31th July 2006- Don't Serve the Problem

Don't Serve the Problem
By Kenneth Copeland

You can't win a victory as long as the problem is the biggest thing in your life!

The Lord woke me up to that fact a few years ago. At that time I was facing some difficulties in my ministry that seemed so big to me, I thought about them from morning till night. Even though I was standing against them, I was thinking more about those problems than about the scripture promises I was standing on.

Then I saw something in Matthew 6:24-25:

"Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life."

I'd read that scripture hundreds of times, but that day I saw something I'd never noticed before. I saw that immediately after Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters," He said, "Take no thought." Suddenly it hit me: We serve our thoughts!

That's why Isaiah 55 says for us to forsake our thoughts, and by the Word, take God's thoughts. That's why 2 Corinthians 10:5 says to cast out thoughts that challenge the Word and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Do you want deliverance from your problems today?

Then quit serving them! Quit allowing them to consume your thought life. And don't wait until circumstances change to do it. Instead, realize that circumstances won't ever change until you switch from wrong to right thinking.

I know that's not easy to do, especially in the midst of heavy darkness and trial. But you can do it if you'll do these three things:

First, remember you aren't alone. You have the Word (God's thoughts). You have the Holy Spirit to strengthen you and you have the mind of Christ.

Second, get around people who are full of faith. Instead of rehearsing your problem, let them do the talking. Make yourself listen. Join in with their faith and resist darkness.

Third, praise God. Do whatever it takes to make yourself praise. When you begin to praise, God's presence will turn back those worried thoughts and make them fall!

Your problems are not the biggest thing in your life. Jesus is. Serve Him with your thoughts and He will set you free!

• Point to Ponder: It all begins with the thought. Circumstances won't change until you switch from the wrong to right thoughts.

• Verse: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him. (Isaiah 55:7)

• Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55

• What we can do about it: The 3 steps above! Also, pray constantly of the renewing of your mind, for God to guard our thoughts and to deliver us from temptations.

_____________________________________________

Scripture Reading (Isaiah 55):

1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. 3 Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. 4 See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of the peoples. 5 Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor."
6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed."
New International Version

_____________________________________________

30th July 2006- True Compassion

True Compassion

What is true Compassion? Are we loving each other correctly and genuinely?

From 1st Corinthians 13,
Love is
1. Patient
2. Kind
3. Humble
4. Without envy
5. Non self-seeking
6. Slow to anger
7. Non-calculative
8. Forgiving
9. Trusting
10. Persevering (esp. to those non-christians we need to reach out to)

1st Corinthians 13:4-12
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
_____________________________________________

Therefore, lets show the grace and compassion of the Lord to those around us, by using the above conditions as a benchmark to check ourselves regularly!

29th July 2006- Step into the Light. A Prayer.

Step Into the Light
By Kenneth Copeland

As long as you live by the Word of God, you never have to be in the dark again. You never have to remain in confusion about which path to take. You never have to grope blindly along, struggling to find your own way.

Isn't that great? Isn't it exciting to know that the Word of God will give you all the light you need every day of your life if you'll allow it to?

Build your faith in that Word and renew your commitment to it as you make this confession today:

"Father, in the Name of Jesus, I commit myself to walk in Your Word. I recognize that Your Word is integrity itself-- steadfast, sure, eternal--and I trust my life to its provisions.

"You have sent Your Word forth into my heart. I let it dwell in me richly in all wisdom. It does not depart out of my mouth; I meditate in it day and night so that I may diligently act on it. Your Word is an incorruptible seed, abiding in my spirit, and it's growing mightily in me now, producing Your nature, Your life.

"I thank You, Father, that Your Word is my counsel, my shield, my buckler, my powerful weapon in battle. It is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. It makes my way straight before me, and I never stumble or fall for my steps are ordered by Your Word.

"I recognize the strategies and deceits of Satan and I put a stop to them by speaking Your Word out of my mouth in faith.

"I am confident, Father, that You are at work in me both to will and to do Your good pleasure. I exalt Your Word. I hold it in high esteem and give it first place in my life. I boldly and confidently say that my heart is fixed and established on the solid foundation--the living Word of God. Amen!"

_____________________________________________
Scripture Reading (Psalm 119:89-105):

119:89
Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
119:90
Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.
119:91
Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.
119:92
If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 119:93
I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.
119:94
Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts.
119:95
The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes.
119:96
To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless.
119:97
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
119:98
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.
119:99
I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.
119:100
I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.
119:101
I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.
119:102
I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me.
119:103
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
119:104
I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
New International Version
_____________________________________________

24th July 2006- Don't Let Your Faith Slip

Don't Let Your Faith Slip
By Kenneth Copeland

Something very serious has been happening to the Body of Christ. We've often let the things which we have heard, the message of faith and righteousness, slip.

I'm not just talking about those believers who've been so surrounded by religion that they've never heard about the power that's theirs in Christ Jesus. I'm talking about those of us who have heard the Word and have known the thrill of living by faith.

In my own life, for example, there were times when I'd pray for healing. I'd say all the right words, "Thank God, I believe I receive..." and all that. But inside I'd be thinking, "I wonder why God isn't healing me?"

You see, even though I'd said that I believed I was healed, I hadn't really. I'd staggered at the promise of God, believing what my body told me instead of the Word of God.

I don't care how long you've been a believer or how long you've been practicing the principles of faith. You can easily slip into unbelief about the promises of God. And, when you do, it will cost you dearly.

"But if slipping into unbelief is so easy," you may say, "how can we avoid it?"

Hebrews 4:11 tells us: "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."

We must labor! Not by working with our hands and feet or struggling to get God to do something, but by spending time in God's Word--hanging onto the promises of God by faith day after day. We must labor by hearkening to the Word and refusing to let it slip.

Don't get casual about the Word. Don't make the mistake of thinking, "Oh I know all that faith stuff. I know how to receive my healing." Don't slack off or one of these days the devil will catch you unprepared and steal you blind.

Instead, dig more deeply in the Word than ever. Labor! Be diligent to keep your faith from slipping--and you won't have to fall!

• Point to Ponder: We've often let the things which we have heard, the message of faith and righteousness slip, falling into disbelief. This will cost us dearly.

• Verse: We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. (Hebrews 2:1)

• Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:23-39

• What you can do about it: We must spend time in God's Word--hanging onto the promises of God by faith day after day.

_____________________________________________

Scripture Reading (Hebrews 10:23-39):

10:23
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
10:26
If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,
10:27
but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.
10:28
Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
10:29
How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?
10:30
For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people."
10:31
It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
10:32
Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.
10:33
Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.
10:34
You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
10:35
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
10:36
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
10:37
For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay.
10:38
But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him."
10:39
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.
New International Version

_____________________________________________

20th July 2006- Let Your Life Shout!

Let Your Life Shout!
By Kenneth Copeland

"The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good." Psalms 14:1

Most of us would never dream this verse could apply to us. After all, we're believers! We'd never say that there is no God.

But maybe we should think again. It's true that with our mouths we would never say something like that...but what about with our actions?

Do we say it by sinning just a little here and there and thinking it won't matter? Do we go to an immoral movie or have a gossip session about the pastor, ignoring God's command to the contrary?

With our actions are we saying, "There is no God?"

Psalm 14:1 connects that kind of thing to corruption. Whether he realizes it or not, the more a person acts that way, the more corrupt he's going to become.

Don't make the foolish mistake of publicly proclaiming Jesus as your Lord, and then privately denying Him with one little action at a time. Use wisdom in everything you do so that both your heart and your life shout loudly, "My God reigns!"

• Point to Ponder: If we want to say that there's a God, ew must do so with our words and actions.

• Verse: The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. Psalms 14:1

• Scripture Reading: Psalm 14:1-7, 15:1-5"

• What we can do about it: Let our life be a living testimony for God, being careful not to sin a little here and there, denying him in the process. Pray for God to empower us with the strength and wisdom to shine for his glory through both our words and actions.

_________________________________________

Scripture Reading (Psalm 14:1-7, 15:1-5)
a. Psalms 14:1-7

14:1
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
14:2
The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
14:3
All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
14:4
Will evildoers never learn-- those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the Lord?
14:5
There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous.
14:6
You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge.
14:7
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

b. Psalms 15:1-5

15:1
Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?
15:2
He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart
15:3
and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,
15:4
who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,
15:5
who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.
New International Version
_________________________________________

19th July 2006- No Hard Hearts

No Hard Hearts
By Kenneth Copeland

The Pharisees had a heart condition that grieved Jesus. Their hearts were hard and insensitive. If you'll look in Mark 3, you'll see what I'm talking about.

God was right there in their midst and they, of all people, should have realized it. They knew the Scriptures backward and forward, and Jesus fit every messianic prophecy written there. But the insensitivity of their hearts literally blinded them to who He was.

The hearts of the Pharisees were also hardened to the needs of the people around them.

That very same thing is still happening today. Just think again about what those Pharisees were doing. They were:

1. Criticizing the minister of God.
2. Protecting their religious traditions instead of obeying the Word of God.
3. Worrying about their own welfare rather than that of those around them.

Have you ever known any believers who fit that description? Sure you have! In fact, every one of us has done those things at some time in our lives. Every one of us, to one degree or another, has fallen prey to the same mistake the Pharisees did. We've gotten so caught up in doing and saying all the "right" things that we've let the tender warmth of God's love inside us grow cold.

I know that's true because if it weren't, we'd be seeing tremendous moves of God among us. We'd be seeing revival on every corner.

That's what God longs to do. God longs to pour out His Spirit in supernatural power and abundance through His Church. But we've developed a heart condition that's holding Him back.

Today if you are desiring an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your life and the manifestation of His power in your church, check the condition of your heart.

• Point to Ponder: We've gotten so caught up in doing and saying all the "right" things that we've let the tender warmth of God's love inside us grow cold.

• Verse: For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)

• Scripture Reading: Mark 3:1-6

• What you can do about it: Check the condition of your heart. If you find any hardness there, repent and ask God to change you. Ask Him to give you the kind of heart that will allow Him to show Himself strong on your behalf.

_____________________________________________

Scripture Reading (Mark 3:1-6):

3:1
Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there.
3:2
Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.
3:3
Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone."
3:4
Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent.
3:5
He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.
3:6
Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.
New International Version

____________________________________________

18th July 2006- Pride Kills

A Legend in Your Own Mind
By Gloria Copeland

Do you want to know one of the secrets of staying in the will of God, of keeping yourself from getting off track?

Don't overestimate yourself!

Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." How many times have we seen that borne out! How many times do we see believers get into trouble because they get an overblown idea of themselves. They begin to think they're so smart that they have it all figured out.

Then, the next thing you know, they're thinking they have to straighten everyone else out. Instead of just letting Jesus be Head of the Church, they feel like they have to step in and do the job.

Once that happens, it's just a matter of time before they're flat on their faces in failure. Why? Because the Bible says God resists the proud! (1 Pet. 5:5).

Don't put yourself in a position where God has to resist you. Rate your own abilities soberly. Adopt an attitude of humility. Keep a watch on yourself, and when you catch yourself getting puffed up with your own greatness, repent and remember that every good thing you enjoy and every bit of success you've had has come by the grace of God and by His power.

Look back on your life and see how many times you could have lost what God had given you. See how many times, when you were floundering around making every mistake imaginable, His tender and precious mercy pulled you through.

• Point to Ponder: Pride goes before a fall.

• Verse: Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5)

• Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-7; James 4:6-17

• What you can do about it: Don't become a legend in your own mind. Instead, humble yourself beneath the mighty hand of God, and let God do the exalting--that prevents some very painful falls. Meditate on how the Lord has saved you and carried you through your darkest times.

_____________________________________________

Scripture Reading (1 Peter 5:5-7; James 4:6-17):

a. 1 Peter 5:5-7
5:5
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
New International Version


b. James 4:6 - 17
4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
4:8
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
4:9
Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.
4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
4:11
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.
4:12
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor?
4:13
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money."
4:14
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
4:15
Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
4:16
As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.
4:17
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.
New International Version
_____________________________________________

17th July 2006- Make Hell Tremble

Make Hell Tremble
By Gloria Copeland

Is the devil giving you fits today? Is he causing trouble for you at every turn? If so, turn the table on him. Start making him miserable for a change. You have the power to do it, you know. You have the power residing in you to destroy his works, to heal, to deliver, to set the captives free. You have so much power in you that every time your alarm clock goes off, the devil should wail, "Oh no! That troublemaker is up again!"

A few years ago, I got a letter from a little girl who had attended one of my healing services in Los Angeles. Although she was far too young to understand theology or anything like that, the Lord gave her a very simple and profound revelation as she watched people being healed.

She said that as she looked up at the platform, she couldn't see me at all. She just saw Jesus. And she also saw a devil. Do you know what the devil was doing? He was lying on the floor crying, "This can't be! This can't be! This can't be!"

Right now, at this very moment, the power of the Lord Jesus Christ is at work within you. And it's not just there to get you to heaven someday. It's there so you can give the devil a fit right here on earth. It's there so you can build the kingdom of God now-- while there's still time.

Line up with God's Word and will for your life. Let the anointing of Jesus go forth from within you. All of hell will tremble. And you will never be quite the same again.


Verse: We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. (1 John 5:18)
_____________________________________________

Scripture Reading (1 John 5:4-20):
5:4
for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
5:5
Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
5:6
This is the one who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
5:7
For there are three that testify:
5:8
the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.
5:9
We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.
5:10
Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son.
5:11
And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
5:12
He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
5:13
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
5:14
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
5:15
And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him.
5:16
If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that.
5:17
All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.
5:18
We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.
5:19
We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.
5:20
We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true--even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
New International Version
_____________________________________________

15th July 2006- Obedience: No Small Thing

Obedience: No Small Thing
By Kenneth Copeland

Do you ever have seasons in your life when it seems like every time you go to church and every time you spend time in prayer and every time you open the Bible, you receive a revelation from God? I do. Spiritually, everything will be going great. I'll be higher than a Georgia pine. Then, suddenly, something starts to happen. I start drying up in spiritual things.

It seems like it doesn't make any difference what I pray or how much I read the Word, I can't get anywhere spiritually. I'm so dry my spirit's creaking!

That used to baffle me. I didn't know what the cause was. I didn't have any sin in my life. I'd taken care of that. I was still praying. Still meditating. Still acting on and confessing the Word. But instead of getting results, I was getting nowhere. I'd stand in front of my mirror and confess faith over and over again and the only thing that happened was that my voice got tired!

If that's ever happened to you, may I make a suggestion? Backtrack and find the last thing God told you to do that you didn't do--and do it! It's probably nothing big. Just a seemingly small thing. But, believe me, those minor disobediences will dry up the flow of the Spirit just like the major ones will.

Most of us don't realize that. We'll get on our knees and say, "Oh Lord, I want to go to China for You. I'll go to Africa. I'll go to Russia." But when God says, "Go next door," we just shrug it off.

"I can't do that," we'll say. "That guy next door doesn't like me. Besides, I want to be like Brother Schambach and get a big tent."

If you've done something like that, repent. Then pick up where you left off and do what God directed. And from now on, remember, no matter how insignificant God's instructions may seem, obeying them is no small thing! It's those simple acts of obedience that will make your spiritual house stand...or fall. All the small things combined become the direction of our lives.

• Point to Ponder: No matter how insignificant God's instructions may seem, obeying them is no small thing.

• Scripture Reading: Luke 16:1-10

• Verse: But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." (Luke 6:49)

• What you can do about it: If you're living by the spirit and yet getting no results, backtrack and find the last thing God told you to do that you didn't do--and do it!

_____________________________________________

Scripture Reading (Luke 16:1-10)

16:1
Jesus told his disciples: "There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions.
16:2
So he called him in and asked him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.'
16:3
"The manager said to himself, 'What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I'm not strong enough to dig, and I'm ashamed to beg--
16:4
I know what I'll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.'
16:5
"So he called in each one of his master's debtors. He asked the first, 'How much do you owe my master?'
16:6
"'Eight hundred gallons of olive oil,' he replied. "The manager told him, 'Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.'
16:7
"Then he asked the second, 'And how much do you owe?' "'A thousand bushels of wheat,' he replied. "He told him, 'Take your bill and make it eight hundred.'
16:8
"The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.
16:9
I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
16:10
"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
New International Version

_____________________________________________

14th July 2006- Your Deadly Enemy

Your Deadly Enemy
By Kenneth Copeland

Many of us, even though we're believers, have seen grief and sorrow as such a natural part of life that we haven't even questioned them. In fact, if we're honest, we'd have to admit there are times when we actually want to feel sad and sorry for ourselves.

Why would we choose to feel sorrow? Because sorrow has an emotional kick to it. It offers a surge of feeling that, in the beginning stages, is almost intoxicating.

But grief and sorrow are dangerous things. Several years ago God showed me that they're not the innocent emotions we've thought they were. The force behind these emotions are actually spirit beings sent by the devil himself to kill, steal and destroy.

They are a part of the devastating, satanic barrage Jesus took on Himself when He died on the Cross (Is. 53). He bore grief and sorrow, so we wouldn't have to. If they come knocking on your door, remember, they are not innocent emotions. They are deadly enemies that Jesus already carried away at Calvary.

Don't live as those who have no hope. You're a believer. You know that Jesus Christ died for you and rose again. That not only gives you hope where physical death is concerned, it gives you hope in every situation. Sorrow not!

• Point to Ponder: The force behind grief and sorrow are actually spirit beings sent by the devil himself to kill, steal and destroy. They are not innocent emotions.

• Scripture Reading: Isaiah 51:11-16

• Verse: Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

• What we can do about it: Don't live as those who have no hope. You're a believer. You know that Jesus Christ died for you and rose again. Hence, we should not be feeling grief and sorrow, but a life of hope and joy!

_____________________________________________

Scripture Reading (Isaiah 51:11-16):

51:11
The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
51:12
"I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men, who are but grass,
51:13
that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction? For where is the wrath of the oppressor?
51:14
The cowering prisoners will soon be set free; they will not die in their dungeon, nor will they lack bread.
51:15
For I am the Lord your God, who churns up the sea so that its waves roar-- the Lord Almighty is his name.
51:16
I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand-- I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, 'You are my people.'"
New International Version

_____________________________________________

13th July 2006- Rejoicing in times of Suffering

Don't Overlook the Blessings
By Kenneth Copeland

It's easy to get your spiritual eyes fixed so firmly on the problems in your life, you overlook the blessings completely! As a result, you end up suffering through situations that should have you rejoicing.

Let me show you what I mean. Not long ago, this ministry was facing some terrific financial pressures. I stood in faith against them. I battled against them with the Word and in prayer. What I didn't realize was this: During that time when the problems seemed so great--the blessings were even greater. This ministry was growing faster, ministering to more people, writing more letters, printing more publications, sending out more teaching tapes than ever before! It was a breakthrough time...a time for rejoicing. But I didn't know it because I was too busy thinking about the problems.

I was so tunnel visioned, all I could see was the pressure, and I suffered through some hard times when I should have been shouting the victory.

But thank God, He woke me up before it was over. He woke me up to the blessings and reminded me that the problems are temporary, or subject to change, but God and His Word of victory are never subject to change!

• Point to Ponder: We often get our spiritual eyes fixed so firmly on the problems in your life that we overlook God's blessings completely.

• Scripture Reading: Psalm 13

• Verse: For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17)

• What you can do about this: If you've been suffering through some hard times lately, wake up to the blessings around you. You'll be much more effective in battling the problems if you're giving God the glory for the solutions He's already provided. Take your eyes off the trouble and look around you.

_____________________________________________

Scripture Reading (Psalm 13):

1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? 3 Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; 4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall. 5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.

12th July 2006- Reaping all we need from God's Grace and Promises

Be Skillful
By Kenneth Copeland

Did you know that, according to the Word of God, there is no lack in the Body of Christ? Everything we could ever need, every problem we could ever face has been covered by the blood of Jesus. His exceeding grace and precious promises have supplied it all.

Why then do many of us keep on suffering lack? Because we haven't, as Hebrews 5:13 says, become skillful in the Word of righteousness.

It takes skill to apply the Word of God. Sometimes we just sling the Word around and try to use it any old way. We pray some ignorant prayer and then say, "Oh well, God knows what I mean" and expect it to be answered.

It's funny though. We'd never stand for that kind of carelessness in the natural realm. If our doctor came in and just threw a bottle of pills at us and said, "Here, take that," without even trying to find out what's wrong with us, we'd leave his office and never come back. Yet, we're shocked when that same careless attitude in the spiritual realm keeps our prayers from being effective.

We live in an "instant" society where everything is quick and easy. And too many of us are letting that instant mentality leak over into our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. When someone needs healing, we bust through the hospital door, dab a little oil between their eyes and say, "Glory to God!" and out the door we go. Sometimes it doesn't take any longer than "In the Name of Jesus be healed!" But sometimes there is something else that must be done.

The time has come for us to shake off that "instant" mentality and realize that there are situations where we're going to have to take some time and pray in the Holy Ghost. Times when we're going to have to sit there and listen for God's instructions.

If you've come up short in any area of life--whether it be healing or finances or anything else--determine to develop your Word skills where that area is concerned. Get out your Bible. Read through all the healing scriptures. Read through all the miracle scriptures. Read through all the promises of God. Read through all the blessings of Abraham.

Meditate on them. Ask God to speak to you through them and to enlighten you about the situation you're facing. Don't just sling the Word around. Dig into it. Fellowship with your Father over it. Let Him show you how to apply it skillfully, and eventually, you'll lack no good thing.

• Point to Ponder: According to the Word of God, there is no lack in the Body of Christ. Everything we could ever need, every problem we could ever face has been covered by the blood of Jesus. However, it takes skill to apply the Word of God.

• Scripture Reading: Psalm 23

• Verse: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. (Psalms 23:1)

• What you can do about it: When you are lacking in an area of your life, take out your Bible and read through the promises God has made pertaining to that topic. Meditate on them. Ask God to speak to you through them and to enlighten you about the situation you're facing. Finally, apply the Word faithfully. Sometimes, we must pray patiently in the Holy Ghost, waiting for God's instructions.

_____________________________________________

Scripture Reading (Psalms 23):

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
_____________________________________________

11th July 2006- Expect Results

Expect Results
By Kenneth Copeland

Are all your needs met today? If not, why not?

According to the Word of God, it's either because you're not praying about them at all or because when you do pray, you're praying wrong.

What does it mean to pray wrong? In many cases it simply means to pray without expecting results. Many believers do that, you know. They use prayer as a kind of spiritual wishbone. They just play around with it. "This probably won't do much good," they think, "but who knows? It won't hurt to give it a try."

If that's been your attitude, then change it! Start getting serious about prayer. Stop praying just because it's proper. Stop praying just because you always pray at this point in the church service. And start praying to get results.

Start praying in the Name of Jesus, according to the Word of God, and expecting to receive what you ask for every single time. Isn't that a little presumptuous? No, but it is bold, and you have a scriptural right to be bold.

According to the Word of God, you have a standing invitation from your heavenly Father to "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that [you] may obtain" (Heb. 4:16). That word obtain is a word of certainty. The dictionary says it means "to get possession of."

So pray, expecting to get possession of what you need, not just once in a while, but every time! When prayers do go unanswered, don't just wander away saying, "I guess you never know what God's going to do." Tackle the problem with both hands! Go to God in prayer and in the Word and find out where you missed it and get the problem corrected.

When you go to God in accurate, Word of God based, Spirit inspired prayer, you do know what He's going to do. He's going to answer you. He's going to meet your need exactly as you asked Him. Start expecting Him to do it today.

• Point to Ponder: When you go to God in accurate, Word of God based, Spirit inspired prayer, you do know what He's going to do. He's going to answer you.

• Scripture Reading: 1 John 5:4-15

• Verse: This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (1 John 5:14)

• What you can do about it: When prayers do go unanswered, tackle the problem with both hands! Go to God in prayer and in the Word and find out where you missed it and get the problem corrected.

____________________________________________________

Scripture Reading (1 John 5:4-15):

5:4
for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
5:5
Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
5:6
This is the one who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
5:7
For there are three that testify:
5:8
the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.
5:9
We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.
5:10
Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son.
5:11
And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
5:12
He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
5:13
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
5:14
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
5:15
And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him.
New International Version

____________________________________________________

10th July 2006- Hoping in the Lord

Turn Up Your Hope
By Kenneth Copeland

You know, that's what I want to be...running over with hope! I want to dare to throw my whole life and everything I have into building a dream that comes from the heart of God. I want to get out there so far that without God's help, I can't get back.

Many people don't think that way though because they're afraid to fail. Fear of failure is dangerous. If you let it dominate you, it will cause you to do the one thing that inevitably guarantees failure and that's not attempting at all.

How do you counteract the fear of failure?

You turn up your hope. You get alone with God and listen to Him. You meditate on His promises until the picture is so clear on the inside of you that nothing can jar it out of you.

If you're lying on a sickbed and the doctor has told you you'll never walk again, instead of wallowing around in that bad report, you start dreaming. You start building a dream of climbing mountains and witnessing to people in the backwoods. Go to the Word that promises that those who wait upon the Lord shall run and walk and not faint or be weary. Look at it until you see nothing else. Picture yourself walking for miles and running from one place to the next, telling everyone that Jesus has raised you up and made you whole.

That's what hope is all about. It's a divine dream. It's an inner image that's bigger than you are because it's built on the promises of God. If you're a Christian, you ought to be a dreamer. Take the Word of God and build some dreams today.

• Point to Ponder: Hope ia a divine dream that is built on the promises of God.

• Scripture Reading: Psalm 33:18-22

• Verse: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

• What you can do about it: Get alone with God and listen to Him. Meditate on His promises until the picture is so clear on the inside of you that nothing can jar it out of you.

_____________________________________________

Scripture Reading (Psalms 33:18-22):

33:18
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
33:19
to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
33:20
We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
33:21
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
33:22
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
New International Version

_____________________________________________

8th July 2006- The Power of Love

Protected by Love
By Kenneth Copeland

Love your enemies...turn the other cheek...to most people that sounds like a pretty weak way to handle somebody who's causing them trouble. But, the truth is, it's the most powerful way there is. It's the way Jesus did it-- and His way never fails.

Do you remember when Jesus went back to Nazareth and the religious folks were angry with Him and wanted to push Him off a cliff? What happened? He just walked right past them, and no one could lay a finger on Him. Another time they decided to stone Him, and He didn't retaliate that time either. He just walked off. No one could touch Him.

When Jesus walked through that crowd, He wasn't afraid. He knew they couldn't hurt Him because He was walking in the love of God.

When Jesus said to turn the other cheek, He didn't mean for you to stand there and have your brains beaten out. He meant for you to stand there in love and in faith believing that the protecting power of God that accompanies that love would keep you safe. He meant for a man to swing at you and not be able to hit you!

The story of Nicky Cruz as recorded in David Wilkerson's book, The Cross and the Switchblade, is a perfect example of that. Nicky was reputed to be the most ruthless gang leader of his time. Yet, when David Wilkerson stood in front of him, telling him about Jesus, Nicky was totally unable to hurt him. He thrust his knife at David several times. But every time he did, David just said, "Nicky, you can cut me into a thousand pieces and every piece will still say, 'I love you and God loves you." Because of love, Nicky couldn't get his knife close enough to David to hurt him. A supernatural force always stopped it short.

"But I don't have that kind of love!"

Yes, you do. Romans 5:5 tells us that the love of God is shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Spirit. All you have to do is make the decision to be motivated by that love rather than your own human feelings.

My friend, love never fails! You don't have to be afraid of failure anymore. In fact, you don't have to be afraid of anything. If you're walking in the love of God, you're living the most powerful kind of life there is.

• Point to Ponder: Love your enemies, and the protecting power of God that accompanies that love would keep you safe.

• Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:38-48

• Verse: But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. (Mat 5:39)

• What you can do about it: Make the decision of loving your enemies, to be motivated by the love of God, rather than your own human feelings.

_____________________________________________

Scripture Reading (Matthew 5:38-48):
5:38
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'
5:39
But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
5:40
And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
5:41
If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
5:42
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
5:43
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
5:44
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
5:45
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
5:46
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
5:47
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
5:48
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

New International Version

_____________________________________________

7th July 2006- Trust & Obey

Free From Debt!
By Kenneth Copeland

If you're up to your neck in debt today, I have good news for you. God wants to set you free from those debts and He has the power to do it.

I know. He did it for me.

I'll never forget it. I had $22,000 worth of bad debts at the time. I'd committed to God to pay them off and never borrow another dime--but it looked to me like I'd never be able to do it.

We didn't see how, but we believed that "God is able." Day by day we looked to God for our deliverance from debt. Not asking Him every day, but thanking Him because we believed we received when we prayed. Eleven months later, we were out of debt. As we looked back, nothing spectacular had happened, but God worked in our finances continuously. As we were faithful, He was faithful.

God can do the same thing for you if you'll dare to believe His Word. If you'll make a commitment before Him to get out from under those debts and then obey Him every step of the way.

As you look at your situation right now, you may not be able to see how you could ever get out of debt, much less stay that way. I felt that way too, at first. I just didn't see how I'd ever be able to do much of anything without borrowing money.

But He showed me how--and He'll do the same thing for you.

There's no debt too big and no business too complicated for Him to handle. If you'll trust Him to manage yours, He will bring you out on top...and you'll never have to be a slave to debt again.

• Point to Ponder: God wants to set you free from those debts and He has the power to do it.

• Scripture Reading: Psalm 37:21-40

• Verse: The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. (Psalms 37:39)

• What you can do about it: Dare to believe His Word, make a commitment before Him to get out from under those debts and then obey Him every step of the way.

_____________________________________________

Scripture Reading (Psalms 37:21-40):
37:21
The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;
37:22
those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off.
37:23
If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;
37:24
though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
37:25
I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
37:26
They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.
37:27
Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.
37:28
For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.
37:29
the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.
37:30
The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.
37:31
The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.
37:32
The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives;
37:33
but the Lord will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial.
37:34
Wait for the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
37:35
I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,
37:36
but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.
37:37
Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.
37:38
But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.
37:39
The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
37:40
The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

New International Version

_____________________________________________

6th July 2006- Breaking out of the cycle of Weariness

Look Up!
By Kenneth Copeland

Look up...because in times like these, your very life may depend on it.

Some time ago, the Lord showed me that a spirit of weariness is trying to work its way into our lives these days through all the pressure and bad news that surrounds us. It's working to get our eyes off the Word of God by bombarding us with negative forces. It's trying to get us to look down at defeat instead of up at Jesus.

If you let that happen, your spirit man will begin to lose his dominion. And the Word tells us what the results of that is. It says you will "be wearied and faint in your minds."

Jesus put it this way in Mark 4. He said that when the cares of this world enter into your heart and mind, they'll choke the Word and cause it to become unfruitful. And since your faith is the product of the Word, that means your faith will wither. Once that happens, you're headed for disaster.

What can you do to stop this chain reaction of weariness?

Look up! Get your eyes back on Jesus. I remember on the field of athletic competition that when an opponent allowed himself to drop his head, he was no longer dangerous. He could be very easily defeated. So keep your head up. Keep considering Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith. Consider Him instead of the cares of this world. Consider what God says in His Word. Be moved by the thoughts of God. Let His thoughts become your thoughts.

Look up! Get your eyes off the circumstances around you and onto your heavenly source. Don't be afraid you're going to lose everything. God is your Source, not the world. He can take care of you regardless of what happens around you.

If you've gotten weary lately, begin to lift your eyes. Raise your head up instead of looking down. God is up. Jesus is up. The devil is down--under your feet. Look up!

• Point to Ponder: If you look down at defeat instead of up at Jesus, your spirit man will begin to lose his dominion and you will "be wearied and faint in your minds."

• Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31

• Verse: Consider [Jesus] that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 12:3)

• What you can do about this: Consider Him instead of the cares of this world. Consider what God says in His Word. Be moved by the thoughts of God. Let His thoughts become your thoughts.

____________________________________________

Scripture Reading ( Isaiah 40:21-31):

40:21
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
40:22
He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
40:23
He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
40:24
No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.
40:25
"To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.
40:26
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
40:27
Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God"?
40:28
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
40:29
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
40:30
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
40:31
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

New International Version

__________________________________________

5th July 2006- Restrain your Thoughts

Don't Think Like the World
By Kenneth Copeland

If you think like the world thinks, eventually you will act like the world acts. Unrestrained thoughts produce unrestrained actions. So control your thoughts by bringing them into obedience to the Scriptures.

Program your mind with the Word of God. The Word is spirit and it is life. When your mind is totally saturated with the Word of God, your will becomes strong to exercise authority to overcome every ungodly thought and evil habit.

Don't let Satan deceive you into sacrificing the glory of God in your life for a few moments of self-indulgence and sin. Restrain your thought life. Meditate the Word instead of selfish, carnal thoughts. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith.

• Point to Ponder: If you think like the world thinks, eventually you will act like the world acts.

• Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:11-18

• Verse: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

• What you can do about it: Restrain your thought life. Meditate the Word instead of selfish, carnal thoughts.

_____________________________________________

Scripture Reading (Psalm 119:11-18):

119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
119:12
Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.
119:13
With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
119:14
I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
119:15
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
119:16
I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
119:17
Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word.
119:18
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

_____________________________________________

2nd July- God's Discipline

God's Discipline
By Kenneth Copeland

There's a terrible misunderstanding among believers today about God's method of disciplining His children. They'll point to some kind of disaster-- a tornado or a car accident-- and say, "I guess God sent that catastrophe to teach us something."

No, He didn't! A loving God doesn't send death and destruction on His children to instruct them. He doesn't unleash His bad dog to bite us on the leg, so we'll learn to wear our boots!

How does He chastise His own? With His Word.

Second Timothy 3:16-17 says, "Every Scripture is God-breathed--given by His inspiration--and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, and for training in righteousness, So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work" (The Amplified Bible).

If you'll look in 2 Corinthians 7, you'll see an example of this. There the Apostle Paul talks about a situation in the Corinthian church that needed correction. That church had gotten out of line and had to be disciplined.

How did Paul do it? Not by asking God to send an earthquake to shake them up! He did it by writing them a letter. He wrote them a word of reproof that hurt so badly they would have preferred being beaten with a stick. It cut deep into their spirits and brought them to repentance.

Your heavenly Father loves you and because He does, He will chasten you. But He'll do it with spiritual, not fleshly tools. He'll use the spirit power in His Word to chasten unbelief and purify your spirit in such a way that you'll come out strong, not weak and condemned.

So quit bowing down to disasters and start subjecting yourself instead to the Word of God. Yield to the Word. Let it correct you and trim away the flesh and the lusts that lead you astray. Remember, the Sword of the Spirit is two-edged--one side is for Satan and the other side is for you. Let God use it to keep you in line!

• Point to Ponder: God will use the spirit power in His Word, not earthly forces, to chasten unbelief and purify your spirit in such a way that you'll come out strong.

• Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 7

• Verse: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? (Hebrews 12:6-7)

• What we can do about it: Yield to the Word. Meditate on it night and day and be transformed by the renewing of mind.

____________________________________________

Scripture Reading (2 Corinthians 7):

1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. 4 I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
5 For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn--conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever. 8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it--I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while-- 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.
12 So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. 13 By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. 14 I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. 15 And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. 16 I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.
New International Version

_____________________________________________

2nd July- How to get Wisdom

Be Unreasonably Committed
By Kenneth Copeland

If you really want to get the wisdom of God, you'll have to do more than casually read the Scriptures a few minutes a day. You'll have to feed on them night and day. You'll have to get rid of the rubbish you've been feeding into your consciousness by reprogramming your mind with the Word of God.

"Oh, Brother Copeland," you may say, "that's unreasonable!"

Yes it is. But consider this: A music major in college practices for hours every day. Olympic skaters spend six to eight hours a day training for their routines. They do it because they're unreasonably committed to their goals.

The same is true for you. If you're going to achieve the kind of spiritual excellence you're hungry for, you're going to have to be unreasonably committed to the Word of God.

That may well mean that you'll have to carry a tape player around with you everywhere you go. It may mean that you'll have your razor in one hand and your tape player in the other or a tape player in one hand and a fork in the other.

Do whatever it takes to totally saturate yourself with the Word of God. I would speak to you no differently if I were your commanding officer about to send you into combat against the best trained elite troops of a savage enemy.

You are God's frontline assault force. You have an enemy who is doing his dead level best to destroy you. In this crucial, all-out, no-holds-barred offensive, Satan will dispatch hell's choicest personnel to bring you down. If you're going to make it through in victory, you're going to have to put yourself in training.

• Point to Ponder: If you really want to get the wisdom of God, you'll have to do more than casually read the Scriptures a few minutes a day. You'll have to feed on them night and day.

• Scripture Reading: Proverbs 1:7-33

• Verse: Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. (Proverbs 4:7-9)

• What you can do about it: Be unreasonably committed. Get wisdom. Meditate on God's word night and day.

____________________________________________
Scripture Reading (Proverbs 1:7-33):

1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
1:8
Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
1:9
They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
1:10
My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.
1:11
If they say, "Come along with us; let's lie in wait for someone's blood, let's waylay some harmless soul;
1:12
let's swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
1:13
we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder;
1:14
throw in your lot with us, and we will share a common purse"--
1:15
my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths;
1:16
for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed blood.
1:17
How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds!
1:18
These men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only themselves!
1:19
Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it.
1:20
Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares;
1:21
at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech:
1:22
"How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?
1:23
If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you.
1:24
But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand,
1:25
since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke,
1:26
I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you--
1:27
when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you.
1:28
"Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me.
1:29
Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord,
1:30
since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke,
1:31
they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
1:32
For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
1:33
but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."
_____________________________________________

1st July 2006- Unloading our Burdens

Put the Glass Down
Courtesy of Patrick Lieow

A lecturer was giving a lecture to his student on stress management. He raised a glass of water and asked the audience, "How heavy do you think this glass of water is?" The students' answers ranged from 20g to 500g.

"It does not matter on the absolute weight. It depends on how long you hold. If I hold it for a minute, it is OK. If I hold it for an hour, I will have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you will have to call an ambulance."

It is the exact same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, we will not be able to carry on, the burden becoming increasingly heavier. What you have to do is to put the glass down, rest for a while before holding it up again. Alternatively, pass the glass to a friend to help you carry it.

"We have to put down the burden periodically, so that we can be refreshed and are able to carry on." However, there's someone who is more than willing to carry it for us. He is no other than the King of the universe, Jesus Himself! The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast your cares upon Him, for he cares for you." We are also called to carry each other's burdens. Galatians 6:2 says "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. "

So before you return home from work tonight, put the burden of work down. Pray and seek God's help. Or share it with a friend. Don't carry it back home. Whatever burdens you are having now on your shoulders, cast it upon God our Father, who cares for us.

• Point to Ponder: If we carry our burdens all the time, they will get increasingly heavier until ultimately, we break down.

• Verse: Cast your cares upon Jesus, for he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

• What you can do about it: Unload your burdens daily. Share it with a friend or cast it to Jesus through prayer!