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June 25, 2020

Word for Today:  June 25

 

Have you ever been in a place where you honestly confessed that you did not know what to do?

The first temptation is the temptation to try to fix it ourselves.  Plans.  Procedures.  Steps to take.  People to see.  We want to “fix things.”  We want to “fix” people.

Instead of throwing our cares and worries and tribulations on Jesus, we think we can fix it ourselves.  We try.  And it does not work.  We try something else, and it does not work either.  We reason.  We consider the problem.  We analyze it, examine it, look at it from every angle and try again.  Another failure.

Finally, we remember God.  And seek God.  And ask God.  Turn to God and confess that without His intervention, all our human and natural efforts will not produce any answers or solve any problems.

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. 2Chron 20:12

The King’s army was outnumbered (2Chron 20). He was defenseless against such overwhelming odds.  He had no escape route…. Nowhere to run.  Nowhere to hide.  Nowhere to seek refuge.  He was in line for defeat.  Humiliation.  And death.

He had exhausted all his resources.  Nothing he had and nothing he could do would be able to deliver him and his nation from total disaster and defeat.  He finally confessed: “I don’t know what to do.  But my eyes are on You, Lord….”

There are some attempts at victory that you need to “give up.”  Because they are your plans, your ideas, your efforts and they are done in your strength.

I remember praying one time:  “Lord, I don’t know what to do.  I’ve tried everything I know to try.  I don’t have any resources left.  I give up.”   In my fit of self-pity and false humility, God responded to my heart:  “Good!  Now that you are through with it, I can do something about it!”

And He did.

Giving up on your efforts does not mean giving in to the devil.  It simply means changing your “trying” into “trusting” and then leaving it all to God.

 

FAST FOOD

June 25, 2018

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Word for Today:  June 25

 

Have you ever been in a place where you honestly confessed that you did not know what to do?

The first temptation is the temptation to try to fix it ourselves.  Plans.  Procedures.  Steps to take.  People to see.  We want to “fix things.”  We want to “fix” people.

Instead of throwing our cares and worries and tribulations on Jesus, we think we can fix it ourselves.  We try.  And it does not work.  We try something else, and it does not work either.  We reason.  We consider the problem.  We analyze it, examine it, look at it from every angle and try again.  Another failure.

Finally, we remember God.  And seek God.  And ask God.  Turn to God and confess that without His intervention, all our human and natural efforts will not produce any answers or solve any problems.

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. 2Chron 20:12

The King’s army was outnumbered (2 Chron 20). He was defenseless against such overwhelming odds.  He had no escape route…. Nowhere to run.  Nowhere to hide.  Nowhere to seek refuge.  He was in line for defeat.  Humiliation.  And death.

He had exhausted all his resources.  Nothing he had and nothing he could do would be able to deliver him and his nation from total disaster and defeat.  He finally confessed: “I don’t know what to do.  But my eyes are on You, Lord….”

There are some attempts at victory that you need to “give up.”  Because they are your plans, your ideas, your efforts and they are done in your strength.

I remember praying one time:  “Lord, I don’t know what to do.  I’ve tried everything I know to try.  I don’t have any resources left.  I give up.”   In my fit of self-pity and false humility, God responded to my heart:  “Good!  Now that you are through with it, I can do something about it!”

And He did.

Giving up on your efforts does not mean giving in to the devil.  It simply means changing your “trying” into “trusting” and then leaving it all to God.

FAST FOOD

Posted July 9, 2017 by dickbraswell
Categories: Uncategorized

Word for Today:  July 9

 

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  1Co 2:9

This verse is not necessarily limited to mean only those awesome things awaiting the Believer in Heaven.

God has prepared unimaginable “things” in the present for those who love Him.  Do you love Him?  Then those “things” are for you and they are for you today.  Right now.

So, praise God and act as if the answer has already come. Refuse to doubt.  Believe with all your heart.  Hold on to your confession of faith.  Get your mind renewed by the Word of God.  Talk right.  Say the Word.  Confess the Word.  Talk the Word.  Act out our faith.  Act like you already have “it” and you will get “it.”

Live in an atmosphere of Praise.  Thank God.  Praise God.  Give God glory.  Worship God.  Pray in the Spirit.  Praise and thank Him in all situations and circumstances. Honor Him.  Trust Him.  Esteem Him.  Glorify Him.

And you will see your situation begin to change.    Immediately.

 

Today

 

 

FAST FOOD

Posted July 8, 2017 by dickbraswell
Categories: Uncategorized

Word for Today:  July 8

 

Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. Psa 150:6 

Praise God and thank Him for the answer before your answer comes.  Praise God for the answer before you see it, feel it, or have it.  Your sight and your feelings are subordinate to the Word of God.  As far as God is concerned, you already have what you believed for.  He has already given you all things that pertain to life and godliness…

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:  2Pe 1:3

I have a question.  What situation or circumstance would you like to see changed more than everything else?  What one thing have you been believing for over everything else?  What is the greatest desire of your heart at this very moment?  What one thing drives you and is the focus of your passion?  What is that one thing?  The One Thing that is presently the heart of your praying?   That One Thing that rises above all other situations and circumstances that you really would like to see manifest?

What if God visibly walked right into your presence now… at this moment… and with loving grace and mercy actually presented you with that One Thing you have so longed for?   Here it is.  What you have prayed and believed for.  This is it.  It is yours.   You now have in fact what you have believed for in faith.

Now… how would you act?  What would your response be?  Would you sort of glance off to the side and say “ho hum…”  “Well, so what?”  Could you walk off and be passive and unappreciative?   Would you be thankless and ungrateful?  Just what would you do?  How would you act?  What would your physical and mental reaction be if you got that One Thing that had been the focus of your believing for all these years?  Would you shout?  Would you praise God?  Would you leap for joy?  Would you run around the room?  Would you whoop and holler and dance and rejoice?  Is that what you would do?  Most of us would.  We would be uninhibited and unashamed to react in a noticeable physical manner.

Here’s a famous verse from the Gospel according to Bro. Dick… “Act like you got it and you will get it….”  Acting as if it is already here in the now is a fulfillment of Mark 11: 23 and 24.

And this is perfectly natural for any Spirit Filled, faith-filled, Word Believing individual.

 

The world cannot understand this

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAST FOOD

Posted July 7, 2017 by dickbraswell
Categories: Uncategorized

Word for Today:  July 7

 

God told the prophet to dig ditches before the rain came.

He acted out His faith.  And the waters came and filled every ditch in a time of drought.

God told the poor starving widow woman to borrow pots before she had any oil to put in them.  She acted out her faith went out and borrowed pots (not a few) and God filled every one of them with lifesaving oil and saved her life and the life of her son.

Jesus acted out His faith by becoming a suffering, dying servant and God brought Him forth as King of kings and Lord of lords.  If we only acted as if we really believed, people could and would “see” our faith.

Faith with no action is invisible.  Unknown and unnoticed.  And unproductive.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.  Mr 2:5 

We have a choice.  We can believe what we feel or we can believe what the Word says.  When we act out what the Word says instead of what we feel, we become like the Word and unlike the world.

 

Acting out faith produces visible results.  Remember Mark 11:23 and 24?

23  For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

 24  That is why I tell you, as to whatever you pray and make request for, if you believe that you have received it it shall be yours. (Weymouth NT  Trans)

Acting out faith is acting as if our answer has already come.

Most are still hoping and praying and wishing and seeking and weeping and repenting and begging and pleading… when the real need is to act as if what we are believing for has already become ours.

Our body may tell us it is not here.  Our circumstances may tell us it is not here.  Our friends and relatives may tell us it is not here.  Our budget may say it is not here.  The devil will say it’s not here…. BUT

 

I choose to believe what the Word says

FAST FOOD

Posted July 6, 2017 by dickbraswell
Categories: Uncategorized

Word for Today:  July 6

 

Our faith is no faith if we are not acting it out.

We can testify about our “great faith” but if us are not acting it out in our daily living, our faith is not great… it is just not.  The Bible says that faith without corresponding action is dead.

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Jas 2:20 

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Jas 2:26 

Acting out faith is moving out of the realm of hoping and praying and thinking and reasoning.  Acting out faith is doing what the Word says we can do.  Acting out faith is taking what the Bible says is ours.   Acting out faith is refusing to do what our flesh tells us to do when it contradicts the Word.  Acting out faith is acting like we have what we are believing for before we actually get it.

Years ago, I flew my Chevrolet Malibu for two years before it became an airplane.  I would increase the speed to lift off speed and pull back on the wheel and see and feel by faith what it would be like when that airplane manifested.  And it did.  A Cessna 206.  With all the bells and whistles.

Just like God said it would.  And it did.

I walked in my “imaginary” house (2 story, 5 bedroom, 3 bath and double carport on acreage) before I walked in my “real” house that God manifested by His Word…. I wrote down what I wanted and carried it on a sheet of paper in my wallet for months and months and looked at it every time I took my wallet out.  It manifested.

Just like God said it would.

I preached from a flat-bed truck trailer on a piece of land we needed for a new auditorium.  I called it ours.  I named it and called it and spoke to it and acted it out.  A year later I was preaching from a new pulpit in our new auditorium on the land we preached on in faith.

Acting out faith is called foolishness by the world.   But it is called obedience by God.  And when we prove to God and to the world that we really believe by acting out faith before the manifestation of the Fact….

We please our Heavenly Father and we receive what we believe for.

 

Just like God said we would

 

 

 

FAST FOOD

Posted July 5, 2017 by dickbraswell
Categories: Uncategorized

Word for Today:  July 5

 

Words are carriers.

We speak words and the words we say become carriers.  When our words agree with God’s Word they will carry God’s Power with them.  When our words agree with the negative world system, they will carry the power of the world system with them.

If we could ever learn to talk right, speak the Word and only what the Word says instead of what we see and feel and think, we could experience a radical transformation in our situations and circumstances.

The Devil and his demons must submit to the Word of God that we speak.  When we come to see that all the death stuff that is happening to us is caused by the devil and his demons and then get a real revelation of the Power of the Word of God we will be on the road to recovery.  We will be positioned to change things in us and around us.

But as long as we set our tongue in agreement with death, we will have what we say.

We can Search out and find those God Words that contradict our particular problem.  They are in the Bible…. Find them!   If we are sick, look up scriptures about healing.  If we are afraid and depressed, look up scriptures that promise peace and assurance.    If we are struggling financially, look up scriptures that promise God’s provision for us.  If we are held captive by habit or addiction, look up scriptures that promise us deliverance and freedom.  Then we make those scriptures a vital and strategic part of our language.  We begin to articulate audibly and forcefully with our mouth what God has already said about us in His Word.

When we do this, we will begin to see immediate changes.  God honors His Word above His Name.  God sends His Word to accomplish and create His purposes.

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish (create) that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isa 55:11  

 

 

 

FAST FOOD

Posted July 4, 2017 by dickbraswell
Categories: Uncategorized

Word for Today:  July 4

 

From the hearts of fifty-two framers of the Constitution, flowed the documents and structures which formed the foundations for this great nation: The United States of America.

“Of all the writings of the founders of our country, 94 percent either directly or indirectly cited the Bible.

In September 1774, the First Continental Congress opened its initial session with prayer.  Psalm 35 was read aloud:  “My soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation… awake and rise to my defense!  Contend for me my God and Lord…”

George Washington often spent hours in prayer without interruption.  In his prayer book, he wrote:  “Direct my thoughts, words, and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate Blood of the Lamb, and purge my heart by the Holy Spirit…  Daily frame me more and more into the likeness of Thy Son Jesus Christ…”

In his dying words, Alexander Hamilton, signer of the Constitution, spoke of his faith in Jesus Christ.  “I have a tender reliance on the mercy of the Almighty, through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I am a sinner.  I look to Him for mercy.”

Samuel Adams, signer of the Declaration of Independence, declared:  “First of all, I resign my soul to the Almighty Being who gave it… relying on the merits of Jesus Christ for the pardon of my sins…”

81 year-old Benjamin Franklin speaking at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 said:  “I have lived long, Sir, and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth—that God governs in the affairs of men.  And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable than an empire can rise without His aid?  We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that ‘except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.’  I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without this concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel.”

Where did these Men Come From?  What gave rise to such character and such confidence and such faith in God?  How did these men and women develop into such Champions of Liberty and Democracy?  I tell you, they came from Christian, Bible-believing, God-honoring, morally pure families.

 

They were Believers

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June 24, 2018

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Word for Today:  June 24

 

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  1Co 2:9

This verse is not necessarily limited to mean only those awesome things awaiting the Believer in Heaven.

God has prepared unimaginable “things” in the present for those who love Him.  Do you love Him?  Then those “things” are for you and they are for you today.  Right now.

So, praise God for “the things” God has prepared for you.  Refuse to doubt.  Believe with all your heart.  Hold on to your confession of faith.  Get your mind renewed by the Word of God.  Talk right.  Say the Word.  Confess the Word.  Talk the Word.  Act out your faith.  Live as if you are walking in these unimaginable blessings….

Stay in an atmosphere of Praise.  Thank God.  Praise God.  Give God glory.  Worship God.  Pray in the Spirit.  Praise and thank Him in and regardless of all situations and circumstances. Honor Him.  Trust Him.  Esteem Him.  Glorify Him.

And you will see these “things” begin to happen.

 

FAST FOOD

June 23, 2018

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Word for Today:  June 23

Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. Psa 150:6 

Praise God for the answer before your answer comes.  Your sight and your feelings are subordinate to the Word of God.  As far as God is concerned, you already have what you believed for.  He has already given you all things that pertain to life and godliness…

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:  2Pe 1:3

What situation or circumstance would you like to see changed more than everything else?  What one thing have you been believing for over everything else?  What is the greatest desire of your heart at this very moment?  What drives you and is the focus of your passion?  What is that one thing?  The One Thing that is presently the heart of your praying?   That One Thing that rises above all other situations you would like to see happen?

What if God visibly walked right into your presence now… at this moment… and with loving grace and mercy actually presented you with that One Thing you have so longed for?   Here it is.  What you have prayed and believed for.  This is it.  It is yours.  You now have in fact what you have believed for in faith.

What would your response be?  Would it be “ho hum…”  “Well, so what?”  Would you turn away and be passive and unappreciative?   Would you be thankless and ungrateful?  Just what would you do?  How would you act?  What would your reaction be if you actually got that One Thing that had been the focus of your believing for many years?  Would you shout?  Would you praise God?  Would you leap for joy?  Would you run around the room?  Would you whoop and holler and dance and rejoice?  Is that what you would do?  I believe you would be uninhibited and unashamed to praise God and rejoice… demonstratively.

Act like you have it before you get it.

 

 

FAST FOOD

June 22, 2018

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Word for Today:  June 22

 

God told the prophet to dig ditches before the rain came.

He acted out His faith.  And the waters came and filled every ditch in a time of drought.

God told the poor starving widow woman to borrow pots before she had any oil to put in them.  She acted out her faith went out and borrowed pots (not a few) and God filled every one of them with lifesaving oil and saved her life and the life of her son.

Jesus acted out His faith by becoming a suffering, dying servant and God brought Him forth as King of kings and Lord of lords.  If we only acted as if we really believed, people could and would “see” our faith.

Faith with no action is invisible.  Unknown and unnoticed.  And unproductive.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.  Mr 2:5 

We have a choice.  We can believe what we feel or we can believe what the Word says.  When we act out what the Word says instead of what we feel, we become like the Word and unlike the world.

 

Acting out faith produces visible results.  Remember Mark 11:23 and 24?

23  For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

 24  That is why I tell you, as to whatever you pray and make request for, if you believe that you have received it it shall be yours. (Weymouth NT  Trans)

Acting out faith is acting as if the answer we are believing for has already come.

Most are still hoping and praying and wishing and seeking and weeping and repenting and begging and pleading… when the real need is to act as if what we are believing for has already become ours.

Our body may tell us it is not here.  Our circumstances may tell us it is not here.  Doubters and unbelievers around us may tell us it is not here.  Our budget may say it is not here.  The devil will say it’s not here…. BUT Believe what the Word says and

You will get what the Word promises

FAST FOOD

June 24, 2020

Word for Today:  June 24

 

What an exciting time to be alive!

We are at this very moment right where it’s “at.”

Lots of folks are still looking, but we have found it.  I’m so glad we don’t have to look anymore.  We can now just zero in and enjoy the journey… we can keep on moving out in God, moving on in God and moving up in God.

We are the only limitation God has.   It’s up to us.  Many are sitting around praying and waiting for God to do something.  The truth is God is waiting for us to do something.  God does not have to do anything else…. He has already done it.  Everything that needs doing or will ever need doing.

The only limitation in the life of any believer is the believer himself.   Some are praying and believing and fasting and seeking and worrying and weeping and repenting and trying to get what God has already given them.

He has made everything we need available.  He has already blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:  Eph 1:3

Don’t limit God

FAST FOOD

June 23, 2020

Word for Today:  June 23

 

What is the Will of God?

What is His Plan?  What has He purposed for me?

Jesus prayed for the will of God to be done on earth as it (the will of God) is being done in heaven.  The will of God is the same thing that a last will and testament is here on earth.

The Will is what God has provided for His Children.  It is what He has left for His heirs.  The Will of God is the Word of God… the composite of Truth that provides revelation and knowledge to those who belong to Him.

The level of “all things possible” living must come from a revelation of His Will… which is His Word.  What it is.  What is says.  What it promises.  How it works.  Why it works.

Understanding the Will of God opens the door for one to Believe God and to Believe Him for what He has promised in His Word.

I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.   Jer 29:11 (The Message)

God has plans for you.  Big plans.  Exciting plans.

He plans to give you the future you hope for.

 

This is HIS Will

FAST FOOD

June 22, 2020

Word for Today:  June 22

 

How to change things

Unfortunately, the traditional church with its sanitized message and dead liturgy has, through the centuries, taught us to consistently beg God to do things.

This self-styled church with a man-devised theology developed a belief system that was totally contrary to the Word of God.  God was seen as a Reluctant Sovereign, Who was not really very interested in us and Who based what He did solely on just how much we begged Him and how faithful we were in our religious performance and in keeping the Ten Commandments.   If we begged Him enough, there was a slight chance that He just might grant our request.  But we had to be sure we were cleaned up, prayed up and often “worked” up.

The ability to get “things changed” or get our “prayers answered” depended on how many rules we kept, how much time we spent in prayer, how many chapters we read in the Bible, how often we attended church, whether we paid our tithes and how many people we led to the Lord.   It was based on our “performance.”

All these things are good, but they have absolutely NOTHING to do with Changing Things that need Changing.   We are to initiate Change by and through the Power that is actively working in us.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Eph 3:20

God has given every Believer the Power to Change things.

 

You can do it

FAST FOOD

June 12, 2020

Word for Today:  June 12

Every Believer is endued with God’s Power.

They may not act like it, look like it or talk like it… but they do.   According to God’s Word… His power resides in every Believer.

One reason many do not function in this power is because they do not know where it is.  If they do not know where it is they cannot function in it.   If they cannot function in it they cannot use it.  If they cannot use it they will be buffeted and whipped by the devil.  And the things that need changing will not be changed.

God’s Power is not exclusively in Heaven.

All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth… is what Jesus said in Matt 28:18.

Now, where does He dwell?  Christ in YOU the hope of Glory!   Col 1:27

We have been taught that we are to pray for God’s Power to FALL on us.  For God to “send the Power…”  For the “Fire of God” to fall and come down from heaven.  We were led to believe that we could do nothing unless the Power “fell” on us.

For years I prayed for a Revival to come from Heaven.  Our whole concept of God’s Power has been warped and steeped in error.  No wonder we can’t operate in God’s Power… we don’t even know what it is, where it is, how to get it or how to release it.

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the (wonder-working, miraculous) power that worketh in us…  Eph 3:20

God’s Power does not “come down” or “fall on us”…. God’s Power emanates from our RE-Born human spirit that is Born Again in the Image of God and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  God’s power is IN US.  It is not only in heaven and it is not floating in space or gathering in the skies to fall on us when we “pray through…”

Arise, shine, for thy light is come and the Glory of the Lord is RISEN UPON THEE… Isa 60:1

Is He supposed to rise up out of the ground?  Of course not.   Then what is He supposed to “arise” out of?

He is to rise out of the Re-created, Re-born human spirit… and when He does His enemies (and yours, too) will be scattered.

Let God arise and His enemies be scattered…  Psa 68:1

FAST FOOD

June 11, 2020

Word for Today:  June 11

 

Jesus changed things.

He came from heaven and into this world for the express purpose of changing things.  He took the bad and made it good.  He took the weak and made it strong.  He took the dead and brought them to life.

Jesus went about changing things.  He always made them better.  He made it possible for you and me to change things.  He gives us power to alter situations and change circumstances and make things better.

It’s the devil who makes things bad.  demons make life miserable.  However, YOU can change your situation, your circumstances, your bad things into good things.

Maybe today you are living in situations that need to be changed.  You want them changed and you feel trapped because you “think” you can do nothing about it.   Some have been convinced by the devil that they can do nothing about certain situations… “They are hopeless…” They are “impossible”…”You’ll never overcome this…”  “You might as well quit because you can’t win…” these are insinuations the devil makes when you find yourself in a fix.

Others would confess “I can’t help it” or “there is nothing I can do about it…” or “it is out of my hands…”  It is imperative that you know God has given every Believer Authority and Power to change situations and circumstances.

Jesus said: Ye shall know the Truth and the Truth shall make you free John 8:32

This means that the Truth you know and act on shall deliver you (give you the power) to change things.

If you don’t like what’s happening…. change it

FAST FOOD

June 10, 2020

Word for Today:  June 10

 

What is the Will of God?

What is His Plan?  What has He purposed for me?

Jesus prayed for the will of God to be done on earth as it (the will of God) is being done in heaven.  The will of God is the same thing that a last will and testament is here on earth.

The Will is what God has provided for His Children.  It is what He has left for His heirs.  The Will of God is the Word of God… the composite of Truth that provides revelation and knowledge to those who belong to Him.

The level of “all things possible” living must come from a revelation of His Will… which is His Word.  What it is.  What is says.  What it promises.  How it works.  Why it works.

Understanding the Will of God opens the door for one to Believe God and to Believe Him for what He has promised in His Word.

I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.   Jer 29:11 (The Message)

God has plans for you.  Big plans.  Exciting plans.

He plans to give you the future you hope for.

 

That is The Will of God

When You Feel Like Quitting

June 9, 2020

When you feel like Quitting

There will be times in your Christian Life when you will just feel like quitting.  You will get tired and weary and impatient.  You will begin to wonder if it is really worth it all.  Discouragement will move in and the devil will be­gin to make you tempting offers and alterna­tives.

The faith walk is not an easy walk. According to Jesus,  the way into life is narrow and straight and only a few will find it.   Sometimes, the way out seems to be just to quit; to follow the path of least resistance. To forget it.  To retreat.  To back down.  You see, it is always easier to cop out than it is to cope.  The greatest temptation any believer faces is the temptation to quit. When you begin to listen to and follow your feelings and your reasoning sets in, the option to quit may look like the best thing for you to do.

The pressure and stress of maintaining your victory may build to the point of breaking.  Situations and circumstances may de­velop that will press you beyond measure and push you “over the edge.”  Now, how are believers to handle such situations?  What are we to do when we feel like quitting?  Where can we go to get some “relief?”  Is there a way out when we are at the breaking point?  What are our alterna­tives?

 You can Quit

This is probably the easiest to do and it is always a temptation when things really get tough.  It is the simplest and of­fers the least resistance.  But anybody can quit.  You can quit.  We can quit.  Many have quit.  And others will quit.  What about you?  Has the devil “got your number?”  What will it take to make you quit?  How much more “can you stand?”  Is quitting a real temptation for you in your situation at this time in your life?  I am sure some reading this right now are at the “giving up” and “quitting” stage.

You can compromise

Satan may be saying to you “if you will back off, I will back off!”  “If you will ease up, I will ease up…”  “If you will compromise, I’ll give you some relief.”  You can back down and ease up and let off.  You can stop and get stuck where you are.  You can re­treat and give up ground that you have fought for and won.  Compromise is an alternative.  But it is costly. You can slip back and fall back and go back.

You can give in to self-pity

You can compare yourself with others and get mad at God.  You can become jealous and envious and get discouraged.  Often you will feel that nobody really cares anyway.  You can begin to wonder about the wicked being blessed and you can get jealous and pout.  You can play on the sympathy of others and complain and murmur.   The pity demons will inoculate you with their lethargy and they will constantly tell you how pitiful you are and how others should patronize you and cater to you.

OR… you can turn your problems into Opportunities to trust God! 

            You can make your “situations” a test track for the Word of God.  You can stand and sing and shout and refuse to accept defeat.  You can endure and count it all joy when you come into temptations and trials.  You can see every impossible situation as an op­portunity to defeat the devil.  You do not have to quit!

OK… so you have decided not to quit.  You have decided not to compromise.  You have de­cided not to feel sorry for yourself.  You have decided to quit complaining and murmuring.  You have de­cided to turn your problems into Opportunities to trust God… NOW:  HOW do you do it?

            FIRST…. Understand that you are not the only believer facing a tough situation.  There are literally thousands of other saints who have not bowed their knee to Baal in the thick of the battle!  The very fact that you are tempted to quit is a good sign.  If you are not facing any resistance, it is obvious you are headed in the wrong direction.  No resistance means you are doing nothing for the Kingdom of God.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.    Ps. 34:19  

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.   1Cor. 10:13  

SECOND... never expect your faith walk to be easy.  You have not chosen an easy way of life!  To live by the Word is the most disciplined life a man or woman can know.  All the forces of darkness are set in array against you… demon powers have zeroed in on you because you have become a threat to them. You should recognize that your “situation” is really a conformation that you are headed in the right direction.  So, begin to rejoice and be glad!

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            THIRD... You should review your contract with God.  Look it over.  If you do, you will see that there is no provi­sion for quitting in it.  When you got saved, you made a Life Commitment to God with no strings attached.  There were no “what ifs” or “just in cases” or other conditional clauses in the Contract.  God did His part.  Jesus did His part.  The Holy Ghost did His part.  The Salvation Contract calls for you to do your part.  You are expected to ENDURE.  You are required to STAND and not WAVER.  You are bound by your Contract with God not to QUIT no matter what.

… but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Matt. 10:22

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Hebr. 12:3  

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.   Eph. 6:13  

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  Ps. 91:1  

FOURTH... Remember your victories in the past.  See how God delivered you from the “hand of the lion and the hand of the bear…”  That is what David did as he faced the uncircumcised heathen giant.  Remember and relive the many victories in your past Christian Life.

I can remember the numerous times God came to our rescue in situations when there seemed to be no way out.  In over a half century of preaching, teaching and pastoring, I can attest to the faithfulness of God and the power of His Word.  He provided deliverance in times of financial crisis, attacks of sicknesses and health difficulties, times when we had to totally trust Him for food and sustenance.  Every time… not just sometime, but every time, He was there and carried us through and gave us victory over the devil.  I can only praise Him now as I remember those wonderful times of confidence and trust, knowing that with God all things are possible and that in all seasons and situations He will never leave us nor forsake us.

           We have endured dishonest building contractors and thieving con men.  We have maintained our honesty and refused to bow to criticism.  We have lived down lies and resisted the devil and watched him run.  We have held our head high we have bowed our knee to no man and we have refused to compromise our convictions.  And we won.  We are still winning.  The Word will always win.  And God will never fail.

If you are considering quitting, stop right now and remember your past victories!

            FIFTH… You need to repent for even considering quitting.  It is a sin and an affront to your faith to even give any thought about giving up and going back.

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 2Pet. 2:20  

For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.   2Pet. 2:21    

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.  2Pet. 2:22  

In fact, you do not have the RIGHT to quit.   You can­not legally cancel your commitment to God.  You are bound by your promise and the integrity of your word.  If you have quit, REPENT and come back.  If you are consid­ering quitting REPENT and stop considering it.  Quitters are apostates.  Quitters are backsliders.  Quitters are losers.  Quitters are cowards.   The Bible calls quitters those who “fall away.”

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.  Lu 8:13 

            SIXTH… Rededicate your efforts to keep on keeping on.  Renew your mind so that you can think right in the middle of your tight situa­tion.  If you allow your situation to dictate how you think and how you feel you will surely fail and you will more than likely quit.  If you allow your mind to be re­newed by the Word of God you will think like God thinks and you will know that quitting is not an option.

Notice, God did not quit.  Jesus did not quit.  The Holy Ghost did not quit.  The Word did not quit.  Aren’t you glad they didn’t?  Why don’t you decide to be a non-con­formist?  Be a misfit in the declining culture of the world.  Don’t conform to the world and the world system.  Be a Word radical.  Determine to be different.  Don’t yield to the pressures and allow them to make you back down.  Resist all temptations to give in.  Make your boldest confession in the midst of your darkest trial.

You do not have to be like everybody else.  Trying to be like others in order to please men is foolish.  Say this with me right now:

“Jesus, forgive me for even considering quitting.  I repent of the sin of turning back and slowing down and backing down and giving up.  I vow this day to never quit!  I will stand and I will not yield to the pressures of satanic powers.  I decide today to keep on keeping on… no matter what.  I will not be moved.!  Hallelujah.” 

Be as persistent as the three Hebrew Children:  “I will not bow I will not bend… go ahead and heat the furnace and throw us in… God will deliver us out of the fire and out of your hand, devil.!”  (See Daniel Chapter 3)

Be as unwavering as David when he faced his giant with a sling and a stone and the assurance that God was with him…. (we all have our giants to face, don’t we?)  Remember… your “situations” are not defying you… they are defying the Lord God Who lives inside of you!

Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 1Sam. 17:45  

This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.  1Sam. 17:46  

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands. 1Sam. 17:47  

 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2Chr. 20:15  

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Isa. 54:17  

AND  THEN…  Rejoice and praise God for the Victory even before it comes.  Know you “got it” before you “get it.”  Sing and shout.  Leap and dance.  Run and jump.  Rejoice and praise God right where you are before you see any signs of relief.  Get some banners and flags.  Paint some posters.  Hang out some ribbons.  Declare and advertise your victory before you get it.  Buy a billboard. Let the world know.  Shout it from the housetop!

Show God that you are committed to winning and overcoming.  You can never embarrass God with your faith.  (You may embarrass your friends and family, but not God!)  Persist.  Press through.  Stretch.  See your victory with the eyes of your spirit.  See it so real that you can shout about it.  Sincere, heart-felt praise al­ways precedes victory.  (2 Chron 20:20-21)

… Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.   Jos 6:16 

 

 

 

 

 

FAST FOOD

June 9, 2020

Word for Today:  June 9

But ye shall receive Power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…  Acts 1:8

God wants you to have power in your life.  He has fixed it so that you can have power in your life.  He wants you to take His place and Function in His place on this earth every day of your life.  You know that you need God’s Power in your life.  There are some things you want to do and you cannot do them unless GOD’S POWER is operating in your LIFE.  You need:

  • POWER over sin
  • POWER over being timid
  • POWER over being sick
  • POWER over wrong attitudes
  • POWER over the desires of the flesh and mind
  • POWER over the curse of poverty and lack
  • POWER over your thought life
  • POWER over fear and anxiety
  • POWER over your hurt feelings and bruised spirit
  • POWER over depression and worry
  • POWER over the devil and demons

You know where you need power and why you need power.  You know what God’s Power will do for you and in you.  You know that you can do nothing without His POWER.  You need His Power and you want His Power to work in you and for you.

You are tired of waiting and procrastinating… you have tried other things and they have all failed.  You have read books and you have listened to tapes and you have prayed and you have gone to church… but you have never received the full measure of God’s Power in your life.

It’s yours for the asking.

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.  Mt 21:22

For the promise (of God’s Power) is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.  Acts 2:39

 

It’s available for you today

FAST FOOD

June 8, 2020

Word for Today: June 8

The Rivers flowing

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38

We should come together with the Rivers Flowing. Most come to Church to get filled. They are already dry and empty. They have been drained by the demands of the unbelieving world and the constant constraints of the enemy. They come in need. This is not bad, but it is not the Best. To come filled up is better. Filled up and running over.

Can you possibly imagine what kind of a service we would have if everybody came filled up and running over? No need to get “worked up.” No need to get “pumped up.” Coming in as a Mighty River Flowing. Men and women and young people and children with Rivers of Living water gushing out of their inner beings. What a gathering this would be!

The River is the Anointing. The Anointing is the continual pouring forth of the Holy Ghost. It is the One Thing Needed most. In the Church. In the Pulpit. On the stage. In the Musician. In the Body of Christ.

Let the RIVERS flow