A New Thing!

Hello everyone,

This week I was reading Isaiah 43:19 in the AMPC, which says, “Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

When I looked into the context of this scripture, the prophet Isaiah was talking about the process where God’s people, who had struggled to be a nation among other nations, was about to walk into a new destiny.  They had been in captivity in Babylon, and now they were about to return through passage of the wilderness, to their own land.

Now of course this prophecy holds a wealth of truth concerning more than just the new, wonderful beginning for this ancient nation. It gives reference to a new life of redemption the Messiah would bring for all sinners.  It points to Jesus Christ being the Saviour of the world, making all things new for everyone who believes on and receives Him.  2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!”

But there’s more! Isaiah prophesied the Lord would make a way in the wilderness.  Obviously, for the Israelites of old, the route from Babylon to Jerusalem would cross through some extreme desert terrain that would be treacherous and difficult for the travellers as they journeyed home.  But God promised He would make a way for them, implying He would take good care of them along the journey, giving them direction and provision, where there was commonly no path, and where all necessaries were wanting. 

Just the same, Isaiah was prophetically referring to a time where the “wilderness” would be a “Gentile” dominated world, where the One true God was not commonly experienced or embraced. God would make a way through Jesus, for both Jews and Gentiles to receive new life in Him.  Today, we live in a sin dominated world where it’s foreign to walk in the light and truth and love of God.  It’s a spiritual wilderness of lack and barrenness, but He has made a new way of life to all who receive His Son, and has promised to provide everything we need to overcome and live victoriously along the way.

And then comes the part I’m particularly excited about!  Isaiah prophesied that God would make rivers in the desert!  This is where the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, is released into the hearts of every believer, and the life He brings comes directly from the Source of Living water, gushing its vitality and energy and strength in and through us.  

This is the part of the New Thing God has done that I want to emphasis.  We must embrace our new reality of being born of the Spirit of God and then walk through this life being controlled by the Spirit.  We may be living in a modern day wilderness, with all its dangers and hopelessness, but we can successfully live and prosper with supernatural life, gushing and flowing through us.  While we are confronted by sickness, poverty, devastation, hatred, abuse of every kind, and every horrible evil under the sun, we have the Spirit of Life, Who speaks truth when we can’t naturally find it.  In other words, the life of the Spirit which is in us, and is greater than anything in the world around us, must rise up and be the dominating force through us.

How on earth does this happen?  When we daily honour the Word of God, and the life of the Holy Spirit Who dwells in us, it most certainly will.

Having said that, I was reading an article on this very thing on the internet at bornofthespirit.today. I found it highlight wonderful truths about this, a few of which I’ve mentioned in this letter.

Now, let’s take a look at what it means to daily honour both the Word and the Spirit in our lives.  This is where we deliberately connect with God as a continual, daily practice. Yes, it’s true we are inseparably connected to Him, 1 Corinthians 6:17 tells us this, but I’m talking about giving Him our devoted attention to clearly hear and receive from Him.  I’m talking about communicating with Him, hearing His voice and receiving His practical wisdom.  Drawing deeply from His life and peace and comfort and power for our lives - to the point where He becomes the dominating flow of life in and through us, every day!

Look at how the written Word and Holy Spirit work together in this process:  I understand that most of you may know the Greek translation for the written Word of God being Logos.  The Bible is full of references showing us that when we deliberately meditate on the written, or Logos Word, and treasure it in our hearts, being careful to do what it says, and we don’t become distracted from its truth, we will prosper and be successful in all things, wherever we go. (Joshua 1:7; Isaiah 48:17-18; Psalm 1).  

Now, while meditating on the Logos Word, the Holy Spirit is the One Who makes it alive to us.  It’s as though certain scriptures leap off the pages and into our hearts.  As we spend time thinking about them, the Holy Spirit speaks to us, He sounds like flowing, spontaneous thoughts that light upon our mind. You’ll recognise it being Him, because His words bring peace and joy with them.  They are always full of hope, even when He reminds us of things in our lives that need adjusting, like wrong attitudes or things we said or did that were not in line with His will for us (2 Timothy 3:16, John 16:13).  He never brings condemnation, only correction in love.  

John 7:38-39 says, “He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. But He was speaking here of the Spirit, Whom those who believed (trusted, had faith) in Him were afterward to receive. For the [Holy] Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor).”  The Holy Spirit is sensed as a river of life and peace, of joy and comfort, which flows up from our spirits, which are intricately and inseparably connected to Him.  

The Greek Word for the Holy Spirit’s spontaneous voice to us is called rhema.  It’s  important to note that the spontaneous rhema Word will always be in agreement with the written Logos Word.  That’s because both are God’s voice to us.

Another powerful truth concerning our hearing and receiving daily wisdom and power from God, through His Holy Spirit, is the Hebrew word Paga. It’s translated “intercession” and is really God’s voice leading us in prayer. The article I read mentioned the literal definition being “to strike or light upon by chance,” or “an accidental intersecting.”  Spirit-led intercession is sensed as spontaneous thoughts that light upon our mind while we are praying. They really are a form of the  rhema Word of God.  They are God’s thoughts intersecting ours.  So when they come, we pay attention to them while we pray and flow with them, as we are guided by the Holy Spirit.  

When we begin to live each day in the spontaneous flow of the Holy Spirit, by daily recognising and honouring Him through meditating on His written Logos Word; recognising and paying attention to His spontaneous rhema Word; and praying being led by His spontaneous thoughts that intercept our own; we begin to live the new life of freedom, provision, protection and abundant blessing God has for us.  When we are led by the Holy Spirit we are able to enjoy the “...way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert”  He has made available for us.

Much love,

Jenny

Living in the Realm of the Supernatural

Hello everyone,

“In the beginning, man’s spirit was the dominant force in the world. When he sinned, his mind became dominant. Sin dethroned the spirit and crowned the intellect. But grace is restoring the spirit to its place of dominion. When man comes to realize this, he will live in the realm of the supernatural without effort.”

This is an extract from John G. Lake’s article, The Power of the Name.

Can you imagine living in the realm of the supernatural without effort? It’s not as far off as you might think. According to the Word of God, at the point of our salvation we are born of the Spirit (John 3:5) and have received the Holy Spirit as our gift from God. Acts 2:38 says, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”.

Then Galatians 5:25 says, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit”. This is what John G. Lake was referring to when he said we can have our spirits dominate our lives. The problem comes with the battle of wills between our flesh, the carnal nature, which is governed by our natural, human reasoning; and our re-born spirit nature, which is governed by God’s Spirit living in us. Whichever one we give attention to dominates our lives with pretty significant results. John 6:63 says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing”.

Having said that, we can start rejoicing right now because Jesus dealt with the sin issue on the cross and broke its power over us! That means we are free to walk and live by the Spirit of God and have the grace to not live according to the flesh and all it dictates! So, to live in the realm of the supernatural, we make walking in the Spirit our conscious decision each day!

Romans 8:4-8 says, “...live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit [our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit].

⁵ For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.

⁶ Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].

⁷ [That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God’s Law; indeed it cannot. 

⁸ So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him.”

The Word couldn’t be plainer. For the victorious child of God, who desires to live in the realm of the supernatural, a lifestyle of sin is out and a life controlled by the Holy Spirit is in!

The question is: how do we do this?

Well, if you look back at verse 6, it specifically speaks about the mind of the flesh and the mind of the Holy Spirit. This tells us there are two very distinct ways of thinking and reasoning in this life; both have rather drastic results. Thinking and reasoning without the influence of the Holy Spirit leads to sin, which always progresses to misery and death; while thinking under the influence of the Holy Spirit progresses to life and peace that lasts for eternity.

OK, so now that we understand that correct thinking is the way to live controlled by the Holy Spirit, the next question is: how do we correct our wrong way of thinking and keep it under the influence of the Holy Spirit?

Here are four simple steps to having victory over our thoughts, where they are dominated by the influence of the Holy Spirit and not our flesh.

1: Fill Up!

Fill your mind with the Word of God. God’s Word is full of His thoughts, so the more time we invest in it, the more it will significantly influence our way of thinking. This process of influence is called renewing our minds. Romans 12:1-2 says that it’s something we are expected to do as children of God.

Now here’s the beauty of this truth: whatever we give our attention to become our desire; and our desires pave the way for our destinies. Did you know that whatever your heart is engaged in, attaches you to it and it becomes your destiny? Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Your treasure is something you regard as being highly valuable. It’s something you’re passionate about; that one thing that makes you feel the most alive and you simply can’t imagine being without. When we fill our minds with God’s Word, by the Holy Spirit enlightening it to us, we soon discover that it is alive and full of glorious treasures and we just can’t get enough of it! That’s why Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness…” Trust the Holy Spirit to lead and teach you as you delight in God’s Word and fill your mind with it.

2: Recognise!

Recognise where your thoughts come from. When the Word of God has become our desire and delight, and we are constantly feeding our hearts and minds on it, we will recognise the origin of every thought that enters our minds. You see all thoughts are either faith-based or fear-based. Since God’s Word produces faith, peace and life, any thought that is contrary to that will stick out like a sore thumb in your mind. Even if it sounds right or reasonable, its nature will be opposite to what you have been renewing your mind to. The Holy Spirit will awaken and sharpen your senses to recognise the nature of your thoughts.

3: Reject!

Once you recognise what thoughts are contrary to the nature of God, immediately take them captive and cast them out! Reject those thoughts, understanding they are fiery darts from the devil intended to lead you into worry, fear or entice strife in your life. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says,“[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)”. Refuse to entertain any negative thoughts and don’t give them even a moment’s opportunity to latch themselves to your mind.

4: Replace!

Now that we’ve recognised what thoughts don’t belong in the mind of a believer and we’ve taken them captive and rejected them, it’s time to immediately replace them. This is where the Holy Spirit will remind you of the Word of God you have been filling your mind with. He will bring to remembrance a specific scripture that negates the incorrect thought the enemy placed in your mind. John 14:26, says “But the Comforter (Counsellor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.” As you meditate on the truth the Holy Spirit reminds you of, it will become the dominating force in your mind and will influence what you think, speak and act – according to its Godly nature.

Now you’ve begun to place in motion a life that is influenced, dominated and controlled by the Holy Spirit! It’s a lifestyle that will bring you lasting life and peace in every situation, if you choose to be diligent to keep these four steps in place. Fill up on the Word, recognise wrong thoughts, reject them and replace them with the truth of God’s Word! Enjoy this life of victory as you partner with the Holy Spirit and live in the realm of the supernatural without effort.

Blessings,

Jenny

The Person of the Holy Spirit

Hello everyone,

For some time now, I have wanted to write to you about something that is very dear to my heart. It is: knowing the Person of the Holy Spirit. I am well aware that it’s a topic that some Christians prefer to steer clear of, but without being properly taught on what the Word of God says about the third Person of the Trinity, the church will never be empowered to actively stand up against the devil and advance the kingdom of God on the earth. Without a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, our Christian walk will become dry and mechanical. In fact, our lives are powerless without the Holy Spirit and we will always be limited by the things in this natural world.   

Now, besides the Word of God, there are numerous helpful books and teachings available on the Person of the Holy Spirit. I’m going to mention one that I’m reading right now, that is a great blessing and inspiration. It’s called Hosting the Supernatural and it is written by a personal friend of ours, Pastor Nicky van der Westhuizen. Why I’m mentioning his book to you is because Pastor Nicky actually lives what he teaches when it comes to knowing the Person of the Holy Spirit. I’m not in any way saying he is perfect, I’m just saying that I can see evidence of the relationship he has with the Holy Spirit in his life – and that’s the point I want to make today.

It’s so important for us to get passed seeing the Holy Spirit as a force or a power, or an influence. He is a Person, with a personality, intellect, emotions and will. Even though He is God, He is relatable. The Bible describes Him as being a Comforter, a Friend, a Helper and a Teacher. Some translations call Him a Standby, an Advocate and a Strengthener (John 14:16, 26; 15:26). It mentions that He can be grieved and quenched (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). He can also be excited and motivated to move on, fill and completely inhabit our lives (Luke 1:15,41,67; Acts 2:4, 4:8, 4:31, 9:17, 13:9; Ephesians 3:16; Colossians 2:10). Most importantly, the Holy Spirit only moves by the will of the Father, and He loves Jesus. He will always manifest Himself when Jesus is glorified and worshipped in spirit and in truth. You can read about this in John 16:13-15.

So why is it so important for us to see the Holy Spirit as a person? Pastor Nicky mentioned something in his book that really brings this truth home. He said that when people see the Holy Spirit as a power, they want to use Him as power. But if they see Him as a Person, they will surrender to Him, worship Him, and love Him. Now, listen to this statement, it ‘rocked my world’: “When you treat the Holy Spirit as a Person, you don’t have to look for power; He will just give it to you.”

Make no mistake, the Holy Spirit may be relatable, but He is Holy. He is divine and glorious, and worthy to be worshipped, because He is God.

It’s the Holy Spirit that enables us to have a deep, meaningful relationship with God. He is the voice you hear in your heart, and the glorious joy you feel rise up within you as you yield to Him while He reveals the truth of His Word to you, or refreshes your soul with His peace. You can tangibly feel His presence when He is worshipped. Oh I have felt and experienced His touch, it’s something every believer can experience every day – and once you do, you will never find anything to compare with it. That’s because you will discover that He is so beautiful, so loving, and so fulfilling. In essence, the Holy Spirit makes the Person of Jesus tangibly real to you.  

Do you remember how I said the Holy Spirit has an intellect?  He is able to think and process information. 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 explains this beautifully. Now, I’m quoting from the Amplified Classic version, which includes the original Greek translation. So it may seem lengthy, but in this letter, it’s fitting for us to pay careful attention to it all – especially since we are learning about the Person of the Holy Spirit.

“Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit...” What has God revealed? Well, in the verse before this one, it says “...all that God has prepared and kept ready for us.”  So this verse is saying that the Holy Spirit unveils and reveals to us all that God has prepared and made ready for us!  

 ...for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man’s scrutiny].

For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man’s thoughts except the man’s own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realise and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favour and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.

And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit].”

The Holy Spirit is the only One Who truly knows the deepest, bottomless things of God. He searches them and completely understands them and then He reveals them to our spirits. That’s why it’s possible for a born-again child of God to really know and experience God. But it’s a knowledge that doesn’t come by human reasoning; it’s discerned by our spirits, directly through the Spirit of God.

God is not this distant being who watches from afar and refuses to get involved with the intimate details of our lives. In fact, the truth couldn’t be more contrary to that. God desires for us to really know and intimately experience Him. There is nothing about Himself that He has hidden from us; He invites us to draw near and explore all He is and has for us. I believe it will take an eternity to do that!

If you want a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit, you must begin to see Him as the Word says He is. He is a Person Who speaks and shares the heart of God with you. When you begin to cultivate this relationship with Him, you will see the evidence of the power of God in your life.  

Now when you became born-again, the Holy Spirit came to live inside of you. His Spirit is one with yours. 1 Corinthians 6:17 says, “But the person who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him.” If you want to be better acquainted with the Holy Spirit and experience a fresh revelation of Who He is, then all you have to do is ask. The Bible says that we can receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, where He infuses us with power, like a fountain of life that energises and strengthens us from the inside. John 7:38-39 says, “He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, from his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. But He was speaking here of the Spirit, Whom those who believed (trusted, had faith) in Him were afterward to receive. For the [Holy] Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honour).”

Ephesians 5:18, tells us that we can be ever filled and stimulated with the Holy Spirit, so that we can continually draw from His power and strength that is already inside us, since His Spirit is one with ours. “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit.” If this is the desire of your heart, then here is a prayer you can pray; and if you pray it from your heart, by faith, it will become your reality:

“Lord, it is clear that You want me to be filled with Your power and strength today.  I want to know You in the way Your Word says I can know and experience You.  I know Your Spirit lives in me, but I want to receive a fresh infilling of Your power and presence.  I want to have Your life flow in me like continuous springs of living water.  So I open my heart right now and ask You to fill me to overflowing with Your Spirit. Thank You for creating me to be the receptacle for this wonderful power —and by faith, I receive that powerful flow of Your Spirit right now! I pray this in Jesus’ name!”

I’m so excited about this journey we are taking together to get to know the Person of the Holy Spirit. Next week we are going to continue exploring what the Word of God says about this precious member of the Godhead, Who desires to be our closest companion.

All my love,

Jenny

The More Excellent Way

Hello everyone,

How many times have you thought that your circumstances would be so much better if you had just done things differently?  If you had just made wiser choices, or reacted with better judgement, the outcome would have been worlds apart from how it is now.  Well, did you know that being able to make the best choices every time, so that you can walk in the outcome that is always right and accurate concerning God’s perfect will for you, is actually possible?  It’s called choosing to live the more excellent way, and it’s far more obtainable than you realize.  

The Apostle Paul has some brilliant wisdom on this topic.  He says we can live in a way where we learn to sense what the very best choices are to keep us living victoriously in life, and at the same time, help others attain victory by following our example.  

Philippians 1:10 in the Amplified Bibles says, “...so that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognising the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble].”(AMPC)

Paul knew that living from the perspective that we have the power to overcome, because of who we are in Christ, is far greater than living at the mercy of our circumstances, or suffering from the consequences of bad choices. If we are going to live confidently, in our God-given authority, to reign in life with Christ Jesus, we must pay careful attention to Paul’s words.

Now, right before Paul tells us about this more excellent way of life, he tells us how we can practically attain it. In Philippians 1:9 Paul says: “And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment].”(AMPC)

What was Paul talking about?  What did he mean when he said he prays our love may abound more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and keen insight?  Quite simply, Paul was talking about us having a dramatic increase of love for the Word of God!  You see, he said he was praying that our love would abound more and more to its fullest in knowledge and keen insight. That’s the Word of God.  According to the book of Proverbs 4:5, wisdom from God’s Word is knowledge and insight for comprehensive discernment.  So Paul is telling us to fall head over heels in love with God’s Word, which is knowledge and keen insight, so much so, that it becomes the chief passion and desire of our lives!  Remember, He said to let our love for the Word abound more and more.  

Why is this so important?  Because the Word of God is alive!  And the more we hear its truth, and receive it into our hearts, its wisdom and peace brings us a sure, strong hope in something that is far greater and more trustworthy than our own understanding, or anything else this world has to offer.  What makes that hope and wisdom fully develop inside of us, is when it’s received and embraced by love!  Which by the way, is the ingredient needed for faith to be produced and activated in our lives.  Do you know why?  Because perfect love casts out all fear, making faith powerfully effective. 

Now, reading on in Philippians 1:9, Paul says our love for God’s Word will result in two things: Firstly, a greater depth of acquaintance with the truth; and secondly, a more comprehensive discernment of knowing how to put it to work.  When both these qualities are at play in our lives, our confidence in God’s Word and our God-given authority to declare and operate in it, will pose a real threat to the enemy, as we are able to daily choose the more excellent way.

So, let’s take a look at the first result of being in love with God’s Word; which is having a greater depth of acquaintance of its truth. The phrase having a greater depth of acquaintance, means having a personal knowledge or experience with the Word, as you would a good friend.  Where you become more and more accustomed to it.  You begin to be familiar with how to approach it and enjoy its company. You begin to know your way around it, recognising the central truth that weaves its way through, bringing you to read scripture in context, and draw life and peace and hope, and wisdom from it.  As you become more acquainted with the Word, you begin to memorise where different truths are found, and as you read and study them, the Holy Spirit reminds you of, and leads you to others that confirm them.  It becomes the most exciting treasure hunt experience ever!  And each truth you find becomes established inside you where you are convinced it’s your truth.  And no matter what comes your way in life, nothing will move you on it. The devil can’t steal it from you because it’s so rooted in your mind and engraved on your heart that it’s impossible to change your mind on it!  Now the truth the Holy Spirt has revealed begins to radically influence the choices you make in life.  Our priorities begin to shift as our desires become aligned with His.

This leads us to the second quality Paul says we develop when we cultivate a radical love for God’s Word. We have a more comprehensive discernment to know what is right and then put it to work in our lives.  This means we can actually reach the point where we are able to sense and recognise from our spirits, what is vital and of great importance at any particular point in time; and can distinguish what is the morally right thing to do in the situation concerned.  When we do, Paul says we will approve of and prize what is excellent and of real value, and then make it part of our lives. That basically means we will see the more excellent way, know the right thing to do, and be more than willing to do it! Hallelujah!!! Now that’s a recipe for success!

Let’s put this into perspective with walking in our God-given authority.  When you love the Word, you trust it.  You trust what it says, and believe you are what it says you are, and that you can be and do all that God has purposed for you to be and do.  What’s more, when it says that God’s will is the more excellent way for you, you see and recognise it in every situation, agree with it and choose to walk in it. In truth, you have delighted yourself in Him and now His will and desires have become yours.  Take a look at what Psalms 37:4-5 says, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.”

So when He says His will is for you and me to reign in life with Him, and exercise our authority over the devil, and use our words of faith to change our circumstances, that’s exactly what we will do!  When He says to give, so that it will further His kingdom purpose and connect us with His supernatural provision, and to tithe because it’s His covenant plan for us, then that’s what we do!  When He says to live pure and free from gossip and strife, so that we aren’t held back or tripped up with unnecessary weight, then that’s what we do!  It’s that simple.  And when we do, Paul says we will be blameless and with a sincere heart, approach the coming of Jesus with confidence, because we have not stumbled into unbelief, but have stayed vitally on course and influenced others to do so too!  And in case you haven’t noticed, we are living in the very hour where the church of Christ is being stirred up like never before to expect His sudden return.  So don’t be caught falling asleep concerning your personal walk with God.  Become more diligent and enthusiastic than ever to choose the more excellent way every day. 

If you are ready to follow Paul’s advice to live on purpose for God, by falling in love with His Word to develop the skill to discern and make choices that connect you to the more excellent way of life He has for you, then pray this prayer from your heart with me now.

“Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for me so that through my decision to give you my life, You wash me clean of all sin and past failures.  Jesus, I surrender my life to You, and by faith, receive you as my personal Lord and Saviour.  Thank you for your precious Holy Spirit Who I invite right now to fill my life. Thank you Holy Spirit that Your power is alive in me, and will stir up an insatiable hunger and desire for Your truth.  Father, I commit to diligently give my heart to Your Word.  I trust You to teach and guide me by Your Spirit in all its truth and wisdom, as You have promised to do.  Thank You that each day, as I pay careful attention to You, You will cause me to walk the more excellent way. I thank You now for a spirit of wisdom and revelation to know You more through Your Word, having the eyes of my heart flooded with light to know and understand the full hope I have in You.  By faith, I believe I will walk in a greater depth of revelation and power to recognise, know and do Your perfect will for my life each day.  By Your grace, through faith, I choose Your excellent way of living, until You come to fetch me.  In Jesus Name, Amen.” 

Now don’t wait a moment longer, meditate on the scriptures we’ve talked about and give your heart to delight in the Word of God.  You will see the benefits change and  overtake you.

Much love,

Jenny