What Is On Your Heart?

Hebrews 8:10 - “… I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts…” 

Many of us have been taught that we cannot trust our hearts. We quote verses like “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…” (Jeremiah 17:9), not knowing that Jeremiah was referring 2 the man who had not received Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

I have had people come 2 me and say, " I don’t know what I should do with my life.”
“What is on your heart?” I asked one of them.

“I would love 2 work among children.”

“Then work among children!”

“But I am waiting on the Lord 2 tell me 2 do that.”

“Well, He has given u the desire, so go and work among children!”

“But the desire comes from my heart. How do I know if it is of God?”

My friend, once u are saved, u have a brand new heart (Ezekiel 36:26), and u can trust the promptings of your heart bcoz God dwells in u and He leads u from within. And don’t worry bcoz His promptings will never contradict His Word. It will lead u 2 good success.

Often, u find that when u follow your inner promptings, it is actually God who has put those desires in your mind and written them on your heart. I remember years ago when I approached one of our church leaders and told him, “I really think that u are called 2b a full-time pastor.” It turned out 2b a confirmation of what he already knew on the inside. You see, God was already leading him from within. Today, he is one of our full-time pastors.

If u enjoy something and desire 2 do it, then go for it! Go with the flow. God Himself says that He will guide us from within. Let’s not doubt Him. And don’t worry about the outcome. Your part is just 2 follow the flow. God’s part is 2 work in u both the willingness and the performance of it! (Philippians 2:13)

Beloved, bcoz God has given u a new heart, He will write His desires on it. And as u fulfill these desires, u will bring forth fruit, and not wither and die. Whatever u do will prosper!

Power From Jesus’ Body 2 Yours

Matthew 26:26 -  … “Take, eat; this is My body.”

Can u imagine the Lord sick, nursing a cold or fever while He walked on earth? No, our Lord Jesus was never sick! He was vibrant, full of life and full of health. When He told His disciples, “Take, eat; this is My body”, they could practically visualize what it meant bcoz they had lived and walked with this Man. They had seen people without hands or feet made whole when they touched His body. (Matthew 15:30–31)

Even His clothes were soaked with His health! A woman who had a bleeding condition for 12 years — no doctor could cure her — was healed immediately when she touched the hem of His garment. If the hem of His garment was soaked with His health, vibrancy, energy and divine radiance, how much more His body!

You know, some of the most encouraging verses in the Gospels are these: “And as many as touched Him were made well” (Mark 6:56), for “power went out from Him and healed them all”. (Luke 6:19) I love those verses! That is our Jesus!

The Bible says that they put sick people along the streets, and Jesus walked around, touched them and healed them. Now, u see movie stars doing this: They run here and there, they slap their fans’ hands, but nobody gets healed. But wherever Jesus walked, whoever He touched, He healed. Picture this: A trail of people. Those in front of Jesus are lying down, but those behind Him whom He has touched are leaping with joy and following Him! That is how Jesus healed the sick.

So that night, when He said, “Take, eat; this is My body,” as He broke the bread and gave it 2 His disciples 2 eat, they knew what it meant. They were probably thinking, “We are going 2 ingest His health into our bodies! Hallelujah!”

That is what u must believe when u partake of the Holy Communion. It is not just a ritual or symbolic act. No, u must believe that He is the true bread from heaven who took your cancer, diabetes and heart disease, so that u can have His supernatural health! And when u eat of His broken body with this revelation, u will have life in abundance and the health of the Lord!

Receive The Word God Has Sent 2 Heal U

Psalm 107:20  -  He sent His word and healed them, AND delivered them from their destructions.

Your Bible will do u no good if u leave it on your bedside table, gathering dust. It will do u no good if u hold it like a teddy bear when u are facing your “giants”. But God’s Word will do u a lot of good when u RECEIVE it as Truth and SPEAK it as Truth! Then, u will see your healing and deliverance from every evil condition that has been sent 2 destroy u!

The Bible says that “He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions”. Now, when God wants 2 heal u, what does He do? He sends His Word. Before God delivers u from your destruction, He sends His Word.

Are u still waiting 2 experience the blessing of healing that Jesus died on the cross 2 give u? Don’t feel condemned. Your Father in heaven loves u and wants u well. But how does your healing come? By u receiving His Word on healing that He has already sent u. His promises of healing are all there in your Bible. But have u received them?

During one of our church services, a lady took out her cell phone and started sending text messages of every scripture and almost every key point that I was preaching that day 2 her friend who was at home dying of cancer. I was telling the congregation 2 keep CONFESSING the healing scriptures over their bodies, no matter how bad their conditions were. I pointed them 2 Isaiah 53:5, which says, “By His stripes we are healed.” The lady got so excited that she told her friend 2 keep believing and confessing it every day! 

Her friend, on reading the text messages, simply received the Word of God and confessed it by faith. That very same week, when she went back 2 the doctor, the doctor could not find a single trace of cancer in her body!

Never underestimate the power of God’s Word. The lady’s friend was healed bcoz she received God’s Word by faith. She gladly read the messages that her friend had sent her, was encouraged by the Word, confessed it and received her miracle. God sent His Word and healed her, AND saved her from her destruction!

Nothing Shall By Any Means Hurt U!

Luke 10:19 -  Behold, I give u the authority 2 trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and Nothing shall by any means hurt u.

Years ago, while traveling on a domestic flight in the United States, I was seated next 2 a woman whose whole body was tense with fear. Concerned, I asked if I could help her in any way. Between sobs, she told me about her fear of flying. I told her, “Don’t worry. I am on board. Nothing will happen 2 the plane.” I did not say it with pride. I said it knowing that the Lord was on board the plane with me and that I would have a safe journey bcoz He has promised that “nothing shall by any means hurt u”.

Once, when Jesus was in the boat with his disciples, He told them, “Let us cross over 2 the other side.” (Mark 4:35) Believing that they would cross over 2 the other side, He fell asleep in the stern. A great storm arose, but it could not rouse Him from His sleep, only the cries of His terrified disciples did. They had forgotten what Jesus had said about them crossing over 2 the other side. They had also forgotten that with Jesus in the boat with them, there was no possibility of them going down. Nothing could by any means hurt them bcoz Jesus was with them.

Even being thrown into a fiery furnace could not hurt 3 young Hebrew men bcoz they believed that God would deliver them. They had proclaimed 2 the heathen King Nebuchadnezzar, “... our God whom we serve is able 2 deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.” (Daniel 3:17) And in the midst of their fiery trial, their deliverer not only walked with them in the fire, He also delivered them from all harm. King Nebuchadnezzar even said, “Look! I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” (Daniel 3:25).

Beloved, in the midst of your storm or fiery trial, bcoz Jesus is with u, nothing shall by any means hurt u!

U Have It, So SAY It!

Matthew 25:29 -  ‘For 2 everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.

Have u come across people who have little, yet even that little is taken away from them? On the other hand, there are those who already have much, yet they receive even more.

Jesus said, “To everyone who has, more will be given. From him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.” Notice that Jesus doesn’t go on 2 say what it is we have. He simply says, “But 2 everyone who has.”

Jesus is talking about a firm belief in God’s Word that gives one the courage 2 say, “I have it!” If u say that u have it, u have it, and more will be given 2 u. But if u say that u don’t have it, when u actually do bcoz God has freely given us all things (Romans 8:32), then even what u have will be taken away — not by God but by the devil! The devil does not want u 2 walk in God’s blessings. So when u say that u don’t have it, he can rob u of your blessings bcoz he has your agreement!

When u need something, God says that u are 2 ask of Him. And when u ask, believe that u receive it. (Mark 11:24) SAY u already have it even if u don’t see it in the physical realm yet, and one day, u will see it!

God is not saying, “Oh come on, pretend that u see it. And if u pretend long enough, u will have it.” This is not a game! God is telling us 2 call forth those things which don’t exist as though they do. (Romans 4:17)

Today, we are talking about the haves and have-nots in the church. If u believe that it is yours, u will have it.   U will see yourself possessing it and enjoying it, and more will be given 2 u. But if u say, “Well, I don’t feel it and I’m not sure if it will come,” in essence, u are saying that u don’t have it when u actually do. Then, even what u have will be taken away. So SAY u have it today!

Discerning The Lord’s Body

1 Corinthians 11:24 - ...and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for u; do this in remembrance of Me.”

Have u ever taken a close look at the Matzah bread that the Jews eat during their Passover meal? The bread, which is unleavened, is pierced with rows of little holes forming stripes. It is also slightly burnt. Many churches today use this bread for the Holy Communion.

Do u know why the bread is pierced, striped and burnt?

My friend, the bread that u hold in your hands when u partake of the Lord’s Supper speaks of the body of our Lord Jesus Christ when He bore our sins and sicknesses on the cross.

Like the bread, He was pierced in His brow by the crown of thorns as well as in His hands and feet by the nails. He was also pierced in His side by a soldier’s spear. The prophet Isaiah says, “He was pierced for our transgressions…” (Isaiah 53:5, NIV)

Like the bread, He was scourged on His back until His flesh was all torn and bloody, and His bones were exposed, so that today, u can say, “By His stripes I am healed!” (Isaiah 53:5)

What about the burnt marks on the bread? The full fire of God’s wrath fell on Jesus, burning up our sins into ashes, and at the same time, bringing out the fragrance of the offering of Jesus. Today, your sins and lawless deeds are but ashes, and your Father in heaven remembers them no more! (Hebrews 8:12)

So the next time u partake of the bread during the Holy Communion, know that Jesus was pierced for your sins and scourged for your healing. He bore God’s fiery judgment so that u will never be judged for your sins! He also bore your diseases and carried your pains so that u can walk in divine health!

When u discern these precious truths about our Lord’s body, u are partaking of the Holy Communion in a worthy manner. And u will not be weak and sickly, nor die b4 your time (1 Corinthians 11:27–30) No, u will be strong and healthy, and u will live long!
 

The Lord Is Your Refuge

Psalm 91:1–2 - He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 - I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.”

Every day, we are bombarded with news of conflicts, natural disasters, diseases and new strains of drug-resistant viruses. We also hear of people losing their loved ones in freak accidents. And we ask ourselves, “Is there a place where I can take refuge from a world gone mad?”

Yes, there is! God foresaw all these things and He has promised in His Word protection from every evil known 2 man. There is no trap set by the devil that our Father cannot deliver us from, if we trust in Him and take Him as our refuge. That is His promise in Psalm 91.

Whether it is an earthquake at midnight, a crazy sniper, an unknown virus or a terrorist attack, God says, “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.” (Psalm 91:5–6)

Because u have made Him your dwelling place, angels are watching over u right now. (Psalm 91:9–11) They give heed 2 the voice of God’s Word, so u should give voice 2 God’s Word. This means that u should agree with and speak what God’s Word says about His preserving and protecting u. Then, angels are sent 2 minister for u. (Hebrews 1:14)

My friend, don’t say, “If it can happen 2 them, it can also happen 2 me!” Say, “A thousand may fall at my side and 10,000 at my right hand, but it will not come near me!” (Psalm 91:7) The world says that u cannot but expect danger all around. God says, “You are in this world but not of this world. U have My protection bcoz u are of Me and in Me.” (John 17:14–23)

You have access by faith into the secret place of the Most High where NO evil can touch u. There is no need 2 fear living in the end times bcoz the Lord is your refuge and fortress. His Word says so. And those who trust His Word completely find His Word completely true!

God’s Love Makes U Strong

Ephesians 3:19 - .. know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that u may be filled with all the fullness of God.

If u were 2 thank God for something today, what would it be? For me, it would be thanking God for giving me Jesus. For when I see Jesus on the cross, I see the love of God overcoming everything for me. It causes me 2 say, “Thank you, Jesus! I love you, Jesus! I worship u, Jesus! Bless u, Jesus! Hallelujah!”

And as we worship and celebrate the love of Jesus in our lives, we will find ourselves changed, and we will see the mighty power of God displayed for us and through us.

This was the case in the life of David. His personal times of worship, of being absorbed in God’s love for him, changed him from a mere shepherd boy 2 a lion killer, bear killer, giant killer and finally, a king over Israel.

Now, no one on earth, no matter how strong he is, let alone a youth, can come against a lion and prize open its mouth 2 snatch back his sheep which the lion had carried away, unless God’s anointing is on him. And this was indeed what happened 2 David the shepherd boy who went after the lion, caught it by its beard, struck and killed it, and thus delivered the lamb from its jaws. (1 Samuel 17:34–37)

My friend, no man can truly enjoy living in this world without God’s strength in his life, God’s favor in his work and relationships, God’s protection for him and his family, God’s increase in his finances, and God’s health and healing for his body. Likewise, no woman can survive emotionally, socially or physically without God’s tender touch, loving presence, sweet assurance and words of life in times of need.

Beloved, as u feed on Jesus’ love for u, u will be filled with the fullness of God. Like David, God’s anointing will begin 2 operate powerfully in your life. And when u encounter spiritual lions, even the devil himself — when he comes like a roaring lion against u, your loved ones or your possessions — u will grab hold of his mouth and tear him apart!

Don’t Look Inside The Ark

1 John 2:2 - And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.In the movie, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, the people who tried 2 look inside the ark were struck dead. What was inside the ark that brought judgment 2 those who looked into it?

The Bible tells us that the ark held the two tablets of the Ten Commandments, the pot of manna and Aaron’s rod. (Hebrews 9:4) These items were tokens of man’s rebellion. The two tablets of the Ten Commandments represented man’s rejection of God’s standards. The manna represented man’s rejection of God’s provision, and Aaron’s rod, man’s rejection of God’s appointed priesthood.

God did not want 2 look at these tokens of rebellion. He wanted 2b merciful 2 His people, so He instructed them 2 place the items in the ark and 2 cover the ark with its mercy seat, which is also the place where the blood of the animal sacrifices was sprinkled.

Once a year on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies 2 sprinkle on the mercy seat the blood of the animal that had been sacrificed. The two cherubim on the mercy seat stood as guardians of God’s righteousness and holiness.

Representing God’s eyes too, they looked at the blood on the mercy seat. As long as the blood was there, the entire nation of Israel was forgiven. God’s judgment passed over them and they were blessed for another year. (Leviticus 16)

Today, the blood sprinkled on the mercy seat is not the blood of bulls and goats, but the precious, eternal blood of the Son of God! (Hebrews 9:12) Jesus is our “mercy seat” for “He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world”. The word “propitiation” in the original Greek text is the same word as “mercy seat”. (Romans 3:25, Hebrews 9:5)

Beloved, God does not see your sins and count them against u bcoz He sees His Son’s blood. He sees His Son’s perfect work that has more than satisfied Him. God does not want u 2 see your sins either. He does not want u 2 look inside the ark by focusing on your sins. He wants u 2 focus on Christ and His finished work!

Beat The Odds With The Favor Of God

Ruth 2:2 - So Ruth the Moabitess said 2 Naomi, “Please let me go 2 the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor.” And she said 2 her, “Go, my daughter.”

Do u look at yourself and see only lack in the natural? Do u say, “I don’t have a good education”, “I am poor”, “I am too old” or “I am a divorcee”? I have good news for u. As a blood-bought believer and child of God, u have the supernatural favor of God! 

In the Bible, Ruth was a poor Moabite widow who went with her mother-in-law 2 live in Bethlehem, a Jewish town where the inhabitants considered Moabites outcasts. But she did not wallow in self-pity and moan about being a poor widow of the wrong race in the wrong place. Instead, she believed that God would favor her and she declared, “I will find favor in the field that I glean from.” 

In the natural, Ruth had everything going against her. But bcoz she trusted in the favor of God, she not only became the wife of Bethlehem’s richest man when Boaz married her, she also became the great-grandmother of David and had her name included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ even though she was not a Jewess! That is what God’s supernatural favor did for her. That is the kind of blessing God’s supernatural favor can give u. 

A church member shared how, due 2 unforeseen circumstances, she was late for a job interview. But she confessed God’s favor on herself b4 the interview and miraculously, the interviewers shortlisted her for a 2nd interview. 

There were about 40 other applicants with the right experience. And though she lacked the relevant experience, by the favor of God, she got the job which came with better pay and a car allowance that fully subsidized her car loan. Her new company was even willing 2 pay for her petrol and cell phone expenses — all bcoz she believed and confessed that she had the favor of God! 

Do not look at what u do not have in the natural and see lack. Trust in the favor of God and u will see blessings which your natural abilities cannot bring!

Prayers That Proclaim

Luke 13:12 - But when Jesus saw her, He called her 2 Him and said 2 her, “Woman, u are loosed from your infirmity.”

When u have a need, do u pray or do u plead? Do u begin your prayers with words like, “Please God, please! God, I beg You 2 have mercy!"

Prayers that plead and beg imply that your heavenly Father is not willing 2 do it. Yet, He is far more gracious and willing 2 give 2 u than u are willing 2 ask, think or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20) He desires above all things that u prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. (3 John 1:2) 

In fact, long b4 u have a need, God has already met that need. Long b4 u knew u needed a Savior, He sent His Son 2b your Savior. This is your God! He is a good God. So when u beg Him for something, u are actually saying that He is reluctant 2 give and needs 2b persuaded strongly b4 He will move. Yet, He is not like that. 

Jesus knew the heart of the Father. When He saw the woman bound with a spirit of infirmity, He did not pray, “Oh Father! She has been suffering for 18 long years! I beseech You, Father, have mercy on her. Please, please heal her!” No, when Jesus saw her, He immediately proclaimed, “Woman, u are loosed from your infirmity,” bcoz He knew the heart of the Father. He knew that the Father wanted her delivered from her crippling condition. 

At the end of a church service, I don’t stand and pray, “Oh God, please bless Your people. Oh God, do keep them. Oh God, be ever so gracious 2 them!” Instead, I proclaim, “The Lord bless u. The Lord keep u. The Lord make His face shine on u and be gracious 2 u!” 

Beloved, when u pray, proclaim your healing, protection and provision bcoz your Father’s heart overflows with love for u. And when u declare it, He sanctions it. When u declare it, He establishes it!

Past Preparation Meets Present

Carol Kelley:

Past Preparation Meets Present Opportunity

Along with many others, I have been seeking the Lord over the last several months to see what He would desire to say about 2012. I'm looking forward to what lies ahead, and want to press forward into His goals and call (Philippians 3:14).

2011 was a year of great transition in the life of my family, friends, and many others. The Lord told me in the fall of 2010 that there would be significant changes and transition during the next year (see my word on The Elijah List from November 26, 2010: "2011 - A Year and Season of Great Transition for Everyone!"). But the number and magnitude of these changes during 2011 exceeded what I could have anticipated!

One daughter returned home to live with us last January; our second son married and completed his Masters degree; our youngest graduated from college. My husband, Dave, broke his arm and moved into a time of physical therapy and transition as the bone healed. I took a two-month substitute music teaching assignment at our local high school. Three of our children began new jobs, all within a few weeks of each other; and both daughters-in-law also experienced employment changes. My widowed father, assisted by various family members, prepared to move out from his own house into my sister's home. On 11/11/11 (the number "11" represents transition) came the biggest change of all: Dave was clearly led by the Lord as he decided to leave his workplace of 18 years in order to move on to the next phase of our ministry (which God is still defining). His last day was December 2, 2011.

Four Things to Come in 2012

In the fall of 2011, God told me four things to come in 2012:

1. There will be increasing outreach to the nations.

2. Increased apostolic and prophetic partnering will result in "fullness," a multiplication of His harvest on the earth.

3. Past preparation will meet present opportunity. (See Dave Kelley's word from April 3, 2008, "Prepare, Prepare, Prepare!") God will open up new opportunities for His children who have already been prepared and positioned by Him to move into these strategic alignments.

4. 2012 will be a year to sow seeds of generosity.

Four Principles of Generosity

He also showed me four principles of generosity:

1. Give joyfully, not out of guilt or legalism (see II Corinthians 8:2-3; 9:7). Dave and I like to call this "giddy giving"! The Lord wants to break the fear of "not enough."

2. Give ourselves first to the Lord (see II Corinthians 8:5); then He will show us how and when to give of ourselves to others. Be prepared for Him to change some of your expectations!

3. Be ready and prepared to act according to His instructions (see II Corinthians 9:2-5).

4. God is more than able to supply and multiply (see II Corinthians 9:10-11). He will increase our harvest, to His praise and glory!

Four Ways God Provides for His Children

Early in January of this year, the Lord revealed to me at least four ways He can provide for and give prosperity to His children:

1. A return of what was lost or taken. (Genesis 14:16 – Abram recovered what had been taken from him.)

2. A transfer of wealth. (Genesis 15:14 – It was prophesied beforehand to Abram, and took place in Exodus 12:35-36.)

3. Supernatural multiplication. (Genesis 26:12 – Isaac sowed his seed, and God multiplied it a hundredfold in the same year!)

4. God gives a strategy, an idea, an invention, etc., then blesses it. (Genesis 30:31-43; 31:1-12)

May the Lord bless you with new opportunities, strategies, provision and blessings during this coming year!

Carol Kelley
Email: opendoor2012@gmail.com

Carol Kelley and her husband Dave are prophetic ministry leaders, teaching prophecy classes and mentoring younger prophets. They received a call from the Lord in 1985 to minister prophetically, and have a vision for active schools of prophets to emerge within the Body of Christ. Their passion is to help others hear and recognize God's voice, and receive His healing. Carol, a prophet, musician, teacher and sixth-generation Oregonian, has a heart to intercede prophetically for Oregon and the Northwest, as well as cities and nations. A writer and composer, her music is published with Hal Leonard Corporation and Alfred Music Publishing. Dave moves in an apostolic anointing to help God's people become empowered as conduits of financial blessing. He has over 37 years of financial experience working in Christian organizations, most recently as Assistant Vice President of Finance at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon. Dave and Carol are the parents of two sons and two daughters, as well as two daughters-in-law and a son-in-law.

Taught By God Himself

Hebrews 8:11 - None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them 2 the greatest of them.

As a parent or someone serving in Sunday school, u may think that the children under your care are too young 2 know the Lord. And u wonder if u are wasting your time reading Bible stories and singing hymns 2 them.

Or u may have been buying Mandarin and Hokkien sermon CDs for your dialect-speaking parents or grandparents, and u wonder if the Bible teachings are too difficult for them 2 understand.

My friend, don’t underestimate the Holy Spirit. Many elderly folks in our Mandarin and Hokkien services, who first heard about Jesus through the recorded messages given 2 them by their children, are now born again and attending church regularly. And they are so full of Jesus that they cannot stop talking about Him 2 their relatives and friends.

Even for a young child like my daughter Jessica, when she was one year old, she would spontaneously raise her hands whenever she heard Christian songs, but not secular ones. My wife Wendy and I had never taught her how 2 recognize Christian songs. The only explanation we have is that Jessica was taught by the Lord Himself. (Isaiah 54:13)

When Jessica turned two, she surprised us again. Wendy was tucking her in bed one night when Jessica looked at her and said, “Jesus died for Jessica because Jesus loves Jessica.” No one taught her 2 say that. But I remember looking at her when she was younger and by faith saying, “You know, darling, Jesus died for Jessica.” She just looked at me and I did not know whether she understood me then. I just believed that the Holy Spirit is a better teacher than I am.

So don’t limit the Holy Spirit by saying things like, “The children are too young… My grandparents are not well-educated… My atheist friend won’t be interested…” Just send God’s Word into their lives by faith, and trust the Holy Spirit 2 do the teaching and imparting. For God says that no one has 2 teach anyone 2 know the Lord bcoz all shall know Him, from the least, including little children, 2 the greatest!

Joseph Prince Ministries

Your Answer Is In His Word

Proverbs 4:20–22 - My son, give attention 2 my words; incline your ear 2 my sayings. 21- Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart;

God has given us a sure way 2 receive the answers 2 our problems and challenges. It is His Word. Every answer or solution we need is found in the Bible.

Yet, many Christians are not walking victoriously in certain areas of their lives. This is bcoz the devil continuously wages a war of distraction against them. He has managed 2 take them away from the one thing that can bring them victory — the Word. He will do everything possible 2 prevent them from opening the Bible bcoz he knows that the Word will deliver them.

The distraction can be very subtle: A lot of things 2 get done, a lot of TV programs that interest u, or it may take the form of a big problem that makes u feel that u need 2 focus all your attention on it. The enemy knows that if he can get u 2 take your eyes off the Word of God, he can keep u from winning the battle.

When u are going through a tough time, it is not enough 2 know that God’s answer 2 the problem is “somewhere in the Bible”. Find the scripture in which God has promised the solution. Meditate on it until the truth of that scripture is revealed 2 u. When u do this, no demon or devil can prevent that word from God from bearing fruit in your life.

Even Jesus Himself used the Word 2 defeat the devil in the wilderness — “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4) The way 2 defeat the enemy is with “It is written…”

My friend, there is no substitute for the written Word. God tells us that we will find life and health if we give our attention 2 His Word and keep it in the midst of our hearts. So get into the Word and let God’s promises abide in u.

Joseph Prince Ministries

Everlasting Righteousness

Daniel 9:24 - Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city, 2 finish the transgression, 2 make an end of sins, 2 make reconciliation for iniquity, 2 bring in everlasting righteousness…

In Sunday, we hear a message that says, “I am the righteousness of God in Christ.” On Monday, we are still confessing, “I am the righteousness of God in Christ.” But come Wednesday or Thursday, we begin 2 confess our sins! Then, when Sunday comes, we get a fresh revelation of our righteousness in Christ and we start 2 confess our righteousness again. Why do we do that?

It cannot be that on Sunday, we are righteous. Then, a few days later, we become unrighteous bcoz of sin, but are “re-righteoused” when Sunday comes again. No, our righteousness is an “everlasting righteousness”! Jesus has obtained “eternal redemption” for us. (Hebrews 9:12)

“But Pastor Prince, I have just sinned. How can I still be righteous?”

My friend, it is not what u do that makes u righteous. It is what Christ has done at Calvary. Romans 5:19 says, “For as by one man’s [Adam] disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” It is the obedience of one Man — Christ — and not your obedience, that has made u righteous!

God wants u established in what Christ has done. He wants u conscious of your everlasting righteousness in Christ. How do u do that? U can listen 2 anointed messages that remind u of your righteousness in Christ. And don’t just know it in your head. Speak it. Every morning, tell yourself, “I am the righteousness of God in Christ!” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

You don’t need a revelation of how sinful u are. You know it when u sin. The devil reminds u of your sins. Even your friends and loved ones sometimes point out your sins. What u need, instead, is a revelation of how forever righteous u are in God’s eyes, especially when u sin.

And when u are conscious of this gift of righteousness that is everlasting, u will reign in life! (Romans 5:17)  U will reign over sin, bad habits, sicknesses, lack and everything that holds u back from a victorious life!

Joseph Prince Ministries

Superabundant Supply In Your Area Of Lack

Philippians 4:19 - And my God shall supply all your need according 2 His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Are u facing a lack in any area of your life, be it finances, health or relationships? Know that in that very same area, God has already prepared His superabundant supply which will abound toward u, and on top of that, His grace and more of His grace!

In John 6:1–13, Jesus was with a large crowd of people who were hungry. The problem then was a lack of food. But Jesus knew that where there is lack, there is superabundant supply in His Father’s kingdom 2 overcome that lack.

His disciples, however, did not know that. They did not think the same way as Jesus did. They told Him that there was a boy with five loaves and two small fish, but they did not think that that would amount 2 anything. They said, “What are the five loaves and two fish among so many?” (John 6:9)

They saw only the problem, the lack. But Jesus took the little, lifted it up as He looked 2 heaven and gave thanks 2 His Father, whose supply is so much more than we can ever ask for.

When Jesus started distributing the little that was in His hands, a miracle happened. Five thousand men, not counting women and children, ate as much as they wanted and for as long as they were hungry!

The supply kept flowing as long as the need was there. And after they were so filled, there were 12 baskets full of leftovers! That is God’s superabundant supply. In God’s kingdom, there is no such thing as the Father not having enough or not wanting 2 give abundantly 2 His children. No, He promises that He will supply all our needs according 2 His riches in glory by Christ Jesus!

My friend, God wants us 2 always be conscious of His grace abounding toward us and enveloping us. So let us, like Jesus, acknowledge God’s superabundant supply by thanking Him for it and for whatever is in our hands. Let us believe that His superabundant supply will flow and multiply the little that we have, and fill us up 2 overflowing!

Joseph Prince Ministries
 

I Am Who I Am

Exodus 3:14 - And God said to Moses, “I am who I am.”…

Whatever your challenge is today, whether it is physical, emotional, financial or marital, the great I Am declares 2 u: “I am to u what u need Me 2b.”

Do u need healing? He says, “I am the Lord who heals u. (Exodus 15:26) And as u believe Me, u will see your healing manifest thirtyfold, sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

Are u groping in the dark, not knowing what to do? He says, “I am the light of the world. (John 8:12) When u walk in Me, u will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Are u looking for a way out of a bad situation? He says, “I am your deliverer. I will reach down from on high, take hold of your hand and draw u out of the deep waters.” (Psalm 18:2, 16)

Are u wondering if there is more 2 life than merely existing from day to day? He says, “I am the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25) I came 2 give u life. And where there is life, there cannot be death. U will have life and life more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Are u fearful of what is ahead of u? He says, “I am the good shepherd (John 10:11), who leads u 2 pastures of tender, green grass and waters of rest. U will not suffer lack.” (Psalm 23:1–3)

Are u confused by the opinions and reports of man? He says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last. (Revelation 1:11) I have the final word in your life. The doctors do not have the final word. The experts do not have the final word. I have the first word and the last word in your situation.”

My friend, do not be fearful of the problems u face. The great I Am declares 2 u, “Fear not! For I am 2 u what u need Me 2b!”

Your Father’s Heart

Matthew 7:11 - If u then, being evil, know how 2 give good gifts 2 your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things 2 those who ask Him!

Let me tell u a true story I heard. There was a pastor whose young child was diagnosed with cancer. The day his boy was scheduled for an operation, this father cried out 2 God, “God, I’m almost 30 years old, but my boy is only about three months old. Why don’t u just take some years off my life and give them 2 my boy?”

Then, from deep within him, he heard the voice of God say, “I am not like that.” When the man heard that, he realized immediately that his son’s sickness was not from God. He also realized that if he, who has faults, could want his child well, how much more his heavenly Father. So he changed his prayer and said, “Father God, I come against this sickness and I ask u for healing for my child.” That day, on the operating table, the surgeons could find no trace of cancer in the child!

Today, God wants u 2 know that He is not the kind of Father who wants u sick and defeated, keeps u poor and wanting, refuses 2 provide for your needs and denies u your blessings.

When my daughter Jessica was younger, I bought a beautiful teddy bear for her. Teddy bears are her favorite toys and I could not wait 2 see her joy when she saw it. My joy is 2 see her happy. When she is sick and has difficulty sleeping at night, it hurts me 2 hear her cry. When she is crying, I cannot ignore her cries. I enter into her discomfort and pain even though I know that her sickness is something that will pass shortly. When she is in pain, I feel the pain too. When she is sad, I am sad too.

I believe that God gives us children 2 help us understand what His Father-heart is like. His joy is 2 enter into your joy and see u happy. If u, in spite of your faults, know how 2 give good gifts 2 your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things 2 u when u ask Him! My prayer today is that u will know just how much your Father loves u!

Joseph Prince Ministries
 

God Wants U Cross-Conscious

1 Corinthians 2:2 - For I determined not 2 know anything among u except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthian church, said that he determined 2 know nothing among them except “Jesus Christ and Him crucified”. In other words, Paul, who wrote two-thirds of the New Testament, had his mind full of Jesus and His finished work.

Beloved, God wants your mind full of the cross of Jesus. He wants u cross-conscious.  But what does it mean 2b cross-conscious?

To be cross-conscious is 2 see Jesus, who loves u so much that He willingly died for u on the cross. To be cross-conscious is 2 look 2 Jesus, who offered His own body 2b punished, so that your body can be free from all punishment.

To be cross-conscious is 2 fix your eyes on Jesus, who has provided for your deliverance and victory at the cross. At the cross, all your enemies were vanquished. All your diseases were destroyed. Your poverty was removed at the cross. Your sins were wiped out at the cross.

When the Israelites tasted bitterness in the waters of Marah, God showed Moses a tree, which he cast into the waters, making them sweet. (Exodus 15:23–26) The tree represents the cross, which turned the bitter waters sweet. Today, Calvary’s tree has turned your bitter situations sweet. Bcoz of the cross, u can expect 2 see the bitter situations in your life made sweet!

When the Israelites were bitten by serpents in the wilderness, God told Moses 2 put a bronze serpent on a pole. The pole represents the cross and bronze speaks of judgment. Those who beheld the serpent on the pole lived bcoz they saw their problem — the deadly serpent — nailed and put 2 death on the cross. (Numbers 21:6–9)

Today, u too will not die but live when u see all your sins judged at the cross, and with them, all your sicknesses, diseases, pains, failures and defeats! At the cross, all that is deadly in your life has been removed!

Joseph Prince Ministries
 

The Teacher Of All Things Is In U

John 14:26  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach u all things…

If u are asking whom or where u can go 2 to get the help u need, ask no more. Just turn 2 God who has already promised u the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom He has sent in Jesus’ name 2 dwell in u.

The Holy Spirit will teach u all things. Yes, teach u all things! Do u really believe that? Or are u like some who believe that u seek God’s counsel only 4 spiritual things, but consult “professional” help 4 all other things in your life?

God does not want u 2 run 2 and rely on worldly wisdom. Now, there is nothing wrong with going 2 a doctor or engaging a financial consultant, but God wants u 2 come 2 Him first for counsel and direction. That is why He has sent the Holy Spirit, the Counselor (John 16:7, NIV), 2 teach u all things. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth and He will guide u into all Truth. (John 16:13)

The apostle John said, “But u have an anointing from the Holy One, and u know all things… the anointing which u have received from Him abides in u, and u do not need that anyone teach u; but as the same anointing teaches u concerning all things…” (1 John 2:20, 27)

So the way God teaches u is through the anointing within. It is a continuous anointing. In any particular situation, He is anointing u from within, teaching u by the presence or absence of His peace.

For example, a deal u are considering may sound very reasonable. But if u don’t have the peace in your spirit, don’t sign on the dotted line. Sign only when u have the peace. Be led by His peace and u will find that your heart will not be troubled, neither will it be afraid. (John 14:27)

When u follow that peace which only God can give 2 u as an inward witness, good things and even miracles will come forth!