Rest

"For we which have believed do enter into rest" (Heb. 4:3). 

Through the years, I've had the greatest time putting the Lord to work for me - just letting Him do the work. 

Since I learned about faith and that the Bible said, "we which have believed do enter into rest." I have been in a state of rest. 

Grasp what this scripture says! It doesn't say that we have entered into a state of fearing, fretting, griping, worrying, or fighting. No! It says we have entered into rest. 

I haven't seen a "battle" in more than 65 years. When someone asks me, "How goes the battle?" I always answer, "The victory is wonderful!" There isn't any battle. I'm in the victory. Faith always has a good report! 

Confession: I have believed. I am a believing one. Therefore, I have entered into rest. I am in a state of rest. I act like I am in a state of rest. I do not fear or fret. I do not worry. I do not gripe. I do not battle. The battle is the Lord's. The victory is mine. I am in the victory. 

Source: Faith Food Devotions by Kenneth E. Hagin.
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications

They Shall Recover

And these signs shall follow them that believe;...they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
(Mark 16:17-18)

In 1953, I was ministering at the Oakcliff Assembly of God Church in Dallas, when a young woman was brought to the service in an ambulance. She had been bedfast two years due to an automobile accident that broke her neck and her back. After being in the hospital for two years and at home for almost a year, she regained the use of her arms. But from her shoulders down, she was unable to move. 

When I knelt by her stretcher and laid hands on her, I had the impression that it would not be an instant healing. When I laid my hands on her feet, I felt a "warmth" go into her. She didn't have any feeling in her feet. But her legs began to tingle and she said, "I feel that warmth coming out of your hands and up my legs." 

I said to her, "That's the healing power of God going into you. Move your feet." Well, she moved both feet. 

Then I said, "Pull up one leg at a time." She pulled her left leg up, but she couldn't move her right one. Then I said, "Now, sister, when I walked down here, I knew that this wouldn't be an instant healing. Just keep the switch of faith turned on, and you'll walk." 

Some time later, I saw the woman again. She said, "Brother Hagin, I had feeling in my left leg, but my right leg wouldn't work for a while. Gradually, it started to work, and now I'm walking everywhere!" 

Confession

Thank You, Father, for Your healing power. Thank You that Your healing power is actively at work in my body to effect a healing and a cure.

Source: Health Food Devotions by Kenneth E. Hagin.
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications

What are the different kinds of prayer?

Whatever kind of prayer you pray, it is simply communicating with God. It’s an opportunity to talk with God, share your heart and desires with Him and to have Him answer. It’s not complicated. It’s essentially very simple because what is most important is that your prayers be open and heartfelt.

Deepening your understanding of prayer is not to make it more complicated, but simply to increase your awareness of the different functions prayer can serve. Below are the main kinds of prayer mentioned in Scripture:

1. The prayer of agreement is when you pray with someone else and it increases the power of your authority at least tenfold (Matthew 18:19).
2. The prayer of commitment is casting your cares over on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7).
3. The prayer of faith can heal your body (James 5:14-15).
4. Simply giving thanks to the Lord is the prayer of thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:20).
5. Praying for the lost to be saved is the prayer of intercession (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Prayer is a powerful thing and God wants you to walk in the fullness of it. For further teaching on this subject, we recommend Brother Copeland’s book entitled Prayer—Your Foundation for Success. In this book, he goes into detail on the various kinds of prayer and how to use them. You’ll also find many teachings on prayer in the Real Help section of our website.

- See more at: http://www.kcm.org/read/questions/what-are-the-different-kinds-prayer#sthash.VqlaOdyQ.dpuf

Four Words That Work Kenneth Copeland

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Mark 11:24

Believing. That's the key to everything in the kingdom of God. It's the way we tap in to the very power of Almighty God. Most of us know that. But few of us are sure exactly how to do that kind of believing. We don't know how to put it into action.

Actually it's so simple, it's startling. It's as simple as saying, "I believe I receive."

Something happens in your spirit when you say those words. I don't understand how, but it does. I don't understand how my digestive system knows what to do when I swallow something, but it does. All I have to do is take a bite of food and it goes to work. I don't have to make it happen. I don't have to feel it happen. It just happens. That's the way the body is made.

In much the same way, when you feed on God's precious promises and "swallow" them into your spirit by saying, "I believe I receive," faith is released. You don't have to make it happen. You don't have to feel it happen. It just happens. The reborn spirit is made that way.

When you constantly say with your mouth, "I believe I receive my healing" or "I believe I receive my financial needs met," and then quote the scriptures that back those things, faith is released to bring power to bear on those needs.

As Dr. Kenneth Hagin says, you need to "keep the switch of faith turned on." And Gloria and I have discovered that speaking out that phrase, "I believe I receive," is one way to do it. We say it when we pray. We say it when we praise God. We say it when we read the Word.

We especially say it in the face of darkness when it looks like we're not receiving. When everything looks the worst, we say it the loudest. I believe I receive!

Do you want to activate your faith today? Then make these four key words the most important words in your vocabulary. Use them every day. You'll soon discover, just as we did...they work!

Scripture Reading:

Mark 11:12-24

- See more at: http://www.kcm.org/read/faith-to-faith/01/31#sthash.NFlW7Ut3.dpuf

Do I Have to Be in Church to Take Communion?

You don’t have to wait until you go to church to receive Communion. You can even receive it at home. When you take the time to put yourself before God over the Communion table it will be time well spent.

When a believer partakes of the Lord’s Supper, he should do so with full understanding of its significance. Communion, to many people, has become only a religious observance. But it has a much deeper meaning than that. The Communion table is an emblem of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. “Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it…and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28).

Primarily, the Church has centered its attention on the wine as an emblem of Jesus’ blood that was shed for sin. We take the emblem of blood and say, “Thank God, we are delivered from sin,” and that’s true! But the blood is only half of Communion. The bread is an emblem of Jesus’ body that was broken for us. The emblem of His body is just as important as the emblem of His blood. According to Isaiah 53:4-5, Jesus’ sacrifice covered every area of man’s existence. When you receive it, you should be ready to partake of everything Jesus’ sacrifice provided—salvation, peace of mind, healing, total prosperity. He bore spiritual torment for our sins, mental distress for our worry, care and fear as well as physical pain for our sickness and disease. The stripes He bore were for our healing. “With His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

Every time we partake, we should examine ourselves closely according to 1 Corinthians 11:28-29. “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”

God instituted the Lord’s Supper for a reason. In the past, we missed the full meaning of Communion by not completely judging ourselves when we partook of it.

When you partake of Communion, make a point of judging yourself to the fullest extent. Don’t just receive it halfway. Accept everything Jesus’ sacrifice provided. If you don’t examine yourself—if you receive Communion just as a religious exercise—you will be eating and drinking unworthily, not discerning the Lord’s body. Paul wrote, “For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep” (1 Corinthians 11:30).

No matter what you may be faced with—sin, sickness, drugs, a weight problem, worry, strife, old habits—you can be delivered through properly receiving the Lord’s Supper. The body and blood of Jesus cover every area of your existence. By discerning His body and judging yourself before Him, you can receive your deliverance. Place yourself before God and receive Communion—and get ready to receive your deliverance!

- See more at: http://www.kcm.org/real-help/spiritual-growth/learn/do-i-have-be-church-take-communion#sthash.FYpd1Lf8.dpuf

BEWARE OF OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunity is deceptive, never be trapped by it. Stay within divine plan – that is where your security is.

Whatever opportunity offers is inferior to divine plan. Rather than responding to opportunity be in search of divine plan and abide in the same.

Stay away from anything and everything that isn’t in divine plan.

Stay away from it otherwise it can take you away from your place in destiny.

You need to possess a strong perception and discernment to know what comes from God and what is sent by satan.

Jesus was offered opportunity to be made king among men but He understood that He’s been made King of kings by destiny so He ran away from the opportunity offered by men to abide in His destiny Jh.6:15. Opportunity may appear to be a fast way of assuming prominence but it cannot last.

THE GOD FACTOR IN SUCCESS

“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 you can do nothing”

John 15: 5

No branch survives without the vine. A branch that is cut off may maintain its greenness for a while but it is dead from the moment it is cut off.

God never said, “Without me you can do some things” but, “You can do nothing.”

Without Him we cannot succeed but with Him we can do all things (Philippians. 4:13).

If you want to know the helplessness of a branch cut it off from the vine. Likewise, if you want to know the nakedness of a man cut him off from God.

Only those who cleave to the Lord remain alive (Deuteronomy 4:4).

Accomplishment is only possible through permanent relationship with God.

Why Is It So Important to Meditate on God’s WORD?

by Kenneth Copeland

So many born-again believers miss out on the world-overcoming victory that’s theirs in Christ Jesus. They keep finding themselves “under” the circumstances instead of “on top,” and they can’t figure out why. They’ve never understood a foundational truth about living the successful Christian life. They’ve never understood why it is so important to meditate on, or ponder and contemplate, The WORD of God.

Proverbs 4:20-22 says, “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”

Notice that according to those verses, when you “attend” to God’s words they become “sayings.” The Scriptures start talking to you. The Holy Spirit speaks them to you on the inside so you can not only see but hear the thoughts of God.

If you’ll make the decision to take those thoughts by saying them on purpose over and over again, eventually you’ll catch yourself saying them without having to decide to do it. When that happens, your thinking in that area will have been converted. God’s thoughts will have become your own.

Suddenly, you will see something entirely different than the world sees. While they see drought, you see rivers. While they look at famine, you see feast. While they look at financial collapse, you see the riches of THE BLESSING.

I’m not saying all your circumstances will change overnight. It often takes time for the manifestation of THE BLESSING to become visible in this natural realm. But you can still “see” it—because you don’t really see with your physical eyes. I don’t either. You see with your mind. Your brain collects information and turns it into images in your soul. Then you interpret those images and decide what to do with them.

I have a very good friend who proves that point every day. A Partner with this ministry, he owns a gun store. He does not have sight in his natural eyes. One of his customers told me he bought guns from him for four years without noticing anything unusual about him.

“I’d tell him which gun I wanted and he’d go over to the case and get it with no problem,” he said. “He’d clear it, break it down, whatever he needed to do, and hand it to me. I’d stand there talking to him and looking him right in the face with no idea he was blind.”

Amazing as it seems, the man also trains military personnel. According to his staff, if you’re his enemy and you don’t want him to shoot you, you’d better be real quiet. His ears catch sounds yours don’t. He can hear you breathe from across the room—and if he hears you, he can shoot you.

Can that man see?

Absolutely. He sees with his hands. He sees with his ears. He sees images on the inside of him the same as you and I do. His eyes don’t yet transfer light from his eyes to his brain, but that’s changing. He’s attending to The WORD. He’s fixing his spiritual gaze on his miracle-working God.

You and I can do the same thing. Instead of looking at the circumstances around us, we can focus on The WORD of God. Instead of meditating on what the world says, we can spend our time meditating on what God says. As we do, The WORD will get on the inside of us and begin to change our thoughts, our health and our reality!

- See more at: http://www.kcm.org/real-help/spiritual-growth/apply/why-it-so-important-meditate-gods-word#sthash.Pok3SMdW.dpuf

Is playing the lottery a form of gambling?

Before we talk about the lottery, let’s clarify something about gambling. Specifically, that gambling is crosswise to God’s nature and the laws of prosperity. 

In a gambling situation someone has to lose. In fact, in most cases, gambling depends on the majority of people losing and only a few being winners. It perpetrates the false idea that others have to lose, or be in lack, for someone to win and have abundance. 

This is totally opposite of God’s plan. In God’s principle of sowing and reaping, everybody wins! God’s desire is that everyone be a winner. Not only is it God’s desire for everyone to be a winner, but He has also provided the plan for it. Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” 

God truly wants to bless everyone, but it has to be done through the Word of God and spiritual law. He created this planet with more than enough for everyone to live prosperously. Even though man has managed to disrupt God’s plan through sin and greed, everyone who is willing to follow God’s principles can reverse it in his own life.

Brother Copeland does not feel the lottery is true gambling. Instead, he has stated that it’s simply another way of paying taxes to the government. So if people want to spend their money to support the government, they can.

That is not to say Brother Copeland endorses playing the lottery. It is not something God initiated as part of good government, nor is it part of His plan for personal prosperity. It’s a worldly attempt to get wealth, and isn’t the best way to spend one’s money.

There’s nothing left to chance by doing it God’s way as revealed in His Word through sowing and reaping. Only with God’s plan is there a way for everyone to win every time!

- See more at: http://www.kcm.org/read/questions/playing-the-lottery-a-form-gambling#sthash.5fQiplzr.dpuf

You Hold the Keys Kenneth Copeland

I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them.... they are fallen under my feet.

Psalm 18:37-38

If you've been standing around wringing your hands and worrying about what the devil is doing, it's time you made a switch. It's time you put that devil under your feet!

Jesus has already given you all the power and authority you need to do it. He's given you the keys of the kingdom. He's promised you that whatever you declare locked on earth is locked in heaven and whatever you declare unlocked on earth is unlocked in the heavenlies (Matthew 16:19). That means you can speak the Word and bind wicked spirits. You can speak the Word and loose the angelic forces of God to work in your behalf.

What's more, you've been given the power of attorney that enables you to use the mighty Name of Jesus. A Name that's above every other name. A Name which will cause every knee to bow—in heaven, in earth, and under the earth (Philippians 2:9-10)!

So, don't waste time worrying about the devil. Take authority over him. Bind the evil spirits that try to destroy your home, your church and your nation. Loose God's Word in the earth and enforce it with the Name of Jesus.

You hold the keys. Learn to use them and before long the devil will be wringing his hands worrying about you!

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 16:13-27

- See more at: http://www.kcm.org/read/faith-to-faith/01/25#sthash.bay2rIrH.dpuf

Knowledge

"My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge" (Prov. 2:1,5-6). 

Real faith accompanies knowledge of the Word of God. It takes no effort whatsoever on the part of the intellect or the will of man to obtain faith. Faith accompanies knowledge. As soon as the light of knowledge comes, faith is there. As the Psalmist of old said, "The entrance of thy words giveth light" (Ps. 119:130). 

People often pray for faith. But what they actually need is knowledge of God's Word! When the knowledge of God's Word comes, faith will automatically be there. You could pray forever to have faith, but if you don't get any knowledge of God's Word, you will never get faith. 

Feed on God's Word. Meditate on God's Word. And remember, "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). 

Confession: I will receive God's Word. I will hide it within me. And I will find the knowledge of God, because out of the mouth of the Lord comes knowledge. I will receive knowledge of God's Word. And faith will accompany it. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. 

Source: Faith Food Devotions by Kenneth E. Hagin.
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications

Where Does Sickness Come From? January 25, 2017

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
(James 1:17)

Sickness comes from Satan. It doesn't come from God. Sometimes, if you find out where something comes from, you won't be so quick to accept it or acknowledge it. Not only that, but I remember that my mother taught me as a little boy that it was wrong to have something that belonged to someone else. 

I remember once when I was eight years old, and wanted to go up the street to play with my cousin. It was just a couple of blocks, and my cousin lived next door to a man who had some prize peach trees in his backyard. People would come from several counties to see his peach trees. 

Well, my cousin and I climbed up a ladder to get on top of a tool shed, which was built right up against his fence. Some of the limbs on one of the peach trees were hanging over the fence. They weren't touching the shed, but when we got up on the shed, the peaches were right there. 

Now I didn't dare pick a peach because Momma told me to leave these peach trees alone. But my cousin picked one. He ate half of it and then offered the other half to me. I thought, I didn't get it; my cousin did. Maybe it would be all right to eat it. I shouldn't have done it, but I reasoned it all out and decided to eat half the peach even though it didn't belong to me. 

Confession

Sickness doesn't come from God. Sickness and disease belong to the devil. Therefore, I do not accept sickness and disease in my body.

Source: Health Food Devotions by Kenneth E. Hagin.
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications

Demand

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it" (John 14:12-14). 

The verses in today's text have nothing whatsoever to do with prayer. In yesterday's devotion, we saw how Jesus said to use His Name in prayer to the Father. But here we see a different use of Jesus' Name. Here, the Greek word translated "ask" can also mean "demand." 

An example of this use of the Name is seen at the gate called Beautiful. Peter said to a lame man sitting at the gate, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk" (Acts 3:6). 

Jesus said, "Whatsoever you demand in My name, I will do it." Let that soak in a little. When we use the Name of Jesus, it is as though Jesus were here Himself. All the power and authority invested in Jesus, is in His Name! 

You're not demanding anything of the Father. (After all, it wasn't God who had bound that lame man; it was the devil who had him bound.) No, you're demanding that the devil give way to the Name of Jesus! 

Confession: The Name of Jesus belongs to me. Whatever I demand in the Name of Jesus according to God's Word, He will do it! 

Source: Faith Food Devotions by Kenneth E. Hagin.
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications

According to Your Faith

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
(Matt. 9:29)

Sixteen years later, the woman who had polio and was paralyzed wrote me a letter, which read, "Brother Hagin, I just wanted you to know that I'm out of my wheelchair." 

It took her many years to get out. No, it didn't take God that long; it took her that long. She couldn't believe that God wanted to heal her and that she could be healed as quickly as her daughter had been healed. 

She continued to say, "A woman came to my house because I couldn't do any housework. I couldn't even use my hand to put a tape in the tape player, so she helped me. Every day, this woman came to my house, put a tape in the player, and I kept listening to tapes from your services. 

"Over the course of several years, I received my healing. I'm out of my wheelchair, and I'm doing all my housework. It's so wonderful to get up in the morning and fix my husband's breakfast before he leaves for work." 

Now why did she receive her healing gradually? Because she took hold of the truth gradually. Was that the highest will of God? No, it wasn't God's best, but it sure did beat spending the rest of her life in a wheelchair. 

She could have been healed like her daughter was in that first meeting. But she just couldn't believe that she could receive healing that easily. 

Confession

I believe I receive healing from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. It is easy to receive healing.

Source: Health Food Devotions by Kenneth E. Hagin.
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications

What to Pray Over Your Tithe

“Father, I thank You and praise You for translating me from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom that You have prepared for me. Thank You that it is a kingdom of mercy, a kingdom of joy, a kingdom of peace and a kingdom of abundance.

“I bring my tithe now to You, Lord Jesus. It is the firstfruits of what You have given me, and I plant it in Your kingdom as a seed of blessing, expecting the rich blessings of heaven to be multiplied to me in return.

“I thank You, Lord, that You’ve rebuked Satan for my sake, and I stand in agreement with Your Word that he’ll not destroy my land. He’ll not destroy my blessings, and he’ll not destroy my crop in the field. I am a citizen of Your kingdom. I have the rights and privileges of a citizen of that kingdom, and I stand upon them. Thank You, Jesus, that heaven’s unlimited resources are mine in Your Name! Amen.”

Scripture References: Deuteronomy 28; Colossians 1:13; Luke 6:38

- See more at: http://www.kcm.org/real-help/finances/pray/what-pray-over-your-tithe#sthash.4uhhkNiH.dpuf

The enemy is defeating me! What should I do?

When you made Jesus the Lord of your life, you gave the devil a tremendous defeat. With all the weapons in his arsenal, he was powerless to keep the light of the gospel from entering your life.

Now what’s he going to do? All he has left is to see if he can hide from you just how powerful you’ve become in the spirit realm. He can’t do anything about your eternity, but he will try to make you ineffective on earth.

Don’t get discouraged at temporary setbacks. When the devil tries to bring any kind of destruction, you can be confident the power of God in you can overcome the enemy. First John 4:4 says, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” The power of God is available to you to stop Satan’s attack! Make this your confession and agree with it. It’s based on Ephesians 1:17-20: 

“Ask God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”

- See more at: http://www.kcm.org/read/questions/the-enemy-defeating-me-what-should-i-do#sthash.K82IJEXK.dpuf

Grow Up! Kenneth Copeland

Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation.

1 Peter 2:2, The Amplified Bible

Have you ever been in a room full of babies? Infants crying. Crawlers hollering for certain toys. Toddlers pushing and whining to get their way. It can be quite a handful, can't it?

When a bunch of spiritual babies get together, it's just about the same way! Of course, there's nothing wrong with being a spiritual baby. All of us start out that way. When we're first born into the kingdom of God, we're much like physical newborns. We're not very strong or well-developed. We blunder around trying to learn how to operate in our new environment. That's how we all have to begin. But God never meant for us to stay that way.

That's why in 1 Peter 2:2 He says we should "desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow...." He intends for us to grow up! He intends for us to feed on His Word, moving from the milk of the Word to the meat of the Word until we grow up into mature sons and daughters.

Begin now finding your nourishment in His Word and enjoy the reward of growing up in Him!

Scripture Reading:

Ephesians 4:12-16

- See more at: http://www.kcm.org/read/faith-to-faith/01/23#sthash.Evutq7om.dpuf

ALLOW COMPETITION!

…I run that I man win…

1 Corinthians 9:26

Healthy competition is good.

It allows room for variety of events.

Healthy competition makes room for diversities.

It is also the breeding environment for improvement and excellence.

After all, competition is not devilish if it is engaged healthily.

Without it the system remains dull and creativity becomes nonexistent.  Without it life will loose its excitement.

Creativity allows room for options instead of regimentation of approach to issues.

The moment you’re aware that options and alternatives exist over what you’re doing, you are been compelled to put in your best and to become your best.

Above all, life is a race.  Paul said, I run that I may win. (1 Corinthians. 9:26.) 

And it is clear that you can’t run to win except you carry a competitive mentality. 

In essence, all human beings are born to compete. 

What makes it healthy is the fact that you are not grieved or offended at your neighbour’s advancement.  Rather you focus on how to improve yourself in your God-ordained endeavours. 

So, if you must win then you must compete! 

7 Steps to a Deeper Prayer Life

You have a direct line to God. Did you know that? What an exciting thought! In fact, the easiest way to know what God wants for you is simply to ask Him. You probably already pray daily, but did you know that you can take steps to develop an even deeper prayer life? In doing so, you also find a deeper peace and connection with your heavenly Father? James 4:8 says that we can “come close to God, and God will come close to [us].”

It really is that easy. God desires a close relationship with you, and prayer is the key.

1. Ask in Jesus’ Name

Before Jesus came, the average person couldn’t speak to God anytime he chose. But in coming to Earth and cleansing the sin of mankind, Jesus changed that. In John 16:23, Jesus tells us, “At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.” The Name of Jesus is one of the greatest gifts you have, because it allows you to commune directly with the Father.

2. Believe That You Receive

Sometimes in prayer, you might ask God for something you don’t really believe you deserve. Or maybe you think it is too hard, or too unrealistic. The key to effective prayer is to make sure you really and truly believe that God will provide, despite how impossible it may look. Mark 11:24 says, “I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”

That’s a promise.

3. Forgive

Sin is a true hindrance to effective prayer; it holds you back from God’s blessings because it makes it more difficult for you to hear His voice. Make sure that your heart is clear by taking a moment to reflect on any situations in which you may be holding on to unforgiveness. God wants you to forgive others in the same way that He so graciously forgave you (Mark 11:25).

4. Depend on the Holy Spirit for Help

What if you don’t know what to pray about? Sometimes your situation can be so muddled that it’s hard to know where to start. That’s when it’s important to pray in the spirit. Romans 8:26 says, “The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” God knows your situation, so you don’t even have to lay everything out; just trust that the Holy Spirit will let the right words flow through you. In 1 Corinthians 14:14, we’re told, “If I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t understand what I am saying.”

5. Pray the Prayer of Intercession

In Acts 20:35, Jesus says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This verse generally refers to material things, but it applies to prayer as well. Interceding on behalf of your friends, your family and your community at large will bless them as well as you. 1 Timothy 2:1 says, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.” To learn more about this powerful kind of prayer, check out the article “Unpacking Intercessory Prayer.”

6. Pray in the Spirit to Build Yourself Up

Because praying in the spirit (i.e., in other tongues) allows you to pray about things you don’t understand, it is a great way to build yourself up in ways you may not know you need. Jude 20 remind us, “You, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.” And 1 Corinthians 14:4 says, “A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally.” Strive to spend a portion of your prayer time praying in the spirit so that you can have the fortitude you need when praying for others.

7. Pray to Interpret

When you pray in the spirit, it builds you up, and you definitely need that. However, 1 Corinthians 14:13 says, “So anyone who speaks in tongues should pray also for the ability to interpret what has been said.” When you pray in a group setting, it’s best to pray for an interpretation so that others can be blessed as well.

Thankfully, effective prayer is not a complicated thing. Immerse yourself in the Word and pray in the Holy Spirit often. Deepen your connection with God by truly communing with Him. The best relationships you have here on Earth are strengthened by connecting deeply and regularly. Your relationship with God is no different. As you begin to put these seven steps into practice, you’re will enjoy a deeper and more effective prayer life!

© 1997 - 2017 Eagle Mountain International Church Inc. Aka Kenneth Copeland Ministries. All Rights Reserved

Believe the Love Kenneth Copeland

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us.

1 John 4:16

One day as I was walking along a highway through a park praying, I asked a simple question, "Lord, what do You want me to tell Your people?" Without a moment's hesitation, these words came ringing through my spirit and my mind:

Tell them how much I love them.

They were so filled with love and compassion that it defies words to express it. For days afterward all I could think of was 1 John 4:16. "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us."

We've read about God's love. We've heard about it. But I don't think many of us have really believed it. If we did, it would totally change everything about us and everything around us.

It's that love that caused Jesus to lay down His life for us and to experience for Himself all the pains and weaknesses we experience. It's that love that says to us, even when we feel so unworthy, Come to Me and get what you need. Don't be shy about it. I've been there. Come boldly to the throne of grace that you may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Think about it. God is in love with you—so in love, He's given you everything He has! He's given you all the healing, all the wisdom, all the wealth, all the strength you could ever need.

"But what about my terrible past?"

That's what His mercy is for! It's taken care of your past. It's covered every sin and failure you ever had. All you have to do now is believe and receive His love.

What a shame it is that people suffer at the hands of sickness and disease and every other cursed thing just because they can't believe the love God has for them. Don't let that happen to you. Learn to believe the love.

Believe the love God has for you. It's already been released in the blood of Jesus.

Believe the love. It's already been released in Jesus' Name.

Believe the love. It's already been released in His Word.

Meditate that scripture over and over. Say it to yourself again and again all day, "I believe the love Jesus has for me." Once it gets down into your heart, you'll never be the same again.

Scripture Reading:

Psalm 139:1-18

© 1991 Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc. aka: Kenneth Copeland Publications

- See more at: http://www.kcm.org/read/faith-to-faith/01/20#sthash.dtoAykPd.dpuf

How often should I read my Bible?

The answer to how much you should read the Bible is not so much about quantity as priority. We encourage you to make the quality decision to put God’s Word first place and make it the final authority in your life.

Think of it like eating food to strengthen your physical body. You wouldn’t think of depriving your body of food for a whole day. To strengthen yourself for the physical demands of the day, you eat multiple times a day. In the same way, in order to strengthen your spirit for the challenges of the day, you need to read and meditate on God’s Word frequently. 

Read, allowing God’s Word to change what you think and say. As you continue to renew your mind with the Word of God, the next step is to make the words of your mouth line up with God’s Word. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” 

A major purpose for reading the Bible is to learn what it says about any given situation. You can use scripture as a basis for your prayer life. It is God’s will that you live a victorious Christian life overcoming every problem (John 16:33; Romans 8:37; 1 John 4:4).

- See more at: http://www.kcm.org/read/questions/how-often-should-i-read-my-bible#sthash.fBsGv5uP.dpuf

Judge Yourself That You Be Not Judged

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
(1 Cor. 11:31)
Years ago, God told me to talk to one of the most outstanding healing evangelists of that time in America. In his ministry, I saw some of the greatest healings I have ever seen - blind eyes opened and deaf-mute people healed instantly!

God said to me, "You go tell that man that if he doesn't judge himself, he won't live much longer. First, tell him to walk in love toward his fellow man, particularly his fellow ministers. Second, tell him to judge himself on money. And, third, tell him to judge himself on diet."

Well, he didn't judge himself. Within three years time, he was dead. Was it the will of God? No. Yet there were many healings and miracles under this man's ministry. Brother Oral Roberts said to me, "I believe that man was the greatest man of faith. He had more faith than anyone I've ever seen."

I said, "I guarantee that's true. He was a man of faith; he would dare the devil." But the problem was, he started daring God. You can get by with daring the devil, but when you start daring God, you're in trouble. But it didn't have to be that way. It wasn't the highest purpose of God for him to die early.

If you'll judge yourself, you'll not be judged. If you've sinned and done wrong, just say, "That's wrong. I've sinned." If you've missed it, admit you did and ask God for forgiveness. If you'll judge yourself, you won't be judged, and you can walk on in health.

Confession
I will judge myself. I will turn from wrong ways and will follow God's ways. Then I will walk in health and healing.
Source: Health Food Devotions by Kenneth E. Hagin.
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications

For His Body, the Church

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all (Eph.1:19-23). 

In every place where the Bible mentions the Name of Jesus, it also refers to His Body, the Church, because the Name was given to Jesus so that the Church might use it. 

The ones who need to use His Name are those who have become joint-heirs with Jesus Christ; and those who are in contact with men and women in need of deliverance from Satan. 

All that Jesus is by inheritance is in that Name! All Jesus has done through conquest is in that Name! And that Name belongs to the Body of Christ: It belongs to you and me! God has made this investment for the Church. The Church has a right to draw upon this deposit for her every need! That Name has within it the fullness of the Godhead. 

Confession: I have a right to use the Name of Jesus against the enemy. I have a right to use that Name in prayer. I have a right to use that Name in praise and worship. 

Source: Faith Food Devotions by Kenneth E. Hagin.
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications

KEEP STANDARD

Any one or system that doesn’t have standard cannot stand. No system lasts beyond the standard that is in place. You can not live beyond the visionary and administrative standard you build for yourself.

Your standard is the protection to your destiny.

Without standard destiny will turn to destitute.

Build standard Maintain standard Improve on standard But never, never change standard.

Your standard is your identity.

Those who compromise standard will loose their identity. Don’t bend if you don’t want to blend.

Once you blend you loose your identity.

Stand out if you want to end as outstanding.

Never live your life or organization on the platform of union where ?just anything goes.

If anything, relate in unity that is built in principles and standards. Guard yourself from every deviation by maintaining standard.

What then is standard? It is a frame within which a system is governed, guarded and guided in pursuit of its visionary and administrative endeavours.

Destiny goes down whether of individuals or of any society when standard is lowered.

Level of standard is the ultimate measure and quality of a person/society.

If you keep standard people around will naturally grow to catch up with it

YOUR FRUIT IS YOUR PROOF!

Your world is tired of your explanation. Explanation is exhibited in the realm of excuses and ends a man in mediocrity. Nothing speaks for you like your fruits.

That is what the world and even God uses to rate and value your worth. Matthew 7.20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.? Your fruit is your work which in turn is the measure of your worth.

You have to work it out. Galatians 5.22, 23

By exhibiting love, offering joy, and peace; showing long suffering and gentleness, demonstrating goodness and faith, showing meekness and temperance.

A fruit attracts and compels attention.

Let your life so speak before all who behold you.

Resurrection Greatness

"Jesus hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he, at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee" (Heb. 1:4-5 AMP)

"God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee" (Acts 13:33 AMP).

When did Jesus inherit His Name? When was it conferred upon Him?

It was conferred when Jesus was made alive out of spiritual death—when He was raised from the dead.

It was at Jesus' resurrection that God said, "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee." And it was after His resurrection that Jesus revealed all authority in Heaven and in earth had been given to Him.

Every statement regarding the fact that Jesus' Name was inherited or conferred upon Him, shows that Jesus received the greatness of His Name, the fullness of it, after His resurrection from the dead.

Confession: Jesus is Lord. He is risen from the dead, and He is Lord. The power and authority demonstrated in the resurrection abides in the Name and He has given that Name to me.

Source: Faith Food Devotions by Kenneth E. Hagin.
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications

Speak in Faith

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 Cor. 4:13)

Every time Brother Kemp and his wife would start to pray over their food, she would burst out laughing. She would say, "I'm healed. The Word says I'm healed." On the tenth day after I laid hands on her, every single symptom disappeared. 

Afterward, she said, "I knew according to the Word of God that I was healed when you laid hands on me; the power of God came on me. Yet I had all the symptoms I ever had." 

You see, this woman could have reasoned, "Well, if I'm healed, why am I still sitting here?" She could have reasoned herself right out of her healing. But she began to praise God. 

She began to say, "Oh, I'm so glad I'm well. I'm so glad I can walk. I'm so glad I'm not bound to this chair anymore." She was speaking in faith because she believed what First Peter 2:24 says. 

Confession

It is written in First Peter 2:24 that by His stripes, ye were healed. If we were, then I am; I am healed. I am well. I am in good health. I can do things that I couldn't do before. I'm so glad I'm healed.

5 Benefits of Praying in Tongues

When you are baptized in the Holy Spirit, you receive a gift from God—the gift of speaking (or praying) in tongues. It is a powerful gift that every believer should desire. In fact, here are five benefits to praying in tongues:

1. Praying in Tongues Allows You to Speak Directly to God

“For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious.” –1 Corinthians 14:2

When you pray in tongues, you are praying God’s will, directly to Him. It allows your mind to get out of the way so your spirit can commune with the Father.

2. Praying in Tongues Keeps You in Tune With the Holy Spirit

“And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” –Acts 2:4

Tongues is a gift from God. It allows you to pray the will of God by the empowering of the Holy Spirit. When you pray in tongues, you are yielding to the Holy Spirit who dwells in you. Then you are allowing that same Spirit to pray through you, so you are in tune with Him.

3. Praying in Tongues Strengthens Your Spirit

“A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.” –1 Corinthians 14:4

Praying in tongues builds you up spiritually and helps you to live a Spirit-led life. 

4. Praying in Tongues Allows You to Pray Even When You Don’t Know What to Pray

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” –Romans 8:26

Even when you don’t know how or what to pray, you can still pray…in tongues. You can trust your spirit to pray the perfect will of God, regardless of the situation.

5. Praying in Tongues Is a Weapon Against the Work of the Enemy

“And then he told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved.… These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages.… They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.’” –Mark 16:15-18

Jesus proclaimed several things that would happen to those who followed Him and continued His work. Speaking in tongues is one of those gifts, and it allows Jesus’ followers to stand against the work of the enemy.

Praying in tongues is a gift that’s available to every believer. It allows you to pray God’s will to Him. It keeps you in tune with the Holy Spirit and strengthens your spirit as you stand against the work of the devil. Don’t discount this powerful gift from God. Desire it. Embrace it and relish the strength it adds to your spiritual life.

- See more at: http://www.kcm.org/real-help/prayer/apply/5-benefits-praying-tongues#sthash.PgNEUqMY.dpuf