Sunday, July 17, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
God's Word: The Disciples Medicine
Many make the mistake of substituting belief in healing for the actual taking of God’s medicine – His Word. They say, “I believe in healing” without actually taking the medicine. What good would it do for you to believe in food if you didn’t eat it? You would starve. What good would it do for you to believe in water if you didn’t actually drink any? You would die of thirst.
God’s Word is His medicine. There are several parallels between God’s medicine and natural medicine.
First: God’s Word is a healing agent, just as natural medicine is a healing agent or catalyst. In other words, the medicine itself contains the capacity to produce healing. Inherent within God’s Word is the capacity, the energy, the ability, and the nature to effect healing in your body.
Second: We might say that medicine is no respector of persons. It will work for anyone who takes it. It is not a matter of if God is willing or not willing to heal any individual, but whether or not the individual will receive healing by taking the medicine that produces it.
Third, and most important: Medicine must be taken according to directions to be effective. Some medicine labels read, “Take internally”; others say, “Take externally.” To rub it on your body externally when the directions say to take it internally will not work. To take it after meals when the directions say take it before meals will reduce its effectiveness. To take it once in a while when the directions say three times a day will mean limited results, if any. No matter how good the medicine is, it must be taken according to the directions or it won’t work. So it is with God’s medicine. It must be taken according to directions for it to work.
We might say that attending to them, inclining your ear to them, and keeping them before your eyes causesthe Word to get into the midst of your heart. Notice this: It is only as God’s Words get in the midst of your heart and stay there that they produce healing in your body. Head knowledge won’t do. They are going to have to penetrate to your spirit through meditation – attending, hearing, looking, muttering, musing, pondering – to produce healing in your body. But once they do penetrate, they will surely bring health to all your flesh. … let them penetrate deep within your heart.
You can see again that God’s way of healing is spiritual. Power is ministered first to your spirit, then distributed to your body. God’s medicine must be taken internally. Listen, instead of wondering whether you have enough faith to be healed, just take the medicine. This handout contains Healing Scriptures. Feed on them several times a day, repeating them over and over again to yourself. The medicine itself will work if you will get it inside of you.
Fourth: Remember that it takes time for medicine to work. Most people give natural medicine a lot of time, patience, and money to work. They take the prescription back for refills and more refills. They are diligent about it. They don’t just take one dose and expect a miracle. Keep taking God’s medicine. Give it time to work.
Take your medicine. Say these Scriptures to yourself. Think on what you’re saying in your heart. Use them in praise to the Father. His Word is medicine to all your flesh.
God’s Word is His medicine. There are several parallels between God’s medicine and natural medicine.
First: God’s Word is a healing agent, just as natural medicine is a healing agent or catalyst. In other words, the medicine itself contains the capacity to produce healing. Inherent within God’s Word is the capacity, the energy, the ability, and the nature to effect healing in your body.
Second: We might say that medicine is no respector of persons. It will work for anyone who takes it. It is not a matter of if God is willing or not willing to heal any individual, but whether or not the individual will receive healing by taking the medicine that produces it.
Third, and most important: Medicine must be taken according to directions to be effective. Some medicine labels read, “Take internally”; others say, “Take externally.” To rub it on your body externally when the directions say to take it internally will not work. To take it after meals when the directions say take it before meals will reduce its effectiveness. To take it once in a while when the directions say three times a day will mean limited results, if any. No matter how good the medicine is, it must be taken according to the directions or it won’t work. So it is with God’s medicine. It must be taken according to directions for it to work.
We might say that attending to them, inclining your ear to them, and keeping them before your eyes causesthe Word to get into the midst of your heart. Notice this: It is only as God’s Words get in the midst of your heart and stay there that they produce healing in your body. Head knowledge won’t do. They are going to have to penetrate to your spirit through meditation – attending, hearing, looking, muttering, musing, pondering – to produce healing in your body. But once they do penetrate, they will surely bring health to all your flesh. … let them penetrate deep within your heart.
You can see again that God’s way of healing is spiritual. Power is ministered first to your spirit, then distributed to your body. God’s medicine must be taken internally. Listen, instead of wondering whether you have enough faith to be healed, just take the medicine. This handout contains Healing Scriptures. Feed on them several times a day, repeating them over and over again to yourself. The medicine itself will work if you will get it inside of you.
Fourth: Remember that it takes time for medicine to work. Most people give natural medicine a lot of time, patience, and money to work. They take the prescription back for refills and more refills. They are diligent about it. They don’t just take one dose and expect a miracle. Keep taking God’s medicine. Give it time to work.
Take your medicine. Say these Scriptures to yourself. Think on what you’re saying in your heart. Use them in praise to the Father. His Word is medicine to all your flesh.
Prophecy- Rev.Kenneth W. Hagin
Don't give up. Don't give up.
Put that dream back together.
Put it back together
and do what you know to do,
and it will come out all right.
Don't lay it down.
If you lay it down,
I don't have anybody else to pick
it up, saith the Lord.
You've got to do the job.
I gave it to you to do.
Don't transfer it to somebody else.
You do it.
Many have I called.
Many have I spoken to.
Many have I showed the dream
but they have rejected;
they have turned Me aside.
To you I have given
what they would not take.
To you I have given
because you said,
"Lord, here am I; send me."
When others turned aside
because it wasn't big enough.
When others said,
"Lord,I want the big ministry."
You did what I told you to do.
Relax in ME, and quit comparing
yourself with your fellow
ministers and your peers.
Quit comparing your ministry
with their ministry.
Compare your ministry
with what I told you to do,
and you'll rejoice,
because you'll see that it already
has surpassed what I told you to do
and you have gone on to a bigger dream.
You have advanced to another dream.
Keep moving with My Spirit,
and I will show you
the greatest victory of all.
Put that dream back together.
Put it back together
and do what you know to do,
and it will come out all right.
Don't lay it down.
If you lay it down,
I don't have anybody else to pick
it up, saith the Lord.
You've got to do the job.
I gave it to you to do.
Don't transfer it to somebody else.
You do it.
Many have I called.
Many have I spoken to.
Many have I showed the dream
but they have rejected;
they have turned Me aside.
To you I have given
what they would not take.
To you I have given
because you said,
"Lord, here am I; send me."
When others turned aside
because it wasn't big enough.
When others said,
"Lord,I want the big ministry."
You did what I told you to do.
Relax in ME, and quit comparing
yourself with your fellow
ministers and your peers.
Quit comparing your ministry
with their ministry.
Compare your ministry
with what I told you to do,
and you'll rejoice,
because you'll see that it already
has surpassed what I told you to do
and you have gone on to a bigger dream.
You have advanced to another dream.
Keep moving with My Spirit,
and I will show you
the greatest victory of all.
Petition For A Heavenly Grant
Wonderful and gracious Father God, Almighty Jehova Jireh, my provider, I humbly and boldly come to you to present to you my formal prayer of petition.
Be it known this day, _____________, at _________(A.M./P.M.), I request and based on your Holy Word, receive, a heavenly grant in the amount of $_____.__.
Father, in the Name of Jesus, I come boldly to the Throne of Grace, and present Your Word.
According to John 16:23 (Amplified), Jesus said, "I assure you most solemnly I tell you, that My Father will grant you whatever you ask in My Name."
Jesus, You said in Mark 11:24, "Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe, trust, and be confident that it is granted you, and you will get it."
Father, Your Word states in Luke 6:38, "Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom." In accordance to Your Word, I give, I sow seed, in order to set this Spiritual Law to work in my behalf.
According to Matthew 18:18, I bind Satan and all his forces and I render them helpless and unable to operate. They will not hinder my grant.
According to Hebrews 1:13 and 14, I loose the ministering spirits, and I charge them to go forth and cause my grant to come into my hands.
Father also according to your Holy Word in I John 5: 14-15 assures me, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of him."
The amount of this grant is for the following:
_______________, $______,__;
_______________- $______,__;
_______________- $______,__;
_______________- $______,__.
Jesus, You said in Matthew 18:19, "Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven."
Therefore, _____________________ set ourselves in agreement, and we believe we receive now, and we praise You for it Lord, In Jesus’ name and by His precious Blood, the divine currency.
Be it known this day, _____________, at _________(A.M./P.M.), I request and based on your Holy Word, receive, a heavenly grant in the amount of $_____.__.
Father, in the Name of Jesus, I come boldly to the Throne of Grace, and present Your Word.
According to John 16:23 (Amplified), Jesus said, "I assure you most solemnly I tell you, that My Father will grant you whatever you ask in My Name."
Jesus, You said in Mark 11:24, "Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe, trust, and be confident that it is granted you, and you will get it."
Father, Your Word states in Luke 6:38, "Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom." In accordance to Your Word, I give, I sow seed, in order to set this Spiritual Law to work in my behalf.
According to Matthew 18:18, I bind Satan and all his forces and I render them helpless and unable to operate. They will not hinder my grant.
According to Hebrews 1:13 and 14, I loose the ministering spirits, and I charge them to go forth and cause my grant to come into my hands.
Father also according to your Holy Word in I John 5: 14-15 assures me, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of him."
The amount of this grant is for the following:
_______________, $______,__;
_______________- $______,__;
_______________- $______,__;
_______________- $______,__.
Jesus, You said in Matthew 18:19, "Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven."
Therefore, _____________________ set ourselves in agreement, and we believe we receive now, and we praise You for it Lord, In Jesus’ name and by His precious Blood, the divine currency.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
The Disciples List of Confessions
Here is a list of confessions that remind us of God's love and power.
I love all people, and I am loved by all people.
I prosper in everything I put my hand to. I have prosperity in all areas of my life – spiritually, financially, mentally, and socially.
All my children have lots of Christian friends, and God has set aside a Christian wife or husband for each of them.
All my household are blessed in their deeds: we’re blessed when we come in and when we go out.
I take good care of my body. I eat right, I look good, I feel good, and I weigh what God wants me to weigh.
I operate in all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are tongues and interpretation of tongues, the working of miracles, discerning of spirits, the word of faith, the word of knowledge, the word of wisdom, healings, and prophecy.
I know God’s voice, and I always obey what He tells me.
The love of God has been shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost.
I do all my work excellently and with great prudence – making the most of all of my time.
I am creative because the Holy Spirit lives in me.
I love to pray. I love to praise and worship God.
I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. I will speak forth the righteousness of God all the day long.
I have humbled myself, and God has exalted me.
I am a giver. It is more blessed to give than to receive. I love to give! I have plenty of money to give away all the time.
I cast all my care on the Lord for He cares for me.
I don’t give the devil a foothold in my life. I resist the devil, and he has to flee from me.
I don’t have a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.
I am not afraid of the faces of man. I am not afraid of the anger of man.
I am a new creature in Christ: old things have passed away, behold, all things are new.
I have died and have been raised with Christ and am now seated in heavenly places.
I am dead to sin and alive unto righteousness.
I am a doer of the Word. I meditate on the Word all the day long.
I am not passive about anything, but I deal with all things in my life immediately.
I do not judge my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus after the flesh. I am a spiritual man and am judged by no one.
I take every thought captive unto the obedience of Jesus Christ, casting down every imagination, and every high and lofty thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.
I am a responsible person. I enjoy responsibility, and I rise to every responsibility in Jesus.
I have been set free. I am free to love, to worship, to trust with no fear of rejection or of being hurt.
I have compassion and understanding for all people.
I catch the devil in all of his deceitful lies. I cast them down and choose rather to believe the Word of God.
I am anointed of God for ministry. Hallelujah!
Work is good. I enjoy work. Glory!
I have a teachable spirit.
I do not think more highly of myself than I ought to in the flesh.
Pain cannot successfully come against my body because Jesus bore all my pain.
I am a teacher of the Word.
I lay hands on the sick, and they recover.
I do what I say I will do, and I get where I am going on time.
I don’t hurry and rush; I do one thing at a time.
God opens my mouth, and no man can shut it. God shuts my mouth, and no man can open it.
The law of kindness is in my tongue. Gentleness is in my touch. Mercy and compassion is in my hearing.
As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he; therefore, all of my thoughts are positive.
I do not allow the devil to use my spirit as a garbage dump by meditating on negative things that he offers me.
I am a believer not a doubter.
No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper, but every tongue that rises against me in judgment, I shall show to be in the wrong.
I am slow to speak, quick to hear, and slow to anger.
I cast out devils and demons; nothing deadly can hurt me.
I never bind a sister or brother with the words of my mouth.
I am always a positive encouragement. I edify and build up; I never tear down or destroy.
I will cry to God Most High Who performs on my behalf and rewards me.
My son has a sweet personality, and he is not rebellious.
I don’t speak negative things.
My children love to pray and study the Word. They openly and boldly praise God.
My children make right choices according to the Word of God.
I am an obedient wife, and no rebellion operates in me.
My husband is wise. He is the king and priest of our home. He makes Godly decisions.
I use my time wisely. All of my prayer and study time is wisely spent.
I walk in the spirit all of the time.
All that I own is paid for. I owe no man anything except to love him in Christ.
I love to bless people and spread the Gospel.
I am an intercessor.
I receive speaking engagements in person, by phone, and/or by mail every day.
My daughter operates in Godly wisdom and discipline, and she is full of energy.
I never get tired or grow weary when I study the Word, pray, minister, or praise God; but I am alert and full of energy. And as I study, I become more alert and more energized.
I will study the Word of God. I will pray.
I do not hate or walk in unforgiveness.
I do not fear. I am not guilty.
I love all people, and I am loved by all people.
I prosper in everything I put my hand to. I have prosperity in all areas of my life – spiritually, financially, mentally, and socially.
All my children have lots of Christian friends, and God has set aside a Christian wife or husband for each of them.
All my household are blessed in their deeds: we’re blessed when we come in and when we go out.
I take good care of my body. I eat right, I look good, I feel good, and I weigh what God wants me to weigh.
I operate in all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are tongues and interpretation of tongues, the working of miracles, discerning of spirits, the word of faith, the word of knowledge, the word of wisdom, healings, and prophecy.
I know God’s voice, and I always obey what He tells me.
The love of God has been shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost.
I do all my work excellently and with great prudence – making the most of all of my time.
I am creative because the Holy Spirit lives in me.
I love to pray. I love to praise and worship God.
I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. I will speak forth the righteousness of God all the day long.
I have humbled myself, and God has exalted me.
I am a giver. It is more blessed to give than to receive. I love to give! I have plenty of money to give away all the time.
I cast all my care on the Lord for He cares for me.
I don’t give the devil a foothold in my life. I resist the devil, and he has to flee from me.
I don’t have a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.
I am not afraid of the faces of man. I am not afraid of the anger of man.
I am a new creature in Christ: old things have passed away, behold, all things are new.
I have died and have been raised with Christ and am now seated in heavenly places.
I am dead to sin and alive unto righteousness.
I am a doer of the Word. I meditate on the Word all the day long.
I am not passive about anything, but I deal with all things in my life immediately.
I do not judge my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus after the flesh. I am a spiritual man and am judged by no one.
I take every thought captive unto the obedience of Jesus Christ, casting down every imagination, and every high and lofty thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.
I am a responsible person. I enjoy responsibility, and I rise to every responsibility in Jesus.
I have been set free. I am free to love, to worship, to trust with no fear of rejection or of being hurt.
I have compassion and understanding for all people.
I catch the devil in all of his deceitful lies. I cast them down and choose rather to believe the Word of God.
I am anointed of God for ministry. Hallelujah!
Work is good. I enjoy work. Glory!
I have a teachable spirit.
I do not think more highly of myself than I ought to in the flesh.
Pain cannot successfully come against my body because Jesus bore all my pain.
I am a teacher of the Word.
I lay hands on the sick, and they recover.
I do what I say I will do, and I get where I am going on time.
I don’t hurry and rush; I do one thing at a time.
God opens my mouth, and no man can shut it. God shuts my mouth, and no man can open it.
The law of kindness is in my tongue. Gentleness is in my touch. Mercy and compassion is in my hearing.
As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he; therefore, all of my thoughts are positive.
I do not allow the devil to use my spirit as a garbage dump by meditating on negative things that he offers me.
I am a believer not a doubter.
No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper, but every tongue that rises against me in judgment, I shall show to be in the wrong.
I am slow to speak, quick to hear, and slow to anger.
I cast out devils and demons; nothing deadly can hurt me.
I never bind a sister or brother with the words of my mouth.
I am always a positive encouragement. I edify and build up; I never tear down or destroy.
I will cry to God Most High Who performs on my behalf and rewards me.
My son has a sweet personality, and he is not rebellious.
I don’t speak negative things.
My children love to pray and study the Word. They openly and boldly praise God.
My children make right choices according to the Word of God.
I am an obedient wife, and no rebellion operates in me.
My husband is wise. He is the king and priest of our home. He makes Godly decisions.
I use my time wisely. All of my prayer and study time is wisely spent.
I walk in the spirit all of the time.
All that I own is paid for. I owe no man anything except to love him in Christ.
I love to bless people and spread the Gospel.
I am an intercessor.
I receive speaking engagements in person, by phone, and/or by mail every day.
My daughter operates in Godly wisdom and discipline, and she is full of energy.
I never get tired or grow weary when I study the Word, pray, minister, or praise God; but I am alert and full of energy. And as I study, I become more alert and more energized.
I will study the Word of God. I will pray.
I do not hate or walk in unforgiveness.
I do not fear. I am not guilty.
Jesus Christ Makes You Whole
We have the anointing or power of God. And with that power, we can take what God says in His Word, believe it, act on it, and receive it for ourselves.
And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. —Acts 9:32–35
This portion of Scripture tells the story of a helpless paralytic named Aeneas, who was healed when Peter told him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ cures you . . .” (Acts 9:34 Weymouth). As the story opens, we see a man named Peter who has been scurrying from town to town, village to village, synagogue to synagogue, and anywhere else he could find to preach.
Peter is telling people everywhere about Jesus Christ, the Man with whom he walked; the Man whom he saw die on the Cross for them; the Man whom he saw ascend from the Mount of Olives on a cloud of glory after telling His disciples, “…tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).
And now Peter has come to Lydda. Can’t you just see him as he finishes his first service and one of the brethren runs up to him and says, “Oh, Peter, we’ve got a sad case—a man by the name of Aeneas. He has been paralyzed for eight years. Will you go see him? He can’t make it out to the services”?
In my mind’s eye, I go down to Aeneas’ house with Peter. I see Peter approach Aeneas’ sickbed, and I see Aeneas look up sadly.
I can imagine him saying to Peter, “I’m glad you’ve come. I’ve tried all the doc tors: I’ve done everything I know to do, and I’m still not any better. They say it’s incurable. Do you have any ideas?”
I see a smile break across Peter’s face, and I know immediately that his mind is racing back to a certain day just after the Holy Spirit had been poured out—a day recounted in the third chapter of Acts.
In his memory, I’m sure Peter is walking up once again to the Gate called Beautiful. A wretched beggar sits beside the gate. He stinks from the stench of all the animals around him and of dirt as people walking by kick dust on his hunched-over frame. There this lowly figure sits, shaking that little tin cup, rattling those coins in the bottom of it.
I see Peter as he walks up to that beggar and says, “I don’t have any silver, and I don’t have any gold. But such as I have, give I you!” (Acts 3:1–8).
Peter witnessed that beggar leap and walk that day, healed by the power of God. And now, as he looks down at Aeneas, he says, “Aeneas, I can help you too!”
I’m sure Peter also told Aeneas, “Now, Aeneas, Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God. And not only is He the Son of the Living God, He has com missioned me to preach the Gospel, the Good News, of which I am a witness.” Then I’m sure Peter proceeded to tell Aeneas, “I was there when a group of us disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee and the storm came. Jesus came up to us walking on the water! I said, ‘If that be You, Lord, bid me come.’ Then I crawled out of the boat, and I walked on the water! It wasn’t until I took my eyes off Jesus and started looking at circumstances, Aeneas, that I began to sink. But He reached out and grabbed hold of me! And we walked back to the boat together” (Matt. 14:28–32).
“After we landed on the other side, Aeneas, I saw Jesus set free the demoniac of the Gadarenes [Mark 5:1–19]. I was also walking down the road with Him when the 10 lepers met Him—and they were healed as they went” (Luke 17:12–19).
“Aeneas, I was with Jesus when the ruler Jairus came requesting prayer for his daughter. We were on our way to Jairus’ house when messengers came and told him, ‘Don’t bother the Master any longer; your daughter is dead.’ I was there, and I saw it. Jesus turned to Jairus and said, ‘Only believe.’
“And, oh, Aeneas, I was there in Jairus’ house when Jesus took the damsel by the hand and raised her from the dead [Mark 5:35–43]!
“Let me tell you some thing else about Jesus, Aeneas. We were walking down the road one day and saw a funeral procession in Nain. And Jesus went over and raised the young man who was dead back to life again [Luke 7:11–15]!
“And, Aeneas, let me tell you something else: Jesus Christ now cures you! Arise and walk!”
I’m sure that Aeneas’ faith was so high at that point that he leaped out of that bed. Jesus Christ, the One he believed in, had healed him too! And the Word of God says that all of Lydda and Saron saw his healing and turned to the Lord (Acts 9:35).
Notice that the miracle of Aeneas’ healing occurred after the Day of Pentecost. That puts his healing within this present dispensation of the Holy Spirit, for we are living in the same dispensation as the Early Church. Anyone who studies the Word in depth knows it’s true. As long as we’re liv ing in the same dispensation, all of the spiritual and scriptural laws pertaining to that dispensation are still in effect. Healing is still in effect for us today!
Realize the impact of the words Peter spoke to Aeneas: “Jesus Christ cures you!” Grasp in your spirit the magnitude of the power contained in those words.
The Word of God says, “…with his stripes we ARE healed” (Isa. 53:5). Since Jesus Christ has cured us by His stripes (1 Peter 2:24), we have a right to be well! Then why do some people remain sick? Why doesn’t everyone get healed? The answer can be found in Luke chapter 4.
We read here that Jesus Christ has been traveling throughout Galilee preaching and teaching, and healing all who were oppressed of the devil. The Bible says that He became well known throughout the region. Returning to His hometown of Nazareth, however, He encountered only hostility and unbelief when He visited the synagogue.
Jesus began to read to them from the scroll of Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18–19).
Then Jesus closed the scroll and sat down. All eyes were fixed on Him. He said, “. . . This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (v. 21).
Oh, what a revival they could have had that day in Nazareth! There was no need for anyone in Nazareth to let the sun set that day on their sin, sickness, disease, or anything else that held them captive and bound. There was no need for anyone to go to bed that night with any pain left in his or her body. Jesus had just told them that He had come to set them free!
What a celebration they could have had! Why didn’t they receive their healing? It is very simple: They refused to believe.
I want you to notice some thing. Peter said to Aeneas, “Jesus Christ cures you. Arise!” and Aeneas arose because Aeneas believed.
And if we today will only believe what the Word of God says with out pulling back from it, we will receive blessing after blessing. It is when we refuse to believe that we do not receive.
Therefore, it is up to you to believe and receive from God. In His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension and seating on High, Jesus Christ already has purchased everything you’ll ever need. We talk about Jesus’ blood being shed for the redemption of sin. Yes, it was, but that blood also was shed to obtain our healing. Jesus Christ has healed you. It’s now time for you to arise and receive.
We have the anointing or power of God. And with that power, we can take what God says in His Word, believe it, act on it, and receive it for ourselves. That is why it is now up to you to receive whatever you want from God.
Peter said, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ cures you. Arise!” That same Jesus is still walk ing up and down the face of the earth by His Holy Spirit—and that same Jesus will cure you! Take that verse of Scripture and put your own name on it—for example: “John, Jesus Christ cures you.” “Barbara, Jesus Christ cures you.” “Ruth, Jesus Christ cures you.” Or, “Ken, Jesus Christ cures you.”
Based on God’s Word, I can confidently say to you—whoever you are, wherever you are, and whatever your situation: “Jesus Christ cures you! Arise and receive your healing—right now!”
And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. —Acts 9:32–35
This portion of Scripture tells the story of a helpless paralytic named Aeneas, who was healed when Peter told him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ cures you . . .” (Acts 9:34 Weymouth). As the story opens, we see a man named Peter who has been scurrying from town to town, village to village, synagogue to synagogue, and anywhere else he could find to preach.
Peter is telling people everywhere about Jesus Christ, the Man with whom he walked; the Man whom he saw die on the Cross for them; the Man whom he saw ascend from the Mount of Olives on a cloud of glory after telling His disciples, “…tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).
And now Peter has come to Lydda. Can’t you just see him as he finishes his first service and one of the brethren runs up to him and says, “Oh, Peter, we’ve got a sad case—a man by the name of Aeneas. He has been paralyzed for eight years. Will you go see him? He can’t make it out to the services”?
In my mind’s eye, I go down to Aeneas’ house with Peter. I see Peter approach Aeneas’ sickbed, and I see Aeneas look up sadly.
I can imagine him saying to Peter, “I’m glad you’ve come. I’ve tried all the doc tors: I’ve done everything I know to do, and I’m still not any better. They say it’s incurable. Do you have any ideas?”
I see a smile break across Peter’s face, and I know immediately that his mind is racing back to a certain day just after the Holy Spirit had been poured out—a day recounted in the third chapter of Acts.
In his memory, I’m sure Peter is walking up once again to the Gate called Beautiful. A wretched beggar sits beside the gate. He stinks from the stench of all the animals around him and of dirt as people walking by kick dust on his hunched-over frame. There this lowly figure sits, shaking that little tin cup, rattling those coins in the bottom of it.
I see Peter as he walks up to that beggar and says, “I don’t have any silver, and I don’t have any gold. But such as I have, give I you!” (Acts 3:1–8).
Peter witnessed that beggar leap and walk that day, healed by the power of God. And now, as he looks down at Aeneas, he says, “Aeneas, I can help you too!”
I’m sure Peter also told Aeneas, “Now, Aeneas, Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God. And not only is He the Son of the Living God, He has com missioned me to preach the Gospel, the Good News, of which I am a witness.” Then I’m sure Peter proceeded to tell Aeneas, “I was there when a group of us disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee and the storm came. Jesus came up to us walking on the water! I said, ‘If that be You, Lord, bid me come.’ Then I crawled out of the boat, and I walked on the water! It wasn’t until I took my eyes off Jesus and started looking at circumstances, Aeneas, that I began to sink. But He reached out and grabbed hold of me! And we walked back to the boat together” (Matt. 14:28–32).
“After we landed on the other side, Aeneas, I saw Jesus set free the demoniac of the Gadarenes [Mark 5:1–19]. I was also walking down the road with Him when the 10 lepers met Him—and they were healed as they went” (Luke 17:12–19).
“Aeneas, I was with Jesus when the ruler Jairus came requesting prayer for his daughter. We were on our way to Jairus’ house when messengers came and told him, ‘Don’t bother the Master any longer; your daughter is dead.’ I was there, and I saw it. Jesus turned to Jairus and said, ‘Only believe.’
“And, oh, Aeneas, I was there in Jairus’ house when Jesus took the damsel by the hand and raised her from the dead [Mark 5:35–43]!
“Let me tell you some thing else about Jesus, Aeneas. We were walking down the road one day and saw a funeral procession in Nain. And Jesus went over and raised the young man who was dead back to life again [Luke 7:11–15]!
“And, Aeneas, let me tell you something else: Jesus Christ now cures you! Arise and walk!”
I’m sure that Aeneas’ faith was so high at that point that he leaped out of that bed. Jesus Christ, the One he believed in, had healed him too! And the Word of God says that all of Lydda and Saron saw his healing and turned to the Lord (Acts 9:35).
Notice that the miracle of Aeneas’ healing occurred after the Day of Pentecost. That puts his healing within this present dispensation of the Holy Spirit, for we are living in the same dispensation as the Early Church. Anyone who studies the Word in depth knows it’s true. As long as we’re liv ing in the same dispensation, all of the spiritual and scriptural laws pertaining to that dispensation are still in effect. Healing is still in effect for us today!
Realize the impact of the words Peter spoke to Aeneas: “Jesus Christ cures you!” Grasp in your spirit the magnitude of the power contained in those words.
The Word of God says, “…with his stripes we ARE healed” (Isa. 53:5). Since Jesus Christ has cured us by His stripes (1 Peter 2:24), we have a right to be well! Then why do some people remain sick? Why doesn’t everyone get healed? The answer can be found in Luke chapter 4.
We read here that Jesus Christ has been traveling throughout Galilee preaching and teaching, and healing all who were oppressed of the devil. The Bible says that He became well known throughout the region. Returning to His hometown of Nazareth, however, He encountered only hostility and unbelief when He visited the synagogue.
Jesus began to read to them from the scroll of Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18–19).
Then Jesus closed the scroll and sat down. All eyes were fixed on Him. He said, “. . . This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (v. 21).
Oh, what a revival they could have had that day in Nazareth! There was no need for anyone in Nazareth to let the sun set that day on their sin, sickness, disease, or anything else that held them captive and bound. There was no need for anyone to go to bed that night with any pain left in his or her body. Jesus had just told them that He had come to set them free!
What a celebration they could have had! Why didn’t they receive their healing? It is very simple: They refused to believe.
I want you to notice some thing. Peter said to Aeneas, “Jesus Christ cures you. Arise!” and Aeneas arose because Aeneas believed.
And if we today will only believe what the Word of God says with out pulling back from it, we will receive blessing after blessing. It is when we refuse to believe that we do not receive.
Therefore, it is up to you to believe and receive from God. In His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension and seating on High, Jesus Christ already has purchased everything you’ll ever need. We talk about Jesus’ blood being shed for the redemption of sin. Yes, it was, but that blood also was shed to obtain our healing. Jesus Christ has healed you. It’s now time for you to arise and receive.
We have the anointing or power of God. And with that power, we can take what God says in His Word, believe it, act on it, and receive it for ourselves. That is why it is now up to you to receive whatever you want from God.
Peter said, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ cures you. Arise!” That same Jesus is still walk ing up and down the face of the earth by His Holy Spirit—and that same Jesus will cure you! Take that verse of Scripture and put your own name on it—for example: “John, Jesus Christ cures you.” “Barbara, Jesus Christ cures you.” “Ruth, Jesus Christ cures you.” Or, “Ken, Jesus Christ cures you.”
Based on God’s Word, I can confidently say to you—whoever you are, wherever you are, and whatever your situation: “Jesus Christ cures you! Arise and receive your healing—right now!”
Following God's Plan
Sometimes when God says something to believers about His plans for their lives, they try to make them come to pass by their own efforts. When they do that, they can muddy the waters, so to speak. In other words, they can hinder God’s plan for them so God isn’t free to do what He wants to do. They need to just stay in faith regarding God’s plan and let God bring to pass what He has told them. To fulfill their part, they need to prepare themselves according to the Word and the Holy Spirit’s leading.
I muddied the waters of God’s plan for me more than once when I was young in the Lord. Sometimes when the Lord said something to me about my ministry, I would try to jump out immediately and do it. Every single time I did that, what the Lord told me to do didn’t work out right.
Now someone might think, Well, that just shows that the Lord didn’t really speak to you. But the Lord did speak to me; I just didn’t get the timing right, so I hindered God’s plan.
As I grew in the Lord, I learned not to jump out ahead of Him, but to just allow Him to bring to pass His purposes for me as I stayed faithful to prepare myself. I also learned to get not only the what of God’s plan, but to continue to pray until I also received the when and the how.
Over the years I’ve learned to operate that way in every area of my life. I don’t move until I get the signal from the Holy Spirit to move. When I get that signal and act on what God has told me, I have found that God’s plan always works smoothly.
I learned long ago not to try to figure out with my own natural understanding how and when God’s plan will come to pass. And as I’ve been faithful to obey Him step by step, in His own time, He has brought to pass what He revealed to me.
God has prepared a plan for your life, but you aren’t always ready to fulfill the next step of that plan. So God will take whatever time is needed to develop and train you before He brings to pass what He has spoken to your heart.
Days of preparation are never lost time. There may be important lessons or truths that you still need to learn in order to successfully fulfill God’s plan for you. And it takes time to prepare and establish yourself in God’s Word (2 Tim. 2:15).
I muddied the waters of God’s plan for me more than once when I was young in the Lord. Sometimes when the Lord said something to me about my ministry, I would try to jump out immediately and do it. Every single time I did that, what the Lord told me to do didn’t work out right.
Now someone might think, Well, that just shows that the Lord didn’t really speak to you. But the Lord did speak to me; I just didn’t get the timing right, so I hindered God’s plan.
As I grew in the Lord, I learned not to jump out ahead of Him, but to just allow Him to bring to pass His purposes for me as I stayed faithful to prepare myself. I also learned to get not only the what of God’s plan, but to continue to pray until I also received the when and the how.
Over the years I’ve learned to operate that way in every area of my life. I don’t move until I get the signal from the Holy Spirit to move. When I get that signal and act on what God has told me, I have found that God’s plan always works smoothly.
I learned long ago not to try to figure out with my own natural understanding how and when God’s plan will come to pass. And as I’ve been faithful to obey Him step by step, in His own time, He has brought to pass what He revealed to me.
God has prepared a plan for your life, but you aren’t always ready to fulfill the next step of that plan. So God will take whatever time is needed to develop and train you before He brings to pass what He has spoken to your heart.
Days of preparation are never lost time. There may be important lessons or truths that you still need to learn in order to successfully fulfill God’s plan for you. And it takes time to prepare and establish yourself in God’s Word (2 Tim. 2:15).
Friday, July 1, 2011
Understanding Redemption
God is able to establish us in the faith according to the plan of redemption which had been hidden over the ages. After the Fall in the Garden of Eden, God spoke and outlined that plan. What He laid down put Satan out of business completely. Praise God! He has commanded that the plan of redemption be revealed to His people by His Word. This outline will help you, step by step, understand the reality of it and prevent Satan from lording over you.
1. The Plan of Redemption Called for an Incarnation (The Union of Divinity With
Humanity in Jesus Christ)
Man was the key figure in the Fall. Therefore, it took a man, Jesus, to be the key figure in the redemption of man. When we were born into this world, ruled by Satan, we did not naturally know God. Therefore, the objective of the incarnation is that men may be given the right to become children of God by receiving the nature of God (John 1:12-13; II Peter 1:3-4).
2. Redemption Comes From Knowledge
God's divine power has already provided everything that pertains to life and godliness. You can escape from the corruption in the world and partake of the divine nature of God. And you can have peace and grace multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord (II Peter 1:1-4). It's there for you!
But this revelation knowledge is not sense knowledge - doctrine, philosophies and creeds - it is the reality and full truth of the Word of God revealed by the Holy Spirit (James 3:13-18). Revelation knowledge is literally knowledge brought to you by revelation!
3. Satan's Lordship Has Been Broken
Revelation 12:11 tells us that the believers overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, or confession. Confession brings possession. Boldly confess, "I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of my testimony. I am redeemed from the lordship of Satan. I can stop his assignments every time" (II Corinthians 10:4; James 4:7). Satan is not the head of the Church. Jesus is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 4:15-16, 5:23; Colossians 1:18, 2:10). Satan has no rule over you. Hallelujah!
4. You Are Bought With a Price
I Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us we are the temple of the Holy Spirit which is received from God. This means that we don't own ourselves. We were bought with the price paid through the plan of redemption. Because of that, we should glorify God in our bodies and spirits.
5. God's Response
When you begin to take your place and assume your rights and privileges in Christ, then God begins to respond to you. The Word gives us our inheritance (Acts 20:32; Colossians 1:12). As you study the scriptures in this outline, our prayer is that you come to the full knowledge of who you are in Christ, especially in light of the redemption plan. God will bless you! Amen!
1. The Plan of Redemption Called for an Incarnation (The Union of Divinity With
Humanity in Jesus Christ)
Man was the key figure in the Fall. Therefore, it took a man, Jesus, to be the key figure in the redemption of man. When we were born into this world, ruled by Satan, we did not naturally know God. Therefore, the objective of the incarnation is that men may be given the right to become children of God by receiving the nature of God (John 1:12-13; II Peter 1:3-4).
2. Redemption Comes From Knowledge
God's divine power has already provided everything that pertains to life and godliness. You can escape from the corruption in the world and partake of the divine nature of God. And you can have peace and grace multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord (II Peter 1:1-4). It's there for you!
But this revelation knowledge is not sense knowledge - doctrine, philosophies and creeds - it is the reality and full truth of the Word of God revealed by the Holy Spirit (James 3:13-18). Revelation knowledge is literally knowledge brought to you by revelation!
3. Satan's Lordship Has Been Broken
Revelation 12:11 tells us that the believers overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, or confession. Confession brings possession. Boldly confess, "I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of my testimony. I am redeemed from the lordship of Satan. I can stop his assignments every time" (II Corinthians 10:4; James 4:7). Satan is not the head of the Church. Jesus is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 4:15-16, 5:23; Colossians 1:18, 2:10). Satan has no rule over you. Hallelujah!
4. You Are Bought With a Price
I Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us we are the temple of the Holy Spirit which is received from God. This means that we don't own ourselves. We were bought with the price paid through the plan of redemption. Because of that, we should glorify God in our bodies and spirits.
5. God's Response
When you begin to take your place and assume your rights and privileges in Christ, then God begins to respond to you. The Word gives us our inheritance (Acts 20:32; Colossians 1:12). As you study the scriptures in this outline, our prayer is that you come to the full knowledge of who you are in Christ, especially in light of the redemption plan. God will bless you! Amen!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
A Sound Mind
As you begin to claim your mind back from the enemy, he will not want to give up the place that he has had. You will have to do battle with his lies and confusion.
Your first step is to declare out loud that you will not allow any outside force to do your thinking–no man and no spirit. There are spiritual laws that demons must obey. They cannot stay where a man wills them not to stay. Your power is in the Name of Jesus, the Blood of Jesus, and the Word of God. Ask God to give you discernment of the lies of the devil.
Think about what you are thinking about. As you recognize a lie to your mind, always defend yourself out loud. That means speaking to Satan and the evil forces out loud, binding them in the Name of Jesus, and forbidding them to lie to you and to use your mind.
When you catch a lie to your mind, use this prescription regularly–and you will regain peace, your memory, restful nights, and the ability to concentrate and comprehend.
You are in a battle–you are not alone–for all of God’s people fight this same fight (Ephesians 6:12). Make up your mind not to give up! According to Colossians 3:2, set your mind on things above and keep it set! As you begin this battle, it will seem worse than ever. The reason is that the demonic powers are fighting to keep their place in your mind (and in your thinking). Call upon God’s grace in the Name of Jesus, and He will give you the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome every evil tendency fully.
Remember, regaining your mind is a process. We all fail at one time or another. God knows our weakness; that is why He gave us 1 John 1:9. Just ask for forgiveness and see the Blood of Jesus washing away your sin. Don’t give up! Continue claiming what belongs to you (your mind and your thinking belong to you), and Jesus will help you overcome.
Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind!”
Your first step is to declare out loud that you will not allow any outside force to do your thinking–no man and no spirit. There are spiritual laws that demons must obey. They cannot stay where a man wills them not to stay. Your power is in the Name of Jesus, the Blood of Jesus, and the Word of God. Ask God to give you discernment of the lies of the devil.
Think about what you are thinking about. As you recognize a lie to your mind, always defend yourself out loud. That means speaking to Satan and the evil forces out loud, binding them in the Name of Jesus, and forbidding them to lie to you and to use your mind.
When you catch a lie to your mind, use this prescription regularly–and you will regain peace, your memory, restful nights, and the ability to concentrate and comprehend.
You are in a battle–you are not alone–for all of God’s people fight this same fight (Ephesians 6:12). Make up your mind not to give up! According to Colossians 3:2, set your mind on things above and keep it set! As you begin this battle, it will seem worse than ever. The reason is that the demonic powers are fighting to keep their place in your mind (and in your thinking). Call upon God’s grace in the Name of Jesus, and He will give you the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome every evil tendency fully.
Remember, regaining your mind is a process. We all fail at one time or another. God knows our weakness; that is why He gave us 1 John 1:9. Just ask for forgiveness and see the Blood of Jesus washing away your sin. Don’t give up! Continue claiming what belongs to you (your mind and your thinking belong to you), and Jesus will help you overcome.
Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind!”
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Detecting Unforgiveness
Most all of us like getting promoted, and there's nothing wrong with that. But sometimes we fail tests in certain areas that keep us from getting promoted. Areas like forgiveness.
If someone has hurt you, don't spend the next 10 years of your life hurting yourself by hanging on to that offense. Most likely, that other person isn't even thinking about you, while you dwell on the incident for years. That only hurts one person—you.
You see, when you forgive someone, you are helping yourself.
To help you understand the importance of forgiveness, here are six ways to detect unforgiveness in your own heart. Once exposed, you'll be one step closer to your personal promotion from God.
1) Unforgiveness always keeps score.
In Luke 15:29, the elder brother of the prodigal son said, "Look! These many years I have served you." Peter wanted to know how many times he had to forgive someone. Unforgiveness is always looking at the score. But 1 Corinthians 13:5 says, Love takes no account…. It doesn't count up the evil done to it.
2) Unforgiveness always boasts of its own record.
In Luke 15:29, the older brother of the prodigal son says "These many years I have never done wrong." Judgment always says that I always do good and others do bad. An unforgiving spirit keeps us from God's best for us.
3) Unforgiveness always complains.
"You never do anything for me." Ever catch yourself thinking that about someone? This attitude only sees what others aren't doing and doesn't see what they are doing. God's Word clearly shows that we're not supposed to complain. And if you're continuously using your mouth to complain about some incident of offense, you won't get past it. Don't waste time by complaining.
4) Unforgiveness has a martyr syndrome.
"I do all the work." Workaholics are particularly susceptible to this one. Sometimes people who work all the time and don't know how to enjoy their life get jealous when other people are enjoying life. Is there someone who aggravates you when you see them having a good time? If yes, you could have unforgiveness toward them.
5) Unforgiveness always alienates, divides and separates.
When the kids are acting up, we say "my husband's kids" or maybe something like, "What are you going to do about your son?" Those are divisive statements. Maybe you have a coworker who you stay away from as much as possible or a sibling you don't talk to much…why do you separate yourself from them? Maybe you need to forgive that person.
6) Unforgiveness is always envious and jealous when angry at someone who gets blessed.
If someone who has hurt you gets a blessing, it grates on you…at least it did for me until I learned how to forgive. Forgiveness is a decision—not a feeling.
When you pray for people who have hurt you, it's a choice. But there's healing in that for you. Bless and do not curse them means to speak well and not evil of them when that person is not around. And be good to them in various ways as wisdom allows.
Improve Your Life I want to encourage you today to make a decision to start living a lifestyle of forgiveness and refuse to be offended.
A forgiving lifestyle helps you become more like Christ. As you learn the importance of forgiveness and begin to practice forgiving others, your heart will heal from bitterness, and your personal growth will lead you to the promotions God has planned for you.
If someone has hurt you, don't spend the next 10 years of your life hurting yourself by hanging on to that offense. Most likely, that other person isn't even thinking about you, while you dwell on the incident for years. That only hurts one person—you.
You see, when you forgive someone, you are helping yourself.
To help you understand the importance of forgiveness, here are six ways to detect unforgiveness in your own heart. Once exposed, you'll be one step closer to your personal promotion from God.
1) Unforgiveness always keeps score.
In Luke 15:29, the elder brother of the prodigal son said, "Look! These many years I have served you." Peter wanted to know how many times he had to forgive someone. Unforgiveness is always looking at the score. But 1 Corinthians 13:5 says, Love takes no account…. It doesn't count up the evil done to it.
2) Unforgiveness always boasts of its own record.
In Luke 15:29, the older brother of the prodigal son says "These many years I have never done wrong." Judgment always says that I always do good and others do bad. An unforgiving spirit keeps us from God's best for us.
3) Unforgiveness always complains.
"You never do anything for me." Ever catch yourself thinking that about someone? This attitude only sees what others aren't doing and doesn't see what they are doing. God's Word clearly shows that we're not supposed to complain. And if you're continuously using your mouth to complain about some incident of offense, you won't get past it. Don't waste time by complaining.
4) Unforgiveness has a martyr syndrome.
"I do all the work." Workaholics are particularly susceptible to this one. Sometimes people who work all the time and don't know how to enjoy their life get jealous when other people are enjoying life. Is there someone who aggravates you when you see them having a good time? If yes, you could have unforgiveness toward them.
5) Unforgiveness always alienates, divides and separates.
When the kids are acting up, we say "my husband's kids" or maybe something like, "What are you going to do about your son?" Those are divisive statements. Maybe you have a coworker who you stay away from as much as possible or a sibling you don't talk to much…why do you separate yourself from them? Maybe you need to forgive that person.
6) Unforgiveness is always envious and jealous when angry at someone who gets blessed.
If someone who has hurt you gets a blessing, it grates on you…at least it did for me until I learned how to forgive. Forgiveness is a decision—not a feeling.
When you pray for people who have hurt you, it's a choice. But there's healing in that for you. Bless and do not curse them means to speak well and not evil of them when that person is not around. And be good to them in various ways as wisdom allows.
Improve Your Life I want to encourage you today to make a decision to start living a lifestyle of forgiveness and refuse to be offended.
A forgiving lifestyle helps you become more like Christ. As you learn the importance of forgiveness and begin to practice forgiving others, your heart will heal from bitterness, and your personal growth will lead you to the promotions God has planned for you.
Think About What You're Thinking About
Thoughts are powerful, and according to the writer of the book of Proverbs, they have creative ability. See Proverbs 23:7.
In fact, you cannot have a positive, exciting life and a negative mind.
Maybe you've spent years thinking wrong thoughts based on a warped, dysfunctional past, but that can change today. If you struggle with negative thinking, it's important for you to come to grips with the fact that your life won't change until your thinking does.
The Bible says that God loves us, but have you ever struggled to believe this? I have learned that if we never meditate on God's Word, we will never experience the depth of His love for us. The love of God is meant to be a powerful force in our lives, one that will take us through even the most difficult trials into victory.
The Bible presents a lot of detailed instruction on what kinds of things we should think about. Philippians 4:8 alone tells us to think about things that build us up, not tear us down.
If you're a believer, you probably think some Scripture-based thoughts throughout each day, but think about this. Are you mixing them with negative thoughts or just any random thoughts that come into your mind? For most of my life, I simply thought whatever fell into my head. Much of what was in my head was either lies Satan was telling me or just plain nonsense. The devil was controlling my life because he was controlling my thoughts.
Read Mark 4:24. It tells us the more time we spend thinking about the Word, the more power and ability we will have to walk in it. It also says the more we read and listen to the Word, the more revelation we will receive to understand it.
In the flesh we are lazy and want to receive from God without any effort on our own part, but that's not the way it works. You will only get out of the Word what you are willing to put into it. I encourage you to make a decision to meditate on God's Word every day because every moment you spend absorbing it, the more virtue and knowledge you will receive from God.
In fact, you cannot have a positive, exciting life and a negative mind.
Maybe you've spent years thinking wrong thoughts based on a warped, dysfunctional past, but that can change today. If you struggle with negative thinking, it's important for you to come to grips with the fact that your life won't change until your thinking does.
The Bible says that God loves us, but have you ever struggled to believe this? I have learned that if we never meditate on God's Word, we will never experience the depth of His love for us. The love of God is meant to be a powerful force in our lives, one that will take us through even the most difficult trials into victory.
The Bible presents a lot of detailed instruction on what kinds of things we should think about. Philippians 4:8 alone tells us to think about things that build us up, not tear us down.
If you're a believer, you probably think some Scripture-based thoughts throughout each day, but think about this. Are you mixing them with negative thoughts or just any random thoughts that come into your mind? For most of my life, I simply thought whatever fell into my head. Much of what was in my head was either lies Satan was telling me or just plain nonsense. The devil was controlling my life because he was controlling my thoughts.
Read Mark 4:24. It tells us the more time we spend thinking about the Word, the more power and ability we will have to walk in it. It also says the more we read and listen to the Word, the more revelation we will receive to understand it.
In the flesh we are lazy and want to receive from God without any effort on our own part, but that's not the way it works. You will only get out of the Word what you are willing to put into it. I encourage you to make a decision to meditate on God's Word every day because every moment you spend absorbing it, the more virtue and knowledge you will receive from God.
Waiting On God
Have you been praying about a situation in your life and found yourself waiting for a breakthrough? Are you wondering why the answer hasn't come yet? Do you feel as though victory is passing you by?
Sometimes when we pray long and hard about a situation in our life without receiving any answers, we just learn to live with it. We go on about our business, wondering if or when God will send the answer. But God does hear those prayers, and He’s working out the answers even though we may not know all the details. Our situation can change suddenly—quickly without warning!
But one thing is certain: Before God moves suddenly, we will wait. Waiting for answers is a fact of life—nobody gets out of it. So the question is not if we'll wait, but rather how we’ll wait. And I believe how will determine how long.
All of us will wait passively, or we'll wait expectantly. A passive person hopes something good will happen and is willing to sit around waiting to see if it does. After a short time, he gives up, saying, "That’s it! I've waited and waited and nothing's happened." The passive person has a lot of wishbone but not much backbone!
The expectant person, on the other hand, is hopeful, believing the answer is just around the corner, due to arrive any minute. His belief is not a passive thing. His heart is full of hope, expecting his problem to be solved at any moment. He wakes up every morning expecting to find his answer. He may wait and wait, but suddenly what he’s been waiting for happens.
It’s just like when a woman is pregnant; it's said that she is expecting a baby. She carries inside her the promise of a baby, and even though she can’t see it, she knows it's there. The moment she learns of her pregnancy, she begins to plan for her baby's arrival. She starts collecting items she'll need and busily gets the nursery ready. She actively prepares for the arrival of the baby because she knows the promise will be fulfilled—it's just a matter of time. She is expectant and she'll wait as long as it takes.
We know the word wait means "to expect" or "to look for." But remember, it also means "to serve" — just like a waiter waits on your table at a restaurant. Our act of waiting isn’t supposed to be spent sitting around passively hoping that something will happen sometime soon.
Once we've asked God to answer a question or solve a problem, we need to be eagerly awaiting His answer. We need to be serving actively, aggressively and expectantly. When our hearts are eager to hear from God, He loves to rush in suddenly with His solution. In many cases this waiting period actually serves as a time of preparation for the answer. If God answered right away, many of us would be ill-prepared to handle His solution.
Sometimes we find ourselves in such horrible messes that it's hard to imagine waiting one more second. But we need to keep waiting on God and trusting Him with a sweet and simple faith. Then, in a way we never could've figured out—God moves suddenly!
In the Bible Paul and Silas knew about waiting, and they waited well. Acts 16 tells the story of how they were attacked by a crowd, beaten and thrown in jail. Verse 24 says the jailer put them into the inner prison (the dungeon) and fastened their feet in the stocks. He was making sure they couldn't escape. But about midnight, God showed up. Now it would have been nice if He'd come a little earlier, but Paul and Silas didn’t seem to mind—they just decided to start singing and began to worship the Lord. They began to wait on God.
Verses 25 & 26 say, "But about midnight, as Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the [other] prisoners were listening to them, suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the very foundations of the prison were shaken; and at once all the doors were opened and everyone's shackles were unfastened." God answered them suddenly!
When people patiently and expectantly wait on God in the midst of horrible circumstances, suddenly God breaks through. So don't give up! Don’t stop believing! Stay full of hope and expectation. God's power is limitless, and He'll break through for you.
Sometimes when we pray long and hard about a situation in our life without receiving any answers, we just learn to live with it. We go on about our business, wondering if or when God will send the answer. But God does hear those prayers, and He’s working out the answers even though we may not know all the details. Our situation can change suddenly—quickly without warning!
But one thing is certain: Before God moves suddenly, we will wait. Waiting for answers is a fact of life—nobody gets out of it. So the question is not if we'll wait, but rather how we’ll wait. And I believe how will determine how long.
All of us will wait passively, or we'll wait expectantly. A passive person hopes something good will happen and is willing to sit around waiting to see if it does. After a short time, he gives up, saying, "That’s it! I've waited and waited and nothing's happened." The passive person has a lot of wishbone but not much backbone!
The expectant person, on the other hand, is hopeful, believing the answer is just around the corner, due to arrive any minute. His belief is not a passive thing. His heart is full of hope, expecting his problem to be solved at any moment. He wakes up every morning expecting to find his answer. He may wait and wait, but suddenly what he’s been waiting for happens.
It’s just like when a woman is pregnant; it's said that she is expecting a baby. She carries inside her the promise of a baby, and even though she can’t see it, she knows it's there. The moment she learns of her pregnancy, she begins to plan for her baby's arrival. She starts collecting items she'll need and busily gets the nursery ready. She actively prepares for the arrival of the baby because she knows the promise will be fulfilled—it's just a matter of time. She is expectant and she'll wait as long as it takes.
We know the word wait means "to expect" or "to look for." But remember, it also means "to serve" — just like a waiter waits on your table at a restaurant. Our act of waiting isn’t supposed to be spent sitting around passively hoping that something will happen sometime soon.
Once we've asked God to answer a question or solve a problem, we need to be eagerly awaiting His answer. We need to be serving actively, aggressively and expectantly. When our hearts are eager to hear from God, He loves to rush in suddenly with His solution. In many cases this waiting period actually serves as a time of preparation for the answer. If God answered right away, many of us would be ill-prepared to handle His solution.
Sometimes we find ourselves in such horrible messes that it's hard to imagine waiting one more second. But we need to keep waiting on God and trusting Him with a sweet and simple faith. Then, in a way we never could've figured out—God moves suddenly!
In the Bible Paul and Silas knew about waiting, and they waited well. Acts 16 tells the story of how they were attacked by a crowd, beaten and thrown in jail. Verse 24 says the jailer put them into the inner prison (the dungeon) and fastened their feet in the stocks. He was making sure they couldn't escape. But about midnight, God showed up. Now it would have been nice if He'd come a little earlier, but Paul and Silas didn’t seem to mind—they just decided to start singing and began to worship the Lord. They began to wait on God.
Verses 25 & 26 say, "But about midnight, as Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the [other] prisoners were listening to them, suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the very foundations of the prison were shaken; and at once all the doors were opened and everyone's shackles were unfastened." God answered them suddenly!
When people patiently and expectantly wait on God in the midst of horrible circumstances, suddenly God breaks through. So don't give up! Don’t stop believing! Stay full of hope and expectation. God's power is limitless, and He'll break through for you.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Reconciliation: The Disciple and His Relationship With Others
When we offend others, or when they perceive that we have wronged them, a destructive fire is kindled in them. The heat of their anger feeds the fire. The longer we allow it to burn, the more damage it will do in their lives and in the lives of others to whom the fire spreads. Because of this, God commands:
“If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remember that thy brother hath aught against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift” (Matthew 5:23–24).
God is so concerned about reconciliation that He wants us to interrupt our worship of Him in order to restore fellowship with an offended brother. Actually, reconciliation is true worship, because whatever we do to others, we do to Christ. (See Matthew 25:40.)
There is another reason why this is so vital. Jesus introduces it with the warning that if we attack a person’s character by calling him a fool, we will be in danger of hell fire. This is certainly not referring to eternal hell, because we do not go to hell for calling a person a fool but for rejecting the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The word hell in this passage is the Greek word geenna. Hell is the place of future punishment called “Gehenna” or “Gehenna of fire.” This originally referred to the valley of Hinnom, south of Jerusalem, where the filth and dead animals of the city were cast out and burned. Spiritually, it is a symbol of the state of torment that will be suffered by those who are condemned to hell. James used the same word when he explained that the “tongue is a fire … set on fire of hell” (James 3:6). Fires spread quickly and can turn into disastrous infernos. Therefore, as soon as a fire is detected, every effort should be made to put it out.
The altar was a place for burning sacrifices as a sweet savor to God. Reconciliation is putting out the stench of bitter fires so God can enjoy the aroma of our worship.
By not seeking to make things right, how many fires have we left burning in the hearts of those whom we have offended? Family feuds often begin with one offense, last for generations, and affect hundreds of people. As we meditate on the command to be reconciled, we can expect God to bring to our remembrance those who are holding things against us. As He does, let’s purpose to go and make things right as an expression of our worship to the Lord.
“If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remember that thy brother hath aught against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift” (Matthew 5:23–24).
God is so concerned about reconciliation that He wants us to interrupt our worship of Him in order to restore fellowship with an offended brother. Actually, reconciliation is true worship, because whatever we do to others, we do to Christ. (See Matthew 25:40.)
There is another reason why this is so vital. Jesus introduces it with the warning that if we attack a person’s character by calling him a fool, we will be in danger of hell fire. This is certainly not referring to eternal hell, because we do not go to hell for calling a person a fool but for rejecting the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The word hell in this passage is the Greek word geenna. Hell is the place of future punishment called “Gehenna” or “Gehenna of fire.” This originally referred to the valley of Hinnom, south of Jerusalem, where the filth and dead animals of the city were cast out and burned. Spiritually, it is a symbol of the state of torment that will be suffered by those who are condemned to hell. James used the same word when he explained that the “tongue is a fire … set on fire of hell” (James 3:6). Fires spread quickly and can turn into disastrous infernos. Therefore, as soon as a fire is detected, every effort should be made to put it out.
The altar was a place for burning sacrifices as a sweet savor to God. Reconciliation is putting out the stench of bitter fires so God can enjoy the aroma of our worship.
By not seeking to make things right, how many fires have we left burning in the hearts of those whom we have offended? Family feuds often begin with one offense, last for generations, and affect hundreds of people. As we meditate on the command to be reconciled, we can expect God to bring to our remembrance those who are holding things against us. As He does, let’s purpose to go and make things right as an expression of our worship to the Lord.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Walking In The Light And Conquering The Works of Darkness
Satan is the prince of the kingdom of darkness. (See Revelation 16:10.) He wins his battles in the dark. It was when the simple young man was lured by his lust to the harlot’s house “in the black and dark night” that she accosted him and led him as an ox to his slaughter (see Proverbs 7:6–10). Paul warns us to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11). On the other hand, God promises that:
“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin [including lust]” (I John 1:7).
The most powerful way to conquer lust with light is to expose our deeds to the light as explained in the following testimony given by a man named Paul.
“At the age of 8 I was introduced to pornography. By age 18, I was controlled by lust. Two weeks before marriage I shared all my past failures with my fiancée, except for a recent defeat. This set me up for years of failure.
“I knew it was wrong to hide my periodic defeat, but guilt, fear, and shame kept me bound. The more I hid the more I failed. No longer was it once a year, but many, many times. I was also having huge financial problems. I could not lead my family in any way. I was disconnecting from my wife, and our home life was in shambles. Yet, I wouldn’t believe it had anything to do with my secret lust.
“After several years, I purposed to confess my hidden sins. My wife was shocked and devastated. We set out to bring everything to light with no minimizing. For the next week, we slept very little and allowed the Lord to reveal every sin. We would confess it as sin to the Lord and each other and ask for forgiveness. Then we would renounce it and ask God to take back the ground we had given to the enemy.
“During these seven days, I also went to my children and confessed my sin and asked for their forgiveness. At that time I broke emotionally and wept like a baby. It was then that I learned that each of my children was also struggling with sexual temptations. We went through the same steps with them and there is now incredible freedom.”
The reason a man must tell his wife about his sins is that at marriage she is given authority over his body. (See I Corinthians 7:4.)
Paul’s testimony is one of many similar reports of how God is releasing men from deep-seated lust when they openly confess it. Scripture promises, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Let’s purpose now to conquer lust with light and ask God for grace, wisdom, and courage to do it.
“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin [including lust]” (I John 1:7).
The most powerful way to conquer lust with light is to expose our deeds to the light as explained in the following testimony given by a man named Paul.
“At the age of 8 I was introduced to pornography. By age 18, I was controlled by lust. Two weeks before marriage I shared all my past failures with my fiancée, except for a recent defeat. This set me up for years of failure.
“I knew it was wrong to hide my periodic defeat, but guilt, fear, and shame kept me bound. The more I hid the more I failed. No longer was it once a year, but many, many times. I was also having huge financial problems. I could not lead my family in any way. I was disconnecting from my wife, and our home life was in shambles. Yet, I wouldn’t believe it had anything to do with my secret lust.
“After several years, I purposed to confess my hidden sins. My wife was shocked and devastated. We set out to bring everything to light with no minimizing. For the next week, we slept very little and allowed the Lord to reveal every sin. We would confess it as sin to the Lord and each other and ask for forgiveness. Then we would renounce it and ask God to take back the ground we had given to the enemy.
“During these seven days, I also went to my children and confessed my sin and asked for their forgiveness. At that time I broke emotionally and wept like a baby. It was then that I learned that each of my children was also struggling with sexual temptations. We went through the same steps with them and there is now incredible freedom.”
The reason a man must tell his wife about his sins is that at marriage she is given authority over his body. (See I Corinthians 7:4.)
Paul’s testimony is one of many similar reports of how God is releasing men from deep-seated lust when they openly confess it. Scripture promises, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Let’s purpose now to conquer lust with light and ask God for grace, wisdom, and courage to do it.
Conquering Lust
Conquering lust is one of the most serious matters a man will undertake. The wisest man who ever lived was defeated by lust. The world’s strongest man was also defeated by lust, as well as David, who was a “man after God’s own heart.” (See I Kings 11:1–4, Judges 16:1–4, and II Samuel 11:1–5.)
Paul’s description of the battle with sin, including lust, is painfully true to life. “The things that I want to do, I don’t do, and the things that I hate, I keep doing!” (See Romans 7:15.) Yet, standing out in Scripture like a victorious banner is this promise:
“Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14).
God uses the Law to expose the sinfulness of our lust, yet the Law does not give us the power to overcome it. (See Romans 7:7.) The power to overcome lust comes by exercising the gift of God’s grace through righteousness by yielding the members of our body. Thus, we are not to yield our members to unrighteousness, but “yield [surrender] yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments [weapons] of righteousness unto God. For [then] sin shall not have dominion over you …” (Romans 6:13–14).
This is explained in Romans 5:20–21, “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Righteousness is the Greek word dikaiosune, which in the broader sense means “the condition acceptable to God; integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting.” “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11).
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2).
Scripture promises that if we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh (see Galatians 5:16). This means asking the Holy Spirit to forgive us for grieving Him by our lust and quenching His power in us. Then, it means surrendering ourselves to God and the members of our body as instruments of righteousness to overcome lust.
Paul’s description of the battle with sin, including lust, is painfully true to life. “The things that I want to do, I don’t do, and the things that I hate, I keep doing!” (See Romans 7:15.) Yet, standing out in Scripture like a victorious banner is this promise:
“Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14).
God uses the Law to expose the sinfulness of our lust, yet the Law does not give us the power to overcome it. (See Romans 7:7.) The power to overcome lust comes by exercising the gift of God’s grace through righteousness by yielding the members of our body. Thus, we are not to yield our members to unrighteousness, but “yield [surrender] yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments [weapons] of righteousness unto God. For [then] sin shall not have dominion over you …” (Romans 6:13–14).
This is explained in Romans 5:20–21, “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Righteousness is the Greek word dikaiosune, which in the broader sense means “the condition acceptable to God; integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting.” “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11).
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2).
Scripture promises that if we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh (see Galatians 5:16). This means asking the Holy Spirit to forgive us for grieving Him by our lust and quenching His power in us. Then, it means surrendering ourselves to God and the members of our body as instruments of righteousness to overcome lust.
The Disciple And His Attitude Toward Lust
The story is told of an ancient wrestling match that was particularly gruesome. Adrenaline flowed, because each man knew that if he lost the contest, his opponent would put his foot on his neck and call for a sword. He would then poke that sharpened sword into the eyes of his conquered foe.
Thereafter, the weaker wrestler would grope in blindness throughout the city as a public display of his defeat. This is a sobering introduction to the tremendous importance of Christ’s next command.
“Whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out …” (Matthew 5:28–29).
It is unthinkable that a man would rip out his own eye. The intent of this command is that we make it equally unthinkable to lust after a woman. Satan would have us believe that what we secretly lust after in our hearts will have no real consequence to us or to anyone else. Yet, God Who created us is telling us that secret lust is so desperately serious that we must declare war on every lustful thought and take it captive.
Peter speaks of this war when he writes, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (I Peter 2:11).
James explains the seriousness of this war as he asks, “From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” (James 4:1). Paul describes the war within our members in very understandable terms:
“I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members” (Romans 7:23).
After explaining the war, Paul exclaims, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24). Then he praises God because there is a way to victory through Jesus Christ. (See Romans 7:25.)
Peter also relates lust to eyesight when he gives a list of qualities that, if developed, will conquer lust, but if missing, will cause us to be spiritually blind. (See II Peter 1:1–9.) The tragedy of Samson’s lust after women is also a sobering testimony. He lost the war on lust, his freedom, his leadership, and then he had his eyes gouged out! (See Judges 16:20–21.)
The wrestler in our story may have been on his back, but as long as he had at least one shoulder above the mat the fight was not over. If we are prone to surrender to lustful thoughts, now is the time to declare war against the giant of lust. He is one of our greatest adversaries against daily success!
Thereafter, the weaker wrestler would grope in blindness throughout the city as a public display of his defeat. This is a sobering introduction to the tremendous importance of Christ’s next command.
“Whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out …” (Matthew 5:28–29).
It is unthinkable that a man would rip out his own eye. The intent of this command is that we make it equally unthinkable to lust after a woman. Satan would have us believe that what we secretly lust after in our hearts will have no real consequence to us or to anyone else. Yet, God Who created us is telling us that secret lust is so desperately serious that we must declare war on every lustful thought and take it captive.
Peter speaks of this war when he writes, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (I Peter 2:11).
James explains the seriousness of this war as he asks, “From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” (James 4:1). Paul describes the war within our members in very understandable terms:
“I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members” (Romans 7:23).
After explaining the war, Paul exclaims, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24). Then he praises God because there is a way to victory through Jesus Christ. (See Romans 7:25.)
Peter also relates lust to eyesight when he gives a list of qualities that, if developed, will conquer lust, but if missing, will cause us to be spiritually blind. (See II Peter 1:1–9.) The tragedy of Samson’s lust after women is also a sobering testimony. He lost the war on lust, his freedom, his leadership, and then he had his eyes gouged out! (See Judges 16:20–21.)
The wrestler in our story may have been on his back, but as long as he had at least one shoulder above the mat the fight was not over. If we are prone to surrender to lustful thoughts, now is the time to declare war against the giant of lust. He is one of our greatest adversaries against daily success!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Miracle Of Reconciliation
When a flight attendant remembered how she had offended an acquaintance months earlier, she purposed to attempt reconciliation. However, she had no idea how to make contact, because that acquaintance lived in another country. The very next afternoon she received a phone call from that person!
The same thing happened to a young man who remembered how he had wronged a former teacher. He decided to contact the teacher, but did not know where to start. Five minutes later he stooped over to take a drink from a water fountain. When he straightened up and turned around, who should he see but that former teacher! Not all reconciliation encounters are this dramatic. However:
When we are prepared to make reconciliation, God will do whatever is necessary to make it happen.
The same thing happened to a young man who remembered how he had wronged a former teacher. He decided to contact the teacher, but did not know where to start. Five minutes later he stooped over to take a drink from a water fountain. When he straightened up and turned around, who should he see but that former teacher! Not all reconciliation encounters are this dramatic. However:
When we are prepared to make reconciliation, God will do whatever is necessary to make it happen.
Staying In Right Relationships
True reconciliation requires that we be genuinely repentant, humble, transparent, and sincere before God and before the one whom we have offended. These qualities must be expressed in the attitudes, actions, and words that we use to ask for his forgiveness.
Reconciliation involves a spirit-to-spirit communication in which our sincerity is instantly discerned.
Since few offenses are 100% our fault, and since we instinctively look for ways to justify our actions, our biggest challenge in reconciliation will be to focus on our part of the offense and be sincerely grieved over it. Any lack of true repentance will come out in statements such as these: “If I was wrong, will you forgive me?” or “I know that I was partly to blame; please forgive me,” or “I understand you were offended by what I did, and I apologize.”
Jacob knew that his life and the lives of his family members depended on his making reconciliation the right way. Esau was approaching with 400 men! Jacob wisely sent gifts to Esau before he even saw Esau face to face. Scripture states, “A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath” (Proverbs 21:14). Jacob referred to himself as Esau’s servant, and Jacob referred to Esau as his lord. He wrestled with the Lord for a blessing and bowed down seven times as he approached his offended brother.
When Esau saw evidences of sincere repentance, he ran to meet Jacob, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept. Jacob further demonstrated his sincerity by saying, “… I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God” (Genesis 33:10).
The prodigal son carefully chose his words of reconciliation: “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and I am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants” (Luke 15:18–19).
A request for forgiveness should be as brief as possible since it is one’s spirit that will be doing the real communicating. You should explain that God has convicted you of how wrong you were in offending him and that you have come to ask for his forgiveness. Explain how your offense must have deeply hurt him. The more you understand and “feel” his hurt, the easier it will be for him to forgive you. Be ready to make financial restitution if the damages were tangible.
Before you go, ask a friend to pray for you. This will strengthen and motivate you to follow through in the act of “dying to self” so that you can have a deeper experience of true life!
Reconciliation involves a spirit-to-spirit communication in which our sincerity is instantly discerned.
Since few offenses are 100% our fault, and since we instinctively look for ways to justify our actions, our biggest challenge in reconciliation will be to focus on our part of the offense and be sincerely grieved over it. Any lack of true repentance will come out in statements such as these: “If I was wrong, will you forgive me?” or “I know that I was partly to blame; please forgive me,” or “I understand you were offended by what I did, and I apologize.”
Jacob knew that his life and the lives of his family members depended on his making reconciliation the right way. Esau was approaching with 400 men! Jacob wisely sent gifts to Esau before he even saw Esau face to face. Scripture states, “A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath” (Proverbs 21:14). Jacob referred to himself as Esau’s servant, and Jacob referred to Esau as his lord. He wrestled with the Lord for a blessing and bowed down seven times as he approached his offended brother.
When Esau saw evidences of sincere repentance, he ran to meet Jacob, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept. Jacob further demonstrated his sincerity by saying, “… I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God” (Genesis 33:10).
The prodigal son carefully chose his words of reconciliation: “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and I am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants” (Luke 15:18–19).
A request for forgiveness should be as brief as possible since it is one’s spirit that will be doing the real communicating. You should explain that God has convicted you of how wrong you were in offending him and that you have come to ask for his forgiveness. Explain how your offense must have deeply hurt him. The more you understand and “feel” his hurt, the easier it will be for him to forgive you. Be ready to make financial restitution if the damages were tangible.
Before you go, ask a friend to pray for you. This will strengthen and motivate you to follow through in the act of “dying to self” so that you can have a deeper experience of true life!
Restoring Relationships
Restoring a relationship with those whom we have offended is not easy. It requires that we set aside all the reasons we have been using to justify our offensive words, attitudes, or actions and seriously consider the offense from their perspectives. When tangible loss has been suffered, it is vital that we make full restitution in order to gain a clear conscience.
The cost of restitution is incidental compared to the cost of shipwrecking our faith with the lack of a clear conscience.
Paul sent Timothy into spiritual warfare with only two weapons: his faith and a clear conscience. He warned Timothy that those who fail to maintain a clear conscience will make shipwreck of their faith. (See I Timothy 1:19.) Paul himself affirmed the importance of a clear conscience when he stated, “Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence [sic] toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16). Purposing to make restitution demonstrates an acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a willingness to do whatever is possible to restore the relationship.
When a businessman returned to a former employer to ask forgiveness for taking some funds out of the cash register, he brought with him the amount of money he had taken, plus interest. This was an especially difficult sacrifice to make, because the businessman was out of a job. The former employer was amazed by his action and accepted the check. Can you imagine the businessman’s surprise when this former employer then said, “I don’t know what you are doing now, but we are looking for an honest man to fill an important position in our company, and you have just qualified yourself as one by what you have done”!
We should not always expect such a good response when we make restitution, however. After a certain woman heard about the importance of making restitution, she went to authorities and confessed that she had killed a person. To make restitution, she had to serve a prison term. While she was in prison, she experienced God’s grace and had a rich ministry to fellow prisoners.
Most offenses involve wrongdoing by both parties, but the one who is more spiritual will initiate reconciliation.
Let’s ask the Lord to bring to our remembrance people whom we have damaged and discern what restitution would be appropriate.
The cost of restitution is incidental compared to the cost of shipwrecking our faith with the lack of a clear conscience.
Paul sent Timothy into spiritual warfare with only two weapons: his faith and a clear conscience. He warned Timothy that those who fail to maintain a clear conscience will make shipwreck of their faith. (See I Timothy 1:19.) Paul himself affirmed the importance of a clear conscience when he stated, “Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence [sic] toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16). Purposing to make restitution demonstrates an acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a willingness to do whatever is possible to restore the relationship.
When a businessman returned to a former employer to ask forgiveness for taking some funds out of the cash register, he brought with him the amount of money he had taken, plus interest. This was an especially difficult sacrifice to make, because the businessman was out of a job. The former employer was amazed by his action and accepted the check. Can you imagine the businessman’s surprise when this former employer then said, “I don’t know what you are doing now, but we are looking for an honest man to fill an important position in our company, and you have just qualified yourself as one by what you have done”!
We should not always expect such a good response when we make restitution, however. After a certain woman heard about the importance of making restitution, she went to authorities and confessed that she had killed a person. To make restitution, she had to serve a prison term. While she was in prison, she experienced God’s grace and had a rich ministry to fellow prisoners.
Most offenses involve wrongdoing by both parties, but the one who is more spiritual will initiate reconciliation.
Let’s ask the Lord to bring to our remembrance people whom we have damaged and discern what restitution would be appropriate.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The Disciple Who Lacks Wisdom
We live in a day when the Law of God has been ruled out of legal systems, rejected by many churches, and reacted to by many Christians. The result is that every man does what is right in his own eyes, and the great riches and rewards that God wants to show the world are lost.
Now is the time for us to realize that there are rich treasures of wisdom and power in God’s Law. When we realize this, God will glorify Himself through our lives, and the world will know that the Lord of hosts rules and reigns through His Law.
“It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold … . I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:126–128).
Any person, family, city, or nation that discovers and uses the treasures of God’s wisdom will become a marvel to the world. This is the promise that God gave to the nation of Israel regarding His commandments: “Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall … say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people … . What nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law…” (Deuteronomy 4:6–8).
So how do we discover the hidden treasure of God’s wisdom? James gives us the starting point:
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally … and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).
Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, gives this instruction: “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee … yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:1–5).
The key to wisdom is having a proper fear of God, because “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Let’s take the first step by crying out to God for wisdom and lifting up our voices for understanding!
Now is the time for us to realize that there are rich treasures of wisdom and power in God’s Law. When we realize this, God will glorify Himself through our lives, and the world will know that the Lord of hosts rules and reigns through His Law.
“It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold … . I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:126–128).
Any person, family, city, or nation that discovers and uses the treasures of God’s wisdom will become a marvel to the world. This is the promise that God gave to the nation of Israel regarding His commandments: “Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall … say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people … . What nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law…” (Deuteronomy 4:6–8).
So how do we discover the hidden treasure of God’s wisdom? James gives us the starting point:
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally … and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).
Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, gives this instruction: “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee … yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:1–5).
The key to wisdom is having a proper fear of God, because “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Let’s take the first step by crying out to God for wisdom and lifting up our voices for understanding!
SOUL Salvation
David begins his praise of God’s Law with a profound statement in Psalm 19:7: “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul.” One of the functions of God’s Law is to convert the mind, will, and emotions so that they are in harmony with God’s ways and thoughts. This is necessary because of God’s assessment recorded in Isaiah 55:8:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
In Psalm 19:7, the Hebrew word translated converting is shuwb. It means to “return … come back to; to turn around (figuratively); to turn to Jehovah … to cease from … to restore (Lexical Aids to the Old Testament, The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible). This same goal for the soul is given to us in James 1:21, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”
So, how does the Law of God convert the soul? Note the sequence in Psalm 19:
1. “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul.” The Law reveals the holy nature of God, which is in direct contrast to the sinful nature.
2. “The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Testimonies are the stories of God’s dealings with individuals and His nation. They reveal His ways, which often involve the birth, death, and fulfillment of a vision.
3. “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart.” Statutes are Biblical principles applied to specific situations. The heart affirms their wisdom.
4. “The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” As we read God’s Word, the Holy Spirit reveals to us truths that we would not otherwise understand and brings us to conclusions that we would not reach using our own reasoning.
5. “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever.” When we are aware that God is watching and evaluating every one of our words, thoughts, and actions, we begin to understand wisdom, which is an essential tool for every converted soul.
6. “The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.” The formal decrees of God are just and right because they are expressions of His holy nature.
Until the soul is converted, we will not understand the ways of God and will often be frustrated by things that happen.
God’s Law can convert our souls, but only as we read it. When was the last time you read the five books of Moses?
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
In Psalm 19:7, the Hebrew word translated converting is shuwb. It means to “return … come back to; to turn around (figuratively); to turn to Jehovah … to cease from … to restore (Lexical Aids to the Old Testament, The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible). This same goal for the soul is given to us in James 1:21, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”
So, how does the Law of God convert the soul? Note the sequence in Psalm 19:
1. “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul.” The Law reveals the holy nature of God, which is in direct contrast to the sinful nature.
2. “The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Testimonies are the stories of God’s dealings with individuals and His nation. They reveal His ways, which often involve the birth, death, and fulfillment of a vision.
3. “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart.” Statutes are Biblical principles applied to specific situations. The heart affirms their wisdom.
4. “The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” As we read God’s Word, the Holy Spirit reveals to us truths that we would not otherwise understand and brings us to conclusions that we would not reach using our own reasoning.
5. “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever.” When we are aware that God is watching and evaluating every one of our words, thoughts, and actions, we begin to understand wisdom, which is an essential tool for every converted soul.
6. “The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.” The formal decrees of God are just and right because they are expressions of His holy nature.
Until the soul is converted, we will not understand the ways of God and will often be frustrated by things that happen.
God’s Law can convert our souls, but only as we read it. When was the last time you read the five books of Moses?
Saturday, June 11, 2011
The Disciples Ability To Forget His Past
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.There are two things I want you to notice about this passage Paul wrote to the Church at Philippi: "forgetting those things which are behind," and "reaching forth unto those things which are before."
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
(Phil. 3:12-14)
Before you can go on with God, you must forget about the past. Paul, once known as Saul of Tarsus, had to forget about his past as a persecutor of Christians in order to minister effectively.
Let's notice something Paul said about himself in writing to Timothy:
According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;The Word of God tells us that Saul was present at the stoning of Stephen:
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
(1 Tim. 1:11-16)
And cast him (Stephen) out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.And Saul consented to Stephen's death:
(Acts 7:58)
And Saul was consenting unto his death....Turning further in the Acts of the Apostles, you can read an account that Luke, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote about Paul:
(Acts 8:1)
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.But thank God, God's great mercy reached Paul! That's one thing he was talking about when he said, "Forgetting those things which are behind...I press toward the mark."
(Acts 9:1-2)
It would have been a terrible thing for Paul to continually remember the havoc he had wrought in the Church by consenting to the death of Stephen and persecuting believers.
Dear friends, if we are to be successful in our Christian life and ministry, there is one thing we must do—and it's a lesson Paul learned: We must learn to forget. If we don't learn this lesson, we'll be handicapped the rest of our life in living for God.
Remember this: The Lord Himself said in Isaiah, "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions...and will not remember thy sins [iniquities]" (Isa. 43:25). If He doesn't remember them, why should you?
God didn't say He wouldn't remember yours sins or iniquities for your sake (although you get the benefit of it); He said it was for His sake He'll not remember your sins.
Why? So He can bless you. So He can help you. So He can demonstrate His great mercy and love on your behalf.
Learning To Forget
Looking further at that 26th verse, we realize it is an invitation from God to come before Him and state your case. It's talking about prayer: "Put me in remembrance: let us PLEAD together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified."
A marginal note in some Bibles says, "Set forth your case." And you can do that only when you learn to forget.
Coming over to the New Testament, we see a similar verse in Hebrews 8:12:
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.You can see that Paul had to forget his past in order to walk on with God and to stand in the full potential of the office and ministry God had called him to.
Seek First: The Disciples Priorities
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:31–33
Matthew 6:31–33
As a child of God, know that it is your Father’s pleasure to meet all your needs. Jesus Himself tells us, “For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” But God does not want you to seek after things. He wants you to seek first His kingdom. And when you do that, all the things that you need will be added to you!
So your first priority every day is to seek His kingdom. The word “first” in verse 33 is the Greek word proton, which means “first in order or importance, holding the highest place in all our affections.” My friend, God wants us to seek first His kingdom, and all things will fall gloriously in place.
We are not to seek after things the way Gentiles do. The word “seek” in “the Gentiles seek” (verse 32) is the Greek word epizeteo. It means “to seek with all their might with much sweat or with much stress”. However, the way God wants us to “seek” in “seek first the kingdom of God” is the Greek word zeteo, which means “to hunger, to desire to worship.” It is simply a hungering, a desiring for the kingdom of God, without any labor or toil.
But what is the kingdom of God? Romans 14:17 tells us that it is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. And the kingdom of God dwells within you because the Holy Spirit indwells you. So the kingdom of God is His righteousness, peace and joy in you.
Beloved, if you want to have peace and joy in the Holy Spirit flowing inside you, then seek every day to be conscious of your righteousness in Christ, not your own righteousness, but His righteousness given to you as a gift. Pursue Jesus first. Spend time with Him and listen to His Word. And when you do these things, you are seeking His kingdom and His righteousness, and all the things that you need will be added to you!
Kingdom Greatness
After commanding us not to think that He had come to destroy the Law, Jesus gave the following instruction: “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:18–19).
Why would Jesus issue such strong penalties or rewards for breaking or obeying the least of the commandments? To understand this command, we must remember Jesus’ response to the lawyer who asked, “Which is the greatest commandment?” Jesus declared:
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength … . And … Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mark 12:30–31).
If this is the greatest commandment, then why is so much importance placed on the least commandments? Jesus explained the relationship between the two when He stated, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:40).
Therefore, every law, great or small, is a practical expression of how to love God and how to love others. Failing in any area and teaching others to fail in that same area is a major concern to God.
Jesus gave further warning about this matter in the next verse: “… Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20).
The scribes and the Pharisees focused on the letter of the Law and missed the spirit of the Law. Because they missed the point of loving others, they actually negated the laws of God. For example, the Law tells us to honor our parents. However, the Pharisees worked out a clever plan whereby they could dedicate their money to the Temple, while still using it, but tell their parents they had no money to give them. Jesus condemned this by saying:
“… Ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition” (Matthew 15:6).
So, to be great in God’s kingdom, let’s begin to look at the Law through the eyes of Jesus. Let’s meditate on each command until we understand how it teaches us to love God and love others.
Why would Jesus issue such strong penalties or rewards for breaking or obeying the least of the commandments? To understand this command, we must remember Jesus’ response to the lawyer who asked, “Which is the greatest commandment?” Jesus declared:
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength … . And … Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mark 12:30–31).
If this is the greatest commandment, then why is so much importance placed on the least commandments? Jesus explained the relationship between the two when He stated, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:40).
Therefore, every law, great or small, is a practical expression of how to love God and how to love others. Failing in any area and teaching others to fail in that same area is a major concern to God.
Jesus gave further warning about this matter in the next verse: “… Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20).
The scribes and the Pharisees focused on the letter of the Law and missed the spirit of the Law. Because they missed the point of loving others, they actually negated the laws of God. For example, the Law tells us to honor our parents. However, the Pharisees worked out a clever plan whereby they could dedicate their money to the Temple, while still using it, but tell their parents they had no money to give them. Jesus condemned this by saying:
“… Ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition” (Matthew 15:6).
So, to be great in God’s kingdom, let’s begin to look at the Law through the eyes of Jesus. Let’s meditate on each command until we understand how it teaches us to love God and love others.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Overcoming The Fear Of Man by Kate McVeigh
After I went to Bible School, I began to receive invitations to minister. Speaking in front of people was a strong area of intimidation for me as a schoolgirl. Well, I started to preach. I shook, quivered, and trembled, but remained determined to overcome the intimidation of people and hold on tightly to God's hand.
I confessed over and over, "...I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee" (Isa. 41:13).
I was especially intimidated in certain meetings where other ministers were gathered. I remember praying, "Lord, deliver me from being intimidated around my peers, and help me to overcome fear and to be bold!" And then I confessed, "I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, and I am as bold as a lion!"
Then I learned a very important lesson: we should be careful what we pray for!
Suddenly, well-known preachers and teachers were in almost every meeting I attended. When I prayed for God to deliver me, He sent me right into that situation! If I allowed the devil to get the best of me by taking over my thoughts, I would just fold up—and I couldn't do that!
Rev. Kenneth Hagin hosted a series of Holy Ghost meetings about that time, and I attended as many of those meetings as I could. One particular evening, after a day off that had turned into a entire day of shopping, I decided to slip into the meeting to hear some good preaching.
I hadn't spent a lot of time in prayer that day. I hadn't even washed my hair! I thought, "This is my day off. I'm not going to have to do anything there. I'm just going to go over there and receive the Word of the Lord."
I grabbed a Bible on my way out the door and found a seat in the auditorium just as Brother Hagin stepped to the podium. He said, "The Lord is using women in ministry today...." I praised the Lord and thought, "I'm glad he said that. That's good news for me!"
Brother Hagin continued, "As a matter of fact, we're going to have a woman preach tonight." I thought, "Wow! Cool! I wonder who it is. This is going to be good." He said, "Kate...." And my heart went...whomp!
Then I thought, "Maybe there's another Kate out hear somewhere. I sure hope so." But Brother Hagin said, "Kate McVeigh, come on up here and preach." Talk about intimidation trying to get a stronghold!
Once I recovered from the shock and finally stood to my feet, I started walking toward the front of the auditorium when someone reminded me that I didn't have my Bible, so I went back to my seat, grabbed my Bible, and took off.
You can imagine what went through my mind when I got to the podium and realized that the Bible I had picked up as I ran out of the house was one of those daily devotional Bibles laid out with selected passage of Scripture from the Old and New Testaments, Psalms, and Proverbs. It isn't really designed as a reference book. It's a method of reading through the Bible in a year.
I knew I couldn't preach from that Bible! I wouldn't be able to locate scriptures quickly enough, so I didn't read them, I quoted them.
Praise the Lord! He moved powerfully that evening, and after the first few minutes of crippling fear, I became very bold. I learned that God can do anything...through anyone...in spite of all kinds of uncomfortable circumstances.
I confessed over and over, "...I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee" (Isa. 41:13).
I was especially intimidated in certain meetings where other ministers were gathered. I remember praying, "Lord, deliver me from being intimidated around my peers, and help me to overcome fear and to be bold!" And then I confessed, "I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, and I am as bold as a lion!"
Then I learned a very important lesson: we should be careful what we pray for!
Suddenly, well-known preachers and teachers were in almost every meeting I attended. When I prayed for God to deliver me, He sent me right into that situation! If I allowed the devil to get the best of me by taking over my thoughts, I would just fold up—and I couldn't do that!
Rev. Kenneth Hagin hosted a series of Holy Ghost meetings about that time, and I attended as many of those meetings as I could. One particular evening, after a day off that had turned into a entire day of shopping, I decided to slip into the meeting to hear some good preaching.
I hadn't spent a lot of time in prayer that day. I hadn't even washed my hair! I thought, "This is my day off. I'm not going to have to do anything there. I'm just going to go over there and receive the Word of the Lord."
I grabbed a Bible on my way out the door and found a seat in the auditorium just as Brother Hagin stepped to the podium. He said, "The Lord is using women in ministry today...." I praised the Lord and thought, "I'm glad he said that. That's good news for me!"
Brother Hagin continued, "As a matter of fact, we're going to have a woman preach tonight." I thought, "Wow! Cool! I wonder who it is. This is going to be good." He said, "Kate...." And my heart went...whomp!
Then I thought, "Maybe there's another Kate out hear somewhere. I sure hope so." But Brother Hagin said, "Kate McVeigh, come on up here and preach." Talk about intimidation trying to get a stronghold!
Once I recovered from the shock and finally stood to my feet, I started walking toward the front of the auditorium when someone reminded me that I didn't have my Bible, so I went back to my seat, grabbed my Bible, and took off.
You can imagine what went through my mind when I got to the podium and realized that the Bible I had picked up as I ran out of the house was one of those daily devotional Bibles laid out with selected passage of Scripture from the Old and New Testaments, Psalms, and Proverbs. It isn't really designed as a reference book. It's a method of reading through the Bible in a year.
I knew I couldn't preach from that Bible! I wouldn't be able to locate scriptures quickly enough, so I didn't read them, I quoted them.
Praise the Lord! He moved powerfully that evening, and after the first few minutes of crippling fear, I became very bold. I learned that God can do anything...through anyone...in spite of all kinds of uncomfortable circumstances.
No Regrets
Imagine your life is over and you’re standing in front of a big DVD player. God inserts a disc with your name on it labeled, “What might have been.” It details everything He wanted to accomplish through you: How He wanted to bless you financially, but you were afraid to sow into His kingdom and be generous with others. How He wanted to use your gifts, but you lacked the discipline to develop them and the courage to use them. How He gave you great relationships, but you weren’t truthful and loving enough to maintain them. How He longed to reproduce in you the character of Christ, but you refused to deal with your sin, resist temptation, and pursue spiritual growth.
The poet said, “Of all the sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these—it might have been.” But there’s a bright side. As long as you’re still breathing, you can close the gap between what is and what can be. So stop and ask yourself, “What can I do now to live without regrets later?” Here’s what: Start renewing your mind each day with God’s Word instead of filling it with junk. Use your talents and your treasures to build His kingdom instead of your own.
If you do, you’ll discover that God gives “seed to the sower” (2 Cor. 9:10 NIV). The more seed you sow, the more seed God will give you. And how about making time to disciple somebody? That way your legacy will be greater than your lifespan. It’s not too late to become the person you might have been—if you’re willing to start today.
The poet said, “Of all the sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these—it might have been.” But there’s a bright side. As long as you’re still breathing, you can close the gap between what is and what can be. So stop and ask yourself, “What can I do now to live without regrets later?” Here’s what: Start renewing your mind each day with God’s Word instead of filling it with junk. Use your talents and your treasures to build His kingdom instead of your own.
If you do, you’ll discover that God gives “seed to the sower” (2 Cor. 9:10 NIV). The more seed you sow, the more seed God will give you. And how about making time to disciple somebody? That way your legacy will be greater than your lifespan. It’s not too late to become the person you might have been—if you’re willing to start today.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Obedient Disciple
Obedience brings the blessing to your life. Deuteronomy 28:15 says: But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee....
Obedience opens the door to the blessings. Disobedience blocks the blessings and opens the door to a curse. I want to share with you four possible areas where you might have been disobedient, or four ways to get out of this rut.
1. Put God's Word First
Ask yourself, "Am I putting God first place in my life or have I let things become more important to me?" Jesus said in Matthew 6:33: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
God is not against us having things; He is against things having us. God wants to bless you beyond your wildest imaginations. But is your primary pursuit to know Him, to be more like Him? If God plays a secondary role in your life, then a door has been opened for Satan to come in and block God's blessings. If you are putting God first, then the door has been shut. Satan does not have the right to block your blessings.
2. Live a Godly Lifestyle
Are you living a godly lifestyle or have you accepted the world's standards for moral conduct? The Bible says, "...be holy, for I am holy" (Lev. 11:45). How is your lifestyle? Is it pleasing to God? Is the Holy Spirit comfortable in your home, in your car, among your friends?
Our disregard for God's standards for moral behavior has everything to do with our blessings being blocked. You can't compromise God's standards and expect the blessings to flow. We must examine the shows we watch, the words of our mouth, the influences around us if we want to get out of the rut we're in. God will bless those who respect His guidelines for moral living.
3. Walk in Love
Are you walking in love or is there strife and unforgiveness in your heart? Jesus said in John 13:34:A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Blessings are blocked when we refuse to walk in love. No matter how difficult it might seem, no matter how many layers of flesh it may peel off of you: forgive. Stay out of strife. Get rid of bitterness. It is a blessing blocker. It will keep your life in a deep rut if you don't dig it out by faith and daily choose to forgive. It's never too late to begin the process of walking in love.
4. Honor God With Your Tithes
Are you honoring God with your tithes and your offerings, or are you robbing Him? Malachi 3:8,9 says: Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse...
In other words, because you don't honor God with your tithes and offerings, your blessings have been blocked.
Are you in a financial rut? If so, then let's look at your giving. Are you giving God what belongs to Him? The proper attitude for tithing is to set it aside first. Don't pay everybody else and then if there is anything left over, bring it to God. Your money will go a lot further on ninety percent and giving God His ten percent than you keeping 100 percent for yourself. Trust me.
If you've discovered your life is in a rut, it's time to make the changes to get out. We have to take an inventory of our lives. Is God still first place in your life? Are you pursuing God with your whole heart, your whole strength, your whole being or have things and people become more important to you?
Are you walking in love or are you harboring strife and unforgiveness and bitterness? Are you living a lifestyle pleasing to God? Are you honoring God with your tithes and offerings? Go through the checklist of these four different things and be honest with yourself. It could be where disobedience lies. It could be the cause of the rut you've found yourself in.
Make whatever corrections you need to make. Ask God to forgive you. Say what David said in Psalm 67:1: "God be merciful unto us, and bless us...." We can ask God for forgiveness in these areas of disobedience and He will forgive us. The barriers will be removed. The cause for the curse will be removed and the blessings will flow. But we have to be consistent. You can do it.
Obedience opens the door to the blessings. Disobedience blocks the blessings and opens the door to a curse. I want to share with you four possible areas where you might have been disobedient, or four ways to get out of this rut.
1. Put God's Word First
Ask yourself, "Am I putting God first place in my life or have I let things become more important to me?" Jesus said in Matthew 6:33: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
God is not against us having things; He is against things having us. God wants to bless you beyond your wildest imaginations. But is your primary pursuit to know Him, to be more like Him? If God plays a secondary role in your life, then a door has been opened for Satan to come in and block God's blessings. If you are putting God first, then the door has been shut. Satan does not have the right to block your blessings.
2. Live a Godly Lifestyle
Are you living a godly lifestyle or have you accepted the world's standards for moral conduct? The Bible says, "...be holy, for I am holy" (Lev. 11:45). How is your lifestyle? Is it pleasing to God? Is the Holy Spirit comfortable in your home, in your car, among your friends?
Our disregard for God's standards for moral behavior has everything to do with our blessings being blocked. You can't compromise God's standards and expect the blessings to flow. We must examine the shows we watch, the words of our mouth, the influences around us if we want to get out of the rut we're in. God will bless those who respect His guidelines for moral living.
3. Walk in Love
Are you walking in love or is there strife and unforgiveness in your heart? Jesus said in John 13:34:A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Blessings are blocked when we refuse to walk in love. No matter how difficult it might seem, no matter how many layers of flesh it may peel off of you: forgive. Stay out of strife. Get rid of bitterness. It is a blessing blocker. It will keep your life in a deep rut if you don't dig it out by faith and daily choose to forgive. It's never too late to begin the process of walking in love.
4. Honor God With Your Tithes
Are you honoring God with your tithes and your offerings, or are you robbing Him? Malachi 3:8,9 says: Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse...
In other words, because you don't honor God with your tithes and offerings, your blessings have been blocked.
Are you in a financial rut? If so, then let's look at your giving. Are you giving God what belongs to Him? The proper attitude for tithing is to set it aside first. Don't pay everybody else and then if there is anything left over, bring it to God. Your money will go a lot further on ninety percent and giving God His ten percent than you keeping 100 percent for yourself. Trust me.
If you've discovered your life is in a rut, it's time to make the changes to get out. We have to take an inventory of our lives. Is God still first place in your life? Are you pursuing God with your whole heart, your whole strength, your whole being or have things and people become more important to you?
Are you walking in love or are you harboring strife and unforgiveness and bitterness? Are you living a lifestyle pleasing to God? Are you honoring God with your tithes and offerings? Go through the checklist of these four different things and be honest with yourself. It could be where disobedience lies. It could be the cause of the rut you've found yourself in.
Make whatever corrections you need to make. Ask God to forgive you. Say what David said in Psalm 67:1: "God be merciful unto us, and bless us...." We can ask God for forgiveness in these areas of disobedience and He will forgive us. The barriers will be removed. The cause for the curse will be removed and the blessings will flow. But we have to be consistent. You can do it.
The Blessing vs. The Curse
One of the myths floating around the body of Christ is the myth concerning curses. There are those who believe that curses are so powerful that they can destroy the life of the believer; however one must remember that the devil uses fear to manipulate and control the life of anyone who will give place to it. How does a curse affect a believer? Should we be afraid of curses? What about generational curses?
When we are born again we are translated out of the kingdom of darkness and translated into the kingdom of light. When we are in the kingdom of light, the devil has no more authority over us other than the authority that we give him.
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. (Col. 1:13)
We have been bought with a price and redeemed and no longer belong to the power of darkness; we belong to the kingdom of God. We are children of the living God. We are children of the light. There is not enough darkness to put out the smallest light.
Some might argue, "Well, the devil this and the devil that." However, the devil cannot touch us when we are walking in the light. The only time that he can touch us is when we open the door to him by not walking according to the Word of God.
The fact of the matter is that when God blessed you nothing can be done to reverse it.
In Christ we have these blessings and the curse cannot touch us. We have been blessed with all of heaven's blessings. This is not something that needs to happen, this is something that has already taken place. We need to walk as believers in the finished work of the cross.
When we as believers believe that the curse is powerful, we underestimate the power of the cross, the power of the Blood and the power of the resurrection, thus making weak the finished work of the cross of Jesus Christ.
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Jesus defeated the devil at Calvary and broke the power of the curse. (Col. 2:15)
The reasons why many believers are affected by curses I believe is:
1. Fear
2. The lack of knowledge of the Word of God
3. Not understanding the Father's love in relationship to the new covenant.
Fear is a terrible thing, gripping at the minds and hearts of anyone who will open the door. It is so in Africa and other parts of the world where people practice witchcraft and fear is a common factor that gives the witch doctor the power over them.
In Africa and Australia for example, if the witch doctor arrives in a village and sings and chants and throws bones, then everyone knows in that village that someone is going to die. The next morning...sure enough someone will have died. This is common. What killed those people? Simply this—Fear.
The reason that I say this is because if you are a child of God Almighty, then you have to realize that the devil has very limited power over you. The only power that he has over you is the power you give him.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. (Hosea 4:6 KJV)
The reason they are destroyed is because of their lack of knowledge of the Word of God.
We must find out what God's Word says and then appropriate the promises in our lives. Remember this, the devil knows the scripture because he quoted it to Eve as well as Jesus.
He loves to twist the scripture and to get you as the believer to think that God is not for you and that He is against you. As a new believer, we must realize that we are new creations in Christ Jesus—old things have past away, all things are new.
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Tim. 2:15 KJV)
The reason why this verse is so important is because the scripture says to rightly divide the Word. That happen can only as we study God's Word. Rightly divide—what does that mean? You will be amazed how many of God's children don't know the difference between the Old and the New Testaments (covenants).
What happens is that they take a little of the old and mix it with the new and come up with their own covenant. One minute they are under the law, the next they are under grace and they become double-minded and have no clue—they remind me of a Canadian goose lost in a thunderstorm trying to find its way.
They end up going from bondage back to freedom and then back to bondage. They don't understand the heart of the Father God and His great Love for His children. Jesus came to pay the price for our complete redemption.
God loves us so much and wants to bless us more than we want to be blessed. He has made every provision for our blessing. This was made manifest at the cross of Calvary.
As children of the living God, we have absolutely nothing to fear from the curse because Jesus has come to bring us into the blessing.
The Curse is not Greater than the Blessing!
The choice is ours—what will it be? Blessing or cursing, it's up to you.
Things that you need to do to walk in God's blessings daily:
1. Realize that God is for you and not against you.
2. Walk in His Word and obey Him completely.
3. The choice is yours; blessing or cursing...it's up to you.
4. The curse will be far from you, because Christ hath redeemed you from the curse of the law. He has paid it in full.
5. The blessings are to a thousand generations of them who fear God.
6. The curse is to the third and forth generation of them who hate God.
When we are born again we are translated out of the kingdom of darkness and translated into the kingdom of light. When we are in the kingdom of light, the devil has no more authority over us other than the authority that we give him.
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. (Col. 1:13)
We have been bought with a price and redeemed and no longer belong to the power of darkness; we belong to the kingdom of God. We are children of the living God. We are children of the light. There is not enough darkness to put out the smallest light.
Some might argue, "Well, the devil this and the devil that." However, the devil cannot touch us when we are walking in the light. The only time that he can touch us is when we open the door to him by not walking according to the Word of God.
The fact of the matter is that when God blessed you nothing can be done to reverse it.
In Christ we have these blessings and the curse cannot touch us. We have been blessed with all of heaven's blessings. This is not something that needs to happen, this is something that has already taken place. We need to walk as believers in the finished work of the cross.
When we as believers believe that the curse is powerful, we underestimate the power of the cross, the power of the Blood and the power of the resurrection, thus making weak the finished work of the cross of Jesus Christ.
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Jesus defeated the devil at Calvary and broke the power of the curse. (Col. 2:15)
The reasons why many believers are affected by curses I believe is:
1. Fear
2. The lack of knowledge of the Word of God
3. Not understanding the Father's love in relationship to the new covenant.
Fear is a terrible thing, gripping at the minds and hearts of anyone who will open the door. It is so in Africa and other parts of the world where people practice witchcraft and fear is a common factor that gives the witch doctor the power over them.
In Africa and Australia for example, if the witch doctor arrives in a village and sings and chants and throws bones, then everyone knows in that village that someone is going to die. The next morning...sure enough someone will have died. This is common. What killed those people? Simply this—Fear.
The reason that I say this is because if you are a child of God Almighty, then you have to realize that the devil has very limited power over you. The only power that he has over you is the power you give him.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. (Hosea 4:6 KJV)
The reason they are destroyed is because of their lack of knowledge of the Word of God.
We must find out what God's Word says and then appropriate the promises in our lives. Remember this, the devil knows the scripture because he quoted it to Eve as well as Jesus.
He loves to twist the scripture and to get you as the believer to think that God is not for you and that He is against you. As a new believer, we must realize that we are new creations in Christ Jesus—old things have past away, all things are new.
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Tim. 2:15 KJV)
The reason why this verse is so important is because the scripture says to rightly divide the Word. That happen can only as we study God's Word. Rightly divide—what does that mean? You will be amazed how many of God's children don't know the difference between the Old and the New Testaments (covenants).
What happens is that they take a little of the old and mix it with the new and come up with their own covenant. One minute they are under the law, the next they are under grace and they become double-minded and have no clue—they remind me of a Canadian goose lost in a thunderstorm trying to find its way.
They end up going from bondage back to freedom and then back to bondage. They don't understand the heart of the Father God and His great Love for His children. Jesus came to pay the price for our complete redemption.
God loves us so much and wants to bless us more than we want to be blessed. He has made every provision for our blessing. This was made manifest at the cross of Calvary.
As children of the living God, we have absolutely nothing to fear from the curse because Jesus has come to bring us into the blessing.
The Curse is not Greater than the Blessing!
The choice is ours—what will it be? Blessing or cursing, it's up to you.
Things that you need to do to walk in God's blessings daily:
1. Realize that God is for you and not against you.
2. Walk in His Word and obey Him completely.
3. The choice is yours; blessing or cursing...it's up to you.
4. The curse will be far from you, because Christ hath redeemed you from the curse of the law. He has paid it in full.
5. The blessings are to a thousand generations of them who fear God.
6. The curse is to the third and forth generation of them who hate God.
The Authority Of The Disciple
As Believers, we are involved in spiritual warfare on a daily basis. Now, you may be thinking, “Brother Murphy, I am not fighting anything.” But the reason many of us do not realize that we are in battle is because we are only seeing things from a natural perspective.
However, I want to challenge your thinking regarding this matter. Even if we think the topic of spiritual warfare is too “deep,” that type of thinking will not stop our enemy from attacking us. Just as Heaven and Hell are real places, Satan, demons, and God’s angels also exist. Therefore, it is time that we recognize these facts and begin to gird ourselves up with the armor and weapons that we receive from the Word of God so that we can effectively fight— and win— the battle of spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10).
The battles we fight against evil manifest through things we can see and feel in this natural realm. For instance, spiritual warfare shows up in the form of frustrations that we deal with in life, as well as through conversations with people whose negative words affect our thoughts.
The secret battles we fight may come in the form of addictive behaviors, causing uncontrolled emotional responses such as anger, or other negative emotions. Whatever the battle is, we should recognize that we are not really fighting against people. We are fighting against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, and against evil spirits in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12, New Living Translation).
The good news is, we can always win these battles when we know who we are, whom we are fighting, and how to fight.
Satanic and demonic forces have a primary goal — to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). But Jesus came to this Earth and died for us so that we may have life and have it more abundantly. Although we experience spiritual attacks, Jesus has given us authority over all the power and ability of Satan (Luke 10:19). However the problem is that many times we try to deal with the onslaughts of the enemy through natural means only.
This type of thinking opens the door to defeat. We cannot fight spiritual battles using our natural abilities. Although there are things we must do in the natural, we must also do the spiritual things, like spending time in prayer, and reading, studying, and confessing the Word of God.
We do not have to tolerate the attacks of the enemy because we have been given authority over the works of Satan in our lives. It is because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross that we have been given the authority.
Therefore, as Believers, we can open our mouths and declare our authority by faith. We can boldly say, By the authority of Jesus Christ, and through and by His blood, I command you Satan to stop this attack! I command you to stop your maneuvers through this person or this situation.
When we know and use our authority, we are acknowledging and establishing our faith in who we are in Christ. You do not have to tolerate trouble. Choose, instead, to exercise your authority by speaking faith-filled words. When you boldly declare what you have a right to, demons and satanic forces will flee. This is the way we fight and win.
However, I want to challenge your thinking regarding this matter. Even if we think the topic of spiritual warfare is too “deep,” that type of thinking will not stop our enemy from attacking us. Just as Heaven and Hell are real places, Satan, demons, and God’s angels also exist. Therefore, it is time that we recognize these facts and begin to gird ourselves up with the armor and weapons that we receive from the Word of God so that we can effectively fight— and win— the battle of spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10).
The battles we fight against evil manifest through things we can see and feel in this natural realm. For instance, spiritual warfare shows up in the form of frustrations that we deal with in life, as well as through conversations with people whose negative words affect our thoughts.
The secret battles we fight may come in the form of addictive behaviors, causing uncontrolled emotional responses such as anger, or other negative emotions. Whatever the battle is, we should recognize that we are not really fighting against people. We are fighting against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, and against evil spirits in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12, New Living Translation).
The good news is, we can always win these battles when we know who we are, whom we are fighting, and how to fight.
Satanic and demonic forces have a primary goal — to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). But Jesus came to this Earth and died for us so that we may have life and have it more abundantly. Although we experience spiritual attacks, Jesus has given us authority over all the power and ability of Satan (Luke 10:19). However the problem is that many times we try to deal with the onslaughts of the enemy through natural means only.
This type of thinking opens the door to defeat. We cannot fight spiritual battles using our natural abilities. Although there are things we must do in the natural, we must also do the spiritual things, like spending time in prayer, and reading, studying, and confessing the Word of God.
We do not have to tolerate the attacks of the enemy because we have been given authority over the works of Satan in our lives. It is because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross that we have been given the authority.
Therefore, as Believers, we can open our mouths and declare our authority by faith. We can boldly say, By the authority of Jesus Christ, and through and by His blood, I command you Satan to stop this attack! I command you to stop your maneuvers through this person or this situation.
When we know and use our authority, we are acknowledging and establishing our faith in who we are in Christ. You do not have to tolerate trouble. Choose, instead, to exercise your authority by speaking faith-filled words. When you boldly declare what you have a right to, demons and satanic forces will flee. This is the way we fight and win.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)