Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Your Authority in Christ


   19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19 NKJV

17 For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Romans 5:17 AMPC


 In times of fear and anxiety and uncertainty, it's comforting to know that God is with us and has never left us or abandon us. It's equally comforting knowing that God hasn't left us helpless or weak and wanting in tough times. God has given the Church something to overcome in this life.

 God has given us the authority to rule and reign over all the power of the wicked one. He has equipped us with His name, the name above all other names. God has given us His authority to operate in this natural realm.

 One of the most neglected and little taught truths throughout the Body of Christ is the believer's authority. If we have authority, this threatens the religious traditional concept that God controls all aspects of life and everything that occurs is because God did it or approved of it. If we have authority we have to take some responsibility for our lives and the conditions that exist in this world.

 To understand authority we have to revisit the Garden of Eden. Note in Genesis what God declared about man. God gave mankind authority and dominion in this Earth. Man was to operate in dominion on this planet. 

 In fact, God gave man three things in Genesis. First, God gave man His image. We are created in the likeness of God. We have His image. We need not try to conform to some worldly image that leaves us wanting and hurting trying so desperately to attain or achieve. We already have the image of God. God isn't suffering from low self-esteem and neither should we. 

 Secondly, God gave man dominion over this planet. Did you know man was created to rule and reign on this Earth? Man fell and turned over this rulership to the enemy, but Jesus defeated the enemy and stripped the crown from him that he stole from Adam. As a believer, you have been given this restored dominion. 

 Now we can exercise this dominion over this planet. This doesn't mean we can lord over other people and demand of others. We are speaking of the dominion over the Earth. Read it in Genesis. We have dominion over the animal kingdom, the plant kingdom, and the Earth. We have the authority to pray God's will be done on this Earth.

 This means we have dominion over famine, disaster, and drought. This means we have the authority to stand against "natural disasters". We can take dominion over destruction and speak life. We can also be something else. We can be a blessing to desolate lands and those afflicted with disease, and drought and death. 

 Thirdly, God gave us the blessing. God blessed us. We have the blessing of God upon us so we can be a blessing. The enemy has sought since the fall, to bring the curse, to oppose the blessing, on those who believe. 

 The enemy has worked overtime to ensure that the Church never recognize our true identity. The enemy would have us shrink back while accusatively asking who do you think you are? We need to stand strong and walk tall and declare to the world, the flesh, and the enemy that we are the Church. The very Righteousness of God in Christ. That we are made in the image of God and carry this image on the inside of us, and walk in the dominion and authority He delegated to us. 


 In summation, we need to know and understand our authority in Christ. This is such in-depth teaching we have just scratched the surface. Who do you think you are? You are the Righteousness of God, you are the King's kid. You're accepted and approved in Christ. You have been given dominion and authority in Christ. 


Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay 

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

The Prevailing Word: Certainty in an uncertain world


20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed Acts 19:20 KJV

....For I will hasten My word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12b MEV


 During times of crisis, uncertainty, fear, and anxiety abound in the hearts and minds of the masses. Hope seems to be drowned out by the constant bombardment of negative reports and fear-based projections. People's outlook on life can turn to gloom and not joyful expectancy. In the midst of this, there is hope.

 The prevailing Word of God reveals to us who God is and what He's done for us and how we can overcome in this life. The Word reveals to us that there is something we can hold fast to. That there are things that are certain and secure even in uncertain times. Let's examine those things now.

God's Love

 The Love of Almighty God is sure and steadfast. His Love is something that we can always trust in and find rest and comfort and hope in.  

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35 MEV

Love never fails...1 Corinthians 13:8a MEV

God's Love is never failing and always a sure thing. His love for us never weakens, wanes or falls short. We can walk in assurance and certainty and have bold confidence because of His love.

God's Word

God's Word is assured and never failing. His Word is truth. His Word cannot fail. His Word prevails over anything this world system or the enemy can scheme and devise. 

17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. John 17:17 MEV

Righteousness

Our Righteousness in Christ is eternal and unshakeable. It is irrevocable. Once you've received the Righteousness of Christ it's yours for eternity. Our right standing with God is based on Jesus Finished Work, not ours. Righteousness means we are divinely accepted and approved.

 This acceptance and approval is not fleeting or temporary. It is eternal. It is sure and steadfast. No matter the situation, the circumstance, or what is happening in the world, our Righteousness in Christ is a surety and remains steadfast. 

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV

29 For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29 MEV

Our Salvation

Have you received Jesus as your Savior? Did you simply put your trust in Him, that is Jesus? Then here is some good news, you're eternally saved and secure. 

 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 NLT

12 And he has entered once and forever into the Holiest Sanctuary of All, not with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the sacred blood of his own sacrifice. And he alone has made our salvation secure forever! Hebrews 9:12 TPT

 And God has reserved for his children the priceless gift of eternal life; it is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will make sure that you get there safely to receive it because you are trusting him. It will be yours in that coming last day for all to see. 1 Peter 1:4-5 TLB

 No message seems to stir up more controversy than that of the eternal security of the believer. Yet I can't see why so many fight such a glorious truth of redemption. Many claim we can lose our salvation or forfeit it. Salvation isn't based upon our doing. We did nothing to deserve salvation, we did nothing to earn salvation, we did nothing to merit eternal life, yet it seems man believes we can undo what only Christ could accomplish.

 Eternal life was purchased for us by the Finished Work of Jesus. Christ shed His Blood for us thus procuring our eternal redemption. This redemption is eternal and forever secure because Christ's Blood paid the price in full. Christ Blood is not like the blood of bulls and goats. No, His Blood is precious Blood that washed away the sins of man. Nothing of man or the enemy can cross that Blood line.

 When we believed we were born again. We are born again of incorruptible seed. This seed is imperishable. Which means it is eternal in duration. It is not capable of perishing. We are born again for eternity. 

In summation, we can have certainty in these uncertain times. We have His Love, His Word, His Righteousness, and our eternally secure salvation that are more than enough. They are all sure and steadfast. We can walk in bold confidence in our relationship with God. We can walk in triumphant victory. What we have in Christ and because of Christ is a sure thing. 

Image by Oliver Peters from Pixabay 

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

The Prevailing Word: What are you saying?

20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed Acts 19:20 KJV

....For I will hasten My word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12b MEV




 We've been looking at the Word of God in this time of the current world crisis. We are looking at what God says versus what man says. We are looking at how to overcome and walk in triumphant victory by Grace through Faith.

 We've seen that God's Word is the prevailing Word. We are seeing again how powerful and effective Faith in God and His Word is. Before we continue, let me briefly explain, when we discuss Faith, we must understand what we are speaking of. So let's declare what Faith is not so we are on the same page if you will.

 Faith is not foolishness. Faith is not living above your means, and going in debt to appear to be materially blessed. Faith is not foolishly throwing away all your medicine when there is no complete confirmation and full manifestation of your healing. Faith is not, not having a job, not having insurance, not locking your door or wearing a seat belt in a motor vehicle. 

 Grace is God's unearned, undeserved, unmerited favor that Finished the work completely, and once received produces an empowerment in our lives. Faith is more than mere believing. Faith is being fully persuaded that what God said is true and what Jesus accomplished in the Finished Work is in fact complete. Faith then acts on what we believe, which is God's Word and the Finished Work of Christ.

 We receive from God by Grace through Faith. Grace makes and Faith takes. Grace created it through the Finished Work of Christ. Faith reaches out and takes what Grace made available. 

 Today, it seemed good to speak about our words. In times of crisis, it's easy to panic. This is not the attitude, or thinking we want to adopt as believers. So let's look at words.

 Faith is released by our words. Jesus Himself established this and Paul the Apostle of Grace confirmed it in Romans and 2 Corinthians.   Paul declared we believed we therefore speak. Jesus stated this clearly in Mark's Gospel.

22 Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and doesn’t doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them.  Mark 11:22-24 WEB

 Jesus here shows us the power of Faith and releasing our Faith by our words. I chose this translation because it brings out a truth many have not seen or understood.

 He declared here, he who doubts not in his heart but believes that what he says is happening he will have what he says. This is why we don't always receive when we believe. Let me explain.

 We pray for our loved one to get saved. We pray for our family member and their situation at work. We pray for wisdom about a situation. The issue is often we don't at that moment actually believe anything is actually happening.

 We at most hope someone is listening in heaven. At other times we aren't even really hoping in the Biblical sense. We are merely wishing, as a kid wishes upon a star or when they blow out birthday candles. Jesus' words here help us learn how to actually ask in Faith believing.

 Jesus tells us that when we speak and doubt not and believe it's happening we will have what we say. When we know what Jesus accomplished in the Finished Work, what Grace made when we speak in agreement with that we can know at that moment something IS in fact happening. Faith is being fully persuaded not a wishing and a hoping mindset. 

 What we must also understand is, even though we may not always feel like it, when we speak, something is happening. If we are praying in doubt, accepting the lie of the enemy that nothing is happening, we make that so with our words, agreeing with that lie. If we speak in agreement with God, not accepting the lies of the enemy then we will see His promises come to pass in our life.

What are you saying?

 So the question must be asked, what are you saying? Are you in agreement with the constant negative news? Are you adding your agreement with hysteria and panic? Are you speaking death, doom, dismay, and distress? 

 Or are you speaking what God says? God's Word doesn't take feelings, what it looks like, or the circumstance into account. His Word is above all these things. His Word is the higher truth over whatever may be factual. 

 The Word in 2 Kings records an account of what I am speaking of. You can read the full account here. In summation, the Prophet Elisha had spoken the word and a woman without a child bore a son. Later on, this child was working with his father and grew ill and not soon after died. The mother did not speak death or doom or despair or distress. 

 When asked by her husband she declared "it is well." When the Prophet asked is it well with you and your husband and your son, she responded: "it is well." What was she doing? She was trusting in the Good God of the universe to be there for her and her child. She was not denying the situation but rather putting her Faith and trust in what God said to her through the Prophet Elisha. Her Faith was not in vain, the man of God Elisha raised this child from the dead.

 The point is in a time of major crisis and death, this woman spoke words of life and not death. 
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 MEV
See it in another paraphrased translation;
Your words are so powerful that they will kill or give life,
and the talkative person will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21 TPT

 When we know and understand God's Goodness and Love we can readily speak in agreement with Him and not speak the circumstance. We can speak life to dead situations. We can speak death to evil situations and events the enemy tries to bring to pass. We can trust that what we are saying in agreement with God's Word and what Grace made something is actually happening when we speak and we can, therefore, have whatever we say. 

 In summation, death and life are in our lips. We can speak God's Word and not the situation. We can speak the desired result not the worst-case scenario. We can add our agreement verbally with all Christ did in the Finished Work. So speak life in this time of worldwide crisis. Speak God's Word and not fear-filled words. Speak God's love into atmospheres of darkness and uncertainty. We are the light, let's be light by speaking light into the darkness. 

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

The Prevailing Word of Faith

20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed Acts 19:20 KJV

....For I will hasten My word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12b MEV





 In our last article, we saw how mighty God's Word is and how it will prevail no matter the situation or circumstance. This was a Word in due season I felt so strong in my spirit to share. God, our Good Father wanted to bring about peace and joy and rest in a time of peril and weariness. 

 Today, it seems good in my heart to continue along these lines. Offering hope and refreshing to a world seemingly overrun with constant negative news. Bringing peace and calm to minds all over the globe as unrest and weariness tries to overtake so many.


 In times of crisis and hardship, we have the choice to respond with Faith or react with fear, frenzied panic and anxiety. Now before we continue, let me say this. God isn't looking down at you with a wagging finger and anger in His heart if you choose fear over Faith.  What He will do is offer you a greater understanding of His Love, Your Righteousness in Christ and His all the time Goodness. He will invite you to receive the prevailing Word. 

 Faith comes to us as we hear the Word. And this Faith comes when the Word prevails over our natural thinking, our wrong thinking, our negative thinking, our small, limited thinking. The Word is the truth, we agree and accept it to see it manifest in our life in its fullness.

 When crises come, when hard times arise we can have Faith instead of fear. When we know we are made perfectly Righteous, and always loved by our Good Father we have confidence He is there with us and for us. His all the time Goodness and never-failing Word gives us the full assurance God will never leave us or forsake us. Resting in the truth He loves us gives us confidence He will be our portion, our full supply no matter the circumstance.

 God is the God of the turnaround. God will turn around any negative situation this fallen world brings about. God will turn around for our good anything the enemy may manufacture against us. God can turn around any situation to bring blessings our way and give glory to His name.

 In 2 Kings 6 and 7, we see a crisis that has besieged the children of Israel. The result? God spoke a Word through the prophet Elisha. That Word prevailed against impossible odds. Instead of famine, the people had an abundance. 

 Jesus, the Word made flesh, understood the power of the prevailing Word of Faith. Luke 17 records His encounter with ten lepers. Take note of Jesus' words here;

14 So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” Luke 17:14a NKJV

 The leprous men cried for mercy, the healing mercy of God. What did Jesus say or do? Did He lay hands on them first? Did He say "be healed?" Did He lift His hands in prayer for them? No, He did none of these things. He simply spoke. He said go show yourself to the priest. 

 Wait, Jesus, how can lepers show themselves to the priest unless they had been cleansed? How could Jesus say to them go show yourselves to the priest if they currently at that moment still had leprosy? Wouldn't this be lying? Wouldn't this be "denying the circumstances?" 

 No, this is the prevailing Word of Faith in action. Faith speaks the desired result, not the circumstance. Faith speaks the end from the beginning. Faith calls those things that be not as though they were. 

 even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Romans 4:17b KJV

 What was the result of Jesus' words spoken? 
...And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. Luke 17:14b NKJV

 The prevailing Word of Faith spoken from our lips prevails over any negative circumstance or situation. Remember Faith is rooted in God's Word, which is eternal truth, and the character of the One speaking, God our Good Father. Faith comes when we hear or give attention to this Word, the promise and provision of God and the character of our God.

 The prevailing Word of Faith has not lost its power or effectiveness just because crisis arises. Yes, darkness may seem to be surrounding you. Negative reports abound. Many people proclaiming doom and gloom. But these reports of the world, the flesh, and the enemy will be overcome by the prevailing Word. 

 Jesus has risen from the grave. He is the triumphant, victorious, overcoming King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus and the Word have already defeated all the powers of the enemy and stripped him of any authority over you child of God. Again, it may seem like you're surrounded by the enemy, but in truth, you child of God, are surrounded by God, His all the time Goodness, His Love, His Favor and His prevailing Word on the inside is greater than that which is in the World. 

 In summation, know that the prevailing Word of Faith will put you over in this life no matter what you're facing. God's Word prevails against any and all opposition. Get in agreement with this victorious, overcoming Word and watch it prevail in your life. God is for you, not against you. Rest in your Righteousness in Christ and His abounding Love for you. Fear is a liar and Jesus is the victorious One, the One who prevailed against all the curse and the enemy on our behalf. 
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

The Prevailing Word


20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed Acts 19:20 KJV
....For I will hasten My word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12b MEV
 For I the Lord will speak, and the word that I speak shall come to pass... Ezekial 12:25a MEV
...but the word which I have spoken shall be done, says the Lord God.  Ezekiel 12:28b MEV

 As of this writing, the world is in upheaval. Disruption, disturbance, and doom, these are the reports continually bombarding our minds from media and CDC and WHO reports. Life has been put on hold. Many communities have been given shelter in place orders. This pandemic has seemingly made the world stop. 

 The news reports, the CDC reports, the social restrictions, all the negatives, it's as if we are in a storm. These reports are hitting us like waves crashing into a ship. In the midst of this turmoil, is there relief? Is there hope? Is there peace available? Here is some good news, we can have hope in Christ. For there is an anchor for our souls amid the storm. The anchor for our souls is the promise of God's Word. 

18 So that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19 We have this hope as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, which enters the Inner Place behind the veil. Hebrews 6:18-19 MEV

 God cannot lie. Two unchangeable things prove that. The New Covenant and Jesus' Finished Work. God's Word is the anchor that keeps us afloat, keeps us steady, keeps us in peace in the storms of life. God cannot lie.

 God's Word is the prevailing Word. What He has spoken shall come to pass. What He has promised will come to fruition. No scheme or suggestion or tactic from the enemy shall ever hinder or obstruct or impede the fulfillment of His Word. His Word is absolutely true no matter what the circumstances appear to be. His Word is truth, and we can trust in His Word unconditionally.

 When Jesus was tempted by the enemy in his earthly walk, Christ used the Word and prevailed against the scheming lies of the enemy. Each time the enemy came, Jesus declared "it is written!" When the enemy, when trials, when storms come we can also use the prevailing Word and proclaim it is written! 

 When Paul the apostle of Grace was facing a storm the Word of the Lord came to him through an angel. That Word prevailed against the storm and no one saw a loss of life. Paul trusted and rested in the promise of God. When storms come we can also rest, trusting in the Word of God.

 The Word is a prevailing Word. The Word of God prevails against all the plans and schemes of the enemy. The Word of God prevails against all the lies and plans of men who seek to impede or stop the work of God. The Word of God prevails against all the curse, sickness and disease and lack can't stand up to the prevailing Word. The Word of God prevails!

 Look at the Word Jesus said to the disciples in Mark 4. 

 35 That same day, when the evening came, He said to them, “Let us go cross to the other side.” Mark 4:35 MEV

 The disciples of Jesus heard the Word. This was the word that Christ spoke. Look at this entire account and see how we can also overcome in the storms and trials of life.

 36 When they had sent the crowd away, they took Him in the boat just as He was. There were also other little boats with Him. 37 A great wind storm arose, and the waves splashed into the boat, so that it was now filling the boat. 38 He was in the stern asleep on a pillow. They woke Him and said, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
39 He rose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” Then the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
40 He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is that you have no faith?”
41 They feared greatly and said to one another, “What kind of Man is He, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” Mark 4:36-41 MEV

 First, the disciples had the Presence of God, Jesus was with them. Secondly, they had the Promise of God, Jesus declared we're going to the other side. Thirdly, they had the Provision of God, they had a ship to get to the other side.  Fourthly, they had the Protection of God, the wind and waves battered the ship, but they were afloat still. Sometimes in the storm, we don't recognize God's provision, the supply He has already given us and the protection we have in Him.

 Fifthly they had the Power of God. Jesus awoke from His rest and calmed the storm. The power of God was with them in the midst of the storm. And finally, they had the Peace of God. They had the peace of God realized as the storm calmed. Does God love us any less than His disciples? 

 God's Love is for us. He loves us unconditionally. He is with us. So in these perilous times, in this time of world upheaval and trial, we have God with us and for us. We have the prevailing Word. We have His Presence, His Promise, His protection, His Provision, His Power and His Peace. All are found in God's Word. Speak His Word, not the trouble. Believe His Word, more than the reports of doom and gloom. Trust and rest in His Word and don't embrace the fear and panic in the World.

 In summation, the Word prevails. We have been given His prevailing Word. His Word overcomes all the mess in this World. Some may say we are fantasyland or being foolish. Let the unlearned and true foolish ones mock and scoff, but those who have trusted in the Word have prevailed in life. 
 We who trust the Word, have peace in the middle of the storms of life. It wasn't a fantasy when we trusted in Christ and what He declared and received new life, perfect righteousness, acceptance and approval, and total forgiveness of our sins. If God can give us new life certainly He can carry us through this storm and bring us out on the other side stronger and bolder and resting in Him more and more. The Word is a prevailing word, it is our victory!
Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay