Things Obey Words
“A brother offended is harder to win over than a fortified city,And contentions [separating families] are like the bars of a castle.”. Proverbs 18:19 (AMP)
Jesus continuously demonstrated how His words carried power. Whatever He spoke to, responded to His words. The fig tree dried up from its roots because of His words. When He spoke to the winds and the waves, they obeyed Him. He taught that all things respond to faith and words (Mark 11:23). Then, He told His disciples that they too can speak words of power. He wanted us to have the revelation that things respond to our words every day. Jesus taught that the thoughts and beliefs we carry produce an energy of faith around us. Our words carry and release that faith energy, and things and people respond to them. Things are responding to your words every day. So speak good things to all that surrounds your life. Pay careful attention to your thoughts and conversations because you give substance to your world through your words, bringing either life or death. Remember, things obey words!
“A brother offended is harder to win over than a fortified city,And contentions [separating families] are like the bars of a castle.”. Proverbs 18:19 (AMP)
Jesus continuously demonstrated how His words carried power. Whatever He spoke to, responded to His words. The fig tree dried up from its roots because of His words. When He spoke to the winds and the waves, they obeyed Him. He taught that all things respond to faith and words (Mark 11:23). Then, He told His disciples that they too can speak words of power. He wanted us to have the revelation that things respond to our words every day. Jesus taught that the thoughts and beliefs we carry produce an energy of faith around us. Our words carry and release that faith energy, and things and people respond to them. Things are responding to your words every day. So speak good things to all that surrounds your life. Pay careful attention to your thoughts and conversations because you give substance to your world through your words, bringing either life or death. Remember, things obey words!
Put on your new identity!
“And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus.”Mark 10:50 (NKJV)
Bartimaeus was a blind man who sat beside the road begging passers-by for whatever they could spare. One day he heard Jesus, the Healer, was passing by and he began to cry out at the top of his lungs, in every attempt to get His attention. He caused quite a commotion, and some people scolded him, telling him to be quiet and know his place. But this only made him shout all the louder. When Jesus heard his cry, and knowing full well he was blind, He called for him. Bartimaeus wasted no time. He threw off his garment which identified him as a blind beggar, and came running towards Jesus. His hope was so strong he paid no attention to his disability and let his faith lead him straight to his Healer. He was fully persuaded that a single encounter with Jesus would radically change his life. It would strip away every label man had placed upon him. Throw off the old things that identified you as a slave to this world. Rid yourself of all those labels, and take on the righteousness Jesus has made you to be. From this day on, walk in your new identity of holiness and purity – because you have run to your Redeemer and hidden yourself in Him. You are blessed; you are favoured; you are His!
“And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus.”Mark 10:50 (NKJV)
Bartimaeus was a blind man who sat beside the road begging passers-by for whatever they could spare. One day he heard Jesus, the Healer, was passing by and he began to cry out at the top of his lungs, in every attempt to get His attention. He caused quite a commotion, and some people scolded him, telling him to be quiet and know his place. But this only made him shout all the louder. When Jesus heard his cry, and knowing full well he was blind, He called for him. Bartimaeus wasted no time. He threw off his garment which identified him as a blind beggar, and came running towards Jesus. His hope was so strong he paid no attention to his disability and let his faith lead him straight to his Healer. He was fully persuaded that a single encounter with Jesus would radically change his life. It would strip away every label man had placed upon him. Throw off the old things that identified you as a slave to this world. Rid yourself of all those labels, and take on the righteousness Jesus has made you to be. From this day on, walk in your new identity of holiness and purity – because you have run to your Redeemer and hidden yourself in Him. You are blessed; you are favoured; you are His!
Preparing for Purpose
“Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” Jesse replied, “There is still one left, the youngest; he is tending the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send word and bring him; because we will not sit down [to eat the sacrificial meal] until he comes here.”1 Samuel 16:11 (AMP)
The young boy David was out in the fields working as a shepherd when Samuel came to anoint a king. It might seem like David was doing nothing of importance, but his season of shepherding trained him to be a mightier king than Saul. While Saul had the external qualities of a fearsome warrior king, David had a heart that recognized and was sensitive to the voice and ways of God - which was exactly what was needed to rule a nation. David kept careful guard over his sheep. He watched for changes in their behaviour as a cue to take precautions against possible attack. Sheep are easily influenced and misled, so he constantly talked to them, ensuring they recognized, knew and listened to his voice. David learned to discern between those who would follow his lead and those who would stubbornly refuse. He was faithful in his role and led his flock well. His cautious attention to the sheep under his care was the training ground for the promotion that awaited him. Embrace every opportunity to be equipped and trained in the things of God, knowing it's leading to a greater purpose. Do everything with excellence and learn how to divide the Word of truth rightfully. Your faithfulness will position you for the more God has in store for your life, just as it did for David.
“Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” Jesse replied, “There is still one left, the youngest; he is tending the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send word and bring him; because we will not sit down [to eat the sacrificial meal] until he comes here.”1 Samuel 16:11 (AMP)
The young boy David was out in the fields working as a shepherd when Samuel came to anoint a king. It might seem like David was doing nothing of importance, but his season of shepherding trained him to be a mightier king than Saul. While Saul had the external qualities of a fearsome warrior king, David had a heart that recognized and was sensitive to the voice and ways of God - which was exactly what was needed to rule a nation. David kept careful guard over his sheep. He watched for changes in their behaviour as a cue to take precautions against possible attack. Sheep are easily influenced and misled, so he constantly talked to them, ensuring they recognized, knew and listened to his voice. David learned to discern between those who would follow his lead and those who would stubbornly refuse. He was faithful in his role and led his flock well. His cautious attention to the sheep under his care was the training ground for the promotion that awaited him. Embrace every opportunity to be equipped and trained in the things of God, knowing it's leading to a greater purpose. Do everything with excellence and learn how to divide the Word of truth rightfully. Your faithfulness will position you for the more God has in store for your life, just as it did for David.
A Willing Participant
"By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test [while the testing of his faith was still in progress], had already brought Isaac for an offering; he who had gladly received and welcomed [God's] promises was ready to sacrifice his only son..."Hebrews 11:17 (AMPC)
Abraham was called a friend of God because he was always a willing participant of His plans. The truth is he trusted God to always keep His promises. Abraham knew if God was going to have Isaac as a sacrifice, He would raise him to life again – because Isaac was the promise God's nation would be birthed out of. So he willingly went through every step of God's plan, fully confident that whatever God did would certainly work towards a glorious outcome, and he was ready to be a part of that plan. And that's exactly what God was doing. He never intended for Isaac to die that day. He was creating a type and shadow of what was to come. Sometime in the future, God's only begotten Son would be a willing sacrifice for a new people to arise - God's own children. Abraham brought Isaac in faith, God the Father brought Jesus to our world in faith too. What God was willing to do, His friend Abraham was willing to do also. You and I can choose to come on board, as Abraham did, as willing participants in whatever God wants to accomplish through us - because we trust Him. Just as God chose Abraham to be His friend, Jesus said He chose us and calls us friends. Today, be a willing participant, as you trust Him to work His glorious outcome through you.
"By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test [while the testing of his faith was still in progress], had already brought Isaac for an offering; he who had gladly received and welcomed [God's] promises was ready to sacrifice his only son..."Hebrews 11:17 (AMPC)
Abraham was called a friend of God because he was always a willing participant of His plans. The truth is he trusted God to always keep His promises. Abraham knew if God was going to have Isaac as a sacrifice, He would raise him to life again – because Isaac was the promise God's nation would be birthed out of. So he willingly went through every step of God's plan, fully confident that whatever God did would certainly work towards a glorious outcome, and he was ready to be a part of that plan. And that's exactly what God was doing. He never intended for Isaac to die that day. He was creating a type and shadow of what was to come. Sometime in the future, God's only begotten Son would be a willing sacrifice for a new people to arise - God's own children. Abraham brought Isaac in faith, God the Father brought Jesus to our world in faith too. What God was willing to do, His friend Abraham was willing to do also. You and I can choose to come on board, as Abraham did, as willing participants in whatever God wants to accomplish through us - because we trust Him. Just as God chose Abraham to be His friend, Jesus said He chose us and calls us friends. Today, be a willing participant, as you trust Him to work His glorious outcome through you.
He Will Finish What He Started
"So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit."John 19:30 (NKJV)
God always finishes what He starts. He will always bring to completion what He begins. Not even death can stop His marvellous work. He never leaves anything unfinished, or undone. And He's never anxious when things look like they're going askew. The Bible says all things work according to His glorious plan. While our lives are hidden in Him, we can be sure His plan is being worked in and through us, and it is glorious! Our part is to keep pursuing His Presence as the one thing that overrides and outshines anything else. As we put Him and His ways first place in our lives, every other detail will be personally taken care of by Him. Remain steadfastly composed in faith, knowing that as you love Him and follow after His wisdom, He will work everything together for His glory. You can confidently trust the Lord to provide all you need, when you need it. You can trust Him to keep His promises and finish what He started in you.
"So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit."John 19:30 (NKJV)
God always finishes what He starts. He will always bring to completion what He begins. Not even death can stop His marvellous work. He never leaves anything unfinished, or undone. And He's never anxious when things look like they're going askew. The Bible says all things work according to His glorious plan. While our lives are hidden in Him, we can be sure His plan is being worked in and through us, and it is glorious! Our part is to keep pursuing His Presence as the one thing that overrides and outshines anything else. As we put Him and His ways first place in our lives, every other detail will be personally taken care of by Him. Remain steadfastly composed in faith, knowing that as you love Him and follow after His wisdom, He will work everything together for His glory. You can confidently trust the Lord to provide all you need, when you need it. You can trust Him to keep His promises and finish what He started in you.
Live in The Spirit of Victory!
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."John 14:26 (NKJV)
Ignorance is not bliss. Jesus is coming back soon. The Day of Judgment is at hand; and we will stand face-to-face before the Son of God, giving account for the lives we chose to live. We will be held accountable according to the victory of the cross. But we can never know this victory unless we choose to cultivate an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. It's the Holy Spirit Who teaches us every part of living the victory of the cross. He reveals the Person of Jesus to us. He brings God's Word that we already know to remembrance whenever we need it. He constantly communicates the atmosphere of heaven with us and shows us how to live each moment of each day in victory. The Holy Spirit remains in us; He works in our hearts and leads us into truth. So embrace the relationship you have been given - to know the Spirit of victory Himself, and live in Him. This way we will be more than ready for the day we are called to give account. This way we will confidently say, "As He was, so were we in this world!"
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."John 14:26 (NKJV)
Ignorance is not bliss. Jesus is coming back soon. The Day of Judgment is at hand; and we will stand face-to-face before the Son of God, giving account for the lives we chose to live. We will be held accountable according to the victory of the cross. But we can never know this victory unless we choose to cultivate an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. It's the Holy Spirit Who teaches us every part of living the victory of the cross. He reveals the Person of Jesus to us. He brings God's Word that we already know to remembrance whenever we need it. He constantly communicates the atmosphere of heaven with us and shows us how to live each moment of each day in victory. The Holy Spirit remains in us; He works in our hearts and leads us into truth. So embrace the relationship you have been given - to know the Spirit of victory Himself, and live in Him. This way we will be more than ready for the day we are called to give account. This way we will confidently say, "As He was, so were we in this world!"
Line Up with the Truth!
"Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me."John 14:6 (NKJV)
When we keep our eyes constantly and consistently fixed on Jesus, we follow His way of living. It's the way of truth, and it stands out in a world of ever-changing opinions. Even when people are well-meaning, and have good intentions, they can be sincerely wrong. There is absolutely a way that seems noble, right and good, but unless it is God's way - backed by the wisdom of His written Word - it will not lead to life. It will however lead to death - death of purpose, of passion and even of our lives. If we look to people, or popular opinion instead of God's wisdom, we will only end up in confusion and lose our way. This is why it's crucial we live in constant fellowship with the Lord... Where we're crystal clear on Who He is, and who we are in Him. His faultless Word says He will never forsake us, and that He can be trusted. And so, the responsibility lies with us to remain in Him. Today, irrespective of the source of your conviction, or your plan of action, be sure it matches up against the Truth that is Jesus. Whatever doesn't line up, simply has to go.
"Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me."John 14:6 (NKJV)
When we keep our eyes constantly and consistently fixed on Jesus, we follow His way of living. It's the way of truth, and it stands out in a world of ever-changing opinions. Even when people are well-meaning, and have good intentions, they can be sincerely wrong. There is absolutely a way that seems noble, right and good, but unless it is God's way - backed by the wisdom of His written Word - it will not lead to life. It will however lead to death - death of purpose, of passion and even of our lives. If we look to people, or popular opinion instead of God's wisdom, we will only end up in confusion and lose our way. This is why it's crucial we live in constant fellowship with the Lord... Where we're crystal clear on Who He is, and who we are in Him. His faultless Word says He will never forsake us, and that He can be trusted. And so, the responsibility lies with us to remain in Him. Today, irrespective of the source of your conviction, or your plan of action, be sure it matches up against the Truth that is Jesus. Whatever doesn't line up, simply has to go.
Follow and Obey His Voice.
“He had him ride in his second chariot; and runners proclaimed before him, “[Attention,] bow the knee!” And he set him over all the land of Egypt. ”.Genesis 41:43 (AMP)
Joseph's story is certainly inspiring! Yet, we have the privilege of reading the story from the perspective of "hindsight". We read about his tribulation and trials, but we know that in the end everything will work out perfectly. For Joseph, living in "real time" must have felt as though he always seemed to find himself in the wrong place, at the wrong time. In spite of every challenge he remained steadfast in his faith. Every setback was actually a setup for greatness. When we walk in obedience to the Spirit of God, the goodness and mercy of the Lord locates us and turns everything around for our favour. In hindsight we discover we have always been at the right place, at the right time, with the right people when we walked by faith in obedience to the will of God. When Joseph's character was strong and sound enough to suit his call, promotion came. Wherever you find yourself today, and whatever circumstances you face, remain steadfast in your faith. Let the Lord develop your character as you diligently learn to follow and obey His voice too. In the perfect time, your faithful character will cause you to step into the destiny He has called you to.
“He had him ride in his second chariot; and runners proclaimed before him, “[Attention,] bow the knee!” And he set him over all the land of Egypt. ”.Genesis 41:43 (AMP)
Joseph's story is certainly inspiring! Yet, we have the privilege of reading the story from the perspective of "hindsight". We read about his tribulation and trials, but we know that in the end everything will work out perfectly. For Joseph, living in "real time" must have felt as though he always seemed to find himself in the wrong place, at the wrong time. In spite of every challenge he remained steadfast in his faith. Every setback was actually a setup for greatness. When we walk in obedience to the Spirit of God, the goodness and mercy of the Lord locates us and turns everything around for our favour. In hindsight we discover we have always been at the right place, at the right time, with the right people when we walked by faith in obedience to the will of God. When Joseph's character was strong and sound enough to suit his call, promotion came. Wherever you find yourself today, and whatever circumstances you face, remain steadfast in your faith. Let the Lord develop your character as you diligently learn to follow and obey His voice too. In the perfect time, your faithful character will cause you to step into the destiny He has called you to.
Come Before Him In Prayer.
"You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask [a]with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires. ."James 4:3 (AMP)
Make no mistake, God answers prayers! Jeremiah 33:3 says we can call on the Lord, and He promises to answer us. The Bible also teaches us there are prayers God doesn't respond to. When our prayers don't align with God's Word, He won't act on them. Prayers based on incorrect motives fall short of receiving God's approval. Then, there are prayers that are right in both these regards, but because the person praying is anxious and filled with worry, doubt, and fear - he is not asking in faith... Which means he is asking from a wrong spirit, and as a result, he will not receive what he is asking for. If you need the Lord to answer you today, come before Him confidently knowing He loves you; is interested in every detail concerning you; and is willing to move on your behalf. Only, come to Him with a clean heart, ask in faith, having your request based on His Word; and He will answer you.
"You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask [a]with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires. ."James 4:3 (AMP)
Make no mistake, God answers prayers! Jeremiah 33:3 says we can call on the Lord, and He promises to answer us. The Bible also teaches us there are prayers God doesn't respond to. When our prayers don't align with God's Word, He won't act on them. Prayers based on incorrect motives fall short of receiving God's approval. Then, there are prayers that are right in both these regards, but because the person praying is anxious and filled with worry, doubt, and fear - he is not asking in faith... Which means he is asking from a wrong spirit, and as a result, he will not receive what he is asking for. If you need the Lord to answer you today, come before Him confidently knowing He loves you; is interested in every detail concerning you; and is willing to move on your behalf. Only, come to Him with a clean heart, ask in faith, having your request based on His Word; and He will answer you.