Life Altering Words

God has engraved your name on the palm of His hand. He knew you before you were formed in your mother’s womb. You were fearfully and wonderfully made. In fact, He knew you before the foundation of the world, and He loves you! (Isa. 49: 16; Ps. 139: 14-15)

He loves you with an everlasting love, and chose to shape you and program your DNA just like Him. God decided that you should be the image of the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. (Gen. 1: 26) Jesus Christ personified the Father on earth through the power of the Holy Spirit. He said that when you see Him, you see the Father.

Have you ever been told by someone that they would do anything, and even go to the ends of the earth, for you? That is love, even if it is unattainable.

Jesus Christ, God’s Anointed One, left the magnificence of heaven not just to come down to earth, but also to live and be subjected to all the problems and hardships just like you. Then He chose to take all your weariness, diseases and transgressions onto Himself and die an agonizing death.

Can you imagine anyone going through that torture and total humiliation just for you? He did it because you are so very wonderful to Him. If you already know Him, then you’re probably thinking that you already know how He took your sin and died for you.

Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t always feel so wonderful. Do you also sometimes cry out and wonder where God is and why you’re having so many problems?

You were created for the express purpose of walking and talking with Him. He is your constant companion, listening and talking to you all the time. The question is: are you? For someone who loves you so much that He did, and wants to continually do anything for you, wouldn’t you want to love Him with all your might and soul?

I know you do. So do I! But our emotions get in the way, don’t they? When you know you’ve missed the mark and things aren’t going so well on this earthly realm you tend not to look up in thanksgiving and praise.

Yet, a heart full of thanksgiving and praise is exactly how God lifts you up – way above the mountains of trials and despair. God inhabits the praises of His people, and comes down, as it were, to meet your needs. (Ps. 22: 3)

“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” (Jas. 4: “He is nigh unto all them that call upon Him. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him; he also will hear their cry, and … preserve all them that love Him.” (Ps. 145: 18 – 20)

“Beloved, now [you are the son/daughter] of God…when He shall appear, [you] shall be like Him.” (1 John 3: 2) Yes, you are wonderful and beloved by the One who is Love!

With Wings As Eagles

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, says the Lord.” (Isa. 54: 17)

Did you notice that it is up to you to condemn the curses spoken over you? It’s not a mere privilege; it is a commanded to do so in the Name of Jesus.

Curses come in various forms. They are not all of the death threat variety. Most of them are very subtle, negative words spoken over you by well meaning people in your life. You can even curse yourself by constantly speaking about your problems, fears and worries.

Any negative word spoken over someone or yourself can turn into a curse. A prime example is media hype about disease. Fear instilled by repeated negative words can influence you to expect the worst. This may lead to speaking about it, which in turn reinforces the fear in your mind, and subsequently proliferates the curse to others.

There is medical proof that, in simple terminology, bad news negatively affects your emotions. Being sad, angry, or stressed causes your immune system to go down, and this over time can lead to all kinds of health issues.

Psychologists also tell us that children believe what they hear, and can be affected by a negative mindset throughout their lives. But, have you heard of the identical twin boys, who were treated exactly the same way but each took a different path? The one accepted the limitations spoken over him; the other said to himself: No way! I will prove them wrong and, despite many obstacles, did exactly that.

Here we have two mindsets. One listened to, and internalized the words of mankind; the other tapped into his inner self. The latter knew instinctively that he could do it, if he set his mind to it.

So, how do you condemn your curses? Well, the very same way they were reported to you! If words can produce harm, then they can also bring about good! Speak out loud the blessings of God over your life!

If you are saved, then you confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, right? (Rom. 10: 9) The issues of life and death are in the power of the tongue. (Prov. 18: 21) Therewith we both bless and curse. (Jas. 3:8-10)

God knows your thoughts, but Satan does not. The latter will flee when you sing praises to the Lord and speak His Promises over your life. Jesus spoke the Word when He was tempted. He also firmly rebuked Satan when Peter inadvertently sowed a seed of self-pity by stating that He should not be killed. (Mat. 16: 23)

Imagine how that emotion could have caused the Lord to sin! Yes, He was subjected to all the same temptations that you are! It may be hard to identify with turning stones into bread, jumping off a high building, and inheriting the whole world.

But, by ordering Satan to get behind him, Jesus clearly shows the importance of taking your thoughts captive before they take root. Jesus did not condemn Peter; but orally confronted the author of the words that were spoken. Therefore, rebuke the enemy of your soul, whose intention is to replace your faith with fear and condemnation in order to hold you captive!

Faith hopes for and expects the desired result, despite the circumstances. Trust God, who loves you, and He will bring to pass the desires of your heart. Therefore, believe His report, and speak His Words over you life. You can do all things through Him who strengthens you, your youth is renewed like the eagle’s, and the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Phil. 4: 13; Ps. 103: 5; Neh. 8: 10)

Discover the verses that most apply to your situation, and speak them constantly in faith. Trust the Lord at all times, and don’t listen to the reports of mere mortals, no matter how logical they sound to the mind.

Your circumstances are determined by faith in the spirit realm. God’s report says that his eye is on the righteous, He hears your cry, and delivers you from all your troubles! (Ps. 34: 15 – 18)

Ann Stewart is author of With Wings As Eagles, With Wings As Eagles and writes articles to inspire and encourage you to fulfill the purpose God has for your life. Embracing All the Promises of God Healthy aging solutions, naturally: Youth Makeover – A New Vibrantly Healthy You!

Isaiah saw the Lord sitting on His throne, high and lifted up, with His veil filling the temple. Do you see Him? Isaiah was very fearful, being instantly conscious of his sinful nature and the sins of the nation of Israel. (Isa. 6)

Do you know the Lord of Lords and King of Kings? If you do then, unlike Isaiah, whose lips had to be cleansed with hot coals, you have already been purged from sin by His blood!

His grace is His beauty and His holiness! How beautiful and holy a love the Father has to send His Word down to earth to become a clay vessel just like you. Although He was filled with the Holy Spirit, He was subject to all the same temptations as you.

Because of that love you have the right to enter boldly into the throne room of heaven and look into the face of a Holy God! (Heb. 10: 19) The flesh, or sinful nature of man, cannot attain holiness. No amount of good works can make you holy enough to see His beauty.

Thanks to God’s Grace, you are no longer condemned, but freely made righteous – as if you had never sinned! Even now you may be thinking that you cannot see Him, or that you don’t feel worthy to approach Him. But, the Word says that you are not condemned if you are in Christ Jesus!

You may be a clay vessel, but you are filled with a treasure that is waiting to be manifested! The same awesome power that raised up Jesus is resident in you! That power is God’s grace!

The oft-quoted definition of grace is God’s unmerited favor. But do you realize that grace is so much more than being saved from eternal damnation? As if that is not enough, grace also includes hope, strength, health, fullness of life and His presence to bring you through every situation.

Grace is God’s holiest gift. It represents everything that Jesus is, has done and is giving to you. The more you realize how much you have been forgiven, the more aware you become of the beauty of His holiness, and the more it will be revealed through you!

Seek His face continually; lift Him up, and the King of glory shall come in. (Ps. 24: 6)
I pray that the Holy Spirit open your spiritual eyes to see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 4)

Moses covered his face after his encounters with the Holy One of Israel because the people were afraid to come near the God’s shekinah glory covering his face.

God had admonished that anyone coming into His presence without His permission would die. For this reason Moses was also instructed to cover the Holy of Holies with a veil. (Exodus 34: 35; 40: 21; Lev. 16: 2)

This tangible, vibrant glory of the Most High was neither touchable nor attainable for anyone in the Old Testament but Moses, who was expressly chosen to experience it. How very, very privileged are we, then, to have full access through the precious Blood of Christ to come into the Holy of Holies! (Heb. 10: 19)

You are chosen by God to see His full glory! Yes! The righteousness that you have in Christ far exceeds the former glory! At the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross the physical veil protecting the Ark of the Covenant was rent in two and access was granted to whomsoever would approach God.

Alas, due of their rebellion and unbelief, a spiritual veil has blinded the hearts of the Jewish people until now. If their hearts were veiled because of rebellion to God’s Word, how much more could you expect to be struck with spiritual blindness! Be mindful of the fact that especially in these very last days many shall be deceived – even the elect! No one is exempt!

No one hears perfectly from the Lord! Two or three sources should confirm every prophecy spoken concerning your life’s direction and ministry, most importantly the Word of God. The Word must test every word you hear or read.

Whether apostle, prophet, pastor, teacher, evangelist, or encourager, know that every Word put on your heart to share with others is first and foremost God speaking to you!

The Bible has a lot to say about shepherds leading their flock astray, and that they shall be severely punished. So, be very, very vigilant and cling oh so closely to the Lord!

“Whosoever shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.” (Mat. 5: 19)

Therefore, dear one, carefully and soberly meditate on every word you receive until you have His confirmation before you act on it or share it with others.

Whenever the Lord repeatedly shows you passages about the flesh, for instance, humbly deal with the issue before Him. Repent, make amends, forgive, and ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in overcoming the stumbling block in your life. Where there is unconfessed sin, spiritual confusion exists as the Spirit is at war with the flesh, and you won’t be able to interpret and share the Word correctly.

We see this happening all around us; no church is exempt. We have been exalting and relying so much on ministers set over us. Many have fallen, and many have pointed fingers at them. Yet many more shall fall, but the sad thing is millions will not even discern why, and either turn away from God or follow them blindly.

The Word is your guide! Read it, study it, and carefully meditate on it. Remember:

“Darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee.” (Isa. 60: 2)

You already have the Holy Spirit, if you have made Jesus the Lord of your life. He will guide you in all truth. Therefore, do not fear. He neither slumbers nor sleeps; and He will walk with you through the valley of the shadow of death, and you will fear no evil!

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as [a] little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Mat. 18: 4)

With Wings As Eagles

Your union would be so up in arms, and you might consider a lawsuit against your employer if you were to receive an hourly wage for a day’s work. It just wouldn’t be fair, would it?

Let’s assume that you had been hired at a fair standard hourly rate. You were very happy to have the job until you discovered that some people who did the same job were paid up to eleven times as much as you.

Several years ago, a global department store was a God-sent to an isolated northern community. Many hitherto unemployed people found worthwhile jobs. They happily signed contracts stating that there would be no union. Lo and behold within a couple of years, though, these same folks suddenly lobbied for a union.

You just read two different scenarios. What do they have in common? Would you agree that in both cases the employes, after being initially grateful for the blessings that came their way, became dissatisfied and felt they deserved more?

In the first case, your reaction might be that it’s just not fair to be treated differently from someone else. You may be considering what if you had held out… blah, blah, blah. The others had discovered that, if only that would have a union, they might get more money, better hours, and so on.

The first story is found in Matthew 20. As you read it, you will notice that except for the initial employes with a signed contract, all the others trusted that the employer would treat them fairly. They chose to work strictly on faith taking the risk of getting nothing at all!

The disgruntled employes in the other, contemporary, story lost out big time. The company stuck to its global policy and simply closed down!

The parable of the Kingdom of heaven in Matthew 20 depicts Jesus as the employer. He tells the dissatisfied employee to be happy with what he had agreed to receive. It is solely up to Him to give whatever He deems to be right.

Has God the right to give whatever He wants to whomever He chooses? The real question is: Is it fair that others are blessed more than you?

The last indeed shall be first in the Kingdom of God because many are called but few are chosen. God chooses those who are humble and of a contrite heart.

Envy, pride, disappointment and resentment result in the loss of peace, joy and gratitude.
When you think you deserve something and that others owe you, you are not open to God’s Grace. It will lead to blaming others and yes, even God, for your problems.

The truth is that no one deserves anything! Jesus Christ has already paid the price and provided for every need. All you have to do is receive it with joy and thanksgiving! Therefore, those who are humble and faithful, and acknowledge the Source of their blessings, will receive abundance.

Life indeed is not fair! God is not an equal opportunity employer; nor does He ascribe to equal rights or political correctness. But, thanks be to God, He always gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 15: 57)

“In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33)

Ann Stewart is author of With Wings As Eagles, With Wings As Eagles and writes articles to inspire and encourage you to fulfill the purpose God has for your life. Life Altering Words

David asked his soul why it was so cast down. He had every reason to be feeling bad; he was pursued and fleeing for his life! Yet, you may wonder why he asked himself that question.

What I love about David is that he always answers himself. He loved God and knew that His mercy was with him at all times. He understood both from God’s Word and from personal testimonies that God commands His love in the day and songs in the night.

He seems to be a third person standing between God and His outstretched arms and his feelings. Psalm 42 verse five says that he commanded his soul to hope in God and praise Him despite the horrible circumstances.

It may take a forceful act of will for you to literally command praise to erupt from your lips. The worse you feel, the less you feel like praising and singing!

But, praise and thanksgiving causes God to command his mercy towards you during the day and give you songs of joy in the night, just as He did for David.

That is such a beautiful picture of how God inhabits the praises of His people, and sends extra love, as it were, to pierce through the most burdened soul. You have the Holy Spirit abiding inside you since the moment of salvation. Remember: Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world!

The first commandment to love your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might is there to protect you!

“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw night to you…Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” (Heb. 10: 8; 10)

Poisonous vipers attacked the Israelites in the wilderness. But all who looked upon a bronze snake held high on a post were instantly healed from their mortal wounds. That emblem represents Jesus Christ on the cross, bearing your sins and sorrows. Bronze represents judgment; He already paid the price once and for all for your adversity!

What awesome grace! You owe Him eternal gratitude for that plus all the blessings He bestows on you daily! The Israelites who looked down on their panic and affliction died. The ones who looked up were healed and rejoiced in God’s goodness.

Would you rather be looking down at your problems, or will you choose to look up and love the Lord your God with all your heart despite your circumstances? It is a choice, but one that will radically change your life!

“Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His commandments.” (Ps. 112: 1)

With Wings As Eagles

Have you ever been disappointed about the outcome of something that you had anticipated with joy? That happened to me yesterday. Once you are expecting a sure thing that had been promised, and it falls far from the mark, disappointment can enter the heart.

Despite initial disappointment, I expressed gratitude. It was a total act of kindness on the part of the giver that had come from the heart.

In the wee hours of the morning, however, emotionally charged negative thoughts have a tendency to bombard the barely conscious mind. I was practically in tears by the time I got up. Then, suddenly, as soon as I meditated on the Word, I heard: Where is your focus? You can choose to put your eyes either on the Giver or on the giver! Wow! Instantly my focus shifted and thanked God.

You know that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and to be thankful for all things. But, when negative thoughts are allowed to rule your mind, they have the power to eventually lead to resentment, depression and unforgiveness.

Beware of the enemy of your soul! He comes to steal, kill and destroy. He aims to rob you of your joy, gratitude and peace. Be wise to his tactics! He will always focus on the negatives in your life and manipulate your feelings.

The Word, on the other hand, says that God looks at the hearts of both the giver and receiver.

The giver has free will to recant on a promise. You may not know the emotional or financial turmoil that my have precipitated the change of heart. As well, the Lord may use a disappointment as a test of character for you. “For unto whom much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12: 48)

Therefore, do not put your focus on your needs or how others treat you. Instead, keep your heart filled with gratitude and thanksgiving toward Him, and He will supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4: 19)

The Lord rewards those who diligently seek him, and without faith it is impossible to please Him. Therefore, by looking down on your circumstances you are self-centred instead of trusting God to bless you beyond what you can ask or think.

Disappointments will always be part of life. How you react to them determines your faith to rely on God for all your needs.

The way to combat disappointment is to turn off negative, hurtful self-destructive thoughts. This is really not as hard as it seems. It takes practice and diligence to replace them with God thoughts.

The five key elements to turn your disappointments into triumphs are:

1. Recognize the author of the negative thoughts as the father of lies

2. Stop thinking and speaking hurtful thoughts over yourself. They have the power to rob you of your peace, health and … most of all, your close personal relationship with your Lord

3. Start praising the Lord. This is your most efficient weapon. It causes the devil to flee, your heart to sing, and your gaze to look upward. Praise Him for His goodness and just because of Who He is!

4. Give thanks with a grateful heart for all the benefits He has already given you, not the least of which is your salvation.

5. Quote God’s Promises out loud over your situation, write some of them down and post them everywhere you can see them.

Believe me, it works! Nothing is worth the loss of your joy and peace!