Many of you will remember the old hymn; Only Believe, all things are possible, Only Believe. We hear this same message repeatedly in the bible as we read it. As I was searching, some form of believe showed up in the bible 270 times.

Dictionary.com defines the word believe, (verb without object); to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so. And with object: to have confidence or faith in the truth of (a positive assertion, story, etc.); give credence to. I think you get the drift here.

Psalm 27:13, David penned these words; I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Isaiah 43:10 says, “You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He.  Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me.”

Since the Kingdom of God is based on belief, you can see how important it is to do just that. If satan can convince you that it won’t happen for you, if he can cast doubt and unbelief into your heart, you simply won’t see your miracle manifest. Below are some examples to base this on.

Matthew 8:13, Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.

Matthew 9:28-30a, And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” And their eyes were opened.

If you’re standing in faith for something, these are the stories you should be reading. These accounts and events build faith because you can be assured of this one thing, if Jesus did it and told us to do it, the only ingredient needed to get your end result is BELIEF. Not in our ability, but in the finished work of Jesus Christ. He has equipped us and given us the power but even with all of that, belief is the key ingredient.

Father, I believe, help my unbelief. I will not entertain failure, for I know and You said that whatever I put my hands to will prosper! You are well able to keep what I’ve committed to You. Your power is limitless. Your love is unending. My future does not rest in the hands of man, but in the hand of a Mighty God. Nothing’s too hard for You so nothing’s too hard for me when I place my trust in You. Each battle causes me to grow stronger. I overcome by the Blood and the Word, those two things are powerful ingredients. I set my eyes on You Jesus, for it’s in Your name, the Name above all names I pray this, Amen.

Recently, I sent a friend for a physical therapy consult based on some issues with her hip. It turned out that the muscles were so weak that her hip kept coming out of the socket causing very intense pain. After giving her a regiment of exercises to strengthen those specific muscles, she had hope that as she did her exercises, her hip wouldn’t give her those problems anymore.

Now she had a choice to make; she could either do the exercises and get well, or not do them and have the same issues. She said she kept forgetting to do them, but would remember when it started to bother her. What she had to do was develop a habit of doing to avoid the having.

This morning, the Lord allowed me to see some things about this as related to faith. If we wait until something goes wrong with our body, our mind, our emotions, our finances before we do anything about it, we’re merely treating the symptoms. But if we work out our faith muscles on a daily basis by feeding our faith and using our faith, than when we need our faith, it will work for us.

Unused muscles become weak, everyone should know that. If we don’t use it, we lose it. Your mind is the same way, it must have protein, good fats and exercise for it to continue working properly. You must fill your mind with good things so that it thinks right thoughts. If you allow your mind to think whatever it wants, you will soon act out what you think on. So it is with faith. What you feed grows but what you neglect, don’t expect it to work when you need it.

James 2:20, “But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” Nothing improves without work and faith is not exception. We’ve all been given the same amount of faith (Romans 12:3b), but as you work your faith muscle, it will get stronger and support what you’re expecting. Just remember this from our brother James (1:8),  you must be single focused because a double minded man is unstable and won’t receive anything.

If you’re training for a race, you must practice. If you’re going to sing a song, you must practice. If you’re going to be a doctor, you must practice. If you’re believing for a miracle, you must practice. Saturate yourself with the Word. Watch faith teachers. Read faith books. Stop hanging out with doubt and unbelief and surround yourself with faith friends. Your faith will be tested, but if you continue to resist the lies of the enemy you will possess the promise.

Father, thank you for making faith the bridge to manifestation. It’s faith that made me believe that You are and that You reward those who diligently seek You. It’s faith in You that continually moves the mountains, calms the storms, brings peace and rest. Oh great and mighty God, there is no one that compares with You. I cannot do anything in Your Kingdom without faith. If there be any unbelief in me, root it out. If there be any religious thinking, destroy it. I want to please You, and I can only do that with my faith is fully developed. Thank You for the workout this morning, Lord. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

There I stood waist deep, hands lifted, heart stilled in the ebb and flow of the water. Beside me stood Jesus, arm around my waist, speaking so quietly I had to strain to hear over the music. “What, Lord?” I asked. “The music is loud and I can’t hear you!” He replied, “Focus on my voice, my still small voice.” Suddenly his voice was so clear even though I could hear the music the same, as though he was speaking directly in my ear.

Relief washed over me. I love to hear his voice, my best friend, my confidant and love. Then he lowered me into the water as if baptizing me again. When I came out of the water, he began pulling off what remained on me. I felt so free, so focused, so complete. It reminded me of Psalm 51:10-13 “Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a faithful spirit within me. Do not force me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and provide me with a spirit of willing obedience. Then I will teach your ways to those who are rebellious, and sinners will return to you.”

I wanted to share this, simply so that you can understand something. No matter who you are or what you do, when you live in the world, the world gets on you. You don’t even realize it. You’re not doing it intentionally. But everything you watch on t.v., everything you surround yourself with, people who throw their cares on you instead of the Lord, it all leaves a residue on you.

When we learn to tune other noises out and focus on Him, we allow His voice to speak louder into us then the rest of what screams for our attention. Oh the sweetness of His voice. The indescribeable combination of joy, peace and love that floods your soul reminds me of how Moses must have looked and felt when He was in the presence of God.

Thats why it’s so important to stand close to Jesus, allowing him to wash you daily of the stuff thats come on you. To constantly be ‘baptized’ by the Word (Eph. 5:26), and by the Spirit (Acts 11:16) so that you can present your self holy to the Lord (Romans 12:1). We were not made to be part of the world, but to be separate. If we look like the world, talk like the world and act like the world, we are not doing what he asked us to do. Time to examine ourselves and ask God to wash us and make us totally his.

Father, I come into Your presence this morning knowing that You have washed me, so I am clean. I am redeemed by the blood of Your spotless Lamb. I love You, Lord. You quiet my spirit as I partake of Your Word and You give me understanding, helping me to apply it to every area of my life today. You change my goals to Your goals. You put things into perspective. You lead and direct my steps. You never leave me, I only need to close my eyes and refocus to see You clearly. Thank You for Your still small voice. Thank You for Your deep abiding love. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Seems sometimes my mind has exploded into a gazillion tiny thoughts, all pointing in the wrong direction. How do I get back on track? How do I round up all those fragmented, futile thoughts?

Let me direct you to 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Paul teaches us that we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, but principalities, powers we can’t see. OK, so again, how do I get back on track? How do I keep my thoughts from spilling over into my words and actions? Romans 12:2 talks of renewing our mind, (And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God), but I love Ephesians 5:26 because it shows what the Word of God does; it washes (that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word).

Bottom line, unless you spend time in the Word, using it as a scrub brush to clean away all the gunk left by the news, what we are exposed to, our thought life will continue to explode and grow. Lets remember one thing; as believers, we are not of this world so therefore we must not conform and be like those in this world. We must be like our Father, God. How can we be like someone we don’t know. How can we speak like him, think like him, act like him, be like him. How can we love like him, heal like him, give like him? If we want to capture our thoughts and words, We must study the Father. The more we think on Him, the less we think on other things.

Father, today I will practice what I teach. I will think of the Word to my mind, as dish soap is to my dishes. It’s useless if it remains in the bottle, but if I use it, it does it’s job. So I will trust that Your Word will do it’s perfect work in me, and take the evil imaginations out of my mind and keep them from turning into bad words. I surrender! All of my worries and cares, all of my dreams and plans, every fragmented thought that is a distraction to Your will and ways. I submit my mind to Your keeping today. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

So much to do, so little time. Ever felt overwhelmed with the task at hand? If you could only have more time, just extend the deadline by an hour, a day. Jesus felt like this when he knew his end was near. He literally downloaded everything he possibly could into the ones who served him faithfully.

Today, we live as if we had all the time in the world but my friends, we are not of this world but citizens of the Kingdom of God and our commission is to go into all the world and preach. Mark 16:15-18 says; And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

What is your world? Where have you been commissioned? I’ve always taught my girls that God is preparing them for the place He has commissioned them to be for his plans and purposes. It’s not about making money, although it’s nice, it’s about that one person who’s been crying out for answers you have stored inside of you. It’s about souls, it always has been, it always will be.

When we lose the ‘me’ mentality and get the ‘them’ vision, we will make the journey with sure steps because we’ll be following in HIS footsteps not our own. When he sent them, he gave specific instructions to not take anything with them, just the Word, (Matthew 10:7-10) he would take care of the rest. Our life is a journey with the King, keep your light bright so that when you get to the end you will hear the words, “Well done!”

Father, for that one who is waiting for truth, a miracle, may I forever be watchful and ready to deliver the Word needed. I’m not in my job to earn a living because You have supplied everything I will ever need for this life. I’m in my job because of the people who come in needing hope. I’m Your hope carrier to others. Thank You Lord for the opportunity to be what You called me out to be. Jesus, I will do greater works than you did because You went to the Father and constantly intercede for me. It’s in Your name I pray these things, Amen.

Who said? I remember saying that often to my sister when she tried to boss me around. Like, who gave you authority to tell me what to do. Have you ever questioned? Especially when someone tells you something you don’t want to hear? I have! Man, it’s something I’ve struggled with most of my life. I know this comes as a huge surprise to most of you. LOL!

Luke 10:19 NLT, “Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.” We think of enemies as something we can see, but did you know that the biggest enemy we face is unseen? That’s right!  II Corinth 10:4 says, “We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.”

It’s time we started back talking the devil! Who says, liar! Who says, I’m sick-liar! By His stripes I’m healed! Who says I’m broke-liar! My God will supply all my needs! Who says I’m afraid-liar! He gave his angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways. 1000 may fall here and 10,000 may fall there but it won’t come near me! We need to learn to recognize the lies we’re being told and stop believing those lies, but we can’t if we first don’t know the truth.

Know who you are! Know your authority! Use your weapons because they are mighty-Use the Word. Every one of the things said in the previous paragraph is taken from the Word, but if you don’t know it, you can’t use it. When Jesus had the face-off with Satan in the wilderness, He answered every question and temptation with the Word of God. Funny, the Word that became flesh used the Word of God to overcome the lies of the devil. Why would we do anything less?

Father, every day I think on Your Word and the power behind them. Each time I speak Your Word, You watch over it. I will not entertain the thoughts and plans of the enemy when Your plans are so much better. In You I live and move and have my very life. You said it so I say it. Your Words are life and health to my flesh. I’m excited to do this day with You. May those around me know and recognize the Word alive in me. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

What is the cost of peace? How much would we spend to get some? If your life is full of stress, worry and turmoil, that is NOT the place God wants you to dwell. John 14:27 GNT says, “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.”

This peace won’t cost you a dime! You couldn’t buy it if you tried because it’s part of the complete package you obtained when you excepted Jesus Christ as Lord of your life. If you’re not resting in this position of peace, you’re missing out on the best day you could have. It’s not a Yoga position or a place at the beach where you feel calm, it’s a position of trust placed in the Word of God and the finished works of Jesus. You are a carrier of the peace and presence of God and you take it with you wherever you go.

Whatever you’re facing today, give it a glance than go focus on the Father. He said He would give wisdom and understanding to all who ask, so ask. The more time you focus on Him and His great power to save, heal, deliver and transform lives, the less time you find yourself focusing on the problem. Don’t be surprised or offset by His instructions.

I remember a time when I a huge financial need and what I had in my account wasn’t enough to cover it. I didn’t know what to do and my first instinct was to panic. Instead, I went before the Lord and said, “Father, Your word says that You meet ALL my needs according to your limitless supply. You’re not limited by what’s in my account. So I thank you right now for what I have need of is nothing to you.”

I stayed in His presence and just worshipped Him until I felt His peace wash over me. When I got up, I felt a strong impression to take groceries to a friends house. I went and cleaned out my cupboards, then stopped at the store for some meat and fresh veggies, using my ‘not enough’ as a seed. Not only was my friend blessed, but before the due date, an unexpected check came that paid the bill I didn’t have enough for a few days earlier.

I speak peace to your day, the peace that passes understanding, guarding your heart and mind. The peace that sweeps over you, bringing you everything you need for today, restoring everything missing or broken in your life.

Repairer of broken things, redeemer of missed moments, wrong steps and deep losses, come press over us today. Don’t allow us to be too busy that we miss this opportunity to soak in your presence where your peace is found.

Amazing Father, as we sit in your presence this morning, we thank you that in your presence is fullness of joy, peace that passes understanding and overwhelming love. We always come away with so much more then what we entered with. The exchange for our burdens and cares, pain and sadness, deepest losses are met with  your grace and goodness. We walk away restored, renewed, refreshed and with so much hope. It’s in Jesus’ precious name we say, Amen.

If all you’ve been hearing is a loud, NO, NO, NO! remember that ‘Delay is not Denial!’ It only takes one letter to change NO into NOW. One step to get from here to there. I love it when you listen to a message and God keeps dropping things into your spirit. It’s like you’re getting your own personalized prophesy about your own situation.

You may not ‘get it’ right now, but you will. Don’t allow what you’ve been going through to stop you dead in your tracks. God never intended for your circumstances to keep you where you are. Keep moving. Keep believing. Keep speaking. God gives you a dream for a reason and a season. If it hasn’t happened yet, remember that sometimes God has to delay so things he purposed will come on time.

There are a lot of things involved in the fulfillment of your promise so now isn’t the time to quit. One foot in front of the other, you’re almost there, don’t stop until you see what you’ve been believing for.

Silent Christians are defeated Christians. Open your mouth and declare what the Word says about your situation. Don’t change your stance or position. Ephesians 6:13 says, “having done all, to stand!” Don’t look here or look there. Don’t rationalize or evaluate. Don’t allow your thinking to be perverted. Keep your eyes on God and His Word, it doesn’t change or fail.

I Corinthians 9:24, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” Don’t lose sight of your promise. Listen to the glass ceiling that’s been over you begin to shatter. Nothing’s impossible when you put your trust in God.

Oh Father, how good it is to really know You and feed upon Your faithfulness. Your name is great and greatly to be praised. May I rattle the devils cage today and send him packing. I resist his tactics to distort Your truth. I place my trust and confidence in You and Your Word because it’s alive, powerful, active and always at work. I love You. I thank You for Your stedfast love endures forever. It’s in Jesus’ name and for Your glory, Amen.

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God;
For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10

This may seem a bit strange or foreign to many of you, but as I read these verses this morning, I became so excited, tears came to my eyes and I wanted to jump up from my chair and shout. I had to express my praise. I had to do something!

You see, we were created to worship the Lord, to have fellowship with Him. If we don’t, the bible says that the rocks will cry out. Deuteronomy 10:14 says that the earth and heavens belong to the Lord and all that’s in it. We belong to Him! He has wrapped us up in garments of salvation covered us with a robe of righteousness. Do you see that? He IS our salvation. He has saved us from every trace of sin, sickness, pain, poverty and disease.

Imagine a bride on her wedding day all decked out in the most beautiful dress and jewelry. Spare no expense! That’s what the Lord is saying here. Jaw dropping, extravagent beauty. If that doesn’t make you want to just shout out a praise before the Lord, you need to check your pulse.

Father, I praise you! With everything that is in me, I praise you! With my lips I bless your name. With my ears, I hear you speaking. With my eyes, I behold your goodness. My arms are lifted to you in worship. My feet do their happy dance! I’m so excited to spend this day in your service, proclaiming your love to the world. I will not waste my time thinking of things that are wrong, but on things that are right for behold, you make all things new. It’s in Jesus’ name and for your eternal glory, amen.