B.E.L.I.E.V.E.

God has promised us life in abundance, to the full, till it overflows (see John 10:10 Amplified Bible).  He is not going to go back on His promise.  It is time to truly live in God’s economy, the Kingdom of God, and trust that He is well able to fulfill all He has promised.  Don’t be concerned about the “cliff” or the storms and chaos in the nations.  God is not looking at the world and trying to figure out how He can keep His promise to us, His children.  Through prayer, you establish His will to be done in this earth and simply – B.E.L.I.E.V.E.

Boldly

Experience

     Life

     In

     Expectation of

     Victory

     Everyday

What Kind of Fruit is That?

Galatians 5:22 talks about the fruit of the Spirit, what kind of fruit is that?  Is it an apple fruit, a pear fruit?  Let me give you an analogy:  Imagine a whole orange, now peel that orange and divide the pieces.  Although you’ve divided it into pieces, is it still an orange?  Yes!  

The fruit is the character of God and the pieces of that character are God's love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, patience and self-control.  This “fruit” is how we are to interact with people as believers.  Every person we meet we give them a piece (or pieces) of fruit.

I know you're probably thinking, giving away pieces of fruit is easier said then done.  I would be the first to agree, but let me remind you, as I often remind myself...We are a new creature in Christ, old things have passed away and all things are new!  (See 2 Corinthians 5:17)  The day we confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, we got our character fruit, the task is freely giving it away.  The cool thing about this kind of fruit – it is ever replenishing, you never run out of it. 


Divine Life Skill™:

Fruit Give Away Action Plan:

1. Renew your mind with the Word of God.  Change how you think, because how you think determines how you act.  You cannot move in any of the things of God with stinkin' thinkin'.  Romans 12:2, Galatians 5:22
2. Study the Word, meditate on it and confess it.  What you don’t know, you can’t do.  Joshua 1:8.  2 Timothy 2:15, Proverbs 18:21
3. Believe that you can truly live this way.  Mark 9:23
4. Step out in faith - “I walk in the Fruit of The Spirit!”  Just do it!  All of heaven is on your side - you got this!  Psalm 103:20, Hebrews 10:38

Now you are equipped to give away the fruit!

I am Not a Survivor

I am Not a Survivor

I am Not a survivor, but an over comer.  

When sickness comes my way – even the big “C” – know assuredly you’ll leave as a loser today. 

 Financial destruction, loss of limb – whatever It is.  I don’t merely outlast It or outlive It, I triumph over It!

I look you dead in the face and I say: “thanks be to God which always causes to me to triumph!”  I am Not a survivor but an over comer.  I defeat and cause to cease to exist – When I’m done it  is over, ‘cause I’m an over comer.

We overcome by the blood of the lamb and the Word of our testimony-so I testify that Jesus’ blood that was shed for me that seals me in a Covenant of Blessing with Almighty God, it has made me free. 

 Free to overcome any destruction, harm, loss, sickness, attack, lack… 

I don’t merely outlive or outlast, but I stand on top victoriously – and I testify: I am Not a survivor, but I am an over comer.

Joneen

10/9/07

Living By Faith - Part I message a Gift From the Archives: First Appearing in June 2005

Title:	Living by Faith – Part I
Objective:	To provide an understanding of living by faith
What: What is Faith?	Faith is the substance of things you have hoped for and it is the evidence of things you do not yet see. ·       Hebrews 11:1-3  Faith is a spiritual force not a philosophical point or intellectual fact.  Faith = the Word of God a. God creates with words ·       Genesis 1:3,6,7,9,11 b. God created everything that exists ·       Colossians 1:16 Because faith is the substance of things, and God created all things by first speaking them into existence we can conclude that faith=the Word of God Faith works by love ·       Galatians 5:6 Worketh: to be operative, be at work, put forth power
Why: Why is love important to faith?	Love is the greatest commandment ·       Matthew 22:36-38 All the laws (commandments) are dependent upon love ·       Matthew 22:40 ·       Romans 13:10 God is love (Greek: Agape) ·       1 John 4:16 Love: brotherly love, affection, good will, benevolence Love is the distinguishing mark of a child of God ·       John 13:35
How: How do I develop love so that faith works?	Be born again – God’s love is placed in our hearts when we receive salvation ·       Romans 5:5 Study God’s love ·       1Corinthians 13:4-8 ·       2 Timothy 2:15 use your bible dictionary and concordance to research all references of the word love throughout the bible to gain an understanding of Gods love Renew your mind – God’s love is not the same as human love ·       Romans 12:2 Keep it real ·       Romans 12:9 Dissimulation: unfeigned, undisguised, sincere
Conclusion:	Imagine there is no electricity in your home. You plug in a lamp and turn on the switch, but there will be no light shining because there is no power, electricity, flowing.  So is faith, you can plug it in (get the word) and turn on the switch (speak the word) but there will be no light shining because there is no power, love, flowing. If you do not have love, faith will not work.  If we simply release love (Agape), which is in us, to everyone we meet, then everyone will know the love of God.  Once they know God’s love, they can receive His goodness and God’s goodness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). Let’s purpose to renew our minds and allow the love of God in us to come out so that our faith can be operative.  We live in a dark world, but we are called to be the light (Matthew 5:14, 16).  It takes faith to lead someone to salvation through Jesus and faith to live.  Don’t let your faith be inoperative because you refuse to let the power of love flow.
Definitions taken from:	Greek lexicon based on Thayer's and Smith's Bible Dictionary plus others; this is keyed to the large Kittel and the "Theological Dictionary of the New Testament." These files are public domain.

Brownie & Me II

When we were last together, I was sharing what I had learned from my feathered friend Brownie and her family. Brownie sat on her hatchlings for about 2 weeks, and then they arrived! I'm pretty sure I was more excited than Brownie. :) She had 4 hatchlings and it was really great to watch them grow.

So what did this feathered family teach me?

1. Brownie prepared for her future diligently. She didn't wait until she was ready to lay her eggs, but rather, she scouted the area and chose a safe, high place. "The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want." (Proverbs 21:5)

2. The place she chose was high above scavenger threats, shielded from the sun and storms - a hiding place. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1)

3. Brownie was the only source of nourishment for her hatchlings. They simply sat comfortably in the nest with their mouths open wide and waited for her to come and feed them. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

4. When it was time for the hatchlings to learn to fly, Brownie had a "little chat" with them. Actually, it was more like a coach yelling at their team, but it was effective! Brownie stood nearby, chirping loudly, as each hatchling took their first leap. "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left." (Isaiah 30:21)

I learned a lot about my relationship with God by watching Brownie. The greatest lesson I have learned is; at times I must "Be still, and know that [He is] God: [He] will be exalted among the heathen, [He] will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10)

Brownie's nest remains where she built it as a reminder; if I begin to feel overwhelmed, I only need to sit comfortably and wait for my Father to feed me.  

"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.  Are ye not much better than they?" Matthew 6:26

A Child of Promise

In my August Divine Letter to you I spoke about living by faith; using the analogy of faith and pregnancy and sharing how my eldest son was born after his due date.  I wanted to expound on my experience with my son's birth, because I believe that it will help you, as it helps me, to walk out the faith process. 

Living by faith involves:

1. Conceiving the promises of God (Mark 4:20)

2. Carrying the promises by hiding them in our hearts (Luke 2:19)

3. Nourishing the promises by guarding our hearts while continuing to hear and speak the promises of God (Proverbs 4:23; Proverbs 18:20-21; Romans 10:17)

4. Birthing the promises (Romans 4:17-21; Galatians 6:7-9)

My eldest son is my child of promise.  In February 2003, I was leaving out of a salon and a client's husband stopped me, saying;" I don't usually do this, but the Lord told me to tell you that you are going to have a son."  I thanked him and continued on, knowing that he had heard from God, because earlier that same morning I had met with my doctor to discuss having a baby.  I had conceived the promise from God and began carrying it in my heart. (See steps 1 & 2)

In March of 2003, I was pregnant!  Excited does not begin to explain how I felt and I began preparing for my son.  My first preparation was to read the book Supernatural Childbirth by Jackie Mize.  I read that book and confessed the Word of God -His promises daily. (Step 3)

The excitement I felt learning that I was pregnant was only surpassed by the feeling of devastation when on Easter Sunday 2003 I miscarried.  What had happened to the promise?!!  What did I do?  Doubt immediately flooded in, but living by faith requires us to believe, without doubting, the promises of God. 

v  Oftentimes there are huge obstacles between the promise given and the promise manifested.

I was in bed for 3 days recovering from the miscarriage and subsequent surgery. On the 5th day, I was to attend a leadership conference that I had planned.  I can tell you I was in no mood to attend anything!  I had cried the first and second day; by the third day I was rested and assured that I would one day have children.  No one had spoken a prophetic word to me; it was just a deep knowing on the inside that the promise was still alive.  At that conference, I began to praise God and then He began to speak.  I left the event knowing that at the appointed time I would be giving birth to a son.

40 days later we conceived...and my child of promise is now 7 years old!

I'm sharing this blog to encourage you, as well as myself.  As believers we never stop living by faith, there is always a promise, a victory to be achieved and a testimony to share to help others.

"(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.  Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.  And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform." Romans 4:17-21

Brownie & Me

I watched day by day as she carried a few items to her new home; confidently preparing for her future.  At times, she would drop a few things, but I knew she didn't want my help, so I silently watched.  Two weeks passed and there she was...my brown feathered friend. Ordinarily, I'm not a bird watcher, but what drew my attention to this bird is how she diligently built her nest.  She'd fly off and come back each time with more twigs, branches, feathers etc.  I thought to myself; "she leaves, not wondering if she'll find material, but expecting to find it." 

"Behold the fowls of the air: ..." Matthew 6:25

So, I beheld.  Another few weeks passed; lying in bed late one night, I heard this odd sound.  It sounded like a bird and a frog!  "She must be laying her eggs!" I thought excitedly.  The next morning I was at my window at first light, to see my brown feathered friend ("Brownie") seated in her nest; and so I beheld, waiting for the hatchlings arrival. 

What I learned while I watched and waited:

1.   Brownie prepared for her future diligently.  She didn't wait until she was ready to lay her eggs, but rather, she scouted the area and chose a safe, high place. "The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want." (Proverbs 21:5)

2.   The place she chose was high above scavenger threats, shielded from the sun and storms - a hiding place.  "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1)

I had several weeks with Brownie; she and her family taught me many things.   Visit us next week as I share more of Brownie & me. 

Make a Change

Look at all the chaos, hate, death and foolishness in the world, it seems like Satan has full rule and reign; but looks can be deceiving.  You want to see the real picture?  Follow after God whole-heartedly and exercise your authority as a believer and do what you know to do.

Stop allowing the powers of darkness and the rulers and principalities of this world to rule when you, BELIEVER, have the authority! We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony... yet I hear very few of us testifying, while the Devil and his crew testify 24/7 on TV, radio, and internet. (Read Revelation12:11)

You want to see the world change?  Be a world changer - stop giving your God given authority away (read Luke 10:19) by being passive, lukewarm, "I don't know if I can" believers.  Hear, believe, act and testify of His wonders & works. 

For All Have Sinned...

Title:	For All Have Sinned…
Objective:	A explanation of Romans 3:23-24
What: Definitions	Romans 3:23-24, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Sinned:  to err, to miss the mark, to not share in the prize Short: come behind, fail, lack, suffer need, be in want Glory: dignity, honor, praise, worship Justified: to render, show or regard as just or innocent Freely: without a cause, for nothing Grace: benefit, favor, gift, liberality Redemption: ransom in full, riddance Christ: Anointed Jesus: He Who saves. Translated verses Romans 3:23-24: For all have missed the mark and so not shared in the prize, and lacked or been in want of the dignity, honor, praise and worship of God; being rendered and shown and regarded as just or innocent freely (without cause, for nothing) by His favor, benefit, gift and liberality through the Anointed One Who saves.
Why: Why is it important to understand these verses?	Traditional teachings of some verses, not in proper context, has led some to believe two points 1.    we are all sinners ·        Romans 3:23      * once the definitions are given and the first few chapters of Romans have been studied, the understanding is; we were all sinners before our salvation through Christ. 2.    we are all "filthy rags” ·        Isaiah 64:6      * this was one person speaking about the rebellious Israelites and how "[their] righteousnesses” (i.e. the works they had done to obtain righteousness with God) were as filthy rags.  (read Titus 3:5)    The truth sets us free 1.    we are saved and no longer sinners ·        Romans 5:18-6:2 ·        Romans 8:10 2.    we are still capable of committing sin, the choice is ours to make ·        Romans 7:22-8:4 3.    we have a right to seek God’s forgiveness every time we miss the mark ·        1 John 1:9 ·        Romans 8:1
How: How do you get a better understanding of verses?	Ask  God, seek godly counsel ·        1 Corinthians 2:9-12 ·        James 1:5 ·        Proverbs 4:7 Study by cross referencing verses, using dictionaries and concordances ·        2 Timothy 2:15 ·        2 Timothy 3:16-17 ·        Romans 15:4 When studying scripture, we should determine who was being spoken to or about in the verses. ·        It aids in our understanding to know the speakers of the verses. Be quick to believe the love of God.  ·        God is not trying to punish us, but rather perfect (make complete) us, study the Word through the eyes of love, not condemnation.  Don’t think that God is trying to make you feel guilty when you read His Word. ·        Romans 8:1 Meditate ·        Joshua 1:8
Conclusion:	Each of us at some point has fallen (or will fall) short of the mark (sin). But thank God, He is not expecting perfection in deed, but a heart that is perfect towards Him and therefore quick to recognize, admit and repent of our sins.   We have all missed the mark and are all freely regarded as innocent through the ransom that was paid in full by the Anointed One Who saves.  We are not sinners (devoted to sin, not free from sin, preeminently evil), but rather the righteousness of God (1 Corinthians 1:30).  So when we miss the mark, we can go to our Father with a heart or repentance, receive His compassionate forgiveness, and keep going forward in the life He has designed for us.
Definitions taken from:	Greek lexicon based on Thayer's and Smith's Bible Dictionary plus others; this is keyed to the large Kittel and the "Theological Dictionary of the New Testament." These files are public domain.

Hearing God

Title:	Hearing God
Objective:	To give an understanding of how to hear from God
What:	Our success depends on spending time in the presence of God. Prayer (communication) with our Father is one way we spend time in His presence.  Prayer is a dialogue. We speak-God listens, He speaks we-listen, it’s hearing God’s instructions, reproof, correction…that enables us to live a successful life.
Why:	Why is it important to hear from God? ·        God judges those who refuse to hear Jeremiah 13:6-17, 25 ·        God is faithful to the repentant Jeremiah 33:3, 7-9, 11 ·        Success depends on hearkening to God Matthew 7:24-27, Proverbs 3:6
How:	How do I hear from God? 1.    Be expectant Acts 3:5; Isaiah 30:21 2.    Practice the presence of God so you will know His voice Pray without ceasing, pray in the Spirit , be quiet, John 10:27,1Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 8:26-27, Psalm 46:10, 1King 19:12 3.    Balance and confirm what you heard with the teaching of scriptures you have received 2Timothy 3:14-17 4.    Wait for the peace of God Colossians 3:15 5.    If you doubt you’ve heard, then don’t act on it until you’re sure Romans 14:23, what is not of faith is sin 6.    Seek Godly counsel Proverbs 24:6 7.    Boldly obey Matthew 14:27-29 5 keys to know that I have heard from God 1.    When God speaks, it goes against the reasoning and rationalizations of this world Isaiah 55:8-9 2.    When God speaks, it requires faith for us to do Genesis 12: 1-4 3.    When God speaks, it requires courage to do Joshua 1:9 4.    When God speaks, it lines up with His written Word Numbers 23:19 5.    When God speaks, you have peace Colossians 3:15
Conclusion:	Hearing from God is not only for those who have been called into the five fold ministry, but for every believer.  We all have an assignment as ambassadors for Christ (2Corinthians 5:20) and we cannot represent our God in this earth without hearing from Him what we should be doing.  Spend quality time each day, reading, studying , praying , talking with God.  Just as you invest in your relationships with those in your life, even more you should invest time into your relationship with God.
Definitions taken from:	Greek lexicon based on Thayer's and Smith's Bible Dictionary plus others; this is keyed to the large Kittel and the "Theological Dictionary of the New Testament." These files are public domain.