A Daily Guide for the Week of Prayer and Fasting – January 2014

Theme for the week. God has brought us to the brink in 2014 to inherit promises both individually and corporately. We are stepping into a season of dreams fulfilled and influence increased. He is calling us to see what belongs to us in the Kingdom, to understand what we must do to prepare, to give ourselves to those things wholeheartedly, to embrace what only He can do for us and through us, and then to receive. We are aligning ourselves with Heaven’s purposes more precisely than before in unity as His body in the Flathead Valley. We have already received the double sign of supernatural birthing in Rwanda, completely by His power. We are positioning ourselves to see the most amazing year in our church’s history and for its individual members.

We will be following daily two main sections of scripture from Isaiah 54:1- 17 and from Joshua 2-6. Both sections speak of God’s work to bring His people into their inheritance and how He would have them prepare themselves to receive it. Let Holy Spirit give you insight, revelation, wisdom and faith as you meditate on these passages each day and pray through them for your individual circumstances and for our church.

This prayer guide is for your personal time with the Lord. Try to make use of all or part of it each day. This will keep you in sync with the rest of the church, even when you can’t make it to the corporate meetings. But then bring this with you and any notes you may have written down to the meetings at night. We will be praying through these things as a church in our evening meetings.

Expect God to speak to you in other ways. You may receive revelations by insight, vision or dream. Please write these down and give them to one of the pastors or other leaders. We want to glean all that God may be saying to us during this week that prepare us more adequately for the year ahead.

Day 1 – Read Joshua 1:10-11; 2:1, 8-11, 23-24; 3:1

• Focus: God brought His people after 40 years to the border of the land He promised to them for their inheritance and destiny. They were camped at the Jordan River looking across into Canaan and at the walls of Jericho in the distance. You can only possess what you can see in advance. What has Holy Spirit shown you that belongs to you that you would possess in this next year? What are some of the dreams not fulfilled? Ask the Lord to reveal His heart for you and what He has in store for you that you have not yet seen or possessed. Write it down as a record of your faith and what you expect to see come to pass in 2014.
• Read Isaiah 54:1 – Are there things that seem to have been lost to you and dreams/visions that have died? Can you envision with God something greater than the original?
• Read Ephesians 1:15-23 – Ask God for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to open your eyes to see what you have not seen, believe what you have not believed, and receive what you have not received. Ask Him to show you who we are as the church in this valley.
• Intercession: Begin to proclaim what you see from God and what is coming to you by His hand. Begin to thank Him for what only He can do. Begin to shout for joy and sing over this next year, rejoicing over your inheritance.
• The church: Declare what God has for us in 2014 and what we will see Him do for the church, in the church and through the church to our community and the world. Be specific and bold. Write it down.

Day 2 – Read Joshua 3:2-4

• Focus: God is taking us where we have never been before. While that is very exciting, it can set us up for mistakes and presumption and bad plans if we are not careful how we move forward. We must have the fear of the Lord and regard this journey as holy. We must let God lead us and not get ahead of Him. We must pay close attention and do what He says, when He says to do it. We must also be ready to act without fear as we keep our eyes on His word, His works and His leaders. Can you see God’s holy hand on your future? Do you believe that He is orchestrating things beyond your understanding? Is there anything in your life hindering you from following God and embracing His plans to get you into your future inheritance? How is your relationship with God’s appointed leaders in your life? Are you a Lone Ranger or in unity with your church family?
• Read Isaiah 54:2 – In order to move into what God has for us, we also must be ready to expand, take risks and move into new territory. The old must be replaced with the new. We must embrace the extravagance of God and what He believes about us and our future. He is already out front in our future seeing our tent full of children. He is excited! What does enlarging, stretching wide, not holding back look like for you? Write it down. Commit yourself before God to do what He shows you to get ready.
• Read 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 – Are you as determined as Jabez to experience God’s blessing in 2014 and move into new territory? Is it bigger and better than you think? What do you believe about God’s desire to answer that prayer for you and our church?
• Intercession: Get your heart right before God to follow Him no matter what into your future, not getting ahead of Him, not lagging behind in fear and unbelief. Recommit yourself to God’s church and the leader’s He has placed in your life. Declare out loud what actions you are taking to receive what God is bringing, describing in as much detail as you can what it will look like and feel like when it comes. Declare what will happen to those around you when this begins to happen to you. Thank God in advance for what He is bringing and how He will do what only He can do. Pray for other churches to be blessed with increase in the next year.
• The church: Can you see how God is expanding our territory and why? How much are you a part of this? What might you do to be a part of this as it unfolds in the days ahead? Write it down. Prophesy into the heavens what great things are coming for our church body and the blessing we will be to our community and the nations.

Day 3 – Read Joshua 3:5-6

• Focus: Even though the Israelites had God’s promises and could see across the Jordan River their inheritance waiting for them, they had a barrier between – the river at flood stage. They needed God to do something they could not do. But before they would be able to walk through on God’s supernatural working and presence (symbolized by the ark of the covenant), they had to prepare themselves personally and corporately. Joshua commanded them to consecrate themselves a day in advance of the miracle. The word consecrate means to cleanse/purify/dedicate. It often involved the washing of one’s body and clothing to prepare for a special God assignment. It was sometimes accompanied by the anointing of oil after washing and the wearing of special clothes. The people were going to pass through God’s presence as they passed through the river. Joshua knew that the people must prepare themselves in holiness and reverence for God Who would be in their midst and open up the way for them. If you knew that tomorrow God was coming into your life circumstances to do something for you beyond your imagination that would shock and terrify everyone who heard of it, would you get yourself ready, body, soul and spirit? Or would you be laid back, careless and self-focused? You might be asking yourself in advance, “What’s it going to be like when God comes in our midst? Can I handle being that close to God? What will happen to me/us afterward? Will we be prepared for what God is releasing?” If God is going to do something off your map this year to bring you into your destiny, what do you need to do to get yourself ready? Or are you distracted with lesser things? Ask Holy Spirit to prepare your heart for the experience of walking through 2014 in the midst of God’s fiery presence and on the raw power of God like you have never seen.
• Read Isaiah 54:2 (second half) – Not only do we need to stretch out our tent curtains but we must strengthen our tent pegs and lengthen your cords to the pegs. Part of our preparation for God coming do amazing things to enlarge our inheritance is to strengthen what we already have with God. You can have a great tent but your tent will not stand without being secured to the ground and against the winds that come up against it. And the bigger the tent, the bigger and stouter the tent pegs and the longer the cords. You and the church cannot ride on yesterday’s knowledge and experiences. How strong are you in God’s Word? How is your prayer life with God? How is your daily worship? How is your fellowship with the saints? How accountable and committed are you to your church? What are you doing right now daily/weekly to strengthen your faith and walk with God? Will your present walk with God hold up with what God is bringing to increase you? Write down what needs to change.
• Read Revelation 2:1-7 and Hebrews 12:12-13 – Are there areas in your life that you know are weak and could crumble under pressure? What needs to be strengthened? Write those down. What are some of the things that you used to do earlier in your walk with God that you no longer do? How is your love for God compared to then? Would anyone know by watching you that your love is stronger or weaker? Part of your personal consecration and the way you strengthen your church family is to examine what needs to be restored and increased in your walk with God and then take action. After you indentify these things, repent of losing this ground and ask Holy Spirit to strengthen you. Dedicate your eyes, ears, hands, feet, mind, mouth and heart to God for holy purposes in 2014.
• Intercession: present yourself to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Confess the areas in your life that may have been neglected and need strengthening. Declare that Jesus is your Lord and you are following Him into 2014. Declare your strength in the Lord and the power of His might (Eph 6:10). Begin to describe what your tent will look like in 2014 and why your tent pegs will hold strong no matter what comes against you. Pray for the whole church body to become strong in God and His purposes. Pray for other churches to be strengthened. Pray for more of God’s power and presence to bring us through into our inheritance. Prophesy the mighty wonders God will do tomorrow as we consecrate ourselves to Him.
• The church: Can you see what would happen if each believer in our church were strengthened and consecrated to God? What would our meetings look like? What would begin to happen? What great things can you imagine God will do through our church to touch our valley? Write these down as you see them.

Day 4 – Read Joshua 3:7-17; 4:14-18; 5:1

• Focus: The future and hope that God wants to bring you into in 2014 is supposed to look impossible to the world. Our dreams are to be fulfilled through impossibility. This is how God’s Kingdom is revealed in the earth. This is what gives us the confidence to know that God is with us and will do all that He promised us. This is also what causes our enemies to greatly fear our presence and see us as unstoppable. But know that no one walks across a dry river bottom with the river at flood stage until they put their feet in the water with God. No one walks on water without getting out of the boat first. Are you the kind of believer who likes to see the impossible happen in your life? Do you spend time imagining what God could do to shake things up through miracles? Are you content to live a natural explainable life? Are you willing to embrace the risk of stepping out with God into things you have not experienced yet? Do you believe that your Heavenly Father loves you so much that He wants to do these kind of things for you? Do you know that He would show such favor toward you that others usually don’t see? Write down what an impossible-God-wonder would look like in 2014 for you to receive your inheritance and dreams. Write down what you would need to do to be a part of it.
• Read  Isaiah 54:3 – When God begins to move out in power so do you. We were made for this experience of heaven invading earth, releasing the impossible. It results in movement and increase. God’s intention for us is to take new territory, to “spread out” to the right and the left. This was His original command to Adam and Eve. But it was never to be by their own power, but by God’s. “Not by might or by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord” (Zechariah 4:6). God sees you dispossessing those who are squatters on your inheritance and restoring places made desolate by the enemy. What a glorious call on our lives! In fact, this is how you know you are really fulfilling God’s plan for your life – when you see these results. We are called to “inherit and inhabit.” The word translated “spread out” actually means to “break forth or burst out”.  This is what happens when God’s power shows up to take us into impossilities. Walls come down. Locked gates open suddenly. Treasures are discovered. Mountains melt like wax. Ask Holy Spirit to help you imagine what breaking forth into your inheritance looks like. How might you see His power in the year ahead? Write down what you thought was impossible in your life or circumstances and how God “bring you through on dry ground” to receive His blessings. Are you praying for supernatural displays of God’s rule and reign that will affect how people see God and His church?
• Read Nehemiah 6:15-17 and Acts 5:11-16 – Do you believe that God can move heaven and earth in such a powerful way around your life that others are affected and respond to God? Have you ever asked God to make your life a living display of His goodness that powerfully draws even the most hardened sinner to Him? Can God do something so amazing through our church that shakes the whole city and state? What will it take for you to be available for that result through your life? Through our church?
• Intercession: Ask Holy Spirit to increase your expectation for God-sized displays of impossible break-throughs. Ask God to open your eyes to see what He is already doing and preparing to do. Ask the Lord of Hosts to bring your life and our church into the realm of “exceedingly abundantly beyond what we could ask or imagine” (Eph 3:20) and that it would result in Jesus getting glory in His church (v.21). Pray for those God-ordained “breaking forth/bursting out” events in your life and our church. Pray for this to happen in other churches. Ask God to help you inherit your land of promise and to inhabit desolate places ruined by Satan’s working. Ask the Lord of the Harvest to give you a massive harvest through His power.
• The church: What inheritance and habitation does the Lord want to give our church in this valley, this state and in the nations? How much impact does God want us to have in our region? With gov’t officials? In shaping our culture? How many people and other churches does He want us to impact with His Kingdom? What will it look like when that happens? How might your destiny be involved/fulfilled when our church breaks forth?

Day 5 – Read Joshua 5:2-10

• Focus: One of the most remarkable as well as perplexing things that God leads the Israelites to do before they begin to possess the land involves ordering Joshua to immediately circumcise all the uncircumcised males in their midst (which would have been the majority – all the males under 40 that had been born during the 40 year wilderness trek). It is remarkable because God wanted this done before they received their inheritance and before they celebrated the annual scheduled Passover (which was scheduled 3 days later). It is perplexing because circumcision would render their army helpless (from pain and dressing the wounds) against their enemies, who could easily have wiped them out in a moment. Why did God not order this to happen before crossing over? That place which was in full view of Jericho would be called Gilgal – rolling away, rolling off. It would also be known as Gibeath-haaroloth – the hill of foreskins (we’re talking hundreds of thousands). Gilgal would go on to be the main camp for the Israelites while Joshua led them in their conquest of Canaan in the years to come. It would be the place where Samuel would offer sacrifices to the Lord for all Israel. It would be the place where Saul would be anointed the first King. It was the place that Israel piled up twelve stones taken from the bottom of Jordan River when they crossed over on dry land as a memorial to God’s power to bring them in and a sign of God’s faithfulness to fulfill all His promises to them in the future. What a place to have in your life! But it all began with circumcision. God said that through the circumcision He had “rolled away the reproach of Egypt” from them. The word reproach here means shame or disgrace. Circumcision was a covenant sign in the body itself of faith and full submission to God and His Kingdom. It was also a physical sign of separation from the world and from other gods. Is it possible that your success in seeing God go before you with power and your ability to receive your inheritance is directly connected to dealing with your past involvement with another kingdom and past identity? Can we really handle the great things God will give us and be trusted with them if we carry the shame of past idolatry and adultery with the world? Will we be faithful to God without renewing our hearts before God in deepest commitment? Many times after this moment in Gilgal God would talk to the people about the condition of their hearts and call them to circumcise their hearts afresh to love Him and surrender to His ways. How about you right now? Write down any thing Holy Spirit reveals to you about your heart commitment to God that needs to be freshly recommitted and surrendered. Is there anything in you that is distracted by the world? Is there anything from your past that still holds you in bondage? Are you lacking in confidence to move forward with God because you have shame and guilt in not being right with God? Are you ready to let God have His way with you completely? How does the lack of circumcision of the heart affect our whole church and it’s ability to move into our future?
• Read Isaiah 54:4-5 – Though our past may have limited us in what we have experienced thus far with God and affected our ability to receive our inheritance, God is still the One who is committed to our future fruitfulness. As an amazing husband he invites us back through repentance to experience what only He can do to make our future better than we could have imagined. He says that what He is going to do will be so good that we will forget our past failures and foolishness. Are we afraid to come to God as our Father, our Husband, our Redeemer, our Lord? If we have shame that creates fear to move ahead with God, we will not be successful in our inheriting and inhabiting our glorious future. Write down any fears you have about fully surrendering to God. Write down any shame that have not let God forgive and remove from you. Ask God to forgive you and receive it as done through the blood of Jesus. Now forgive yourself and let it go. Finally, let your super-husband embrace you with love and speak of your amazing future to come. If these things have kept you from pulling in close to our church and being committed in relationships and to leadership, renounce this mindset and purpose to take your place in the family. We need you!!!
• Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 – Ask God to show you any unholy alliances that are hindering you.
• Intercession: Pray for our whole church body to embrace a fresh circumcision of heart before God. Pray for a full surrender and total trust. Pray for the Spirit of Holiness to sweep through our ranks. Ask God to grant repentance that enables us to experience freedom and change at the deepest levels. Pray against deception, pride and hardness of heart that keeps us in the dark.

Day 6 – Read Joshua 5:13-15;

• Focus: After celebrating the Passover as a newly circumcised group of people, still in awe of God’s power and faithfulness because of how He brought them into their land of promise supernaturally, Joshua is now contemplating the next step of how they will take their first city, Jericho, whose walls were high and inpenitrable. He is walking nearby Jericho, perhaps on a prayer walk, looking for God’s strategy of success. He may have been trying to use his previously learned skills of warfare as he planned out the attack. He may have been pondering how God would aid them in giving the city to them. He may have been worried about other adversaries joining with Jericho to fight them. As God leads us into our unknown future according to His promises and we try to move with Him, we often have many questions and concerns about the details about what, how, when and where. We are often in need of a sense of security, trying to second-guess what will happen next and what is required of us. What happens next to Joshua as the leader is not only surprising but necessary. He is seeing a powerful man standing in front of him, waiting with a sword drawn for action. What does this mean? Why is he here? Where did he come from? Is he friend or foe? Am I in danger? Joshua is thinking in purely human terms and tries to place this man in a controllable category to deal with. He is not prepared for the answer to his questions. It is natural for us as followers of Jesus to be nervous about the future God is bringing us into and wonder how well we will do as we consider what might be “out there” to oppose us and stop us. The easiest thing we know how to do, without much thought, is to imagine problems, weaknesses and failures. After all, what we are hoping for requires God doing something we have not seen Him do before. And we usually don’t feel worthy of it anyway. But here you are. You’ve done the best you know how to follow God to this point. You are trying to believe and trust. You are trying to be brave and step forward. What is the number one thing Joshua needs right now? That God is going to answer all his prayers? That everything is going to be perfect with no problems? No! He needs to see God and Heaven’s army going ahead of him to accomplish God’s will in the earth. It’s almost as if this captain of the Lord’s host (which could have been Jesus Himself) was telling Joshua, “this isn’t about you. You are just part of the bigger plan I am working out. Now get in line behind me and recognize who’s really in charge around here. My sword will determine the outcome.” And Joshua chose a very good response – he takes off his sandals and falls on his face in total trust and submission. Where you and our church are going in 2014, what we will experience of His power, and what we receive of His increase, is not about you. It is about God’s Kingdom. Ask yourself what you real priority is for your life. What are you really living for? Write down what of Heaven’s plan will be accomplished through your own breakthroughs and expansions. Write down who is with you and what they are going to do in you, around you and through you. What does taking off your sandals and falling on your face before God before you head into 2014 look like in your life?
• Read  Isaiah 54:7-13 – What attitudes does God express toward you as He sees Himself taking you into 2014? Compassion? Kindness? Unfailing love? Is this what you are expecting from Him next year? This would be a good time to stop and dance. When He comes with His power to do for you and our church what we could never make happen ourselves, what can we be looking for? While we are enlarging the place of our tent, He will be bringing us back to Himself, establishing us in His unshakable Kingdom, building up a house/fortress around us with precious stones/jewels, securing our children with His wisdom and peace. What does that look like in your life? Write some of that down. Begin to praise and thank Him for how good He is and what you will taste and see.
• Read Hebrews 1:7,14 and John 1:51 – How much support will you receive from heaven this year?
• Intercession: Ask Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see what Heaven is doing around you. Proclaim your ability to see with spiritual eyes the hand of God and the working of angels. Proclaim an open heaven over your life and our church. Ask for more angels to show up and accomplish God’s great plan in your life and our church. Declare the release of the sword of the Lord in our city. If these are like the days of Noah to God concerning our blessing, declare what that will look like.
• The church: Are you praying for your leaders to see God? Are you believing God to show Himself strong for our church? Will you be a part of God’s plan to win His battles through our church?

Day 7 – Read Joshua 6:1-21

• Focus: After Joshua came into alignment with the captain of the Lord’s host, he was ready to hear God’s plan for action and start receiving God’s inheritance. God’s first command to Joshua was to “see” what was already true in heaven. God did not say, I will give Jericho into your hand. Rather, He said, I have given. Big difference. What does God have in store for you and our church in 2014 that is already accomplished in heaven? It has already been given/done. Write that down. Can you see it yet? We must move from just hope to expectation of the finished work. We must see. What you see you can have. Then God told Joshua how to receive what was already given. God will show us specific things to do in this year that will open up our inheritance. He has His way of doing things. Sometimes His preciseness has to do with His holiness and perfection. Sometimes it has to do with how we will get the glory for what He does. Sometimes it has to do with protecting us from things we cannot see ahead. Sometimes it has to do with testing us in our obedience and trust of Him. Remember, “there is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the way of destruction” (Proverbs 14:12). To get God’s results His way, it also required total unity of the people. They had to be in agreement, submitted to God and their leaders, ready to move as one unit. If anyone had acted independently, it would have wrecked it for all. And there were no casualties. God knows how to do what only He can do and pull it off in way that shocks us and those around us. They had never seen walls fall down around a city. They had never experienced things move at the sound of their voices and their trumpets. They were in training by God for how heaven invades earth through His people. How much did this affect their expectation for future expansion after Jericho?  What Joshua saw that day was the fulfillment of his prophetic word 40 years earlier of what God would do to give the land to the Israelites (Numbers 14:6-9). But on the day he and Caleb took that stand with God and gave that word, they were not received, but mocked, and almost killed. What have you been saying in past years about the moment you are heading into now? Are you ready to receive what you have been expecting? It is never too late to start declaring the great things heaven has in store for you and our church. Write them down now in advance of their happening.
• Read Isaiah 54:14-17 – There is a heritage for the servants of God – an inheritance. That has always been God’s plan for His people. And often when it comes to us, it is after so much attack, struggle, disappointment, failure, set-back, misunderstanding and even mocking from the enemy. So when God brings the breakthrough it will also feel like vindication, the evidence that you were right in what you were believing and acting on. It is God’s great joy to display your faith and obedience in Him to the world when He fulfills your dreams and gives you your inheritance. This is the year for your life to show the world that following Jesus is not only right but worth it. This is the year for fruit to be picked and enjoyed from the tree you have been cultivating and pruning. This is the year for Jacob to receive Rachel as his own with riches because of his faithful labor and be vindicated in uncle Laban’s eyes (Genesis 31:1-18). And God has said that He has protection for us even when people are upset at our receiving what they don’t have. God has the final say over weapons people choose to raise up against us. This is not a year for fear but victory. How important is it for you remind yourself of God’s promises and confirm in your own heart that you will not be disappointed? Have you looked into your Heavenly Father’s eyes to see that He is surely faithful to you and knows the plans He has for you? Have you seen that the plans are good? The proof of what you have seen and known is that you have hope and can speak of a glorious future. Write down what your hope is. Plan to speak to someone else about what is coming in your future from God.
• Read Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 2:1-4; Joel 2:8-11 – Do you see God’s plan for unity among His people, living in honor and interdependence with each other? How much power does that release in you? Can our church move into its future any other way? What change might you need to make in your own heart to be in unity with other believers and with your church? Write down how your commitment to your church family will increase the likelihood of fulfilling your destiny. Write down what is preventing this from being more real in your life. Will you commit yourself to be part of God’s last-days army?
• Intercession: Declare what you “see” as already true in heaven concerning 2014. Declare what God will do to help bring this about and protect you. Ask God to strengthen you in your faith and perseverance to receive what belongs to you. Proclaim God’s plan through our church to fulfill God’s plan for you. Declare how God will use you in the church to make her mighty.

บางทีมันอาจจะไม่ใช่ความผิดของมารซาตาน

สำหรับผู้เชื่อส่วนใหญ่แล้ว การที่บางครั้งเรามีความรู้สึกว่าไม่ประสบกับทุกสิ่งที่พระเจ้าทรงมีไว้ให้สำหรับเราในอาณาจักรของพระองค์  บางครั้งเรามองดูคนอื่นๆที่เป็นคนของพระเจ้าที่เต็มไปด้วยพลัง ที่เดินตามพระเจ้าอย่างใกล้ชิดมากกว่าเรา ที่สามารถได้ยินเสียงของพระองค์และรู้ได้ว่าจะต้องทำอะไร ที่มักมีเรื่องการอัศจรรย์ที่สดใหม่มาเล่าแบ่งปันให้เราฟังอยู่เสมอ  บางครั้งเราเห็นคำสัญญาในพระคัมภีร์แต่ก็ไม่เคยเห็นสิ่งเหล่านั้นเกิดผลในชีวิตของเราเองสักที  เราควรจะมีความปิติยินดี แต่เรากลับไม่มี  เราควรจะมีสันติสุข แต่เราก็ยังมีความหวาดกลัว  เราควรได้รับการรักษาให้หาย แต่เราก็ยังมีประเด็นปัญหาต่างๆอยู่ เราควรจะมีการทะลุทะลวง แต่เราก็ยังติดแหงก เราควรจะก้าวหน้าไปในทางแห่งเป้าหมายสูงสุดในชีวิตของเรา แต่เรากลับรู้สึกว่าทุกอย่างดูเหมือนจะกำลังถอยหลัง

เรื่องแบบนี้เป็นเรื่องที่น่าอึดอัดและอับอาย โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งเมื่อเราจำต้องยอมรับความจริงนี้กับคนอื่นๆ เราก็เคยเป็นอย่างนั้น และเพื่อที่จะพยายามแก้ไขมันให้เปลี่ยนไปในทางตรงกันข้าม เรามักจะแสวงหาเหตุผลทางฝ่ายจิตวิญญาณมาอธิบายว่า คงต้องมีพลังที่เรามองไม่เห็นอะไรสักอย่างมาเกี่ยวข้องกับปัญหาของเราเป็นแน่ ก็อย่างที่เรามักพูดกันไม่ใช่หรือว่า เราต้องดำเนินชีวิตด้วยความเชื่อและไม่ใช่ด้วยสิ่งที่มองเห็นด้วยสายตาไม่ใช่หรือ และก็มันจะเป็นใครอื่นอีกล่ะที่เป็นศัตรูของพระเจ้า มันก็คือมารซาตานนั่นเอง ที่กำลังเป็นตัวการของการรบกวน ปั่นป่วน ไม่มีความสงบสุขในชีวิตของเรา ใช่ไหมล่ะ เหตุผลแบบนี้ก็ดูเหมือนจะเข้าท่าเชิงตรรกะสำหรับเราส่วนใหญ่นะ  ดังนั้น เวลาที่เราอยู่ในสถานการณ์ที่อึดอัดใจและอับอาย เมื่อเราอยู่ท่ามกลางเพื่อนๆที่ดูเหมือนจะเข้มแข็งฝ่ายจิตวิญญาณมากกว่าเรา เราก็มักจะพูดว่า “ตอนนี้ฉันกำลังอยู่ในการต่อสู้ฝ่ายจิตวิญญาณ มารมันกำลังโจมตีทำร้ายฉันอย่างมากในระยะนี้ ขอช่วยอธิษฐานเผื่อเพื่อปกป้องฉันให้พ้นจากสิ่งที่มันกำลังพยายามทำกับฉันด้วย”

เรื่องแบบนี้ฟังดูคุ้นๆไหมล่ะ? ผมว่าทุกคนคงเคยคิดอย่างนั้น มันเป็นคำพูดที่ออกจากปากผมนับครั้งไม่ถ้วน และหลายครั้ง ผมคิดผิดถนัดเลย คืออย่างนี้นะ สำหรับพวกเราส่วนใหญ่แล้ว คำพูดนี้เป็นเพียงคำแก้ตัวที่สะดวกดายและอย่างง่ายๆที่เรามีเท่านั้นเอง มันฟังดูขลังดีสำหรับคนอื่นๆที่ได้ยิน มันช่วยให้เราสบายใจที่เราจำต้องมีเหตุผลคำอธิบาย ก็เท่านั้นแหละเพื่อนเอ๋ย

เรื่องเล่าและอุปมาหลายๆเรื่องที่พระเยซูเล่า เกี่ยวกับประเภทต่างๆของผู้คนที่พลาดไปจากพระเจ้า และผู้คนประเภทที่ได้รับอะไรๆมากมายจากพระเจ้า  ในมาระโก 4 พระเยซูเล่าเรื่องชาวนาที่ออกไปหว่านเมล็ดพันธ์พืช ในขณะที่เขาหว่านไป เมล็ดก็ตกไปตามที่ต่างๆกัน บางส่วนก็งอกขึ้นและเกิดผลมากมาย แต่เมล็ดจำนวนมากไม่สามารถงอกเป็นต้นและให้ผลผลิตแต่อย่างใดเลย แล้วพระเยซูก็ได้อธิบายว่าเรื่องนี้แท้จริงแล้วพูดถึงประเด็นที่เกี่ยวกับว่าเรามีอาณาจักรของพระเจ้าในชีวิตเราตอนนี้มากน้อยแค่ไหน

พระเยซูตรัสว่า มีผู้คนสามประเภทที่พลาดไปจากอาณาจักรของพระเจ้า ผู้ที่ขาดจากพระเจ้าและสิ่งที่พระองค์กำลังทำในโลกนี้  และตรงนี้ที่เป็นส่วนที่ลึกซึ้งยิ่งขึ้นไปอีก ก็คือ มารซาตานเป็นตัวต้นตอของปัญหาเพียง หนึ่ง ในสามเท่านั้น พระเยซูบอกว่าสองในสามคนนั้นที่พลาดไปจากพระเจ้า และมารมันไม่ได้มีส่วนเกี่ยวข้องเป็นต้นตอของปัญหาเลย ถ้าเราคิดเลขได้อย่างง่ายๆ เราก็จะเห็นว่าเหตุผลสองในสามของผู้คนที่พลาดไปจากอาณาจักรของพระเจ้านั้น จริงๆแล้วมันไม่ใช่ความผิดของมารซาตาน!

เหตุผลเหล่านั้นคืออะไร? พระเยซูตรัสว่าผู้ที่พลาดไปจากอาณาจักรของพระเจ้า ก็เนื่องจากเขาเหล่านั้นมีประเด็นปัญหาในใจเขาที่จะต้องจัดการ คือ

• ความคิดจิตใจอันตื้นเขิน
• ความวิตกกังวลในชีวิต
• เขาถูกลวงให้หลงใหลไปกับสิ่งดีมากมายในชีวิตของเขา และ
• เขาถูกดึงให้เสียสมาธิหรือความตั้งใจจริงไปอย่างง่ายดาย เนื่องจากเขายังมีความอยากได้อยากมีในสิ่งอื่นๆนอกเหนือไปจากอาณาจักรของพระเจ้า

เรามักจะโทษมารซาตาน หรือ “การโจมตีจากศัตรู” ที่ทำให้เราขาดอาณาจักรของพระเจ้าหรือการทรงสถิตของพระเจ้าในชีวิตของเรา แต่ที่จริงแล้วสองในสามส่วนของสาเหตุมันมาจากความตื้นเขินของเราเอง ใจที่ไม่หนักแน่นมั่นคง หันเหไปอย่างง่ายดายจากสิ่งที่เราจำเป็นต้องมุ่งมั่นใส่ใจ  เรามักจะโทษมารซาตานที่เราขาดพระเจ้า และที่คำสัญญาต่างๆไม่เป็นไปตามที่ควรจะเป็น นั่นเพราะการโทษมารนั้นง่ายกว่าการที่เราจะเปลี่ยนแปลง การโทษมารหรือพลังอำนาจชั่ว ซึ่งที่จริงไม่เกี่ยวข้องกับเรานั้น มันง่ายกว่าการที่เราจะยอมรับเหตุผลที่เราห่างไกลไปจากพระสัญญาของพระเจ้า ซึ่งก็เนื่องจากว่าหัวใจเรานั้นห่างไกลไปจากพระเจ้าต่างหากเล่า

“เจ้าจะแสวงหาเราและจะพบเรา เมื่อเจ้าแสวงหาเราอย่างสุดจิตสุดใจ” (พระเจ้าตรัสดังนี้ ในเยเรมีห์ 29:11) ด้วยความจริงอย่างเปิดใจแล้ว การที่เราขาดการทะลุทะลวงในอาณาจักรของพระเจ้านั้น บ่อยครั้งมักจะไม่ใช่เป็นผลมาจากการโจมตีของผีมารซาตาน แต่มักเป็นผลมาจากการติดตามพระเจ้าแบบใจไม่เต็มร้อยในชีวิตของเราเองต่างหากเล่า เรามีความกระตือรือร้นอย่างมากในการที่จะเข้าถือครองอาณาจักรของพระเจ้า โดยที่เรามุ่งมั่นเข้าถึงพระคำของพระเจ้าเพื่อให้ได้คำตอบต่างๆสำหรับชีวิตของเราหรือไม่?  หรือว่าเรามีความพึงพอใจแล้วที่จะอยู่อย่างตื้นๆเหมือนกับคนทั่วๆไปที่เรียกตัวเองว่า “คริสเตียน” ที่เป็นอยู่อย่างผิวเผินเท่านั้น? เรากำลังติดตามใช้ชีวิตด้วยความเชื่อโดยยอมจ่ายราคา ไม่ว่าจะเท่าไร หรือว่าเรากำลังใช้ชีวิตอยู่ในความวิตกกังวลและความกลัว? เราหันเหความสนใจไปมุ่งใส่ใจในสิ่งดีทั้งหลายในชีวิตของเรา (เช่น ครอบครัว การงาน งานอดิเรก ฯลฯ) จนทำให้การติดตามพระเจ้าเป็นเรื่องรอง – หรือเรื่องสุดท้าย - ในชีวิตของเราหรือไม่? เราใช้เวลากับมือถือของเรามากกว่าพระคัมภีร์หรือไม่? เราพยายามสังสรรค์สามัคคีธรรมกับผู้เชื่อในพระเจ้าด้วยกัน ทุกครั้งที่เราสามารถทำได้หรือไม่? หรือว่าเรารู้สึกว่าเป็นเรื่องที่ยุ่งยากที่จะมาร่วมนมัสการด้วยกันในวันอาทิตย์และใช้เวลาร่วมกันสักสองสามชั่วโมง? เราปรารถนาอย่างจริงจังที่จะเห็นอาณาจักรของพระเจ้า หรือว่าเราปรารถนาในสิ่งอื่นมากกว่า?

คำตอบของเราต่อคำถามเหล่านี้อาจชี้ให้เห็นปัญหาที่แท้จริงของเรา บางทีมารซาตานอาจจะไม่ใช่เป็นตัวปัญหา บางทีอาจเป็นตัวเราเอง อาจเป็นใจเราเองต่างหากที่เป็นปัญหา  คุณยินดีที่จะแสวงหาพระเจ้าเพื่อที่จะได้คำตอบหรือไม่? พระเยซูได้พูดถึงคนประเภทที่สี่ด้วย ซึ่งคนเหล่านั้นมีชีวิตที่บริบูรณ์ในอาณาจักรของพระเจ้า เป็นคนที่เกิดดอกออกผลในบั้นปลายทวีคูณจากจุดที่เขาเริ่มต้นมาเป็นร้อยเท่า และนี่คือคำอธิษฐานของผม สำหรับคุณและผมเองด้วยว่า ขอให้เราอย่าได้เป็นผู้ที่มีความคิดจิตใจที่ตื้นเขิน เสียสมาธิหรือเสียความตั้งใจง่าย วิตกกังวล หรือถูกล่อลวงใจ ขอให้เราเป็นผู้มีชีวิตบริบูรณ์ในอาณาจักรของพระเจ้า

หากคุณยังไม่มีสถานที่พักพิงฝ่ายจิตวิญญาณที่เรียกว่า “บ้าน” (หมายถึงคริสตจักร) ผมขอเชิญชวนคุณให้มาร่วมนมัสการในครอบครัวคริสตจักรเราที่ The River เมือง Kalispell รัฐ Montana สหรัฐอเมริกา ดูข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมเกี่ยวกับรอบนมัสการของเราและรับชมได้ที่ http://therivermontana.com

View the English version here: http://therivermontana.blogspot.com/2013/10/maybe-its-not-devils-fault.html

Maybe It's Not the Devil's Fault

It is a common experience for all believers to realize, at some point, that we are not experiencing everything that God has available for us in His Kingdom. Sometimes we look at powerful men and women of God who are walking so much more closely to Him, who hear His voice and know what to do, who always have a fresh miracle to tell us about. Sometimes we see a promise in Scripture but do not see it fulfilled in our lives yet. We should have joy, but we don't. We should have peace, but we're afraid. We should have healing, but chronic issues plague us still. We should have breakthrough, but we're stuck. We should be moving into our destiny, but it feels like everything is moving backwards.

This can be frustrating and embarrassing, especially when we have to admit it to others. We've all been there. In order to try to cope with the contradiction, we often search for a spiritual reason. There must be some unseen force involved. After all, we walk by faith and not by sight, right? And who else besides the enemy of God, Satan himself, would be causing such disruption in our lives? It seems logical enough to most of us! So when we are in those embarrassing moments with our seemingly more spiritual friends, we often make statements like, "I am really going through warfare right now. The enemy has been attacking me so much lately. Please pray for protection against what the devil is trying to do."

Does that sound familiar? I'm sure it does. It has come out of my mouth more times than I remember. And many times, I was completely wrong. You see, for most of us, this is just the most convenient excuse available to us. It sounds so spiritual to others. It provides comfort to our need for a logical explanation.

 Many of the stories and parables Jesus told are about types of people who miss God and those types of people who get lots of God. In Mark 4, Jesus told about a farmer who went out to sow his seed. As he went along scattering the seed, the seed fell in various places. Some grew to produce an abundant crop, but a great deal of the seed was not able to grow into any crop at all. Then Jesus explained that the story was really about how much of the Kingdom we have in our lives.

Jesus said that there are three types of people who miss the Kingdom, who miss God and what He is doing. Here's where it gets deep: the devil is only the problem for ONE of them. Jesus said that two of them miss God and the devil has nothing do with it! A little bit of simple math will tell you that two-thirds of the reasons people miss the Kingdom is not the devil's fault!

What are those reasons? Jesus said that people miss the Kingdom because they have issues in their own hearts to deal with:

• they are shallow,
• they are worried about life, 
• they are deceived by the abundance of good things in their lives, and 
• they are easily distracted because they still desire other things besides the Kingdom. 

We often blame the devil or "attacks of the enemy" for our lack of the Kingdom or God's presence, but two thirds of the time it is our own shallow, easily-distracted hearts that we need to focus on. We often blame the devil for our lack of God and for our unfulfilled promises because it is easier than changing. It is easier to shift the blame to some unaccountable evil force than to admit that the reason we are far away from the promises of God is because our hearts are far from God Himself.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (God, in Jeremiah 29:11). To be quite honest, our lack of breakthroughs in the Kingdom of God are often not the result of some demonic attack, but rather the result of half-hearted pursuit in our own lives. Are we so motivated to possess the Kingdom that we press into the depths of scripture for answers, or are we content to stay shallow as people who are "Christian" on the surface? Are we pursuing a life of faith at all costs, or are we living in worry and fear? Are we so distracted by the good things in our lives (like family, jobs, hobbies, etc) that our pursuit of God has taken second—or last—place? Do we spend more time on our smartphones than in scripture? Do we attempt to be with God's people every chance we can, or do we find it a struggle to show up on a Sunday for a few hours? Do we actually desire God's Kingdom, or do we desire other things more?

The way we answer these questions may point to our real problems. Maybe the devil isn't the problem. Maybe we are. Maybe it is our own hearts. Are you willing to seek God to find out? Jesus also spoke about a fourth type of person, one whose life results in such an abundant life in the Kingdom that they have 100 times more in the end than they did in the beginning. That is my prayer for you and I. Let's be people who not shallow, easily-distracted, worried, or deceived in our hearts. Let's live a full life in the Kingdom.

If you don't have a spiritual place to call "home," I invite you to join our church family at The River in Kalispell, Montana as we pursue God together. Find more details about when we meet on http://therivermontana.com.

View a Thai translation of this post here: http://therivermontana.blogspot.com/2013/10/blog-post.html

Got Contradiction?

We serve a God of mysteries! Have you ever felt elated by the promises of God only to find yourself, later, in what seems to be complete contradiction to what He has promised? Actually, that just might be a good thing. Let me explain.

Throughout the record of Scripture we see that God is a lover who is looking for those who want a deep, abiding and loving relationship with Him. Unfortunately, many have turned their backs on Him and pursue other things. So, in order to test who is sincere in pursuing His heart, God often hides the truth about Himself to see who will search for it. Jesus said that He spoke in parables in order to reveal the mysteries of His Kingdom to those who wanted God, and to hide those mysteries from those whose hearts are far from Him. One statement that He made more than any other was: “Let him who has ears to hear, hear!” By this He was indicating that not everyone who heard His words would understand the truth that He was revealing. 

In the book of Esther, there is a major contradiction that plays out. It seemed as though the enemy of the Jews had secured their certain extinction. A plan was hatched to bring honor and fame to Haman, who despised Mordecai, a Jew who cared deeply about his people. But, in his arrogance and hatefulness, Haman developed a plan that eventually backfired on him. Instead of destroying Mordecai and the Jews, God arranged circumstances so that Mordecai was exalted, the Jews were rescued and Haman hung on the gallows he had built for Mordecai. 

 
In the midst of desperate circumstances, when a decree had gone out that the Jews were to be annihilated, the people of God cried out to Him to be rescued and to obtain justice. Their circumstances seemed to paint a picture of impending doom. Their almost certain demise was in direct contradiction with the protection God had promised His chosen people. However, God used those very circumstances to bring deliverance and victory to the Jews. Because of Haman’s wicked plot they actually ended up far better off than they had been previously. Mordecai became second only to the king and had great authority, power and prestige in the kingdom. 

At the beginning of this year, God gave our church family a promise through Isaiah 54. This was confirmed at least 3 times and we knew He was speaking to us. At the time the word was given, we had gone through some significant losses and were carrying a sense of grief and barrenness. But, what a mighty God we serve! He sent encouragement in the midst of a storm, in the midst of loss and brokenness. 

 
Isaiah 54 begins with an admonition to shout for joy, even in the midst of barrenness! It speaks of fruitfulness for the one who appears to have no hope of multiplication. And in the midst of such circumstances comes the forecast that enlargement is needed because of the expansion that God is about to bring! It promises possession of nations and resettling of desolate places. That is quite an exciting promise for those who are feeling loss and grief. This entire chapter of Isaiah speaks of the contradiction of present circumstances as compared to the future that God has in store for those who are His. 

 
In His mercy, God reassures us, through this chapter, that He will not allow us to suffer humiliation or reproach and that He will be our Husband and our Redeemer! He gives His steadfast commitment of lovingkindness even if the mountains are removed and the hills shaken. He promises to establish us in righteousness and also promises that our children will be taught by the Lord Himself. And as though that were not enough, He also promises that if anyone comes against us, it will not be from Him and they will utterly fail because of us. He declares that NO weapon formed against us will prosper. This is our heritage from Him and He will vindicate us! 

Beloved, this promise is for all who are a part of our church family. God has brought us together “for such a time as this.” He has an amazing plan to allow us to bring in the harvest and to bring glory to His name. What a privilege and an honor. But it will take “all hands on deck.” He is laying out for us a bright and exciting future if we will look past the contradictions and believe in His promises instead. (Please take time this week to read Isaiah 54!) 

If you are experiencing contradiction in your own life, be encouraged. Contradictions often come to test us and to show forth His glory in the end. He is for you not against you. Put your faith in what He says about your future. And come join the family as we enlarge our tent and see Jesus get His full reward!

Reading the Bible: A Powerful Decision for a New Year

The beginning of a new year is a great time to set a new habit in your life, especially one that brings you closer to God. We are encouraging all of the people in our church family to dig deeper into the Bible this year. Your life will be changed as you learn the Word of God and get to know Him better. What could be better than that? Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (Mark 13:31).


Even if you feel like reading through the Bible is a task too difficult, we want to encourage you that YOU can do it! But it is easier with a plan! We have made it simple for you with some easy options!

Traditional Bible Reading Plans
Each day we will provide you with the chapters you need to read. All you need is a Bible. And if you don’t have one, we will give one to you. Choose the plan for you:

• Read the Entire Bible in a year (printable PDF). We suggest this reading plan for everyone!
• Bible Overview in 45 days (printable PDF). This plan can be used if you feel intimidated to read the entire Bible.

Digital Bible Reading Plan
There are fantastic options available if you use a smartphone, a tablet, a computer, or another type of mobile device through the free YouVersion app. The app allows you to read the Bible for free in over 200 different translations in 100 different languages. You can now take your Bible reading with you wherever you go.

YouVersion offers digital reading plans to help you know what to read each day. As you read, you can highlight text, make notes, and share your favorite verses easily with friends. You can also make searches for key words. YouVersion will even remind you daily of your reading plan if you’d like. All of these features are attached to your YouVersion account, so you can stay synced whether you are using your phone, tablet, mobile device, or computer.

Pastor John Gabriel Arends will be following a digital Bible reading plan with YouVersion this year. If you would like to join him on the same Bible reading plan, here are the steps:

Mobile devices:

1. Download the free YouVersion Bible app by visiting youversion.com/download.
2. Create an account (remember your login information!)
3. Start the “Old Testament and New Testament” Bible reading plan.
4. Send an email to john@therivermontana.com to let John know.

Computer:

1. Go to https://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/7-old-testament-and-new-testament
2. Click “Start this plan”
3. Create an account (remember your login information!)
4. Send an email to john@therivermontana.com to let John know.

Thou Shalt Be Flexible: Walking in the Spirit

In this message, Pastor Paul Arends shares the importance of being adaptable and flexible in order to have the fulness of Holy Spirit in our lives. Whether it is a church family or an individual, adaptability is required. God is on the move, and Pastor Paul teaches how we can move with God and live this great adventure.

In addition, Paul shares a prophetic word from Larry Randolph over Montana.

The Fight of Faith that Overcomes

This past year has thrown a lot of punches at many of us that we were not expecting. Whether it is a lack of finances, a relationship breakdown, sickness or even terminal illness attacking your body, many have sought counsel or prayer for what to do and how to get through. The crisis is real. So is the fear and pain. What do we do as believers to process through this? Here is what I have been sharing with people from my own experiences that threatened to undo me and destroy my faith in God.

Yes, you are in that place the Israelites were in with their backs up against the Red Sea and Egyptians moving in for the kill. Or when they were led out into the wilderness to a place where there was no water and the cloud stopped there (which means they were not to move from there, nor did they know where to go next - the cloud had always led them to a place of water and sustenance). It is the place of utter helplessness in our circumstances and a place of contradiction. Why would God allow this? What does He expect me to do? Would he really abandon me in this place of destruction? After all I have seen Him do to get me where I am through His blessing and favor, will He now give me over to the power of these things that have surrounded me, even while I was faithful to Him?

This is that place that no one wants to go through but every child of God is destined for - to test and reveal the heart. It is that place that God ordains for us (even if it is the enemy warring against us) where we have to dig in deeper than we ever have before to "trust the Lord with all of our hearts and not lean on our own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). It is that place where the goodness of God seems non-existent but we grab hold of that reality of God's goodness because we know it is true. But you don't know it is really true except in the midst of contradiction. It is the place where he have to face the fears that we have deep in our hearts that we have not yet seen. As well as the lies we believe about God and ourselves that we don't know are there. But our Father in His mercy brings us into that place to face ourselves so that we can be purified and set free of those things that will ultimately keep us from our destiny. Our Father knows that there are bigger giants ahead of us that will try to knock us off the path of our calling and greater glories of conquest as we pursue the Kingdom - giants that will take us out if we are not ready to face them - but will take us out if we still have these fears and lies in our hearts.

I have discovered that if in the midst of these kind of trials and contradictions, I do not have perfect peace and joy, it is because I have things in me that are not in alignment with heaven. I am still trusting in things that are not trustworthy. I am not seeing God's heart accurately, nor my own value to God as a son. I have not yet seen that unique aspect of God's loving character toward me that ultimately brings me deliverance.

The Israelites gained their biggest revelations of God's nature through their biggest tests. It was Abraham offering up Isaac (a total contradiction) that revealed to Abraham, and the nation that was yet to come from him, that God is Jehovah Jireh, the Lord Who provides (or the Lord Who sees to it). It was during the plague of sickness that the Israelites discovered that God is Jehovah Rapha, the God Who heals you. It was during the war with Amelek that they came to understand and trust that God is Jehovah Nissi, the God Who is my banner (of victory). The first time we see the revelation that God is The Lord of Hosts is when Hannah could not bring forth a child. It is while Gideon answers God's call to face the Midianites that he discovers the God Who is our peace. Jacob reveals to Joseph when he blesses him at the end of his life that God is Jehovah Rohi, the Lord Who is my shepherd. How did he come to know that except by all that he went through? But he certainly knew it at that moment when he was blessing his son who was not only alive but now prime minister of Egypt.

The fact that we are walking through what might seem to be the "valley of the shadow of death" is actually an indication that we are right on schedule with God's training in our lives for a promotion. Unless we can see that the circumstances we are in are a result of our own poor choices and bad attitudes, the reality is we are in an ordained test from God Who believes there is gold inside of us that will be revealed with fire. Deuteronomy 8:2-5 reveals to us that our Father in heaven is a good father who disciplines us (trains us to prepare us) through our overwhelming circumstances to show us what is in our hearts, making us totally dependent on Him, so that we will no longer trust in what is temporal but come into greater experience of heavenly power and provision not previously known to us (or others before us). But it is only those who humble themselves before God in this process who allow Him to expose and remove the dross of our hearts and bring forth the gold, the glory of His nature within us.

I wish I could say that most sons and daughters of God go through these times well and pass the test. Just like the Israelites, they did not, but died in the wilderness of their own grumblings, self-pity, judgments toward God and unbelief. It is so sad to see all those who initially trusted God for their salvation but could not trust Him for their daily lives. But rather accused Him of not being good or fair - not seeing their struggles or caring for them.

But it is only those who come to completely trust Him and know fully in their hearts, even through their painful hardships, that their Father in Heaven is their "Abba" or wonderful, loving Daddy/Papa, who go on to fulfill the greatest destinies prepared in heaven for those who love Him.

I have had to ask myself again and again, "Do I trust Him, is He good?" And if the answer is yes, then what do I expect to be the outcome of my present circumstances? It is my expectation that good is coming to me and that I will be cared for, that reveals genuine faith in God. It is my declaration and prophetic confessions over my future for a glorious end that indicates my heart is wrapped up in His loving heart for me, that I am secure in His care for me. I will either walk in fear or in faith. My expectation is either for possible bad things to happen or breakthrough into God's best for me. My words and attitudes will either attract demons or angels. I will either end up with a testimony of God's goodness or I will become a casualty and a stumbling block for others who would trust in God. I will either get stronger and more filled with the Spirit or I will drain others around me with my negative outlook and fear. I will either lead with my faith or I will be led by dark forces that I am agreeing with.

Ultimately, it is what you are looking at that determines where you end up and what happens. If I am looking at heavenly realities that speak of unfailing love and power on my behalf, "the Kingdom of heaven is at hand", I will see something greater than my circumstances and know the outcome in advance, leading to peace and overcoming joy. If I focus on what is going on around me or in my body, or other people, I will become subject to what I fear they can do to me that I can not control. This is why Paul tells Timothy that he must "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim 6:12). It is those who fight this fight of faith that finish their course (2 Tim 4:7). No matter what we are going through, we always have a choice of what we think about, what we believe and what we speak.

The moment we give in to feeling sorry for ourselves in our difficulties, we are no longer able to see God for Who He is. We must be ruthless against self-pity, though it feels good for the moment and seems justified. It perhaps is the most deadly of poisons offered by the enemy to destroy our ability to overcome. When we fight against this deception, it often reveals the lies we have been harboring in our hearts that have been hidden to us.

In Mark 5, we see the story of Jairus, the synagogue ruler coming in desperation to Jesus because his daughter was at the point of death. He had faith for her to be healed if Jesus would come. But he did not have expectation for good to come if his daughter died. His daughter's death was the breaking point for him. Jesus agrees to come but He is not in a hurry, for He stops along the way to minister to the woman with the issue of blood. In the mean time, the little girl dies and the servants come and tell Jairus to give it up. It is now time to mourn and weep. Hope is gone. But Jesus, Who already saw a different end, because He saw what the Father is doing, grabs Jairus and speaks directly to his heart issues. Jesus knows that Jairus will cave into fear and hopelessness in the midst of his circumstances. And this is always the kiss of death for all of us.

Jesus speaks simple words to him that we all need to follow in our difficulties that threathen to crush us: "Do not be afraid, only believe". The Greek word Jesus used can be translated "keep on believing". "Maintain your expectation for good, for breakthrough". Jesus was exhorting him to fight the fight of faith so he could receive heaven's best. First, we must fight fear. We must make a choice to give no place to the feelings and thoughts of fear that connect us to an expectation for bad to come. Second, we must choose to see what our Heavenly Father can do and will do for those who love Him. If you can see it, or hear it, you can have it. What you have seen, you now know to be true. What you know is what you expect. What you expect is what you speak. What you speak is what you act on.

Jairus could see that it was not over. So he went ahead and brought Jesus into the situation of his daughter's death, looking for the Kingdom of God to manifest in a way he had not known before. It was because he refused fear and took action that Jesus was given authority to enter his house and bring heaven's power to overcome. Jairus had a lot of choices before him at that moment: fear, hopelessness, self-pity, anger, judgment toward God, OR belief and action. He would either be led by the fear and hopelessness of those around him or he would lead the way with his faith resulting in victory and God receiving glory. We are reading his testimony 2,000 years later and it is still leading us to believe for more from heaven.

The Israelites found out after they failed the test, that there was water in the rock right where they were all the time. God in His mercy revealed how to get the water, but they Israelites gained nothing from this. What would have happened if they fought the fight of faith, believing that their good God would never lead them to a place of death, and declared their salvation and provision in the midst of their life-threatening thirst? Moses probably would not have had to strike the rock with the rod. As they praised their God for His goodness and declared their salvation, the water might have burst forth in their midst by itself. What a testimony they would have had! Rather they hardened their hearts and never entered into the promised land of their destiny.

You may be in this fight right now. It is a test that you can pass and gain an incredible testimony. Your promotion into greater things of the Kingdom is on the other side of this. A revelation of Who God really is in His character and goodness beyond what you have known is in the midst of these circumstances. The miracle that you think you need right now is nothing more than a normal work of God on any given day for those who trust in Him and keep their eyes on Him. Your Father God is in a good mood. He who sits in the heavens laughs at your circumstances and your enemies (Psalm 2:4). Laugh with Him. Declare your good ending. Prophesy what the love of God will bring about for you. Refuse all fear. Do not entertain one thought of what bad might happen. Watch for angels who surround those who fear the Lord. Break forth into praise and thanksgiving. Speak to your circumstances from your heavenly position of faith. Wait for more revelation to come with instruction and strategies on what to do. Wait for supernatural doors to open up. Live under an open heaven. Lead others with your words of faith, grateful attitudes and actions of belief. Prepare yourself in advance to receive a testimony. This is what pleases the Father.

I will be looking for your testimony! Amen!!