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Proverbs 13:22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.

Just because God promises the believer wealth doesn’t mean wealth is going to automatically fall into our laps. The scripture says, “Wealth is stored up for the righteous.” To access this wealth, it requires faith. Like our money is stored up in a bank and we need a debit card and a PIN to access this money, likewise, to access the promise of wealth, we need faith (Heb. 6:12).

Faith is not magical and it’s not some cheap trick. Faith simply believes what God has promised us through Jesus Christ in spite of our surrounding conditions. We may not have a dime to our name naturally, but if we continue to believe for the promise of wealth, obey God to position ourselves to receive wealth, and have patience, we’ll eventually receive this promise.

Does this mean that everyone will be a millionaire before they die? No, but, everyone has the potential to receive millions if they work the process.

Enhance the quality of life by standing in faith for wealth.

Romans 13:9-10 “For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

God is love, therefore, it’s safe to say, He created us to love. Love is so potent until it fulfills all the commandments of God. If we love a person, we wouldn’t steal from them. If we love a person, we wouldn’t murder them. Love is all God requires.  

Not only will love fulfill the commandments of God, but since we were created by Love with love, love will bring fulfillment in every area of our lives. It’s something about love. It feels good to love. If feels good to help out that person who is less fortunate than ourselves. It’s exhilarating to give and receive genuine love from our family. It feels good to know that love made a difference in someone’s life. 

Finally, love provided salvation. God so loved the world that He sent Jesus. Love kept Jesus fulfilling the will of the Father. Love kept Jesus on the cross instead of sending a host of angels to destroy everyone abusing Him. Love, through Jesus, provides us eternal life with the Father. 

Magnify love. Love the Father, love yourself, and love everyone else. 

Luke 5:4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

When Jesus instructed Simon to go out into the deep and let down his nets to fish, it was at the inappropriate time. It was at the hottest part of the day and Simon, a fisherman, already attempted to catch fish at the appropriate time, night. But because of his obedience and his belief in Jesus, Simon caught more fish than he could ever imagine (v. 6).

In Matthew 9:20-22, we see God healing the woman with the issue of blood at the inappropriate time. According to the Law, the woman was not supposed to be outside her house or touching a Rabbi while bleeding nevertheless, when she touched the garment of Jesus, at the inappropriate time, she was healed.

What can we learn from this? God can bless us at the inappropriate time. When people and statistics say it’s the inappropriate time to believe for this or that, we have contextual proof that the time is irrelevant to God. If we’re 45 years old and we desire a child, we can receive that child if we’re willing to undoubtingly believe God’s Word. If our credit is bad, statistics say it’s the wrong time to desire a house, however, if we’re willing to believe God, we can receive that house even with bad credit. People say it takes 2 years of experience before it’s best to put in for a promotion, but with God, we can receive that promotion within a few months.

Even if the time is inappropriate, we can we receive the promises of God if we’re willing to believe.

Everyone gets angry at some point in their lives. People get angry while driving, angry with their spouse or children, angry with their co-workers, or angry with situations.

If we break down anger, we’ll discover the root of anger is fear. If we’re angry with our spouse, we’re really afraid that we’re being taken advantage of in some way. If we’re angry in traffic, we’re fearful that the other person doesn’t respect our positioning. If we’re angry with a boss, we’re fearful that we’re being disrespected.

Anger is a normal emotion but, God doesn’t want us harboring anger for more than a day (Ephesians 4:26). Anger is a gateway emotion to all other ungodly emotions (hate, bitterness, etc.). We manage and dismiss our anger by magnifying God and His Word within the situation. If we’re angry with our spouse, do what the Word says in spite of our anger. Continue to love, honor, and respect them and trust that God will help us not become so sensitive or trust that God will deal with our spouse. If we’re angry with that rude person in line, we must remind ourselves who we are in Christ, and continue to love that person in spite of their actions.

Let go of the anger by rebuking the fear in our lives.

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

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

There’s a reason why the Word of God tells us to seek God and His righteousness first. The main reason we seek God first is because it makes God a priority in our lives and we don’t allow anything or anyone else above Him. 

A second reason why “first” is in this scripture is because there will be something else we’ll have to do secondly, thirdly, etc. After seeking God first, there will be instructions God gives to us pertaining to our situation. 

For instance, if someone desires a job, the first thing they should do is seek God on how to obtain that job. After seeking Him, God may secondly tell us to network with people we know in that field. Thirdly, He may tell us to search for jobs online. Finally, He may tell us to apply. The problem occurs when we go out of order. If we desire a job and immediately begin searching online, applying online, and after getting the job, we seek God for help in the job, we’re working out of order. 

God wants to be first, then He’ll tell you what to do secondly, thirdly, etc. Prioritize Him and trust His plan for your life. 

Many believers claim they want to go “deeper” in God, however, a lot of people don’t actually know what that means. Some may say it’s reading our Bibles more or spending more time in prayer. In actuality, the Bible defines this “deepness” a lot of us are trying to obtain.

1 Corinthians 2:10 But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

This deepness comes as a result of our relationship with the Holy Spirit. When we pray in the Spirit and are being led by the Holy Spirit in all our decisions, we make ourselves available to receive “deep” revelation from God.

In 1 Corinthians 2:1-10, it tells us by praying in the Spirit, we speak the hidden wisdom of God. We speak the things that “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” God can tell us what to prepare for in our future, when to act, and how to act.

This deepness is not privileged to those who appear to have it all together. It’s for anyone who is willing to receive it. Look at Noah. Noah was sensitive to the voice of God. Noah received and acted on detailed instructions from God about building a boat to escape a flood before rain ever existed.

Let’s strengthen our relationship with the Holy Spirit and gain this deepness with God.

Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love.

As a believer, we all want to be used by God and receive our desires from God. God’s Word tells us we can heal the sick, raise the dead, and perform miracles like Jesus (Matt. 10:8; John 14:12). God’s Word also tells us we can receive the desires of our hearts (Mark 11:24). At the end of the day, we want to experience supernatural results.

To obtain supernatural results, we must have faith (Rom. 4:16). But as we can see, faith works by love. Some of us believe God for the supernatural to take place in our lives, but we have bitterness, anger, and hatred in our hearts. That’s why some of us aren’t experiencing the supernatural. How can we say we believe God for our marriage to be made whole, but we have hatred towards a parent? How can we say we believe God for a new job, but we’re envious of a friend who appears to be enjoying his career?

We can’t have faith in God meanwhile, harbor emotions contrary to God. Experience supernatural results by walking in love and removing negative emotions today.

Luke 10:27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”

Jesus was so impactful in the earth due to His love for God and His love towards us. ~Smith Wigglesworth

Jesus loves the Father and He loves us so very much. This love compelled Him to push His agenda aside and honor the Father with His life and sacrifice Himself on our behalf. Jesus’ love for the Father stopped Him from dishonoring God by falling into temptation. Jesus’ love for people compelled Him to stop and heal the sick wherever He went. Jesus’ love kept Him on the cross when He could have called angels to smite everyone doubting, mocking, and beating Him. Jesus’ love was a difference maker.

Jesus commands us to love the Father and love people. If we can develop the love that Jesus had towards the Father and towards others, we can accomplish similar goals of Jesus and more (John 14:12). Our love for the Father will keep us from engaging in activities that go against His nature. Our love for people will see a hurting person, and with compassion, declare healing in their bodies. This is how we make an impact in the world.

Love is how we make a difference in the world. Faith works by love (Galatians 5:6). No love, no faith. No faith, no manifestation of miracles. No miracles, no hope. Love is all we need.

Psalm 91:1 Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, 2 can say to him, “You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust.”

Psalm 91:11 For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways.

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn.

As human beings, one of the biggest needs we have is security. Wherever we go, we want to know that we’re safe and our families will be safe.

In so many ways, God has vowed to keep us safe from all hurt, harm, and danger. God protects us, His angels protect us, and He told us no weapon formed against us shall prosper. The question is do you believe Him?

To maximize on God’s protection plan, we must believe that God can and will protect us. This protection plan won’t work if we doubt God’s ability to protect us. This protection plan won’t work if we feel like we need to help Him out by over-doing it with natural security (alarms, weapons, etc.).

We must believe God loves us. By knowing that God loves us, we can be convinced that He will protect us. Leave the fear of being vulnerable behind and receive God’s love accompanied with His protection.

Whether we believe it or not, everyone has faith. There’s a lesson of faith all around us.

A good example is when we’re at a red light. When we’re at a red light, we have to have faith that people won’t disregard their red light and cause us to have an accident. A lot of  us do this mindlessly. When our light turns green, we’re not worried or fearful that people will run the red light. We truly believe that people will stop at a red light.

If we have faith to believe that people will stop at a red light, how much more faith should we have in God fulfilling His promises in our lives? It’s the same process.

The reason we have so much faith in people stopping at red lights is because we’ve seen them stop time and time again, therefore, we have boldness to begin driving when our light turns green. God has fulfilled His promises to us countless times in our past, therefore, there should be a boldness to place our faith, hope, and trust in God. Don’t be afraid or worried. What God said He will do, will come to pass.

Exercise this red light faith with God.

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Before the problem presented itself, the solution was already provided.

Before some of us knew we would be unemployed now, provision was already provided. Before some of us realized we would have trouble in our marriage, peace within our marriage was made available to us. Before some of us knew we would have a disease in our bodies, healing was made available for us.

Some of us were really surprised by some of the problems we’re facing. It really took us back. Our problems may be new to us, but they weren’t new to God. God made a solution to our problems before the world was created.

Our solution was made available to us by Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, everything wrong was made right. Satan was defeated and all power was given to Jesus. That’s why Paul can boldly say, “Thanks be to God Who always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus.”

Understand this, we may not know when or how our situation is going to get better, but we have hope in God’s Word, that a solution is available to us.

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. 4 For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love

Have you ever wondered why the things we crave are usually against the will of God?

For instance, God wants us to do everything without grumbling or complaining, but it feels so good to complain. God wants us to love our enemies, but it just seems right to hate them. God wants us to abstain from gossip, but it seems so fun to talk about other people’s lives, especially, if it’s negative.

These cravings are a product of our flesh. Due to the fall of Adam, our flesh became an enemy to God. It opposes the will of God in all areas. The world calls these cravings “natural” and ‘we shouldn’t have to fight natural feelings.’ That’s why it’s acceptable to have sex before marriage, be homosexual, have entire magazines and TV shows dedicated to gossip, and destroy our perceived enemies.

To honor God with our lives, daily, we have to fight these cravings. This may include not staying at his/her house overnight, not going to that bar, or not watching that video or TV show. We’re telling our flesh “No.” It’s not impossible. God’s grace is sufficient enough to overcome any desires of our flesh (2 Cor. 12:19). Rely on His grace and honor God with your life.

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to one another, so that you do not do what you want.

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, says he to you; but his heart is not with you.

What we think about ourselves is what we become. If we think we’re less than, unequipped, unqualified, ignorant, or insecure then that’s what we become. Not only how we think about ourselves is what we become, but how we think about a situation is how it becomes. If we think the situation will never change, get worse, won’t work in our favor, or won’t benefit us, we’ll get tragic results. Toxic thinking produces a toxic life.

There is thinking that lines up with the Word of God and there is thinking that lines up with how we feel. How we think determines how we act. If our thoughts line up with the Word of God, we are guaranteed a successful life and we’ll walk with the mindset of victory. If our thoughts line up with how we feel, our lives will be on a roller coaster and we can expect disappointment.

If we want a prosperous peaceful life, our thoughts can’t contradict our desires. If we want our desires to manifest, our thinking must change to constantly agree with the Word of God.

Psalm 34:12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.

A prosperous life or a turbulent life hinges on our speech. We can have faith, pray continuously, and read our Bibles often, but if our everyday speech is negative, we’ll cancel everything our faith is attempting to obtain.

We believe to be healed from a sickness, but as soon as someone asks how we’re doing we say, “It’s been rough. I feel weak. I don’t know when I’m going to get better.” That kind of speech contradicts what we believe. Our flesh wants to vent about things that are happening in the natural and receive sympathy, however, venting and sympathy never healed anyone.

During challenging times or in times of confusion or uncertainty, it’s best to confess the Word of God over the situation. The Word of God, coming from our mouths, has enough power to change any situation.

If someone is competing in an event or has a performance, we’ve heard the phrase “practice makes perfect.” The more we practice, the more we’ll perfect our performance.

Practice is beneficial when it comes to spiritual matters as well. When we practice and develop a routine of consulting and being led by God in seemingly minor things, the better we’ll be at discerning His voice when major decisions need to be made.

We can start anywhere at any time. We can ask God what He wants us to wear for the day or ask God what we should eat for lunch. Consulting God in minor things also gets us into a habit of going to Him first in all our decisions. It may seem too deep to do all of that, but practice makes perfect. When we need to decide if we should quit our job to start another or whether to get surgery or take medication, we’ll have better clarity from God on what to do.

Practice consulting and being led by the Spirit of God in every area of life.

Romans 8:14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Isaiah 1:19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land;

Obedience alone will not birth a blessing, but obedience positions us to receive the promises of God.

There is a belief in the body of Christ that if we obeyed God and did everything right, at some point in our lives, our prayers will be answered. This kind of thinking eliminates grace and faith. There’s no need for grace and faith if our obedience alone will get us what we want. What happened was we saw how people conducted their lives with God in the Old Covenant and applied that same way of living in the New Covenant. In the Old Covenant, it was all about what we had to do for God. In the New Covenant, it’s all about what God has done (past tense) for us.

In the New Covenant, grace, faith, and obedience work together. Grace allows us to undeservingly receive all the promises of God. Faith is the currency we use to obtain those promises, and obedience to the Holy Spirit positions us to receive the manifestation of those promises.

For every promise, believe that grace has made it available and obey the voice of God.

Genesis 2:16-17 “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.””‭‭

The command of not eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was given to Adam, and Adam alone. Eve was not created yet. 

Genesis 3:3 “but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ‭‭

When Eve was speaking to the serpent, she told him that God said that they couldn’t eat, nor touch the tree of the knowledge of good and evil or else they would die. Based on Genesis 2, God didn’t say anything about not touching the tree. 

In Genesis 3:6, we discover that Adam was with Eve when she was conversing with Satan. Right there was a prime opportunity for Adam to minister and correct his wife on God’s command, but he did not. He allowed the conversation to continue with false information. As we know, Satan entices Eve to touch and eat of the forbidden fruit. After she touched the fruit and realized she wasn’t dying, she ate it, and gave it to Adam which created the fall of mankind.

This situation could have been avoided if Adam would have ministered to his wife and told her what God actually said. Men, it’s important to be the head of the household and minister to our wives. If we won’t open up our mouths and tell our families the truth in God’s Word, they’ll believe a lie somewhere else. Women, if he’s being led by God, be receptive to his role. With love and being led by the Spirit of God, men it’s time to operate in our authority and be ministers in our own home. 

Ephesians 2:8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

We are saved by God’s grace when we believe in the Lord Jesus. It’s not by any goodness of ours but, it’s a gift called grace.

During Christmas, a lot of us receive gifts from friends and family members. We didn’t do anything to earn that gift but, we receive it anyway. Salvation is a gift from God. We didn’t do anything to earn it but, it should be received all the same.

People often want to complicate salvation. They want to create additional objectives prior to being saved. Some think we have to be baptized, speak in tongues, and live a sin-free life for a period of time before we get saved. Only believe.

Salvation through grace is good for everyone. Grace humbles those who are tempted to have a boastful disposition and at the same time, grace makes it easy enough for the “worst” sinner get saved. Don’t over-complicate it. Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved (Acts 16:31).

Romans 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

Condemnation is that guilty shameful feeling we get when we’re not living up to the holy standards of God. There is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. Outside of Christ Jesus, where the Law is located, there’s condemnation. If there’s no condemnation to those in Christ, who lets us know we’re not living up to the holy standards and commandments of God? Satan.

Satan is known as the accuser (Revelations 12:10). He’s always showing us flaws in our way of living. If we’re not honoring God in our lifestyle, he’ll make us feel bad about that. If we’ve been divorced, he’ll make us feel ashamed. If we haven’t been to church lately, he’ll make us feel guilty about that. Even if we try to get it all together and do everything we know is right, he’ll show us areas that we’ve missed; leaving us feeling like we’re not good enough.

The reason why there’s no condemnation in Christ Jesus is because Jesus fulfilled the Law, Jesus took our shame, and Jesus took on our past and future sins. If we live our lives through Jesus, there’s no reason to feel condemned about anything. We may not be perfect in this area or that area, but Jesus was.  Therefore, we’re perfect in the eyes of God.

So, anytime we get that guilty feeling for not living up to the holy expectations of God, rebuke the devil and thank God for Jesus.

Ephesians 6:16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

When Jesus fulfilled the Law and sacrificed Himself for us, Jesus stripped Satan of his power. Satan can’t make us do anything. The only “power” Satan has is an attempt to influence our minds. The Bible calls it fiery darts or flaming arrows.

The strategy of Satan is to influence and convince us that God’s Word won’t come to pass in our lives. If we place our faith in God to be healed of a certain disease, Satan will attempt to convince us that this disease runs in our family and we’re going to battle it for the rest of our lives. If we’re standing in faith for a new car, the devil will give us all the reasons why we don’t deserve a new car.

To counter the attack of Satan, we confess the truth in God’s Word. Confession doesn’t make things come to pass and it doesn’t speed up the time we receive our desires. Confession combats thoughts of doubt and unbelief. When Satan attempts to tell us we’ll be battling that disease forever, we confess by His stripes, we are (not going to be) healed (Isaiah 54:5). When Satan gives us reasons why we shouldn’t have that car, we confess that we are the righteousness of God and all of God’s promises to us are “Yes and Amen” (2 Cor. 5:21; 2 Cor. 1:20).

Every time a thought of doubt or unbelief enters our minds, it’s important to confess the truth of God’s Word. If not, doubt will slowly devour any amount of faith we have in God’s Word. Keep doubt at bay by confessing God’s Word.

2 Corinthians 4: 13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak,

Prior to receiving a promise from God, there are a lot of behind the scene things that occur that most people don’t know about.

The first thing we did was pray. That’s the easy part, but it’s necessary. From the time we prayed to the time we received our desire, it gets a little more difficult. In the in between stages, we had to believe God made this promise available to us through Jesus and maintain our belief. That’s easier said than done. There are thoughts and situations that tempt us to doubt or give up on that desire. If we told people what we believe God for, we may have had to block negative commentary. To maintain our belief, we may have had to continuously confess that we’ve received that desire and read that promise to ourselves from God’s Word.

One of the biggest things we had to do was terminate anxiousness and employ patience during delay. We don’t know how long it’s going to be before we physically receive our desires, therefore, patience is necessary to maintain a positive attitude during delay.

Finally, being led by the Holy Spirit, there were tailor-made steps, fitted for our desire, we took and although they may not have made sense, we did it anyway.

These are the basic things that went on behind the scenes prior to receiving that desire. If you’re in the in between stages of receiving that desire, I encourage you to keep pushing. If you never experienced standing in faith for something, I encourage you to follow these steps to receive your promise from God.

Hebrews 6:12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Matthew 25:45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

From bullying, to racism, to a lack of compassion, people have mistreated people since the beginning of creation (Cain & Abel). Since social media has invaded our lives, we see more of it around the world.

Every time we mistreat someone in some way, we’re mistreating Jesus. When a person laughs and talks about that overweight person, they’re mistreating Jesus. When a person bullies another person for whatever reason, they’re mistreating Jesus. When a person mistreats or abuses their husband or wife, they’re mistreating Jesus.

As believers, we are called to love and to serve one another (John 13:35). When mistreatment is going on around us, we don’t have to participate. In fact, our lack of participation may lead others to reconsider their actions.

There’s enough hate and mistreatment in the world for two lifetimes. Let’s be rebellious and do something uncommon. Let’s love, serve, and respect one another.

People lived under The Law in the Old Covenant and there was a different way of doing things. In the Old Covenant, salvation was dependent on our performance and behavior.

When Jesus walked the earth, He performed and taught under The Law. So, in Luke 18 when a man asked Him what he must do to be saved, Jesus gave him a list of commandments he had to perform.

Luke 18:18 Then a certain ruler asked Him (Jesus), “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”… 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother…

If we’re not mindful of the time period when Jesus gave him these instructions for salvation (the Old Covenant), we’ll think that we, living under the New Covenant, have to perform all these commandments to receive salvation. These commandments are beneficial, but they’re not the prerequisite to receive salvation.

We know this based on Acts 16:30 where the same question was asked, but there was a different response.

Acts 16:30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.”…

Under the New Covenant, we must believe that Jesus is Lord. It’s not about keeping The Law or performing all these rules and regulations. It’s not about what we can do. It’s about what Jesus has done. Jesus kept The Law and He died for our sins. Our belief in what He’s accomplished on our behalf undeservingly awards us salvation. Let go of The Law and receive Jesus.

Inspired by Pastor Creflo Dollar

Colossians 2:10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

When we’re in Christ, we are complete. There’s nothing missing, borrowed, or broken in our lives.

We are whole, but the devil will try to convince us otherwise. He’ll have us thinking that a husband/wife will complete us or a child will complete us. He’ll even show us a better career that will make us complete. Once again, only in Christ, are we complete.

If we can concrete this revelation into our souls, this will keep us from running after people and stuff thinking that it’s going to fulfill our lives. So, even if we don’t have a husband or a wife, we’re complete. If we don’t know one or both of our parents, we’re complete. If we don’t have the career we truly desire, we’re complete.

Only believing in our wholeness in Christ, are we truly complete.

There’s a lot of us that want to do God’s will, but we can’t determine if the voice in our head is God or ourselves. Our desires can be strong at times. Everything within us may desire something. During that time, it’s imperative to discipline our flesh and consult God.

God, do You want me to do ___________? -OR- God, do You want me to have _____________?

Wait for a response. If God doesn’t say “No”, that IS NOT an indicator He wants us to have that desire. God will answer us in one way or another. If He hasn’t given us an immediate response regarding a certain desire, it’s best if we don’t do anything. If that desire is still pressing, we should quiet ourselves and our surroundings and present it to Him again.

The key is not to be anxious for anything (Philippians 4:6). Our desires may say it’s right to have and it makes sense in our head to do this or that, but if God hasn’t responded and we don’t have peace within ourselves, it’s not the will of God.

With every decision in our lives, take the time to consult God.

Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.

Matthew 11:30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

When we get saved, we’re not guaranteed an absence of problems, trials, or issues. We’ll still have to deal with the occasional supervisor who seems to be taking their frustrations out on us and we’ll still have to deal with the delay of our desires, and the issues of life. The scripture tells us when we come to Jesus, our burdens will be lightened, but not absent.

What we are guaranteed is victory over situations. We may have to go through some things, but everything we face we’ll have victory over it. That angry supervisor will have to change their attitude, change their place of employment, or God will put us in a better position. If we totally rely on God and walk in our authority while facing these light burdens, we gain wisdom, maturity, and testimony of God’s faithfulness.

Don’t be deceived into thinking we’re exempt from problems because we’re saved, but when we face problems know that we’re guaranteed victory.

2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the fragrance of his knowledge by us in every place.

Luke 15:22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

The story of the Prodigal Son is a parable of a backslider who repented, returned back to God, and God graciously forgiving and accepting us. There are certain details within the Prodigal Son story that highlight God’s attitude based on our return.

One of those things is God’s excitement towards our return. Although the son spent all he had and sinned against God, the father threw the returning son a party. Notice, the father wasn’t upset, he didn’t bring up his past, and he didn’t give him a lecture. The father loved him, received him, and gave him the best.

There are some who believe that after we repent, there’s a period of time where we have to earn God’s trust and get back into His good graces. God’s not like man. He doesn’t have to see if we’ll behave before He’ll do anything good for us. The fact that we returned to Him is good enough for God.

Don’t allow anyone to discourage you or crush your spirits in your quest of recommitting your life to God. He’s excited for you, He’s forgiven you, and He desires that you receive His love and His best in every area of your life.

Isaiah 26:21 For behold, the Lord is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth will disclose the blood shed on it, and will no more cover its slain.

Nahum 1:2 LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies.

There are so many misconceptions about the One true living God. Based on the scriptures above, and other scriptures in the Old Covenant, there are so many people who still believe the nature of God is punishment, wrath, and vengeance. People believe if we sin, we should expect punishment from God in the form of a car wreck or our house being burglarized. If God is having a good day, He may be willing to throw us a blessing. With this misconception, no wonder there are so many atheists. If punishment is going to occur whether we serve Him or not, why choose to believe and serve this angry God?

Now, God did have a zero tolerance policy towards mankind’s sins in the Old Covenant because no one could pay the price for sins. Therefore, punishment occurred for sins unless a sin offering was made by the priest with the shedding of animal blood.

Today, we live under a New Covenant. The true nature of God is love (1 John 4:8). God’s love sent His Son Jesus to shed His blood for mankind’s sins (John 3:16). All the punishment and wrath for sins was poured out on Jesus (1 John 4:10). God’s not waiting to punish us every time we miss the mark. That punishment was received by Jesus. It’s through Jesus all of our past, present, and future sins have been forgiven (Col. 2:13, 14).

Since God’s punishment for sin was received by Jesus for our sakes, the only thing God has left to give us is love, grace, mercy, peace, wisdom, joy and all the good things in life. This is the God we serve. He is not holding a grudge and He is not counting our sins against us (2 Cor. 5:19). Let’s renew our minds and receive the true nature of God.

Hebrews 2:17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8 provides a list on the way we should think. It’s important to think according to this list because how we think will determine how we speak and how we speak will determine what we experience in our lives (see Proverbs 18:21).

Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

For instance, it tells us to think on things that are pure. If we spend our time thinking on things that are impure, we’ll eventually speak and act on those impure things. Those actions don’t honor God. If we think on things of a negative report instead of a good report, we’ll eventually begin to speak negatively about our lives or the lives of others.

We’ve been given power and authority with our speech, however, if our thinking is out of control then our speech will be out of control. If our speech is out of control, we can never experience God’s best.

Psalm 92:13 Those that are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.

As believers, it’s important for us to find a church home. Being planted in a church that God called us to causes us to flourish. We may be doing well now, but being established in a church will prosper us even more. 

We live in a time where people are saying, “I can be a Christian without going to church” which is true, but think of all the opportunities we’re missing. Not being established in a church causes us to miss out on a prophetic Word of God specifically pertaining to our lives. This Word is not limited to the pastor and his sermons, but it can be from other like-minded believers as well. 

We would miss out on an opportunity to serve in the Kingdom of God. Serving the Kingdom of God ensures us all our needs will be met (Matt. 6:33). 

Finally, we’ll miss out on an opportunity to be a blessing (Gen. 12:2). People from all walks of life, come to the church looking to be helped, restored, and encouraged. The pastor may not be able to reach everyone. There is something in all of us that can help those hurting people. 

The emphasis in this scripture is the word “planted.” If we’re going from church to church every other year, we’re not guaranteed to flourish. So, find a church home and begin to flourish. 

James 1:6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

If we’ve asked God to protect, provide, and prosper our lives, we need to trust that He’ll do that and not doubt. If we doubt, we display our lack of trust in God and our instability in the things we do.

We know we have doubt in these areas when we attempt to handle it ourselves. For instance, if we’ve asked God to protect us, but in lieu of the violence we’ve seen on the news, we’ve updated our security around the house, purchased numerous guns, and are paranoid when we’re approached by a stranger. Do we really believe that God will protect us?

Or, we’ve asked God to provide for us, but we can’t see how God is going to do it so, we get extra jobs, work longer hours, or cut back on the things we enjoy all to maintain our provision. If God didn’t tell us to do those things, we doubt God’s ability to provide for us.

Whatever we’ve asked for from God, let the how and when go, and believe it shall manifest.

Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved—

God loves you beyond measure. His love is infinite and it’s not predicated on our behavior. God loves you in spite of your shortcomings, past, or what we may do in the future.

Haven’t been to church in a while? God loves you. Haven’t prayed in a few years? It’s okay. God loves you. Did something awful and you don’t anyone to know? Don’t worry. God loves you. Have I mentioned that God loves you?

When we solidify within ourselves that God’s love is genuinely unconditional and everlasting, fear, stress, worry, depression, and guilt will leave our lives forever.

God loves us, therefore, He’s forgiven us and He’s not mad at us. God loves us, therefore, He ensures us that all our needs are met. God loves us, therefore, He answers our prayers. God loves us, therefore, He protects us. God loves us, therefore, He’ll provide comfort during this troubling time. God loves us, therefore, He provides wisdom.

Every blessing or promise is backed by God’s love. Receive it and don’t allow anyone to tell you differently.

James 1:13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

There are so many people who believe God is tempting them with this or that, as if He’s testing our will power or our devotion to Him. This is a misconception in the body of Christ. God is not tempting us with that attractive man/woman, those expensive shoes, or that alcoholic beverage. These temptations are built-in sin tendencies the devil is trying to exploit.

We must identify our own temptations we’re drawn to and we must recognize when we’re being tempted. When we’re tempted, don’t blame God. Take the necessary steps to overcome that temptation.
1. Submit to God’s will above the temptation.
2. Rely on God’s strength inside of us to resist that temptation.
3. If we do fall into temptation, receive God’s forgiveness and understand there is no condemnation to those in Christ.

It’s not God. It’s our flesh. Overcome the flesh with the Word of God.

Ezekiel 3:10 Moreover He said to me: “Son of man, receive into your heart all My words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears.

God told Ezekiel to hear His Words and receive His Words into his heart. Obviously, God is showing a distinction between hearing and receiving His Word and there are benefits for both.

It’s important to hear the Word of God because that how faith comes (Rom. 10:17). The more Word we hear, the more faith or belief we have in His Word.

Although hearing God’s Word is important, it’s not enough. God’s Word must be recieved into our hearts. We can go to church and hear God’s Word for years, but still haven’t received it. We can read the Bible for hours, but still haven’t received it. To receive the Word of God means we’ve established it in our hearts as the Truth. Regardless of how it looks, people’s opinions, or historical facts, God’s Word is the Truth above anything else. 

To receive God’s Word is to eliminate the word “impossible” from our vocabulary because with God, all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). To receive God’s Word means to remove the concept of failure from our minds because we know all things work together for our good (Rom. 8:28). 

Learn to hear and receive the Word of God. It will make a positive impact in our lives and in our relationship with God.

Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

People are hesitant when it comes to speaking in our heavenly language (praying in the Spirit). A lot of it is based on ignorance. People don’t want to feel silly because they feel like they’re speaking gibberish and they don’t want to be possessed by some unknown “spirit” taking over their bodies. All of this is far from the truth.

If we carefully read the Word of God, it tells us when we speak in our heavenly language; it’s a controlled language that only God understands (1 Corinthians 14:2). Regardless of what we see at certain churches, it’s not a language where we have to jerk, fall out on the ground, or have our eyes rolled in the back of our heads.

This language has benefits. When we speak in our heavenly language, we strengthen ourselves (1 Cor. 14:4), we obtain the wisdom of God in all areas (1 Cor. 2:6-13), and we keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 1:20, 21). The same way we can believe Jesus is the Son of God because it’s in the Word of God, we can believe we’re strengthening ourselves, obtaining the wisdom of God, and keeping ourselves in the love of God because it’s in the Word of God.

Don’t miss out. Use this heavenly language as an advantage in every area of our lives.

Genesis 3:5 For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.

Here is an interesting scripture where we can identify one of Satan’s traps to attempt to ruin our lives.

In the beginning, Satan ruined the lives of Adam and Eve by tempting them with the thought that God was hiding knowledge from them. The curiosity for additional knowledge ultimately led them astray from God’s Word and to their destruction. 
There is nothing new under the sun. Satan is still up to his old tricks today. With new discoveries in history and new theories, Satan is making some of us believe that the Word of God is not enough and there are additional resources that will lead us to the “truth”.

Some people will read books and listen to lectures that will intelligently contradict the Word of God. People become so fascinated with this new found knowledge until it makes them question the validity in the Word. This thought process can lead people astray from God’s Word, cause them to doubt, which will ultimately ruin their lives. 

I’m not saying don’t read books outside of the Bible or don’t listen to lectures outside of Christianity, but don’t let those things supersede the Word of God. Let God and His Word be true, but everything else a lie (Rom. 3:4). Don’t get fooled by the knowledge trap. 

2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

As a born-again believer, we don’t have to compare ourselves with anyone else as far as holiness, righteous living, and acts of kindness. Sure, someone may read the Bible more than us, pray longer than us, and active in a certain ministry at church but, that doesn’t make them better than us.

If we get that feeling of not being where we want to be spiritually, don’t fret because inwardly, we’re being renewed day by day. This renewal is going to take some effort from us but, it’s not impossible. We should be spending more time with God now than we did two years ago. We should be more consistent in our church attendance now than we did in the past. Our temper should be more in control now than it was previously. Why? It’s because inwardly, we’re being renewed.

Let’s listen to the voice of God to help improve our inward development. It will allow us to have a more enjoyable life and we’ll better reflect the image of Christ.

Ephesians 3:20 (AMP) Now to Him who is able to carry out His purpose and do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams, according to His power that is at work within us,

One key phrase we should focus on in the amplified version of this scripture is “dare ask.”

A lot of us have big dreams and desires, but are we bold enough to ask God for those desires or do we limit our desires based on what seems reasonable? Some of us are not daring enough to ask God for our biggest dream because we don’t want to make it too hard on God or we don’t see how God is going to do it so, we don’t even ask. We don’t want to dream big and be disappointed if it doesn’t come to pass. That’s doubt.

God is telling us, whatever we can conjure up in our minds (big or gigantic) and be daring enough to ask for that desire, He is able to do it. God may not give it to us immediately or within the next five years based on our maturity, but if that desire still burns inside of us and we don’t back down from our confession, God will eventually fulfill His promise to us.

I challenge everyone reading this post to think of your biggest desire and I dare you to ask God for that desire and maintain your belief that God will fulfill His promise to you. I dare you.

Matthew 5:45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.

God allows blessings to fall upon the just (righteous) and the unjust (unrighteous). Most of us can comprehend why the righteous are receiving blessings, promotions, and increase in their lives. They’re living a holy life and honoring God in all their decisions, therefore, they’re blessed. However, a lot of us can’t understand why God will bless the unrighteous. They don’t honor God, they engage in unrighteous activities, and they’re living however they feel. This can leave a righteous person, who’s trying their best to honor God, confused or possibly jealous. Why would God bless the unrighteous?

The answer can be found in Romans 2:4 which says, don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

At one point in our lives, we weren’t always living a holy life and yet, God blessed us in spite of our ways. This is grace and mercy. We didn’t deserve anything from God, but He blessed us, protected us, and increased us anyway. These blessings got our attention, motivated us to repent, and now we’re in a constant state of gratitude.

So, don’t be confused or jealous when we see the unrighteous getting blessed. Like us, God is just trying to get their attention to lead them to repentance.

Dear God,

Thank You for all that you’ve done for me. Thank You for Your many blessings you have given to me. Thank You for your protection over my life. I thank God for Your protection over and me and Your angels surrounding me. I am healed of all sickness and disease and nothing will harm me. Continue to bless my life and allow Your favor to fall upon me. In Jesus name, Amen.

The only problem with this prayer is it doesn’t include anyone else. What about our family and our friends? What about the homeless and the less fortunate? What about our city or country?

Jesus, our example, is compassionate. He cared about people and their well-being. As believers, we should have the same compassion towards others. We all know people, who are close to us, who need us to intercede for them in prayer. We have a voice and authority. The same way we desire God’s blessings, protection, and healing power over our lives is the same way we should desire those things for others.

Let’s not be so inward focused by only praying for things associated with us. Remember others during the time of prayer.

1 Timothy 2:1 – I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for ALL men;