Who Am I? I Am Speaking, Shouting, and Declaring!

In Matthew 4:3-11 we read about the temptation of Jesus by the devil in the wilderness.  Notice, even Jesus, had to "say" three times the Word before the devil left.  

Faith is ongoing, increasing and growing as we read, and allow God's Word to infiltrate our minds and create change in our lives.  However, regardless of how seasoned a Christian we may be, how much we have overcome, or how much we know God's Word, we notice that even Jesus himself, continued to "say" until the devil left.  

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;  2 Corinithians 4:13 

For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.  Mark 11:23 

Faith is not silent, faith is spoken!!!  It is shouted!!!  It comes from the overflow of our hearts!!!

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.  Luke 6:45

What comes out of our mouths is one of two things, faith or doubt, belief or unbelief.  If we are not seeing God's Word manifested within our lives, we must examine what overflowing out of our hearts by examining our speech.  

What is coming out of our mouths?  Is it faith?  Is it God's Word?  Is it thanksgiving?  

Who Am I? I Am at Rest In Him.

Lynette Hagin:  Many people have the mistaken idea that in living for God and fulfilling His plan for our life- that our life would be free from difficulties, stress, challenges, etc. Because of Adam's sin- we are exposed to these every day. However because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf--as long as we stay in relationship with the Father - Christ's death deprived the power of the enemy to harm us. "Know that whatever difficulties your are going thru right now that Christ has conquered them for you. Rest in Him and you will experience peace. Tho you don't see or understand how the present situation can work out as it seems hopeless- know that God is working in the unseen world. Fight the good fight of faith as victory is close at hand. Don't lose your confidence but stay steady in your faith- saith the Lord."

Who Am I? I Am Standing Strong, Jesus Is Lord, His Kingdom is Forever!

Many who read this blog and my facebook posts have expressed a need for prayer to get them through present circumstances within their lives.  Here are a few songs by Chris Tomlin, and verses put together from "Through the Storms: Help From Heaven When All Hell Breaks Loose" by Tony Cooke. 

"Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage..." Joshua 10:25

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?  When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, the stumbled and fell.  Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; through war may rise against me, in this I will be confident."  Psalm 27:1-3

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.  Psalm 46:1-2

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.  Isaiah 26:3

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

"In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you."  Isaiah 54:14

"Do not be afraid; only believe."  Mark 5:36

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  John 14:27

Who Am I? I Am Powerful - Full of Power!

The Word of God is quick.  It is ALIVE.  The Word of God that we speak out into the world, changes the environment around us.  The Word of God spoken through you has POWER to CHANGE YOUR WORLD!  The Word of God coming from your lips has power to change your body!  The Word of God out of your mouth has power to change your situation!  The Word of God spoken out by you has the power to change your financial life, your health.  God's Word is powerful-full of power! -- not quoted, but based on a message given by Charles Cowan

Who Am I? I A Lion Tamer, A Bear Trapper, And A Giant Killer!

Lions, Bears, and Giant's! Oh, How Faith Groweth!

Remember the story from Sunday school of David and Goliath.  The young boy who killed the giant of the land with a sling shot.  This story is told to millions around the world and is a favorite in Sunday schools and childrens' church.  This biblical account retold has taught us of one young boy's faith in his Living God. However, his faith did not begin with Goliath?  His faith grew over time and experience as he trusted and learned who his God was, and who he, David, was in relation to his God.

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By Bill Bachmann

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David was young and tending his father's sheep. Following his father's instructions, he went to serve his elder brothers and their commander by bringing his brothers some food and a gift of cheese to their commander.  David's father also asked him to bring back a token, so that he would know his boys were doing well.  

As David arrived his brothers and the host of soldiers were shouting the battle cry and  heading out for battle in fighting with the Philistines, army against army.  

Hearing and seeing the uproar, David left the food with the baggage keeper, and ran out among the soldier's to greet his brothers.  David heard a champion soldier of the Philistines step out and boast,"I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together." (1 Samuel 17:10)  

David watched as all of his fellow Israelites fled from Goliath, terrified.  Then he boldly said, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Isreal?   For who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (vs. 26)  

Eliab, David's oldest brother, became angry with David.  Why?  Eliab accused David of being "presumptuous" and having "evilness of heart"?  We read earlier in the passage that David was actually following the instructions of his father, serving his brothers.  Was Eliab acting out of fear?  Was he angry with David, because David seemed to be stirring up trouble; and without saying the words, calling the Israelite soldiers and his own brothers "yellow"?  

David's reply, "What have I done now?  Was it not a harmless question?"  Does this mean David was a bit of a trouble maker in the past, showing up his brothers maybe?  David then turned away from his oldest brother (almost as if, he was boldly saying, "get out of my face"), and asked the same question.  The men gave him the answer again.

Word traveled fast as the words of David were repeated through the host of soldiers till they reached Saul, who sent for David.  

Saul told David, "You are NOT ABLE to fightagainst the Philistines.  You are but an adolescent (a child), and he has been a warrior from his youth."  (I have heard preached by many great preachers, Faith begins where our ability stops!  Saul was looking at ability, walking by sight.  David was walking by faith in the living God he knew and trusted.)

David was not new to walking in faith.  He knew that His God was a Living God who delivers him from all evil.  We see this in David's reply, "Your servant (David) kept his father's sheep.  And when there came a lion or again a bear and took a lamb out of the flock.  I went out after it and smote it and delivered the lamb out of its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard and smote it and killed it.  Your servant killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God."

David said, "The Lord Who delivered me out of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine."

What was Saul to say to that except, "Go, and the Lord be with you."

You know the rest of the account.  David killed the giant, giving God the Glory.  Victory was his.

Our faith increases as we get to know our Living God, the God within us, our Father.  We get to know Him through His Living Word, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17  David's faith had grown as he had been delivered protecting his father's flock of sheep from the lion, and again from a bear.  David knew going into this fight, that it was not his ability, but His God's ability that would deliver him just as it had before.  He had faith in the Living God, faith that had grown from trust and experience in God.  

We often wait until their is a crisis to pray for help, pick up our bibles, or go to church.  During a crisis is not the time to begin to build faith. It is in our daily lives, in the little things, we do each and every day that we exercise and increase faith, by hearing and hearing His Word, getting to know who He is so that we already trust Him when that big crisis comes into our lives.

Read 1 Samuel Chapter 17.  There is much more to learn about faith in this chapter, like:  Why did David choose five smooth rocks from the stream when he only needed one to take down Goliath?  David knew God's power, why did he choose to use rocks and a sling shot to take down Goliath, when all he had to do was speak it out? 

Lions, Bears, and Giant's! Oh, How Faith Groweth!

Remember the story from Sunday school of David and Goliath.  The young boy who killed the giant of the land with a sling shot.  This story is told to millions around the world and is a favorite in Sunday schools and childrens' church.  This biblical account retold has taught us of one young boy's faith in his Living God. However, his faith did not begin with Goliath?  His faith grew over time and experience as he trusted and learned who his God was, and who he, David, was in relation to his God.

Photographic Print

|

By Bill Bachmann

|

Item #: 14429451A

http://www.art.com/products/p14429451-sa-i2964940

/bill-bachmann-sheep-herder-near-dubrovnik-croatia.htm

David was young and tending his father's sheep. Following his father's instructions, he went to serve his elder brothers and their commander by bringing his brothers some food and a gift of cheese to their commander.  David's father also asked him to bring back a token, so that he would know his boys were doing well.  

As David arrived his brothers and the host of soldiers were shouting the battle cry and  heading out for battle in fighting with the Philistines, army against army.  

Hearing and seeing the uproar, David left the food with the baggage keeper, and ran out among the soldier's to greet his brothers.  David heard a champion soldier of the Philistines step out and boast, "I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together." (1 Samuel 17:10)  

David watched as all of his fellow Israelites fled from Goliath, terrified.  Then he boldly said, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Isreal?   For who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (vs. 26)  

Eliab, David's oldest brother, became angry with David.  Why?  Eliab accused David of being "presumptuous" and having "evilness of heart"?  We read earlier in the passage that David was actually following the instructions of his father, serving his brothers.  Was Eliab acting out of fear?  Was he angry with David, because David seemed to be stirring up trouble; and without saying the words, calling the Israelite soldiers and his own brothers "yellow"?  

David's reply, "What have I done now?  Was it not a harmless question?"  Does this mean David was a bit of a trouble maker in the past, showing up his brothers maybe?  David then turned away from his oldest brother (almost as if, he was boldly saying, "get out of my face"), and asked the same question.  The men gave him the answer again.

Word traveled fast as the words of David were repeated through the host of soldiers till they reached Saul, who sent for David.  

Saul told David, "You are NOT ABLE to fight against the Philistines.  You are but an adolescent (a child), and he has been a warrior from his youth."  (I have heard preached by many great preachers, Faith begins where our ability stops!  Saul was looking at ability, walking by sight.  David was walking by faith in the living God he knew and trusted.)

David was not new to walking in faith.  He knew that His God was a Living God who delivers him from all evil.  We see this in David's reply, "Your servant (David) kept his father's sheep.  And when there came a lion or again a bear and took a lamb out of the flock.  I went out after it and smote it and delivered the lamb out of its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard and smote it and killed it.  Your servant killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God."

David said, "The Lord Who delivered me out of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine."

What was Saul to say to that except, "Go, and the Lord be with you."

You know the rest of the account.  David killed the giant, giving God the Glory.  Victory was his.

Our faith increases as we get to know our Living God, the God within us, our Father.  We get to know Him through His Living Word, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."  Romans 10:17  David's faith had grown as he had been delivered protecting his father's flock of sheep from the lion, and again from a bear.  David knew going into this fight, that it was not his ability, but His God's ability that would deliver him just as it had before.  He had faith in the Living God, faith that had grown from trust and experience in God.  

We often wait until their is a crisis to pray for help, pick up our bibles, or go to church.  During a crisis is not the time to begin to build faith. It is in our daily lives, in the little things, we do each and every day that we exercise and increase faith, by hearing and hearing His Word, getting to know who He is so that we already trust Him when that big crisis comes into our lives.

Read 1 Samuel Chapter 17.  There is much more to learn about faith in this chapter, like:  Why did David choose five smooth rocks from the stream when he only needed one to take down Goliath?  David knew God's power, why did he choose to use rocks and a sling shot to take down Goliath, when all he had to do was speak it out? 

Who Am I? I Am Holding the Power of Life and Death Right Under My Nose!

" But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord."  Isaiah 54:17AMP

What is a weapon?   According to Merriam-Webster online dictionary a weapon  is (as a club, knife, or gun) used to injure, defeat, or destroy.  

While evangelizing in South Africa, I spent most of my time in two large squatter's camps.  These areas were very dangerous with people from tribes all over the country of Africa in them who had come to find work in the nearby city, but soon discovered they could not and were confined to living within these squatter's camps.  The people here were desperate and hurting.  It made for a very dangerous place to live.  

I soon discovered that when you walk up to someone in one of these squatter's camps to introduce them to the gospel message, the first thing to do was put one hand on your elbow, and use the other hand to shake their's and introduce yourself.  The purpose was to show the person you did not have a weapon, and did not intend to harm them.  Not following this greeting procedure could mean that I would be attacked by the person I intended to greet.  

Weapons are dangerous and can be concealed very easily.  Most people think of guns, knives, etc when thinking of weapons.  However, the most dangerous weapon of all is right under your nose....your tongue.  

Why is the tongue the most dangerous weapon?  

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. Pro 18:21 

For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.  Mat 12:37

When speaking about someone are you cursing them (talking badly about them) or speaking life to them (speaking encouraging and uplifting about them).  Weapons can be used to protect people (provide life) or used to harm people (bring death).  Does your tongue provide life or death to yourself and to those you speak about?   

Who Am I? I Am Healed and a Walking Testimony!!!

Healing update:

Today's post is an update for all those who have been following since the stroke that happened on July 14th. 

Drawing by Joy Neasley.

I am healed.  My Healer has kept His Word.  Hallelujah!!!

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."  1Peter 2:24

Healing has been a process rather than instant.  (Healing is progressive, whereas a miracle is instant.) Over a two week period it has been a fast work, a quick process, surprising the doctors.

For those who have not read the previous newsletters and updates, I had a stroke on July 14th. (In the last update I mistakenly said July 20th, sorry).  It was actually three days after the stroke before I made it into a hospital here in China. They determined through an MRI that there were clots in the small arteries on both sides of the brain, 5 or 6 on the right side and one or two on the left side. The doctor basically said the damage was done, and that for the medication to be effective I had to be treated within the first 3 to 8 hours after the stroke.  It was three days after that when I received treatment.   I could not speak understandably because of a serious stutter, my right side was almost paralyzed, and my left ear was deaf. The doctor did say that with physical therapy and speech therapy I might see a little improvement in the three to six months to come, with very little improvement after that time frame.  

 

Drawing by Joy Neasley

Praise God that he has provided healing for us!  July 27th, I woke up and attempted to walk.  Through the course of the day, the walking went from an assisted hobble to normal without assistance of any kind, and the use of my arm and hand came back instantly.  On Sunday July 28th I began singing worship songs and the words began flowing out.  Within a span of about 20 minutes the stutter left and I began talking normally. This was only two weeks after the full stroke. 


This past week, my hearing has returned, and the logical/reasoning/problem-solving abilities have returned. Basically, my mind has returned!  I have a sound mind!  Hallelujah!  

Yes, healing is still in progress, but it is all God and will continue until finished!  It is almost finished, now.  He is a Great God, and always true to His Word. 

Many have been in agreement in prayer for complete healing, and some have assisted financially (and continue to assist) with the medical bills.  Thank you.

I Am Creating My Reality!

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 

What does this mean for the believer?  We have all failed and sinned, does this mean we are of the devil?  Many of us sin unintentionally, just because we do not know better.  Does that mean that we are of the devil?

In the original Greek, we can gain insight to what this means to the believer. This verse, in the Greek is referring to continuing to sin, to practice sin continually.  

This means that we are not to continually purpose in sinning.  We are to live a life purposed to pleasing God and living according to His Word.  It is acting like God's Word is true.  

The remainder of the verse reads, "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."  

It was through His death, the death of Jesus Christ, that we are given the power to destroy the works of the devil.  We have the name of Jesus and in His death and rise, He freed us from the Law of Sin and Death, taking us out of bondage to the devil, and moving us into the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus as children of God.  

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

We are free to choose death or life, cursing or blessing.  

...I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.  Deuteronomy 30:19

Jesus defeated the devil.  The power to live the life God has intended us to live is in our hands, in our choices we make every day.  We choose blessing or cursing in every decision we make.  We choose life or death in every choice we choose every day.  

Does this mean we will live a life without troubles?  No, what it means is that we will be living a life prepared for and in Christ ready for any mountain or situation that my come up in our lives, to quickly demolish it and come out on top!  

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

It is in this life of KNOWING the TRUTH that we are free, and able to live a life in which, NO weapon formed against us can prosper!

I Am Expecting a Miracle Today!

I expected healing and I got healing!


I am happy.  I've got no reason to not be happy.  This is not a normal day, none of my days are normal days. They are all God days!  Hallelujah!  Glory to God!


Hallelujah!  If you want something from God just expect it!  God does miracles each and every day!  His provision is made each and every day!  His hand is stretched out to us each and everyday full of blessing and favor, healing and miracles, salvations and displays of His great love each and every day!  

Do you remember the old song, "I'm expecting a miracle today!  Anything can happen, any way!  I believe in miracles.  I'm expecting a miracle today!"  I am not sure those are the exact lyrics.  But, you get the picture. Are you expecting from God today, because anything can happen in any way!

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.  Psalm 68:19

God can and will do anything!  If we follow the manual, His Word, on how to access the anything!  After all, you cannot use or access something that you do not know is yours in the first place.  How can you expect God to heal, if you do not know it is His will to heal? How can you expect God to meet your every need, if you do not know that He has already provided?  How can you expect His forgiveness, if you do not know His character?  

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:  (8)  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.  (9)  Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?  (10)  Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?  (11)  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?  Matthew 7:7-11

"Ask and it shall be given to you", "Seek and you will find", "knock and the door will open to you," Jesus instructs us!

Ask Him....

But I do more than thank. I ask--ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory--to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally,  (18)  your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians,  (19)  oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him--endless energy, boundless strength!  Ephesians 1:17-19(MSG)

I Am Expecting Evidence of That Which is Not Seen!

Are you expecting God to do miracles in your life?  To bless you today?  To give you favor in every moment?  Are you expecting God to work through you today?  Speaking to you, so you can speak to those around you?  Are you expecting God to perform His Word today?

What are you doing about that expectation?  It takes two for miracles, blessings, healings, favor, salvations, and victory to take place in your life each and every moment of your day today and everyday!

"What?  It takes two.  But, God does it all not me." you may be thinking.  Yes, it takes God and you!  He set it up that way!

God did His part!  He gave us His Word, He gave us Jesus who died on that cross over 2000 years ago and rose again in heaven where he sits interceding for us.  He gave all WE need to see His Word performed on this earth in our lives and the lives of those around us.  He has already provided.  He gave us full authority over the devil, and everything of this earth as His children.  He gave us His exceeding power to fulfill His Word.  He sealed us with the Holy Spirit who helps and teaches us as we allow Him to do so, the Word of God and all we are in it in Christ!

All we have to do is learn to follow the instruction manual, which means when we read His Word, we do not read it like a fiction novel.  We read it with expectation.  We read it and let it move and stir us, change us from the inside out, and we read it with the intention of seeing it come alive in us to those around us.  His Word is alive.  His Word is life-changing.  His Word performs.  His Word produces that which is not seen within our lives.

Faith is the EVIDENCE of things not seen.  His Word produces and increases faith.  His Word working through us produces evidence (proof) that God's Word is Truth!  That is why we walk by faith, and not by sight!  It is faith that brings the evidence of the supernatural into the natural.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  Pick up your bible today with new eyes and new ears.  Allow it to produce the evidence of that which is not seen.  

Who Am I? I Am A Blaster.

In life, it seems, things can be moving along just great, everything going smoothly.  Then, all of a sudden, "BAM!", a mountain pops up right in front of you.

That mountain may be an illness, a job loss, a child in trouble, or a parent hit with disaster.  Mountains are any circumstance that comes up between us and living the life God has intended for us to live.

Recently, my mountain happened right in the middle of a church service.  I had a full stroke.  What made it worse was that it was three days before I got to the hospital for treatment, and the damage was done.  Healing is quickly taking place just as God has promised.

I will give a full testimony another time, right now I want to share one of the many things during this time that the Holy Spirit has shown me regarding faith.

When a mountain pops up right in front of you, what do you do?

You're walking along, the earth shakes, and a mountain just rises right in front of you.  It's huge!  You cannot even see the top of it through the clouds.   You cannot see around it, and you cannot see the other side but you know this is the route you should take to get to what is on the other side.  Now, how do you get there?

Three tools appear right before your eyes; a a shovel, a bulldozer, and dynamite.  

What are you going to do?  You know you need to get to the other side.   

Some will sit down on the ground, scratching their heads, and say, "It's too big.  What do I do?"  And they just sit there staring at it.  

Others will take the shovel and begin to dig into the mountain.  Some of these will grow weary and quit, while others will persevere and dig till the mountain is moved.  

Those who are a little more educated and know how to run a bulldozer (licensed to use it) will dig faster and move the mountain at a much greater pace.  They, also, are more likely to succeed because they are a little more experienced at moving mountains.  

Then, a few who are experienced, trained to use dynamite, and understand their authorization (the rules and regulations of how to use it) will take the dynamite and blast the mountain right out of the way.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  Our words are the tools God has provided us to move the mountains (as we speak His Words) that pop up in our life.  As our faith increases (as we renew our minds and get to know how to use God's Word and the authority we have in the name of Jesus) we move from shoveling, to bulldozing, to blasting right through the mountain.

The key is to get up and start using the tools, and do not quit.  He has given us all the tools we need to live an abundant ly blessed and overflowing life if we just start digging into the Word of God and renew our minds, gaining wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.