What Do You Believe?

When the Word of God speaks about Jesus wonderful healing power its always demonstrated by Jesus thanking God for the healing or declaring it to take place. His words are simple and direct. On one occasion the Bible records how a woman with an issue of hemorrhaging for 18 years dared to touch the hem of Jesus robe believing that He had the authority and power to make her whole. Jesus response to the woman is a lesson for us all He said “daughter your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over”(Mark 5:32 NLV). In essence, Jesus was saying “now that you have exhausted all of your means you have placed your faith or belief system in the right place.” What man could not do for her in 18 years Jesus did for her in one moment with one touch. What do you believe as it relates to God? Do you believe that God’s love for you is irrevocable? Do you know emphatically that you are the righteousness of God? The Word tells us, ”for the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is fully devoted to him" (2 Chron 16:19 Berean). Being fully devoted to God means we recognize our dependence on Him and Him alone. We have to see ourselves as lost sheep needing a shepherd, otherwise, we will continue to wander and be lost in the things of the world. Aren’t you glad that you have a Savior to depend on for all things? Isn't it refreshing to know that you don't have to carry the burdens of life? Everything that you desire is through Christ, healing, deliverance, peace, and joy. The Grace of God will never fail it is the crux of the Gospel of faith. (Jude 1:1-4) So rest in his love for you, you are the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus, that’s how God will always see you and bless you. (Romans 3:22)

Declaration 

Not only what you speak but what you believe produces the fruit of Christ. Declare, I am the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ!!!  2 Cor 5:21

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. 

John 8:36 NLT

Many people refuse to live under the guidance of God’s Word, they feel it is too restrictive to the lifestyle they desire. However, what many don’t realize is not living by the guidance of the Holy Spirit is not freedom but bondage. The first picture in the Bible of true freedom comes from the Garden of Eden, God provided everything for Adam and Eve all they had to do was enjoy the provisions. They were given instructions that set boundaries around their relationship with God, eat of ALL the trees in the garden with the exception of one, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Remember they were given free choice just as we have today. Unfortunately, our first parents chose to disobey, their disobedience formed a bridge in our relationship with God called sin. But out of God’s love, he provided a way out for us through Jesus precious blood on the cross destroying the power of sin in our lives. The enemy still works to steal, kill and destroy he wants nothing more but to bring mankind to his level of ultimate destruction. But Jesus came to bring us life. (John 10:10) God isn’t holding anything from us he is actually protecting us and giving us instructions to live a life of purpose and peace. God is a God of love and takes pleasure in His children desiring them to prosper in every area of their life. (Psalm 35:27) Living your life in the obedience and guidance of God will always unfold promise, peace, and provisions from the hands of the Father. 

Thought

True freedom is only obtained through the righteousness of God, freely given to us by Jesus sacrifice on the cross its called GRACE.

Are You Looking for True Love?

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. (Romans 8:38 NLT)

In a world that is always changing there is one thing we can stand on, God’s love. Even when Adam and Eve disobeyed in the Garden of Eden it did not diminish the love the Father has for each of us. Yes, man failed but God still desired a personal relationship with His children, so much so that he sacrificed his Son allowing Him to take on our judgment so we could be in perfect standing with God. Jesus released His sovereignty for humanity and allowed mankind to reject, humiliate, torture and nail Him to a cross. Why would he go through such extreme measures, there is only one response “love.” No mistakes, sin or circumstances will ever change the love that God has for you, he cannot love you any more than he does right now. So what should our response be to this indescribable love? Accepting it for what it is, a free gift from the only true and living God. In I Peter 4:8 it tells us, “love covers over a multitude of sins.” That is exactly what Jesus love did for us on the cross, it covered every sin we would ever commit past and future. His precious blood removed our sin so we can have peace and intimacy in our relationship with God. Every promise hinges on God’s love, it is the foundation that allows us to experience the abundant life God has planned for each of us. And one of the best ways to express our gratitude is to extend love to others by telling them just how awesome God really is.  

God’s Promise to YOU

People leave you out, God’s love is still the same. You mess up, God’s grace abides even more. You can not get away from Him, he will leave the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep. (Matt 18:12-14) 

How precious is our God.

I am the faithful one. 

(I Cor 1:9 NET)

“It Don’t Change “Nothin”

For I the LORD do not change. (Malachi 3:6)

Ok, I realize “nothin” is not the correct diction but stay with me for a moment, you will be blessed. I was watching a program and one of the characters found out it was a chance that he was not the biological father to his son and had a DNA test completed, after reading the report he sat stoned-faced with tears in his eyes and said repeatedly, “it don’t change nothin.” I know what you're thinking, “how could this possibly relate to God.” Well, it actually relates to God’s relationship with us in so many aspects. Think about it for a moment, when people reject or mistreat you, it changes absolutely nothing concerning God’s love, plan, and destiny for your life, no one can stand against it. Even when we make mistakes sometimes the same ones repeatedly, it does not alter God’s love for us in any way or form. The favor, protection, and grace of God is irrevocable paid for by Jesus Christ when he spoke the words “it is finished.” Even your troubles are blessed, God said that you will get a “double portion” for your humiliation. So no matter what happens don’t fall apart it changes absolutely nothing. Your future is bright, sealed by a covenant through His precious blood that will never be broken. “Nothin” will ever change God’s love for you, it's inexhaustible and unwavering. 

God’s Promise to YOU

…I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] (Heb 13:5b AMPC)

Status - Royalty

Now if we are children, then we are heirs- - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17 NIV

If you watched the Royal wedding of Meghan and Harry you couldn’t help but to be in awe. The Church, cars, outfits, and glorious castle called their new home, a fairytale unfolding right before the world’s eyes. I don’t think it was a coincident the day after the wedding during my study time with the Lord I was reminded of the scripture above. I believe it was a nudge to examine our inherited royalty through Christ. We are called co-heirs to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Through Him we inherit power, strength, favor, and blessings. But most of all through the bloodline of Jesus Christ we are declared the righteousness of God. The inheritance the Prince and Duchess receive is great but its nothing compared to the free gift through Christ. Jesus sacrifice on the cross guarantees a prosperous future. We are called royal subjects, priest to our God that reign on earth sitting in heavenly places with Christ Jesus       (Rev 5:10, Ephe 2:6). We have a promise of prosperity, optimal health and the great love of Christ in our midst. It is our God-given right that we inherit through Jesus who paid an awesome price for us to obtain all good things through Him. God has royal blessings in store for you. Your inheritance is greater than anything this world can offer, so live, expect, possess as royalty because that’s who you are.

But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. I Peter 2:9 NASB

You Are All Together Beautiful, my darling: there is no flaw in you.

Song of Solomon 4:7 NIV

Long before Beyoncé proclaimed to woman they were flawless your heavenly Father accepted, approved, and declared you flawless in His eyes. You may be wondering how that can be true with all of the mistakes I've made. One of the awesome beauties of our Lord and Savior is He sees you through the finished work of Jesus on the cross that declares you righteousness. Jesus died on the cross so your burdens would be light, he took the punishment of our sins so we would not have to live with the weight of guilt, condemnation, sickness, or disease (2 Cor 5:21 ESV). Christ finished work declares you whole. "As HE (Jesus) is so are we in the world" (I John 4:17). You can rest in the truth of God's love for every area of your life. He didn't design you to worry and fear but to rest in Him.(Hebrews 4:11)

Surely

Surely He has borne our grief's (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment]… Isaiah 53:4 AMPC

 

Jesus provided a certainty for us when he died on the cross not only for our sins but for "our grief's (sickness, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains." We can bear witness to this truth with confidence because God's word says he has "surely" completed it. There are 13 Hebrew words and 7 Greek words that derive from the word "sure" which holds the following meanings: to be firm, faithful, true, Covenant, certainty, truth, trustworthiness, to trust, be confident, sure to bind, to know, settle, consult, establish, security, assurance, to rise, permanent, embolden, capture, to watch, secure, to render, stable, certain, binding, to know, trustworthy, reliable, solid, make sure, strengthen, firm of force, be resolved. So no matter what we experience in life (even our own inability to get things right) Jesus covered it all on the cross he carried it so we wouldn't have to…Oh what a mighty God we serve!!!! We have the assurance of knowing that whatever we face God has already provided the remedy for us to come through victorious, it is a done deal. Our job is to rest in the Grace and Mercy of Jesus Christ. Every time we confess Jesus over our situation we defeat this evil world (1 John 5:4 NIV). Stand on the Word of God it will not fail you.

Promise

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life…Psalms 23:6 NIV

Believing Truth

The thief comes only that he might steal and might kill and might destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. John 10:10 Berean Study Bible

Have you ever had one of those moments where you felt discouraged and could not put your finger on why you felt that way? You try to shake it but the discouragement just continues to linger affecting you in a negative way through your attitude and outlook on circumstances. Many times I believe we feel discouraged due to disappointments, but the enemy also uses subtle situations to suggest discouragement. He uses people, circumstances, and negative thoughts, his tactics are generally the same. But we have insight into the devils themes through the Word of God. Jesus told his disciples, "The thief comes ONLY in order to steal, kill and destroy." (John 10:10 AMP). The enemy's ultimate purpose is to steal our joy and hope through Jesus Christ, but "we are not ignorant of his schemes." (2 Cor 2:10 AMP). A spiritual battle requires spiritual weapons which is prayer and dousing ourselves in the Word of God. I find it enlightening that after Jesus provided the enemy's motives he immediately encourages us with the purpose of His coming. "I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)." We can either listen to the lies of the enemy that will eventually destroy us or we can believe and hope in the Word of God and live an "abundant life." I've decided to dismiss the lies of discouragement and focus on the truth of God's wonderful Grace that brings blessings in every area of our lives. Which will you believe a deceiver or the King of Kings and Lord of Lord's?

Encouragement

The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."  Zephaniah 3:17

 

…as He is, so are we in this world. 1 John 4:17 AMP

...our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. 1 John 4:17 MSG

When Christ died on the cross for our sins he also provided us with the ability to possess His qualities and unmerited blessings not just in heaven but here on earth.  The Bible tells us, "For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:6 NLT). How marvelous is that, we are unified with Christ the bridegroom of the Church lavished with His love, kindness, and provisions, "as He is, so are we in this world." Think about that for a moment, allow it to really saturate your spirit… So do we need to worry about sickness, lack, or other negative circumstances in our life? No, because Jesus is rich in all things and there is no illness or disease in His body. I learned these truths from a message by Pastor Joseph Prince "Receive God's Supply For all of Life's Demand." Many individuals that heard this word began declaring 1 John 4:17  over negative circumstances in their life and experienced major breakthroughs. This is the result of standing and believing in the word of God. I would like to encourage you to do the same in life's challenging moments. Declare, "as Christ is so am I in this world." The Word of God is true it cannot and will not return to Him void, every provision and purpose will be fulfilled in your life because of the righteousness bestowed upon you through Christ Jesus. 

Scripture

And this righteousness of God is through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction. Romans 3:22 Berean Literal Bible

Right Standing with God

This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. John 3:16-17 MSG

Many times religion depicts God as this enraged Father sitting in heaven waiting for us to make a mistake so He can condemn and punish us. What a miss representation of God. He is just the opposite. God is love so much so that He sent His Son to the earth to take our sins upon Him once and for all so that even when we do mess up (and we will) all the Father see's is our righteousness through Jesus. In God's infinite wisdom he devised a plan to have an intimate relationship with sinful mankind. Yes, God hates sin but He absolutely loves and adores fellowship and intimacy with us. Accepting the gift Jesus provided for us over 2,000 years ago allows us to have holy fellowship with God. Jesus took on sin so that we did not have to die because of our sins. His one act of love sealed the deal once for all mankind. God doesn't condemn us His desire is to romance us and lavish His wonderful blessings on our life. We only have to accept, and believe the free gift that has been given to us.

Scripture

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:21 NIV

Declaration

God isn't angry with me, but madly, intentionally in love with me.

After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. Then they carried the ark into Dagon's temple and set it beside Dagon. When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! They took Dagon and put him back in his place. But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained. 1 Samuel 5: 1-4 NIV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

          1 Peter 5:6 Jubilee Bible 2000

 

In my opinion, this Scripture illustrates God's humor as well as His power. The Ark of the Covenant symbolized God's presence. The Philistines obviously had no respect for the ark and placed it in a room with one of the false gods they worshipped. God had to show the people of Ashdod who He was and that He was not on the same level as their stone made god but He was the God who created the stone. So when the people of Ashdod entered the temple of Dagon the statue had fallen flat on his face: "every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord." I believe that was a very kind and gentle message that God was giving to the people of Ashod. But they still did not heed the message. So God made sure there was absolutely no doubt in his second delivery. "After they stood the statue back up the following morning they found the head and hands of the statue broken off and laying at the door of the temple with the body lying face down. God is a jealous God; He will not share His glory with anyone. We must always stay in a posture of being humble, understanding every good gift is from God, our mere existence is due to his Grace and love for us.

 

…I will not let my reputation be tarnished, and I will not share my glory with idols! Isaiah 48:11b NLT

 

Prayer

Thank you Lord for your Sovereignty that rules and reigns throughout the earth and in our lives.

 

 

 

 

 

Complete Control

 

There are many promises in the Word of God that help us stay grounded. But believing and trusting that God is in complete control gives us the confidence and assurance that no matter what circumstances we find ourselves everything will work out. I just wanted to remind you today that God has all power and authority and because you belong to Him He has gifted you with authority over the enemy as the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus.  Satan never has the upper hand and here's why:

 

Matthew 28:18

NIV: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

AMP: All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

MSG: God authorized and commanded me to commission you.

GNB: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

 

Luke 10:19

CSB: I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpion and over all the power of the enemy; nothing at all will harm you.

MSG: Master even the demons danced to your tune! Jesus said I know. I saw Satan fall, a bolt of lightning out of the sky. See what I've given you? Safe passage as you walk on snakes and scorpions and protection from every assault of the Enemy. No one can put a hand on you. All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God's authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you-that's the agenda for rejoicing.

AMP: I have given you authority that you now possess to tread on serpents and scorpions, and the ability to exercise authority over all the power of the enemy (Satan) and nothing will in any way harm you.

I purposely provided scripture from different translation so you could really understand that you are completely covered and protected by God. Romans 10:9-13 tells us "For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. In the Greek salvation means deeds of deliverance, help, and prosperity. Use your words of confession over every area of your life. When you trust in the Word I believe our Father stands with his chest out and shoulders back saying, "That's my Child right there whom I am well pleased".

Prayer

Thank you Lord for entrusting us with your power and authority. We give you Glory, Honor, & Praise that you only deserve. Amen

He Did it All for YOU

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 ASV

If you have never listened to Pastor Joseph Prince messages I would encourage you to do so. They are life changing and will help you to understanding the Grace and love of God personally for you.  He stated the words below based on Isaiah 53:5 to give us a full appreciation for the length and depth of what Christ went through on the cross just so He could have a personal relationship with us. I pray that these words will bless you and touch your heart.

"His nakedness was to clothe us (me) with the robe of righteousness. The spit on his face is to clothe us(me) with the glory of God. The crown of thrones is to crown us (me) with the peace that surpasses all understanding. He was naked and destitute so that God would always supply all our (my) needs.  He was cut off from God at the cross so that God would never leave us (me) nor forsake me."

"The cross is a testimony to the lie of the devil that began in the Garden of Eden that God is holding something back from us. God gave His best, His beloved Son."

 

Copied from Pastor Joseph Prince, "Jesus is Really that Good."

 https://www.josephprince.org/