A person’s anxiety will weigh him down, but an encouraging word makes him joyful.—  Proverbs 12:24 God’s Word Translation

No tricks. No gimmicks. It is possible to rid yourself of unwanted weight. Anxiety, hurts, baggage, hang-ups, attitudes and addictions can be gone (or leaving) by the time you finish this article. People are worried about so many things. The anxieties of today are only minimally different than those of any person in human history. The causes do vary, but the results are the same. Heavy hearts, preoccupied minds and eventually unhealthy bodies are all bi products of excess emotional weight. Bottom line—you just have to let it go.

Ecclesiastes 11:10 says, “So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body… .”  Another translation of the same verse reads, “So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy…” A third commands, “Get rid of what troubles you or wears down your body… .”

It is our responsibility as Christians to keep ourselves cleansed from worry, offenses and additions. More importantly, we must be God’s voice to those who need, as Proverbs 12:24 call it, an encouraging word. How can you who are weighed down so heavily with your own issues notice someone else in need, let alone cheer them up? God built your body to rid itself of waste of every kind; this includes the ability to excrete emotional toxins such as offense and worry.

Here are three practical steps from the Bible for instant weight loss.

Instant Weight Loss Formula

Step 1: Release every weight to God.

Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail).— Psalm 55:22 AMP

Wow! What a verse. This covers everything. Personal problems, damaged emotions and concerns of every kind can be classified as burdens. My husband and I recently had a disagreement because he’d made a decision on something totally out of frustration and the anxiety of the moment.  I asked him if he’d consulted the Lord on the issue, he honestly said no. When he did so, several more sensible options became available to him. Making a conscious effort to immediately cast things off on God keeps you open to be used as His vessel; in return, you get the answers you need. Otherwise, we spend the balance of our day (and many times longer) totally heavy, distracted and detached from our surroundings. Lose weight immediately!

Step 2: Tell the truth in love (and/or respect).

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. — Ephesians 4:15-16, 25-27

Many times we feel as if we should not speak up for ourselves in certain situations. Or, we allow an offense to weigh on us indefinitely. The truth is, if something bothers you to the point of stifling, you need to deal with it ASAP. There is always a right and a wrong way to do so. Take care to handle potentially inflammatory situations with a cool head, if possible, face to face (emails and text messages are not recommended). The offender could your spouse, a friend or a superior at work. You have to let it go—excrete it from your emotional storage space. James 5:16 AMP gives detailed instructions, “Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored….” Waste poisons you, and weighs you down. Get rid of it with the truth!

Step 3: Reap the benefits of weight loss.
To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion–to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit–that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. — Isaiah 61:3 AMP

We all know someone who has achieved a lofty physical weight loss goal, succeeded after the loss of a loved one or a major life setback, or overcome the emotional heaviness of abuse. Their very lives are an inspiration. Meeting these people and hearing their testimonies make most of our modern day “worries” seem minute and trivial. If some lofty, strong, magnificent and distinguished person came to cheer you up during what you would consider a bad day, wouldn’t you receive them? Wouldn’t you straighten up and hear them out? Especially if they proceeded to tell you of their own misfortunes, offenses and heartaches, surely your focus would shift. Why not lose weight and become that person to someone else. God has promised to not only take that heavy burden, but to replace it with joy, beauty and praise. I know because He does it for me on a continuous basis. I’m constantly losing weight!

Weight Loss Assignment

I have one assignment for you before I close. Tonight when you have quiet time before bed, make a list of all your worries, offenses (even ones years old) and fears. Exhaust yourself. Rehearse the verses from this article to yourself. Then make a list on the other side of the paper. This list is of people you know who are dealing with challenging situations, and pray for each one by name. Finally, make an effort daily to say a kind word to at least one person. Repeat daily until it becomes routine. Instant weight loss is guaranteed!

Blessings!

Shon

If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.

Ecclesiastes 10:10 NKJV

Solomon, the wisest man in the Old Covenant, to illustrate the value of wisdom uses the imagery of a man cutting wood. The picture is of a man trying to cut wood with a dull ax. If you have ever tried to cut something with a dull instrument, be it an ax or knife, you know it takes more effort to bring forth the desired result. It can also be dangerous causing injury. Many people who have tried to cut something with a dull knife have ended up cutting themselves because the knife finally cuts through the object when they least expect it and they end up stabbing or cutting themselves in the process. There is also the wear and tear on the body from using dull equipment.  At the very least, it will take more time to produce the desired results.

As we have established, it is both dangerous and time consuming to try to cut wood with a dull ax.  Why, then would anyone do it? Because they do not want to take the time that it takes to sit down and sharpen the ax. They look and their friend is already in the woods cutting trees, so they already feel like they are running behind.

I believe the sharpening of the ax represents preparation.  Many people’s health and productivity is being affected by their lack of preparation. Much like our wood cutting friend, they are so desirous to accomplish their goal, they want to skip the preparation process and get right onto the “good stuff”.

1.    Keeping Sharp Through Preparation for Ministry.

 My spiritual father in the faith Dr. Jefferson Thompson used to tell me when I was just starting out in ministry, “Preparation time is never lost time”.  Of course, that was not what I wanted to hear but it was true nonetheless. The fact is that the greater the calling, the longer the preparation time. Jesus prepared 30 years for 3 years of ministry.  Moses knew he was to be a deliverer of God’s people when he was about 40 years old (Acts 7:23-25).  He tried to fulfill his destiny in the flesh by killing an Egyptian and ended up fleeing for his life. However, after submitting to God’s sharpening (preparation) process, in the spirit he killed a whole Egyptian army who drowned in the Red Sea.

Preparation in ministry is important, first, because you need to know something if you are going to help someone else.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

 From this passage, we see that we need to have understanding of the Word and we need to learn to rightly divide the Word. I realize that understanding is a journey and not a destination. Even the Apostle Paul says we know in part. However, we have to stay sharp in our Bible study. One problem for ministers is we can become so topical in our approach to Bible study that our doctrine gets lopsided. We need devotional study of the Bible as well as topical. By “devotional”, I mean reading through the Bible. It is easy to fall in the trap of only reading the highlighted parts of your Bible. First, this leads to pride, because if you only study what you do know you lose sight of how much you do not know.  Secondly, (which leads us to our next point) in reading only your favorite “bread box” scriptures you lose sight of what he was talking about in the context of the chapter and book as well as in the light of the rest of the Bible. We have to learn how to rightly divide the Word of truth. At the time of this writing, the national presidential elections are around the corner. There are many sound bites being aired by various news networks. I have noticed that depending on the networks agenda, the sound bites can be arranged in a certain way to paint their view of a certain candidate. The same is true with those who only study their favorite scripture. They use biblical sound bites to push their spiritual agenda and not God’s. We have to draw out of the Bible what God intended not use the Bible to “proof text” what we wanted to believe to start with. (If you think this does not apply to you because you are not a five-fold minister that is not true. Ephesians 4 says the five-fold ministry is to equip believers for the work of the ministry. Every believer is called to the ministry of reconciliation.) A good example of misusing the scripture is taken from the following scripture.

 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

John 12:32 NKJV

 I have heard it taught, using this passage as a proof-text, to prove that if we lift up Jesus in praise then all peoples will be drawn to Him. Yet, if we read just one verse later we get clarity

This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

John 12:33 NKJV

The “lifting up” spoken of in verse 32 according to verse 33 is His death on the cross. Therefore, when Jesus was lifted up on the cross we were identified with Him in the mind of God and sin’s justices were paid in the high court of heaven.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Galatians 2:20 NKJV

You see although praise is important, that is not what that passage is talking about.

The second reason preparation in ministry is important, is the development of character. We need to have our character developed so that when we are promoted it blesses us and does not destroy us.  Paul says that maturity is a qualifier for ministry.

not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

1 Timothy 3:6 NKJV

 How is our character developed for ministry? It is developed through faithfully serving a man of God in the context of the local church.

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,

1 Timothy 1:12 NKJV

 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV

Many young ministers are trying to “break into” the ministry. The key to promotion and enabling in ministry is faithfully serving in the local church.  Faithfulness is key to promotion and greater anointing. Elisha served Elijah and received an impartation. Timothy served Paul. Joshua served Moses. Philip, in the Book of Acts, started out as a deacon waiting tables and was promoted to being an evangelist mightily used by God. Now, you cannot be an evangelist just because you serve, you have to be called. However, to be released in your calling you have to be faithful. The greater your calling, the greater the amount of character development needed through preparation and service.

This has been a challenge for me over the years.  I have been much like our wood cutting friend who saw his friend chopping down trees while he was still sharpening his ax. I have seen people in ministry a shorter amount of time than myself pastoring churches and doing other things that makes it seem like I am being passed up, especially when they make their verbal jabs at you to make them feel superior. However, I know I am being prepared and cannot compare myself to others and I must run the race set before me.

For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

2 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV

 All they are doing, of course, is to measure themselves by their own standards or by comparisons within their own circle, and that doesn’t make for accurate estimation, you may be sure.

2 Corinthians 10:12 J. B. Phillips

 But in all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point.

2 Corinthians 10:12 Message

 Our destiny comes in seed form. Although it starts small, as we are faithful it will grow to fruition.

Does anyone dare despise this day of small beginnings? They’ll change their tune when they see Zerubbabel setting the last stone (of the temple) in place!”

Zechariah 4:10 Message

2.    Love Prepares.

As our main text illustrates, wisdom and preparation are inseparably linked. Too many Christians are reactive rather than proactive. If you move with God, you will always be ahead of the enemy and circumstances of life. There is much teaching (as there should be) on healthy marriage relationships. However it amazes me how little emphasis there has been in the preparation phases leading up to marriage. So we with a “dull ax” are trying to cut back opposition and hold together marriages that if there had been proper preparation would have cost a lot less time, energy and pain.

 It is the nature of unrenewed man to worship the creation more than the creator and by doing so we exchange the truth of God for a lie.

They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

Romans 1:25 NIV

Does Paul mean we tell a lie? No. In my opinion, it means we believe a lie. For example, we are created social creatures so much so that losing your right to fellowship was a means of correction in the New Testament church. However, in some circles, the creation (social need) gets elevated above God and the purpose for which He created it and things get out of whack. The purpose for fellowship in the context of the local church should be to strengthen our relationship for the purpose of bringing unity and harmony that will in return strengthen our prayer and worship. Also, we are to come together to glean understanding from each other. You will never live long enough to learn everything on your own. That is why we are the Body of Christ. However, in some church circles the social has rose to preeminence to the point of carnality. If my flesh likes your flesh we have a basis for fellowship, if it does not I reject you. I am not talking about in a sexual context, but rather the basis for fellowship being carnal fleshly interest that may not be bad within themselves rather than a spiritual connection. The Word of God is also never mentioned in these carnal relationships, because if I listen to someone else it might imply they know something I do not (Newsflash, they probably do). In so doing we believe that we are doing what the Bible says and having unity. It is, however, a counterfeit unity and therefore you believe a lie to be true.

The same is true in relationships. The following example is some of the most ignored wisdom of God in the Bible.

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV

 God instituted marriage and said it was good. However, some have elevated and worshipped being married above God the creator of marriage and it results in shipwreck. God said do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. Yet week after week in our churches across America another young man or woman brings some unsaved person of the opposite sex into the church with them and sit on the back row because they do not understand what is going on (of course they don’t they are lost).  If that person is a coworker that you brought to church then that is wonderful. These people however are bringing them as a potential mate! They believe the lie (remember Paul said that is what we do when we worship the creation more than the creator) that they can change that person. The truth is, however, the person they are before you marry them is the best they will ever be. If you feel like someone who is not saved is to be your mate then wait and pray for him or her. However, you should not go into a rebellious relationship with them cutting them and you off from the very grace of God to move in their life.  Much like our wood cutting friend they see friends of theirs getting married and their life seems to be blissful. In addition, they have aunt Nellie asking them at every family function when they are going to get married.  So they succumb to the pressure, reject the Word, marry the person, and spend years in counseling that could have been spared through the preparation of doing the Word in the first place.

Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, Because he willingly walked by human precept (rules of action or conduct).

Hosea 5:11 NKJV

 Brutal Ephraim is himself brutalized— a taste of his own medicine!
He was so determined to do it his own worthless way.

Hosea 5:11 Message

 I also believe that “unequally yoked” extends beyond saved and unsaved. If you believe speaking in tongues is a valid New Testament experience and you marry someone who believes they are of the devil, then you are unequally yoked.  Unbelief comes in many forms. If you do not believe in divine healing you are an unbeliever on that level whether or not you are saved. Remember that when you choose a mate you are also choosing a parent for your children. If they come from a denomination that rejects the biblical truth of divine healing and health then who will agree with you when your children are sick?

“Woe (great sorrow and distress) to the rebellious children,” says the LORD “Who take counsel, but not of Me, 
 And who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, That they may add sin to sin; 
      

 Who walk to go down to Egypt (who is a type of the world system), And have not asked My advice, To strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, And to trust in the shadow of Egypt! 
      

  Therefore the strength of Pharaoh 
Shall be your shame, 
And trust in the shadow of Egypt 
Shall be your humiliation.

Isaiah 30:1-3 NKJV

 Therefore shall the strength and protection of Pharaoh turn to your shame, and the refuge in the shadow of Egypt be to your humiliation and confusion.

Isaiah 30:3 Amplified

 In addition, on a more practical level, if a man says that he loves a woman then he prepares.

I (Jesus) go to prepare a place for you.

 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

John 14:2-4 NKJV

 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,

Ephesians 5:25 NKJV

 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:2 NKJV

 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.

2 Corinthians 11:2 NIV

 For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:2 NLT

 When we harmonize these passages, we realize that Christ love for us is the pattern of true love that should exist between a man and a wife. Jesus said He goes to prepare a place for us. I am amazed at how many boys (the omission of the word “men” here was deliberate) will ask a girl to marry them without a home, job, or ambition to get either. That is not love. If you are in love, you will give yourself for her. Love will not take a girl out of a home where she is cared and provided for without providing for her. He is actually lusting her. Lust desires to get at the expense of others. Love, on the other hand, desires to give at the expense of self. So ladies if that dude loves you he will have a j-o-b.  Before God gave Adam a wife, He gave him a job. When he did not cover and take care of his wife, he then lost his job.

In addition, if a guy walks in love he will establish himself by getting an education before getting into a relationship to start with. Much like the man with the dull ax, relationships struggle and have to put forth more effort because of a lack of preparation (sharpening your ax).

3.    Keeping Sharp Through 
Spiritual Preparation.

 As I said earlier, many Christians are reactive rather than proactive. They react to problems as they arise rather than preparing ahead of time. The same people who will not drive across town to go to a church to teach them how to walk in divine health will drive a hundred miles to get treatment once they get sick. Some will refuse to give God ten percent and yet will give the credit card company fifteen percent to catch up their finances because they are laboring under a curse from robbing God.

  “ Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me!  But you say, ‘ In what way have we robbed You?’  In tithes and offerings.

  You are cursed with a curse,  For you have robbed Me,  Even this whole nation.

  Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,  That there may be food in My house,  And try Me now in this,”   Says the LORD of hosts,  “ If I will not open for you the windows of heaven  And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.

   “ And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”  Says the LORD of hosts;

   And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,”  Says the LORD of hosts.

Malachi 3:8-10 NKJV

 They say they have no time to read the Word of God and yet they can tell you a blow-by-blow account of the entire career of their favorite sports star or who was voted off the Island last week. I am not criticizing sports or entertainment but they had better not be your top priority. The amount of time spent in church three times a week is not as big of an investment as dying early.

With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.”

Psalm 91:16 NKJV

 Be proactive and not reactive. Seek the Lord and He will tell you what preparations you need to make to stay sharp and to be ahead of any problems that may arise.

3. Faithfulness (Fidelity)

Jesus sums up my entire reason for writing this series in Matthew 23:23, “You Pharisees and teachers are show-offs, and you’re in for trouble! You give God a tenth of the spices from your garden, such as mint, dill, and cumin. Yet you neglect the more important matters of the Law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. These are the important things you should have done, though you should not have left the others undone either.” It’s faithfulness in every area—not just your money, but your lifestyle as well.

God promises in Judges 2:1, “I will never break my covenant with you” If every person who married in the last fifty years said those words and meant them, where would our country be today? You fill in the blank this time. To love the Lord is to be faithful to him (reread the previous on love section if necessary). Remember this isn’t a human covenant. It’s a Covenant between God and man, which means God’s portion is always enforced; yours, on the other hand is completely up to you. Romans 3:3-4 states, “What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar.” Additionally, look at the following verse:

But then they would flatter him with their mouths, lying to him with their tongues; their hearts were not loyal to him,  they were not faithful to his covenant. Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath. –Psalm 78:36-38

The Israelites again had been unfaithful to God. But after it was all said and done, God still continued to keep the covenant He made with Israel because of Abraham. Those of you who have been betrayed in marriage know how it feels when someone you love has betrayed you. Being unfaithful to God hurts him the same way because He loves you. The Bible tells us that He loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). Everlasting sounds like faithfulness to me. In fact, Psalm 85:10 says that love and faithfulness meet together—they help a covenant last. Paul explained the consequences of abusing God’s faithfulness in Romans 8:12-14, “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Life in the Spirit is an act of fidelity to God’s covenant. Every time you are unfaithful to God, a part of you dies. Also, according to Hebrews 6:5-7, you re-crucify Christ. The Message says it best:

Once people have seen the light, gotten a taste of heaven and been part of the work of the Holy Spirit, once they’ve personally experienced the sheer goodness of God’s Word and the powers breaking in on us—if then they turn their backs on it, washing their hands of the whole thing, well, they can’t start over as if nothing happened. That’s impossible. Why, they’ve re-crucified Jesus! They’ve repudiated him in public!

Treat God and His Covenant just as you would a faithful loving spouse—be faithful to Him in everything.

4. Security

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.—Isaiah 32:18

There’s a classic film in which a beautiful woman was trying to nab a wealthy husband. When the father of the prospective groom confronted her, the reply she gave was quite intelligent. Why does a father seek financial security for his daughter when helping her choose a spouse, but when a woman does the same for herself, she’s considered a gold digger—touché! God’s covenant offers not only financial security (wealth), but actual security (protection from harm, danger, famine and disease). That’s more than the most wonderful spouse could ever give anyone.

Imagine being the true son or daughter of a King, or of the President. I mean really, would you be worried about your financial security or your personal safety? Well if you are a child of God who walks in covenant with Him, you should be financially secure and your secret service agents (angels) are protecting you twenty four seven!

Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will live safely in the land. Then the land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and live there in safety.

—Leviticus 25:18-19

This exemplifies both types of security. So why aren’t all Christians wealthy? Why are some Christians seemingly experiencing just as much trouble as everyone else? Notice these verses always mention obedience to The Covenant in them. It is an offer of security. Every American can be wealthy and so can every Christian. Just as every American is free to choose, so are Christians. If you are fully committed to God’s Covenant and some hardship occurred, your ability to handle it would be far greater because of your connection to God. This lasting Covenant ensures financial and physical security. God is offering this to everyone who participates fully in His Covenant.

5. and 6. Reciprocity and Benefits

I decided to combine these two because I believe they go hand in hand like love and trust. Jesus explains reciprocity clearly in John 15:7-8, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Basically, you do something for God, and God does something for you—that’s reciprocity or a mutual exchange (although God ALWAYS gives us way more in return). For instance, if my husband barbecues, I promise to clean up the mess. This is one of the important intangibles of a lasting covenant. Both parties equally give and receive. Just remain in Him, let His Word remain in you, and bear fruit that will last. In return, you get your heart’s desire!

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits… —Psalm 68:19

Surely you don’t believe in the free lunch or something for nothing ideal. Those of us who are married (even those who intend to be) did so expecting certain benefits. These are pleasures that just come with the agreement. God’s Covenant, just like marriage, comes with certain benefits. Psalm 103 lists forgiveness, healing, protection, love, tender mercy, guidance and satisfaction of your heart’s desires, and the renewal of your youth as benefits. Are you kidding me?! This is the kind of Covenant that can and does last eternally. It’s The Covenant of God.

For additional study on these topics we offer the following scriptures and resources:

Faithfulness

Deuteronomy 7:9—Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

Psalm 25:10—All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.

1 Corinthians 1:9—God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Galatians 3:9—So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

Hebrews 10:23—Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

1 John 1:9—If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Security

Psalm 23; Psalm 91

Proverbs 14:26—In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Isaiah 49:25—But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

Deuteronomy 33:12—About Benjamin he said: “Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.”

Hebrews 6:19—We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

Reciprocity and Benefits

Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15

Deuteronomy 28:1-14

Psalm 34; Psalm 37

Proverbs 3

1 John 5

Practical teaching on The Covenant

http://www.kcm.org/real/index.php?p=finances_plan_01

http://www.kcm.org/real-help/article/keep-door-faith-open

God made a vow to us, He sent His Son (The Word) as a symbol of His unending love, and sealed it in Christ’s blood—it’s called The Covenant of God. And, just as in marriage, you and I have a part to play. Why do people have a problem with this? Misinformation on this topic has caused intimidation, ignorance and lack of every kind. Trying to live the Christian life without fully participating in The Covenant is like being in an unstable marriage. You can have all the pieces in place, but disobedience or ignorance in just one area can sabotage your life and leave a door open for the enemy.

The Covenant and The Blessing have been presented to us at CovenantBlessing.com in such a practical way, that we were impressed to use this media outlet and our gifts to share the simplicity of this Good News. I invite you to continue reading and allow me to explain what makes a lasting covenant by comparing God’s Covenant to the covenant of marriage. This is certainly an easy metaphor as the Lord is the bridegroom and the church is the bride. The wonderful news is that unlike a human marriage, God can not and will not ever break His Covenant (Numbers 23:19; Psalm 89:34; Titus 1:2). The Covenant is not a yoke of bondage; it’s a multifaceted, irrevocable liberating bond between the immortal God and mankind. Just as marriage is not meant to entrap, but to allow two people to freely express their love and enhance one another’s lives eternally. I’d like to present, in a practical way, six attributes of a lasting covenant in two articles. The list is as follows:

Six Attributes of a Lasting Covenant

1. Love
2. Trust
3. Faithfulness (Fidelity)
4. Security
5. Reciprocity
6. Benefits

1. Love

God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.—1 John 4:16

Amore. Don’t you just love love? God is Himself the very epitome of love. He doesn’t just possess it, He IS it. What real marriage could start, let alone survive without love? But God’s love, just like His Covenant, goes far beyond human love. God said in Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” His agape love is absolute and unconditional. John 3:16 says that He so loved us that He gave. He knew our state and yet He gave us Christ! Not only that, but as you continue in covenant with God, He continues to show His love by giving—regardless of your mistakes. We show our love for Him simply by believing in Christ and obeying His commands at all times. John wrote in 1 John 5:3, “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands.”

Basically this means that if God say’s do it, do it; if He says don’t, then don’t. He loves us and whatever guidelines the Lord wants us to follow are based on this fact. Just as there are is a certain behavior expected from a loving spouse, there is a certain behavior God expects of us if we claim to love Him. His actions always show His love for us. Do our actions do the same? Do you scoff at the minister when he or she says, “Forgive the one who misused you.” Is it difficult for you to love your spouse even though he’s no longer making six figures? Are you having difficulty continuing to tithe since you’ve started making six figures? Love for God compels you to obey regardless of how you feel, just as love compels you in marriage to do the right things day in and day out.

2. Trust

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”— Psalm 91:2

When you bring the tithe to Christ, who is the mediator our better Covenant and our high priest, you’re saying, “Lord, I trust you to rebuke the devourer in every area of my life, including my finances, health and family.” This lasting Covenant is multifaceted. Just like a successful marriage. You pay the house first. Trust knows that God will open the windows of heaven and pour out so much blessing you won’t have room for it—for only ten percent! How can you trust God with your life, and not your money? Think about all the ways He’s transformed your world. If you still don’t tithe, you don’t trust God; and, you are not getting the full benefits of The Covenant—it’s just that simple.

Bottom line, you can trust God. Trust is reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc. of a person or thing. Just as you earn the trust of your spouse by being trustworthy, so God earns our trust by proving His Covenant time after time. He invites us in Malachi 3:10 to “test” Him with the tithe. We trust God by relying on Him to fulfill us in every way. Nahum wrote, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” And even casual Christians know Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Accepting Jesus Christ and entering into this Covenant will change your life forever because it’s built on trust. You can rely on God’s strength, ability and integrity to make your paths straight, heal your body, deliver your children and restore your broken life.

Here are some supplementary verses to reflect on for the first two attributes of a lasting covenant.

Love

Matthew 22:37— Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

John 15:9— “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

Trust

Psalm 37:3— Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Psalm112:7— He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

1 Peter 2:6— For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”

Just as a strong lasting marriage is built on love, trust, faithfulness, security, reciprocity and benefits, so you can build your life in covenant with God. This Covenant is complete, lasting and perfect. Half the work is already done—He’s just waiting on you. Check back soon for part two and the remaining four attributes of a lasting covenant.

For more practical reading on The Covenant, see the following links:

http://www.kcm.org/index.php?p=real_help_content&id=1281

http://www.kcm.org/real/index.php?p=finances_plan_03

http://www.creflodollarministries.org/BibleStudy/StudyNotes.aspx?id=822

http://interactive.creflodollarministries.org/cdma/studynotes_mar112008.aspx

This passage has turned out to be one of the most important passages in my Christian walk. It restores focus. When Jesus rose from the dead, He “disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it (the cross or redemption)” (Colossians 2:15 NKJV). Therefore, now the only device the devil has is deception rooted in fear. One way this deception manifested is through broken focus.

that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,

Ephesians 4:14 NKJV

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 10:10 NKJV

The way many thieves, con artists, and illusionist work is by diversion. They get you watching one hand while picking your pocket with the other. They also might wave their hand elaborately while palming something in the other. It is all about diversion. If the devil can get you focused on the wrong thing, your broken focus will allow him to steal, kill, and destroy in your life. We see one example of this in the book of Acts. In Acts Chapter one the disciples were discussing the replacement of the one fallen disciple Judas. He had hanged himself over the guilt of betraying Jesus (there is a lesson in that but for another time). However, I want to focus one phrase.

And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem…

Acts 1:19 NKJV

Notice there was only one disciple who failed and did not repent. Yet, the only one CNN wanted to report on is the one who fell. Eleven out of twelve persevered yet no cover story in the New York Post, (or the Israeli Post). Why is that? Diversion, no doubt is the reason.

The secret things belongs to the Lord our God….

If the secret things belong to the Lord our God, the first thing we must do is find out what the secret things are. First, let us discuss what they are not. Many use passages like these for an excuse for spiritual laziness. They say, “Well, brother, we just never know what God is going to do. However, we’ll understand it in the sweet by and by when we all die or fly. ‘Til then we’ll just cry because all we can do is try.” Let us look at a few passages that people have twisted to justify ignorance of the will of God.

But as it is written: “ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?”

1 Corinthians 2:9, 16 NKJV

This scripture turns up a lot at funerals. This implies that the departed will finally get a grasp on God’s purpose. I got news for you. Those who have gone on to heaven or to hell for that matter, does not need to know God’s purpose. Those who have gone to heaven will no longer have a spiritual renegade (the devil) to contend with and resist. Those who have gone to hell have no more use for the knowledge of God because it is too late to do anything with it. We need spiritual insight here and now to know what to submit to and what to resist.

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

James 4:7 NKJV

The thing that aggravates me so much about the traditional view of these passages in 1 Corinthians is the fact that no additional study is required to get insight into them. You do not have to crack open a concordance or study a commentary on the historical significance (although I have no problem with either of those). You merely just have to read one more passage in the case of both scriptures.

“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NKJV

When you see the word “but” it negates everything said before. In other words “Eye has not seen …” was true for Old Testament believers but not for us. They did not have the New Birth or fullness of the Holy Spirit the way we know it. So “God has revealed” is the “punch line” not “Eye has not seen”.

For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:16 NKJV

In our last example, you have to move on to verse ten to get insight. In verse sixteen, you do not even have to go to the next verse and people still do not get it. They stand up all sour faced and say, “For who has known the mind of the Lord…halleluyer.” Once again, I turn your attention to the word “but” in the same passage, (I cannot stress that enough). In the Old Testament, they did not know the mind of the Lord, but we have the mind of Christ. Now that we have determined what the “secret things” are not, let us look at some examples of “secret things”.

1. The reason someone did not receive something from the Word of God is a secret thing.

This takes us back to diversion (you thought I had forgotten about that, didn’t you). Many times over the years when I broached the subject of divine healing, I have had someone say, “Well, Aunt Sookie believed in divine healing and she died”. Others, even if they do not vocalize it, when they believe for their healing their mind is bombarded with incidents of those who professed divine healing and died anyway. This is Satan’s diversion at work. The devil will get you so busy chasing secret things that you lose sight of what God has revealed. “Lord, why did so-in-so die?” Frankly, it is none of our business why they did not receive. Chances are the Lord will never reveal it to us in this life. We need to focus on what God has revealed.

“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever…

Deuteronomy 29:29 NKJV

Therefore, anything revealed to us in the Word will not “pass away” as some attest, but belong to us and our children forever. We have to be adamant about our Covenant benefits in Christ. We have to decide if no one else walks in the benefits of redemption; it is still available to us and our children.

A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you.

Psalm 91:7 NKJV

We live in a nation of statistics. Seven out of Ten die of this. Sixty out of a hundred suffer from that. Brother Keith Moore says someone has to be the ones who do not suffer from it. If seven out of ten, die of this then that means three out of ten never are bothered with it. We have to purpose through the Word of God that we will be the exception and we will walk in divine deliverance.

What has God revealed?

God is not willing any should perish (be lost and go to hell) (2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:3-4).
By the stripes of Jesus we were healed (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24).
God gives us the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).
With long life, God satisfies us (Psalm 91:16).
God’s wisdom (Gr-sophia or the big picture) is available to us (James 1:5).

We have to be so grounded in what God has revealed for us that we will not be shaken by those who did not receive. When you see a lost loved one, claim your covenant right that God is not willing that they should perish. When sickness tries to attack your body, do not think of those who did not make it but latch hold of “By His stripes I was healed”! If your bank account reads double zeros, do not focus on the family member, friend, or acquaintance that went down the drain financially. Boldly declare, “God gives me the power to get wealth”! “I am a tither therefore the devourer is rebuked for my sake”! When you read in the newspaper or see on the news about a fatality and the devil whispers, “see, that guy was your age or younger, you just never know when it is your time to go”, say, “No, with long life God satisfies me and shows me His salvation”! When you face a difficult situation and you need wisdom (the big picture) say, “although I may not know why Uncle Mortimer may be facing what he is facing, I can know why this attack came upon me and how to get free, because God will give unto me wisdom when I ask in faith”!

2. The reason someone does not receive judgment is a secret thing.

Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.

Psalm 37:1, 7-8 NKJV

Some believers see someone that is not living right and feel cheated because they do not get what is coming to them. First thing, if you want someone to get what is coming to him or your heart is not right and you need to get rid of that attitude. You need to pity someone not walking in line with the Word and intercede for him or her.

The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger.
So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.
Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads,” says the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 22:29-31 NKJV

If you have the attitude that sinners have it better than the righteous, it will hinder God’s provision in your life.

Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?
Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?
And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.

Malachi 3:13 KJV

Can you imagine your words being stout against God? What you say of the Lord will be manifest in your life.

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence.

Psalm 91:2-3 NKJV

According to this passage God’s deliverance in contingent upon what you say of Him. If you focus on the deeds of evildoers, it will cause you to stumble and the same evil tendencies will attempt manifest in your life.

Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped.
For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Psalm 73:1-3 NKJV

Notice Asaph (the writer of this Psalm) tied his attitude to an impure heart. When you are angry with evildoers for not getting what is coming to them you are admitting that you wish you could do the same if there were no negative consequences. Focusing (remember diversion) on what evildoers are doing rather what God has called you to do will take the grace off of your life because it is a manifestation of pride.

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “ God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

James 4:6 NKJV

You must be willing to do the will of God, not just obedient to eat the good of the land.

If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;

Isaiah 1:19 NKJV

Faithfulness to the local church, hearing the word, and partaking of the corporate anointing will safeguard against stumbling at the works of evildoers.

When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me—
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.

Psalm 73:16-17 NKJV

These are not the only secret things but are two of the major ones that rob people of their faith and victory in Christ.

If you enjoyed this article, please see a related video under the video tab of this website.

The following is an example of a paradox.

Christmas will come before New Year’s Day.

New Year’s Day will come before Christmas.

At first glance, this seems like a contradiction. However, both of the aforementioned statements can be true in their respective contexts. From the perspective of our experience, Christmas will always come before New Year’s Day. At the time, I am writing this article it is November 3. So Christmas is fifty-two days away (stay with me, don’t panic). Yet, New Year’s Day is sixty days away. Thus making statement one, a statement of truth. From the perspective of the calendar, however, New Year’s Day will always come before Christmas. Christmas is December 25 and New Year’s Day is January 1. So from the perspective of the calendar New Year’s Day will come three-hundred-sixty days before Christmas! Making statement two true as well.

We can see a Biblical paradox contained in one verse in 2 Corinthians.

while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 New King James Version

We as believers never stop to think how absurd this passage would look if we just looked at it from a natural standpoint. There is something we can see, but do not look at. There is something we cannot see, and you can look at. The “not seen” things, however, in this passage can be seen with the eye of faith on a spiritual plane, although, they cannot be seen with the natural physical eyes. The things that “are seen” are the natural circumstances that are contrary to God’s Word that are subject to change if we don’t focus on them (or “do not look at” them). Thus, the paradox is resolved.

We cannot always readily see Biblical paradoxes in one passage, but we have to examine them topically throughout the whole body of scripture pertaining to the subject. This is how we will explore the paradox of the three levels of God’s presence.

1.     God’ Omni-presence.

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.  If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:7-10 New King James Version

We see from this passage that God’s omni-presence permeates the universe. Everyone experiences this level of God’s presence. No matter who you are or where you go God is there.

2.     God’s Indwelling Presence.

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11 NKJV

Those who have made Jesus the Lord of their lives and are Spirit filled only, experience this second level of God’s presence. The instant we accept Jesus, we are recreated in our spirit man enabling us to receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19 New King James Version

3.     God’s Manifested Presence.

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27 NKJV

The third level of God’s presence is His manifested presence also known as His Glory. This is where God manifests Himself in the seen realm from the unseen.

Now that we have defined the three levels of God’s presence, we can see how they apply in our daily Bible study. There is much division in the body of Christ that I believe stems from a lack of understanding of these three levels.  Please understand, I do not mean to be critical; the whole purpose of this study is restoration.

till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ… Ephesians 4:13 New King James Version

I heard someone express his disapproval of someone praying, “Lord, be with Brother So-In-So”.  His complaint was that Jesus said He would never leave us or forsake us. That is true in His indwelling presence. He is in us whether we feel Him or not. He is also right there in the unseen realm in His omnipresence. I believe however from my experience that when someone prays, “Lord be with them”, they are speaking of God’s manifest presence. If a person is dealing with emotional heaviness, for example, God can manifest Himself as Joy.

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:ll New King James Version

This must be talking about God’s manifest presence. As we have established, God is everywhere. If this were talking about God’s omnipresence, then everyone on earth, including every sinner would be joyful. If this passage was talking about God’s indwelling presence, then every Spirit-filled believer would always be joyful. Have you ever known a grumpy Christian? Have you had a “bad hair day” since you were saved and Spirit filled, (you don’t have to answer that).

If someone has experienced loss in some area, God can manifest Himself in comfort.

Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. Acts 9:31 New King James Version

But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 1 Corinthians 14:3 New King James Version

We can discern from the passage in 1 Corinthians 14:3 that God is speaking of His manifested presence. Because prophecy itself is referred to as one way God manifests Himself.

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 1 Corinthians 12:7 New King James Version

Note the word “manifestation”. The Greek Word translated “manifestation” in the New King James is the word “phanerso”.  It means to shine forth or to manifest in exhibition and expression.

Prosperity also is a result of God’s manifested presence.

The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite three months. And the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his household.
Now it was told King David, saying, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness. 2 Samuel 6:10-12 New King James Version

And God prospered Obed-Edom and his entire household. Message

The ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament represented God’s manifest presence.

The LORD reigns;Let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim (on top of the Ark of the Covenant); Let the earth be moved! Psalm 99:1 New King James Version

Healing is also in God’s manifest presence.

Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Luke 5:17 New King James Version

These are just a few benefits that flow from God’s manifest presence.

I have also heard ministers criticize people who refer to us “coming into the presence of God.”  Also, “let’s invite the presence of the Lord into this service.” (To eliminate this concept you must throw out volumes of scripture, especially in the Psalms. Psalm 100 just to name one. Be careful about doctrines that take precedent over the written Word of God).  They contend that God is everywhere, why would you come into His presence or invite His presence. Another minister, when a prayer was offered to invite God’s presence, replied, “He came in when I came in. He is in me!”  Not realizing that although God is everywhere and in us, His manifest presence is not automatic. There are churches all over the country filled with Spirit filled believers, but it is painfully apparent that God’s manifest presence is nowhere near there. It is as if they have a “Do not disturb” sign hung on the door to God.

Just for illustration purposes, I will refer you to the Christmas/New Year’s paradox mentioned earlier. It would be silly for people to fight over whether Christmas or New Year’s Day came first. The people at the “First Church of Experience” contend that Christmas most definitely comes first. To deny this fact is heresy. Yet across town at the “The Believer’s Fellowship of The Calendar”  they uphold the fact that, contrary to experience, the calendar says that New Year’s Day is first and that is good enough for us. I know this sounds silly but it is the same as arguing over the way people refer to the presence of God.

So how do we get the manifested presence of God in operation? There are many principles, but I believe the greatest key is in Psalm 22.

But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3

So if you want to get God’s manifest presence in your life, determine to be a person of praise. Both individually and corporately, when we praise we can expect God’s manifest presence to come forth in demonstration.

indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying: “For He is good,  For His mercy endures forever,”   that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God. 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 New King James Version

²¹ And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”– Luke 4:16-19,21 NKJV

There are many great lessons of faith that we can glean from this passage of scripture and volumes of great teachings taken from this text. I want primarily to focus on how Jesus found himself in the Word of God. Since Jesus was our example, there are principles from His life and ministry that will help us find ourselves in the Word also.

The first key to finding ourselves in the Word is not on the surface in this passage but comes from history. Many assume since Jesus deliberately turned to what we now know as Isaiah 61, that He was acting independently. I assumed for years that Jesus turned there for no other reason than as a text for a sermon. However, the truth is the scripture reading in the synagogue in those days was very structured. There were certain scripture passages that were to be read on certain days. So the Father God worked it out by divine providence that Jesus read that particular scripture on that day! You may be thinking, “That is interesting, I guess. But, what does that have to do with me?”  The principle I want to draw from our example, the Lord Jesus, is also our first key.

*You will never miss God by submitting to the leadership, especially the Pastor, in the local church.*

Not submitting to leadership takes many forms. Some think it is not necessary to go through any proving period the local church requires before getting to serve.  You may say, “I already know everything in that foundational class that the church requires. I need to be about preaching to the multitudes.”  The point is not what you know or do not know. It is do you have the humility to submit to the protocol laid down by church leadership. It is, after all, the humble that get the grace.

⁶ But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud,  But gives grace to the humble.”- James 4:6 NKJV

¹⁰ But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. – I Corinthians 15:10 NKJV

We will never know who we are apart from God’s grace that increases through exercising humility.

² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.- Romans 5:2 NKJV

We cannot stand apart from God’s grace.

Others may say, “I can play the guitar a whole lot better than Brother Doo-didley. Why can’t I get on the platform? I’ve been here three whole weeks.” The very fact that you have that attitude proves you are not ready to serve in the local church. You are serving your own agenda not the agenda of the Kingdom of God expressed through the local church.

The truth is that God will often test your character. Don’t get me wrong, God does not send calamity, sickness and car wrecks to teach us. Nevertheless, sometimes, He will seem to promote someone you think is less qualified than yourself so you can see what is in your heart. The Holy Spirit spoke to me a while back and said, “Any chance to exercise humility is good for you” (It was not what I wanted to hear but it is true nonetheless).  Proving time in the local church, be it through time or a foundational class, also gives you a chance to catch the vision of that particular local body. It is important that all the members of that local body say the same thing.

¹⁰But I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments.- I Corinthians 1:10 Amplified.

*See yourself doing the works of Jesus.*

The second key to finding yourself in the Word of God is to look at what Jesus did. Many people who have bracelets that say W.W.J.D. (What would Jesus Do for those of you who have been vacationing on Mars the last 20 years or so) have a very limited view of that concept. They see doing what Jesus did as simply being good to your neighbor and not stealing his mule. We should be good to our neighbor and love one another. However, there is more to W.W.J.D. than just not being mean. We are to do the works Jesus did in His earthly ministry.

¹² “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. ¹³ And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.- John14:12 NKJV

I know this is hard on religious thinking. But, as John Osteen used to say, if the Word of God rubs the cat the wrong way, let the cat turn around. This is Jesus. He will not have to give an account to himself for idle words (Matthew 12:36). When Jesus says “most assuredly”, that is big. Many Christians make the mistake of worshiping the works of Jesus. We are to worship the person of Jesus while demonstrating and duplicating the works of Jesus. Others believe that Jesus did the works He did because He was the Son of God. Yet Philippians 2:7 lets us know that Jesus emptied Himself of all His divine privileges in His earthly ministry.

⁷ but made Himself of no reputation (mar- emptied Himself of His privileges), taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. -Philippians 2:7 NKJV

⁷But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. -Philippians 2:7 Amplified Bible

⁷but did empty himself, the form of a servant having taken, in the likeness of men having been made,-Philippians 2:7 Young’s Literal Translation

Although Jesus never ceased being God, He willfully laid aside His divine privileges and operated as a man anointed by the Holy Spirit. Jesus was totally dependant upon the Father and the Holy Spirit in His earthly ministry.

³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.-Acts 10:38 NKJV

¹⁹ Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.- John 5:19 NKJV

Jesus demonstrated the faith life through His earthly ministry then died and rose again in redemption so that the faith life can now be duplicated in millions rather than just one man. The Book of Acts chronicles Jesus’ followers doing the works of Jesus. We are to be a continuation of the Book of Acts.

*Find yourself in the New Testament Epistles.*

Thirdly, you need to find yourselves in the New Testament epistles (letters) (Romans to Jude). You need to understand that the New Testament is written to us. It is a handbook for New Testament life.

Many times at shopping malls or amusement parks, you come across these large maps to help you get where you want to go. There is usually an arrow pointing to a certain spot on the map with a caption saying, “You are here.”  I used to look around suspiciously as if to say, “How do they know where I am. They must be watching me.” (I’m being a little silly but stick with me it will turn out all right.) Then later my lightening fast reasoning figured out that if I am reading that sign, then I must be standing there. The same is true concerning the New Testament. If you are born again and you are reading the New Testament then you are in those promises. You are In Christ and therefore rightful heir to everything promised in those letters.

⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.- John15:7 NKJV

¹⁸ But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.-   II Corinthians 3:18 NKJV

¹⁸And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.- II Corinthians 3:18 Amplified

*Find yourself in the Old Testament.*

Fourthly, we need to learn to find ourselves in the Old Testament. Now, don’t let me lose you now. We’ve made it this far. Some New Testament believers think that the Old Testament has nothing to offer them. It is just good history that gets us to the important stuff. Others believe that it only applies to the Hebrew race and we Gentiles are left out.

Let us let the Bible speak for itself. First, consider the initial call of Abraham, through whom God initiated the Old Covenant.

¹ Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.  ² I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.  ³ I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” –Genesis 12:1-3 NKJV

See, that verse was sounding very Jewish to start with, (“I will make you a great nation”) but then he brings us in with “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed”. Therefore, God’s blessing coming to all families was God’s plan from the beginning. This principle is also illustrated in how God built Abraham’s mental image.

¹⁷ blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. Genesis 22:17 NKJV

I always assumed that both the stars and the sand represented the same truth. According to *Kevin Connor, the sand represents Abraham’s natural, earthly seed and the stars represents his heavenly seed.

*Interpreting Types and Symbols, Kevin Connor

The heavenly seed is you and I who are born again.

³Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!” John 3:3 Contemporary English Version

In Christ, we have a right to claim all the promises of the Old Testament.

¹³ Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), ¹⁴ that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

²⁹ And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.-Galatians 3:13-14,29 NKJV

According to this passage, we have the right to claim all the blessings of the Old Testament and none of the curses!

¹⁶ Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law (Abraham’s natural descendants), but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all ¹⁷ (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”)… Romans 4:16-17 NKJV

²⁰ For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.-II Corinthians 1:20 NKJV

*Finding your assignment*

Finally, I want to discuss finding yourself in the Word of God relative to God’s specific will for your life. Up to this point, we have talked about God’s general will for every believer. It is God’s will for every believer to be born-again, healed, prospered and victorious. This falls under God’s general will. How do we find what God has called us to do specifically in the Word of God? The first clue is desire.

⁴ Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.-Psalm 37:4 NKJV

When you are reading the Bible what passages strike a strong desire in you? That is a clue to what God has called you to do. I remember as a new believer listening to Bible on cassette (now I’ve dated myself). I used to get great joy listening to Jesus correcting the flakey doctrine of the Pharisees and building a scriptural defense from the Word of God. That was a signpost pointing me in the direction God was taking me in ministry. Much of the way I minister is apologetic. That is not to say I apologize for what I believe, but it is a term we get from I Peter 3:15.

¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;- I Peter 3:15 NKJV

The word “defense” in this passage (translated “answer” in the original King James) is the Greek word “apologion” which simply means to offer a verbal defense for what you believe. So, the passage that brought me joy and made me say “I want to do that” was one way I found myself in the Word. What scriptures bring you joy and sparks you to action?

²⁰ For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.-Ecclesiastes 5:20 NKJV

²⁰For he shall not much remember [seriously] the days of his life, because God [Himself] answers and corresponds to the joy of his heart [the tranquility of God is mirrored in him].-Ecclesiastes 5:20 Amplified

True contentment comes from doing what God calls you to do. If you are discontented, seek God and make sure you did not get off course.

The Second clue is anger. According to Mike Murdock, whatever angers you is what you are assigned to correct.  I get angry when I read about Korah, Dathan, and Abiram in Numbers 16. They rose up against Moses in rebellion. It angers me because I see so many people shipwreck themselves because they rebel against spiritual authority. This anger points to the fact that God has put a hunger in my heart to encourage believers to stay faithful to the local church and submit themselves to a pastor.

The third clue is the thing that grieves you. Whatever grieves you (also from Mike Murdock) is what God has assigned you to heal. I get grieved when I read Hosea 4:6 that God’s people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. So that points to my desire to teach. I also get grieved when Jesus sees the people scattered like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). This points me to the fact that I desire to see those who have not heard the faith message to hear it. What grieves you?

Review: Steps to finding yourself in the Word.

1. Submit yourself to a man of God in the context of the local church.
2. See yourself in Jesus’ earthly ministry.
3. See yourself in the Epistles (letters) to the churches.
4. See yourself in the Old Testament.
5. Find your divine assignment by finding biblical accounts that bring you joy and make you say, “I want to do that”.

These last few days in the devotional have been like that for me. I can sense where it’s going and feel that I’ve almost got it in my grasp, then, I get my mind involved and it’s gone. The connection just withers away when my mind starts grinding away on the meaning. As an example, he give the following scripture:

“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:10)

He explains that the “dying of the Lord” is the dying to desire. Even Jesus experienced this dying to self when He faced the cross: “if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” (Matthew 26:39) but he followed it up in the next moment with his divine nature: “Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Like so many great men of God, Mr. Wigglesworth conveys the truth in a practical way, yet, he’s coming from such a place of spiritual maturity. The solution is simple, yet, it’s so easy to miss when I start thinking about it. Here it is: “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)

If I could only get myself out of the way, how do I do that? The answer is staring at me right in the face, if I’ll only reach out with my spirit and grab it. Let’s approach it from another angle:

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Are you seeing it? “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus”…where is your focus today?

I started Creflo Dollar’s 21 Day Change Experience this morning, and I’m so glad that I did. It starts with an introduction by Dr. Dollar, which explains a little of what the Change Experience is about. There are three areas to choose from: Family and Relationships, Finances, and Spiritual Growth. The sign up was quick and easy allowing you to start right after completing a form with your name, address, etc.

I completed the first lesson this morning in about 15 minutes. It begins with a quick video. Then, there is a small devotional with a question at the end. A really interesting feature, is the option to listen song samples from a CD while you complete your devotional. I chose this option this morning and will most likely do this again. The music was soothing and uplifting at the same time.

Everything you need to usher you into a nice quiet time with God is right at your fingertips on the screen. There are other tabs on the page. One of those tabs allow you to see a map of others around the world who are currently doing the Change Experience. It is really comforting knowing that you’re not alone. One of the coolest features is the journal, which e-mails you the notes you took during the devotional when you are finished. It doesn’t save them on the server, which I personally like.

I’m definitely looking forward to tomorrow to see what’s next.

Here’s the website: MyChangeExperience.com

—Excerpt from the International Association for Suicide Prevention’s (IASP) website http://www.iasp.info/wspd/index.php

When dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts, it is necessary in many cases to present the case that life matters. Most importantly, your life matters. Sometimes, getting back on track (specifically after tragedy or loss) takes more aggressive actions. World Suicide Prevention Day is one day prior to 9/11. The emotions evoked by just mentioning that should encourage you to fight for your life or the life of your loved one. If you need to professional help, I urge you to seek it out immediately. Call someone you trust if you don’t know where to start, or contact us here at CovenantBlessing.com and we will gladly assist you in finding the necessary help in your region.

Christianity is a lifestyle of liberation. Galatians 5:1 tells us that it is for freedom that Christ set us free. God created man as an eternal being—yes you are eternal! We should be striving for a minimum of 120 years here on Earth (Genesis 6:3). The Word contains more than 6,000 promises, and how could you possibly experience them all in an abbreviated lifespan. Don’t let negative circumstances depress you, or Satan deceive you into taking your own life. You can get out of debt, live after loss and redeem yourself after a mistake, but you can’t come back after death. Christ died on the cross for you so you could live in freedom and abundance (John 10:10).

David expressed it wonderfully in Psalm 115:16-18:The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to man. It is not the dead who praise the LORD, those who go down to silence; it is we who extol the LORD, both now and forevermore. Praise the LORD.

My own life has had its share of situations that could have and perhaps should have driven me to a breakdown or made me suicidal. But, I knew who I was in Christ and held on for dear life to these four things I knew to be true. My life matters to God and so does yours. Before reading the following reasons, realize that God does not lie and His Word is true. He is more trustworthy than any human being you know. No matter how many times you’ve been let down, He will NEVER let you down.

Reason 1: God has a good plan for your life and He needs YOU

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” are the Words from God in Jeremiah 29:11. You see God knew you before you were born; He, in fact, formed you in the womb (Psalm 139; Jeremiah 1:5). He is the ultimate Father. The eighth chapter of Romans is a wonderful chapter describing this truth. Verse 32 says, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Regardless of your situation, you can begin by personalizing Proverbs 3:5-7. Tell the Lord, “I trust you with all my heart and I will not lean on what I understand. I acknowledge you as head of my life today and ask you to direct my path from this moment forward.” Then you will begin to discover the truth of Ephesians 2:10 and Philippians 2:13. God will be working in you to will and do His good pleasure through good works He prepared in advance for you.

Reason 2: God wants you to enjoy your life and walk in The Blessing of the Lord

Any voice telling you to kill yourself is satanic. My proof comes directly from Christ himself. He told us in John 10:10 that Satan came to kill, steal and to destroy. Jesus also said that Satan has been a murderer from the beginning and that there is no truth in him (John 8:44). So when you hear, “You’re useless. No one loves you, nor will anyone miss you. This situation is so bad that you will never be able to live it down,” shout back, “I rebuke you Satan in the name of Jesus!” This is what Jesus did when Satan tried to drive Him to suicide in Matthew 4. Whip the devil with the Word! God wants us to live out His promises and long enjoy everything we work for (Isaiah 65:22). He richly give us all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17). So don’t think that you’ve gone to a depth so low that God can’t reach. He wants to save you so you can be happy and blessed. Look at this verse from the International Children’s Bible:

So go eat your food and enjoy it. Drink your wine and be happy. It is all right with God if you do this. Put on nice clothes and make yourself look good. Enjoy life with your spouse that you love. Enjoy all the days of your life. Enjoy the work you have to do here one Earth. Whatever work you do, do your best.

Ecclesiastes  9:7-10

Reason 3: Your family and children need you

You may be single and not have children. Or, you may be a teenager. Well, reread the previous paragraph because if God has anything to do with your life, you will be multiplied. God chose Abraham because, “He will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment,” (Genesis 18:19). This was before Abraham had any children. In fact, he was what we would call a senior citizen with a barren wife! So you can’t be any worse off than he was. The Word commands us throughout to teach the commands of God to our children (even if you never had children and are past child bearing, you can bless some young person with Godly wisdom as a parent or grandparent would). Suicide would prevent you from doing your job as a parent. Don’t be fooled—no one can take your place! Sure someone could stand proxy, but the reality is that God ordained you to be your children’s mother or father and your spouse’s mate. Their destiny and yours are wrapped up in eternity. The joy is found as you pursue it together. My husband and I have personally experienced the healing power of God through being the parents God called us to be. Our souls have been (and are still being) mended from things we experienced as children because we chose to live for God, each other and our children. One of my favorite Psalms is 128. It follows:

Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem, and may you live to see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel.

Reason 4: People need you

If any two people ever had reasons to consider suicide, Paul and Joseph did. Paul murdered Christians and stood by while others did the same. And once he was converted, he was persecuted, imprisoned and beaten for Christ. Surely Satan tried to make him feel guilty about his past and depressed about being in prison. Paul, however, said he had to forget what was behind and praise God while imprisoned (Philippians 3:13; Acts 16:25). As for Joseph, the Bible never even records him sinning. Despite this, he was sold into slavery, falsely accused of rape and thrown into prison. At some point during his journey, depression had to attempt to set in. But in both men’s stories, they knew who God was and what He wanted for them. They lived for others, and were tremendously blessed in the process. Because of Paul’s faith in God, 276 people were saved in a shipwreck (Acts 27). More than 70 people came to Egypt (and multiplied) during the famine as a result of Joseph remaining faithful to God (Genesis 46). Countless others will be saved as we all choose life—not just any life, but one lived for the Lord!

Suicide is not the answer to your problem, Jesus Christ is. God has a good plan for your life; He wants you to walk in The Blessing. Your family, children and people who you’ve never met need you to stay alive! Proverbs 3:10 AMP promises that when you obey the commands of God that length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], will be added to you. So if you are experiencing severe depression and/or suicidal thoughts or know someone who is, don’t delay. Seek Godly professional advice. Call a local or national prayer center. Find a Bible based church with activities for people of your age group and get rooted there. Remember World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, 2010. Visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention at www.iasp.info. YOU matter to so many people, but most importantly, YOU MATTER TO GOD!

Be blessed friends, and have the perfect day everyday!

—Shontta