Archive Page 18

Measure of Favor

Published February 10, 2013 Characteristics of Believers , Faith Leave a Comment
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We just talked about walking in favor, but today I was given an additional message. I never discount additional revelation on a topic whatever the source – radio, books, the Word, a message from my pastor, dreams and visions, or speaking with another believer when the topic is brought up and discussed. So I was pleased this morning as I was getting ready for worship to see a church TV pastor, Joel Olsteen, talking about us having “a flash flood….of favor of God profusely abounding in our lives.” This reminded me that in addition to our faith and belief, our measure of favor is limited only by our own level of obedience.

The entwining of obedience and favor should not be unfamiliar to us because it’s depicted in nearly every supernatural event in the Bible. Sometimes, its’ portrayed in negative terms – that is, through disobedience and the removal of favor, such as the sacking of Judah and the delivering of the Jewish people into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. Nevertheless, our Lord prizes obedience more than any other work we can do to please Him, and he rewards obedience in the same measure. You might recall that Daniel wasn’t eaten by the lions when thrown into the lions’ den. Daniel 6:22 states, “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight.” Like Daniel, Joseph was also given a flood of favor through his obedience. Recall how Joseph was promoted and treated while a slave in Pharaoh’s house because he continued being obedient to God and didn’t dwell on revenge on his jealous and wicked brothers.

So let’s continue to walk in obedience to God and call forth and walk in the flood of favor our Lord has reserved for us! Think big, ask big, walk big, and receive a big measure!

Walking in Favor

Published February 7, 2013 Characteristics of Believers , Faith Leave a Comment
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Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the

knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord

2 Peter 1:2

Did you know that, according to the New Testament Greek Lexicon at www.biblestudytools.com , the Greek meaning of grace, or Charis, includes “goodwill, loving-kindness, and favour”?

What this means is that when Peter wrote the words at the top of this page, he was endowing those of us who know God and Jesus with multiplied grace and peace – in other words, multiplied or abundant peace and favor. When we believe and embrace the fact that our Heavenly Father wants us to have abundance in everything in our earthly lives, we can call upon it and activate it in our lives. That’s what it means to “walk in favor.”

I sort of stumbled upon activating favor in my life when I realized that if I asked and believed in favorable treatment because of who the Bible says I am – a princess of the Most High God – I would receive it. Remember that we’re told by James, “[y]ou do not have, because you do not ask God.” (James 4:2) What we also know is that when we ask, we must believe; Jesus himself said “If you believe [i.e., have faith and do not doubt], you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matt. 21:22) Our only limitation seems to be that our requests must follow the will of God, for even Jesus asked God in Gethsemane, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matt. 26:39). I am a princess of the most high God, and you are all princes and princesses of the same God. Your inheritance is abundant favor, which is the will of God, but only if you ask for it.

I found that activating favor is as easy as speaking out loud and testifying to others my anticipated and my realized favor. I don’t do it in a manner that seems smug, lording my blessing over others, or bragging – more like just a statement of the blessings of the Lord. It’s not bragging when you give God the glory for everything in your life. After all, He is responsible. If someone says they like my house, I say that God blessed me with my house. If someone praises my work, I say that God gave me the gifts and talents to do my work. I activate favor in everything large or small. If I barely make my bus or find a good parking place, it’s God’s favor and I tell people that. If I am supernaturally healed, it’s God’s favor and I testify to it. Every bit of God’s favor is the same, and it’s all equally and supernaturally amazing! The bottom line is that God wants to be actively involved in EVERY aspect of our life, and He loves to show His hand at work in each of our blessings.

So here’s what I do:

1. I verbally thank the Lord for the blessing I’m about to receive (out loud – the enemy hates this!). I say something like, “Thank you, Lord, that you always give me the perfect parking space.” By the way, don’t laugh, everybody knows I always get great parking spots, and now you know why!

2. I believe and expect the blessing to be given. This isn’t as hard to do as it seems. True believing faith comes from actually seeing God’s hands in little things so that you can begin to expect His hand in the big ones. In my book, I talk quite a bit about faith not necessarily coming from believing in the unseen, but rather in believing in the glorious things that you have actually seen.

3. I thank the Lord for fulfilling my request and I tell others how great He is!

As followers of Jesus Christ, you are all royalty, abundantly blessed. So go and walk in favor. See every good thing you experience as a gift from your Father, who loves you. And when you receive those things, be grateful and testify to the amazing grace/favor or our Lord!

Spiritual Unity

Published January 27, 2013 Characteristics of Believers Leave a Comment
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The concept of spiritual unity of all believers has been on my mind (and heart) for quite awhile.  I received this daily devotional from the Activation Ministries International today,  http://www.activationministries.org/ , and it sums up my thoughts beautifully.  Enjoy!

January 27th

Matt 18:19-20

Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.

For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them.

 (Amplified version)

Unity’s song releases a sweet fragrance into the atmosphere of heaven. It reaches into the depths of My heart and I respond with outpourings of My glory.

The power of agreement is a weapon against the powers of the enemy. Nothing in Satan’s armory can even come close to combating the might and force of unity. This is exactly why he strategizes ways to prevent unity from happening in the first place.

Sowing seeds of discord in the church is a useful tool in the hands of demons. They methodically sneak into the thought lives of believers planting lies and distortions about brothers and sisters. In turn, they count on a soulish; flesh driven response from those targeted leading them into gossip and slander. The spirit of Leviathan is then free to roam twisting every word spoken into gross misunderstanding.

Another frequently used strategy is offense. This is a spirit of wickedness whose soul purpose is to kill and destroy unity. It feeds on the insecurities and inadequacies in believers. This spirit uses the mouth of its host to slice up those in the body to whom they believe wronged them.

My people, you cannot afford to entertain spirits of disunity and discord, especially in this hour. My Word emphatically warns, be not ignorant of the enemy’s devices! Come into My presence and rid yourself of anything that gives place to the enemy of discord. Give Satan notice that you are no longer a participant in his plans and strategies. Submit yourself to Me, resist the enemy and he must flee!

Unity is a treasured gift to My body, but it is of utmost importance for such a time as this. The hour is late and there must be unity in My house. The corporate anointing is key in My end time move!

When My people draw together in one accord, a harmonious song rises on the winds of My Spirit permeating the atmosphere with My love. Prayer and intercession enter into new levels of power. From this place of My Spirit, whatever you agree upon is done in heaven. I inhabit your unity and agreement, dwelling right in the midst.

I inhabit the praises of My people

…Unity is powerful praise!

 

Holy Spirit, I ask You to show me how to enter into a Spirit birthed unity with other believers. I do not want to be moved or pressured to produce something from my flesh. I desire a genuine bond of love from the Spirit. Reveal to me my part in this treasured gift. Lord Jesus, forgive me for knowingly or unknowingly participating in discord and/or offense. I repent for anything I have personally done that has caused disunity. I ask for increased discernment that I may clearly see the devices of the enemy. I embrace and cherish the beauty and power of unity. I pray for the body of Christ around the world to join hands in the Spirit and move forward together to see Your Kingdom come!

 

Spiritual Confirmation

Published January 22, 2013 Hearing God Leave a Comment
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I’m always open to receiving spiritual confirmation on wisdom, training, and any messages I might get from God. That’s because my flesh is not only weak – it’s also thick and dense. There are many times when I receive some pearl of wisdom and then turn around and wonder, “Is that you God?” I understand that confusion and doubt are from the enemy, but how do I sort it all out? Well, my ongoing theory is that God speaks to us where we look for Him. And one way I look for Him is by seeking confirmation. And if you seek confirmation on any particular message, God will surely give it to you, too!

When it comes to confirmation, my agreement with God is that when I receive a message more than once I will pay special attention to it and KNOW that it’s from Him and that it’s IMPORTANT for us. Of course, I test the spirits and look at where the confirmation is coming from. I ask, “Is this from God or from another Godly person?” “Does the message line up with the Bible and who it tells me God is and His purpose for my life?” “Is it from the Bible and my daily passages?” Over time I have learned that my confirmations always come in one of these ways so that my thick and dense flesh will finally get it!

For example, I just received a confirmation like this on the blog I just posted about “Standing Firm in Trials.” Right after I posted it, I opened my daily scripture from K-Love, and it said this from James 1:2-3;

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”

Bam! Just like that God gave me confirmation on the message I had written. I know that often it’s hard to see or feel joy during trials, but you should always know that your Heavenly Father loves you so much that if you let Him, He will let these seeds of trial fall on good soil to grow into something beautiful to share with another in a time of need. Also, when we focus on the joy of each situation, we defeat the ploys that the enemy has in mind to magnify the trial and our pain! My confirmation told me that faith is like a muscle – when you really exercise it, it surely grow!

Whenever you hear from God, or think you’ve heard from God, tell Him that you’ll seek His spiritual confirmation so that you can stay close to Him and be able to see clearly His word and blessings for you and your life. If you start searching for God in this way, then I’m sure that He will speak to you exactly where you are looking!

Stand Fast in Times of Trial

Published January 18, 2013 Comfort , Faith Leave a Comment
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My heart has been especially burdened lately with the trials that many of you are experiencing. From lost jobs, to financial difficulties, hospital stays, and even family deaths, there just seems to be a lot of stuff happening that just isn’t fun. But I’m writing this blog to tell you that I have had confirmation from our Lord both from His Word and through several of His servants that He has not left our side. In fact, He’s right here holding out His hand to you so that you stay close to His protection and comfort. God wants you to stand fast in your times of trial.

When we talk about standing fast I always remember that the Bible says in Ephesians 6:11-13 for us to:

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

This passage means that life is not without difficulties. We will experience them, and we must be prepared for them. We must stand and face them head on. The good news is that with God on our side, there is nothing we can’t face and see through to the end. Sometimes just facing the trial head on is really all God wants. In my opinion, God is constantly looking for examples of people who face the troubles of the world with peace, grace, and a sense of calm knowing that He is ultimately in charge. It’s those people who really make a difference in the natural world.

I still remember a man who I met at a Denver area church who told me he had just lost all of his life’s saving in the Enron debacle. He was so calm! It didn’t seem to bother him one bit, and surely that same problem could easily lead to depression or even suicide with any other person. I’m sure that everyone who meets him and hears his story will be moved, like me, by his faith in God to turn even that great trial into a triumph through standing firm. He told me, “Well, I guess God wanted me to work when I thought it was time to retire. He must have something really great in store for me.” Can you imagine how pleased God is that this man still believes and tells others about His glory?

You should realize, of course, that not all trials are from the devil. That’s because many times we have made improper choices that set certain problems into play. Nevertheless, Satan is going to take whatever problem you initiate and use it to steal from you or destroy you if he can. Really, because of God’s grace, that’s the really exciting choice we have every day. No matter what happens, no matter how difficult we think something in the world is, we can choose to let Satan use that difficulty to really mess us up, or we can choose to let God use the same difficulty for His glory. If you really focus on what’s happening supernaturally, you can even find hope and some joy in even the worst times by simply knowing that what God has in store for you later will be so great.

When my husband, Tim, went back to Kansas to take care of his sick dad, things could not have seemed lower. No matter what he did, he couldn’t find out what was wrong with his dad, and after a while Tim had to quit his job to act as a 24/7 nurse. A lot of people fretted over the situation and warned Tim that he wouldn’t be able to find work again and that he would go broke, etc. Well, at that time Tim had a choice: (1) let Satan use the situation to cause hopelessness and despair, or (2) let God use it to show His glory. Tim chose number two, constantly telling people that God would surely find him another job, and the money would be no problem because God would surely work everything out. In the end, Tim was able to spend the last year of his dad’s life with him. He talked to many people in Kansas, including his dad, about God’s will and favor. And you know what? We never even really felt any lack of money due to losing his job. There was a sense of peace, even in the middle of a huge trial, by just knowing that God was in charge and that He would use the situation to lead to something even greater.

No matter how your trial originates, you still have the same weapons – namely the grace of Jesus dying on the cross, the Word (Bible) of our Lord, and our community of believers to provide encouragement, enlightenment, and strength. It’s so important to just stand and face that trial, rather than to run away, hide in a comfortable place or hop a boat on the river of denial J . If you try to ignore it, the problem will still be there when you return – in fact, it might have even grown into a bigger issue. And while you’re standing firm, sharpen your sword, which is the Word of God – dig into your Bible to refresh your memory of who you are and the promises our Lord made to you.

When I have things going poorly in my life I try to step back and ask a few questions and quickly move to the resolution.

1. What have I done in the natural world (like sin or un-forgiveness) that may have contributed to or started this difficulty?

If I identify something that has started the problem, then I accept the responsibility for the action or sin and ask for forgiveness. I then look for the resolution – it may mean humbly apologizing to someone, or making amends in the situation, or just standing in there for the natural course of things – like when you break a law and have to go through the court system. Sometimes I’m not sure what the root cause is and I just go to prayer and ask for revelation on what I have done. I ask for forgiveness, blessing, and supernatural help. Once I’ve done this, I try to leave it alone and let God walk with me through the problem however long it takes. That means that I try not to worry about it or continue discussing it. I simply release it so that my heart can remain pure and free.

2. Have I forgotten to pray spiritual coverage  to keep me and my household protected?

Sometimes I realize that I have gotten overly confident in my flesh and that I have not asked, on a daily basis, for God’s supernatural wisdom and perfection. This usually happens when I don’t get in the Word for even one tiny verse and my focus gets off my Lord and His purpose for my life. I immediately ask for forgiveness and ask for supernatural wisdom, revelation, and protection over me, my friends and family, my household and any one that I come into contact with each day.

3. Maybe I am doing the right thing – if so, is the attack from the enemy simply one designed to get me off track from living a Godly life?

If I’m on a Godly track and I think I am doing exactly what God wants me to do, regardless of what the world would say to do, then I just smile and feel fortunate that the enemy is trying to deter me from accomplishing something big. When this happens, I know that it’s some of the strongest demons that are in play, so I try to remember that it’s important now more than ever to press into my Lord through prayer, His Word, and His people. The Bible says that some demons react only to prayer and fasting, and so sometimes I fast.

And so, my beautiful brothers and sisters, stand firm! Be armed with the knowledge that your Heavenly Father is right there with you to help you muscle through your difficult time! In the end, getting through it by standing firm and choosing to side with God will be worth it. Whatever your trial may be, if you choose to walk with God, He will bless you with wisdom, abundant peace, and sharpened tools for life in the natural world.

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