Let’s speak this out loud together, I believe the Bible is the Word of God – I believe every word is true – I believe God never fails – I receive and apply God’s instructions and revelations into my life – My mind is being transformed and renewed – I will be what He has called me to be – I will fulfill my destiny – I am filled with the power of the Holy Spirit – My vision is the glory of God – I love Jesus with all my heart, amen.

As you can see by that simple confession, our spirit and mind responds to what we say when we speak it out loud. Did you not feel better, inspired and energized? It is because we are tapping into God’s spiritual power source that was specifically designed FOR US! He desires for us to walk in His Spirit and He knew this would be the only way that could FILL us with His presence! There is no greater spiritual medicine than God’s Word and to stay saturated with His truth should become as important as our natural food.

Positive confession and a realization of the power of words is not just for a particular “SLICE” of the body of Christ but is a practical truth for everyone who desires to go “all the way” with God. The reason why many Christians do not study the Bible is because they are trying to avoid the responsibility of being held accountable. Ouch! Everyone wants to be blessed but only few are willing to demonstrate self-discipline in order to be in the POSITION to receive. Don’t shout me down just because I am preaching good! Yes, God has a divine order and everything has a reason. Each human that has been rescued and redeemed by the grace of God has a new spirit and a divine destiny that God Himself has carefully planned. His principles and spiritual laws are all a part of how He requires for us to live and our SUCCESS will depend on our OBEDIENCE. Wow! This means our spiritual success is CONDITIONAL upon our determination to be filled with His Spirit. I know this is difficult but the Lord is not going pour out His power and anointing on those who are camped out on the couch with a bag of potato chips. When it comes to our spiritual effectiveness – we will get out of it what we put into it! Amen!

Do you believe the “no pain – no gain” saying is just as true in the spiritual world as it is in the natural realm? Absolutely! Do you believe that Christians need to be accountable for the way they live? I believe we can all agree to “yes” for both of these questions, but why is the power of words so important in this discussion? Well, there are many reasons and one is; what we think controls who we are and what comes out of mouth reveals what is in our heart. Our words expose our thoughts and everyone needs to have the revelation that words can be a huge blessing or a devastating curse. How can this be? God says in Isaiah 57:19, “I create the fruit of the lips; peace, peace to him that is far off and to him that is near saith the Lord; and I will heal him.” Our words are ALIVE and have the ability to build or tear down. Changing our mind will change what we say – and Godly words are a solid direction toward living a Godly life! To dwell in the character and nature of Jesus is what the Christian life is all about. So, in that light, our words might be our most powerful and revealing testimony.

“Father, we believe someone gathered here now us to receive your wisdom about how to live for you more effectively. We ask you to remove the veil from our eyes that the light bulb will come on and we will see with the eyes of our heart, Amen.”

We have read books about prayer and have logged a lot of hours praying. We have seen God do miracles in our life and it has encouraged us and built our faith and I am sure that many of us are presently seeking direction and waiting for answers to our request. I am a dreamer and like a child I believe that when I pray that God hears me and I will receive. If I thought I was wasting my time, I would be devastated. I put my trust in God because I believe that what He has promised in His word He will fulfill and I hold them tightly and lean on them with all of my hope and faith. I have read them and studied them and I admit there are some things in my life that it seems have not budged. Of course we all have been there and wondered what is wrong – is it me? – is it God’s timing? – does God not want this to happen? Is it because I have sinned? Let’s look at John 15 verse 7 – I like using the Amplified because it helps me have a broader understanding “IF YOU LIVE IN ME (ABIDE VITALLY UNITED TO ME) AND MY WORDS REMAIN IN YOU AND CONTINUE TO LIVE IN YOUR HEARTS, ASK WHATEVER YOU WILL, AND IT SHALL BE DONE FOR YOU.”

Wow! Everybody say whatever! How many times have you read that? I must admit that in my early walk with God that I was so excited about the word “whatever” that I failed to pay close attention to another very crucial word – ABIDE. In fact it is the most important word in this promise because without it there is no manifestation.

 ABIDE means to live in, dwell in and remain in constantly. It has nothing to do with going to church or owning a bible. When we abide in Him we know who God is and we come to a life changing understanding about who we are. This “lifestyle” is directly connected with the revelation of being a bond servant which is another teaching that we will look at later. (I do recommend for you to jot this down in your notes and check out the definition of a bondservant.) So assuming that we are praying in the will of God (this happens when we are abiding IN HIM) He say’s since it is in my plans and desires for you to have it – I will give it to you. Ok, lets go to verse 16 – “YOU HAVE NOT CHOSEN ME, BUT I HAVE CHOSEN YOU AND I HAVE APPOINTED YOU (I HAVE PLANTED YOU), THAT YOU MIGHT GO AND BEAR FRUIT AND KEEP ON BEARING, AND THAT YOUR FRUIT MAY BE LASTING (THAT IT MAY REMAIN) SO THAT WHATEVER YOU ASK THE FATHER IN MY NAME (AS PRESENTING ALL THAT I AM), HE MAY GIVE IT TO YOU.”

 There are several scriptures in God’s word that offer the same promises, let’s look at one more in John 14, verses 13 and 14, “AND I WILL DO WHATEVER YOU ASK IN MY NAME, SO THAT THE FATHER MAY BE GLORIFIED AND EXTOLLED IN THE SON. I WILL GRANT WHATEVER YOU SHALL ASK IN MY NAME. What that means is when you are asking in Jesus Name you are not presenting your will but who He is and what HE wants. God owns everything and is the giver and the decider. When we are living our lives the way God has called us to live THROUGH Christ it releases the floodgates of miracles and becomes a powerful testimony for the glory of God. Our lives should be such a noticeable witness to the world that they become curious and hungry to know more about God. We have been called to live a good life. Not a life without trouble but a life where we know what to do and where to go when trouble comes. We can still smile when we are hurting and still have peace when our problems are heavy. (Remember the song, “It is well with my soul?” Some of us have been praying for some things a LONG time and we must stand on faith and hang on to the “whatever” and not let go. I know the ones I am praying for have their own free will but I also realize that what I am praying over them is God’s perfect will. Maybe they are deceived or stubborn and I trust God that He knows exactly how to deal with them.

Ok! We since we are talking about the “whatever” maybe it’s time to have a little chat – You see I believe if our prayers are not working maybe it’s time to ask a blunt question…why is it not working? Now I’m not going to stop serving God if I don’t like the answer or if He decides He does not want to tell me but I’m also not going to be afraid to ask Him questions. It is amazing how much we can learn by just approaching Him like a child. For example we remember through the years when certain teachings come on the scene like “name it and claim it” and we embraced it so much that many of us bought tapes and books and watched preachers on television and said, “glory hallelujah! After a while we began to wonder why we were still disappointed. Unfortunately many probably walked away and said, “I tried it and it doesn’t work” – BUT for those who were really determined to seek God’s face until they found out WHY their prayers did not come to pass – they discovered a tremendous revelation! They found that many of the promises of God are CONDITIONAL. This means the condition of our heart decides whether or not we get them! Oh now brother, wait just a minute, God’s storehouses are endless and He loves us and wants us to have all that we can believe for. That is true – IF – you abide in Him! If you do not abide in Him you are just trying to use Him as a cosmic vending machine without discipline and responsibility and will end up with the default realm of mediocrity.

For example, joy comes from giving. If we are selfish and do not correct this problem then no wonder we can never find joy, we have identified that being self-centered is locking the door to our abundance. A person can beg and cry their whole life and not have the joy they are so desperately seeking until they receive the revelation of being a cheerful giver. Now is God withholding His blessing of joy unspeakable and full of glory or is the individual holding it from their self? You are correct – the principal of sowing and reaping is in effect and having a direct impact on this life. It is true, we all have our share of problems and God is constantly pleading for us to become a living sacrifice, to repent, to be delivered, to be transformed, changed, renewed, purified, sanctified, broken, molded, purged and sold out because He knows that if we are not – we will never be able to complete the construction phase of building our life according to the blueprints He has drawn. Nothing has really changed that much in all of these years – it is the war of the ages between our human carnality and the will of God. This is why if we are going to live in the total salvation abundant life – we must decrease so that He can increase. Let us speak forth the life of God and allow Him to create our destiny.

You can copy these confessions and take them wherever you go or you can begin to make your own. Set your alarm 15 minutes early and speak these when you get up in the morning. Wherever you spend your quiet time with God, incorporate your confessions as an act of your faith and commitment to become ALL that you can be. Here we go –

LORD, YOU GO BEFORE ME AND MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE – POSSIBLE

 

JESUS, YOU OPEN DOORS FOR ME THAT NO MAN CAN CLOSE

 

I HAVE DIVINE FAVOR IN ALL THINGS

 

MY FAITH AND CONFIDENCE IN CHRIST IS INCREASING

 

I AM BECOMING SPIRITUALLY BOLDER AND STRONGER FOR GOD

 

I AM ADVANCING IN MY FAITH AND CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD

 

 ANGELS ARE ENCAMPED AROUND ME AND WORKING ON MY BEHALF

 

I AM INCREASING IN GOD’S ANOINTING AND POWER

 

MY SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES

 

JESUS IS CHANGING MY HEART FROM THE INSIDE OUT

 

I AM BEING PURIFIED BY YOUR HOLY REFINING FIRE

 

MY MIND IS BEING RENEWED AND TRANSFORMED

 

I AM INCREASING IN THE WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR WORD

 

I HAVE A SOUND MIND AND ALWAYS KNOW YOUR DIRECTION

 

I HEAR YOUR VOICE AND FOLLOW YOU IN EVERYTHING

 

YOU ARE USING ME TO DEMONSTRATE YOUR MIRACLES

 

YOUR LOVE IS MANIFESTED AND REFLECTED IN MY LIFE

 

THE WORLD SENSES YOUR PRESENCE WHEN THEY ARE AROUND ME

 

I AM HUMBLE AND YOU POUR YOUR GRACE AND MERCY UPON ME

 

I AM HEALED, I AM HEALTHY AND FREE FROM ALL DISEASE

 

BY JESUS STRIPES I RECEIVE TOTAL SALVATION – BODY – MIND – SPIRIT

 

YOU PROTECT ME FROM THE ENEMIES DEVICES AND AMBUSHES

 

LORD YOU LISTEN TO MY PRAYERS AND ARE WORKING ON MY BEHALF

 

I AM THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF JESUS CHRIST

 

I AM FORGIVEN AND WASHED CLEAN BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS

 

I AM SKILLED AND DILIGENT IN MY WORK AND WALK IN INTEGRITY

 

I AM SURROUNDED, FILLED AND SATURATED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

 

I AM AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE AT ALL TIMES

 

EVERYTHING I AM INVOLVED WITH PROSPERS AND IS BLESSED

 

MY SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT AND SENSITIVITY IS GROWING STRONGER

 

YOU ARE GIVING ME WISDOM, REVELATION AND UNDERSTANDING

 

I WILL DEVELOP SELF-DISCIPLINE AND SELF-CONTROL IN MY LIFE

 

I AM DETERMINED TO SURRENDER MY WILL TO YOU

 

I AM LETTING GO OF MY PLANS BECAUSE I LOVE AND TRUST YOU

 

MY OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN ANYTHING SACRIFICE I COULD MAKE 

 

MY WEAKNESSES WILL NO LONGER REIGN OVER ME

 

I WILL RESIST THE ENEMY AND HIS TEMPTATIONS

 

YOU ARE GIVING ME STRENGTH TO LIVE AS A REMNANT DISCIPLE

 

I WILL NOT HAVE LACK – BUT WILL BE ABLE TO HELP MANY OTHERS

 

I AM FILLED WITH YOUR LOVE, JOY, TRUTH, AND HOPE

 

I AM FOCUSED AND DETERMINED TO STAND FAITHFUL TO YOU

 

I AM LED BY YOUR SPIRIT – NOT MY CARNAL EMOTIONS

 

I WILL SOW YOUR SEED WITH PASSION AND GENEROSITY

 

I AM ALWAYS AWARE OF A DIVINE APPOINTMENT

 

YOU ARE MY WHOLE ARMOR, MY SHIELD AND MY SWORD

 

YOU SAID THAT YOU WILL CREATE THE FRUIT OF MY LIPS

 

WORDS OF LIFE WILL FLOW OUT OF MY MOUTH LIKE A RIVER

 

I WILL LEAD OTHERS INTO THE FAMILY OF GOD

 

I WALK IN PERFECT PEACE AND I TRUST YOU COMPLETELY

 

NOTHING CAN STOP ME FROM KNOWING AND LOVING YOU

 

JESUS CHRIST RULES AS LORD ON THE THRONE OF MY HEART

 

I CONSTANTLY THINK AND SPEAK POSITIVE THOUGHTS

 

I CHOOSE TO NOT BE NEGATIVE, CRITICAL OR TO GOSSIP

 

I AM CALLED TO BE AN EDIFIER AND ENCOURAGER

 

I AM A WISE AND EXCELLENT COUNSELOR

 

I HAVE MOUNTAIN MOVING FAITH

 

I WILL SPEAK MY DESTINY AND ACCOMPLISH MY DIVINE BLUEPRINT

 

I VOW TO ABIDE IN THE BLOOD COVENANT OF JESUS

 

I AM A WISE VIRGIN AND FAITHFUL BRIDE

 

I BELIEVE AND AGREE WITH YOUR SPECIFIC WILL FOR MY LIFE

 

I CONFESS YOUR WORD AND WILL LIVE IN TOTAL VICTORY

 

I WILL BE WHAT CHRIST DIED FOR ME TO BE

 

I WILL RUN THE RACE AND FINISH MY COURSE

 

I  OVERCOME BY THE WORD OF MY TESTIMONY AND THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB

 

I PLEAD THE BLOOD OF JESUS OVER ME AND MY HOUSE

 

THE LORD HAS A HEDGE AROUND US AND WATCHES OVER MY FAMILY

 

I ABIDE IN GOD AND HIS WORD ABIDES IN ME

 

I AM A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A CHOSEN GENERATION

 

I AM EVERYTHING THAT GOD SAYS I AM

GOD IS TRUE AND HAS NEVER FAILED

 

LORD YOU ARE TEACHING ME HOW TO HEAR YOUR VOICE

 

YOU HAVE SEEN EVERY TEAR AND HEARD EVERY PRAYER

 

YOU ARE WORKING DILIGENTLY ON MY BEHALF

 

YOU ARE GIVING ME PATIENCE AS I WAIT FOR YOU TO INTERVENE

 

I AM YOUR INSTRUMENT – AND YOU USE ME TO DO YOUR WORK

 

I AM YOUR HANDS AND FEET FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

 

IN TIMES OF DISTRESS I WILL STAND AND NOT COMPROMISE

 

EVEN IF NO ONE ELSE FOLLOWS YOU – I WILL

 

I LOVE YOU AND TRUST YOU WITH ALL OF MY HEART AND MIND

 

I AM COMPASSIONATE AND HAVE A BURDEN TO HELP OTHERS

 

I AM THE HEAD AND NOT THE TAIL – MY BARNS ARE FILLED WITH PLENTY

 

YOU PROMISED THAT YOU WILL SUPPLY ALL OF MY NEEDS

 

I WILL NOT LIVE IN FEAR, ANXIETY, WORRY OR STRESS

 

I STAND GUARD OVER MY EYES AND THOUGHTS TO PROTECT MY HEART

 

YOU SATISFY MY DESIRES WITH GOOD THINGS

 

MY YOUTH IS RENEWED LIKE THE EAGLES

 

I AM STRONG AND FILLED WITH ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM

 

I WILL NOT BE DISCOURAGED BY REJECTION

 

I WILL ABIDE FOREVER UNDER THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS

 

JESUS YOUR NAME IS A MIGHTY TOWER AND I AM SAFE WITHIN YOU

 

THANK YOU JESUS FOR GIVING ME YOUR ABUNDANT LIFE

 

I WILL EMBRACE THIS LIFE OF GOODNESS AND BLESSING

 

I WILL ENJOY THIS PROMISED LAND OF MILK AND HONEY

 

MY LIFE IS ACCORDING TO YOUR WILL ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

 

I  WILL NOT BE AFRAID OF WHAT MAN SAYS OR DOES TO ME

 

I WILL PUT ON THE GARMENT OF PRAISE FOR THE SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS

 

I WILL NOT FEAR THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD

 

I WILL FOLLOW YOU EVEN IF NO ONE ELSE DOES

 

USE ME LORD IN THESE LAST HOURS

 

I WILL NOT BETRAY YOU OR COMPROMISE MY FAITH IN YOU

 

LORD PLASE GIVE ME AGAPE LOVE AND HELP ME FORGIVE

 

I WORSHIP YOU IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH

 

I WILL NOT BE ASHAMED OF YOUR GOSPEL

 

I WILL STAND WITH AND PRAY FOR ISRAEL

 

I WILL PRESENT MY BODY AS A LIVING SACRIFICE HOLY AND ACCEPTABLE

 

TEACH ME YOUR THOUGHTS AND WAYS OH LORD

 

I AM WEAK BUT YOU ARE STRONG

 

I AM DESPERATELY NEEDY FOR YOU JESUS

 

I WILL SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

 

I WILL BE A STRONG WITNESS FOR MY FAILY AND FRIENDS

 

YOU WILL SHOW ME HOW TO SURVIVE IN THE LAST HOURS

 

YOU ARE TEACHING ME HOW TO LET GO OF THIS WORLD

 

I AM HUMBLE AND GRATEFUL FOR YOUR MERCY

 

IT SHALL NOT BE BY MIGHT OR POWER – BUT BY YOUR SPIRIT

 

YOUR WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET AND A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH

 

YOU ARE MY GUIDE AND LEAD ME IN YOUR WAYS

 

I WILL LEARN HOW TO BE CONTENT WITH WHAT I HAVE

 

I WILL DREAM AND HAVE VISIONS OF YOUR GLORIOUS RETURN

 

I WILL COMFORT THOSE WHO MOURN IN ZION

 

I RECEIVE YOUR PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING

 

I WILL REST IN PERFECT PEACE BECAUSE MY MIND IS ON YOU

 

CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART AND RENEW A RIGHT SPIRIT WITHIN ME

 

AS THE DEER PANTS FOR WATER SO MY SOUL PANTS FOR YOU

 

I WILL DWELL IN THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH

 

LORD I WILL NOT FORGET OR FORSAKE YOUR WORD

 

LORD BREAK MY HEART AND HELP ME TO SEE YOUR DIVINE REALITY

 

I AM A SHEEP OF YOUR PASTURE AND I WILL FOLLOW YOU

 

I WILL CALL UPON YOU AND YOU SHALL ANSWER ME

 

I LOVE YOU WITH ALL OF MY MIND AND STRENGTH

 

I WILL LIVE IN HOLY FEAR AND REVERENCE OF YOU

 

I WILL DO WHAT IS RIGHT IN YOUR SIGHT OH GOD

 

HELP ME LORD I AM WEAK AND NEEDY

 

 YOU ARE MY REFUGE AND STRENGTH – A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE

 

HERE I AM LORD – SEND ME

 

OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART THAT I MIGHT SEE YOUR TRUTH

 

LORD I ASK YOU TO DESTROY THE SELFISHNESS WITHIN MY NATURE

 

CREATE IN ME A BURDEN FOR THE LOST

 

RESTORE UNTO ME THE JOY OF THY SALVATION

 

REVIVE MY HEART AND STIMULATE A NEW FRESH PASSION FOR SOULS

 

GIVE ME A BURDEN FOR THE FORGOTTEN ONES

 

ENLARGE MY VISION FOR EVANGELISM AND OUTREACH

 

CONVICT MY CONSCIENCE TO BECOME A PRAYER WARRIOR

 

PREPARE MY MIND AND GIVE ME WISDOM FOR THE TRIBULATION

 

HELP ME TO TURN MY EYES TO YOU AND AWAY FROM THE WORLD

 

CONTINUALLY BREAK MY HEART THAT I MAY LIVE IN YOUR PRESENCE

 

YOUR WORD IS A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH AND A LAMP UNTO MY FEET

 

LORD LIGHT A HOLY FIRE WITHIN ME AND GIVE ME A PASSION FOR YOU

 

YOU HAVE CHOSEN ME TO BRING FORTH GOOD FRUIT

 

I LAY ALL OF MY WORRIES, FEARS AND TROUBLES AT YOUR FEET

 

I CAST ALL OF MY CARES AND BURDENS ON YOU

 

I AM WEARY AND HEAVY LADEN AND RECEIVE YOUR REFRESHING

 

I AM SAFE AND SECURE BECAUSE I KNOW YOU ARE IN TOTAL CONTROL

 

I AM FILLED WITH JOY BECAUSE I KNOW YOU WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ME

 

I LIVE IN PEACE BECAUSE I AM IN THE PALM OF YOUR HANDS

 

USE ME IN YOUR DIVINE APPOINTMENTS EVERY DAY

I WILL NOT JUST TALK THE TALK – BUT WILL LIVE WHAT I BELIEVE

I WILL DWELL IN THE SECRET PLACE OF YOUR LOVE FOREVER

Today is a day of GRACE and a wonderful opportunity to pray with reverential fear because loving and serving Christ must become our highest priority in order to truly walk in His Spirit. However, unless we become aware of who we are IN CHRIST we are limited as to how effective we can be in our calling. Making the choice to surrender our will along with constantly examining our heart are vital components in the developing process. We will never build from the custom blueprints He has drawn for us until we learn how to be aware of His presence and comprehend what His TOTAL SALVATION includes. Abiding in His Spirit has always been taught as an encouragement to learn how to serve the Lord but the other aspect of this sensitivity is that we might develop a repulsion and sorrow for our sin. Until our disobedience makes us “sick” within our soul, we will NOT be motivated to seriously incorporate sanctification and purity. Our constant communion with Jesus must become our highest treasure and is the result of how much we love Him. Just as earthly marriage with our spouse is a holy vow of love and commitment, how much more sensitive are we to be toward our spiritual intimacy and devotion to Christ? If we are not serious about our relationship with the Lord, we are NOT deceiving Him. He is faithful to love and forgive but He is also faithful in His discipline. Are you determined to become what Jesus died for you to be? Let us consider the words of Jonathan Edwards, “The way to heaven is ascending; we must be content to travel uphill, though it be hard and tiresome, and contrary to the natural bias of our flesh. Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.”

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and His ears are open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (I Peter 3:12).

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will NOT hear me” (Psalm 66:18).

Humans love to be spoiled and have a strong desire to satisfy their cravings for pleasure. Our Creator loves us and desires that we crave Him and develop a strong desire to do what He says. Thus we have two opposing “wills.” Humans want to fulfill their dreams and enjoy life their own way while God wants us to abandon our plans and learn to obey the blueprint He has drawn for us. Within this conflict, there can only be one truth and one perfect judgment and of course God is the way the truth and the life. This reminds me of a very important reality that is definitely worth considering. If we are redeemed, the Bible declares that we are NOT our own. This means our daily confessions and prayers need to centered around the phrase; “I SURRENDER ALL.” I Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and ye are NOT your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” The ultimate example of an individual making the sincere decision to abandon their will is when Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane and was faced with making a conscious conclusion. “And He went a little farther, and fell on His face and prayed saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: NEVERTHELESS not as I will – but as Thy wilt.” (Mathew 26:39) The only way our destiny becomes our decision is when we make the deliberate choice to exist without God’s intervention – and this my friend never has a happy ending. The way we think has the strongest impact on the way we live. So…it would seem that being transformed by the renewing of our mind has more to do with how much the world can see Christ in us than we think. “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart.” (Psalm 119: 1-2)

It does not matter who we are or where we come from, we will face three certainties; LIFE, DEATH and ETERNAL EXISTENCE. There was a time when you were NOT – but there will never be time when you will NOT be! So, since ALL of us are definitely going to live forever somewhere, it would be wise to make plans to how you would like to spend “forever.” God loves everyone and through Jesus He has sent out invitations to rescue those who embrace His truth, however, being born-again is conditional upon accepting His offer. What is this invitation? It is the golden opportunity to die to self in order to have eternal life. Heaven is being reserved for those who surrender their will – but for the ones who reject this glorious salvation, He has no other choice than to be faithful to His promises and this includes allowing people to choose eternal death. It is not how much we sin that leaves us with a default future – it is simply not having Jesus in our heart. Likewise, it is not how good we are or what we accomplish – it is the attitude and willingness to obey Him because we love Him. The cost of drawing our own blueprints and building an independent life without having a personal relationship will result in being born once and dying twice. When we respond to the invitation of His grace, we can be born twice and yet die only once. Our heavenly Father is love and is filled with mercy but within His principles and standards of righteous judgment He cannot compromise His perfection. “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) When it comes to the next life, The Almighty is the creator, the provider, the ultimate authority and will always have the last word.

It does not matter how you feel, God is still God. He does not change. He still holds the universe in His hands , He is still worthy of all praise and has been and will forever be in total control. Whether you are excited or not, whether you ever believe in God at all, His church is on the rise, the lost are coming to Christ, individuals are being filled with the Holy Spirit. Ministers are still being called to preach the gospel and miracles are happening all over the world. Even if you have lost your faith and believe that everything is hopeless, God is still bringing revival, His power is being manifested, battles are being won, hearts are being changed and His glory is being revealed.“Jesus answered , verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again” (John 3:5-7)

Whether you feel like praising Him or not, the angels are crying holy, holy, holy around God’s throne, altars are still being tear stained, prayer closets are being occupied and His saints are dancing, shouting, running, clapping and raising holy hands to “EL-OLAM” the everlasting God. It matters not if we are grateful to Him because His children are still bowing down to Him in thanksgiving, songs of loving intimacy are rising, the humble are on their knees sending up the sweet fragrances of faith, visions and dreams are being seen, words of hope are being given, missions are being accomplished and those who are hungry and thirsty for His righteousness are being filled.

If there was ever an hour for us to STAND STRONG against the pity party of discouragement and fear and take up our shield of faith against the darkness that is trying to close in all around us – it is now. It is time to be CONFIDENT in the power of His might and believe that He is who He says He is and that His presence is with us. Jesus has never failed and will never fail! Amen! Today is the day to go beyond our knowledge and step into the revelation that God’s Word is true and to KNOW the divine reality of our personal relationship with Him is our highest priority. May we embrace His covenant, take up our cross and listen to His voice that is calling us to trust and obey His Spirit, not someday, not tomorrow – but today! How many things that has captured your attention have eternal value? Are there issues within your heart that need to be examined? Maybe today is the day that God is calling you to take a personal inventory of your life and to make sure that all is well with your soul. It is wise to evaluate how we are spending our time and be honest with ourselves about why we are doing the things we do. When we stand before God one day, our holiness will be all that we have to offer. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

THE DECISION TO TAKE UP OUR CROSS

We used to sing a vineyard worship song whose chorus said, “Refining fire – our one hearts desire – is to be holy – set apart for you Lord – I choose to be holy – Set apart for you, my Master – ready to do your will.” When a person accepts Christ, they make a holy vow of commitment to Jesus that promises they will never flirt, tease, or engage in any type of romantic activity with sin. It’s easy to sing a song, but how much of Jesus do we really want? What are we thinking when we sing these songs, “Set a fire down in my soul – that I can’t contain – that I can’t control – I want more of you God – I want more of you God.” Do we really want to be filled with Him, or just enough to make it to heaven? Maybe we do not realize what salvation actually is. Matthew 16:24 is such a profound statement from Jesus and is worthy of our highest consideration. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

The possibility of us being lost and then being found is a wonderful offer from heaven. To believe with our faith and be saved by His grace is one of the greatest miracles ever. But in case no one ever mentioned it, being born-again is not without conditions or accountability. There is more to being saved than just raising your hand and receiving a golden ticket to heaven. We are entering into a marriage covenant and taking a holy vow to give ourselves entirely to God and to allow Him to reign within us as Lord and King. We are not just dating Christ; we are to be completely sold out 100 percent to Him. Not 50 or 60 percent committed – we are to be walking in His presence every moment – we are to be “living” in the Holy of Holies with Him. How many have a passion for this type of relationship? Do not raise your hand. I do not want anyone to feel obligated to lie about this because they do not want anyone to see them not raising their hand. The truth is that none of us really want to be committed and dedicated completely. What makes you say that? Well…are we doing it? We are able to do whatever we want and this means to be as close to God as we can be. However, if we are not as close to God as we can be, something must be stopping us. What is it? It is our lack of desire and a rebellious refusal to surrender our will to Jesus? Do we actually have a burning desire to become sanctified and holy to the point where sin makes us nauseated? Are we in control of our life, or is our life in control of us?

Human nature has its own ideas about living for God and the devil is always ready to educate us with his own distorted persuasions and influences. We would rather do anything in the world than to let go of our independence and decision making power. Listen very carefully my friends, this is not an opinion or some type of spiritual speculation, this is a holy reality directly from God: there is only one throne upon your heart and there can only be one of two possible kings who can be sitting on it – Jesus or Satan. You might be convinced that you are in charge of your own destiny and you might be proud that you did it “your way” but you were duped by the dark side and were actually serving yourself. God is asking for all of us to look into the mirror and discover who is really the Lord of our thoughts and plans. Are you willing to lay down your will so that you can embrace His, or are you satisfied to leave your life exactly as it is? Today, if our life is not a representation and demonstration of the nature and character of God, then obviously Jesus is not ruling on the throne of our heart. The cross is a symbol of death and hope all at the same time. Jesus died and rose from the dead and likewise our old nature must die so that we can live as a brand new creation in Christ.