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!”