For truly I say to you that whoever shall say to this mountain, Be moved and be cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he said shall occur, he shall have whatever he said. MARK 11 : 23
WHATEVER YOU LOOSE ON EARTH WILL BE LOOSED IN HEAVEN .. SO .. TURN YOUR FAITH LOOSE !! You Know That You Have Faith .. The Question Is .. Have You Turned It Loose And Set It Free To Begin Working In Your Life ? God !! .. Your Loving Father !! There are simply not enough hours in the day for you to truly appreciate and thank God for all that He is and all that He does for you !! Through It All !! .. Your good, Your bad and Your ugly .. Undeserving as you are, God loves you unconditionally and He remains steadfastly faithful to you !! God’s Word Is Solid And True .. Unchanging .. Just As He Is !! .. God has given you His everything .. His Word, His promises and His blessings .. God’s gifts were Given and He expects them to be Taken !! Keep in mind also that God is a Father of equal opportunities .. He has absolutely No favourites .. Which means that the promises and the blessings He gives to one of us are available to all of us !! God has given you a measure of faith .. And .. He is calling on you to turn your faith loose so that you can move into position, in order to receive His abundant grace and favor into your life !! God Gave .. And .. He Expects You To Take !! .. However .. In order to Receive you first have to Believe that the gifts are already yours .. IT IS TIME TO TURN YOUR FAITH LOOSE !! Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven .. Matthew 18 : 18 SO HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT ACTIVATING YOUR FAITH AND TURNING IT LOOSE ? Well, It Is Simple Really .. You only have to apply one little formula .. And .. You are blessed by the fact that the formula is one that you are already familiar with. Believing + Confessing = Faith Turned Loose !! Now .. As much as you may prefer this to be some ground-breaking new secret .. It Is Not !! .. It is just an essential, basic truth !! .. One that you have heard many, many times before. It is interesting how easily you are able to voice your opinion concerning the various situations and circumstances that cross your path .. And .. Because you stand fast on your opinions, you seem to have no problem opening your mouth to confess how good or bad .. How fair or unfair .. How kind or rude .. How irritating or friendly .. How happy or sad !! On a daily basis you openly and honestly confess so many opinions and beliefs that you hold regarding a wide range of people and issues .. And .. You do this habitually, without really even giving it a second thought. What About God And His Word ? Why is it, that you believe and confess with confidence and in full faith all the rubbish that the world is polluting you with .. BUT .. When it comes to God and His Word you are still walking around doubtful and unconvinced of what He says ? Existing This Way Just Does Not Make Sense .. And .. It Was Never, Never God’s Intention For Your Life !! He did not create you to merely exist; miserable and frustrated in a sad and dying world .. He called you to live and enjoy a life overflowing with His abundant grace and favor !! And .. God Has armed you with everything that you require to start this new life of yours !! .. You Have His presence !! .. You Have His Word !! .. And .. You have faith !! TURN YOUR FAITH IN GOD LOOSE .. AND LET satan KNOW THAT YOU ARE HIS NUMBER ONE ENEMY !! Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages) .. Hebrews 13 : 8 Wherever You Are Right Now .. Will You Just Stop For A Minute .. Stop !! .. And allow your mind to take a brief journey back in time. Think about past situations that almost broke you .. Think about the times you wondered how you were going to make it through .. Think about the times where everything was going wrong and you were ready to just give up. O.K. .. So after reflecting a little on the past .. Doesn’t it amaze you to realise how your faith has delivered you so many times before !! .. Every trial, trouble, or problem that you once faced is now nothing but a distant memory. God Has Always Been With You .. And .. Every time you have called out to Him in faith, He has shown up and fulfilled His promises in your life !! .. So .. Why should today be any different ? God Does Not Change Like The Blowing Winds !! .. He Is The Same Yesterday, Today And Forever !! .. Which means that if He was there for you yesterday .. He will be there for you today .. and He will surely continue to be with you forever more !! However .. In order for you to receive anything from God .. No matter how big or small your request to Him may be .. You are going to have to turn your faith loose and stand in absolute agreement with Him for the things He has already spoken, declared and prophesied into your life !! BELIEVING + CONFESSING = FAITH TURNED LOOSE !! You have to understand that everything .. Absolutely Everything .. that you receive from God is all received in exactly the same way .. Through Your Faith !! .. And .. Your faith will definitely be activated the moment you start believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth !! Would You Take Another Look At What Jesus Is Saying In Mark .. Do you notice that as Jesus is teaching, He mentions the word “believe” once .. And Yet .. He mentions the word “say” three times !! Interesting Isn’t It ? .. And .. Funnily enough that seems to be where the biggest problem lies .. For the most part you are not faltering in the “believing” part .. But .. Unfortunately you may be faltering in the “saying” part !! There Is Absolutely No Doubt About It .. You Are Going To Have To Confess With Your Mouth What You Believe In Your Heart For God’s Word To Have A Severe Impact In Your Life !! Nowhere in His Word does God teach you that if we just believe in your heart that you will receive the answers you so desperately seek .. However .. In various Scriptures, He does teach that if you believe in your heart and follow that up by confessing what you believe with your mouth .. Whatever It Is that you are requesting from God’s Word Will become a reality in your life !! But what does it say ? The Word (God’s message in Christ) is near you, on your lips and in your heart; that is the Word (the message, the basis and object) of faith which we preach .. Romans 10 : 8 Faith !! .. Faith !! .. Faith !! .. Without It, It Is Impossible To Please God !! .. And .. That Is Why He So Lovingly Gave You A Measure Of Faith In The First Place !! So .. Get Your Word Of Faith In Both Your Heart And Your Mouth .. And .. Start Thanking God For The Answers To Your Requests .. Because .. As You Believe, So Will You Receive !! As God Witnesses Your Faith In Him Beginning To Shine .. He Will Richly Reward You With His Greatness !! AMEN !! FAITH USE IT .. DON’T LOSE IT .. .. LOOSE IT !! "...for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." 1 Corinthians 15:52
One day when Jesus returns, the Christian will be given the perfect body. Jesus Christ promised we will receive a new body that never wears out. It comes with a new mind that never struggles with envy, hatred or any of life's sins. A perfect ten of a body that never tires, that never wears out. We are to take care of our bodies today, even though they will wear out. Live with the hope of Jesus' promise that one day those who know Him in a personal way will receive the perfect body. A body that lasts! “For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land — a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills.”(Deuteronomy 8:7, NIV)
Are you facing an area of lack in your life? Lack in your finances, lack in your relationships, lack in your physical health? The good news is that’s not the place God wants you to stay. He wants to bring you into a new land with no lack, no shortage, no defeat and no mediocrity. He wants you to live in a place where you will have more than enough so you can be a blessing to others. He wants to lift you up and keep you up. He wants you to remain stable and strong in Him. The key is, in order to get God’s results, we have to do things God’s way. His love is unconditional; His access is unlimited, but our obedience is what opens the door to His blessings. We have to do our part and humble ourselves before Him and keep pressing forward with an attitude of faith and expectancy. Remember, promotion doesn’t come from people, it comes from the Lord. When we follow Him, He leads us into the land of blessing, the land of more than enough, the land of opportunity. Today, put Him first, follow His commands and let Him lead you into the good land! Father, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for restoring my soul and leading me beside still waters. Today, I recommit my life afresh and anew. Help me follow Your commands and leading in every area of my life in Jesus’ name! Amen. 1 CORINTHIANS 14:4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself…
Many Charismatics believe that when you speak in tongues, you edify or build up your spirit man. Well, that is only one-third true. The Bible does not say that the speaker edifies his spirit. No, it says that the speaker “edifies himself”. This means his entire self—spirit, soul and body. So he who speaks in tongues builds up his spirit, soul and body. Does this include building up your immune system? Yes, it does! Brain specialists at Oral Roberts University’s hospital found out through research and testing that when a person prays in tongues, his brain releases two chemicals that are directed to his immune system, giving it a 35 to 40 per cent boost. Interestingly, these secretions are triggered by a part of our brain that has no other apparent activity and which is activated only when we pray in tongues. Now, your immune system is your first line of defense against diseases. During the SARS outbreak in Singapore in 2003, not everyone who had the disease died. Only those whose immune systems were weak succumbed to the disease and died. Therefore, many people resorted to vitamins and herbs to boost their immune systems. A 74-year-old church member decided to build up his immune system against more heart problems. Two of his arteries were 70 per cent blocked and five smaller vessels were 80 per cent blocked. So during a church service, when I asked those who wanted to be healed of heart problems to stand up, he stood up, placed his hand over his heart and prayed in tongues. He shared that at that moment, he believed that the Holy Spirit touched him and he became a different person. When he went for his medical check-up, his surgeon found that all the blockages in his blood vessels were gone! Even a scheduled heart-related operation was cancelled as there was no longer any necessity for it. Indeed, he was a different person. He literally had a change of heart, a new heart from God! Beloved, you may not have a heart condition, but you can still pray in tongues and pray up your immune system! “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again...”(Proverbs 24:16, NIV)
Life is full of things that try to push us down. We all face disappointments and setbacks. Maybe you received some bad news about your health, or perhaps a relationship didn’t work out. That was a setback. It’s easy to get discouraged or lose your enthusiasm or even be tempted to just settle where you are. But if we’re going to see God’s best, we have to have a “bounce back” mentality. That means when you get knocked down, you don’t stay down. You get back up again. You have to know that every time adversity comes against you, it’s a setup for a comeback! Remember, as a believer in Jesus, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives on the inside of you. There is no challenge too difficult, no obstacle too high, no sickness, no disappointment, no person, nothing that can keep you from your God-given destiny. If you stay in faith, then God will turn what was meant to be a stumbling block into a stepping stone, and you’ll move forward in strength, full of faith and victory! Father, thank You for setting me up for success in everything I do. I choose to trust and rely on You knowing that Your plans are for my good. I know my best days are ahead of me and look forward to the blessings You have in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen. Isaiah 9:6
‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ - It is the most wonderful time of the year. - It is at this time that we remember the greatest gift that was ever given. - Because of this great gift, you and I have a reason to celebrate. - So may this Christmas be a special and a blessed time for you! PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the greatest gift that came in the form of Your Son. How blessed we are because of what You have given and provided for us. Amen. Do you actually believe God would make a statement like, “I will not hold their sins against them”—and then rub your nose in it whenever you ask for help?” Was He exaggerating when He said He would cast your sins as far as the east is from the west? (Psalm 103:12).
Are you really forgiven? Does He really forgive and forget? Yes, but you and I don’t. You still remember. That horrid lie. That jealousy. That habit. That business trip. Do you think God is the voice that reminds you of your past? Was God teasing when He said, “I will remember your sins no more?” You and I just need an occasional reminder of God’s nature, His forgetful nature. It’s against God’s nature to remember forgiven sins. He is the God of perfect grace. Grace forgets. Period. One blustery winter day a few years ago Lois and I were purring along in our car. We were listening to Christmas music on our way to do some shopping. It was a few days before Christmas. We were thinking about how good God had been to us. We were in good health. We had eight children who love us. We had fulfilling ministry. So many blessings. Our hearts were full and happy. Things were close but we had all we need and much of what we want. Passing an area where there were some poor children playing, Lois said, "Turn around and go back. Let's find a little child who could use some money." After some mild objections I turned around and we went back and drove into the dirt road between the modest houses. I rolled the window down and drove slowly looking toward the little groups of children. Most of them stood back and looked at our slow-moving car suspiciously. Finally one little boy ran out to the car and said, "Hi, can I help you?" "Yes," I said. "I'm looking for a young man that could use an extra twenty dollars for Christmas. Do you know anybody like that?" "Sure," he said, "I can." Grinning, he reached out and took the money. "Wow, thanks!" He ran toward the house shouting, "Hey mom, dad..." We drove away. We weren't looking for a boy who was talented or gifted or handsome or impressive in any way. We were just looking for a boy who was willing to admit that he could use an extra twenty dollars at Christmastime. When Jesus came to this sin-poor world He was not looking for sharp people for his team. He was not looking for funding for His cause. He was not looking for moral support. He was looking for some good honest sinners... He was looking for sinners who knew they were sinners... The heart of the Christmas story came out once when one of Jesus' disciples was irritated that Jesus had been rejected by Samaritans. He said, "shall we call down fire out of heaven and consume them?" Jesus' answer revealed His heart for the world. He said, "The Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them." (Luke 9:56) Later in the book of Luke Jesus said to Zacchaeus, "The son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10). Jesus came looking for people who were sinners. According to the gospels sinners are sick, lost, wounded, dead, weak and ungodly. That is the kind of people Jesus came looking for at Christmas time. The God of Eternity is looking to pour out the riches of his salvation to anyone willing to admit his spiritual poverty. He is willing to heal anyone who is willing to admit that he is spiritually wounded. He is seeking to find anyone who is willing to admit he is lost. He is eager to heal those who are broken and sick. He came looking for people who were needy and willing to admit it. These are his favorite kind of people. Christmas is for good, honest sinners. The people who have not been deceived into believing that they don't need Jesus. Christmas is for good honest sinners who live in a deep and continual awareness of their need. Christmas is for when Jesus came to show people whose idols have failed them that Jesus is all their hearts ever craved. It's Christmas, when Jesus came looking for some good honest sinners. Anyone interested? Who wants to be first to say, "I need you, Jesus." Jesus is looking for broken people to bless. He is looking for hurting people to help. He is looking for sinners to save. Let him know you qualify. |
Ana & Andre Schoonbee God uses us to motivate and encourage the body. Authors
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