Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Jesus prays

I recently was listening to a sermon by Joseph Prince, and I heard him quoting Jesus' prayer in John 17. As he was reading the verse aloud, I thought to myself "Is that really in the Bible??". I have read John at least 3 times in the last year, and I somehow had no recollection of that prayer. It's likely that when I previously read it, I was in no position to understand it. That I simply glazed over it and moved on to the next chapter, failing to soak in the goodness and fullness of what Jesus is saying. Not this time, this time I couldn't move past it. I couldn't leave it behind to keep reading without letting it penetrate my spirit. Thank you Holy Spirit for opening my eyes!
 

 

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

“I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.
“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Rightly dividing the Word

As a new believer, having little-to-no knowledge of God or the Bible, I found myself diving into it only to walk away more confused than I had been previously. I'm only slightly embarrassed to admit that nothing at all made sense to me. I made it all the way through Leviticus (that in itself is a miracle) before someone finally recommended I start at the Matthew. Even after reading most of the New Testament, I still had a hard time making sense of everything. The pieces just didn't seem to fit together.. I kept running into instances where God seemed to contradict Himself.

I think there are a lot of people in the church, and out, that have had the same experience. If you have experienced something similar, I'm here to tell you that there is a solution! 2 Timothy talks about rightly dividing the truth, and that is exactly what has helped me. Miles Coverdale, who translated the first English Bible said it well:

“It shall greatly help ye to understand the Scriptures if thou mark not only what is spoken or written, but of whom and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goeth before and what followeth after. ”

God's word is not complicated, or confusing. When you understand how to read the Bible, all of the pieces fit together and everything makes sense. Remember that God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). If you come to a part that confuses you, try to look at the accurate context of what is being said using the aforementioned advice from Mr. Coverdale.

Of course, above and beyond all else, always equip yourself with the Holy Spirit. Before sitting down to read, ask Him to open your eyes of understanding and to show you God's truth (John 16:13). Ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you as you sit down to spend time with Him.

Do you have any other advice or suggestions when it comes to reading the Bible? I'd love to hear them!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

The Bible tells of Jesus

I loved this so much, I thought I'd share. We can't forget that everything points to Jesus and His finished work on the cross!

The entire Bible, Old Testament and New Testament, is laced throughout with God’s gospel of salvation, pointing to the sinner’s need for salvation from judgment, Christ’s atoning sacrifice, the fact that this salvation is totally God’s sovereign work, or a related spiritual truth. Any symbolic or allegorical meaning must ultimately point to Christ and His Gospel, and must be consistent with everything else in Scripture.

Source: http://www.ebiblefellowship.com/outreach/tracts/understandingthebible/index.html

Friday, June 7, 2013

Change a Comin'

Lots of exciting changes are taking place behind the scenes. I'm excited to see how they unfold, and what amazing things they lead to!

Sunday, May 5, 2013

All too often, people form their beliefs and perspective of God around their earthly environment and circumstances.

What we should be doing is forming our earthly environment around the Truth, that is the gospel of the Kingdom.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Obedience of faith

Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, (Romans 1:5 NKJV)

Here is the Greek Interlinear's original translation:

 By whom we-received grace (a gift or blessing, favor) and apostleship (commission, duty of apostle) unto obedience (obedience, submissiveness, compliance) of-faith (faith, belief, trust, confidence) among all the Gentiles in-behalf-of the name of-him


As a new covenant believer, I have received grace (God's unmerited favor) because I am covered by the blood of Jesus. I have inherited 'The Blessing' of Abraham (Galatians 3:14) and am called only to obey 'the faith'. Obedience in the New Testament (covenant) does not refer to the law, which has already been fulfilled on our behalf, but of trust in Jesus and His finished work.


Monday, April 8, 2013

In Jesus, I have....

Jesus is the answer to every situation in my life!

- In Jesus I have victory over every trick of the enemy.
- In Jesus I have peace that surpasses all understanding.
- In Jesus I have complete salvation, wholeness in every area of my life.
- In Jesus I have divine health.
- In Jesus I have divine protection.
- In Jesus I have abundance and prosperity.
- In Jesus I have unmerited favor (grace) wherever I go.
- In Jesus I am blessed, despite me.
- In Jesus I have righteousness and strength!

Thank you Jesus for everything beautiful in my life!

What do you have in Christ today? Please feel free to add to the list in the comments below!

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Random thought

If we have been transplanted into the kingdom of light, there is no room amongst us for darkness. You cannot have both. What happens to you walk into a dark room and turn on the light?

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

How are you portraying God's light in your life today? I'd love to know!

Saturday, April 6, 2013

You are a NEW creation

This may be a bit jumbled, but it's by far my most powerful revelation!

Each person has three parts, spirit (the "real" you), soul (mind, will, and emotions), and body.
Everything in existence is either good or evil, light or dark. There is no middle ground and no in-between.

When you are born, you are born into sin, into darkness, and into Satan's Kingdom (John 12:31, Ephesians 2:1-2, Revelation 12:7-11).
When you are born again, your spirit is reborn into God's kingdom. Through Jesus, you are seated at the right hand of the Most High. You have inherited God's nature, His splendor. There is no sin in heaven, only light.

John 10:10 says that God came to give us life, and life abundantly, and that the enemy came to seek, kill, and destroy. The good news is that God's kingdom and Satan's kingdom are different locations! Once again, there is no middle ground. If you are in the kingdom of light, darkness cannot touch you. They cannot co-mingle.

-- We are IN the world, not OF the world.
-- We are to reign (yes, reign!) on Earth for the name of Jesus.
-- We are to be the light in the midst of darkness. To administer the blessing to others.
-- When you understand that every affliction is from the enemy and that your spirit is untouchable, your physical body and/or circumstances will be untouchable.

Here are some of my references, in no particular order:
Revelation 5:9-10
Romans 8:28
2 Corinthians 5:17
John 3:3
Colossians 1:13

For an awesome teaching on what it means to be born again, visit www.freedomministries.org and go to the "new creation realities" foundation class.

Please leave a message below with all questions, or comments. I'd love to hear from you!

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Walking on water

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.


The story of Peter walking on the water is filled with so much of God's goodness! Here's what God has been revealing to me about this miraculous situation.

First and foremost.. Truly, NOTHING is impossible with God on your side. Science will tell you that walking on water can never be done, but it's important to remember that God is above ALL things. Remember, we are in this world, but not of this world. What the world says is impossible, is possible with the living God!

As Peter kept His eyes and focus on Jesus, he was able to walk on the water. As soon as he took his eyes off of Jesus and looked at the storm, he began to sink. When he saw that the wind was mighty, he became afraid. He was living by sight, and not by faith.1 In this story, the storm is representing the enemy. Satan will try everything he can to get you to take your eyes off of Jesus, because he knows that He is our source of power.2 If he can keep your eyes on the flesh, on the problems in your lives, then he can keep you from reigning on earth in Jesus' mighty name.3 It's important to note that in the story of Peter, the storm was irrelevant! Even if there was no wind, and the water was perfectly calm, Peter's walking on the water would still be a miracle. The 'boisterous' wind changed nothing about the situation, except that it distracted Peter from trusting Jesus. In your lives, as Sons of the Most High God, the storms in your life are irrelevant! Turn your eyes to Jesus and trust completely in Him, and the defeated enemy will flee.4
As Peter started sinking, he called out for Jesus to save him. "Immediately" Jesus stretched out His hand.. Remember that when you doubt God and His Word, when your faith is little, He is always there beside you, waiting for you to turn back to Him. He will never leave you or forsake you,5 and if you turn to Him and keep your spiritual eyes on Him, He will never let you sink. Hallelujah!


References:
1. 2 Corinthians 5:7 - For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2. John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
3. Romans 5:17 - For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
4. Colassians 2:15 - And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
5. Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

As always, comments and questions are welcome. Any comment that is intentionally malicious or disrespectful may be deleted.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

New house delivered


This testimony was written by another member of the Freedom Ministries family. To see more, please go to www.freedomministries.org

I wanted to move from the apartments that we lived in, so I asked God for a new place to live. Moving is not something we cannot afford at this moment, so I had no idea how it would happen. I just thanked and gave him all the praise for a new place even though I didn't know how it would work. Then about a month later we got a place! The
landlord is only charging us half of what he knows he can get for it which is only $40 more than what we pay now in the apartment! Hallelujah! We will be out by the end of
October! He makes a way when there is no way!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Broken foot healed


This testimony was written by another member of the Freedom Ministries family. To see more, please go to www.freedomministries.org


My grandaughter was sitting on a chair when it collapsed, and her foot got caught under it. When my daughter looked at her foot it was clearly broken and she was in pain. My daughter remained calm and just said Jesus and put anointing oil on it. When
she looked again the foot turned back to normal, and was in no pain! We give God all the glory!!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Divine Pregnancy


This testimony was written by another member of the Freedom Ministries family. To see more, please go to www.freedomministries.org


My wife and I have been trying to have a baby for two years
now. We kept believing and standing on the word. We give
God ALL the Glory because the doctors have confirmed,
my wife is pregnant!! The doctors were confounded because
he said the baby was conceived at a time where it was
scientifically impossible! He makes a way when there is NO
way!

Monday, February 18, 2013

Cancer dried up in Jesus' name!

This testimony was written by another member of the Freedom Ministries family. To see more, please go to www.freedomministries.org


Two weeks ago, my friends Deb and Jen came to a
fellowship meeting. Several weeks prior, Deb was
diagnosed with double breast cancer and was scheduled
to get a lumpectomy. I should also preface that she was
diagnosed in early Sept with breast cancer and they
suspected uterine cancer as well. Pastor Mike
was in town for a fellowship and Debra's aunt asked
Pastor Mike to pray that she did not have the uterine
cancer. The next day, she was evaluated and results - NO
Uterine cancer! Anyway, she came to fellowship and
asked that we pray for her. We prayed that the cancer die
up and that no cancer be found. On Monday before the
lumpectomy, they decided to do ultrasound to check out
things before the surgery. Guess what?! They found
nothing! NO SIGNS OF CANCER AT ALL!!!
Radiologist were brought in and other doctors and no one
could figure it out! We all know that's because it was truly
a God given miracle! He can (and does!) anything! Praise
God!

God is no respecter of persons, so please remember that He doesn't heal some and not others. If you or anyone you know is suffering from cancer or any other illness,  please know that "He is the God that healeth thee". Take this testimony, and claim it as your own! If you are in need of prayer, please feel free to email me at letusreign@gmail.com.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Children putting their faith to work

This testimony was written by another member of the Freedom Ministries family. To see more, please go to www.freedomministries.org

Our Family has 10 chickens. One of them was showing symptoms of having a digestion issue. When we purchased the chicks, we were told if this happened and didn’t clear up, it would die in one day. My five year old prayed over the chick, with such fire and passion, speaking the Word of the Lord over the chick. She ministered to me as she was praying.   Glory to God, our chick is fine! God is so good!
 
 
My Uncle was visiting and burned his thumb on the oven grate. He is not a believer and said that it would swell and blister. I said let me pray for it, so we did. When I saw him two days later, he expressed his amazement that the burn never hurt or blistered. Praise God

Friday, February 8, 2013

Car supernaturally provided

This testimony was written by another member of the Freedom Ministries family. To see more, please go to www.freedomministries.org

We had a car break down on the way home from work one evening. It looked to be a major repair needed. Shelby and I talked about our options and decided that we did not wish to get into debt with a car loan and were going to believe God for a debt free solution. It feels like we went back and forth for a few days about if we should just look into purchasing a car. We kept to the decision to believe for a debt free solution and we decided to be prayed over at church. During the service I received a phone call and just let it go to voicemail. After the service we asked Pastor Mike to pray over us concerning the car situation. He simply prayed  Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Pastor Mike also just talked to us about having peace and knowing that God knows what we have need of. After we left I checked the voicemail and it was a message for a car to be given to us debt free. Praise God, He had everything figured out before we even had received a prayer. Seek ye first!!!

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Healed by the Power of God

This testimony was written by another member of the Freedom Ministries family. To see more, please go to www.freedomministries.org

I was scheduled for fairly serious dental surgery and they pretty well

knocked me out to do it. My wife drove me down, spent some shopping while I
was under, and then came back to drive me home. She has to tell the rest
because I don't remember much of it, just bits and pieces.
 
(My wife’s part) God's part:
When I got back to pick up my husband I was greeted by the doctor after 15 minutes
who brought me a bunch of prescriptions and said that they would be
monitoring him a little longer. (I had no idea this was even a serious
procedure. I went along to shop.) She said he was slow to wake up so I
settled in to read my current Oyedepo book appreciating the quiet time.
About 30 minutes later the receptionist told a waiting patient that they
were sorry for the wait and it would be a bit longer. She said they had
encountered a challenge they hadn't expected.
The light came on in my head. I suddenly was in a different mindset. This
is where the Holy Spirit began instructing me. I immediately knew the
challenge was my husband. I was taking inventory of what was with me. I had the
mantle and anointing oil. I had to find my husband. His timing is perfect! Right
then the Doctor emerged again to thank me for my patience and tell me his
numbers were not where they needed to be to release him. I told her I was
going back to him. They had put the receptionist beside him to watch the
numbers so there must have been a fair amount of concern. Not a problem.
That is not our portion. With authority I told her thank you I'd take over
and she left. I put the mantle on my sleeping husband , anointed him with oil
proclaiming perfect health and function in Jesus name. He immediately
awoke, took the mantle and put it on his head and began praying. The doctor
came in just a moment later and said "Oh, those numbers are what we are
looking for". Praise the Lord! He was in a wheel chair and out of there
within 5 minutes!

Friday, January 25, 2013

This testimony was written by another member of the Freedom Ministries family. To see more, please go to www.freedomministries.org


Here is a true testimony of the power of God! When Pastor Mike was visiting the Fellowship in CA, we prayed for my brother-in-law to be free from the bondage of alcohol. He was not at the meeting. My brother-in-law has now been alcohol free for 35 days. Praise God! He had struggled with that bondage for over 40 years.To God be the glory!

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Thursday, January 24, 2013

This is a testimony that graced my Twitter feed, and I just had to share it. This gentleman certainly is reigning on earth for God, what an inspiration!

"Tonight I was eating a steak at Chili's with a friend and on the way out, I just felt led to talk to one of the hostesses. I went up to her and asked if she needed prayer for her back, she did, and by his stripes, she was healed!!!! It turns out that her mom died last month and she was going through a really hard time. I got to pray and prophesy hope and how much Jesus loved her. She broke down and cried! GOD IS SO AMAZING!"

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:15

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

I was blessed to receive a testimony from a beautiful lady in South Africa, and I'd love to share a little bit from her story..
 
After spending much of her money to help other people, she fell into a bit of a financial crisis. She was facing the reposession of her car as well as the furniture in her home. She was also dealing with problems in the relationship between her and her mother.
 
"I began reading The Word of God with boldness and authority, and brought each and every situation that I faced under The Blood of the Lamb. I am standing on The Word of God  I am obedient to the clear instructions God is giving me. During my time I am spending in God's presence I pay very carefully attention to His instructions and guidance. (Prov. 4:20-23)
We made arrangements with the bank in repaying our default payments on the car. The bank wanted to reposses the car, we had to engage in spiritual warfare, then only came the breakthrough.
I moved to a smaller more affordable cottage, which God has supernaturally provided for me. He knows the beginning to the end. Monthly rental I stand on Phil. 4:19 and in all honesty I thank God for a financial breakthorough. I have began to change my prayers, my mindset in being more faith building and positive and stop running from the onslaught of the enemy."
 
It's so important to remember that God's word cannot be broken! (John 10:35)

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

My mother-in-law has suffered from chronic pain (given the name "Fibromyalgia") for many years. More recently, she has been experiencing heart palpitations that keep her up each night. She has been to multiple doctors and has had numerous tests done, none of which led to answers or treatments.
My sister-in-law came home one evening from a house fellowship where she was prayed over to receive the wisdom and understanding to heal her mom. Driving home, she realized that she was full of the Holy Spirit. When she arrived home, she took authority over the situation and with great power from the Spirit within her, she anointed her mom with oil. The next morning, her mom had confessed that her heart had never felt so calm, and she had gotten the best night's rest she'd had in years! On top of that, all of her pain was gone!
 
A couple days later my sister-in-law went to use that same bottle of anointing oil (the only bottle they had in the house) and she realized that the bottle was still sealed! Her mom distinctly remembers the smell and sensation of the oil being applied, and yet in the flesh, there was no oil. God is so amazing!
 
 

Monday, January 21, 2013

The following testimony is from a couple that attends our house fellowship, we are so excited about what God is doing in their lives!

"Hello! As you know we have been having issues with finances and jobs. We were behind on several things. Including child support which I needed to pay over 900 by today or they would suspend my license for 3 months...1. This morning I had a few random deposits of money put into my bank account adding up to over $2k! I don't know where that money is from because they are cash deposits!
2. The caseworker from child support called me and said I just need to pay $287 (not over 900) and she took off the suspension notice!

As it was mentioned to us, the only thing they did was start thanking God for providing for their needs!

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Supernatural Debt Cancellation

This testimony was written by another member of the Freedom Ministries family. To see more, please go to www.freedommonistries.org

To God be the glory! I’ve been working with my mortgage companies for two years to modify my first and second loans and haven’t made much progress. The last couple of weeks I’ve been resting in Jesus’s unmerited favor and love according to Pastor Mike’s teaching. Last week, the modification on the first loan was suddenly approved and then this week I received a letter from the company about my second mortgage. They decided, on their own, to cancel the entire amount of over 69k and I owe them nothing. Thank you Jesus!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Divine Marriage Restoration

This testimony was written by another member of the Freedom Ministries family. To see more, please go to www.freedomministries.org


I received a call from my father earlier in the year 2012. He told me his wife had divorced him and moved out. Over the course of about eight months he pursued her, trying to restore the relationship. At the end of eight months she finally said never contact me again. I don’t want you to call me, write me and I never want to see you again. It looked hopeless, but Jesus’ name is above every name including divorce! Days after she said never contact me again, dad came here to Colorado and told pastor Mike “I need a miracle”. We serve a miracle working God and it is never hopeless because He is our hope! Pastor Mike prayed over the situation, days later her heart was returned to her husband. A week later they were remarried and have never been so in love. They are completely new people totally renewed and restored! Hallelujah!

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Divine Healing

This testimony was written by another member of the Freedom Ministries family. For more, please visit www.freedomministries.org

I had a slow-growing tumor on the right side of my back (between my shoulder blades) for several years. All the doctors told me it was a benign lipoma. It began to grow bigger. Within two weeks of noticing that, another tumor came up on the right side of my rib cage. An ultrasound showed the new one to likely be the lipoma, but the older one could not be characterized. Instead of doing a biopsy, I pushed for a surgical referral. After months of back and forth with Veterans Administration doctors, they just could not make a decision, yet the tumors got bigger. I asked to be anointed and to be prayed for at the House Fellowship. After that, two things immediately followed. First, a decision to do the surgery was reached (a miracle in itself). Second, when I went for surgery, the newer tumor had completely disappeared! It was just gone! They had two doctors look for it, neither could find it. Then, the one they removed was benign in appearance. I know it will be benign on the pathology report too because nothing is stronger than the power of God Himself! My fellow believers prayed and the prayers were answered! I give all glory to God!

Monday, January 7, 2013

By His stripes I am healed!

It's my pleasure to finally share my personal, long-overdue healing testimony!

When I was in high school I started experiencing frequent and random fainting spells. I visited a dozen different specialists and had dozens of tests done, all of which left me with no answers. In 2006 my cardiologist attributed my condition to a heart deformity and I underwent surgery to correct it. Convinced that the problem was taken care of, I was devastated when I started blacking out again a couple months later. At this point, my doctors completely wrote me off, telling me that they couldn't explain my situation, and that one day I might just "grow out of it". Until last week, this situation has had complete control over my life. Then, last week, for the first time in months, I had an episode. I woke up in the middle of the night to feed my daughter and in the hallway, I fell to the floor. In a daze, I remember thinking "This can't happen, I AM healed!". All of a sudden I felt fine.. The next night , I again woke up to feed my daughter and started feeling really dizzy. This time I just started laughing. I found the thought of the enemy trying to hold this over my head any longer, hilarious! I kept walking, and laughing, and all symptoms went away. This curse, and the enemy are under my feet! Thank you Father!

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed."
Isaiah 53:5