God's Plan And Purpose For Your Life pt.2

We are continuing in the lesson regarding God's plan for your life. Sometimes our lives go in an unexpected direction and the enemy tries to use your situations and circumstances to distract you or sideline you from God's plan for your life.

We are going to look at the life of Joseph and learn some principles for our lives that will keep us from being sidelined from God's plan for our life.

(When you have the opportunity, read Genesis 37 - 50which is the story of Joseph and his family.)

The first principle we are going to look at is that you don't know where your life journey will take you, but God does. You need to have a positive and optimistic attitude. Philippians 4:12-13 AMP & KJV
Regardless of where you are going in life, having a good attitude makes the journey so much better. No one likes to be around someone with a nasty attitude, it doesn't matter what you are going through. Joseph had plenty of opportunities to have a bad attitude based on what he went through. But, he didn't. He stayed positive which allowed God's blessing to work through him wherever he went.

The second principle we will look at is that you cannot allow the enemy to cause you to question God's love for you based on what you are going through. John 16:33; Romans 8:35
Why is it when we go through things that we automatically question God, forgetting that we have an enemy and that people have free will? We have to recognize that we really do have an enemy named Satan. His job description is to steal, kill and destroy. So, when we see things that don't line up with God's Word, we know the enemy is at work and he has to work through people. To blame God when things go wrong is to not understand God's character at all. He is Love and always desires the best for us. John 10:10 AMP

The third principle is when God shows you something in your life, use wisdom and discernment in whom you share it with. Ask God if you should share it at all.Genesis 37:6; Luke 2:19
I know Joseph was excited about the dreams God showed him but, Joseph did not use wisdom in sharing his dreams with his family. Make sure you do use wisdom.

The fourth principle is that you don't have to be in the place of promise in order for people to hate you.Genesis 37:8, 11 The enemy sees the potential in your life and will cause people to envy you.

The fifth and final principle for this lesson is sometimes persecution will come from those we love and care about. Genesis 37:10
We have to be careful to not put people in the place of God. Even those we are related to. Sometimes we give people too much power in our lives and make decisions or live by their opinions or approval. God's opinion is the only one that matters.

God's Plan And Purpose For Your Life Pt.1

God's Plan And Purpose For Your Life

We are going to begin a new lesson dealing with God's plan and purpose for your life. One of the worst things that can happen in people's lives is for them to live life without purpose. So, we are going to examine what God's Word says about His plan and purpose for our lives over the next few months.

God's ultimate plan for your life is to bring the culture of His Heavenly Kingdom here in the earth in partnership with His sons. 

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

You must be born again to be a son of God and to be part of His Kingdom.

Colossians 1:13 "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His Dear Son:"

In order to be part of God's ultimate plan here in the earth, we must be born again. But, our salvation experience is just the beginning.That is part of the problem with many believers. If you are not coming from a Kingdom perspective, you will be stuck with believing that your salvation is the focus for your life. The problem with that is that God did not place us here in the earth just to be saved. He has a plan and purpose for each of our lives that includes the expansion of His Kingdom.

Part of God's plan for your life includes you bringing the culture of Heaven into your area or sphere of influence.

Matthew 6:10 AMP "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

God's plan for you is that wherever you are and whatever you do, that you bring His culture or His way of doing things with you.

The last point for this lesson is the fact that God made you unique for His plan and purpose for your life.

Isaiah 43:7 AMP "Even everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed, whom I have made."

Isaiah 49:1 AMP "Listen to me, O isles and coastlands, and hearken, you peoples from afar. The Lord has called me from the womb; from the body of my mother He has named my name."

Jeremiah 1:5 AMP "Before I formed you in the womb i knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Whatever the plan or calling God has for your life, He made you unique and specially equipped for whatever your assignment is. You are special and God put you here on purpose.

Being Delivered From A Religious Mindset pt.3

For the past two months, we have looked at being delivered from a religious mindset and specifically at the steps we can take to be delivered.

This month, we are looking at how to know if we are dealing with a religious spirit.

I have discovered that sometimes you can be blind to a thing until God's Word reveals a truth to you regarding the thing that you were blind to. When we are dealing with people, sometimes we can be too close to a situation to be able to see it properly. So, when I give you these three examples of how to know if you are dealing with a religious spirit, don't be surprised if someone close to you in your life is described.

The first example of how to know if you are dealing with a religious spirit is if the person tries to manipulate you with their words or tries to twist your words. Matthew 22:15-46; 4:1-11 I consider manipulation to be a form of witchcraft. Don't allow yourself to be manipulated by anyone's persuasive words, the twisting of your words or being guilt ridden.

The second example is if the person is given to change. James 1:6-8 AMP verse 8 "[For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides]". If you are being led in ministry or in your family or even your workplace by someone who is given to change, you will not see progress in that area of your life because God cannot trust a person with anything when they are unstable. I see a lot of people who do things religiously but do not have a personal conviction or who lack integrity in their personal lives. Stick with people who have a conviction and actually live what they believe and say.

The last example I will share is if a person is disobedient to God's Word in an area of their life, but hard on other people in other areas. Matthew 7:3-5; Luke 6:41-42 If you focus on what God is showing you that you need to change in your life, you won't have time to be critical of others in their lives.

A great way to avoid religious spirits and to make sure you don't become religious is to keep God's purpose, His Kingdom and His righteousness first in your life. So much of the activity that people are involved in has nothing to do with God's Kingdom purpose for their lives. Matthew 6:33
Don't seek to be in bondage, but seek God first in your life and He will give you the wisdom to walk in the liberty that He has given you.

Being Delivered From A Religious Mindset, pt.2

Last month, we looked at the topic of religion, what it is and the necessity to be free from it. This month, we will look at what steps can be taken to be delivered from a religious mindset.
Before we get started, I want to be clear that I am not advocating a spirit of lawlessness or teaching that we should not be submitted to authority. Romans 13:1-3 
I am walking in the liberty that came when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and became a citizen of His Kingdom. John 8:36 
Remember last month, we saw that the essence of religion is that man is trying to do things his own way, but still have a relationship with God. Luke 16:16 AMP
We want to have a relationship with God through Jesus, not to get caught up in religion. So, here are some steps we can take to avoid or be delivered from a religious mindset.

• Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit which will never contradict the Word of God. John 16:13-15 KJV & AMP
• Come to know the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law. Romans 7:6b NLT     Law - God's Word
• Make sure that the preaching and teaching you hear is biblical by reading and studying the Bible for yourself. 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2:15
• Leave the traditions of men that are not biblically based. Mark 7:8-9 AMP; Colossians 2:8 AMP & NLT
• Do not allow anyone to pressure you to do anything that is a tradition if it is not in the Bible.
• Do not allow your experience to cause you to discount anything that is in the Bible because you have not experienced it. Romans 16:17-18 AMP

Being led by the Spirit of God, His Word and peace in your spirit will help you to navigate through these times we are living in and help you to not be bound by religion.

Being Delivered From A Religious Mindset, pt.1

For the past three months, we looked at how we need to operate in the Kingdom of God through our speech. Now we are going to look at the topic of religion, what it is and the necessity to be free from it.
If you have been raised or taught to believe religion is a good thing, please stay with me while I explain what I mean. We have to look at the true meaning of the word religion. Religion means to bind again or man's attempt to reestablish a relationship with God.
The essence of religion is that man is trying to do things his own way, but still have a relationship with God. Luke 16:16 AMP; Matthew 11:12 AMP
The first example of religion we see in the Word of God after man fell is in Genesis 4:2-7. Cain thought he could do things his way and still be right before God. 2 Timothy 3:1-9 KJV & AMP gives us a picture of the times we live in today and man still trying to do things his way rather than God's way.
There are no amount of works or good deeds you can do to be in right relationship with God. The only way to God is through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. John 14:6
Having a standard of holiness does not mean you are religious. We are still supposed to live what the Word of God says. John 14:15 We must not allow religion or the traditions of people to hold us back from God's best for our lives. 1 Timothy 4:1-8 AMP
When you are introduced to and receive the Kingdom of God through Jesus, you are free from religion. Matthew 13:44-46; John 3:1-12; Luke 4:31-37, 43; John 10:10

Speak the Word ONLY! pt 3

In order for us to speak God's Word on a regular basis, not just when we focus on it, we must have our minds transformed to line up with God's Word. Romans 12:2
In James 3:2-12, we see an example of an transformed mind. We cannot operate speaking like the world and expecting to have God’s Words results. We have to speak God’s Word or what lines up with His Word if we expect to receive right results.
God’s Word must be sown in our hearts. Matthew 12:34-35; 13:19-23; Luke 6:45; Psalm 34:13
We cannot sow wrong seed (media) and get right results. Every man is given a measure of faith. What he does with that faith is determined by him. Romans 12:3b; 10:17
We can have productive things in our lives or we can have destructive things.
What happens when we don’t speak God’s Word? We can give the enemy a place to manifest. Ephesians 4:27
When we don’t speak God’s Word, we don’t give God a place to manifest. Exodus 3:7-10
We are the authorized vehicles for manifestation in the earth. We have to cooperate with God in order for Him to use us. God expects us to use our speech just like Jesus did. 1 Peter 2:21-23 KJV & AMP
We have to recognize that our speech betrays us. Whatever is in our heart, will eventually come out of our mouth. Matthew 26:73; 12:34-35
When you speak in line with the curse instead of the Word, you must take back what you said and speak God’s Word instead. Jesus shows us this with the situation that happened when Peter denied Him. John 18:17, 25-27; 21:15-17
In our lives, we will see the daily benefit of speaking God’s Word only. Manifesting God’s Word instead of the curse brings the culture of heaven into our lives and the lives of those around us. That brings glory to God!

Knowing Your Worth

In view of this upcoming Mother's Day, I want to share this blog with the intention of encouraging women, especially mothers, to be who God made them to be.

Psalms 8:3-6 AMP "When I view and consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained and established, What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of [earthborn] man that You care for him? Yet You have made him but a little lower than God and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet:"

Being a child of God, you must know that you are valuable. The enemy tries to use situations to devalue you. But, the present situation you are in does not define you. You are who God says you are. Regardless of what you see, you have to walk in what God says.

Let's look at four women of the Bible and see, how God made them played an important role in their lives.
Esther 2:8-17
Esther was a woman of simplicity. She did not try to change who she was even in the face of the challenge of trying to be selected to be the next queen. You have to be who God made you to be. You have royalty inside of you as a child of God. 1 Peter 2:9 Your gifts, talents and personality cannot be duplicated. You are unique. Don't try to be like everyone else. Your uniqueness has purpose. Your position of royalty has given you an assignment. You are here to represent God in your area of influence. You are here "for such a time as this".
Ruth 1:8-17
Ruth was a loyal woman. She knew God had a purpose for her staying with Naomi. When you know what your purpose or assignment is from God, no one can dissuade you from the path that you are on. Even if you are unable to explain to others what is going on in your life, you know when God is at work in your life. When you are able to walk by faith and not be moved by what you see, the enemy won't know what to do because situations don't move you. Romans 8:37-39
1 Samuel 1-2
Hannah was a woman of faith and a mother before she ever had a child. She had to know she had what God said regardless of what she saw in the natural. You have to have the kind of faith that can withstand situations and circumstances that look nothing like what God told you concerning what you are standing in faith for. You must believe what God said about you is true. Even when family members or friends can't see what God has put inside of you. It is the enemy's job to convince you otherwise. The enemy wants you to forfeit what God has for you. Don't give up on anything God has given you in His Word.
Luke 7:37-50 AMP
Mary was a woman who had received forgiveness and had to learn how to not allow her past to define her.
Despite what may have been done in your past, once you have accepted Jesus and repented, you have to be able to receive your forgiveness. Jesus is not holding your past over your head and neither should you. Psalm 103:12 Everyone has a past. When people try to stone you for what you did in your past, there is probably something in their own life that they have not dealt with. John 8:3-11 Don't allow anyone to keep you from a relationship with Jesus based on your past. Don't allow people to condemn you for your past. Repent and move on.
Here are some scriptures to remind you of how valuable you are to God.
Proverbs 31:10 (You are more valuable than jewels) Proverbs 18:22 (You are a good thing and you bring favor) Proverbs 19:14 AMP (You are from the Lord) Matthew 10:30 ( You are so valuable that God knows the number of the hairs on your head) Luke 12:6-7 (You are worth more than the creation that God already cares for) Psalm 27:10 (Even if family forsakes you, God never will) Jeremiah 1:5; 29:11 AMP (God had a plan for your life before you ever got here) 1 Samuel 16:7 (Don't allow your present circumstance or people to change what God has placed in you) Romans 8:37 (You are more than conquerors) 1 John 5:4 AMP ( You are victorious) Philippians 1:6 ( God will complete the work He began in you) John 3:16 (God paid the ultimate price for you because you are that valuable to Him)

Speak the Word ONLY! pt.2

Last month, we began a new series dealing with our speech. We must always be aware of the power we have in our mouth. Wars have been started by the words of someone walking in authority, who may or may not have known the affects their words would have on other people. So, it is very important that we speak words that line up with God's Words and that we speak as we are led by the Holy Spirit.
We also talked last month about why it is necessary to speak the Word of God. God's Word has an assignment. God's ultimate plan for mankind is that the earth would reflect His Heavenly Kingdom. God operates by using His Word. Hebrews 11:3 We were made in His likeness and image. So, if God operates by His Word, then so should we. Genesis 1:26-27
God is looking for vessels to work through to bring the culture of His Heavenly Kingdom into the earth. 2 Chronicles 16:9a
Words are spiritual things that have an assignment. When we speak God's Word, we are enabling His Word to manifest in the earth. This is how the Kingdom of God is manifested in the earth. Just like God used His Word to create all things, man is to use God's Word to manifest things in the earth. Isaiah 55:11; 51:16; Jeremiah 1:4-12
The questions we need to ask ourselves are, Is God able to work through you? Are you willing to say what God says? Are you willing to mortify your flesh and not speak what you want but what God tells you to speak?
God is waiting and the earth is waiting for the sons of God to operate like sons. What are you waiting for? Romans 8:19-22

Speak the Word ONLY! pt.1

We are beginning a new series about our speech. I am always amazed at the lack of understanding of how important our speech is. Within the body of Christ, there are still people who believe that they can speak whatever comes to mind and not be affected by what was said. Even more than that, people believe they can speak their own mind but still get God's Words results. The Word of God lets us know in Matthew 12:36-37 and Mark 3:28-29, that we are held accountable for the words we speak.

Over the next two months, we will look at why it is necessary for us to speak God's Word, learning how to speak the Word and what happens when we don't speak God's Word. We are Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. We represent God in the earth. If we want to be effective, we will have to know how to operate as we go about fulfilling our assignments and living out our daily lives.

The first question we need to ask is why is it necessary to speak the Word of God? God operates by speaking. If we are citizens of God's Kingdom and living by faith, then we will want to operate like He does. Hebrews 11:3 God speaks first in the spirit realm and then what He has spoken manifest in the natural realm. Genesis 1:3-29; 2:7-8, 19

We were made to operate like God in the earth. Genesis 1:26; Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 15:49; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:24
If we speak God's Word in faith, we have to believe that what we say will come to pass. Hebrews 11:6
Speaking God's Word is how we operate in dominion and how we express God's authority in our own lives. Matthew 8:5-10; 9:2-8 If we understand the authority and power behind God's Word, we know that it will do what it says it will do. We just have to speak it in faith and operate as if it is done!

People Aren't Your Problem! pt.3

For the past two months, we have looked at the issue of dealing with people and seeing them from a spiritual perspective.

This month, we will look at what God expects of us and how we should be operating when we are dealing with people. As citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are responsible for maintaining a Kingdom-like culture wherever we go. Genesis 2:15 We are also responsible for obedience to God's Word. Every manifestation or miracle that takes place in our lives is preceded by an act of obedience. Romans 4:21-24 AMP Any failure we experience is on our part. God is always faithful. Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 6:18 Because of the Law of Dominion, God allows you to determine what he can do in your life. Luke 12:16 We have to submit to God for Him to do anything in the earth. James 4:6-7 AMP

Knowing how to operate around people is extremely important because of who we are in the Kingdom of God. Spirit filled man is God's representative in the Earth. We have to exercise our dominion. We are responsible for speaking only what God tells us to speak through and in line with His Word. John 12:49-50 AMP When we run into a situation where a confrontation with a person ensues, we must walk in the spirit. We can call out the spirit behind a person. We have to recognize that the devil has no power over us. Luke 10:19 When we speak to a situation, we are operating with authority and taking dominion for the Kingdom. Mark 11:22-24; Genesis 1:26-28 We are expected to change our area of influence so it reflects the Kingdom like culture. Matthew 16:19 AMP In order to change the culture to reflect the Kingdom, we have to be willing to look past ourselves and put God's Kingdom first. We have to make advancing His Kingdom a priority in our lives and we must ask God for wisdom on how to do this. Matthew 6:33 We also must maintain our authority and not be victim to something we have authority over. We must not allow the devil to converse with us. There is no discussion with the devil. You say what God says and that is it. 2 Timothy 3:5

I pray this lesson has been a blessing to you and will help you look differently at contrary people. Walk in love towards people who are being used. They need to see the Kingdom of God in action to even want to come out of the kingdom of darkness. It is awesome to watch someone in God's Kingdom operating with authority, power and love!

Casting Down Despair

Casting Down Despair

If you have ever gone through a traumatic experience in your life or lived through a period of time when you could not see your faith at work, then this lesson is for you.
Times of despair come into everyone's life, but how you handle those times will determine whether or not you will live a victorious life or a defeated one.

Before we get into the lesson, we need to make sure we know what despair is. To despair according to Webster's Dictionary is to be utterly at a loss, to no longer have any hope or belief that a situation will improve or change, to lose all hope or confidence, or to lose heart and become despondent. In 2 Corinthians 1:8 and 4:8, the apostle Paul shares some of his experiences with despair.

Instead of being caught up in despair and giving up based on our situation (which is temporary), we have to focus on what the complete opposite of despair is; hope.
To hope is to cherish a desire with anticipation, to desire with expectation of attainment, or to expect with confidence.

In order to have hope, you have to know something. James 1:2-3 Our hope must always be based on God's Word.Psalms 119:114, 116; 130:5; Lamentations 3:24, 26; Romans 4:18; 15:4  When we place our hope in God and not in things or people, we are never disappointed.Romans 5:5 Problems with despair come when we place our hope in the wrong thing. We have to stay aware of the fact that we do have an enemy who tries his best to fulfill his job description (John 10:10) by bringing trials and temptations into our lives, which depending on our reaction to these situations can bring despair or hope. We also need to remember that the enemy comes after our faith, which will not operate without hope. Our faith has to have something to work through. Hebrews 11:1; Romans10:17 When times of  trial and testing come into our lives, we need to have God's Word planted firmly within us so we will know how to react to each situation that arises and we will be able to walk in victory. 1 John 5:4 

Why does despair come?

• Because you have an enemy who is after your faith in God's Word. Matthew 13:19-21; John10:10
• We can open the door to despair based on our lack of faith or wrong reaction to a situation. Job3:25

What do we need to do when despair comes?

• We must remember who we are in Christ Jesus. 1 John 5:4
• We must remember Who God is. Hebrews 6:18-19 AMP
• We have to remember to seek God's wisdom concerning our situation. James 1:5, Proverbs 4:5-7; 9:10
• We have to use our sword (which is God's Word) Ephesians 6:10-17

How do we cast down despair?

• We must speak the Word of God out loud when the enemy sends evil thoughts our way. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
• We must keep our minds stayed on God. Isaiah 26:3; John 16:33 AMP
• We can use praise as a weapon against despair. Psalms 71:14
• We can encourage ourselves with the Word of God. Psalms 42:5,11; 43:5

Remember, when despair comes your way in any situation, you can place your hope in God and His Word. Times of despair may come into our lives, but it is up to us to choose hope and to operate in victory!

People Aren't Your Problem! pt.2

In part one, we talked about situations where we are surprised or upset by the behavior of people. We also talked about the need to see everything from a spiritual perspective. Hebrews 11:3 AMP To see things from a spiritual perspective, we must understand the Law of Dominion. God gave mankind dominion over the earth in Genesis 1:26, 28. So now, if God wants to do anything in the earth, He has to use the free will of a human being to do it. The same is true for the kingdom of darkness. They cannot do anything without a person's free will. Exodus 3:7-10
Dominion is a product of us operating within our area or domain of assigned authority. When we walk into a room, we bring the Kingdom of God with us. The problem with that is that the enemy does not want us to take back our territory. So, he stirs things up with people who are in darkness. Dominion is also a product of partnering with God to manifest His will in the earth. The enemy does not want God's will coming to pass in the earth. So the enemy uses people and the law of dominion to try to stop God's will. We immediately need to recognize that the enemy is at work when a person is acting contrary to God's Word. The devil knows God will not break His own law to intervene in the earth. That is why it is so important for us to be used by God in the earth.
It is also important for us to be in the Kingdom of God. When you are separated from God, you are just another creature subject to the circumstance. Mark 16:15-20 We also must understand that God is restrained by His Word from intervening in your situation without your permission. Mark 10:51-52; Luke 18:41-42; Matthew 13:54-58 The enemy is also bound by the Law of Dominion and has to find a willing body in order to manifest. Acts 13:6-12; 16:16-19 AMP
Religion has been a hindrance to the body of Christ and stopped us from waging successful warfare. We must have our minds transformed by God's Word, learn how to operate in faith and walk in the unseen. James 2:17-19; 2 Corinthians 5:7

People Aren't Your Problem! pt.1

If you have ever been in a situation where you were taken back by the behavior of people, even those you know and love, then this lesson is for you.
Ephesians 6:12 AMP "For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere."
You may be asking, "If people aren't the problem, then what is?" I am glad you asked. The problem is that we are participating in two realms: spiritual & physical. In order to be effective in the Kingdom of God, you must be aware of what is coming against you. There is always a resistance to you operating in the Kingdom of God from those in the kingdom of darkness. The enemy does not want you to take territory that he is currently occupying. We must be aware and we must not ignore God's Word. Ephesians 6:11 We also need to remember that the devil does not possess any omni attributes. The devil can only be in a certain place for a certain season. Job 1:6-7; Mark 1:21-27
These are the things that the devil attacks in spiritual warfare: God's character, God's will for you, and your identity. Genesis 3:1-7 The weapons that the devil uses against you are: your appetites, your doctrine, and your allegiance to God. Luke 4:2-12 The enemy's tactics are to steal, kill and destroy. John 10:10 When you are dealing with people who are being used by the kingdom of darkness, they are coming against you because you have made the choice to do things God's way while they have chosen to do things their own way. Matthew 11:11-12; Luke 16:16