus without doubting and the results are, he will have whatever he says. PTL... 

Are You Fully Convinced

One of the most encouraging passages of scripture in the Bible concerns the patriarch Abraham and is found in Romans 4:19-22, "And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform."

Here is a man no different than any other man. However, keep in mind that he was not born again, he did not have a recreated spirit, which means that he was spiritually dead like all other men. He also did not have God's Word written in a book that he could draw from. Yet he did not look at the condition of his or Sarah's body in hopelessness. Why? Because he believe the word that God spoke to him more than he believed in the circumstances that he faced. Abraham was not denying the tangible evidence of his age and the age of his wife. He was not denying that for ninety years his wife was barren and that she was beyond child bearing years. Instead, he believed the Word of the Lord and operated independent of the circumstances at hand. He did not let the things in the natural realm breed doubt, but in a sense, laughed at them and believed the promise of God. Because he believe the word of the Lord he was strengthened in faith. Why is this so important for the believer?

The apostle Paul tells us, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) Unlike Abraham, believers today have God's Word, which reveals His will, nature, character, purposes, promises and plan written in a book. Believers should spend daily time reading, studying and meditating on His Word so that their faith can increase. Unfortunately, a large numbers of believers do not fill their spirit and renew their minds with God's Word so they very easily accept what they hear not knowing if it is true or not. For centuries due to this attitude toward God's Word most believers have not strengthened their faith, but the contrary, it has created much unbelief which is an enemy of faith.

Unbelief is a product of two distinct issues that most believers do not seem to understand. First, it is based on a lack of knowledge. Many in the church today do not believe the Word of God because they only know what they hear others tell them. For the most part what they hear is either stolen from their heart by the devil, the word does not take root or the cares of the world choke it from bearing fruit. (Marl 4:15-19) Hosea tells us, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6) It is very difficult to know what to believe when Christians have a lack of knowledge of God's Word. The second type of unbelief is based on unpersuadableness which means, being unwilling to act upon God's Word even though one knows what the Word teaches. "Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief." (Matthew 13:28) Either way, unbelief is a disobedient attitude towards God's Word. 

Abraham acted upon God's Word irregardless of the circumstances at hand which in turn strengthened his faith. Abraham was "...fully convinced that what God had promised He was also able to perform." This goes beyond believing that God's Word is true. Many today will honestly say that the whole Bible is true but they lack in acting upon the Word and therefore what they believe is nothing more than knowledge that is stored in the mind. True Bible faith is simply believing that God is able to perform what His Words says and then acting upon it no matter what the circumstances may dictate. This is exactly what Abraham did.

So, has a lack of knowledge of God's Word or unpersuadableness caused you not to believe and act upon God's Word? Do you believe what a doctor says or what an auto mechanic says more than you believe what God says? If so then this is probably why you struggle with many of life's issues. However, this can all change today. It only takes one thing. You must come to the place where you are you fully convinced that what God has promised He is also able to perform and then act on it...  

All Things Are New

Thank the LORD for the incredible revelation that He made known to the Apostle Paul concerning ones identification in Christ. For instance, one of my favorites identification scriptures is ...
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The very moment that a person confesses with their mouth the LORD Jesus Christ and takes Him as their Savior they become born again. Of course we know this, but do you know that the moment one becomes born again they instantaneously become a supernatural, one hundred percent "New Creation." Furthermore, do we truly understand this from Gods perspective? We are no long common anymore. We belong to an unusual supernatural order of beings. The Apostle Paul tells us...
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works..."(Ephesians 2:10) and "the new man was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:24) The Apostle Peter tells us, "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people…"(1 Peter 2:9)

In Christ, the born again person is a new creation in every sense...
They instantly become partakers of Gods divine nature; "by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (2 Peter 1:4)

They instantly become partakers of Gods divine life; "...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)  

God’s ability instantly becomes their ability; "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father."
(John 14:12)

God's strength instantly becomes their strength;  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

"His promises instantly become their promises; "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." (2 Corinthians 1:20)

His love instantly becomes their love; "...the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5)
 
His faith instantly becomes their faith; "So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have the God kind of faith." (Mark 11:22)

His power instantly becomes their power;  "...My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

His wisdom instantly becomes their wisdom; "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God..." (1 Corinthians 1:30)

His righteousness instantly becomes their righteousness; "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21) The list goes on and on.

Unfortunately for many Christians this is hard to believe. Far to many Christians live in the sense realm rather than the spiritual realm. In other words, their belief system is based upon what they can see, touch, taste, smell or hear, (see John 20:24-25) which has nothing to do with believing and acting upon God's Word. Jesus said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh (senses) profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)  
The word life is the Greek word "Zoe." It literally means, life as God has it; the very life of God. Now we can understand why one instantaneously becomes a new creation in every sense. It is because the very life of God takes residence in the new believer immediately upon their confession of Christ. Again, this has nothing to do with feelings. It is pure fact!

Next we see 2 Corinthians 5:17, "old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
The old thing that Satan had control of has passed away. The believer is no longer spiritually dead but made alive in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:1) Jesus said of Himself, "the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. " (John 14:30) All believers must come to realize this very thing, Satan no longer has any authority, dominion, jurisdiction or power over them. ALL THINGS HAVE BECOME NEW!!!

Through God's Word our faith is built up (Romans 10:17) and our spirit is strengthened so that the soul (mind, will and emotions) is renewed and begins to respond to the new created spirit and not the flesh. But this does not change the fact that the very nature and life of God is in the believer. For many in the church today, it is time to put an end to the ungodly habits of the flesh and negative confession from the mouth. It is time to let God’s life arise and call those things which do not exist as though they did. It is time to live in the abundant "Zoe" that Jesus gave His life for. It is time for believers to realize that eternal life is not a destination, but the "Zoe," life of God that already exists in everyone who is born again. It is time to let the lost know that they too can have the same abundant "Zoe," life.

Jesus; Name Above All Names

The incarnate Son of God was manifest to restore humanity to the place that God had originally intended. All that Adam was before he committed treason and forfeited the dominion and authority that God had given him over creation, was God's goal of the restoration of man. The Apostle Paul tells us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. " (Romans 3:23) This means that not one human being could ever satisfy justice for Adam's transgression. So God Himself would be the only candidate that could fulfill such an incredible undertaking. 

The Apostle John tells us, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) and "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..." (John 1:14) The angel Gabriel announced to Mary, "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:31-33) and so it was, Deity and humanity came together. The Word was conceived in the womb of a woman, became flesh and His name is JESUS.

The Apostle Paul tells us, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11)

Because Jesus willingly gave up His sinless, perfect life for every man, woman and child, "God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name." In other words, God the Father has super-eminently exalted Jesus, has given Him the highest position above all else and there is no other name that can be compared with his. It stands alone! Hebrews tells us, "having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." (Hebrews 1:4) These things are very important for all believers to understand because not only is the name of Jesus above every other name, His name carries with it ALL AUTHORITY in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. This means that every created being in those three realms must bow in submission to His name.

We may be quick to say "amen" to this but the possibilities that surround His name are beyond our understanding. Basically, in His name, He has given the church (believers) "carte blanche" to all the resources and promises of God. The good news in this is, all believers have been given the legal use of His name so that, "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This mean the devil and every demon. We see this played out in the ministry of seventy other disciples that Jesus sent out, "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." (Luke 10:17) Let us take note that this was before His resurrection and the exaltation of His name. So think how much power and authority the believer has today in His name. Honestly, it is almost incomprehensible.

God did not do this for Himself. He made this incredible investment for the benefit of the church (all believers). He made this investment so that all who would believe upon the name of Jesus would have the liberty to use His magnificent name to meet their every need and also to enforce what Jesus' death and resurrection has secured, power over the enemy. However, all of these things that the name of Jesus provides for the church do not manifest simply because the Bible reveals these things. Faith must be released through the believer and then the believer must act upon his released faith."But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (James 2:18)      

So let us remember this; God the Father has bestowed upon Jesus honor, glory, power, all authority and has "seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:20-23) Glory be to God!!!
   

Bad Things Do Not Come From God - Part 20

The Gospels reveal some wonderful things concerning God's will, nature and character. As mention before, Jesus did not come to earth to do His will but the will of the Father (John 6:38) We also saw that to see the actions of Jesus and to know Him, we see and know the Father. (John 14:7-9) So for the final this week of this series, "Bad Things Do Not Come From God" we will look at some of the ministry of Jesus as He reveals the Father's will and true nature.

Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them. When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses." (Matthew 8:14-17)

Let's review some key points in this passage. "Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them." If this sickness was caused by God, then what would be the point of Jesus healing her? If the sickness was caused by God, then Jesus should not have stopped what God was doing in her life. Unfortunately, I have had church leaders say that God made her sick so that Jesus could prove that He was the Son of God by healing her. It wasn't the preaching or the supernatural healings that proved Jesus to be the Son of God, but His resurrection from the dead.  The way of salvation is not to confess the LORD Jesus with your mouth and believe in your heart that He is the Son of God because of all the miracles that He performed, but to believe with your heart that God raised Him from the dead, that one is saved. (Romans 10:9-10 No, Peter's mother-in-law was made sick with fever by the devil, not God.

Next we see, "When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick," How many sick were healed? ALL who came to Him. There is no indication at all that there was even one person who was not healed. There is no mention that He turned some away because it was not God's will for them to be healed. There is no mention that God caused anyone to be sick or demonized. Now, we can certainly read something into this passage of scripture that is not mentioned, but this is where we find many of the problems in the church today, adding to or subtracting from God's Word. Unfortunately, many passages of scripture have been rendered powerless and or twisted from their true  meaning by the opinions and wisdom of men. This has robbed multitudes of Christians who truly love the LORD from receiving the promises of the Father through Jesus Christ, such as healing.

Finally, we see that Matthew draws us back to an Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah, "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses." The Hebrew of Isaiah and the Greek of Matthew bears the same meaning; Messiah (Jesus Christ) removes the diseases of one's body. It is a part of the doctrine of Atonement as spoken by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 52:13-15, 53:1-6)

I would like to conclude this with two more thoughts. First, let's never forget "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38) and I might note, without a time limit. God was, is and will always be, until Jesus returns, Jehovah Rapha, The God Who Heals. Secondly, "Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23) Not only was Jesus stating this truth to the the father of a demonized son, but also "to him (anyone) who believers." PTL

Bad Things Do Not Come From God - Part 19

I always find it interesting how so many Christians see God in the Old Testament as having a completely different will, nature and character than He does in the New Testament. Many portray God in the Old Testament as one who has either no mercy or at best was limited in mercy; That He was not very forgiving; That He did not heal or deliver; That He was into cursing more than blessing; and that He was just waiting for someone to step out of line and wham, the hammer came down in the form of sickness, disease and all manner of destruction. Well, let's consider some things from the Old Testament...

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let Israel now say, "His mercy endures forever." Let the house of Aaron now say, "His mercy endures forever." Let those who fear the LORD now say, "His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 118:1-4)

Other than the continuous praise that, "His mercy endures forever," we see something else right at the beginning of this Psalm that describes God's true nature, Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! He does not lack in mercy, in fact His mercy is great...
"For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him" 
(Psalm 103:11)
Not only is He good, but His goodness is great...
Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! (Psalm 31:19)

Next we see that God is ready to forgive ALL who call upon Him...
"For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You."(Psalm 86:5) and...
"If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared." (Psalm 130:3-4)

We also see that God's nature in the Old Testament is healing and deliverance...
"He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." (Psalm 107:20)

There is one Psalm that I believe is a good summation of God's true will, nature and character...
"Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
(Psalm 103:1-5)

WOW, what a wonderful Heavenly Father we have. Notice the word ALL; "Who forgives ALL your iniquities," That is, He is not only able but willing to pardon all of our sin. "Who heals ALL your diseases," That is, all forms of sickness and disease. If that was not enough, "Who redeems your life from destruction," That is, saving one's life from death when exposed to danger, or when attacked by disease. "Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies," That is, God's mercy and compassion is so abundant, it is something of beauty and honor as a royal crown. "Who satisfies your mouth with good things," Not just your physical mouth with food, but your desires, your entire life He brings delight to. "so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." The eagle is an emblem of vigor and as the moulting of an eagles feathers where its plume is renewed, so shall those be, whose God is the LORD, who place faith in His wonderful Word..

When looking at the Old Testament scriptures and meditating on what they say concerning God's true will, nature and character, it becomes very difficult at best to consider that the God of the Old Testament is anything less than loving, caring, nurturing, forgiving and flat out wonderful. However, it takes faith in the integrity of God's Word to come to this conclusion. We always must remember that Satan has not changed his tactic towards humanity. From the Garden of Eden and until Jesus returns, his greatest weapon of deception has been to defame God's nature and character. He wants people to reason in their minds, that is, to consider that there may be another truth. That God is holding back or is not disclosing the whole truth.

The Apostle Paul tells us that that these things are, strongholds, arguments and thoughts that exalt themselves above the knowledge of God and are to be assaulted and destroyed by using God's Word. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) His Word is truth and it is the ONLY gauge that the believer has to determine whether or not renegade reasoning is on the loose in their mind. The more one reads, studies and meditates on God's Word, the less chance there is for one to be deceived with Satan's wiles. Praise the LORD, for He never changes which also means that His faithful, never failing, Word never changes also!!!

Bad Things Do Not Come From God - Part 18

We have seen throughout the Gospel of John, our Heavenly Father's will and nature being perfectly fulfilled in and through the ministry of Christ. One of the scriptures that sums up Christ's ministry and the Father's will and nature is...
"how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38)

Notice that Jesus "went about doing good", not bring judgment or condemning humanity, but doing good. What was the good that He did? "...healing ALL who were oppressed by the devil..." So take a moment and let this verse of scripture sink into your spirit. Now, if God is the One behind bad things happening, then why would He anoint Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power to do good? If some how one really believes  that bad things come from God, then we have to consider the following...

• Jesus lied when He said that He came to do the will of the Father...(John 4:34)   
• That Jesus was not a perfect image and reflection of the Father...(Hebrews 1:3)
• That Jesus was doing His own will...(Matthew 26:39)
• That the Father has more than one will...(Romans 12:2)
• That the Father and Son are not united as one...(John 10:30)
• The Father changes His will based on human circumstances or situations...(Malachi 3:6)

The list can go on, but these six alone are enough to send chills up one's spine.Can you even imagine how anyone could possibly serve the LORD if these things were so? The Bible clearly shows us that God never changes. Everything about  Him is immutable! (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8, James 1:17). Unfortunately, the things listed above are not taken into consideration when one has been taught or believes that bad things come from God. 

When I think of how many Christians have been taught by church leaders the exact opposite of what scripture reveals concerning God's will and nature, I become grieved. Many have been taught that the bad things that may happen to them is some how God's mysterious way of doing things, but the Apostle Paul tells us...
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself" (Ephesians 1:7-9)

 Many have been taught that God causes bad things to happen to bring judgment upon a sinful world and yet Jesus says...
"For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son." (John 5:22) and "You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one." (John 8:15) and "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17) 

I have found the biggest reason why so many Christians have been taught that God causes bad things to happen is because "whom the LORD loves He chastens and scourges every son whom He receives." (Hebrews 12:6) However, to chasten means to child train or train a child. Now think about this. Would you as a parent desire to have a debilitating disease come upon your child because he or she disobeyed you? Of course you wouldn't want that to happen. How about if you told your child not to touch the cooking element on an electric stove because he or she could get burned and then one day their curiosity got the best of them and they burned their hand so severely that they needed either a miracle healing or immediately medical attention, would you say, "I told you not to do that" or "That's what you get for disobeying me." Would you do nothing because they disobeyed? Of course not! You would do whatever it took to stop the pain and fix the problem. If you did anything less, you would be considered an abusive neglectful parent.

Well I've got some good news. Our Heavenly Father is not hiding Himself nor is He mysterious (John 14:7-9) He does not judge people in this life by sending bad thing upon them (Hebrews 7:27) and He is not and abusive parent but a loving and caring Father (Matthew 7:7-11) It is time for Christians to abide in God's Word, which will build their faith so they can receive the promise that Jesus gives to all who abide in His word..."And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)

Bad Things Do Not Come From God - Part 15

Luke's gospel reveals another very important issue where Jesus plainly reveals to us where sickness comes from. This is important because many Christians today live with numerous sicknesses and affliction in their bodies and minds that are not from God though their church leaders have told them that they are . God does not have some hidden mysterious reason to bring sickness and or affliction upon His children for any reason!

Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, "Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity." And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
(Luke 13:10-13)

The first thing that we notice is this woman's affliction was being cause by "a spirit of infirmity." There is not one shred of evidence that some how God was behind this or that this woman some how deserved to have this dreaded condition. This was a demon spirit that was causing her condition. Now let's look at a typical reaction by the ruler of the synagogue (many of today's church leaders) to what Jesus did for this woman.

But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd,"There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day." (Luke 13:14) Clearly the Jews believed in healing; however, here we see that the ruler of the synagogue was looking for a reason to discredit Jesus, but what was really operating behind the scenes was the same thing that opposed Jesus in Nazareth...

Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, "Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?" So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house." Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching. (Mark 6:1-6) Notice that it does not say that Jesus would not do mighty works, but that He COULD NOT do no mighty works. Why? "Because of their unbelief."

In the church today, the LORD is unable to heal many of His children due to them being trained in unbelief by unbelieving church leaders. These church leaders teach unbelief because they have relied on the words of faithless Bible teachers and seminary professors rather than letting the Holy Spirit lead them into all truth. It is baffling that pastors, shepherds of Gods people, are not true shepherds because they do not truly Feed His lambs, Tend His Sheep and Feed His Sheep as the Shepherds did in the early church. This can only be accomplished by truly following Jesus, applying faith to His Word and rejecting the commandments of men. (John 21:15-23, Matthew 15:7-9)

Not see the conclusion of this matter...
The Lord then answered him and said, "Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound — think of it — for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?" And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him. (Luke 13:15-17)  

Who had bound this woman? Satan! God had nothing to do with this woman's infirmity. But who freed this woman? The LORD!!! Also look at the words that Jesus uses, "whom Satan has bound — think of it — for eighteen years." Jesus, in a sense is saying, if you really think about this, you will see that Satan is behind all sickness and affliction (Bad things) not God. Logical thinking will reveal that God is the one who is behind healing and health, think about it. When Jesus' adversaries did think about it, they were put to shame.

For eighteen years this woman had to suffer with this condition because the leaders of the people were not truly leading the people for the LORD. You see it is faith that unlocks all the mysteries of God and gives us the knowledge of Jesus Christ. It is the Holy Spirit that leads the believers to a realm that transcends all the faithless teaching that do not reveal Gods true nature and the believers rights in Christ. It is faith in and acting upon God's Word that releases the power of God. So think about what Jesus said, "all it takes is a mustard seed of Faith" and you will clearly see that bad things do not come from God!

Bad Things Do Not Come From God - Part 5

The next era of mans history as revealed in the Bible begins in Exodus which is the disspensation of the Law or the Law age the lasted for 1500 years. During this time God gives man a greater revelation of Himself.
Not only does He reveal Himself through a visible manifastation of a pillar of fire and a pillar of cloud (Exodus 13:21) and as a Law giver (Exodus 20:1-17), but one of the greatest revelations that God had given to man during this time, is that He reveals His very nature to him (Exodus 34:5-7) This is very important to understand because the LORD does not change (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8)

The Apostle Paul tells us that the purpose of the Law is to show a sinner their guilt before God and stops them from justifying themselves (Romans 3:19), it brings the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20) and it defines sin (Romans 7:7). The Law does not give the knowledge of or define God, but sin.

God sets up a temporary system to deal with mans sin (Leviticus 1 - 7, Hebrews 9 - 10) but we see something revealed that shows us God's true nature even though the Law had been given. In Deuteronomy 28:1-14 we see that God is the one who blesses not the one who curses or causes bad things to happen. However, in Deuteronomy 28:15-68 it seems to indicate that God does cause bad things to happen to His people. This is where many people have learned to believe that bad things come from God. After all God does not change and bad things are happening to His people so it must be true for today also. But let's take a closer look at what the Bible reveals.

"But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:" (Deuteronomy 28:15) The first thing we need to note is that this does not say that God will cause all of the curses to come upon them, but the curses are a result of their decision to disobey God, sound familiar doesn't it (Adam and Eve). The curses would come upon them due to their CHOICE to disobey. It was the same thing that happened to Adam when he chose to disobey God and become the slave to sin and Satan. The same principle that applied to Adam also applied to Israel. However, God in His true nature of being merciful, gracious, longsuffering and abounding in goodness and truth, gives Israel the principle to live in His blessings and not the curses of sin and Satan.

"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

All Israel had to do was choose God rather than sin and Satan to live a blessed life on earth free of bad things happening to them. However, if we look through Israel's history we see that they repeatedly rejected God and became slaves to sin which opened the door for Satan to have his way with them. Remember, Adam had forfeited his perfect life and all his authority to Satan and in doing so took himself out from under God's freedom and blessings to become Satan's slave. It was the same for Israel. They did not choose God's authority, protection and blessings to flow in their midst which would bring health, wealth and long life (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) but chose to reject God and let sin and Satan have their way bringing curses and ultimately destruction upon them. We see this very thing occurring throughout Israel's history as recorded in the Bible (Deuteronomy 28:15-68 the curse for disobedience)

We must see things from a correct perspective. God created man in perfection and gave him choice. It was man who chose to reject God and accept Satan as his master and all the evil that came with it. It was Israel that God chose and wanted to bless. It was Israel who chose sin (Satan) to rule over them through their rejection (disobedience to) of God. God does not choose bad things to happen to man, He permits them to happen because He will not encroach man's will to choose. If man chooses sin and Satan then he will reap the destructive nature of that choice. However, if man chooses God, he becomes a benefactor of all the blessings that God has promised, it is just that simple.

There are many believer that might say, "I am a believer and I did not choose this sickness, disease, fininacial problems, etc. so it must be God's will." However, when you look closer you will find that a statement like this is made due to one of two thing. One, is many believers let their body and soul have rule over their life and therefore open the door for sin and Satan to exploit them. The other is because many believers live their life in a natural type of faith that every person has. It is called sense knowledge faith or mental assent. It means that ones faith is based on ones mind and or senses, that is, seeing is believing, (John 20:24-25) and not revelation faith that emanates from the heart (spirit) that is, believing that you have received even though there is no tangible evidence (John 20:29, Hebrews 11:1) These things prevent believers from understanding the fullness of redemption which God has provided through Jesus Christ.

For many believers, redemption has been reduced to accepting Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior for the purpose of eternal life only, rather than seeing that redemption has completely restored man to what Adam was before the fall. This can only be realized through faith in Christ and in the integrity of God's Word. When believers come to realize that "Bad Things Do Not Come From God" they we begin to understand that they no longer have to live in defeat nor will they have to live a life constantly trying to defeat the devil, because he is already defeated. (Colossians 2:15) They will rest in the LORD because their faith has brought them to know that it is "God who ALWAYS leads us in triumph in Christ..."

Things to Have (Part 1)

Although believers have authority of demonic spirits, they do not have authority over the human will. Believer's cannot just go around exercising authority over demonized people unless the demonized person truly wants help because they have authority over their own lives. When encountering the works of the devil and his gang there are some things that believers must have in their arsenal …

"When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick." (Matthew 8:16) First, believers must have a good understanding of God’s Word. In what is called the temptation of Christ it is recorded…

"Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,' and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.'" (Matthew 4:5-7) Satan tried to use God’s Word to tempt Jesus. But Jesus recognized what it was and responded with truth that was not twisted.

Let’s look at what Satan didn’t say concerning the scripture he used…
"For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone" (Psalm 91:11-12) This is the Word of God that Satan quoted. However, let's see in the same Psalm what he didn't say...

"Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;" (Psalms 91:9-10) and...
"You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot." (Psalms 91:13)

Now isn't that interesting. Satan tried to build a good case with scripture, though out of context and we can see why. God's promise is safety from evil and plagues, the epitome of Satan and treading upon the lion, cobra, young lion and serpent are all references to Satan and his gang. No wonder Satan took God's Word out of context.

The Point is, believers must have a good knowledge of God's Word and place their faith in the integrity of God's Word or they can be easily deceived. A good thing is that many in the church know God's but few put their faith in it. The Apostle Paul hit the nail on the head when he said, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love." (Galatians 5:6)
Not the knowledge of God's Word working through love, but faith working through love.

To Believe or Not to Believe, That is the Question

One of the greatest examples of faith is found in the life of Abram, who was later given the name Abraham by God. He received a call from God...
Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:1-3) Abram immediately responded. Keep in mind that Abram did not have a road map per se as we do today called the Bible. According to Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

The Apostle Paul also tells us of Abraham's great faith...
For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed — God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be." (Romans 4:13-18)

To operate in the grace that comes from God requires faith on our part. The Almighty, all knowing, Creator of everything seen and unseen who gives life to the dead and calls those thing which do not exist as though they did, will never fail accomplishing what He has promised. However, many time believers begin to doubt His call if they do not see it manifest immediately. As a pastor I have watched countless people do foolish things such as quit jobs and leave the very congregations that God had called them to because they received a call from God but would not wait on Him to make it happen. Even Abraham tried to help God by accepting Sarah's maid Hagar to have his child. But Abraham stayed the course. Paul goes on...
And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness." (Romans 4:19-22)

Wow...Abraham was called at age 75 and the promise of God did not manifest until he was 100, According to the natural realm, he and Sarah were beyond child bearing years plus Sarah was barren. However, God is almighty, and does according to His will and will fulfill His promise. God promised Abraham a son, so Abraham "did not consider his own body”. He did not give into unbelief, but was strengthened in faith being fully convinced that what God had promised He was able to perform. We must believe and act as though Gods Word is true!

Let’s be honest, there is so much scepticism in the church concerning God's will, and it's because most believers have been trained to doubt. The point is, Abraham is just one example of someone having great faith. Today we are very fortunate people to have a record (the Bible) of people who had faced incredible circumstances yet held their ground because of their unwavering faith in God. If the same scenario that was presented to Abraham was presented to most believers today, chances are that they would give in to doubt and abort the call of God due to their lack of faith. How do I know this? I listen to how believers talk and one of the greatest statements of doubt that I hear is, "If it be God's will." Sadly, this statement reflects doubt and ignorance by those who say they believe the Bible is the infallible Word of God and yet don't know His will. I want you to think about the following words that Jesus spoke...
"...when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8)

Please Remind Me

There is a heavenly court that God calls His people into to plead there case before Him in a way that is much like the Parable of the Woman and Judge (Luke 18:1-8), it goes like this...
Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted.
(Isaiah 43:26)

God urges Israel to present their case to Him so that they can be acquitted. In other words, like the Parable of the Woman and the Judge, God calls His people, in a sense to remind Him of His promises. Not that He has forgotten, but do we believe His Word and through faith present our case, believing what He has promised to do, He will perform? Do we place our faith in the integrity of His Word? Do stand on what He has promised? Here is some examples of praying for healing and putting God in remembrance...

Father, Isaiah 53:4-5 says that part of the plan of redemption in Christ is that He has paid in full for me to be healed. Sickness you must go in Jesus’ name…or…

Father, according to Matthew 9:27-28 two blind men asked Jesus for healing and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Father, I believe that you are able to heal me and in the name of Jesus I am healed...or…

Father, according to Mark 1:40-41 a leper came to Jesus and said, “If you are willing, You can make me clean”. Jesus answered him and said, “I am willing, be cleaned. “ Father, I know it is your will to heal, in the name of Jesus I am healed, Thank you…

Let's consider these 3 scenarios. Did I pray the same prayer? No…What did I do? I am simply pleading my case before God quoting His word in an area of my life that I need to receive what He has already promised, healing. I may not see the physical evidence but I am being persistent, standing on His Word expecting to be healed and thanking Him for the healing. If what you have prayed for hasn’t materialized and if you pray again, don’t pray the same prayer, that would be unbelief. We are to be persistent, remind God (Isaiah 43:26 Put Me in remembrance) of what His Word says, that is, present our case, use various scriptures, stand on His Truth, receive what I have asked for and thank Him for it whether it has manifest or not. Our faith must be in Christ and what He has done not in a manifestation. This is what Thomas did, "Unless I see," and was rebuked by the LORD for it.

One of the greatest examples of this is...
Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed — God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be." And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness."
(Romans 4:16-22)

Abraham did not let unbelief (doubt) have place in his life; He did not consider the condition of his body; He did not have a Bible to look at; He did not let the devil lie to him; But was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. This is the key to real Bible faith! Being fully convinced that God will do what He  said that He will do.

If it is God's will to heal (it is) then He will heal me if I am fully convinced that God will do what He said that He will do. It is not a matter of time it is a matter of my faith, "Be it according to your faith." The good news is, faith can always grow. Like most other things, the more we practice our faith the more it grows. The point is God will honor and make good on His Word all the time.
I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. (Psalms 138:2)

But do we truly believe His Word?

Got Joy?

Joy is defined as; rejoicing; the emotion of great happiness; to make glad or happy; to experience great pleasure or delight. The Bible says, "The joy of the LORD is your strength," (Nehemiah 8:10); "In His presences is fullness of joy," (Psalm 16:11); The LORD desires His joy to remain and be full in the believer, (John 15:11); and, one of the fruits of the Spirit is Joy (Galatians 5:22). It should be obvious that believers should experience joy at all times, even if the storms of life should come upon them.

James tells us, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4)

But why should believers count it all joy when trials come? James tells us that trials try ones faith. They act as proof that the believer courageously and patiently stands on the promises of God's Word. They act as a witness that the believers faith is in Christ the Savior, Delieverer, Protector, Healer, etc. and reveal that the believer "Walks by faith and not by sight".

However, is this the way that most believers approach trials in their lives? Let's take a look at a scenario. If everything was going well, that is, there were no pressures of life distracting the believer, then of course having joy would certainly be no problem. But when something happens what do believers tend to do? Worry, fret, murmur or complain or maybe even try to figure something out in their own strength?

So let us consider, before the trial was God still LORD? Were we His children? Was His plan of salvation (rebirth, healing, deliverance, protection, provision, etc.) some how changed? How about when a trial comes. Is He still LORD? Are we still His children? Was His plan of salvation (rebirth, healing, deliverance, protection, provision, etc.) some how changed? If not then what has changed? Only a life situation or circumstance, not God, not His Word nor any of His promises.

Believe it or not, trials have a positive affect on the soul if believers exercise faith and let joy prevail. Why? Because Christ like character is formed and the believer is made whole in all parts of their lives, lacking nothing. Basically, all we are doing is following in the foot steps of Jesus...

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." (Hebrews 12:1-3)

We have joy in trials by, looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our FAITH and by consider what hostility He endured for us. In doing so our trials will pale and joy will prevail. Hallelujah...

New Covenant Prayer

The Bible records that Jesus was in a certain place praying and His disciple said to Him, "LORD teach us to pray as John also taught his disciples to pray." We then see Jesus' response...

So He said to them, "When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (Luke 11:2-4)

Notice the beginning words, “Our Father…” but also notice the ending words, “But deliver us from the evil one." or as recorded in Matthew 6:13, “For Yours is the kingdom and power and the glory forever. Amen” We need to understand that Jesus taught His disciples to pray this way before His death, burial and resurrection. In other words Jesus and His disciples were still under the Old Covenant and their prayers were spoken directly to God. However, Jesus mentions something in John's gospel which opens the door for prayer to answered prayer to those who are under the New Covenant that was established through His
death, burial and resurrection. This is very important for believe to understand if they want their prayers answered. As Jesus taught His disciples to pray under the Mosaic dispensation, He now tells them how to pray under the New Covenant that would be established and ushered in by His resurrection.

"A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father." Then some of His disciples said among themselves, "What is this that He says to us, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'; and, 'because I go to the Father'?" They said therefore, "What is this that He says, 'A little while'? We do not know what He is saying." Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, "Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'? Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. (John 16:16-22)

Jesus explains to His disciples His soon departure from His time on earth as the Son of Man, in doing so He also tells them of His resurrection. Then He tells them a very important key that opens the door to the Father's will being done on earth as it is in heaven.
"And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:22-23)
Jesus tells His disciples (all believers) that asking the Father in His name is the key to seeing the Father's will being done. When it comes to asking the Father for something, Jesus says we are to ask the Father in His name. There is no other way to approach the Father in prayer or any other way. We come in faith asking the Father in the name of Jesus. Keep in mind what Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection...
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18)

It was the Father that gave Him all authority. It is His name that, "Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you", opens the door for the Father's will being done on earth as it is in heaven. It takes faith to believe that statement. Unfortunately, most believers have been taught not to believe that the Father will give them whatever is asked in Jesus' name or they have twisted this promise to think that the Father will give them whatever they ask even if it is outside of His will. Look what John says...

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. (1 John 5:14-15) Notice how we are to ask and who we place our confidence or faith in. We are to ask according to His will (His will is His word and His word is His will) and then have confidence, that is faith in the name of Jesus. Hallalujah, what an incredible promise. Believers must put away all the doubts that faithless church leaders have promoted concerning God's will and His promises if we are to live in the fullness of redemption. The reason why most Christians see God's will as unpredictable and even unreliable is due to not believing that what God says is so and exercising unwaviering faith in His Word.

The devil is a liar and will do everything he can to get Christians to live in a realm where they believe that some how God is behind all the bad things that happen in their lives. I want to leave you with this thought...
"For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.
(1 Corinthians 11:29-30) Keep in mind that this is talking about Jesus' physical and spiritual body.

Shaking Things Up

The phrase "In one accord" means, to be in one mind; to be in agreement; to be in harmony; agreement or concurrence of opinion, will, or action. When believers flow in one accord the LORD will move mightily. One glorious example of this is found in Acts 4 practiced by the early church...
"For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:27-31)

Boy could we use this in the church today, but it's going to take faith. In this example we see a large number of believers coming together in one mind; in agreement; in harmony; agreement or concurrence of opinion, will, or action to accomplish God's will, to reach the lost by preaching the gospel with boldness and by working signs and wonders in the name of Jesus. We see the early church doing what they were commanded...
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Not only was the early church obeying the LORDS command, they were duplicating His very ministry...
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23)

These very things can also accomplished on a smaller scale.
"Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. (Matthew 18:19) 

Although in context with the preceding verses dealing with church discipline this verse is still universal and applies to all believers and all prayer. The phrase, “If two of you agree” is a metaphor reflecting a number of musical instruments set to the same key, skillfully playing the same tune and being pleasant to the ears. It means a perfect agreement of the hearts, desires, wishes, and voices of two or more persons praying that is highly pleasing in the sight and ears of the Lord. This is being in one accord, both agreeing, not one believing and one hoping, but both agreeing, that is, believing. When this happens, we see the Father's promise manifest as it did in Acts 4, “It will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”
(Also see - Matthew 21:21-22, Mark 11:23-24)

Next Jesus continues...
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
(Matthew 18:20)
“I am there”, only God is omnipresent so not only is He able to be any place at any time where two or more are gathered in Jesus' name, but this statement proves that Jesus is God. The LORD places a high premium on two or more believers coming together in His name agreeing in prayer; He is there!!! In light of these things, it is no wonder why Satan works overtime with his lies. Two of the deceptions that he uses (which by the way have not changed from mans beginning), first he does not want believers to come into agreement and secondly, he convinces them not to believe that these things are so for the church today. The early church clearly shows us that faith and agreement working together are very powerful. Unfortunately these same two areas that proved powerful in the early church are lacking in most congregations and individual believers today.

I believe the one thing that makes Christians dangerous in any culture is when they believe God period. Not believing what faithless church leaders, bible college or seminary professors have to say, but being fully convinced that what He says He will do. Faith really shakes things up. plus it is what pleases God...
(Hebrews 11:6)

Believing That God is Able

It’s been said in different ways that, “The faith that most believers have, needs to take an 18 inch trips south, from their head to their heart.” Most believers will agree mentally that Gods Word is true. We’ve been programmed to believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, yet many believers will confess that "I can’t understand why when I pray I do not have the answer to what I ask?" Let's look at a scripture that most believers know and refer to as "The Romans road to salvation"...
"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)


According to verse 9 how is one saved? “CONFESS with your mouth the LORD Jesus, (His Lordship) and BELIEVE in your HEART,” not your mind. According to verse 10 how does salvation happen? “For with the HEART one BELIEVES and with the MOUTH CONFESSION is made,” again not believing with the mind. Ephesians 2:8-9 paints the pictures for ones salvation, "‘For by grace you have been saved, (Sozo: saved, preserved, healed, delivered, made whole) through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast..”

It’s been almost 2000 years since Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. No one living today were actual witnesses of these events. So explain to me what tangible evidence you have today that these things are so? What is the evidence of these things that we have not seen? Why do we believe in rebirth through Christ? Why are we so sure of eternal life? The answer lies in the verses above from Romans, “CONFESS with your mouth the LORD Jesus, (His Lordship) and BELIEVE in your HEART. In doing so "He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself...And this is the testimony, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son". (I John 5:10-11)

It is this same witness in our spirit that believers should experience today that we can receive "Anything according to His WILL". This is not limited to rebirth only but every promise of God. The same way that people are  born again "confess with the mouth and believe in the heart" is the same way that all the promises of God are released. However, most believers in the USA have been so trained in knowledge that it thwarts faith from arising from the heart and believing is more of a mental assent.

A believers desire to know Christ more is certainly a great desire, but believers must move past knowing His word, to knowing Him who is the Word (Revelation 19:13) It is in this place where trust is built in the name above all names. It is knowing Him that causes believers to not waver at the promises of God through unbelief. It is knowing Him where faith is strengthened, because it is this place where the believer is fully convinced that what God has promised He is also able to preform, believing in your heart...