Boldness from a Promise

The dream that you have, that God has given you ... Wrap Ephesians 3:20, 21 around and then ask yourself is it possible for God? 

Now to him who is ABLE to do FAR MORE abundantly than all that we ASK or THINK, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory ... (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)

Joshua didn't understand what he was saying when he said "Sun stand still!" - he just knew he need light long enough to win the battle .... God knew how to make that happen. 

Desperate for Promises

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. 

(1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NIV) 

What does Jabez mean? She called him that because she gave birth to him in pain. 

His request was granted - you have not because you ask not, or you ask amiss. 

Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.

Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. (Joshua 6:1,2 NIV)

Walls 50ft tall and 10 ft wide fell when they worshiped the last time around! 

Purpose

People look to God, but forget to look to what God has for them to do. 

God always calls for you to do something. 

That's why you are alive, there is something that God wants to do in you and through you. 

Living in Covenant, Receiving His Promises

Hebrews 8:6

A better covenant - which was established on better promises! 

If you want the blessings if Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob then LIVE like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! 

Blessing through the cursing

"When you walk in strife, you walk in the wisdom of darkness." - Gloria Copeland

I've caught myself reading the book of James over and over the past few weeks and months ... So much clarity. 

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:13-18 ESV)

If anyone lacks wisdom - Let him ask ... God is so faithful to find us in our lacking when we just ask. 

"harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace"

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11, 12 ESV)

If you know you are in the will of God and you are spoken against, judged, and lied about - REJOICE and be GLAD for your reward is in heaven! 

Jeremiah 6:15Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? no, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, said the LORD.16Thus said the LORD, Stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.17Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Listen to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not listen. …

Jeremiah 50:5 They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and bind themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten.

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Generations of Faith or Generations of Idolatry? What will you pass on?

Have you ever had one of those "wow" moments with God? Don't forget to tell your kids about those moments when God was so real - that is what carries us through the deserts and plants seeds of faith in the generations to come!

Dear God keep us from idolatry all we need is YOU!

Deuteronomy 4:9-19