EXERCISING YOUR AUTHORITY.

By: Unknown on 05:13

Sometimes come in life, and some things happen to us or people we know, and we keep wondering why God allow such to happen. Have you ever wondered why the man (a good and dedicated christian) had to die in the car accident/died of cancer/any other diseases, and God didn`t stop such from happening? Why did this/that happen to me and God did not interfere?...

There was a man (minister of God), God appeared to him in a vision and talked to him about the devil, demons, and demon possession. At the end of the vision, an evil spirit that looked like a little monkey ran between Jesus and the man and spread something like a dark cloud. Then this demon began jumping up and down, crying in a shrill voice, "Yakety-yak, yakety-yak, yakety-yak." the man couldn't see Jesus or understand what He was saying.

He couldn't understand why Jesus allowed the demon to make such a racket. He wondered why Jesus didn't rebuke the demon so He could hear what He was saying. He waited a few moments, but Jesus didn't take any action against the demon. Jesus was still talking, but he couldn't understand a word He was saying—and he needed to. He thought to himself, ''Doesn't the Lord know I'm not hearing what He wanted me to? I need to hear that. I'm missing it!''

He almost panicked, became so desperate and cried out, "In the Name of Jesus, you foul spirit, I command you to stop!" The minute he said that, the little demon hit the floor like a sack of salt, and the black cloud disappeared. The demon lay there trembling, whimpering, and whining like a whipped pup. "Not only shut up, but get out of here in Jesus' Name!" He commanded and the demon ran off.

And the man thought, ''Why didn't He do something about that? Why did He permit it?'' Jesus looked at him and said, "If you hadn't done something about that, I couldn't have." That came as a real shock to him—it astounded him. And he replied, "Lord, I know I didn't hear You right! You said You wouldn't, didn't You?" He replied, "No, if you hadn't done something about that, I couldn't have." The man went through this four times with Jesus and Jesus was emphatic about it, saying, "No, I didn't say I would not, I said I could not."

We Have Been Given Authority To Reign On Earth.

Jesus says in Luke 10:19, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you." which means that we have been given authority (delegated power) to reign here on earth. While Jesus was about to ascend to heaven, He told His disciples that "All authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth.", when Christ ascended, He transfered His authority to the church.

He is the Head of the Church, and believers make up the body. Christs authority has to be perpetuated through His body, which is on earth. Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father, and we are seated with Him [(ephesians 1: 18-23 ), (ephesians 2:1-7)].

Originally, God made the earth and the fullness thereof, giving Adam dominion over all the works of His hands. In other words, Adam was the god of this world. Adam committed high treason and sold out to Satan, and Satan, through Adam, became the god of this world. Adam didn't have the moral right to commit treason, but he had the legal right to do so. Now Satan has a right to be here and be the god of this world until "Adam's lease" runs out.

Satan had the right to rule over us until we became new creatures and got into the Body of Christ, as we see in Colossians 1: "Giving thanks unto the Father... Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son...." (vv. 12,13). That's why Satan has no right to rule us or dominate us. Yet the average Christian has more faith in Satan's authority and power than in God's!

Jesus said in Matthew 28:18, "...ALL POWER is given unto ME in heaven and in earth." All the authority that can be exercised upon the earth has to be exercised through the Church, because Christ is not here in person—in His physical body. We are the Body of Christ.

Even though we have prayed, "Now, Lord, You do this and that," leaving everything up to Him, He has conferred His authority on the earth to His Body, the Church. Thus, many problems exist because we permit them to—we're not doing anything about them. We're the ones who are supposed to do something about them, but we're trying to get someone else, including God, to do something about them.

Demanding Your Rights.

I have found that the most effective way to pray can be when you demand your rights. Peter at the Gate Beautiful did not pray for the lame man; he demanded that he be healed (Acts 3:6). You're not demanding of God when you demand your rights; you're demanding of the devil.

Jesus made this statement in John 14: "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do... If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it" (vv. 13,14). He's not talking about prayer. The Greek word here is "demand," not "ask." On the other hand, John 16:23,24 is talking about prayer: "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." (The Father is mentioned here in connection with prayer, but He isn't mentioned in the passage from John 14.) The Greek actually reads, "Whatever you demand as your rights and privileges ... ." You've got to learn what your rights are.

Stand Your Ground Through Faith.

Faith is involved in exercising spiritual authority. As long as Satan can keep you in unbelief or hold you in the arena of reason, he will whip you in every battle. But if you'll hold him in the arena of faith and the Spirit, you'll whip him every time. He won't argue with you about the Name of Jesus—he's afraid of that Name.

Always base your faith on what the Word says. Some peoples faith is not based on the Bible, however, it is based on a manifestation, they operate outside faith in the sense realm. When circumstances don't change immediately, some people become discouraged and slip back into the natural. They start talking unbelief and they defeat themselves. They give the devil dominion over them. As Smith Wigglesworth often said, " I`m not moved by what I see. I'm not moved by what I feel. I'm moved only by what I believe." So stand your ground.

Exercise Your Authority.

You dont pray that Jesus will lay hands on the sick; you do it. Notice, that the hands are not in the Head; the hands are in the Body: " They ... shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." When you lay hands on the sick, you are exercising authority over the devil. That authority is yours whether you feel like you've got it or not. Authority has nothing to do with feelings. But you must exercise it.

When we were first saved, we were baby christains, and God permitted others to pray for us and carry us on our faith. But after a while, God expects that baby to grow, walk, and start doing things for himself. God puts the baby down and tells him to walk, but many won't.

Too many people still want to be babies and have someone else pray for them all the time. We need to teach people so they can grow and use their own authority, because the time will come when they will have to use their own authority if they want their prayers answered.

Conclusion.

Romans 5:17 says, "For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." God's plan for us is that we rule and reign in life as kings; to rule and reign over circumstances, poverty, diseases, and everything else that would hinder us. We reign because we have authority. We reign by Jesus Christ. In the next life? No, in this life!

Sometimes, believers say they will try something because it has worked for someone else.. If they study God's Word and clothe themselves in its teaching on authority, it will work for them. But if they try to act on God's Word without really having that Word built up in their spirit, the devil will defeat them soundly. You'll only defeat the devil when you've got a foundation of God's Word and you act upon it. The Bible says (speaking of Satan), "Whom resist stedfast in the faith..." (1 Peter 5:9). Your level of faith is directly related to the degree of God's Word dwelling in your heart, that is, that Word which is reality to you and in which you are daily walking.

Conditions exist because we permit them to. Matthew 18:18 says, "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." That was the King James Version. Another translation renders it, "Whatsoever things ye refuse to be permitted on earth will be refused to be permitted in heaven."

Exercise your authority.

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TWO IMPORTANT LIFE PRINCIPLES YOU MUST KNOW:

By: Unknown on 11:57

The way we live our life determines where we are going. When you say yes to somthing you are sayin no to somthing else. Life is about the choices you make. Eg. As a Student if you say yes to frequent and early studying you are saying yes to distinction.

You Need Discipline:

'Your choice is your power' Every choice has a consequence. Whatever you sow you reap. If you don't have discipline you don't have anything. Check out people who are disciplined they hardly loose out of track. Discipline is what you need to get you from where you are to where you are going to.

One important thing to know is that there are things that must guide your decision making, people to inteact with, the way you use your resources. Also because we live in a world of huge distraction both television, friends, social network and so on. The only way to conquer it is by being disciplined. And discipline is intentional, because man by nature is wild and raw, discipline will help you set clear priorities.

Man wants to explore and enjoy life, man talks anyhow and associate anyhow. But with discipline you can overcome. Life is full of discouragement, but discipline makes you generate your personal inspiration.

Set Your Priorities:

Understand the law of priority, you live according to your priority. It means the ability to set things in order of value and importance. It all depends on where you are going,everything you ever do in life is directly influenced by your priority.

People who do things anyhow especially while in school like reading when dey like, going partying, clubbing and so on. Most of them, there aim in life is to get very rich living in vanity while the ladies wants to marry a wealthy man, thats the end of there life. No purpose, no goal, as long as dere is money to change cloth, cars, hair, house, phones, etc. Then things are working well, but its not always like that.

Whatever you want to be in life is influenced by your priority, people who are successful in life had to forgo a lots of tins because they knew where they were going. Your dreams and goals are products of your priority. Be determined to set goals. You have to ask yourself what will I be by the age of 25 or 30. Will I be a baby factory or busy planning how to make impacts.

CONCLUSION:

Well its not to late if you feel you have lost track of your life. You can get ahead by listening to messages (like gospel messages and those that will help give awareness of your purpose ...). Don't just read books related to your area of study, read from other disciplines. No knowledge is a waste, know little about everything.

Yes its possible, ask lots of questions, watch news, think of solutions, what makes people billionaires and millionaires is because they thought of solutions to problems of the world. Think of solutions to your society,your country... And most importantly, connect with your creator who has detailed information about you and knows what your purpose in life is.

Try to put down some goals you want to achieve between stated time. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.(Proverb 3 vs 13). God bless u.

Article written by Victor Adedokun (Bbm-75c 84293 )

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The Armour Of God.

By: Unknown on 00:10

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." (Ephesians 6: 10-18 ).

¤ Shield of Faith: (Eph 6:6, 1Peter 1:3-5, Heb 11:1).

The greek word for faith is 'Pistis' meaning 'conviction of the truth of anything; belief.' Faith in God is:

• Trusting in God's word as truth.

• Trusting that God will provide for our needs.

• Trusting that God will protect us from the evil one.

• Believing that God is with us and lives in us, though we may not see Him.

• Believing that Christ's sacrifice paid the penalty for our sins, reconciling us to God.

• Believing that through faith, we have Christ's authority over evil powers. (Hebrews 12:2)

You can ask Jesus to help you overcome doubt. Note that, believing the devil's lies is putting faith into them and opening the door for the devil to influence us. This is negative faith. Thus our faith must be based on the truth of the word of God.

How the shield quenches the fiery darts of the Devil:

The fiery darts i.e. temptations, seek to inflame our sinful desires (such as Lust of the flesh, Lust of the eyes, and the pride of Life) by stirring up our thoughts of fulfilling those desires. If our faith is effectively operating, the enemy's temptation will not be able to inflame sinful desires in us, because we don't believe the lies behind them.

Actions to put on the Effective shield (2 Cor 4: 13-14 ):

Our spoken words of faith set the shield into place.

• Reaffirm your faith in the Lord each day by saying words like ''Lord God, I believe that you are the Lord of Heaven and earth, and the creator of all things. I trust in You for my provision, protection, and life today. I take up the shield of faith today and believe that it quenches every fiery darts of the enemy.''

• Daily intake of God's word, and using to destroy the incoming lies (John 8: 31-32 ) behind every temptation you face.

• Ask for God's strength to perfect your faith in any area that it is weak. ''Heavenly Father, I believe that with You nothing is impossible. I believe, Lord, but please help me overcome any unbelief I have, especially in the areas of __, __, __.. I recieve your perfection of my faith right now in Jesus name. Thank you Father. Amen.''

¤ Helmet of Salvation:

The devil seeks to persuade us to sin because it will increase his own power and influence in the world through our minds. Jesus authors our faith, while our minds form it and put it into action. We should be aware that the power of faith can be used for sinful purposes and Satan seeks to harness that power. Thus the mind is important (Matthew 17:30).

Satan tactics against the mind which is designed to weaken our faith, ruin our discernment, and corrupt our thoughts (1 Timothy 2:26); decieve with false doctrine (2 Cor 11:3) like smooth talk and flattery to decieve the mind (Romans 16:18); deceitful scheming through the cunning and craftness (Ephesians 4:14); distracts with carnal interests (by combo of lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life (1 John 2: 15-17 ). An earthly mindset weakens our devotion to God and causes us to be unfaithful for God's Kingdom (Romans 8:5-7), for example sexual temptations (Proverbs 6: 23-29 ).

How the Helmet of Salvation Protects our Minds:

This helmet function by the peace of God, which is engaged when our minds are focusd on God, and trusting in Him (Philipains 4:6-7, Isaiah 26:3). The helmet, like the other pieces of amour is dependent on our faith in God, and His promises.

How to put on the Helmet:

• Put it on by faith, believing that you truely have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16, Hebrews 10:16) by saying words like ''I put on the helmet of salvation which protects my mind from the enemy's attacks. I have the mind of Christ.''

• Focus your thoughts on God instead of sinful things (Colossians 3:2) which basically involves the redirecting our thoughts towards God and/or Godly things whenever we are tempted (E.g, speaking Bible verses, singing, picturing Jesus on the cross and saying ''The blood of Jesus covers me.''). And don't delay in thought shifting.

• Direct your requests to God through prayer. By taking our requests to God, we enable God's perfect peace to protect our mind and heart (Philipians 4:6-7). (Our prayers should always include thanking God for who He is and what He has done in our lives).

¤ Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14):

Greek word for righteousness is 'Dikaiosune' meaning ''doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God; integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking, feelings, and acting,i.e. condition acceptable to God.'' We can only reach this condition through faith in Jesus Christ. In exchange for faith, God counts us as righteous (being acceptable in His sight (Philipians 3:8-9). Its a combo of the perfect righteousness God imparts on us and our obedience to His commands for living (which proves that our hearts are in agreement with God and that our faith is genuine).

How the Breastplate works:

By believing in Jesus, we recieve all the power and benefits of being righteous in God's sight. If we don't believe that we have God's righteousness, then our breastplate will be ineffective. Also, the blood of Jesus, spiritually washes us clean from our sins (Hebrews 9:14; 10:12, John 14:30).

How to put on the Breastplate:

It is done through faith by speaking it. Words like ''I put on the breastplate of righteousness. I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and saviour. I am clothed with God's righteousness which protects my heart from the enemy. All footholds that the devil had in me have been washed away by the blood of Jesus. I am no longer clothed with filthy garments, but rather with rich robes of righteousness (Zechariah 3). The righteousness of God covers me and protects me from the enemy.''

How to maintain the Breastplate:

• Obey God's command for living (out of loving appreciation for what Jesus did for us (Romans 6:19). God gives us power to live obediently through the Holy spirit (Romans 8:11,13).

• Live in love. Love is the key activity by which we live for righteeousness (Galatians 5:14, Collosians 3: 12-14 ). By showing God's love to others, we will grow in righteousness towards holiness. When we combine our faith with living in love, our breastplate is strong, like an alloy of two metals.

¤ Belt of Truth (Eph 6:14, John 8: 31-32 ):

A christain survival in the world requires a firm grounding in the absolute truth of the Bible.

• Sanctification: sets us apart from people who don't follow God (John 17:17). To Sanctify means to set apart for a special purpose and to purify. The truth help us stay on mission for God and avoid falling back into sin's corruption.

• Guidance: Holy spirit uses the truth to guide us in whatever situation we are in (John 16:13).

• Intelligence and Discernment: God's truth helps us decisively recognise the devil's lies in spiritual conflicts (Hebrews 4:12).

• Battle readiness (1 Kings 18:46, 2 Kings 4:29, 2 Samuel 20:8): The belt helps for firm support of the garment and place for attachment of weapons (Prayer, Praise, Sword of the Spirit, etc.)

How to put on the Belt each day:

• Speak it: say words like ''I put on the belt of truth. I believe that God's word is truth and I fill my mind with God's word. I have the Holy spirit living in me, who will guide me in truth. The truth enables me to discern the devil's lies and avoid being take captive to his will.''

• Study the word (John 17:17, John 8: 32-32 ).

• Ask God to remind you of the truth (John 14:17, 26). By praying thus; ''Heavenly Father, please remind me of your word today and guide me in truth by the Holy Spirit. Please help me hear, know, and obey your voice in every situation. Please strengthen my abilities to retain and recall your word as it applies to the situations I face. Thank You Heavenly Father, In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen.''

How to Maintain the Belt:

This can be done by keeping our hearts pliable and obedient to God by clinging to His word. Note that the truth can be corrupted by sin we commit and tolerate in our lives (1 Kings 2:5, 1 John 1:7).

¤ Battle Shoes, i.e. Readiness to Preach The Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15):

Battle shoes are for protection, support, traction, performance, and comfort. The spiritual footwear that comes from the gospel of few gives us the firm-footed stability, promptness, and readiness we'll need to face our agile adversaries. Gospel of peace refers to the peace we have with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1-2, Isaiah 53:5, Colosians 1:20, Ephesians 2: 13-22 ).

Putting On The Battle Shoes:

• Speak it by saying words like ''I shed my feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. I have peace with God through faith in Jesus and have access to God. I have His resources at my disposal for the battle I may face today. Father, please guide my footsteps and secure me on your path of righteousness today. Thank You Father.''

• Learn God's word.

• Don't be anxious about anything, but take all your needs and concerns to God in Prayer (Philipians 4:6-7).

¤ Sword Of The Spirit (Eph 6:17):

The sword is formed by speaking God's word. The greek words for the word of God are: ''Logos, meaning word of God--written form (John 1:1-5, 14)'' and ''Rhema, meaning the spoken word of God-sword of the spirit .

How to use the Sword:

• Standing in faith on the word God has given us for our particular situation and confessing it in the face of the enemy's attacks.

• Speaking or singing scriptures that applies to the situation we are facing (John 8: 31-32 , Psalm 119 : 160 , Proverb 18:21).

• Praying the word (Acts 4: 24-31 ).

• Preaching the word (Acts 13: 38-43 ).

• Answering questions using the word (Acts 13: 46-48 ).

• Daily training through daily quiet times, memorizing key verses..

¤ Prayer In The Spirit (Eph 6:18, Jude 20-21 ):

Our part is to pray ''always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit'' and ''to be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints (2 Corinthians 10:5). Supplication means asking humbly or earnestly as by praying. When we pray, we should do so earnestly in humility, inviting the Holy Spirit to work in the situation as God wills. Then, the spirit intercedes for us and plead on our behalf according to God's will (Romans 8: 26-27 ). Praying in the spirit perfects our prayer, and takes our case directly before God, and it increases the effectiveness of prayer for others, as well as alligns our prayer with God's will.

Conclusion:

Satan does not concern himself with the world. He is not interested in them because they are already headed down the broad path of destruction. Those who do not believe in Christ do not need persuasion to sin. They are already held captive by the god of this world (II Cor 4:4). Spiritual attacks seem to most frequently occur at times of personal growth in a believer, when a Christian is overcoming a major sin or addiction, and when they are sharing their faith in Jesus Christ with others.

The full armor of God—truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer—are the tools God has given us, through which we can be spiritually victorious, overcoming Satan's attacks and temptations.

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Can We Really Trust God?

By: Unknown on 03:22

The Track Record:

The city doesn't open because you are anointed, the heart doesn't open because you are eloquent. The only access to the authority of the Spirit that you have is the track record . Everything that secular humanism teaches you does not prepare you for this. Most people will just wish something happen to them, but wishing does not change dackness to light, wishing does not take away hunger and bring bread. Authority is only available to those who are willing to pay the price, and the only price is to establish a track record.

Faith itself is a track record. Faith is not getting up today and believing God for bread, faith is a continious insistence or persistence decision to follow God and to just trust Him, and to believe Him. Sometimes faith will endure the trials of darkness, sometimes faith will endure the trails of lack, and faith will believe when there is nothing to believe. Faith is following Jesus whithersoever He goeth (Rev 14:4). Jesus can decide to enter into barreness faith will follow Him, He can choose to go in afflictions and persecutions faith will still follow Him. Faith will never look back even in the time of neccessities. It is the track record you need and you need to establish it.

God doesn't just stand up and give you a prophesy. You cannot prophesy to the church or nation when you have not prophesy about things in your pocket. God will start with you, He will teach you and expand your sphere of influence. He will you lead to understand what the morning, afternoon, and night is all about. He will tell you to get up and pray, and if you obey Him, the next thing He will tell you is to go and rest now. Sometimes He will tell you get up and study now.

If you alway obey Him, one-day, He will tell you don't enter that bus and the moment you leave the bus you hear it had an accident. Sometimes, He will tell you don't enter the station but wait over here, and many times you will wait in vain and nothing will happen, then He will tell you let go now. He is only trying to teach you and exercise you on the habit of obedience, because strong meat belongth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:14). Your level of obedience to God will determine the level of your faith in Him and your spiritual maturity.

If you are always faithful to Him one day He will give you prophesy concerning nations. You don't desire the mountain top when you have not gone down to the valley because the journey to the top begins from the deep of the valley. The flow of the valley is the root of the mountain. You need to establish this track record my friend because that's what walking with Jesus is all about.

Examples Of People God Set On Track Record:

God set Joseph on track record. He was with his father, Jacob, enjoying, not knowing he was to save two nations- Egypt and Israel from famine. God took him away from his father by allowing persecution against him among his brethren. The persecution lead him to prison and from the prison to the throne. Track record is God leading you in the path of righteousness and sometimes path of righteousness invokes rejection and brings persecution but rejoice because God is taking you to your throne and He deliver you from every persecutions (2 Timothy 3: 11-12 ).

Another person in the Bible God set on track record is Abraham. Infact he is the perfect example. He was in his father's house when God called him(Gen 12:1) and God made a convenant with him to make him the father of many nations. Abraham developed a relationship with God, He walked with God and have faith in Him, and it was counted unto righteousness for him. Track record is all about walking with God and obeying Him, it is all about having faith in God. Abraham longsufferred for twenty-five (25) years before he could receive the promise from God. He walked with God throughout those years to learn God's holiness and perfection. In Genesis 17:1-2 God told him to be perfect to fulfill the convenant He made with him.

Another important example is Samuel. Samuel was dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah (1Sam 1: 27-28 ). He stayed with Eli, the priest of the Lord and learned from him. Eli was the judge in those days and when his eyes were began to wax dim, the Lord called Samuel to be the next judge over Israel. As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and he obeyed all the words of the Lord. The Lord expanded his sphere of influence by making all Israel to know that Samuel was a prophet and the Lord revealed Himself to him by His Word (1Sam 3:1,2,4, 19-21 ). If you walk with God and obey His Word He will expand your sphere of influence and reveal Himself to you more and more by His Word.

The disciples of Jesus is another important example of people God set on track record. they learned the gospel of the kingdom from Him to became the preacher of the gospel. And like the disciples and other examples above, we also are being called by God to be set on track record.

Conclusion:

Trusting God entails handing over the course of our life to Him. ''Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.(Proverbs 16:3). This means that in all we do--our whole lives and our day-to-day work must be entrusted to God. 'Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.(Psalm 37:5).

Trusting God also means placing our faith in Jesus alone for salvation. Nothing we do can earn our salvation. ''For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9).

So, can we really trust God? Yes, because He said it in His word, and we can surely take Him at His word. Do you need more assurance that God can be trusted? Then you need to read these verses:

¤ Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:4 (An everlasting rock that never fails).

¤ In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for You answer me . Psalm 86:7.

¤ This God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30.

¤ Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act . Psalm 37:5.

¤ The Lord your God will fight for you, you need only be still . Exodus 14:14.

¤ The Lord is near, Do not be anxious in anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:5-6.

¤ The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit . Psalm 34: 17-18 .

¤ For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will lift me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5

All the passages above would be incomplete without this one: Isaiah 40:31; "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." So, brethen, we can surely trust the Lord and not be put to shame. ''...it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.''

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3 Mistakes You Don't Know You Are Making About What Worldliness Is.

By: Unknown on 07:39

That a man is well-dressed, popular, prosperous, getting a great deal of happiness out of life... Does this all mean that such is worldly? Must a follower of Christ completely isolate himself from the world, and everything in it, in order to avoid being worldly? Everyone has their own opinion on this, but God's view is best and the only one that really matters and explains best.

So should a christain not prosper because its of this world?

No. God wants us all to have life and have it in abundance. Even John said it in his word that ''Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health" (III John 2). In proverbs 12, we are being acknowledged by Solomon that "the substance [material wealth] of a diligent man is precious."

This means that if a christain works faithfully, using his/her God-given talents and abilities, surely its God's will for such to prosper. But the problem could be when one sets his/her mind on material things, on gaining wealth and riches, and everything he/she does revolves around getting it by all means, and then by so doing, also lives contrary to God's way of life.

Little wonder why God calls into His church the 'poor of the world', because these people are not consumed by materialism. These set of people are more to know and accept the spiritual truth. And these, even when the prosperity comes uses it for the furtherance of the gospel, to help people, bring change to things around them, and not basically for their own selfish reasons.

What about physical pleasures? Are they not sinful?

After-all the bible says in 1John 2: 15-16 that ''Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world''

When God creates man, He made us perfect, with sense organs to savour, experience, and appreciate things of this life (emphasing on the pleasurable things of this world). But sin sets in when one lust against these things . For Lust is an illicit and sinful desire, it represents a wrong attitude of the mind and heart. God creates these things for us. For example, sex. But sex is only good when it is done while married. Before and outside marriage is not within the confines of God's Law, thus a sin.

What about the way we dress? Does it really matter?

We are being acknowledged by St. Paul that "Let your MODERATION be known unto all men" ( Phil. 4:5). But many in their dressings today (the make-up, dress, etc) wants to outdo others, they follow the crowd, living according to the course of this world, set forth by Satan (Eph 2:2). Some people wear a set a clothes, do a hairstyle, etc not because they want it, but because they saw a celebrity wearing it, and they want to follow multitudes, and not be left out.

But, we christains, are to be different.i.e. We must be modest in our dressing. It shouldnt be shocking or suggestive (1 Tim 2: 8-10 ). When God created man, He wants to see the reflection of Himself in humans, thats why our body is the temple of the most high, and a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. In the way we dress, it should glorify God the more, and not men.

Conclusion:

Apostle Peter exhorted, "…no longer…live the rest of [your] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: wherein they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you" ( I Pet. 4:2-4).

So what does worldliness mean? Worldliness is anything that violates (transgresses) God's law.(Romans 13:10). Anything contrary to His way (which can be found in His word-the Bible) is the way of this world (including our actions and thoughts).

Does not the essence of worldliness lie in caring more for the "things" which the world can give a man, than for truth, for righteousness, for purity of heart, or for the peace of God? "Worldliness" may take on various forms and fashions; the inordinate love may be a love of popularity, or it may be a love of money, or a love of dress, or a love of pleasure, or a love of power: the thing that makes it worldliness is the fact that it is a love which has overridden and usurped the place of the love of God.

We fall into the bad way of loving the world whenever we let things win the precedence of persons in our heart's affections, whenever we allow getting to absorb our thoughts to the forgetfulness of being; whenever we suffer the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life to enter like a murky cloud at the windows of the soul and fill with their bad presence every nook and cranny of the room within.

So therefore "come out of her [the ways of this world], My people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues" (Rev. 18:4). Lets not be like Lot's wife who longed after the way of life in which she had just be taken out from. She looked back, wanting to return and enjoy the riches left behind (or probably take as many as she can with her before the place was destroyed), but then, she became a pillar of salt. Lets live our life "by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). And be moderate in our actions and thinking.

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The Shocking Truth About Why God Created Man.

By: Unknown on 01:59

Some people think that God created humans because He wants friends (but then what about the angels (millions of them), are they not His friends?). Some ask questions like; why did God create human? If God really didn't want Adam and Eve to sin, why did God place the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil right in the garden, probably in a position which they pass by daily? Why did He allow Satan to have access to Adam and Eve, knowing fully well that he would tempt them (He could have isolated them from him)?

Jesus came to this earth for at least three reasons: a) to reveal the true character of God, b) to show His great love for us by dying on the Cross and, c) to do away with sin. We are going to use these reasons (the first and the last precisely) to know God's reason for human creation.

¤ To Reveal The True Character Of God:

Before Adam and Eve sinned, they sure weren't able to understand and appreciate the beautiful garden God had given them for their home. Not suprised though, how could they, when they have never experienced anything else? They were never sick, so they could not know the value of health. They could not appreciate the things God made for them because they had never known anything other than perfection. It's impossible to be appropriately grateful for all you have if you have never been without them.

God is a wonderful God, full of Glory and great splendour. The Bible says that when God was about to create man, He said ''Let us create man in our own image and likeness''. This simply means that God wants such a scene that by looking down to the earth, He would see a complete replica of Himself in glory. Images are erected to display the original. God made humans in His image so that the whole world would be filled with reflectors of God Isaiah 6:3, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory! "

A survey has it that there are more stars in the universe than there are words and sounds that all humans of all time have ever spoken. Little wonder the Bible says "The heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1). Isaiah 43:6b–7 says, "Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory , whom I formed and made."

Humans are being made to glorify God, this does not mean to take something (in its plain state) and make it beautiful (which can be termed as to beautify). We don't glorify God by improving His Glory, but by seeing and savoring and showing His Glory (which is the same as knowing, loving, showing). We were created to see His Glory, be thrilled by His Glory, and live so as to help others see Him and savor Him for what He really is.

Adam and Eve would not have known the difference between good and evil. They would have been incapable of purposely choosing God for His goodness because they knew nothing else. It would have been impossible for them to glory in God's fabulous creation (nor be thrilled by God's glory) because they had no opportunity to know anything else. It would have been impossible for Adam and Eve to appreciate God's boundless love for His children, because Adam and Eve knew nothing of sin, calamity or utter wickedness. It was necessary for them to know evil in order for them eventually to choose "good," intelligently and willingly.

Without sin, Adam and Eve would never have experienced the opposite of "good," which would allow them eventually to understand and abhor evil. It is impossible to know good without knowing evil; it is impossible to learn right without understanding what is wrong.

So, the plan all along helped Adam and Eve to be able to willfully appreciate God's Glory and to magnify it. To show it to others, their children, that they also might understand and cherish it.

¤ To Do Away With Sin:

Before Adam and Eve were created, there was already sin in the universe. The Bible says that "the Lamb was slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8). This means that the plan of salvation was already in place before the earth was even created. Satan and his evil angels were already sinners before any human being was created.

Mankind, Adam and Eve, were initially novices in the "sin" business which had been going on for some time in the heavenly realms before their creation on earth. God's plan was for Jesus to come as a "man" and die for the sins of the world. In order for Jesus to come in the form of an angel, to die for the sins of the evil angels, angels would have to be capable of dying. Do Angels Die?

". . .Neither can they die any more; for they are equal unto the angels. . ." (Luke 20:36). Here, Jesus said that angels dont die (i.e. all (both good and bad)). If angels dont die, then Jesus could not have come as an angel to die for the sins of the evil angels.

If sin entered the universe when Satan sinned, how then could sin be eliminated from the universe if angels dont die. Then how can the evil angels be destroyed from the earth and from the universe at the end? And if they cannot be destroyed, then how can sin ever be eliminated. Yet Jesus came to "do away with sin!" (John 1:29).

So how does this all work out? God created a new race of individuals, humanity, individuals with flesh and blood, individuals who were capable of dying, a necessity for the plan of salvation since Jesus' plan was to come in human form and DIE for the sins of the world. But human beings would be capable of dying ONLY if they sinned. Before sin there was no death, neither in Adam and Eve, nor in all of Creation. If neither Adam and Eve, nor their offspring, had sinned, there would be no death. In that case, there would be no need for Jesus to die for us, since no human being would have sinned.

'The troubles of the universe originated among the celestials, among the angels, long before man was created. Humanity was an entirely separate creation, made in the image and likeness of God, to be the form in which God's own Son could come to give up His life for the universe, and remedy what had gone wrong in that higher sphere'. (John 17:12).

CONCLUSION:

God created us to know Him, love Him, and show Him. Lets endevour to magnify the Glory of the Lord. Not like microscopes (which makes small things look bigger), but like a telescope (that makes unimaginably big things to look more like what they really are).

"God predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of the Glory of His Grace" (Ephesians 1:5–6). "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).

Finally, lets help others by pointing out to them the eternal life plan, i.e. eternal life with God—through his Son Jesus Christ, the Bible calls this our "ministry of reconciliation" (2Corinthians 5: 18-19 ). It's also important to note that we have a choice in all of this. When God created us, He didn't make us pawns in some cosmic chess game. We're not His toy soldiers. God gives us freedom of choice. But then, it will be best for us if we choose rightly.

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Is It Possible For Someone To Reach A State Of Sinless Perfection In This Life?

By: Unknown on 05:04

Even it appears impossible, we still can be perfect because of the grace of God. People think that nobody can become perfect. But, it is God who makes his people perfect. To live a perfect life is a hard task for anybody and everybody. Christians try again and again to be perfect, but only to find that they fail to become perfect. It is an impossible task for somebody to become perfect.

What a delusive strategy of the Satan! As the inventor of the doctrine, Satan is simply supporting his ancient accusation that God was asking far too much. He accused God of being unfair by requiring something that was impossible. He was able to convince a third of the angels that God was unreasonable to expect obedience to His law, and he has been trying to make everybody else believe it since that time.

Satan knows that sin is the only thing that will keep anyone out of heaven. Thus, he had to perfect a plan to make people look lightly upon breaking the law. To make this idea acceptable to Christains, Satan actually was able to disguise it as a doctrine and foist it upon a compromised Christain.

When Peter began sinking in the Sea of Galilee, it was not because God's plan or power had failed, it was Peter that lost focus on Jesus, by being carried away by the wind that is blowing towards him (Peter's sinking had nothing to do with the failure of the divine power of God. It did not change Christ's will for him to walk on the water. It only pointed out Peter's need of stronger faith to enable him to obey Christ's command).

Peter could have rationalized, like so many modern Christians, and said, "God didn't want me to walk on the water, and besides, it's impossible for anybody to do such a thing anyway."

The Hypnotised Man:

I read about a man who submitted to a scientific hypnosis experiment. While under the influence of a light hypnotic trance the subject was ordered to pick up a glass from the table. Although he was a strong, athletic type, the man could not budge the glass from its position. His most strenuous exertions could not lift the glass that was light enough for any child to remove.

Why could he not do it? Because the scientists, after placing him in the trance, had told him that it was impossible to pick up the glass. Because his mind was convinced that it could not be done, his body was unable to carry out the command to lift it. What a dramatic demonstration that no person can really obey commandments which he believes to be impossible of performance!

Examples of People in Bible that were Perfect:

¤ The Bible says that Noah was just (righteous), perfect, and most of all he walked with God. In the sight of God, Noah was perfect because Noah had not disobeyed a single commandment given to him by God. Gen 6:9, and 22 says; ''Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God... Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he ."

¤ God Himself challenged the devil saying that Job lived a perfect life. Job 1:8 says; ''And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? ". Also Job1:22 says; ''In all this Job sinned not..."

¤ God told Abraham to live a perfect life before him. Gen 17:1 says; ''And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect". Abraham fulfilled what God has required of him and received the testimony even from Jesus Christ. We can see this in John 8:39; ''They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham."

¤ When King Hezekiah was sick he asked God to remember his perfect life and God favored him immediately. 2King 20:3 says; ''I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart , and have done that which is good in thy sight."

¤ The Apostle was speaking to those who were already perfect in the Church of Philippians. This proves that there were perfect people in the Church. Phil 3:15 says; ''Let us therefore, as many as be perfect , be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you."

¤ Though the apostle rebuked some for their sins in Corinth, he still acknowledged the perfect ones, as found in 1Cor 2:6; ''Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect : yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world..."

These are few of many accounts of people or group of people in the Bible that were considered to be perfect. If these people can be perfect, then a human can become perfect!

Could this perfection mean that we have to be 100 % correct and right all the time?

This cannot be so, for even these people stated above at one time or the other were sinners. For example; Abraham, out of God's command, slept with Hagar (his wife's maid) so as to have a child. David, not only slept with Bathsheba, but also killed her husband so as to cover up his sin.

No wonder the bible says; "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10), "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 John 1: 8-10 ).

These all means that there is no one (except Jesus) that was/is perfect throughout their life-time, it also means that we cannot be perfect or sinless by our own power. Lets learn from David, whom after realising that he had sinned against God, asked for forgiveness, and renewed his ways before the Lord, and with God's help, he lived upright there-after.

David then declared in Psalm 18: 20-23 that; "The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his judgements were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me. I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity."

So how can we be Perfect?

Lets learn from these people, what their secret was.. I tell you that, there is no other person that can make one perfect other than God. Since God made them perfect, He can also make us perfect.

Meaning of Perfection:

Shouldn't we consider what it really means to be perfect? Perfect in Christ means the following: We, as the branches abide in the vine, should abide by the word of God; receive the power of the Holy Spirit as the branches receive the sap from the vine; and produce the same fruit as Jesus has produced while he was a man. This is said by Jesus in John 15:5, and 7; ''I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing... If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you...''

Wow! even Jesus Himself declared that we can do nothing without Him, no wonder St. Paul says in Phillipians 4:13 that; ''I can do all things through Christ which strenghtens me.'' (That little expression " all things " is the key to victory for every one of us. It includes power over drugs, immorality, appetite, pride, and every act of sin that would rob us of eternal life.) But still everything depends on the surrender, and commitment of one's self to the indwelling Spirit of Christ.

God says that it is not possible to do spiritual deeds with carnal strength. It is an impossible task. That is why, He wants us to become spiritual so that the spiritual things may come to us naturally. Romans 8:8-9 says; ''So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."

But then, the devil always decieves his people that nobody can be perfect. Do you belong to Jesus or to the Devil? Even Jesus Christ says that His sheep will hear His voice and will follow Him, as said in John 10: 26-27 ; ''But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:"

Evidences That We Can Be Perfect:

It is more than clearly stated in the Bible that it is possible to overcome sin, and also to be perfect. The Bible:

- Instead of saying we may be saved, says we can be "saved to the uttermost" (Hebrews 7:25).

- Instead of saying we may conquer, it assures that we can be "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37).

- Instead of being told that we can just triumph, we are told that we may "always triumph" (2 Corinthians 2:14).

- Instead of promising whatever we might ask to help us in our spiritual battles, says He will give us "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). And the verse just prior to that one clearly guarantees that we may "be filled with all the fullness of God" (verse 19).

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4). Notice that it is "by these" that we escape the corruption of sin. What are "these"? They are the promises of God! (Few of which are stated in the verses above).

What all these means is that when you get the power of Christ in your life, you have everything else you could ever desire. "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32). There is that term again " all things " You will find it also in 2 Peter 1:3: "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness ..."

These means that by claiming the presence of Christ in your life, you also receive everything that Christ possesses. Paul described it this way: "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30). Here, we have these ''all things'' being broken down by St. Paul.

What do "righteousness," "redemption," and "sanctification" include? The word "redemption" is not limited to redemption from the guilt of sin, but from the power of sin also. "Sanctification" is a word that describes continuous, daily growth in overcoming sin. "Righteousness" literally means right-doing and applies to a dynamic fulfillment of God's will.

Every child of Adam needs two things desperately — forgiveness for the past and power for the future, and Redemption includes both of them. Jesus did not come just to take away something — our guilt; but to give us something — victory over sin.

Eph 5: 25-27 ; ''Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." This means that Jesus Christ died for the Church in order to purify the Church and to make it perfect for Himself .

Eph 4: 11-13 ; ''And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:." This means that Gods purpose for the church is to perfect the believers .

If you need more assurance that victory can be yours, read the following:

- 1 Corinthians 15:57; "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ ."

- 1 John 5:4; "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith ."

- 2 Corinthians 5:21; "… that we might be made the righteousness of God in him ."

- 1 John 3:6; " Whatsoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him ."

Could It Be That We Have Been Hypnotised?

The hypnotized man could not physically lift a small glass from the table because his mind was so fully convinced that it couldn't be done. Has Satan been able to immobilize the church through the power of his hypnotic, lying assertion that obedience is impossible? It certainly seems so.

No one is going to put forth any serious effort to do something that he believes to be impossible. Obviously then, those who believe they cannot live without sinning are not attempting to live without sin. No reasonable person will waste time and effort in a vain struggle to accomplish nothing.

Can a person believe that there is no way to stop sinning, and yet make plans not to sin? Guess thats impossible. But the Bible commands us to "make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof." (Romans 13:14). Are we not making provision for sin by laying hold to the fact that it is impossible not to sin?

To deny the possibility of total victory over sin is to rob God of the glory of His mission. He came, the Bible says, to destroy the works of the devil. Those works are the works of sin. If no one claimed His power to overcome sin completely, the devil's accusation would be confirmed, and the requirements of God would be exposed as too difficult to obey.

Jesus's mission was to counteract and neutralize the entire program of sin - defilement introduced by Satan. Restoring the image of God in man is a very important part of the everlasting gospel. The most glorious experience of the truly converted is to break the pattern of self-indulgence and sin. Under the rule of the Spirit of God, fleshly habits may be conquered and expelled from the life. Through faith in the promises, unbelievable power can be released into the life of one who is willing to give up the enjoyment of sin.

The heart of God longs for us to take Him at His word and to claim the power He has promised. It is the only road to real victory. But no one can experience victory who does not believe victory is possible.

This perfection is a point to be attained as a christain (and the point it is attained can be termed as Maturity, just like a child grows to be mature, a christain should grow to the maturity level). Why not start from a level today? The word Perfect/Mature denotes those who have attained the full development of innate powers, in contrast to those who are still in the undeveloped state - adults in contrast to children.

Thus the thought here is - Ye shall be satisfied with, and shall attain to, no lower state than that of maturity. It is this maturity that will make you love those that wronged you, will make say the truth always, and to understand and always obey Gods commandment (which can be specialised into one, i.e. Love (Love to God, Love to our neighbours).

How To Be Victorious Even If You Are Hypnotised:

There is not a habit or sin known to man that cannot be conquered through faith. Do you know why "trying" does not work in overcoming the devil? Trying will never break the power of sin in a single instance, because we're facing an enemy who will always be stronger than we are (thats why God says; Resist the devil, and he will flee from you, not fight him. If you try fighting the devil, even if you win today, he will always come back, and with a stronger strategy). What, then, is the answer to our weakness and defeat?

First of all, one must understand that all of heaven's gifts are available to us through the promises of the Bible, and we receive them by faith. Peter describes the "exceeding great and precious promises" and assures us that "by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4). Mighty power is stored within the promise to fulfill itself to all who claim it in faith. So few are willing to believe that the promised blessing becomes theirs the very moment they believe it. But why is it so hard to believe implicitly that God will do what He promises?

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57). Victory is a gift, not that we earn it by our efforts. The only thing we need is to ask, and it shall be given unto us freely by Christ. He is the only one who has ever gained victory over Satan.

The Bible says you may have the victory as a gift through Jesus Christ. Do you believe He will give you that power if you ask Him? How certain can you be that God will answer your prayer for victory immediately?

Matthew 7:11 says; "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" Is it a good thing when you ask for victory over that sin you are addicted to? Of course it is! Will God give the victory when we ask Him? Jesus said He was more willing to give this good thing than we are to feed our children when they are hungry. He is waiting to honor your faith and to "supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

But then why have we been so reluctant to apply for the provisions of grace? Why is it so hard to believe that God means exactly what He says? He will keep every promise (God is not man that He should lie). And faith makes it so.

How do we know we have the victory after we ask Him? The very moment we ask, we should accept the fact of fulfillment, thank Him for the gift, and get up and act like it has been done. No kind of proof- feeling or sign should be demanded or expected. The self-fulfilling power in the promise is released in response to our faith alone.

Romans 6:11, "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." The word "reckon" means to believe, or to consider it done. Every particle of faith should be focused on that one request for victory and then it should be accounted as done.

Do you remember how Peter walked on the water? He asked Jesus if he could step out of the boat onto the raging sea, and Jesus told Peter to come. But how long did Peter do the impossible by walking on the water? The Bible says, "When he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me" (Matthew 14:30). What was Peter afraid of? He was afraid of sinking and drowning. In spite of Christ's assurance that he could safely walk on the water, Peter began to doubt the word of the Master. That is when he began to sink. As long as he believed the promise of Jesus and acted in faith, he was safe. When he doubted, he sank.

So, whatever it is you are trying to overcome, Christ says, "Come to me. I will give you the victory." As long as you believe that you have been delivered, you will have the victory. It is as simple as that. The very moment you ask for victory it will be placed in your life as a reservoir of power. You won't feel it, but it is there. It will remain there as long as you accept it in faith (For some people the deliverance is so dramatic that they lose even the appetite for the sin).

Usually, the desire remains, but in the moment of temptation, the power to walk past the temptation springs forth from within. Faith accepts the fact of deliverance and constantly claims the victory which is in the secure possession of the believer.

Romans 13:14. "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." Under the old "trying" plan, provision was made to fail in most cases. But under the "trusting" plan, we have no reason to fear failure on the grounds of human weakness. Victory does not depend on our strength but on God's power. We might fail, but He cannot fail. All plans that might involve any degree of compromise are abandoned.

We might need to be reminded of our total dependence upon His strength. But this does not diminish the beautiful plan of God to impart power and victory through "exceeding great and precious promises" of the Bible. Without faith by the receiver not even God's promises can be appropriated. The limits are clearly defined in the words of Jesus, "According to your faith be it unto you" (Matthew 9:29).

So therefore, if you are willing to be delivered, the victory, power, and deliverance is there. just reach out in faith and it is yours. Believe it and claim it this very moment. God wants you to be free. And sure He wants you to be perfect, He has sent a perfect example to this world to show the way of perfection, and through Him (and Him alone) can you be perfect, but remember, only if you want to. So break loose today, and take the bold step towards perfection.

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