IT AIN'T OVER UNTIL IT'S OVER!

Exodus 14:9-10 “But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid:”

So oftentimes, we put limits on the abilities and desires of our God. We liken His character and His attributes to those of mere mortals and as a result we fall short of seeing His Glory on display. Israel was about to be miraculously delivered from 400 years of bondage and slavery at the hands of the wicked Pharoahs. Israel had obeyed the Word of the Lord and they were marching exactly as He had directed them, until they encountered their first obstacle. They had come upon the waters of the Red Sea. Mountains to the right and mountains to the left; the sea lay straight ahead and behind them were Pharoah and his army bent upon their total annihilation! And because they could see no way out, they “were sore afraid.” They were terrified and lost their faith. They reduced God down to their own capabilities. Somehow He had lost His capability for the miraculous in their minds eye.

So often in life we behave much in the same manner. We are total giants of faith until we run into our first major obstacle. God is in control and we believe in His Immensity as long as we remain somewhat in control. However, when we reach the place where we are no longer able to make a move (just in case God doesn’t) then we begin to lose confidence in His Word and His Abilities. WE forget those things that He has done in the past. Remember when David faced his giant, he began to rehearse those things which the Lord had previously done in his life. 1 Samuel 17: 36 “Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.”

Even though there appeared to be no way out for those Israelites, the Lord Who is our “WAY WHERE THERE IS NO WAY” made a way and miraculously opened a path into the sea. I would also remind you here that this same sea that was opened as a path of deliverance for the people of God, became the method of destruction for the enemies of those same people. Not one enemy remained! Exodus 14:28 “And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.”

Maybe you are currently facing an impossible situation; a situation of life and death; or something you’ve never encountered before. God wants you to know today that He is our POSSIBILITY! He becomes your possibility only in the midst of impossibility. The tougher the possibility, the greater He will shine on behalf of His people and the greater His Glory. Don’t give up on the brink of a miracle. Don’t ever quit! Refuse to agree with the world and those who are wavering in doubt and defeat.

I stated above that “It ain’t over until it’s over!” Now here’s the real awesome revelation about God’s Kingdom. Even when it appears to be over, it is only just beginning. Jesus’ friend Lazarus had died and been entombed for four days. John 11:14 “Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.” All hope was lost. Everyone had lost hope in the face of the impossible. But God said “This ain’t over!” Jesus “…cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.” John 11:43 The God of Possibility stepped in when all hope was gone. The people had given up and had committed him to the grave. They stopped believing and chided Jesus for delaying his arrival.

Whatever way God had chosen to respond to their heart cries, He would have displayed His glory. With God’s divine direction and orchestration, there would be no wrong choice. Either way God had chosen would have been just the beginning! Risen from the dead, Lazarus was given a new lease on life and an opportunity to give Him glory in the earth. If God had chosen to leave his body in the grave, it still would have been the most incredible day of his life. I’m not so sure that Lazarus had not struggled somewhat having to return to his old life, knowing what lie ahead just a few short days later bursting forth in Resurrection Power! Face to Face with God the Father or back to the dirt bowl we call life.

Let me ask you one last question. “If you were Lazarus, and God had given you the decision, what choice would you have made?” The Glory of God OR back here? I don’t think that would be too hard to decide!

If today you are staring impossibility right in the face, then be encouraged because your POSSIBILITY is in control! EVEN IF IT IS OVER, IT IS ONLY JUST BEGINNING! We are Kingdom people and we live by different rules!
Daniel in the Lion’s Den
Joseph from the pit to the Palace.
Moses from a decree of death to leading Israel out of Bondage.
The widow of Nain receiving her only son raised to life.
Elijah and the prophets of Baal.
Joshua and the Walls of Jericho.
Gideon and his three hundred men.
Noah saving his entire household.
Abraham becoming a Father of many Nations.

Now what about you? What will be your testimony to His Glory?

Redeemed From the Curse!

Ga 3:13 "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree:"

As a result of mankind's initial fall to sin we have been subjected to the curse of sin (Or the Curse of the Law) and it's effects. When mankind was walking in fellowship with God and obedience to His Word and His Principles, we were under the influence of the blessings of the Law.Both the blessings and curses can be found in Deuteronomy 28.

Let's begin with the Blessings and make ourselves happy:Dt 28:1 "And it shall come to pass, if you will hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments...that the LORD your God will set you on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings will come on you, and overtake you...Blessed will you be in the city, and blessed will you be in the field. Blessed will be the fruit of your body, and the fruit of your ground...Blessed will be your basket and your store. Blessed will you be when you come in, and blessed will you be when thou go out. The LORD shall cause your enemies that rise up against you to be smitten before your face...The LORD shall command the blessing upon you in your storehouses, and in all that you set your hand to; and he will bless you in the land...And all people of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD...And the LORD will make you plenteous in goods...The LORD will open unto you his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of your hand: and thou will lend...and ...not borrow. And the LORD shall make you the head, and not the tail; and you will be above only, and ...not be beneath..."

In today's Scriptural nugget we are told that Jesus "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law." Redeemed is defined as "being set free, rescued or ransomed." Today's passage tells us that we have been set free from whatever the curse of the law is; so let's take a look in Deuteronomy and see what we've been set free from, especially in regards to healing!

Deuteronomy 28:18 "Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body..."vs 21... "the pestilence..."vs 22... "consumption(tuberculosis), and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning..."vs 27... "the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods(hemorrhoids) and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed."vs 28... "madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart..."vs 35... " in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head."vs 45... " all these curses shall come upon thee, and shall pursue thee, and overtake thee, till thou be destroyed..."vs 60&61... " all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee. Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law..."vs 66... "And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life..."

You have just read a complete list to include "every sickness & every plague...". This is what Jesus Christ has redeemed you from. Jesus went to the Cross in spirit, soul and body; therefore He has redeemed us, spirit, soul and body! The Cross is the Center of Salvation for your spirit, soul and body! 1 Corinthians 6:20 "For you were bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your spirit and your body because they both belong to God."

If He had not redeemed them, they wouldn't belong to Him.Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law! Sickness of every kind was included in the curse of the Law. Therefore Christ has redeemed us from Sickness and Disease! Don't you let ignorance keep you from getting what rightfully and legally belongs to you! Read God's Word.

Study the Character and Nature of God as revealed in His Word and in the Life of Jesus. ANYONE who came believing received!Mt 21:22 "nd all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.Matthew 7: 7 Ask, and it shall be given you...For every one that asks receives...If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" Now you know better...go ahead and ask Him to heal you right now in the Name of Jesus!

I'd like to pray with you in agreement! Mt 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

Do You REALLY Care?

Acts 1:8 “After the Holy Ghost has come upon you, you shall receive power to witness…”

I firmly believe that technology is the new basis for the religion of today. The green movement, global warming (some are also espousing a global cooling tendency), microbiology, cloning, etc.. However the same sad results are now in, with mankind even more dissatisfied and empty then ever before, without any hope of salvation.

One of the co-conspirators of Sigmond Freud, Carl Jung summarized his entire life’s work while laying on his death bed in words similar to these. “The central neurosis of our time is emptiness, and there is nothing we are able to do about it!” Technology is still not able to rescue us from hopelessness, being lost and despair. You can have access to all of the latest gadgetry and applications on your cell phone, but the fact remains that you are becoming even more isolated and disconnected, therefore you become more meaningless. These continue to characterize our entire generation. Everyone still continues to search for some meaning to this life!

A large majority of people still experience a deep desire or need for some sort of religious faith in order to conjure up some kind of meaning to their life experiences. People recognize the deep vacuum within their lives. The question that remains for us as Christians is “How can we show others that Jesus is the Way and the truth?”

Recognize that people are looking for that something which is REAL! Whatever we, as Christians, are offering them, it must be real enough to stimulate and sustain their attention. People are sick of phony solutions and even more, phony people. They are no longer going to be fooled by religious people who can not provide real answers for the real problems they are dealing with in this world.

When Jesus was in the midst of a lost, desperate and hungry people, He fed them REAL food. When He was faced with sickness and disease, He provided a genuine REAL healing for them, spirit, soul and body! If their minds were tormented, He delivered them from torment. He did not help them co-exist with their torments, He delivered them with REAL comfort!

Jesus knows how to deal with the new generation of “cutters” (the intentional, direct injuring of body tissue without suicidal intent.) Mark 5:2-5 “And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

Jesus did not attempt to make the person feel better about themselves, or to build up their self esteem, He simply dealt with the core issue and healed them in a REAL and tangeable way! Mark 5:15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

Jesus knew the condition of the people who were around Him. We too must begin to recognize the condition of those in our own immediate circle of influence. We must pray and get the mind of the Lord concerning their needs. “Open our eyes Lord!” We must recognize their needs, that they are tired, weary, bored, lonely, mistreated, rejected, abused, guilty, anxious, depressed, lonely and hopeless!

WHEN THEY KNOW THAT YOU REALLY CARE, THEN THEY WILL REALLY CARE ABOUT WHAT AND WHO (Jesus) YOU KNOW!

Who is watching your lifestyle today? Who desperately needs to see the character of Jesus reflected in your day to day living? Who needs to experience the REAL power of the Acts 1:8 experience upon and in your life?

Remember unless you are walking in loving obedience with Jesus, the Power will not flow out of your life and they will remain empty and hopeless. That’s even more motivation to walk righteous!

Unbelievers are very carefully examing the Church, to see if we have REALLY discoverd the TRUTH!

TOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH HEAT?

Isaiah 43:2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

If you are in the midst of the fire; the heat is being turned up and you feel like you're going to burst, then the Lord has given me a word to share with you!

First, we need to be truthful concerning fire. Fire is hot and causes pain. You should not be surprised or caught off guard when you enter into the fiery furnaces of life. Jesus warned us with these words in John 16:33..."These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation(pressure, stress,squashing,squeezing): but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Everyone in this world goes through the fire at one stage or another, and oftentimes it seems that we go from one fire to another. Because He has overcome, we can walk in a place of peace no matter how immense the pressure!

Find His purposes in the fire and set your focus on Him. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:6 Those who set their minds on matters of the Holy Spirit, experience life and peace no matter what the circumstances.

I was going through some pretty wild times a few years back and I cried out to the Lord saying "When will this end?" He simply spoke back in that still, small voice and said "It won't!" I have learned that as a Disciple (Not just a Believer) the heat is usually always on! As younger, immature Christians we sometimes enter in to a time of complaining, resisting and looking constantly for ways to escape the pressure. I have learned that pressure is a good thing and that God will use the fires of life, no matter what the origin (Himself, Ourself or the devil) to mold, shape and conform us closer to the image of Christ in us, He desires.

I discovered and meditated on a very unusual Scripture in James 2:2-4 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."

What? You want me to be joyful when troubles come my way? Am I to be a glutton for punishment? Isn't that crazy? Not when you begin to comprehend that in the midst of the fire, your faith is tested and grown. Going through the fires of life can equip you and get you "ready for anything!" Everyone in the Bible who became what God wanted them to become went through times of testing. Joseph in prison; Daniel in the lion's den; Paul imprisoned and beaten; Jesus in the Garden; Shadrach, Meshack & Abednego in the fiery furnace.

In reading the story of the fiery furnace in Daniel Chapter three we discover...
How to make it through the fire...

1) Know that everyone is currently going through some kind of fire, whether spiritually, financially, family, sickness, relational. You are not the only one in the fire! "But remember that the temptations (trials)that come into your life are no different from what others experience." 1 Corinthians 10:13

Personally, I believe that pressure is designed to create intimacy with God. Think about how distant we seem to wander when everything is going well. Hopefully, as soon as it gets a little rough we are smart enough to turn to God. Eventually, we learn to stay with Him and remain connected with Him in fellowship, praise, prayer and obedience. Daniel 3:21 "So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace..." Because of the sin nature of this fallen world, everyone goes through the fire at one time or another!

If you feel bad about the fire you're in, take a look at what the Apostle Paul had to endure; you'll feel better immediately. "They say they serve Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in jail more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jews gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled many weary miles. I have faced danger from flooded rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the stormy seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be Christians but are not.I have lived with weariness and pain and sleepless nights. Often I have been hungry and thirsty and have gone without food. Often I have shivered with cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27

Now stop whining...it could be worse!

2) Know that you are not alone God is with you! Psalm 118:6 states that "The Lord God is on my side; I will not fear what man can do..." He has promised He will be with us no matter what we do or what we feel. Even when you FEEL alone, He is with us! Heb 13:5 "…he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you."

3) You will be tempted to give up and succumb to the effects of the flames. The enemy of your soul will speak these words to you in the midst of your fire, attempting to have you give up and quit. "I will give you one more chance. If you bow down...all will be well. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. What god will be able to rescue you from my power then?” Daniel 3:15

Remember that "...God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. 1 Corinthians 10:13” You don't have to bow!

4) Make a declaration of God's willingness & ability. Daniel 3:17 "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power..." Stop your mind from being overwhelmed with facts. God's Truth always over-rides fact! Romans 10:10 "For with the heart man believes...and with the mouth confession is made..."

When David faced his giant, he prophesied the fall of the giant even before he engaged in combat. 1 Samuel 17:45 “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou have defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into my hand; and I will smite you, and take your head from you; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” Begin to prophesy your emergence from the fire and your ultimate victory!

5) Know that it may get a little hotter before it gets better! Daniel 3:19 "Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual." In the Kingdom of God, there are processes that we must endure in order for him to fulfill His purposes, maybe even in the lives of others. Have you noticed that our trials usually involve other people, as well ? He doesn’t always answer the way you think He should. He is God and He knows best. His timing is always perfect.

6) Connect with others in the midst of your fire. You are not designed to ever go it alone. We are the members of the Body of Christ. If you go it alone you will be burned. 1Corinthians 12:21 “…the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of you: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” You cannot state this either by your words or your actions; the way you live your life in relation one to another. If you disconnect and enter the fires of life by yourself, the odds remain against your survival. Daniel 3:23 23 “And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.”

7) Know that the power of God is with you! Daniel 3:25 “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. His presence, His ability, His Companionship, His strength, His wisdom, His power, His destiny for you will all be present in the heart of the fiery trials of your life. Ask Him what good can come out of this trial. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.Romans 8:28 ” Its refreshing to know that God has a plan that determines the final outcome of your trail.

8) You are destined to go through the fire and you will come out on the other side and people will see that “the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!.” 1 Samuel 3:27 You will not be consumed by your trial. The experience will not slow you down or defeat you. It will empower you to trust further in His ability.

9) God will receive praise for your personal victory. You will stand as an eternal memorial to the goodness and faithfulness of God as you rely on Him. The world needs to see His movement in your circumstances so they too can come into relationship with Him! Daniel 3:29 “Therefore I make a decree, That …. there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.”

10) Here is the best news yet. On the other side of your fiery furnace there is a promotion from the king for YOU! Daniel 3:30 “Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

GOD IS IN COVENANT WITH ME!

Luke 22:20 “…This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you.”

You are in Covenant with God! Better yet, God is in Covenant with you! When you are in a personal relationship with Almighty God through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary’s Cross and His subsequent Resurrection, you have been entered into a legal binding agreement with Him.

A covenant is defined as a binding agreement or contract in writing under seal, for the performance of a specified action. The Covenant which God Himself has entered into with you, has been signed, sealed and ratified by the precious Blood of Jesus. There can be no more powerful seal than the Blood of Jesus! We are told in Leviticus 17:14 “…the life of all flesh is in the blood…” When you break it down, this simply means that the Covenant which God has contracted with you is backed up with the very LIFE OF GOD which is in the Blood of Jesus!

The good news today is that God is in Covenant with you! He is in a legally binding Contract, ordered by the Supreme Court of the Universe (Himself), because the Blood of Jesus has been shed for “YOU!”

OK… God has entered into an agreement with me, but what exactly does that mean for me? There are some very unique characteristics that are involved in Biblical Covenants. The one I want you to see today is what I call the “Joint Heir” stipulation. Romans 8:16-17 “The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ…”

In Biblical times when two families or tribes entered into a covenant, they each brought unique giftings and talents into the relationship. For example the Jones family had wealth, wisdom, creative imagination, and a talent for conducting wise business practices. The Smith family was know for their brute strength, and had a reputation as fierce warriors. They were men and women who could work the land and produce the most abundant harvest on the smallest piece of land.

When they entered into Covenant, they each pledged to one another everything they had and all the talents each had to offer. Now as the Smith-Jones tribe, it appeared that they were lacking no good thing. The wealth of the Jones family now flowed into the Smith family and when anyone would arise against the Jones family, the warriors from the Smith clan would rise up to defend the Joneses! They became joint-heirs, meaning that they both owned/shared everything both families possessed one hundred percent. There was no holding back on anything they had!

NOW PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION: Since God initiated a Covenant agreement with you; HE HOLDS BACK NOTHING! Now read these Covenant Words written to you! Romans 8:31-32 “What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?

God has given you everything…His Name..His Son…His Blood…His Angels…His Promises… His Ability…His Power…His Authority..His Spirit within us…His Righteousness…His Healing...His Provision…His Protection…His Wisdom…His Direction…His Deliverance… His Rest…His Care…His Security…His Reward…His Refreshment…His Presence…His Restoration… and the List goes on endlessly! Can you even name one thing that God has withheld from you? Of course you can't!

God did not spare His most prized possession…His Son. He gave us Jesus so that He could enter Himself into a legally binding Eternal Covenant with us, thereby offering US everything He is and everything He has! Jesus “…has been given a ministry that is far superior to the ministry of those who serve under the old laws, for he is the one who guarantees for us a better covenant with God, based on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6

You would do well to daily rehearse the terms of your Covenant with God. David did! (Psalm 103 ) The whole deal is not about what you can bring to the table of Covenant, ITS ABOUT WHAT GOD HAS BROUGHT INTO THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP!

NOW ACCEPT THE TERMS AND LIVE THE LIFE HE EXPECTS! (John 10:10)

A WORK IN PROGRESS!

Phillipians 1:6 “And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.”

When I first came to know the Lord personally, someone came to me and told me that THEY hadn’t sinned since they had gotten saved several years ago. That statement floored me, because I was still struggling in certain areas of my life. Thank God I found the Scripture above. Exactly what it states is this. “Until the day I pass on, or Jesus returns, I am a work in progress and that there are no perfect people in this earth."

Even Paul struggled with his post conversion life. Romans 7: 14-24 “…I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do…. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice…I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”

Paul needed to know, even as we do, that in fact, we are not perfect when we are saved, except within our spirit. Remember you are a spirit. We have a soul (mind, emotions, intellect, willpower, imaginations, etc.,) and we live in a house called a body. During your life time you will be on a continuous journey to working toward perfection in Christ. I’m sorry to say, but even people who are of the family of God, still do sin.

Thank God that He does not demand that I change immediately and completely. My little mind would explode in the face of the impossibility! Paul felt the same way. Romans 7:24 “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” The Word for you today is to be patient!

Get into the presence of God today and ask Him what He wishes to work on, at this time in your life. Then respond in loving obedience. His wish list and priority list may be quite different than yours. When He “began the good work within…” me, He chose areas of my life that were different than I would have chosen! He wanted to work on my “love” life instead of the drugs and alcohol, first! Know this, that what He commands you to do, He will also empower you to finish! Phillipians 2:13 “For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.”

When you first come to a saving knowledge and personal relationship with Jesus, all of your sins are forgiven. As long as you continue in developing your relationship with God and believing in His free gift of eternal life, when you do stumble and sin, what is effected is your fellowship with Him, not your eternal destiny! Sin effects your intimacy level with God, your ability to hear, receive, and walk in his promises and His divine ability

When we do fall in sin, His method of restoration to fellowship is to confess our failure as sin. 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The area that really effects our fellowship with Him is the habitual, repetitive sins. 1 John 1:6 “So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness.” This Scripture carries the idea that habitual sin destroys our intimate fellowship with God.

So the order of the day is to…
1) Find out what God is interested in developing in our lives day by day.
2) Receive His willpower and His ability.
3) Confess our sin instantly upon conviction of the Holy Spirit.
4) Repent. Stop the specific sin!

OR WE RUN THE RISK OF LOSING THE CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES JESUS SPEAKS OF IN JOHN 15, RESULTING IN FAILURE!

John 15:5 “…apart from Me, you can do nothing!”

You are a work in progress. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus…” While the work is heading toward completion, stay connected with God and receive everything He has to offer through your loving obedience. Deuteronomy 7:9 “Know therefore that the LORD your God, he is God, the faithful God, Who keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments…”

WHAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT?

Phil 3:8-9 “…all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant. I’ve dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him…”

There was a time in my life that, by the standards of the world, I pretty much had all that this world could offer. I had a house on the river, boats, toys, cars, women, money, party goods, parties, athletic abilities, awards, scholastic achievements and much more. I was not a happy person!

I began a personal journey to discover real happiness and satisfaction. I searched for it in every venue that this world has to offer without any success. You name it, I tried it! Each of those experiences simply left me empty and without meaning, purpose or personal fulfillment. Believe me when I say “I tried it all!”

As I observed others, to order to assist me in the discovery of what real life should be all about, I noticed a special group of people, who even though they weren’t exempt from the trials of life, lived life in a very vibrant sort of fashion. These people had a zest for life and compassion seemed to be the order of the day. They didn’t have to medicate to rest at night or to awake and face each new day. They always had a smile on their face, and it wasn’t the numb, contrived look that worldly people paint on each new morning.

As I began to dig around in their lives, I discovered that it wasn’t what they had accumulated in the way of material possessions, (Some had them, others didn’t) finances, conquests, business accolades or awards. They all had one thing in common…they had entered into a relationship with this one they called Jesus. One of these “weird” people introduced me to Him and that was all it took. John 10:10 “I came that you might have life (The God kind of Life) and live it more abundantly!”

Paul continues on in the next verse…Phillipians 3:9ff “ I didn’t want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God’s righteousness. I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, and experience his resurrection power…”

This describes my life perfectly…I literally gave up on all that “inferior stuff” so that I could allow “His resurrection power…” to come into my life and bring me into the place where He could lead me into a life that brought me to the fulfillment of my dreams.

One by one, He began to transform the individual areas of my life that had suffered from a lack of life through His Resurrection Power! I challenge you today to allow Him to breathe fresh life back into the areas of your life that have fizzled & died...Relationship with God, Hopes, dreams, futures, finances, physical & emotional health, relationships, faith, ability to love others and yourself, purpose, sanity, marriage, feelings, temperance, and victory.

He is looking for relationship with you-not religion. Invite Him into the areas of your life today that are lifeless. Take a moment with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to be honest with you. Ask Him to show you the areas that need a dose of resurrection Power. When He reveals them to you…be honest with him and tell Him you need His Power to bring new life into that area!

Mark 11:24 “Therefore I say to you, Whatever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.” If you really desire from the depths of your heart, a fresh breath of Resurrection Power, He will give it to you!

“I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, and experience his resurrection power…” Phillipians 3:10

STUFF IS JUST STUFF NO MATTER HOW YOU DRESS IT!

Broken Winged Bird!

Cor 2:8 “… had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

My wife, Debbie & I were hiking along a backwoods trail near downtown Centreville. The trail winds along portions of the Corsica River, complete with beaver, geese and jumping fish. As we rounded one corner I noticed an adult bird sitting on the ground. As soon as she saw me, she immediately spread her right wing in a very awkward fashion, causing it to appear as if she had a broken wing. She fluttered wildly across the brush as if trying in vain to escape what she had deemed was a giant predator.

I told Debbie to watch what would happen as I approached the broken winged bird. I said that she was feigning the broken wing to draw us away from her nest and her beloved brood of hatchlings. Debbie wasn’t so sure! As I drew nearer she kept up the act and moved me even further away from the nest, until I was right on top of her. Suddenly, she encountered a miraculous healing and took off flying. She had led us so far down the trail that we didn’t even attempt to go back and search for the nest.

I’m quite sure that sometimes the protective bird miscalculates the approaching predator and is not able to take off soon enough to escape becoming a feast for the attacker. Her love for her offspring is stronger that the threat of injury or even death.

The Bible talks about the wings of Jesus; “And under His wings you shall take refuge…” Psalm 91:4 There is safety and security under those wings.

The enemy of our souls was on the hunt looking for offspring of the Most High God, seeking in effect to devour and destroy the entire bunch. 1Pe 5:8 “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour.” NLT He thought that if He could destroy Jesus that the entire plan would be undone; that mankind would be hopeless and that God’s attempt to redeem mankind, whatever it was, would fail.

On the cross at Calvary, Jesus spread His “broken wing” and led the predator away from the prize (You & Me) to a place where the enemy himself would become the one destroyed. (Hebrews 2:14) Jesus drew all the minions and forces of Hell toward and upon Himself…so that you and I would not be devoured and left hopeless and lost for all eternity. The attack became more ferocious and vicious as He was beaten, spit upon, whipped, mocked and hung upon the cross. All the while, the attention was being taken off of you and I…all the forces and focus of hell was inflicted upon HIM!

The Bible says in 1 Cor 2:8 “… had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” Jesus wasn’t hoping to escape…He knew what lay before Him…The Cross and Death…Separation from the Father… more pain and suffering than anyone has ever endured.

The enemy didn’t know that they were being led away from the prize and toward certain defeat, doom and destruction. Jesus Did! Heb 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross…” I'm sure that the enemy didn't notice the smallest hint of a joy filled smile in the corner of Jesus' mouth. Jesus played the role of the "defeated one" to perfection!

You and I are the joy that was set before Him!

Jesus feigned defeat…led the enemy away from the nest (He was the firstborn of many brethren Romans 8:29), away from the apple of God’s eye, (Psalm 17:8) . Jesus knew exactly what He was doing. “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14

The wing was not really broken. Jesus rose up to the highest place of authority in existence. The nest is safe and the offspring are flourishing!

Rest in His presence!

Ken Bombard

HELP IS IN THE WAY!

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 “As God’s partners, we beg you not to reject this marvelous message of God’s great kindness. For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you. Indeed, God is ready to help you right now. Today is the day of salvation.”

So many people think that God is too busy ruling the affairs of the Universe to be involved in our daily situations, circumstances, trials and troubles. Don’t be fooled by this kind of thinking. It doesn’t take much of God’s attention or energy to rule the affairs of the Universe.

The Bible states that “The Son reflects God’s own glory, and everything about him represents God exactly. He sustains the universe by the mighty power of his command.” Hebrews 1:3 The entire Universe is being ruled by the Power of the words God has spoken. By each command He has given, the order of all things from galaxies to governments has been established and continues to govern their course unless God speaks a different command. That means that God has plenty of Himself (Time and Ability) left to be personally involved in your life!

2 Corinthians tells us that there is a “marvelous message of God’s great kindness” and that “God is ready to help you right now. TODAY is the day of salvation.” If you need help right now…TODAY then discover what the Bible has to say…

1) God is interested in you and the life you are living. 1Peter 5:7 “Cast all your cares upon him; for he cares for you.” Romans 5:8 “God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. John 10:10 “…I have come that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly.”

2) God is interested in Today. The Past is history and Tomorrow will never arrive! Jesus taught us to pray “Give us this day our daily bread.” He told us “Sufficient for the day are the evils thereof.” The psalmist declares that “each and every morning His tender mercies and compassions are renewed” and that “daily He loads us down with His benefits.”

3) Recognize that even though matters have been handled by God, the manifestations may take time to be seen. In Mark chapter 11 we see the story of the fig tree that Jesus commanded to be fruitless. It wasn’t until the next day when they passed by again, that the disciples saw the manifestation of His command. Even though the leaves had not fallen off the first day, the roots of the tree were dead immediately upon His command.

4) Believe that He will rescue you today! Mark 9:23 “ Jesus said unto him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.”

5) Walk in loving obedience with God. John 14:21 “He that has my commandments, and keeps them…I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

6) Confess your own inability and boast of His deliverance. 2 Corinthians 12:9 “And He said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit says when we do, the Power of Christ will be our portion.

7) Give God the praise. Psalm 22:3 “You are holy, O you Who inhabits the praises of Israel.” When you praise Him, He shows up on the scene. When He shows up on the scene, He brings forth His Salvation.

If you need His help today…pursue Him and discover Who He is. Tug on His heart strings today and watch His mercy flow toward you! You are His Child! He is your Father, and He wants to rescue you today!

CALVARY'S INCREDIBLE EXCHANGE

Galatians 3:13 “…Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

Just about any Christian can recount to you the story at Calvary’s Cross. Jesus, the Son of God crucified between two thieves. Both God and man view the scene as the perfect, unblemished Lamb of God surrounded by two men covered in the filth and horror of sin. But here is where the similarities end. Whereas man sees the horror of their bloodied bodies, God grieves over the darkness surrounding their hearts. The Father weeps over the conditions of their souls. These two thieves were headed towards hell because of unresolved sin in their lives.

They displayed hostility, resistance and defiance toward God even in their final moments. But hanging between them is a totally righteous man without sin. Hebrews 4:15 “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” One of the thieves reads the sign “King of the Jews”. He hears Jesus asking forgiveness for those who are killing Him. There is something about Jesus that persuades the thief that he hangs in the presence of a real King.

The other thief lashes out in his pain mockingly. “Aren’t you the Christ? Then save yourself and us.” Luke 23:39 The hardness of his heart is disturbing.

In the midst of all the people who abandoned Jesus, (Peter and the Disciples) the accusations of the Jews, and the cruel treatment rendered by the Roman soldiers, someone at last speaks out to stand up for Jesus. Luke 23:40-41 “…the other criminal protested. “Don’t you even fear God when you are dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn’t done one thing wrong.” Jesus in His agony responded with these words. “Today you will be with Me in Paradise. This is a solemn promise.” All of heaven was frozen in a moment of time. This was not right. How could a miserable, dark hearted thief possibly go to Heaven?

Suddenly, in response to the voice of Jesus all of the darkness, misery and sin began to lift off of this thief and worked it’s way over until it came to rest on Jesus. Simultaneously, the Righteousness of God began to lift off of Jesus and covers the dying thief. His unclean garments are replaced by a robe of Righteousness and his soul commences to shine with the presence of the Holy Spirit. All of his sins are forgiven and wiped from God’s remembrance. Hebrews 8:12 “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”

God’s plan began to unfold before all of heaven and earth. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:8 that no one knew, even the powers of darkness, His Master Plan. “…none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” Being a Just God, His only choice when He sees sin is either to punish the sin or to pay the price on His own. Galatians 3:13 “…Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

God loves us so much that “…He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

“It was our weakness He carried. It was our sorrows that weighed Him down. We thought His troubles were a punishment from God for His own sins. But He was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped and we were healed.” Isaiah 53:4-5

Like the thief at Calvary; when no one is standing up for Jesus; when it’s not popular to proclaim His Lordship or even to speak His Name; when the world is doing all it can to stamp out the event at Calvary’s Cross; let’s commit this day to tell others of His goodness, His mercy and grace.

I will not be silent! I will live a Holy life by His ability within! I will allow His Holy Spirit to flow through my life! I will pray openly, boldly and unashamedly! I will testify of what He has done for me! The more they mock, the bolder I’ll become! The tougher it gets, the brighter I’ll shine! I will exert my God given authority over demonic influences! I will heal the sick! I will praise Him openly! I will respond in loving obedience! I will worship him with my life!

How about you?

LIVING EPISTLE?

2 Corinthians 3:2 “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men…”

People are watching the way you act and live more than listening to the words you are speaking .

There is a story told of Saint Francis of Assisi as he invited one of the novice monks to accompany him into town to preach. Obviously the novice was excited to have the opportunity to hear the revered Francis preach. The two walked throughout the town visiting main streets and back streets along the way. They conversed with assorted street vendors and standard citizens along the way and after having spent a good portion of the day mingling with the citizenry, they headed back to the abbey.

Upon their return, they younger man reminded Francis that he had neglected to preach while in town. Francis replied. “My son, we have preached. We have been seen by many and our behavior was closely watched. Our attitudes were closely measured. Our words have been overheard. It was by these that we preached our sermons.”

Jesus said that “You are the light of the world!” Matthew 5:14 If you want to make a difference in your life, begin with living a holy life. Live a life that is set apart and dedicated to living as an Ambassador of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Be Faithful to, and honor your spouse.
Be the one at your job who always gives their best, doesn’t cheat and refuses to complain!
Be a neighbor who is loving and caring.
Pay your bills.
Don’t get involved in crude jokes or obscene movies and entertainment.
Refuse to be under the influence of anything other than the Holy Spirit.
Don’t speak one message and live another.
Keep the Lord’s day as a special day.
Live a life of integrity and keep your word.
Invest in other’s lives.
Spend time in the presence of the Lord so you go into the world with His Power and Wisdom.

Take a few moments today, and reflect on your lifestyle. What is the epistle of your life, telling others about Jesus?

GOD CAN'T USE ME!

The next time you feel like GOD can't use YOU, just remember...

Noah was a drunk.
Abraham was too old.
Isaac was a daydreamer.
Jacob was a liar.
Leah was ugly.
Joseph was abused.
Moses had a stuttering problem.
Gideon was afraid.
Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer.
Rahab was a prostitute.
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young.
David had an affair and was a murderer.
Elijah was suicidal.
Isaiah preached naked.
Jonah ran from God.
Naomi was a widow.
Job went bankrupt.
John the Baptist ate bugs.
Peter denied Christ.
The Disciples fell asleep while praying.
Martha worried about everything.
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once.
Zaccheus was too small.
Paul was too religious.
Timothy had an ulcer.
Lazarus was dead!


No more excuses now!! God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.

Thanks to Elaine O. for sending this my way!

HIS NATURE WITHIN!

Colossians 1:13 Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.) (Greek: the Son of his love)

In recent writings, we demonstrated that the Bible says that we are New Creations, living in Eternal Life, filled with the Divine Nature of God. We discovered that there isn’t anything we can’t do as we remain connected with Jesus, because we are able to stand in God’s Presence as though sin has never touched our lives, and whatever we ask our Heavenly Father (according to His Will) in Jesus’ name, we receive. I could stop right there and have a party!

Jesus made an incredible statement in the Gospel of John. John 14:12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, He that believes on me, the works that I do will he also do; and greater works than these will he do; because I go unto my Father.” “Impossible,” You say! Because Jesus was God and He had access to Divine ability.

Read this Scripture very carefully! “Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, who, though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men.” Phillipians 2:5-7 NLT

You’ve never seen that one before, have you? Everything Jesus did while He lived here on earth, is possible for, and available to, every intelligent child of God today. The difference is that Jesus knew what belonged to Him and Jesus exercised His rights. If you were left a million dollars by some distant relative and did not know it, or did not go to the bank and exercise your right to withdraw, that million dollars would never do you any good.

We, as Christians do not know what belongs to us. Not knowing what belongs to us, we are unable to use our rights:

1) God wasn’t any more His Father than He is ours! John 17:23 “…that the world may know that thou have sent me, and have loved them, as thou have loved me.”

2) He was the Son of God. You are a Son of God. John 1:12 “But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God…”

3) He was Diety! You are partakers of the Divine Nature…THAT is Diety! 2 Peter 1:4 “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature.”

4) He had the Holy Spirit in Him! You have the Holy Spirit in you! 1Corinthians 6:19 “What? Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you…”

Jesus took advantage of the God-life within Him in a manner that we never have. He allowed the Holy Spirit right of way in a sense that we have never experienced. Just because we have never experienced it, does not mean that it is unavailable!

God is your Father.

You are Sons and Daughters of God.

You are full of His Divine Nature.

The Holy Spirit lives within you!

Is it any wonder that Jesus said in Mark 9:23 “… all things are possible to him that believes!”

Do something awesome and miraculous for Jesus today!

Loose the Spirit within!

THE POWER SOURCE

2Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (discipline, self control)

Everyone knows that appliances work better when they’re plugged in. They may look like they can perform, but unless they are connected, they will not function as they were designed. Neither will we! The Bible tells us that we “..can do all things through Christ who strengthens…” us. Phillipians 4:13 But unless we stay connected with God through obedience, prayer, fellowship, worship and living righteous, we suffer a case of disconnection and must endure the consequences of voluntarily separating ourselves from Him and His Power! Jesus stated in John 15:5 “…apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

God has provided us with a threefold power source and in 2 Timothy 1:7 He identifies them as the Spirit of Power, the Spirit of Love, and the Spirit of a sound mind or “self control.”

1) Spirit of Power…Everyone has attempted to live life by our own abilities and strength, and we’ve failed to break the habits that consume us, and to live free from the hurts and the memories of our past. We need His power, His Divine Ability, in order to live the right way, and to make changes we know are essential. This power is from Almighty God and is available, if we remain connected with Him.

2) Spirit of Love…We want to be able to love others and to have them love us in return, like we’ve always dreamed of, but never achieved. We want to let go of the fear of being hurt by the people we love. As one author stated, “We want the ability to establish deep, meaningful, authentic relationships rather than superficial, hurtful, selfish relationships.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful to love freely? The reality of this power is only available in and from the Spirit of Love, and by the way, He is available to live within you! Romans 5:5 declares that “…the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us.”

3) Spirit of Sound Mind (Self Control)…The fact remains, that it is impossible for us to get it all together in this crazy world without Divine Intervention. You are not designed to operate on your own ability. You may wish to run your car on water instead of gasoline, but that’s not the way it was designed. In the same manner, you were created to run on His Divine Ability, not your own. When we give up playing God in our own little world, He will intervene and surge into our situations and circumstances and deliver us from evil, and all of its complications.

You can access this power Source as long as you choose to remain connected to Him, as your exclusive power source! What have you got to lose? Put Him first in all that you do, and He will take care of the rest! Matthew 6:33.

NEW CREATION REALITIES

James 1:25 “…if you keep looking steadily into God’s perfect law—the law that sets you free—and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”

John John was very comfortable in his father’s presence, even in the most powerful Office in the world. While his father conducted the affairs of the Nation, he was free to come, go and receive of his father’s attention and love. How about you and your Heavenly father?

Many of us read the Bible frequently, some almost every day, and we repeatedly say that we “believe” that the Bible is true, but when it comes to some of the basic truths of the Word of God, we simply don’t believe them. At the very least, we don’t act like we believe them. We seem to consider them as mere philosophical utterances instead of living our lives as though these truths contained within the Bible were actual fact.

As an example, the last entry, “Underestimating Jesus,” mentioned three basic truths which can be combined in the following statements: I am a new creation and everything from my past has been wiped out. Everything within me has been newly created by the hand and heart of Almighty God and I am walking with a Divine Nature within me in the state of Eternal Life! You don’t really believe that you have a Divine nature within you! (Look up the references in the article)

If you did, you would be living your life differently; no more sin, no more failure, no more defeat, no more depression, no more wasted time, and no more fear! Romans 10:10 tells us that “…with the heart man believes…and with the mouth confession is made…” When a person truly believes, the words out of their mouths and corresponding actions, will indicate what they truly believe. We are also told in James 2:20 that “faith without works (corresponding actions) is dead.”

If you truly believe that you are a “New Creation” living “Eternal Life” and are filled with a “Divine Nature,” then start confessing the same, and living a life that corresponds with those beliefs and confessions!

Here are the next three basic truths I want you to receive as New Creation Realities.

1) There isn’t anything I can’t do through power of Christ as I remain connected with Him! Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

2) I am able to come into the Presence of God as though sin has never touched my life! 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” I am the Righteousness of God!

3) I know whatever I ask the Father, according to His will, and in Jesus’ Name, He will give it to me! John 16:23 “in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Truly, Truly, I say unto you, Whatsoever you ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” 1 John 5:14-15 “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

My confession today is: I am a new creation and everything from my past has been wiped out. Everything within me has been newly created by the hand and heart of Almighty God and I am walking with a Divine Nature within me in the state of Eternal Life! There isn’t anything I can’t do as I walk in the Presence of God, because according to His Viewpoint, sin has never touched my life. Whatever I ask Him in Jesus’ Name and according to His will, I receive!

Make this Profession every day, multiple times, until it becomes alive within you. Begin to live like all these truths are factual, because they are!

Rise up and become who Christ has made you to be!