Real Help Topic: Learn

Quality decisions are ones from which there is no turning back. It’s a decision you make that propels your life forward, and one from which you never retreat. It’s not a response or a knee-jerk reaction; it’s a proactive decision in agreement with God and in alignment with His Word.

God told us in Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV), “Therefore choose…” with the implied subject you. “Therefore, you choose life.” We are the ones with the power of choice, with the power to make quality decisions.

For example, one time when Brother Copeland had lost a significant amount of weight, he kept struggling with losing the final three pounds. He knew his body was the temple of the Holy Spirit, and he wanted to honor God by taking care of his health (1 Corinthians 6:19). He would step on the scales one day and be down a couple of pounds, only to step on it the next day and be up a half pound, so he took his situation to the Lord in prayer.

As he did, he began to realize he’d been snacking quite a bit. So, he made the quality decision to not eat any more snacks. The next time someone offered Brother Copeland a snack, he politely answered, “No snack you.” It was tongue-in-cheek, but to Brother Copeland it was serious; it was his way of sticking to his quality decision. This quality decision led to reaching his goal weight.

Have you ever made a quality decision? About your health? With your finances? Or regarding a soul issue? If you have, then you know the power of such a decision to help you succeed and not waver.

What’s God been prompting you to do? What’s that one thing you’ve been wavering about? It’s time to make a quality decision.

To make a decision in a way that pleases God, consider the following 3 Steps To Making Quality Decisions.

1. Find Out the Will of God

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” -(Hosea 4:6, KJV)

A quality decision is one about which you have no regrets, because it’s made in line with the Word of God. But if you don’t know the Word of God, you won’t be able to make the best decision. Get into the Word. Find scripture that speaks to what you believe God is saying to you, so you have the Word to stand on and to ensure you’re hearing from God correctly.

2. Confer No Longer With Flesh and Blood

“Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left.” -(Isaiah 30:21)

Once you make quality decisions, keep it to yourself. How many times have we started a new eating plan only to tell everyone the first thing Monday at work–and failed by lunchtime? It sounds humorous, but it’s true, isn’t it?

Don’t take a poll to see how many people may or may not be in agreement with your decision to do what God’s prompting you to do–whether it’s to take better care of your health, tend to your relationships, or make changes in your finances. Instead, lean into God and listen for His voice. He promises to be right there with you, telling you the way to go, whether to the left or to the right.

3. Get the Job Done at All Cost

“For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.” -(Isaiah 50:7, KJV)

Get your thoughts, words and actions all in line with the Word of God. Keep moving forward with your face set like a flint, knowing that God will back you, cover you and walk with you as you move forward with the decision you’ve made.

On a scale of one to 10, what’s your level of joy? If you answered on the low end of the spectrum, it’s likely because you are facing some challenges that have you down. Well, we want to encourage you today because God tells us what to do in these times. When great troubles come our way, He tells us to “consider it an opportunity for great joy” (James 1:2). Discover how to establish permanent, immovable joy in your life with these 3 Keys to Chronic Joy. 

1) Abound in Hope

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” -Romans 15:13 (ESV)
How joyful would you be if you just believed God’s Word? If you’re facing a sickness, and you decided to believe that by Jesus’ stripes you were healed (1 Peter 2:24, NKJV), would you jump for joy?

If you’re facing a financial struggle, and you decided to believe Philippians 4:19, would you still be discouraged?
Romans 15:13 says the God of hope will fill us with joy and peace in believing. You see, it’s not when we simply read or mentally assent to God’s Word that power is released. The power is released only when you believe. You have every reason to believe God because He is not a man, so He does not lie (Numbers 23:19)! 
Begin to live in chronic joy by believing God, and allow Him to fill you with the hope that can only come from Him. This is not natural joy; it is supernatural joy by the power of the Holy Spirit!

2) Give Voice to Your Joy 

“This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” -Psalm 118:24 
Jesus not only delivered you from a life of toil and struggle, He set you far above all principalities and powers, where your words hold the key to a joyful and blessed life (Ephesians 1:21; Ephesians 2:6, Deuteronomy 30:19). So give voice to your joy! Rejoice!

Rejoicing isn’t a product of how you feel; it’s an act to stir the force of joy in your spirit and access the abundant promises of God. Try speaking these scriptures out loud to stir up your joy today:

  • “Thank You, Lord, that this is the day You have made, and I will rejoice” (Psalm 118:24).
  • “Lord, I will keep my eyes on You, not on my circumstances. I will trust that You will guide every step I take today” (Psalm 37:23).
  • “Whom having not seen I do love. Though even now I do not see Him, yet believing, I rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

3) Release Your Joy

“My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.” -Psalm 71:23 
Did you know that heaven takes your blessings seriously? And anytime heaven is trying to get you BLESSED, it does so in the atmosphere of JOY. As you release your joy, blessings are drawn to you like a powerful magnet. 

So how do you release this powerful force? Here are three biblical ways to release joy in your life:

  • Release your joy through praise. Let the joy of the Lord burst through your spirit during praise and worship, speaking God’s Word and His promises to stir your faith (Psalms 16:11, 42:4).
  • Release joy through dance. Scripture promises He will deliver us from our sorrows as we dance before Him in praise and worship (Jeremiah 31:13). 
  • Release joy through prayer, allowing His Word to penetrate your spirit and stir up the joy inside you (Philippians 1:4). This can include praying in tongues, confessing God’s Word, and declaring His truth.

The act of releasing your joy is important because it allows you to use joy like the tool that it is: a mighty weapon that empowers you over discouragement and fear, while grabbing hold of your victory over challenges. 

As you follow these 3 Keys to Chronic Joy, you’re now able to put this mighty force to work in your life, establishing permanent and eternal joy. As you draw on your supply of joy and faith, you’ll rise to the top and be able to minister to others on the power of joy!

Is your faith working as well as it should be? There are two key elements that make faith work. They are like rocket fuel for your spirit. The best part–we can apply these elements and see results in our lives quickly, no matter how new we are at understanding faith. 

As you read these 2 Key Elements That Make Faith Work, get ready to launch your faith to the next level! 

1) Key Element That Makes Faith Work: Love

 For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love. –Galatians 5:6 (AMPC)

Have you ever tried to quench your thirst with an empty glass of water? It’s not possible, is it? Well, the same idea applies to Love. Just like we can’t expect an empty glass to quench our thirst and give our body the water it needs to operate at its highest level, so we can’t expect our faith to operate at its highest level without first filling up on Love. When we choose to make time and fill up with the Word, we can’t help but to become saturated with Love. Kenneth Copeland says we get to a place where, “Every word you speak drips with Love and everyone you come in contact with is affected by that Love.”

Once you fill up on Love, your faith can carry you to love others unconditionally and under any circumstances. As Brother Copeland teaches, love is a way of life; we don’t put it down or pick it up whenever it’s convenient. Love is present with us all the time. Love is, as he says, “a life being love-conscious instead of self-conscious. If you are not being love-conscious, you will always take the selfish route. Being love-conscious does not come automatically; it requires training.” And we get that training by practicing our Love walk on one another. As we love and edify one another, God comes to inhabit our spirit, allowing His Love to become perfected in us (1 John 4:12; Ephesians 4:15-16; Ephesians 6:8; 1 John 4:10-12).

2) Key Element That Makes Faith Work: Forgiveness

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop.” – Mark 11:25, AMPC

None of us are perfect, and because of that, sometimes we can fall short of walking uprightly. And yet, when others make mistakes and hurt us, we can hold on to that hurt and choose not to forgive immediately. Unfortunately, walking in unforgiveness pulls us, as well as others, down fast. It often directs our focus to hold a grudge or an offense. Instead of holding on to our faith, and giving our problems over to God, we hold on tightly to unforgiveness, which lays our faith aside (Luke 6:37).

This is why Kenneth Copeland suggests that when you’re getting ready to hold onto unforgiveness, and possibly even judge someone, speak your forgiveness out loud immediately. That forgiving love you are expressing will skyrocket your faith!

Besides feeding your faith, forgiveness is attributed to walking in miracle power. In Mark 11:23,  Jesus encourages us to move mountains by speaking to them. But there’s a catch. Jesus implicitly tells us that before praying in power and moving mountains, we must do one thing: forgive (Mark 11:20-25). Basically, if we want to move mountains, and operate in the miracle-working, explosive power of God, we must first have enough faith to walk in forgiveness (Ephesians 4:29-32; James 5:15-16). After all, we’ve been forgiven in Christ, and now we have the privilege of extending forgiveness to others, being tenderhearted and kind, drawing people to the Love of God. 

As you’ve read these 2 Key Elements That Make Faith Work, you’re now ready to skyrocket your faith. Walking in love and forgiveness will generate God’s presence and THE BLESSING in your life, making you a beacon of light to others, and inspiring them to walk in the fullness of their faith as well.

It’s tempting to think our faith will work if we just pray hard enough, but that’s not what our loving God intends for us at all. Faith is defined as simply agreeing with God and His Word. What’s more, He promises that through our faith and by simply agreeing with Him, all His riches in glory are at our disposal (Philippians 4:19). 

If you’ve been looking for breakthrough, your victory is now. As you read these 2 Keys for Your Next Breakthrough, you’ll be able to release His unlimited power and overcome in any situation.

1) Believe

“For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” -Romans 10:10

Like a compass shows you the way to go, so your believing will guide you through life. If you believe and have faith in the Word, then you’ll know the way to go. If you believe what the devil says to you, then you’ll find yourself deceived and going everywhere but where you really want to go. 

Throughout the Bible, we witness people who believed God and conquered the most impossible situations. One of them was David. Remember when he faced the giant Goliath and took him out with a slingshot and five smooth stones (1 Samuel 17)? On the other hand, we also witness others, like Job, whose greatest fears came upon him (Job 3:25). In both of these examples, David and Job had been meditating, but on two different things. 

David had been meditating on what he believed about God, while Job had been meditating on what he believed about the devil–and both men got exactly what they were believing. In the same way that David and Job chose the course of their lives by what they were believing, so we, too, get to choose the course of ours through what we are believing (Deuteronomy 30:19).
If you’re looking for breakthrough, start believing the Word of God. Look up what God says about your situation, and speak His promises over your life. Repeat those scriptures several times a day, and build your faith continuously with the Word. As Jesus told us, if you’ll believe it, you’ll see it (John 11:23-40).

2) Speak

“And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak.” -2 Corinthians 4:13 (NKJV)

Have you ever noticed there’s no physical description of Jesus in the Bible? There is, however, a description of His words. They are described as powerful–and they were exactly what He used to defeat the devil while He was on earth (John 7:46; 1 John 4:4). And just like the scripture above says, since we have the same spirit of faith, we have that same power available to us through what we speak. 

Imagine you’re at a wrestling match and the entire stadium goes silent as the announcer welcomes the competitors: “Ladies and Gentleman, please give a hand to our reigning champ, The Mountain, weighing in at 3 billion pounds and standing 20,0000 meters tall.” 

The crowd cheers and claps enthusiastically. After all, in the world of wrestling, size matters when you’re predicting the winner, right? The announcer then introduces The Mountain’s opponent, “And to my left, please welcome the challenger, Mustard Grain, weighing in at 0.00004409 grams and standing 2 millimeters tall.” 

The crowd goes silent. Some start to murmur in confusion because in the sport of wrestling, Mustard Seed shouldn’t even be on the mat. Yet when the fight starts, Mustard Seed has the faith of God and knows His supernatural force supersedes everything. As The Mountain bellows in laughter at the tiny Mustard Seed before him, the Mustard Seed simply rolls up and speaks to The Mountain, commanding him to go. The crowd gasps as The Mountain is then catapulted through the roof, and Mustard Seed is declared the victor. 

That is the equivalent of the spiritual nuclear power of God residing inside you. You may be facing a giant of a diagnosis, or a mountainous financial challenge, but the Holy Spirit, the same spiritual force that formed the worlds, is residing inside you–and He’s waiting for you to activate His power on your behalf. All you have to do is speak words filled with faith, and they will release the power of God in your life (Matthew 17:20). 

Why is it, then, that we oftentimes go looking for singular miracles and momentary glimpses into God’s glorious power? We have access to the supernatural anytime we want, through the words we speak. What is that supernatural breakthrough you need? Speak faith-filled words! 

As you follow these 2 Keys for Your Next Breakthrough, believe and speak! Call what you need into your life based on the Word of God. Activate the power of the Holy Spirit by believing Jesus paid for it and speaking faith-filled words!

Living a victorious life begins with every one of our daily activities. Such an idea might seem small, but it’s really not. The actions we perform daily are what our lives ultimately become. Think of it this way: If we sow to our flesh every day, the results will never be what we desire. But if we sow into the spirit, it strengthens our faith to obtain all the victories God has for us (Galatians 6:8). Just as we train in the gym to reap the physical benefits of a healthier body, so we can train spiritually to receive the glorious spiritual benefits we desire–abundance, health and continuously living a victorious life in Christ.

To help you train, establish these 3 Habits of Spiritually Fit Christians in your life. When you do, you will create habits to keep you strong, protect you from the enemy, and catapult you to victory every time!

1. Focus on Your Faith

“Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].” -Hebrews 11:1 (AMPC)

Spiritually fit Christians don’t become that way overnight. They consistently work to strengthen their faith.

Faith is a spiritual force that, when fully developed, gives God’s people the ability to obtain His promises–spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and relationally. On the other hand, faith will not benefit us if we don’t learn how to use it and apply it (Hebrews 11:33-34; Matthew 8:1-10; Mark 2:4-5, 5:34).

There are three fundamental ways you can focus on your faith: 

•    Faith comes by consistently hearing the Word. Listen to sermons and speak scriptures aloud to generate and build up your faith on a daily basis (Hebrews 1:1, Hebrews 12:2; Romans 10:17).  

•    Faith is fed by reading and studying the Word and praying in tongues. As you wouldn’t run a race without feeding your body the proper nutrients, you can’t run the marathon of life without feeding your spirit (Jude 20). 

Faith is released through our words. We have the God-given power to deliver words of hope and faith into our own lives, and into the lives of others. Doing so has the power to alter the course of any circumstance (Mark 11:22-24).

2. Reside in Faith

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” -2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)

Walking by faith is a privilege. It’s a gift from God that keeps us in a place of peace, confidence and security–no matter what’s going on around us or in our world. When situations arise, learning to reside in that place of faith is key to walking in peace and coming out victoriously.

The way we keep ourselves residing in faith, and not opening the door of our heart and life to fear and doubt, is by spending time in the Word every day. Being in the Word–reading it, studying it, praying it and thinking about it–gives us confidence. It helps us know with absolute certainty what God says about our situations and that He is moving on our behalf–all the time. And because of that, when life’s challenges come our way, we don’t move out of that place of peace.

For example, if gas prices soar, we remain consistent in our faith by rejoicing and thanking Him that we have more than enough to pay for gas and other staples according to (Philippians 4:19). No matter what we see around us, or what the devil tries to throw at us, we can remain unmoved and stay exclusively in faith (Romans 12:2). Spiritually fit Christians walk by faith and not by sight!

3. Respond in Faith

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” -2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

God never promised us that we wouldn’t have trouble. However, the Word says that when trouble comes, we can rely on the Lord and His strength. Spiritually fit Christians know that God has given us everything we need to overcome. We can rely on speaking His Name, pleading His blood, and declaring His Word. Our words literally set the stage for either victory or defeat.

Brother Copeland encourages us to respond to any challenges with our words. For instance, if you have received a diagnosis, you can respond by declaring God’s Word, “Lord, Your Word formed this earth and is settled in heaven. And Your Word says that I am healed, whole and prosperous. I declare that by Jesus’ stripes I am healed, and I take my healing now in Jesus’ Name” (1 Peter 2:24).

If you’re facing any kind of trouble, don’t give in and don’t give up. Keep speaking God’s promises over yourself and your life. As you do, you will be giving final authority to the Word, and you will see victory. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind–and with these three working in us, we can respond in faith.

As you establish these 3 Habits of Spiritually Fit Christians in your life, they will keep you strong and protected from the enemy and catapult you to victory every time. If something tries to come against you or your family, you can respond in the triumphant fullness of your faith and defeat the enemy every time.

The holiday season is a time meant to be full of joy and fun. It’s when we gather with friends and family, celebrate what God has given us (Thanksgiving), and rejoice because of who He’s given us (Christmas). But let’s be honest: Sometimes, the family and friends we hope to have fun with are challenging.

Let’s agree that this holiday season, we have all the grace we need to love everyone we encounter. After all, God is our grace, and in Him is all the grace we need. Grace is where salvation, healing and miracles come from (Exodus 34:6; Acts 15:11, Acts 14:3). Grace is what we need when we minister to others and want to show people His love. To walk in the grace of God, we need to honor the grace of God.

Here are three steps to help you honor God’s grace this holiday season:

1. Spend Time Praising Him

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV)

Imagine what praising God can do in the middle of a disagreement when you turn heavenward and flood the atmosphere with thanksgiving!

Better yet, what if you spend time praising Him as a family? Whether you’re in your living room, preparing turkey in the kitchen, or gathering with family and friends around the table, spend some time praising Him. Praise and thanksgiving invite God onto the scene to release His spiritual power into your midst, break the yoke of fear and bondage, and overcome strife.

Wherever you’ll be this season, lift your praises high. Praise the Lord that you’re saved, delivered, healed, and headed for heaven. Praise Him as your Creator, Restorer, Friend, Counselor, Rescuer and Comforter. Take time to praise Him wholeheartedly. Then, watch as His power is released into your holidays this year.

2. Confess His Love

“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” –Ephesians 3:18-19

When you spend time praising and exalting God, you will be filled with His love and ready to bless others. As you walk in His love, encourage your family not to give in to disagreements this year. Instead, encourage everyone to focus on His grace, allowing Him to make it a joyful and fun time with one another. Remember, His love conquers everything. Reassure your family and friends that they can give their strife and any challenges they may face to the Lord. Lead them in prayer to forgive anyone who might have hurt them this year and show them how to fill those broken places with God’s love and Word (Ephesians 4:32). 

Christians are so powerful when we walk in love. Determine to let the love of God shine through you over the holidays. Then, watch the devil and strife flee while the Lord renews relationships and peace among family and friends. 

3. Confess Joy

“Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.” –Psalm 100:1-2

God wants this to be a wonderful and joyous time of the year for you. We’re not talking about the world’s definition of joy, that’s a temporary emotion or a fleeting feeling. We’re talking about real, devil-defeating biblical joy, the permanent spiritual force residing deep within the spirit of a believer. The more we fellowship with the Lord and give Him attention, the more this force rises inside us (John 16:22). 

Even science proves the biblical truth of joy. Research has shown that depression, anger and stress cause disease; while a joyful heart lowers blood pressure, releases muscle tension, decreases stress hormones and boosts the immune system. 

(Find out why laughter is so good for your health HERE.)

Our peace and strength come from joy, so let’s confess it this season. Start your celebration festivities with praise, prayer and love by confessing joy and peace over one another (Nehemiah 8:10; Proverbs 17:22). 

As you spend time praising God, and confessing His love and joy, you will be honoring the grace of God this holiday season. If you’re looking for a gathering-worthy prayer for your family, try this one inspired from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians: 

Lord, we thank You and exalt You for this time together today. Help us walk in Your love as You are Love. Your Word says that love is patient and kind and does not envy or boast. Love is not arrogant or rude, irritable, or resentful. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. We speak Your love, peace and joy over our gathering today and declare that Your love never fails and will not fail us today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

Discover the Other Side of Your Sword of the Spirit!

How many times have you thought to yourself: OK, enough is enough! Then you mustered up the courage and resolve to march yourself headlong into a situation and confront something or someone? Maybe it was a roommate or neighbor whose music was too loud. Maybe it was time to get a plumber to fix that leaky faucet, after all your failed do-it-yourself attempts. Or maybe it was a phone call to a family member or friend to make things right that was long overdue.

Confrontation isn’t always easy, but it’s often necessary.

Jesus was a Master at confronting:

  • His own mother–(John 2:1-11)
  • His earthly family–(Mark 3:20-21, 31-35)
  • His closest friends–(Matthew 16:21-23)
  • His nagging critics–(Matthew 21:12-16; Matthew 23)
  • His No. 1 enemy–(Matthew 4:1-11).

What was the genius behind His approach? God’s Word. The first time Jesus faced off with Satan, the devil threw everything at Him that he possibly could. Satan attempted to shut down God’s rescue plan for mankind by getting Jesus to compromise His relationship with the Father and take matters into His own hands. But Jesus was relentless with the Word of God; He never backed down (Matthew 4):

  • “Jesus told [the devil], ‘No! The Scriptures say…'” (verse 4)
  • “Jesus responded, ‘The Scriptures also say…'” (verse 7)
  • “‘Get out of here, Satan,’ Jesus told him. ‘For the Scriptures say…'” (verse 10).

Jesus stood on God’s Word and He didn’t budge. He believed it and allowed it–and the Holy Spirit–to do the work, to fight the good fight of faith on His behalf (1 Timothy 6:12). That was Jesus’ strategy in defeating the enemy in all kinds of situations.

One day, when Kenneth Copeland was facing his own battle with the enemy, he clearly heard the Lord say: Let The WORD fight its own fight. The Lord’s point to Brother Copeland was: Use The WORD as a sword and let it do the fighting (Ephesians 6:11-17).

As we take up God’s Word and wield it against our enemy, we also need to add to our arsenal a revelation Jesus understood about this “sword of the Spirit.” It’s an insight passed along to us by the apostle Paul: “For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to [discern] the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, NASB).

Notice, Paul refers to a “two-edged sword,” not a sword with just one edge.

Perhaps you’ve learned that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21, NASB). That’s a powerful truth, and with it has come the teaching that we should only speak “life” words and never “death” words.

In many instances, however, Jesus spoke what we would consider to be death words. And He often said them in the form of a rebuke or curse. An odd example of this happened once when Jesus and His disciples were traveling back and forth between Jerusalem and Bethany. Jesus was hungry one day and saw a fig tree nearby. When He walked over to the tree to pick some of its fruit, He found none and said: “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” (Mark 11:14).

The very next day when they passed that same tree, Peter noticed it and said, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!” (Mark 11:21).

Within 24 hours of Jesus rebuking that tree, it was dead. His words were not positive, edifying or life-giving. They were negative and destructive. Yet, the tree heard and responded accordingly to them–to Jesus’ faith.

That was a demonstration of Jesus using the other edge of His sword. That was Him rebuking–speaking death words–to the works of the enemy, the same as He had spoken God’s Word earlier (Matthew 4).

Jesus went on to tell His disciples, “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen” (Mark 11:23).

Again, not very positive words used to accomplish the will, purpose and Word of God.

Other examples of speaking such death words include:

  • Jesus rebuking storms–(Matthew 8:26)
  • Jesus rebuking demons–(Matthew 17:18)
  • Jesus rebuking fever–(Luke 4:38-39)
  • Believers in sin rebuked–(Luke 17:3)
  • God’s Word used for rebuke–(2 Timothy 3:16; 4:2)
  • An angel’s way of rebuking–(Jude 9)
  • Open rebuke being good–(Proverbs 27:5)

In the heat of battle with the enemy, God has given us His Word–and our mouths–as powerful weapons. We’ve known Jesus as the High Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1, NKJV), and perhaps now we can understand how there’s another side of our confession that we need to allow the Holy Spirit to engage–the other side of the sword–and double our effectiveness in warfare.

The Hebrew Name for God, Yud Hey Vav Hey, means “too much to contain or comprehend.

From this we know that God is whatever we need Him to be. Whatever you’re in need of–hope, peace, healing, finances–God has made it available to you. But to get what we need from the unseen realm into the seen realm, we must first plant seed by speaking the Word of God. We must operate in the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping (Mark 4:14).

As Kenneth Copeland and his guest Dr. Melvin Barney explained on a recent BVOV broadcast, there is another part of this Kingdom principle that has been overlooked, and God wants us to understand it. In Dr. Barney’s book, Say My Name, he teaches us to plant the seven Names of God to reap abundant harvests in all areas of our lives.

If you’re looking to accelerate THE BLESSINGS and abundance of God in your life, learn The Power of Speaking the 7 Names of God below:

1. Jehovah Rohi: the Lord our Shepherd (Psalm 23:1)
Jehovah is the personal Name of God, meaning “He causes to become.” God will become whatever is needed to fulfill His purpose. 
Jehovah Rohi is our Shepherd, who will lead, guide, feed and protect us. He cares for us like a loving shepherd cares for his sheep. The purpose and power in this Name is to provide the sustenance and protection we need.

2. Jehovah Jireh: the Lord who sees and provides (Genesis 22:14)
Abraham named a place Jehovah Jireh meaning “the Lord will provide.” This Name will provide for you regardless of your situation. 

3. Jehovah Rapha: the Lord our Healer (Exodus 15:26)
Jehovah Rapha means “to restore, to make healthful.” He is the Great Physician who heals His people mentally, emotionally and physically. You may consider using this Name in prayer like this, “Lord, I thank You for Your healing touch, for You are Jehovah Rapha.” 

4. Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:5-6)
Jehovah Tsidkenu is our Righteousness, and we are covered by His righteousness (Jeremiah 33:15-16; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Isaiah 61:10). 

5. Jehovah Shalom: the Lord our Peace, our Prosperity, the One who is more than enough (Judges 6:23, NKJV)
If you need prosperity, you can pray something like, “In the Name of Jehovah Shalom, I have prosperity. I am a beloved child of God and I receive it now.”

6. Jehovah Nissi: the Lord our Banner, our Covering (Exodus 17:15)
Jehovah Nissi means “Jehovah is my flag” and “raise the banner of the Lord!”
If you’re in a battle, you can pray using Jehovah Nissi this way: “Lord, I fight the good fight of faith with Your banner over me. I take direction from You, and with Your strength I have the victory.”

7. Jehovah Sabaoth: the Lord of hosts, the angelic armies of God (Isaiah 1:24)
Jehovah Sabaoth is mentioned in Malachi 3 a total of 24 times as the Lord of hosts who is sent forth over our tithes. Hebrews 1:14 refers to the angelic hosts in Malachi. 

There is great power in the Names of the Lord! You can sow spiritual seed by speaking the Word of God and the Name of the Lord to produce THE BLESSINGS and abundance of God in your life. Your seed will produce a harvest! 

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3 Reasons God Wants You to Say His Name

Bring change to your world by confessing Jesus is Lord over it, setting straight who’s really in charge here!

How many times have you heard this?

“This is Kenneth (and Gloria) Copeland reminding you…God loves you, and we love you and–

Jesus Is Lord!”

You’ll hear those three powerful words at the close of almost every Believer’s Voice of Victory broadcast, without fail. You also see them on almost anything to do with Kenneth Copeland Ministries, or anything to do with Brother Copeland, for that matter.

That’s because 55 years ago, Brother Copeland received a revelation from the Lord, a word from Scripture that changed his life forever and set the course for his ministry:

“No one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3).

He was attending Oral Roberts University at the time and being mentored through Kenneth Hagin’s teaching ministry, listening to tapes, and attending meetings–all between studying, flying for Oral Roberts, and being a husband and father with children.

“It was the greatest thing I had ever heard in my life,” Brother Copeland recalls.

“One day, I drew a picture of the world, and I wrote Jesus Is LORD across the face of that little globe, then drew a little airplane up in the corner of it and said, ‘That’s me.'”

“Then, I said by the Spirit, ‘Jesus is LORD over the top of the world. Jesus is LORD over the bottom of the world. Jesus is LORD all the way around the middle of the world!’

“I started writing Jesus is LORD on my book covers. I wrote Jesus is LORD on everything. I had a little card made with Jesus Is LORD on it from that drawing and it became our logo.”

“Then I just started saying it–‘Jesus is LORD!’

“I said it when I got up in the morning. I said it when I went to bed at night. I said it all the time, and said it over everything:

“‘Jesus is LORD over me…Jesus is LORD over my family…Jesus is LORD over my car…Jesus is LORD over this ministry…Jesus is LORD over Tulsa…Jesus is LORD over Oklahoma…Jesus is LORD over the United States of America…Jesus is LORD over this world!’

“I kept saying it and saying it–and I’ve said it ever since.”

The Bible makes it clear:

  • Peter testified to the Jews, “Let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” (Acts 2:36).
  • Peter testified to the gentiles, “There is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36).
  • “[God] made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours” (1 Corinthians 1:2).
  • There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords. But for us, there is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live
  • God elevated [Jesus] to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

It’s wonderful to know on a personal level, that Jesus is Lord, but oftentimes–really, all the time–we need to remind ourselves, as well as everyone and everything around us (including both the seen and unseen realms of this world) that…

JESUS is Lord. JESUS is King. JESUS is Master of everything!

Declaring it, as Brother Copeland does (privately and publicly), helps bring us and our world into alignment, agreement and awareness with God’s Word (the Truth), allowing the Spirit of God and angels of heaven make it reality.

Start now–take the revelation of these scriptures and the power of this truth–and bring change to your world by confessing Jesus is Lord over it, setting straight who’s really in charge here!

Even if you’re not a real planner-type person, it’s pretty hard to avoid all the plans we’re faced with almost daily.

Phone plans…internet plans…business plans…retirement plans…wedding plans… vacation plans…dinner plans…weekend plans.

Regardless of whether or not you’re the kind of person who likes to think about and plan for the future, there is one plan you should seriously consider putting on your calendar, and in your portfolio–God’s longevity plan.

In the beginning–after Adam and Eve sinned against God and He had to show them their exit plan from the Garden–we find that mankind started working the family plan, and the earth started becoming populated. Sadly, however, with more people came more sin…much more. It got so bad God decided to make changes:

“My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years” (Genesis 6:3, NLT).

You have to understand, Adam lived 930 years; Methuselah (Adam’s great, great, great, great, great-grandson) lived 969 years!

Apparently, everyone had too much time on their hands and kept getting into trouble. So after Noah–who was able to eke out 950 years, which included surviving an earth-changing flood–God’s new 120-rule kicked into effect.

But the real take away from all this is:

Where’s our 120 years?

For generations now, you’re doing well to get half of what God said would be our normal lifespan. Kenneth Copeland recently learned the average life span when he was born (1936) was 67. Now it’s 76. So we seem to be slowly inching back.

Still, even Moses, who actually got his 120 years in before leaving this life, raised the issue with God more than 3,000 years ago:

Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10, NLT).

Moses wrote Psalm 90 as a prayer in the form of a song to God, interceding for the Israelites who were dying before reaching their Promised Land. They had rebelled against God while crossing the desert from Egypt, so they became subject to a curse by which they would die in the desert. Only their children would enter the land (Numbers 14:26-35).

Ironically, over time, Jews and Christians alike took out of context what Moses lamented to God about and began to interpret that God’s prophet was saying we’re only guaranteed 70-80 years of life on this earth, which wasn’t true.

Again, another scheme of the devil to try and steal, kill and destroy where our health–and longevity–are concerned (John 10:10).

Thankfully, connected to our divine healthcare plan is also a divine long-term healthcare plan, which Jesus said is to “have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)” (John 10:10, AMPC).

Moses said it like this (quoting God):

“With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation” (Psalm 91:16, NKJV).

Galatians 3:13 affirms that Jesus redeemed us from every curse, including the sickness, disease and early death that the Israelites were living under in the desert. We’ve been liberated from the idea that we’re doing great if we make it to 70, maybe 80. Now we just have to think like it, talk like it, believe like it…and live like it!

To help you do that, realize that Moses also wrote Psalm 91 (that’s right, another song). But this one is the glorious answer to the gloomy issue he posed to God in Psalm 90.

Basically, Moses sang the problem in Psalm 90, then sang the answer in Psalm 91. We simply need to do the same.

Maybe Psalm 91 has been your battle plan against the enemy all along when it comes to your safety. But now, consider seeing it in a new light.

As you read, recite, pray, confess, meditate the first 16 verses of Psalm 91, see each verse as a step that will get you to the crowning reward God has for you–a long, satisfying life (70 years, 80 years…120).

Psalm 91, NLT:

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.

4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.

6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.

8 Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.

9 If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter,

10 no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.

11 For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.

12 They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

13 You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.

15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.

16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

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Nonprofit foundations in America award nearly $100 billion annually in grants, while our federal government grants almost $1 trillion to state and local agencies alone. That’s a lot of financial blessing going somewhere to happen! If it’s health care, housing, small business, education or the arts, there’s a grant for it.

But imagine if you added up ALL the requests–financial and otherwise–granted by heaven each year. Those natural grants would pale in comparison!

In the early days of their ministry, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland got home one day from weeks of traveling and holding meetings, only to discover that the ministry was $5,000 in the red. Based on their circumstances, there was no way to pay off that debt.

It was also about that time Brother Copeland first heard Kenneth E. Hagin’s teaching on prosperity, according to…

Mark 11:23-24, NASB:
“Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted to him. Therefore, I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted to you.”

John 16:23-24:
“At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.”

As soon as the Copelands were told about the $5,000 debt, they went into their small office. Brother Copeland got on his knees next to his desk, opened his Bible to Mark 11 and John 16, then told Gloria:

“We can agree for this $5,000 because we have a heavenly grant!”

So, they wrote out exactly what they needed, came into agreement, prayed–and believed God.

Brother Copeland says it was like that $5,000 “grant” had wings, because it flew into their hands so quickly!

To this day, they go through the very same process–for their personal lives and for the ministry–and they even have the ministry’s board of directors participate with them. In fact, for years they’ve gone as far as to have attorneys draw up a contract written as a formal grant, detailing their requests (with scriptures), which everyone signs.

Year after year, God proves Himself faithful and His Word true.

Maybe you don’t need a board of directors or team of attorneys to draw up your heavenly grant request; but with faith, agreement and God’s Word in place–you can count on experiencing God’s faithfulness and generosity. All you have to do is what Kenneth and Gloria do:

Here’s how to apply for your heavenly grant now:

1. Write out what you need.

2. Come into agreement that the need is met according to Mark 11:23-24 and John 16:23-24.

3. Pray and believe God to perform His Word.

Here are more scriptures to consider as you prepare your request:

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted” (John 15:7)!

“Don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly” (Luke 18:7-8)!

“For this reason I bend my knees before the Father…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner self” (Ephesians 3:14, 16, NASB).

“A prayer of a righteous person, when it is [granted by God], can accomplish much” (James 5:16, NASB).

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Over the years, plenty of people have asked Kenneth Copeland that ever-gnawing question…

“So, Brother Copeland, how many hours a day do you pray?”

Sometimes people may seem a little hesitant when they ask, because in the back of their minds, what they’re really wondering is…

What’s it going to take–how much time do I have to invest–to get the kind of results you get?

And probably most people are expecting him to say, “Oh, at least eight hours a day with a little time off on weekends.”

The truth is: Real sticker shock comes when he tells them what he’s basically told people for years…

“I really don’t ever stop to pray–I just don’t ever stop praying.”

Once that sinks in, people tend to walk away even more perplexed.

How about you? How pleased are you with your prayer life? How much impact does your praying seem to have?

Maybe the real question is:

How pleased is God with the level of communication the two of you have?

During His earthly ministry, Jesus took several occasions to teach and model for His disciples what prayer was in His life, and what it could be in theirs.

Luke 18:1-7 recounts one of those occasions:

“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. ‘There was a judge in a certain city,’ he said, ‘who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, “Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.” The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself…. “I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!”‘ Then the Lord said, ‘Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision…. Don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night?'”

For decades, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland have lived a lifestyle of prayer–of constant contact and communication with God. It didn’t happen for them overnight, but it was a way of life they saw in leaders around them and one they saw in the Word…

• “Be ever praying, ever expecting” (Luke 18:8, TPT)

• “Pray at all times in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18, NASB)

• “Never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

• “Make your life a prayer” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, TPT).

So, how is it even possible to pray all the time?

Brother Copeland would tell you, simply…

• Have Jesus on your mind all the time–think about Him, talk to Him (as you would anyone else)

• Pray in the Holy Spirit all the time (which includes praying in tongues)

• Pray out of your natural order and flow of life.

If you’re wondering when enough is enough when it comes to praying, consider Brother Copeland’s personal prayer habit below that he began years ago.

When Waking Up in the Morning

After telling Gloria, “Good morning!” he says… “I head to the bathroom, where I have healing scriptures taped all over, and I go through them, praying and declaring them out loud…then I start talking to The LORD, and listening to Him, and praying. I take time to visit with Him and ask Him–‘LORD, what do You think about this situation…and what about that one?’ I seek His opinion on matters.”

Before Meals

Kenneth and Gloria typically sit down to lunch together. He says…

“We pray over our food–‘Father, we’re very, very grateful, and we thank You for this food and that it is sanctified to our bodies, and we praise You for it.’

“Then, we pray for our Partners–‘Father, we thank You and praise You for our Partners. We pray for their welfare, particularly in this time of inflation…that You provide everything and more that they need.

‘And, LORD, thank You for our Partners all over the world, especially those in Ukraine…. We thank You that our offices, our team and our churches in Lviv are untouched. We praise You that our Partners who have escaped to Poland are actually sending money back to Ukraine to support the ministry there…glory to You!’

“Next, we pray for people, for our government, for our authorities–according to 1 Timothy 2:1-6.

“We pray for the Church and spiritual leaders–according to Ephesians 6:18-19 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18.

Throughout the Day

“When we get in the car, before we drive off, we pray, ‘Father, we plead the blood of Jesus over this car…no one will bump it, and it won’t bump anyone…’

“When I get in a plane, and I’m riding in the back, I lay my hand on the cabin wall and pray, ‘Father, I plead the blood of Jesus over this aircraft…I bind every evil spirit away from this aircraft…I declare every evil plan of the enemy is thwarted…now, ministering angels, lift us up in your hands according to Psalm 91….’

“When I get in a plane, and I’m flying it or sitting in the cockpit, I pray the same thing before I do any preflight check, and then I pray, ‘LORD, I receive the flying mind of Christ…You’re the One who called me to do this…I’ll not forget anything…I’ll not do anything unsafe….’ Then I start going through my flight checklist.”

Going to Sleep

After kissing Gloria and telling her, “Good night, my Love!” he says…

“I pray and declare my love for The LORD and my neighbor according to Matthew 22:37-39. Then, I ask The LORD to wake me up at a certain time each morning (and He does–and I haven’t used an alarm clock in 30 years). My last words before my head hits the pillow are…’and I thank You and praise You!'”

If you live this way in Him, and His Word lives this way in you (John 15:7)–ask whatever you will, and it will be done for you!

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Stop and think about how many suddenlies you deal with in a day or a week.

You know…

Suddenly, there’s no Internet. Suddenly, the puppy left a wet spot on the new rug for you to clean up. Suddenly, the car has a flat.

Or, it could be…

Suddenly, you got a raise. Suddenly, you’re expecting a baby. Suddenly, you’re going on a trip.

The point is: We face a lot of ups and downs in life, and sometimes they come at us out of nowhere–and with little or no warning. And whether good or bad, those suddenlies can bring a world of change to our lives, change we weren’t expecting. (Or maybe we were.)

So, what do you do with suddenlies?

Yes, they’re sudden, but is there a way to prepare, to be ready for them?

Matthew 8 recounts an incident when Jesus and His disciples got caught in the middle of some suddenlies.

Late one night, after they had an amazing meeting with thousands of people (and fed them all, miraculously!), Jesus and the disciples sent everyone home, loaded up their boat, and headed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee–then came the suddenlies

Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ Jesus responded, ‘Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!’ Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm” (Matthew 8:24-26).

Definitely some ups and downs that night–physically and emotionally!

John 6 gives an account of another time when Jesus and His crew were headed across the same sea and, again, a sudden and violent storm hit and nearly sank their boat. This time, Jesus was walking on the water, passing by His disciples who were in the boat. Verse 21 (TPT) tells us:

“The moment Jesus stepped into the boat, they were instantly transported to the other side!”

Another suddenly!

So many times, you may feel like you’re standing around waiting for God to DO SOMETHING about a situation in your life (like, get in your boat).

Even the people of Israel–in their more impatient times–were known to say things like:

Hurry up and do something! We want to see what you can do. Let the Holy One of Israel carry out his plan, for we want to know what it is” (Isaiah 5:19).

In reality, we need to understand that God truly is a suddenly God…

Note: The following scriptures are taken from the NASB.

  •  “The people rejoiced over what God had prepared for [them], because the thing came about suddenly.” -(2 Chronicles 29:36)
  •  “All my enemies will…suddenly be put to shame.” -(Psalm 6:10)
  • “The Lord, whom you are seeking, will suddenly come to His temple.” -(Malachi 3:1)
  • “An angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them.” -(Luke 2:13)
  •  “Suddenly there appeared…a multitude of the heavenly army of angels praising God.” -(Luke 2:9)
  • “Jesus Himself suddenly stood in their midst.” -(Luke 24:36)
  • Suddenly a noise like a violent rushing wind came from heaven.” -(Acts 2:2)
  • Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around [Paul].” -(Acts 9:3)
  • “An angel of the Lord suddenly stood near Peter.” -(Acts 12:7)
  • Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened.” -(Acts 16:26)
  • “They were expecting that [Paul] was going to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god.” -(Acts 28:6)

In preparing us for end-time events and His soon return to this earth–a suddenly now 2,000 years in the making–Jesus warns:

“Be careful that you never allow your hearts to grow cold. Be careful that you are not caught off guard, or your hearts will be weighed down with [living carelessly], drunkenness, and the worries of this life, and that day will come upon you suddenly like a trap” (Luke 21:34, TPT).

How are you dealing with your suddenlies?

encourages us, long before any sudden event shows up on our radar:

“Keep a constant watch over your soul, and pray for the courage and grace to prevail over these things that are destined to occur” (Luke 21:36, TPT).

Eyes wide open–you know suddenlies are headed your way. Certainly, some will be a pleasant surprise, and some you’ve been believing God for. Others, not so much.

Consider taking time this week (or, even today) and focus in on the God kind of suddenly, the kind where you can be confident that the Creator of heaven and earth has your back, no matter what comes your way (2 Chronicles 16:9).

And while you’re at it, build your confidence (your faith) in the fact that God is always sending good suddenlies your way (James 1:17).

Expect some GOOD unexpecteds!

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Healing Will Work For You! 4 Confidence-Builders When You’re in a Fight Against Sickness

The media will do it over and over.

They’ll feed you fear by the spoonful–especially about the things going on in the current economy. They pan into empty store shelves and ports backed up with cargo ships, and tell you how much worse it’s going to get.

We know the Word of God is truth, and fear is never part of our equation as believers. We believe God. Yet He loves His people so much, He will send words of encouragement through His servants.

No matter what you’ve seen in the news or what you’ve heard around the water cooler, be encouraged today with this word from the Lord to Pastor George Pearsons received on Oct. 30, 2021, regarding the current economy:

During these times, I am going to take care of you.

If you will believe Me for the miraculous, I will provide for you what is lacking for so many. I will fill your home, your business, your ministry, your wallet, your purse, your bank account and everything else that needs to be filled.

I am The Filler. Provisions are on the way just like the camel caravans of old. “The camels are coming! The camels are coming!” This statement represents a never-ending source of supply that will never dry up.

I am not impoverished or have only a limited supply of what is needed in the earth. Supplies are not limited in My kingdom. I have it all and want to get it to you. I will locate it in the earth and get it to you. Don’t accept when they say, “I’m sorry. We are out of what you need.” No! Just use your faith and align your mouth with My ability to do for you what is needed in this natural time of lack.

I am your Supernatural Supply Chain.

I am the God that is written about in Isaiah 45:3 (AMPC):”I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I, The LORD, the God of Israel, Who calls you by your name.”

I will give you concealed treasures.

I will reveal to you My hidden stockpiles.

I will take care of anyone and everyone who calls upon My Name and exercises their faith for the impossible. My people do not lack in times of lack. Just look at Isaac. He reaped one hundredfold in a time of famine.

I’ll say it again. The camels are coming. The camels are coming. And they are loaded down with all you would every need. But you know Me. I will give you more than you need. So much so that you can help others.

This word from the Lord to Pastor George Pearsons will encourage and gird you up to stand in faith during trying times. Remember, you aren’t subject to the times; the times are subject to you. God is your Source, and He never fails to provide!

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Inflation. Cost of living. Child care. Health insurance. Student loans. Medical bills. Housing prices. The cost of living can all be pretty intimidating when it affects your financial security.

If supply chain issues seem to be choking your household budget, you’re not alone.

Actually, you’re in good company!

Not long before King David took the throne, he found himself desperate and on the run, fearing for his life and the future of Israel. Though he had just won a great victory in battle, suddenly circumstances took a turn for the worse:

“David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; and when his brothers and all his father’s household heard about it, they went down there to him. Then everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him; and he became captain over them. Now there were about four hundred men with him” (1 Samuel 22:1-2, NASB).

Distressed, in debt and discontented–Israel’s soon-to-be king hid out in a cave.

How many times have you faced a situation that left you scratching your head and wondering…

How did I ever end up here? (This isn’t where I’m supposed to be!)

When Kenneth and Gloria Copeland look back on their early years of marriage, they laugh but are brutally honest about how broke they were–“We were so broke, we couldn’t pay attention,” they often say…”let alone pay bills, pay taxes or buy groceries.”

For Brother Copeland, it was more of a personal struggle with debt. He had never been able to shake it or get free of it. That is, until he got born again and started coming across radical concepts in the Bible that helped turn his thinking–and finances–around.

Here are 13 Radical Ideas To Ponder When You’re Backed Into a Financial Corner:

1. “The LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty [El Shaddai/The All-Sufficient One]'” (Genesis 17:1, NASB).

2. “Abraham named that place The LORD Will Provide [Jehovah-Jireh]” (Genesis 22:14, NASB).

3. “And you shall remember that you were a slave [to debt] in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm” (Deuteronomy 5:15, NASB).

4. “‘There will be no poor among you, since the LORD will certainly bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess'” (Deuteronomy 15:4, NASB).

5. “The LORD will open for you His good storehouse…to bless every work of your hand; and you will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow. And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you will only be above, and not be underneath…” (Deuteronomy 28:12-13, NASB).

6. “…She went and told the man of God, and he said, ‘Go, sell the oil and pay your debts‘” (2 Kings 4:1-7, NIV).

7. God’s Anointing is described as burden-removing, yoke-destroying power (Isaiah 58:6, KJV).

8. “Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:11-12, NIV).

9. “Take my yoke upon you…. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30, NIV).

10. “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me…to preach the good news to the poor…to proclaim the free favors of God profusely abound [Jubilee]”–(Luke 4:18-19, AMPC)

11. “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another” (Romans 13:8, NIV).

12. “[God], having forgiven us all our wrongdoings, having canceled the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13-14, NASB).

13. “Faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for” (Hebrews 11:1, AMPC).

Brother Copeland remembers one particular Sunday morning, back when he and Gloria were facing a mountain of debt in those early days of their newfound relationship with God. As they were discussing their finances, Gloria said, “Well, whatever the Book [Bible] says, that’s what we’re going to do!”

And they have, ever since.

Today, according to the Hebrew calendar, we are in the middle of what Jews call a shemitah year–a sabbath year of rest AND “release” from financial debt (Exodus 23:10-12; Deuteronomy 15:1-2).

With God as your All-Sufficient Provider and Jesus as your Jubilee, may this be a reminder and an encouragement that God’s desire and plan for ALL His people is that we never be backed into a corner and bound by any “supply chain issues” of this world. Rather, that we live in the reality of…

“[His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]” (Ephesians 3:20, AMPC).

May this be a year of coming out of debt for you!

Related Article:

Grown Weary? A Divine 3-Point Plan for Rest When You Can’t Go One More Day

Are you experiencing a delay in receiving the desires of your heart?

Yes, there is God’s perfect timing, but it’s important to determine whether you’re waiting for His timing or if your delay is a hindrance that needs to be cast into the sea.

Here, we’re sharing the top 5 BLESSING blockers and how to obliterate them to expedite your manifestation!

1. Check the Lens You Use to See.

If the manifestation of your dreams has been delayed–especially for a long time–you can start to see everything through a lens of cynicism, doubt or fear. This is dangerous because it can actually cause you to miss your answer. Longtime disappointment can cloud your vision. Get with the Lord and ask Him to help you stir up a spirit of expectancy again, and don’t let yourself speak doubt-filled, negative words. Expect great things all the time! It’s His will for you.

2. Eliminate Unforgiveness or Bitterness.

Even if you have everything else in your life in line spiritually, any trace of unforgiveness and bitterness will make those things obsolete. That’s because faith doesn’t work without love, and love isn’t active in an unforgiving heart. You may not feel that you have unforgiveness, but a deep and honest search might reveal otherwise. Spend time with the Lord and ask Him to reveal any area of unforgiveness in your life. (It may be a much older incident than you thought!) Then, take the time to forgive by faith, and remember to ask for God’s help! Forgiveness is something that most often requires supernatural assistance. Forgive and obliterate that BLESSING blocker from your life forever!

3. Address All Areas of Disobedience.

Disobedience–even on the smallest level–will keep you walking round and round in circles wondering why you aren’t arriving at your destination. Some people don’t like to admit they have things that need fixing–but we all do! Have the humility to learn of and fix areas of disobedience. It will absolutely obliterate that blockage you haven’t been able to identify.

Here’s how:

1. Check your love walk. This is the most common area of disobedience.

2. Check your finances. Are you tithing? Sowing? Being honest in your taxes? Financial BLESSINGS will be blocked if these things aren’t in line.

3. Check your words. Are you obeying God in the area of speaking life over yourself? Are you positive and encouraging, or are you critical and gossiping?

Ask God to shine a light on your heart, so you can identify any other areas of disobedience that might be hanging out in your life. It may be something you haven’t even noticed! Then, make the fix, and watch for those BLESSINGS to come pouring in.

4. Cast the Cares of This World.

What are the cares of this world? Overthinking, worrying or having anxiety about your health, finances, job, marriage and children. This can be a daily struggle, but the bottom line is, you can’t be in fear and walk in faith at the same time.

To obliterate this BLESSING blocker, you’ve got to practice! Whenever you start to slip over into fearful, worried thoughts, stop yourself and do these three things:

1. Start praising God. When you worship and praise Him, you move over into a place of acknowledging who He is, and take your focus on your troubles and put them over onto Him.

2. Make a list of scriptures you can quickly reference for any situation (start your list with these Psalms for Any Situation). Then, before your mind starts running wild, get over into the Word. Remind yourself of the truth, and speak it out loud.

3. Talk to your fear! The devil is the author of fear and confusion, so you have to resist him to get fear to leave. Say it out loud, “Fear, I resist you in Jesus’ Name. Now go!”

5. Rid Yourself of Religious Tradition.

Religious traditions are a major BLESSING blocker in the Body of Christ. The sad part is that most believers don’t even know they’ve bought into the lies. If it’s taught at church, they believe it. But you’ve got to be a person who finds out the truth for yourself. Don’t let religious tradition keep you from what God has. Obliterate this BLESSING blocker by having ears to hear, eyes to see and a heart that is willing to understand. Ask the Lord to show you where a misconception may be hindering you from walking into THE BLESSING. (Learn more about 5 Common Biblical Misconceptions HERE and The Top 5 Deceptions in the Church HERE).

Now that you know how to obliterate these BLESSING blockers, don’t delay! Get rid of everything that’s been holding you back, and break forth into your victory and live in the land of good and plenty!

When it comes to money, the world would have you believe there are two groups of people: the “Haves” and the “Have Nots.”

God–in His way of doing business–sees it differently. For Him it comes down to the “Fears” and the “Fear Nots.” The Fears are those people who are afraid of not having enough money, or who fear having too much (seems impossible, right?). That leaves the Fear Nots, who aren’t afraid at all.

It’s no secret that there’s a certain fear that can attach to money. That fear comes from the uncertainty, speculation and risks typically associated with money. Because of that, fear has been the driving force of world markets and economies since the Fall of Man.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

God–THE Creator of commerce, business, money, investing, economics–never intended for fear to “drive” anything in our lives. Hebrews 13:6 (AMPC) reminds us that His design was for faith to be the force behind everything we do…

“We take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified].”

We could add to that–“no matter what’s going on in the stock market, or with gas prices or the global supply chain!

When confronted by fear and the state of our financial security, it helps to know that God laid some ground rules affecting the global economy.

He assures us in Genesis 8:22 (AMPC), “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest…shall not cease.”

God set principles–spiritual laws–in motion that govern the earth’s productivity and our prosperity, which brought stability and consistency to an Earth that had been ravaged by sin. Add to that…

• A farmer sows seed, the earth does the rest (Mark 4:26-28).

• God causes the sun to shine on the good and the evil (Matthew 5:45).

• God doesn’t show favoritism to anyone (Romans 2:11).

With these principles in place, God created an equal playing field for everyone with no reason for fear. His goodness is always there, always available, always accessible. We just have to apply the principles.

Gloria Copeland says it like this: “The sun will shine on anyone who will get out in it.”

So, how do we step out into the brightness of God’s goodness and avoid the shadows of fear? Below are 4 Ways To Factor Fear Out of Your Finances.

Factor No. 1: Make Heaven Your Goal

Near the end of His ministry, Jesus was asked by a wealthy young man, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17).

Jesus told him, “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven” (verse 21). The guy’s face dropped and he walked away sad, realizing all he would have to give up.

Though this guy was wealthy, he was living under the fear of money–the fear of having so much and losing it all. He couldn’t see past the fear.

Jesus tells us, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19-20).

Heaven is where the real money is–keep it in your sight, and fear will stay out of the way.

Factor No. 2: Stay focused

Jesus warns us, “The “[devil] comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10, NASB).

Since the Garden of Eden, the devil has done whatever he could to keep us from enjoying the prosperous life God has for us. His primary tactic has always been to distract us and draw our attention away from the truth of God’s Word (Mark 4:14-15).

Jesus put it to His disciples like this:

“Listen carefully to what I am saying–and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes” (Mark 4:24-25, MSG).

It’s really not a matter of “What’s in your wallet?” (as popular TV commercials suggest). It’s about “What’s in your ear?” “Who or what are you listening to?”

For the wealthy young man who approached Jesus, his possessions became a distraction. When Jesus said “sell all”–he hit a chokepoint. Suddenly, the wisdom he went to Jesus for fell by the wayside, and the devil stole the offer of a lifetime that could have been his. He lost his focus and an opportunity to prosper even more.

Factor No. 3: Stay With God

People in business often introduce themselves by giving their name and the company they’re with.

For example, years ago when Brother Copeland introduced himself, he would say, “Hi, I’m Kenneth Copeland, and I’m with God.” He got some odd looks and responses from people, but it was worth it to program his mind to the revelation he’d received from Mark 10:27–“Everything is possible with God.”

So, he decided to stay with God.

We learn that when the wealthy young man walked away from Jesus, he missed the opportunity of a lifetime, because moments later, Jesus turned to His disciples and said:

“Anyone who leaves his home behind and chooses me over…possessions, all for the sake of the gospel, it will come back to him a hundred times as much in this lifetime…. And in the age to come, he will inherit eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30, TPT).

There was the answer to that young man’s question. He turned away in fear of losing. Yet, Jesus was about to offer him the best of BOTH worlds. He missed an opportunity to stay with God.

Factor No. 4: Follow Your Heart

Securing your financial future comes down to–What are you willing to sow?

Because we only reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7).

But the apostle Paul assures us that there’s a way to sow that’s free of ALL fear:

“Remember this–a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give…in response to pressure” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

Every opportunity you have to give, give by following your heart. Give by following God’s principles, and you’ll never go wrong.

Give fear-free, pressure-free–confident of this:

“You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Related Article:

The Wall of BLESSING

If you ever turn on our flagship television program, Believer’s Voice of Victory, or attend a KCM event, you’re going to hear a lot about how to develop and use your faith for victory in every area of your life. That’s Kenneth and Gloria Copeland’s calling! And that’s why you’ll also hear a lot about the importance of walking in love.

We know from Galatians 5:6 that faith doesn’t work without love, so focusing all our efforts on faith without starting with its support system–love–would be futile.

The more time you spend in God’s Word, the more you’ll discover that love is the bottom line. Nothing counts without it. In short, you can’t go anywhere spiritually or in your relationships until you get your love walk straight! No wonder the Bible tells us to “eagerly pursue and see to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]” (1 Corinthians 14:1, AMPC). Living a life ruled by the love of God is what opens you up to walk in the spirit and live in the highest measure of THE BLESSING and power of God!

But as we all know, walking in love requires diligence and resisting what the flesh wants to think, say, feel and do. There aren’t many who can rival the effort Brother Kenneth Copeland puts into his love walk. Though he’d never say it himself, he is known for excelling in the area of love. He would never claim to have arrived, because he knows it takes continual work. But he has some tips to share based on what he has done in his own life to grow in love. We hope you’ll give them a try!

1. Speak Love Every Day

Every night when Brother Copeland turns off the lights to go to sleep, he speaks the same words of love. He says this of his routine:

“The last thing that comes out of my mouth, so quiet that Gloria is not able to hear me, is this: ‘I love The LORD my God with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind and with all my strength. I love my neighbor as myself, and I love the brethren even as You love the brethren. Thank You, LORD Jesus, for loving me. Thank You for loving my family and for taking care of us as You have all these years. I love You so. I love You so.'”

He does this because he says, “Faith works by love, and you have to confess the Love of God for faith in the Love to come out.”

2. Study 1 John

You’ve heard it said that you can’t give away what you don’t have. Often, people struggle with walking in love because they don’t like themselves very much. They haven’t felt loved in their own lives, and they haven’t fully received God’s love. When you have fully received God’s love and are walking after it, love is what will naturally come out of you–under pressure, when tempted, when insulted or when done wrong in any way.

So how can you work to fully and continually receive the love of God?

Brother Copeland reads the book of 1 John every day for several months to increase his awareness of the love of God. He says God has loved all the fear out of him (1 John 4:18). When you aren’t in fear, you won’t lash out at people for fear of rejection. When you aren’t in fear, you won’t become angry with your spouse or children when financial pressures come. When you aren’t in fear, you won’t feel the need to be right in an argument. Perfect love casts out all fear.

You can develop your faith further by acknowledging just how great God’s love for you truly is. You can spend time meditating on the fact that God loves you just as much as He loves Jesus. Think about that! God not only loves you just as powerfully as He loves Jesus, He has also put that same mighty love inside you, so you can love like He loves! That’s staggering to your human mind but dare to believe it anyway. Receive it as truth in your heart.

3. Personalize 1 Corinthians 13

Growing in the area of walking in love wouldn’t be complete without putting the greatest of all verses about love into practice. Write down 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 on a 3 x 5 card, and keep it in your Bible. Read it aloud every day. Then, make it personal:

I am patient. I am kind.

I do not envy.

I do not boast.

I am not proud.

I am not rude.

I am not self-seeking.

I keep no record of the wrongs done to me.

I do not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth.

I never give up, never lose faith, am always hopeful and endure through every circumstance.

I do these things because they are love, which never fails. 

When you take these tips for walking in love and put them into practice, you will begin to see a marked difference in the way you think, speak and behave! You will complete the process of developing your faith in God’s love by allowing it to flow to you and through you to others. As 1 John 4:12 says, “If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us” (KJV). Remember the old saying, “Practice makes perfect”? That’s absolutely the truth. The way you perfect God’s love in you is by practicing that love toward other people. As you keep on practicing and developing that love, with every day that passes, you’ll grow up a little more into the image of Jesus. The works Jesus did you will boldly do also, and your relationships will blossom as others see Him in you.

Related Article:

The Gateway to Success

Picking a date is important to God. There are times in the Bible when God chose the date, and there are times when His people did so by faith. God doesn’t just say, “Someday, somewhere, somehow.” He is very specific in setting appointed times for different manifestations.

If you’ve been wandering in the land of who knows when, it’s time to set the clock and your faith and pick a date (read more HERE) for your manifestation. To help you stir your faith, here are 10 Times God Picked a Date, whether alone or in cooperation with His people.

1. The Birth of Isaac

Genesis 17:21 (NKJV)
“But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year.

Genesis 18:14 (NASB)
“Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

Genesis 21:2 (NASB)
“So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him.”

2. The Plagues of Egypt

Exodus 9:5 (NASB)
The Lord set a definite time, saying, “Tomorrow the LORD will do this thing in the land.”

3. The Fulfillment of Vision

Habakkuk 2:3 (NASB-95)
“For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay.

4. The Defeat of Goliath

1 Samuel 17:46 (NIV)
This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.”

5. The Appearance of the Messiah

Mark 1:15 (NASB)
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

6. The Time for Judgment

Psalm 75:2 (NASB-95)
“When I select an appointed time, it is I who judge with equity.”

7. The Birth of Jesus

Galatians 4:4 (NIV)
“When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman.”

8. An Overnight Change in the Economy of Samaria

2 Kings 7:1 (NIV)

“Elisha replied, ‘Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: About this time tomorrow, a seah of the finest flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria.'”

9. To Favor Zion

Psalm 102:13 (NKJV)
“You will arise and have mercy on Zion; for the time to favor her, Yes, the set time, has come.”

10. The Return of Christ

Mark 13:32 (NIV)
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

These are only 10 of the instances where God set an appointed time. He has an appointed time for things in your life. When you are seeking His kingdom first, listening to Him and obeying His Word, your set time for that miracle will come. Your set time of favor is here; your set time of breakthrough is here. Don’t look off into the land of someday. Set your faith on an appointed time!

Related Article:

Why It’s Time to Pick A Date

There is a place in Christ Jesus where we abide in the secret place of God’s protection. The world knows nothing about this secret place, nor can they live there…. It is a place revealed by the Holy Spirit. It is for the obedient. Our life is hid with Christ in God.

That was a word from the Lord revealed to Gloria Copeland years ago, and it still holds true today. God is a covenant-keeping God, and He has made a covenant of protection with YOU. A covenant is defined as “an unbreakable agreement between two parties that have joined together as one to support, provide, protect and defend each other.” Psalm 105:8 (KJV) says, “He hath remembered His covenant for ever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations.”

If you’ve ever had any doubts about His desire to keep you safe, let these 14 Scriptures About Your Covenant of Protection build your faith.

Our Covenant of Protection (Old Testament)

1. Psalm 91:1 (KJV): “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

2. Psalm 125:2 (NLT-96): “Just as the mountains surround and protect Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds and protects his people, both now and forever.”

3. Proverbs 1:33 (NIV): “But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

4. Proverbs 12:21 (NLT): “No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.”

5. Proverbs 18:10 (AMPC): “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong.”

6. Isaiah 54:17 (AMPC): “No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord.”

Our Covenant of Protection (New Testament)

7. Matthew 6:13 (KJV): “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

8. John 10:27-29 (KJV): “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”

9. John 17:15-18 (KJV): “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.”

10. Philippians 1:28 (AMPC): “And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.”

11. Galatians 1:3-5 (KJV): “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

12. James 4:7 (KJV): “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

13. 2 Peter 1:2-4 (KJV): “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

14. 1 John 5:18 (KJV): “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”

We hope these scriptures have renewed your mind to the fact that God has promised to protect you! God is always trying to get protection to you. He’s trying to help you stay in a safe place, so you can get your job done before Jesus comes. So stand on your covenant of protection. Be quick to hear and quick to repent. Your obedience will keep you in that secret place mentioned in Psalm 91…safe under God’s wing!

Related Article:

The Four Walls of Protection

In seeking to live a godly lifestyle and honor the Lord, many Christians have questions about right living and making good decisions. From what to eat or drink, to whether to watch a certain movie, to who we spend time with, some things are less clear than others. But God is not the author of confusion, nor is He looking on you with condemnation, holding a checklist of things you should and shouldn’t do. Rather, He has given us His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit to guide us. With those two powerful weapons in hand, we can make decisions with confidence. It doesn’t mean we’ll be perfect, but it does mean we have everything we need to live life in victory.

If you’re asking yourself, Should I or shouldn’t I? about anything in your life, here are four questions to ask when deciding what’s right.

1. Is It Biblical?

The obvious first place for a Christian to look when deciding if something is right or wrong is the Bible. So many instances are clearly outlined in God’s Word, but it is something that is not meant to be referenced quickly. You need to study it over time and then consider it as a whole. Isolating single verses can often prove dangerous and inaccurate, as can reading the Word from your mind, rather than under the leading of the Holy Spirit.

That’s why when you’re determining whether something is right or wrong, you look to the Word of God, not whether other people say it’s right or wrong (Acts 5:29; John 14:21), or what you remember hearing in church growing up. There are a lot of differing opinions in the Christian world. Though wisdom seeks the counsel of wise believers and/or ministers (Proverbs 20:18), your final decision should be based on what the Word of God says–not one person’s interpretation. 

Many times, people will conclude that something is wrong based on their own personal struggles in that area or their own convictions. But we must not confuse personal conviction for scriptural accuracy. Regular time in the Word of God with an open heart and mind, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and wise counsel will lead you into all truth.

If others seek to condemn you or make you feel guilty about a lifestyle choice, they are not operating by the Spirit of God (Colossians 2:16). However, if they are calling a clear sin to your attention and doing so in love, the motivation to help you be more victorious will be clear (Galatians 6:1).

2. Does It Honor God?

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10). That means if you aren’t thinking about pleasing God and what He says about the matter, you’re not operating in wisdom. A.W. Tozer said, “If Jesus is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.” We can’t have one foot in the world and one out of the world. God is calling us to be set apart! Not only for our own blessing, but as a witness to others.
 

3. Does It Open the Door to the Devil?

Some things may seem harmless in the moment, but the devil prowls around like a lion looking to devour someone (1 Peter 5:8). What is he looking for? An open door. It doesn’t have to be wide open with a blaringly sinful lifestyle. Just a cracked door will do for his work.

That’s why Paul said, “‘Everything is permitted’–but not everything is beneficial” (1 Corinthians 10:23, ESV). If something can give the devil any room in your life to bring fear, doubt, bitterness, sexual temptation or anything else out of God’s will, don’t have anything to do with it!

Let the Lord lead you and tune in to the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to bring the small corrections to your life. He could tell you to stop drinking diet soda or stop watching a certain television show. He could encourage you to start a prayer group or volunteer at your child’s school. Whatever it is, He wants to tell you is always to promote you, not condemn you. You may not know that certain things you’re eating or watching are hurting you. That’s what is so precious about the Lord. He will lead you into all truth and victory.

That doesn’t mean that someone else’s standards should become yours. Some feel convicted about not eating sugar or not watching the news. That could be what the Lord is speaking to them specifically. Let the Bible and your relationship with the Lord be your guide. If He uses another person’s choices to bring a correction to your mind, you will sense that in your spirit.

4. Is It a Good Witness to the World?

We, as Christians, are called to stand out in a dark world. We should be the ones who say kind things when others are cursing. We should be the ones with a good report when others have a negative report. We should be the ones who stay married forever, raise respectful children, use money wisely and are known for kindness and wisdom (Hebrews 12:1-3).

Whether we like it or not, everything we say and do is sending a message–and more what we do than what we say! That doesn’t mean we have to be perfect, but many people in the world see Christians as hypocritical because they say one thing and live another. Whatever it is that you’re trying to decide about, ask yourself, If I do this, am I being a good witness to the world? Am I representing Christ as I should?  

Every day is full of choices. We hope these questions to ask will help you decide what is right. Remember–you were saved by grace. Once you’re saved, you don’t have to maintain that salvation through works, so don’t get caught up in that! And don’t try to impress people with your holy living. That’s not God’s way either. Instead, draw near to God and privately, with Him, seek to live a life that pleases Him. You are precious in His sight!

Watch Kenneth Copeland teach you how to let God guide you every day.

 

If you’re looking to build your faith for healing, you’ve come to the right place! Jesus is the Healer. Healing is for today, and healing is for YOU. But just knowing that isn’t enough. Faith is an interactive process. Jesus is offering healing, but you’ve got to build your faith to receive.

To get you on your way to your healing, we’ve put together a list of KCM’s Top 10 Healing Resources that are sure to build your faith to new levels. Choose one, or if you’re really ready to dive in, work your way through all of them!

1. God Wants You Well Healing School on VICTORY Channel® 
Gloria Copeland has been teaching healing for more than 40 years. Each week, we broadcast a different timeless teaching that will not only build your faith for healing, but so much more!

2. Healing and Wellness LifeLine Kit 
This kit is comprehensive and includes daily readings from both Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, confessions, powerful healing testimonies, a daily DVD teaching and a worship CD all designed to bring you into the kind of faith that receives.

3. Gloria Copeland’s Healing Scriptures 
These powerful scriptures have helped Kenneth and Gloria Copeland get healed and stay healed, again and again. Read them continually to keep your faith for healing high. Most of them originated from a list made by Dodie Osteen, who was healed of terminal liver cancer many years ago. She took them daily like medicine until every symptom was gone, and she still takes them every day to maintain divine health.

4. Our Top Healing Blog Posts
We always write with you in mind. These popular blog posts are jam-packed with faith teaching from our ministry straight to you, so you can live a victorious life! 

Top 10 Questions About Healing
How To Renew Your Youth Like the Eagle
Why You Should Call Yourself Well Every Day
Need a Creative Miracle? How To Stand in Faith for a New Body Part
The Keys That Unlock Healing
7 Ways To Become an Expert on Healing
The Power of the Blood of Jesus

5. Live Long, Finish Strong book by Gloria Copeland 
In this book, Gloria Copeland reveals the secret to finding the “Bible-based fountain of youth.” Through faith in, and focus on, the Word of God, you can be energized and renewed regardless of your chronological age. 

6. YouTube® KCM Partner Healing Testimonies 
One of the best ways to build your faith to receive your healing is to hear the testimonies of people just like you who have received their healing. The more you watch, the more your faith will grow!

7. Kenneth Copeland’s Faith to Be Made Whole DVD Series or MP3 Series
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He gave keys to receiving by faith the healed and whole life God has in His heart for His people. In this series, Kenneth Copeland takes you on a journey to experience Jesus in action and discover those life-altering keys of faith!

8. Kenneth Copeland’s Healing Scriptures CD
Defeat your doubts and receive your healing by allowing the healing power of God’s Word to flow through you. Listen as Kenneth Copeland reads anointed healing scriptures, shares wisdom from Jesus’ healing ministry, and gives you the healing promises you need to hang on to.

9. Healing–It Is Always God’s Will CD Series by Kenneth Copeland
In this series, you’ll learn how to make the Word of God your final authority and act upon it, as well as how to accept the Word of God as evidence of healing and not what is perceived by the five senses. 

10. Healing Confessions by Gloria Copeland
We’ve put together tools that will help you discover the promises of God’s Word that guarantee your healing. 

We hope these top 10 healing resources will be a blessing to you. It is our heart’s desire here at KCM to stand alongside you as you pursue faith and victory every day for every part of your life. As always, if we can stand with you in prayer for anything at all–including your healing– please give us a call at 817-852-6000. We’re here for you!

Watch a KCM Partner Healing Testimony here!

 

 Satan is subtle.

He knows most Christians won’t jump right in and compromise for the sake of it. They have to be convinced that it’s no big deal or that certain biblical standards are “outdated” or no longer relevant.

Why do followers of Christ sometimes follow the world instead? Here are 4 Common Ways Christians Compromise With the World that will help you guard yourself from the subtle, but dangerous, temptation to do so.

1. Media

Finding wholesome media these days is not impossible–but it is tough. That’s why it has become so easy for Christians to compromise with the world. The world has no problem with sin, and they don’t hesitate to fill music, TV and movies with every form of it. When we consume “entertainment” that’s filled with sin, we’re going against what the Bible has said.

Psalm 101:3 (ESV) says, “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.” We have to guard our hearts by being selective about what goes in our eyes and ears. It isn’t harmless because it begins to permeate our soul. That’s why Romans 12:2 tells us the only way to not be conformed to this world is to renew our minds with the Word of God. If we fill ourselves up with the wickedness found in the media, we’re going crosswise of the Word. 

You may hear everyone else talking about the latest, greatest movie, but you don’t have to be like everyone else. You should be living at a higher level! Compromising, even a little, in the area of media is far more damaging than most Christians realize.

2. Politics

Christians compromise with the world far too often in the area of politics. They want to evangelize and be liked, but they don’t want to get involved or speak out for righteousness. Trying not to get canceled will cause you to make one compromise after another. Fear of being labeled as “hateful,” “bigoted,” “not inclusive” or even “self-righteous” has caused many believers to clam up when they are called to be bold as a lion.

Some even compromise in the area of stewardship by refusing to vote, failing to take a stand against wicked curriculum being pushed in their child’s school, or staying silent when friends or family speak in favor of unbiblical principles.

Jesus told us that we are to expect persecution and troubles in this world (Matthew 10:22; 1 Peter 4:12). If we never face persecution, there’s a good chance we’ve compromised. Don’t be afraid to stand for righteousness. You’ve been called to it, and God is right there with you, standing on your side.

3. Forgiveness

The world says it’s OK to hold a grudge if someone really did you wrong. Treating someone poorly because they treated you badly first is perfectly fine. These are all things the world subscribes to. And if you aren’t watchful, you will, too. 

Forgiveness is tough. There’s no doubt about it. As we all know, it requires supernatural help! But it isn’t optional–no matter what the circumstances.

Holding a grudge against any person or group of people is sin. And it blocks every blessing God has in store for you. While the devil will tempt you in this area, don’t take the bait. While every area of compromise is dangerous, this one will block good things in your life from every direction (Mark 11:25).

4. Words

What you say doesn’t really matter–or does it? Of course, it does! “I’m just calling it like it is!” people say. That’s a lie of the enemy and a commonly held belief of the world. But the Bible tells us to call things that be not as though they were (Romans 4:17). The world doesn’t watch its words–at all. That’s where so many Christians get trapped. They think it’s normal to speak without thinking. People who watch their words are rare. 

But this area of compromise is one that will change your life–and not for the better. Your words steer your life. If you want it to go in the direction of victory, victory is what you’ll need to speak–no matter what. 

So, if you’re hanging around a lot of people who speak curses over themselves and constantly complain, you may be tempted to compromise. Don’t! Be mindful and refuse to compromise your words. 

Did any of these four common ways Christians compromise bring a bit of correction? If so, that’s a good thing! We’re living in unprecedented times, and compromise is a killer. Don’t let the devil trick you into believing it’s no big deal. Stop compromising. Become bold in your beliefs and bold in your faith. Let the lion inside you begin to roar!

Watch Gloria Copeland teach you how to develop a strong spirit.

 

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5 Eye-Opening Reasons To Never Compromise

Cancel culture is out of control–so much so, it has even started devouring itself. When a society is looking for reasons to shame or ruin people, we are no longer living in America as it was intended at its founding. 

So how do we respond as Christians?

Well, we’ve had some practice here at KCM. We’ve been canceled. 

Our VICTORY News and FlashPoint programs were “canceled” on YouTube® because they didn’t like our viewpoint. So, how did we respond? 

We kept talking, kept sharing truth, kept moving forward in faith! Faith never stops–not when people get mad, not when we’re in the minority, not when people threaten us or “unfriend” us. We will not stop speaking truth, and you shouldn’t either. Not just because it is good for you or because it’s your right, but because the truth is what people need more than anything else in this world.

Jesus and His disciples faced the same thing and responded the same way. If they hadn’t, Jesus wouldn’t have fulfilled His calling, and the kingdom of heaven would not have been available to us.

So, how should you respond to this dangerous cancel culture? Here are 5 Ways To Uncancel Yourself and live your faith out loud.

1.    Speak Up and Speak Out. 

The whole premise behind shutting people down is to get them to be afraid to talk, afraid to share their opinions–to silence them. So to uncancel yourself, you have to speak up and speak out. 

About what?

About everything you believe. Speak up and speak out against abortion, against socialism, against the attempt to eliminate genders, against the violations against our religious freedoms. If your child is being taught something unbiblical in school, say something! Don’t just take it.

Of course, we must always do so in love. Our words are lost if they are angry or attacking. 

If we’re silent by choice, it won’t be long until we’re silenced by force. So, when you’re accused of hate when opposing same-sex marriage or anything else–keep speaking up. Don’t push mute on your beliefs. UNCANCEL YOURSELF.

2.    Be Oblivious To Cancel Culture. 

We all know it’s there. So, what do we mean when we say ‘be oblivious’? 

Don’t give it any attention. Don’t let it run how you think, when you speak and what you say. Don’t be afraid to be the “odd man out,” and refuse to fear any repercussions. People may attempt to punish us for our views, but we have recourse and protections–both naturally and spiritually.

When you continue to share your views in spite of those who may try to shame you, your strength and resolve may influence others, and give them food for thought or a perspective they haven’t heard. 

Uncancel yourself at work, with friends and family, on social media and in public. As we all do this, eventually, the cancelers will realize shutting us down isn’t going to work.

 

3.    Lose Your Life To Save It. 

Most people who are staying silent about their views do so out of fear. Hebrews 10:38 says, “If anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him” (NKJV). That’s because it is impossible to please God without faith, and fear is the opposite of faith.

No one had to endure persecution for speaking what is unpopular more than Jesus. That’s why He said, “Whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25, NIV). To lose your life for Jesus means that you no longer care about the approval of others–you live to stand for Him and what He loves and stand against what He hates.

When you compromise your convictions to gain the acceptance of other people, you’ve left the narrow path and are on the road that leads to death.

The next time you start to hold your tongue or keep your views to yourself, ask yourself this: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36, NIV).

4.    Do Not Cancel Others. 

We cannot protect our own right to be uncanceled, then turn around and cancel others. Though we can speak out against unbiblical viewpoints, we should not be in the business of shaming or harming others financially, professionally or otherwise. 

Express your opposition, but do so in love and with respect. Be merciful and be better. Be a light in a dark world. While others turn to criticism and hate, you turn to mercy and love. That’s how you can show the world what it truly means to love one another.

 

5.    Embrace the Opportunity. 

If nothing else, take this current climate as an opportunity to reach people for Christ. As long as the discussion is open–let’s direct it to Jesus every time. Some of the most angry people who seem to oppose Christianity the most are the ones who receive the salvation message most freely. Uncancel yourself. And do it for the salvation of others.

When you use these 5 Ways to Uncancel Yourself, you will feel free and empowered, and shed the victim mentality Jesus never meant for you to carry. Your voice is needed in America for such a time as this. Don’t rob people of the light you have by staying silent.

Watch Gene Bailey and the panel on FlashPoint teach you how to Uncancel Yourself HERE!
 

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Discipleship is God’s method of growing His Church and growing leaders. It is believers modeling and teaching God’s Word and His precepts to other believers, to help them grow and strengthen in their walk of faith. Every believer needs to be discipled, and every believer needs to disciple others. When we do, nothing will be able to stop us from walking in victory!

If feelings of inadequacy or a feeling of not knowing where to start have kept you from stepping into your rightful place of discipleship, we’ve put together a checklist for discipling another believer for your reference to help you get on your way.

1. First, Be Discipled. To be good at discipling and leading others, you must first be good at being discipled. Before you begin discipling others, find a mature believer who you can trust to lead you into a stronger relationship with the Lord. Reach out and ask someone to disciple you, then be willing to do what they ask in accordance with the Word of God. Meeting or talking weekly or monthly is all it takes to be challenged to grow in the Lord. One of the ways you disciple others is through example. When you model godly living, you are communicating much more than you ever could with words.

2. Make a Connection. There’s a saying in the parenting world that hits the nail on the head when it comes to all relationships. Rules without relationship equals rebellion. In other words, healthy relationships of any kind must be built on love and trust before any type of correction will be effective. The same is true when discipling another. You must first work to develop a relationship of love, respect and trust with someone before discipleship will be effective.

3. Be Willing To Correct in Love. A discipleship relationship is one that should bring spiritual growth. That is only possible in an atmosphere of correction and exhortation. Some people find it difficult to directly point out an area in another that needs correction, but it is the mark of true discipleship. Of course, this should always be done in love and with the purpose of helping, not criticizing. But remember, your pointing something out could lead someone to a breakthrough far faster than they would have experienced otherwise, if at all!

4. Be an Encourager. Equally important to correction is encouragement. Every believer needs encouragement. The more the better! Take the time to point out the strengths in the person you’re discipling, and remind them that all of us have areas that need work–it’s just part of the process. 

5. Be Available. Discipleship takes time. So be prepared to be available. But keep in mind that the goal of discipleship is to help others turn to the Word on their own, rather than relying on you to give them all the answers. Your job is to point them to Jesus and cause them to tune in to the Holy Spirit more and more. Some discipleship relationships are short term, others are long term. If it is to be short term, be sure to put a timeline on the time of discipleship. And be sure that the relationship does not begin to infringe on your own personal or family time.

6. Pray for Those You Disciple. As you disciple another believer, part of hearing from the Lord and possessing the wisdom to pour into another is praying for those you disciple. Seek the Lord ahead of your meetings and ask Him to direct your conversations. Pray that what He is wanting to say will be revealed.

7. Challenge Those You Disciple to Come to a Higher Level. When you disciple another, don’t try to get them to come to the exact place where you are. Each person has his or her own journey, and it is important to meet people where they are and help them grow to their next level. Crawl, walk, run. Pushing too hard too fast will not end well. Don’t ever water down the Word of God, but explain it in a way they are likely to understand and receive.

When you use this checklist for discipling another believer, you’ll build your confidence to do what you’ve been called to do! You may not feel equipped, but God will anoint you to encourage others. Your wisdom is needed, so let’s start discipling!

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Faith can often seem like an abstract concept.

Is it a feeling, a belief, a philosophy? Can you make it stronger, can you improve it, can you get more of it? These are things many Christians grapple with.

But faith isn’t really hard to figure out at all.

The devil is the author of confusion–especially in the area of faith. He doesn’t want you to feel confident in your faith because if you do, he knows you’ll be able to claim every promise and blessing with ease.

Faith is a spiritual substance. A substance is always in existence. It doesn’t come and go. It just is. Now. Today. And it will exist and move and work whether we flow in it or not.

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) tells us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for.” So faith is now (present tense) and hope is for the future.  As Kenneth Copeland says, “Expect your answers from God to come today!”

Faith is your response to God’s Word–NOW! The way you respond in the present tense is what will determine your future victory. It is knowing that when God says it, it is done. When you view faith as present tense, you will eliminate the idea that “someday” you’ll have what you’re believing God for, and instead know that it is here for you now–today.

Here are 7 Scriptures to Keep Your Faith Present Tense you can meditate on today:

1. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

“Therefore if Christ….”

Notice, this verse is written in the present tense. That’s because when you are born again, you are (present tense) in Christ. That means He is in you, too. And when He is in you, everything He died to give you is accessible to you now.

2. Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

Now faith is….”

If it is going to be, it’s not faith. If it used to be, it’s not faith. God says, “I AM that I AM.” That is and always will be present tense! God is and so is faith. If you want to move with the rhythm of faith, you will always be thinking in the present tense.

3. Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

According to this verse, when are we supposed to live a life of faith? Now! That means every single day–present tense.

4. 1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV

” … by His stripes you were healed.”

This is really important. “You were” is past tense, not future tense. If I was healed, past tense, then I am healed, present tense. It’s not something you’re waiting to manifest–it’s already here. Since healing is now, your faith must be now, too!

5. Mark 11:24 (KJV)

“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

When do you believe? When is faith? Now! Faith is always present tense.

6. James 5:15 (NKJV)

“And the prayer of faith will save the sick…”

According to this verse, it isn’t the prayer of wishing or hoping or begging that will save the sick. It is the prayer of faith. When do you need to have faith? When you pray! In other words, now!

7. Hebrews 11:6 (MEV)

“And without faith it is impossible to please God.”

When is the faith this verse described? Someday? No. It is now. God is not looking for people who had faith in days past or are considering having faith in the future. God is a now God and He is pleased with faith that is possessed TODAY.

Spend some time meditating on these seven scriptures to keep your faith present tense. Whatever you need today, it has already been provided for you. It is available–now. Get yourself over into the speed and rhythm of faith and see your blessings as present tense!

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This is your moment. The time to call things that be not as though they were. Not tomorrow, not when things look better–NOW. You’ve been standing and believing, maybe for a long time. But if you haven’t seen your manifestation, the hard truth is that the problem isn’t on God’s end of the equation–it’s on yours.

We’ve all been there. And it is a fight to get to the other side. That’s why it’s called the fight of faith! There are many things you can do to be sure you’re perfectly aligned for your blessing. (See Why You Don’t Have What You Desire Most and 3 Things to Do When You Feel Stuck.) But one important step you must take is that which Abraham took to move his promise into manifestation. That step is calling things that be not as though they were.

To get you started toward victory, here are 30 scriptures* about calling things that be not you can use to build your faith for speaking and claiming the promises of God in your life!

*All scriptures are from the English Standard Version.

  1. Genesis 15:6
    “And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.”
  2. Genesis 17:5
    “No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.”
  3. Joshua 1:8
    “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
  4. Proverbs 4:20-22
    “My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.”
  5. Proverbs 18:21
    “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
  6. Mark 11:23
    “Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.”
  7. Mark 11:24
    “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
  8. Luke 1:37
    “For nothing will be impossible with God.”
  9. Luke 10:19
    “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”
  10. Romans 4:1-5
    “What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’ Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.”
  11. Romans 4:16
    “That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring–not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.”
  12. Romans 4:17
    “As it is written, ‘I have made you the father of many nations’–in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.”
  13. Romans 4:18
    “In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, ‘So shall your offspring be.'”
  14. Romans 4:21
    “Fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.”
  15. Romans 8:14
    “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”
  16. Romans 10:10
    “For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
  17. Romans 10:13
    “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
  18. Romans 10:17
    “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
  19. Romans 12:2
    “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
  20. 1 Corinthians 1:28
    “God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are.”
  21. 2 Corinthians 4:13
    “Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, ‘I believed, and so I spoke,’ we also believe, and so we also speak.”
  22. 2 Corinthians 5:7
    “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
  23. 2 Corinthians 5:17
    “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
  24. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
    “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
  25. Colossians 3:2
    “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
  26. Hebrews 10:23
    “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
  27. Hebrews 11:1
    “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
  28. Hebrews 11:3
    “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
  29. Hebrews 11:6
    “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
  30. Revelation 12:11
    “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”

    When you learn the power of declaring the end from the beginning, you’ll be calling things that be not every day! Don’t stop working toward the kind of faith that takes it. You have it in you. Keep working at it, keep speaking, keep believing. Your promise is yours.

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Recent events, including unprecedented tyrannical behavior, have left many Christians wondering how to respond to certain government mandates. As the last days draw nearer, more such dilemmas will occur, and as with anything else, we must always determine the proper course of action through studying the Word of God.

When the government moves to unconstitutional or unbiblical laws or mandates, the question often arises as to whether or not civil disobedience is in order.

Merriam Webster defines civil disobedience as a “refusal to obey governmental demands or commands, especially as a nonviolent and usually collective means of forcing concessions from the government.”

Given this definition, the question remains: Is refusing to obey a governmental demand ever biblical?

What Biblical Civil Disobedience Is Not

To understand what constitutes civil disobedience that is biblically backed, we first must examine what biblical civil disobedience is not–a loophole for policies with which you find inconvenient or undesirable. For example, though most of us do not care for tax increases, the Bible is clear–“render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Mark 12:17, ESV). In paying taxes, we are not breaking God’s law or compromising our beliefs. In other words, simply disagreeing with a law is not grounds to willfully disobey.

Biblical civil disobedience is also not an act that stems from an angry or bitter heart (though holy anger is often appropriate and different from anger derived from the flesh). As with anything we say and do, the heart behind it is of the utmost importance to God. Even if you have a biblical reason to refuse to comply with a law or mandate, if your heart is wrong, your action will be wrong as well.

When Civil Disobedience Is Biblical

Throughout the Bible, you will find numerous scriptures commanding us to submit to leaders and authority honor for those in authority is a testimony to unbelievers, and it keeps our hearts clean and pure before God.

But what about when a law or government mandate is in direct opposition to the Word of God?

Let’s take a look at some examples from the Bible.

  • When King Darius established a new law that prohibited worshipping God, Daniel did not obey this law, but rather, continued honoring the Lord and His Word
  • When King Nebuchadnezzar issued a government order to bow down and worship a golden image or be put to death, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not obey this law, even unto death Daniel 3
  • Esther risked her life by going against the law of the land and approaching the king without first having been summoned Esther 4-5

What about modern-day examples? There have been instances, increasingly so, in which the government has begun implementing policies with which Christians cannot comply without violating biblical principles. Only a few examples of countless instances include:

  • The Colorado state government has ordered Andrew Wommack to shut down his in-person ministry activities, while allowing other organizations to continue. He has even been threatened with jail time if he continues. He is standing for his religious freedoms under the Constitution, as well as obeying what God has called him to do.
  • Jack Phillips, a bakery owner in Colorado, has been sued multiple times for refusing to make wedding cakes celebrating same-sex marriages. His stand for biblical principles made it all the way to the Supreme Court.
  • Multiple churches in California have been victims of unconstitutional religious discrimination, ordering them to cease meeting in person. Though they face fines and legal action, they have chosen to obey God over man.

These are just a few of many current challenges facing believers around the world. Christian businesses and churches have been at the forefront of this battle, including recent attempts to shut down the ability of Christians to honor by assembling together.

Above all, we must seek to live at peace with everyone, while using wisdom and the Word of God as our guide in how to respond to laws and mandates. While we strive to be good and honoring citizens of this world, ultimately, we are citizens of heaven and our allegiance must always lie there.

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A professor in Japan took three different containers and filled each container with an equal amount of cooked white rice. He labeled one container, “Thank You,” another “You’re an Idiot,” and the third he left blank. Every day, the professor spoke to each container according to its label.

For 30 days, he spoke to each jar every day. To the “Thank You” jar, he only spoke positive and affirming words like, “You are special, you are smart, you are loved, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”

To the “You’re an Idiot” jar, he spoke only harsh, critical and negative words like, “You are stupid, you are useless, you’ll never amount to anything.”

Finally, to the jar without a label, he said nothing at all.

The results?

At the end of 30 days, the rice in the jar labeled “Thank You” began to ferment and release a pleasant smell. The rice labeled “You’re an Idiot” turned black and mushy, and emitted a sour smell. Finally, the rice that had been ignored and neglected began to mold and rot.

This experiment has been replicated by scientists, universities and home-school students, all with the same results. Whether people want to believe it or not:

Your words matter.

Though it’s an intriguing exercise, the rice experiment doesn’t make it so–God’s Word says so, and that’s all that matters. He has given us so much instruction about the words we speak. Are we listening? Are we applying what we know? Or do we think watching our words so closely is being hypersensitive?

Proverbs 18:21 tells us the tongue has the power of life and death and reminds us that we will have whatever we say. Proverbs 13:3 encourages us to remember that he who guards his lips guards his life. Throughout His Word, God gives us insights into how to have success spiritually and physically. Spiritual laws are connected to the natural realm. The more we take God at His Word, the sooner we’ll figure out how to live the life we’ve always wanted.

Next time you think about speaking before you think, remember the rice experiment. Watch what you say to your spouse, your children and your friends. Be careful with your words when you talk about your car, computer, appliances or any of your other belongings. Let your words speak life and increase over your job and money. Don’t let anything slip (even jokingly) about your health that isn’t positive and uplifting.

When you do, you’ll have a life most people only dream about.

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Facebook, Instagram, YouTube®, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, movies, TV, texting, email, internet. There are a lot of voices vying for your attention. At first, they’re just part of everyday life–resources we “need” to function. But over time, statistics, criticisms, gossip, bad news, updates and even sin continually flowing through screens clutter the heart and mind.

The problem with daily saturation in the things of this world is that they can slowly drown out the voice of TRUTH–the voice of God. Without keeping things in check and recognizing the influence these outlets have on your thoughts and beliefs, spiritual trouble will come.

The solution?

It’s time to unplug.  

Here are 3 Reasons to Go on a Media Fast and pave the road to peace, joy and spiritual freedom. 

1. A Media Fast Will Renew Your Mind

The purpose of fasting of any kind is to deny fleshly desire. So, if you’ve made looking at your phone the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do at night, media has moved into the top position in your life.

It’s no coincidence that Romans 12:2 commands us not to be conformed to this world. God knew we’d be regularly inundated with information contrary to His Word. He knew Satan would use every avenue to reach us with fear, doubt, anger, sin and all kinds of confusion. That’s why He told us to not only avoid worldly ideas but to renew our minds.

The word renew means “to reestablish, give fresh life to, replace something that is broken, to make new, to replenish.”

When you take time to unplug from the negativity in the news, the barrage of personal updates, the critical comments on social media and everything else, you’ll begin to feel a sense of quiet and peace in your life. You’ll give your heart and mind a break from the noise, and the chance to just be you–the you God made you to be. You might even find out something about yourself you didn’t know. Even better, you may get an instruction from God that you’ve been waiting for.

2. A Media Fast Will Bring Revelation

Isaiah 58:6-8 talks about what happens when you fast: “Then your light will break out like the dawn, and you will be healed quickly” (verse 8, CEB). When you fast, even a nonfood fast, “your light” (your revelation) will break through.

In other words, when you fast, you will begin to receive things from the light of God’s Word because fasting brings revelation. When all you consume is the truth of God’s Word and His still, small voice–without anything else competing for your heart–you will receive revelation, new insight, and understanding from Him.

A media fast is a time when God has your full attention. You can reestablish the truth about His love, His goodness, His commands that help you live a good life–all of which drive out fear, doubt, insecurity, anger and bitterness.

Revelation in the Word changes everything.

3. A Media Fast Will Give You Perspective

Clearing away the flesh and the voices that have been speaking into your life will give you a new perspective. Suddenly, things you thought were so important really aren’t. Those things that offended you and made you angry, you realize, were actually a spirit of strife gone awry in your heart.  

That’s what fasting–even a nonfood fast–will do. Fasting isn’t just giving something up; it’s the deliberate pushing aside of everything–subduing the flesh–and giving God your full attention.

You may even walk away from this realizing that things simply can’t go back to the way they were. Maybe God is calling you to stop reading the news, eliminate certain TV shows or movies, or put a time limit on your media consumption. You may also find areas where you’ve unintentionally become desensitized to sin in the world around you.

Whatever you take away from your media fast, you can be sure that you will walk away better, refreshed and renewed.

If you’re interested in pursuing a media fast, here are some quick tips to get you started:

  • A media fast can be formally before the Lord or just a personal decision.
  • A media fast can be for a week, a month, 40 days or any other time frame you choose. There are no adverse physical effects associated with turning off your cellphone!
  • You can fast social media only, or all media, including television. Maybe you even need to unplug from texts and emails, and just stick with phone calls for a while. Remember, this is to be a time of renewal and refreshing. Just let friends and family know you’re unplugging for a season, and that you’ll be back soon.

What do you do in your spare time?

  • Read a good book.
  • Spend more time in prayer and the Word.
  • Listen to faith-based teachings.
  • Get together with friends for coffee or lunch.
  • Bake something!
  • Take on that DIY project you’ve been wanting to tackle.
  • Spend more time outdoors.
  • Be more present and available to your family.
  • Play board games.
  • Take up that class you’ve always thought about trying.

We’ve shared only three of many good reasons to go on a media fast, as well as some tips to get you started. You may be cringing at the thought of going without your phone or your favorite TV shows, but we guarantee–you’ll be blessed by the process! Do something amazing for yourself: Unplug, renew and strengthen yourself for the days ahead.

Remember…we love you, and we’re always here for you.

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Who decides what goes into history books?

More importantly, why is it always changing?

Christian historian and political activist David Barton has recently shared with us the importance of providing students with a complete and accurate look at our nation’s history. In doing so, he believes race relations will improve dramatically, and the patriotism that once was so strong will unite us again.

For centuries, Americans were taught a truthful version of history that recognized the godly heroes and moral foundation our nation was founded upon. A new version of history has assaulted our history’s moral and spiritual fiber in recent years, leaving the truth forgotten.

While there are countless similar accounts, here are 4 Stories From Black History You Won’t Find in Today’s Textbooks, as shared by David Barton.

1. The Rev. Harry Hoosier (1750-1810)

See the source image

Harry Hoosier had been a slave, was freed and became a Christian. He traveled alongside a well-known White minister named Francis Asbury and preached to large crowds. He was one of the most popular preachers of his era. He was even declared “the greatest orator in America” by Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

He was so influential in his evangelizing in the state of Indiana that those he converted under his teaching became known as “Hoosiers,” which is what led Indiana to become known as “the Hoosier state.”

You would think that would be included in textbooks, but you don’t see it anymore.

(Read the full story HERE.)

2. Wentworth Cheswell (1746-1817)

On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere made his famous ride during the Revolutionary War. But he was not the only one who rode to alert the patriots. Wentworth Cheswell, a Black patriot, was another.

Even more impressive was Cheswell’s long service in elected office beginning in 1768. He is considered by George Mason University to be the first Black man elected to public office in Colonial America. You would think textbooks would want to talk about that! Yet, there is no mention of this.

He held eight different political positions, served as a judge, and was reelected in a primarily white town again and again for 49 years! He is also credited for writing the first history book about New Hampshire.

3. Peter Salem (1750-1816)

See the source image

Peter Salem was a Black patriot and the hero of the Battle of Bunker Hill. He was born a slave but was given his freedom when he enlisted in the Continental Army. He saved countless American lives during the Revolution, which is why he is depicted in various paintings of the Revolution. In textbooks from the 1840s, he was shown as the clear patriot and hero of the Battle. Where is he today? Why isn’t he included? You won’t find him in today’s textbooks.

4. James Armistead (1748-1830)

James Armistead

This true story is made for the movies. James Armistead was a Black patriot and volunteered to be a spy for the American Army. He gained the trust of General Cornwallis and Benedict Arnold of the British army, then took highly classified intel from their camp back to the Americans.

The information he brought back from the British camp was used by General George Washington to defeat the British in many of their attempts against America. He was a true patriot and hero of the Revolutionary War. Yet, we find no mention of him and his heroism for his country in textbooks today.

*If you’d like to discover more memorable stories from Black history, read more about: Prince Whipple, Jack Cisson, Oliver Cromwell, and Salem Poor.

These four stories from Black history that you won’t find in today’s textbooks are just a sampling of critical historical accounts omitted from the version of history currently taught in our nation’s public schools. It’s time to demand the complete and accurate truth in our education system and unite America on our common ground–not divide us with our differences.

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7 Ways to Help Get Out the Christian Vote
5 Things Every Christian Should Know About the Equality Act

Twenty-five million Christians who were registered DIDN’T VOTE in the 2016 election. In addition to that number, 15 million Christians weren’t registered to vote at all. That’s 40 million missing votes!

You can help change this disappointing statistic.

Here are 7 Ways to Help Get Out the Christian Vote and make a BIG IMPACT in your world.

1. Share on Social Media

Research shows that people are more likely to vote when encouraged to do so by someone they know. Jump on your social media platforms, and encourage your friends and family to vote. Include information on where to register and specific details for each state. You can also include a link to a summary sheet of a comparison of party platforms.

2. Start a Voter Pledge

Make it a movement! Studies show that when you tell someone else about your commitment, you’re more likely to follow through–and so are they. Whether through a service like Survey Monkey, a social media platform or a group text, start a voter pledge where everyone can see who is committing to vote. Then, encourage people to check in with a thumbs-up or American flag emoji when they return from the voting booth.

3. Encourage Your Church to Offer Voter Registration Information

Many churches provide easy access to voter registration information in the lobby of the sanctuary before and after services. This is a great way to get out the vote!

4. Make It An Event

If you have the time, plan to meet a group of friends for breakfast, lunch or coffee after voting. It gives you something extra to look forward to!

5. Pray for Christians to Show Up to Vote

Hearts aren’t forced into changing; they’re won into doing so. Pray that God will soften hardened hearts and stir those who have been sleeping to rise up and take their place.

6. Host a Voter Mobilization Drive

You can do this in your community or at work, or offer to do so at your church. You can find a free toolkit with bulletin inserts, videos, legal information and many other resources at OurChurchVotes.org.

7. Send Out an Election Day Text

Get yourself to the polls early on Nov. 3, take a selfie wearing your “I Voted” sticker, and send it to all your friends and family via text. Let them know you voted, then ask them, “Have you?”

Voting is contagious! When you stir one friend or family member to vote, they will likely stir their own group. Your small circle turns into a massive army when you simply start the chain of communication. You can have a BIG impact on the upcoming election. Let’s work together and get out the Christian vote!

For election resources tailored for your local area, go to https://americastands.govictory.com/election-resources/

And find a Prayer and Confession Card for you to take into the voting booth here.

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5 Things Every Christian Should Know About the Equality Act

Veiled schemes against morality are often neatly packaged with a bow made of nice-sounding names. Abortion is packaged as “pro-choice” or “health care,” the steering away from righteousness is “progressive,” and promoting homosexuality is “tolerance.”

A new and neatly packaged evil has emerged on the scene using a similar word we all consider to be good–“equality.” But make no mistake, the “Equality Act” is anything but good. It is both radical and highly controversial, and is the greatest threat to your religious freedoms of all time. As you review the items included, it becomes clear that this legislation is less about promoting equality and more about punishing dissenters.

What is the Equality Act?

Here are five things every Christian should know about the Equality Act, H.R. 5 116th Congress (2019-2020)

1. The Equality Act Would Amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to Include Sexual Orientation

The Equality Act falsely equates one’s sexual conduct with immutable characteristics like skin color and ethnicity–and openly contradicts the scriptural mandates we were given for our good (1 Thess. 4:3-8). It aims to cover sexual orientation or gender identity for the purposes of employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, education and federal programs, and to punish those who do not comply.

2. The Equality Act Is the Greatest Threat to Religious Freedom Ever Proposed in America

The Equality Act would invade every area of American life and is the greatest threat to religious freedom ever proposed in America. Here is just a sampling of who would be affected and targeted for discrimination:

  • Teachers can be fired for refusing to use a student’s “preferred pronoun.”
  • Shelters for women who have been abused by men will be forced to admit any man who “identifies as female.”
  • Parents and foster parents can be forced to help a child “transition” to another gender.
  • Teachers could be forced to teach the LGBTQ+ lifestyle as a healthy and legitimate option.
  • College students would be forbidden from using their federal tuition assistance at schools that “discriminate” on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

3. The Equality Act Would Change Who Churches Can Hire

Under its changes to the employment nondiscrimination provisions in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, some houses of worship would be barred from ensuring their leaders and other employees abide by their beliefs about marriage, sexual behavior and the distinction between the sexes.

4. The Equality Act Would Harm Faith-Based Adoption Agencies

Faith-based organizations in the adoption and foster care system generally receive government funding to help them carry out their work. This funding would be threatened if they did not comply with the Equality Act, including adopting children to homosexual couples, promoting gender transition treatments, and affirming these lifestyles.

5. The Equality Act Would Threaten Religious Employers

Ministries and other faith-based organizations could be forced to offer insurance coverage for hormone therapy, sex reassignment surgery or other procedures that violate their consciences and, more importantly, the Bible.

These are only some of the sobering truths about the Equality Act and its threats to our religious freedoms. When you go to the polls in 2020, it is imperative that you consider who you are selecting to represent you as a Christian. Every Democrat in the House of Representatives voted IN FAVOR of this bill, and almost every Democrat in the Senate is expected to do the same. On the other hand, nearly every Republican has and is expected to OPPOSE it. What can you do? Think. Pray. VOTE. And do so knowing what those you vote for really represent.

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Stagnant or flowing?
Which type of water source would you want to drink from? While stagnant water invites bacteria and disease-carrying larvae, flowing water is a pure, continual source of life-giving refreshment.

The same is true of faith. Stagnant faith stinks! And it doesn’t bring life. Faith in constant motion brings life and a continual flow of answered prayer. But let’s be real. It takes work!

Here, we’re offering 3 Tips to Keep Your Faith in Constant Motion, so victories will keep flowing!

1. Be Continual in Your Feedings. Living beings who eat now and then will still be alive, but they won’t be in very good health. They’ll be malnourished, weak, and–as a result–lacking in happiness and vibrance. The same is true of faith. You can keep it alive, but it won’t be thriving, growing or yielding a victorious life if it isn’t fed continually.

So, be continual in your feedings on the Word of God. Read your Bible, pray, listen to teachings (download the VICTORY app!), and attend conferences or Bible studies. Do something EVERY DAY to feed your faith to some degree. There should be few exceptions. It will keep your faith flowing–bringing you life and VICTORY all the time!

2. Don’t Allow Yourself to Be Worn Down by Spiritual Attacks. The devil wants to wear you down. That’s why you’ll often see one thing after another hurled at you from every area. A layoff followed by strife in the home, and then an illness. It can get ridiculous! However, you don’t have to allow yourself to be worn down by spiritual attacks. In fact, you can choose to ramp up the fight!

Between you and the devil, someone is going to give up and stop fighting. Just be sure that someone isn’t you! To keep from being worn down by spiritual attacks, make a decision that you will NEVER stop fighting the good fight of faith. You will NEVER stop reading the Word, believing the Word and speaking the Word.

3. Apply Faith to EVERY Situation. When you make faith a regular part of your everyday life, it will stay in constant motion. Talk to and about God all the time. Start the day reminiscing about the miracles He’s done in your life. Ask Him for help throughout the day with anything and everything. Here are some other ideas:

  • Sprinkle declarations over yourself and your life throughout each day by confessing the Word of God.
  • When you get in the car to drive somewhere, plead the blood of Jesus over yourself and your vehicle.
  • When you’re at the grocery store, thank God for the means to buy the food, thank Him for favor, and declare that your cart will supernaturally yield more food for less money than it would in the natural.
  • Pray over your meals.
  • When a challenge–even a small one–comes your way, talk to God in the moment, and ask for His intervention. Don’t always wait for a crisis!

These are just three tips to keep your faith in constant motion, but you could think of a lot more! Faith is a LIFESTYLE. When you practice making it part of your daily life, it will begin to flow in your life continually without even much effort. Our goal for you: Constant Faith. Constant Victory.

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We have dominion on the Earth! Given by God to mankind from the beginning (Genesis 1), our dominion is not to rule over other people; but instead, we are meant to have authority over every situation–physical, financial, emotional and spiritual. Most Christians do not boldly take their place in a position of dominion because it is little-preached or -studied. (See more about financial dominion HERE.)
When you develop a deeper understanding of dominion, you’ll build the confidence you need to operate in it every day, in every area of your life. Here, we’ve provided 15 scriptures about dominion to get you started.

All scriptures are taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

1. Genesis 1:26 (NLT)
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”

2. Genesis 1:28 (KJV)
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

3. Genesis 27:40 (KJV)
And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.

4. Judges 5:13 (KJV)
Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people: the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty.

5. Job 25:2
Dominion and fear belong to Him; He makes peace in His high places.

6. Psalm 8:6
You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet.

7. Psalm 19:13
Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me.

8. Psalm 49:14
Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall be consumed in the grave, far from their dwelling.

9. Psalm 72:8

He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.

10. Psalm 119:133

Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.

11. Luke 10:19 (ESV)

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.

12. Romans 6:9

Knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.

13. Romans 6:14

For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

14. Ephesians 1:17-21

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

15. 1 Peter 5:11 (KJV)

To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

When you study these 15 scriptures about dominion, let the dominion and authority that belongs to you in Christ Jesus become a revelation on the inside of you. Believe it and use it in every situation. You never have to be a victim again.

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Healing can seem like a bear of a subject sometimes. And the devil would love for us to think it’s too much to comprehend, so we won’t even try. That tired trick is over because God’s people want to know about healing!

Though we can never know everything there is to know about God and healing, we can become an expert, which is defined as someone who has a comprehensive knowledge in a particular area. A real expert knows they should always be learning and would never claim to have “arrived” in any area. But being an “expert” on healing will help you take what belongs to you with confidence and minister the same thing to others.

Here are seven ways to become an expert on healing you can begin practicing today.

1. Study the Scriptures About Healing
To become an expert, it takes more than just reading about healing once in a while. You’ve got to spend time studying the scriptures about healing to really develop a deep understanding of the truth in God’s Word. Consider these tips for getting started:

  • Search the Word for healing scriptures. You can even use an online word search on a website like biblegateway.com.
  • Write the scriptures you find in a journal or notebook. Do this rather than printing them out, as research shows you remember things more when you write them down.
  • Meditate on them. Don’t just gather the info–think about each verse and what it means to you.
  • Speak them out loud. Take your list and declare them over yourself each day. Personalize them!

2. Meditate On the Whole Word of God
Part of developing a deeper understanding of healing is to also gain a deeper understanding of the Healer. In addition to studying healing, spend time reading and meditating on the whole Word of God. You will develop your faith in the LOVE of God and become an expert in healing at the same time!

3. Speak Only Words of Healing and Victory
An expert in healing knows that words matter. And speaking only words of healing and victory will also help you become an expert. When symptoms or doctors’ reports are yelling in your ear, talk back! Make your words of healing and victory shout louder than anything else.

4. Read Books About Healing
In addition to the Word of God, you can build your knowledge of healing through the revelation and experiences of others. Spend time reading healing books by people like Gloria Copeland, Norvel Hayes, Smith Wigglesworth, Andrew Murray or Andrew Wommack.

You can also watch teachings on VICTORY Channel™ like God Wants You Well with Gloria Copeland, or listen to teachings by healing minister Billy Burke.

5. Ask the Lord to Give You Revelation About Healing
To become an expert, you’re going to need one thing–supernatural help! There are things we still have to learn and discover about God, and it’s exciting finding them out! One way to keep growing in the Lord is to ask Him to give you revelation about healing and any other area of your life. Then, open your heart and allow Him to reveal truth to you in His Word.

6. Minister Healing to Others
Kenneth Copeland has said it time and again, “One of the best ways to develop faith for your own healing is ministering healing to others.”

Why?

Because it will FORCE you to tap into the deepest part of what you know and pull it out. It will motivate you to tune into the Holy Spirit, apply God’s Word, and stand in faith.

7. Praise God for Healing Every Day
Praising God is a faith builder. You can’t praise God and not grow in faith. When you praise Him, you’re reminding yourself of His goodness, love, compassion, mercy and sovereignty. If you praise Him long enough, you’ll be so stirred up, nothing will be able to stop you from taking what He’s given you.

Take time to praise God for healing every day. The experts do it–you should, too. They know the power in praise. Countless people have been healed simply by praising the Lord for who He is and the healing He’s already provided.

When you practice these seven ways to become an expert on healing, you WILL see transformation in your life. There’s a saying that nothing changes if nothing changes. If you want to see a change in the way you receive and minister healing, it all starts with a change inside you!

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The devil hates agreement between Christians. The power of agreement opens the windows of heaven in our lives and closes the door to his destruction. That’s why he continually tries to disrupt that agreement by causing strife and division where people come together in the most powerful way: the family.

You don’t have to take it! Here are 8 Ways to Make Your Home a No-Strife Zone.

1. Bite Your Tongue

Did you know? The quickest way to reduce strife in your home is to bite your tongue! That’s right. You don’t have to say everything you think. Your words have a powerful ability to stir up strife in your home. So choose your words wisely. 

Consider these verses from the English Standard Version:

  • Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble (Proverbs 21:23).
  • Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29).
  • A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).
  • The tongue is a small member, yet…. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! (James3:5).
  • The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent (Exodus 14:14).

It takes humility to be the kind of person who doesn’t have to have the last word. At first, you may have to literally bite your tongue! But you can create a new habit of not answering back to every attack.

Determine today that you want to make your home a no-strife zone far more than you want to have the last word. It won’t be long before people in your home stop picking fights with you because it just won’t work!

2. Recite 1 Corinthians 13 Every Morning

Kenneth Hagin once prescribed this to a married couple who were on the brink of ending their marriage. It completely turned their relationship around!

Write the verses on a 3-by-5 card and place it where you’ll see it each day. It takes less than a minute to recite these powerful words, but they WILL transform you. You’ll find yourself paying closer attention to how you respond to challenging situations–and you’ll respond correctly!

3. Declare Your Home a No-Strife Zone

What you declare has significant power to influence your thinking and the atmosphere around you. So make a point of declaring, “We do not have strife in this house.”

By speaking this out loud each day, you’ll plant the seed in your own heart that you’re committed to shutting down strife in your home. You’ll also be putting the devil on notice that his attempts won’t be tolerated.

4. Watch What You’re Watching

Strife is a spirit. It can be driven out of your life or invited to take a seat at the table. One way to avoid offering an unintended invitation is to watch what you’re watching. TV shows, movies and music that promote arguing, criticism, pride or anger will feed the spirit of strife and plant the wrong seeds in the heart of your home. Choose positive and encouraging programming, and if bickering ensues, change the channel.

5. Diffuse Potential Strife Among Other Family Members

While guarding against falling into strife yourself, you also make your home a no-strife zone by setting the tone with the entire family. That means children don’t get to argue with their parents, teenagers don’t get to show disrespect, and if you have parents living with you, strife is off-limits to them, as well. It can feel uncomfortable to confront others about strife. Still, it is necessary, and it usually doesn’t take more than a few times to let people know you mean business!

6. Encourage Healthy Communication

Some people think it is healthy to vent anger and lash out at others–to “let it all out.” You don’t need to pop your top to communicate with others. That’s why it’s essential to encourage healthy communication in your home, as follows:

  • Don’t bottle up your feelings or encourage your family members to avoid their feelings as well. If your spouse upsets you, don’t hold it in. Let them know right away, lovingly and respectfully. If a family member does something that bothers you, don’t mumble under your breath–talk it out! You’ll be glad you did.
  • Allow children a rebuke-free atmosphere to tell you when you’ve hurt their feelings. Then, apologize! It’s so important for parents to own up to their mistakes with their children. It fosters a healthy, safe atmosphere and teaches children good communication skills.
  • Speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle and show perfect courtesy toward all people (Titus 3:2). That means if you don’t want strife in your home, don’t speak unkindly about others around the dinner table or anywhere else in your home. Resist the urge to criticize a neighbor, teachers or even the drivers on the road.

7. Repent Quickly. Forgive Quickly.

If you can’t admit when you’re wrong, you’re going to struggle in your relationships. Taking personal responsibility for a harsh word spoken, a critical spirit or a false assumption is essential to keeping your home a no-strife zone. You don’t need to be right all the time. In fact, it’s damaging to insist upon it.

When you’ve hurt someone else–even if you don’t feel like you’ve done anything wrong–apologize. Take responsibility. Repent quickly. Humility doesn’t always think it’s without blame.

And when someone apologizes to you, don’t take it as an opportunity to rehearse all the reasons why what they did was wrong. They already know! Be humble and kind. Forgive immediately and mean it!

8. Deal with Wrong Spirits

There was a couple who rarely argued. This couple had worked hard to develop a no-strife zone in their home, and it paid off! But something interesting happened every time a certain couple visited their home. This couple, who were relatives, always argued and had a strife-filled relationship and home. Whenever they came to visit, they brought their troubles with them. Then when they left, the hosting couple found that they were suddenly fighting and arguing themselves. One day, the Lord revealed to them that a spirit of strife had entered their home. 

It’s a good idea to be mindful of whom you allow into your home, but if you find yourself with guests who bring unwanted spirits in your home, be quick to drive those spirits out! Take authority in the Name of Jesus, and command all unclean spirits to leave.

When you use these eight ways to make your home a no-strife zone, you’ll be well on your way to living a peaceful, strife-free life. Who doesn’t want that?! You can get to the place in your life where critical words, arguing and grudges simply don’t occur in your home. You can have the kind of home filled with love that everyone dreams about!

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Your FIRST WORDS. They matter.

And they often determine your outcome–good or bad.

You may have resolved to respond in faith in the face of your very next challenge, but do you know what kinds of things to say?

Of course, you want to always inquire of the Holy Spirit in the moment for the perfect words to say, but it is good to study the WORD and be prepared. To get you started, here are The Right FIRST WORDS for 3 Scenarios that will give you some general guidance if you face a trial in any related area.

1. If You Feel Symptoms of Sickness or Receive a Negative Doctor’s Report

If you wake up with symptoms of a cold or any other sickness, you have a decision to make right there in that moment. Are you going to speak sickness or healing?

Some people feel like they are lying if they speak that they are well when they feel run-down. But there’s a big difference between facts and the TRUTH. The fact is you feel symptoms. The TRUTH is that by the stripes of Jesus you were healed.

The same is true with a doctor’s report. A piece of paper with lab results can say one thing, but according to Jesus, “It is finished!”

You’re not denying the facts; you deny that any sickness or disease has a right to live in your body.

So, when you have symptoms or a negative doctor’s report, be sure your FIRST WORDS line up with God’s Word, not with what you’re seeing in the natural.

Say, “Glory to God! I’m healed! Thank You, Jesus!” And keep saying it. Keep praising God for supernatural health and healing. Keep speaking His Word. Speak Galatians 3:13: “I have been redeemed from the curse!”

Your FIRST WORDS will set the right spiritual laws in motion.

2. If You Are Laid Off From Your Job

You weren’t expecting it, and it hit you out of nowhere. A layoff under any circumstance can feel like a punch in the gut. A flood of emotions rushes in and tempts you to say all the wrong things.

But you don’t because you know the power of FIRST WORDS.

Instead, like the Shunammite woman, you say, “It’s OK. All is well. And everything is going to be all right.”

You refuse to move into offense or speak doubt-filled words. Instead, you speak the Word of God, and you speak it all day. You never speak anything contrary.

You say:

  • My God will supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”
  • I seek the Lord, and those who seek the Lord do not lack any good thing. A job is a good thing and I will not lack for a job!” (Psalm 34:10).
  • I refuse to fear. I’m staying in faith that my God is a good God, and He is the Giver of all good and perfect gifts. Fear is from the devil, and I resist fear right now in Jesus’ Name!” (James 1:17; 4:7).

3. If a Relationship Is in Trouble

If Satan attacks a relationship in your life with strife, your FIRST WORDS matter. The devil will try to tempt you into offense and bitterness, and try to get you to focus on your own hurts to keep you from receiving victory.

You have to fight the urge to speak wrong words and determine to speak faith-filled first words that have power, words of love, forgiveness, and healing.

You say:

  • “I refuse to be offended. No matter what anyone has said and done, I will not hold onto unforgiveness. I forgive those who have done me wrong. I love them just as God loves me and has forgiven me” (1 Corinthians 13; Matthew 6:15; Mark 11:25).
  • “God is supernaturally healing my relationships even now. He is making a way where there seems to be no way. He is taking hardened hearts and turning them to flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26; Isaiah 43:19).
  • “I am strong in the Lord and the power of His might. My relationships are strong. My relationships are good and full of joy and peace” (Ephesians 6:10).

When you study the right FIRST WORDS for these three scenarios, you will be preparing yourself for victory when trouble arises. Speaking faith-filled words first will make a difference, not only in the outcome, but in the peace you experience in the process!

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The Power of FIRST Words

Would you like to see a new season in your life?

Maybe in your family or finances, your health or your faith?

As believers, we should not expect to stay in the same place year after year in any area of our lives. You were made for promotion. As you work with the Lord to get your walk into alignment (that’s the key to receiving), you can develop strong faith for what’s to come with these 10 Scriptures to Build Expectation for a New Season.

All Scriptures referenced are taken from the English Standard Version, unless otherwise noted.

  1. Isaiah 43:19 (NLT): “For I am about to do something new.   See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness.   I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
  2. Galatians 6:9: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
  3. Exodus 12:2: “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you.”
  4. Ezekiel 34:26: “And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing.”
  5. Psalm 1:1-3: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
  6. Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
  7. Revelation 21:5: “And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'”
  8. Joel 2:25: “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.”
  9. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
  10. Job 8:7 (NASB): “Though your beginning was insignificant, yet your end will increase greatly.”

These 10 scriptures will build your expectation for a new season! As you meditate on God’s Word and His desire to increase and promote you, don’t give up when it doesn’t come to pass immediately. Keep pressing into God’s Word. Your new season is just around the corner!

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Within the Psalms you’ll find every kind of emotion, trial, frustration, betrayal and hurt, as well as worship, rejoicing, excitement and wisdom. The beauty of the Psalms is that they allow for your emotions, but they always point you back to Almighty God, where your attention belongs. 

It’s easy to put your eyes on the troubles you face–the wind and waves–but that won’t get you where you want to go. The Psalms put your eyes back on the One who loves you and will help you when you put your full trust in Him.

Here, we’ve put together a short–and certainly not exhaustive–list of Psalms for every situation. This is just a starting point. We recommend adding to the list and learning to make the Psalms a place you turn when you need assurance of God’s love and power.

When you are afraid….

Psalm 3

Psalm 4

Psalm 27

Psalm 46

Psalm 56

Psalm 91

Psalm 118

When you are battling loneliness…

Psalm 9

Psalm 10

Psalm 68

When you are fighting depression…

Psalm 27

Psalm 34

Psalm 42

Psalm 43

Psalm 88

Psalm 143

When you feel impatient…

Psalm 13

Psalm 27

Psalm 37

Psalm 40

When you feel weary…

Psalm 6

Psalm 13

Psalm 18

Psalm 28

Psalm 29

Psalm 40

When you’re dealing with enemies…

Psalm 3

Psalm 25

Psalm 35

Psalm 40

Psalm 41

Psalm 43

Psalm 56

Psalm 59

Psalm 120

When you are enduring a trial…

Psalm 34

Psalm 55

Psalm 86

Psalm 102

Psalm 142

Psalm 145

When you have financial trouble…

Psalm 15

Psalm 16

Psalm 17

When you need vindication or justice…

Psalm 9

Psalm 14

Psalm 28

Psalm 35

Psalm 109

When you need wisdom…

Psalm 1

Psalm 16

Psalm 19

Psalm 64

Psalm 111

We hope this list will be an encouragement to you. No matter what you’re facing, the Word of God is the answer. If you begin in the Psalms, don’t let that be the end of your study. Fill your heart and mind with the Word, and you will build unstoppable faith and triumph in any situation!

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