KCM, Author at KCM Blog - Page 46 of 59

Posted on March 16, 2017 - 7:04 pm by KCM

How to pass every test with God’s open Book.

by Gloria Copeland

There’s a problem—a health concern, financial troubles, a relationship struggle, a work issue. You can’t help but ask, “Lord, is this a test?” The fact is, every person alive will face challenges of some sort in his or her lifetime. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation.” But He didn’t stop there. He added, “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NKJV).

Jesus said He has overcome the world, and guess what? You can say that, too. Jesus has given you the same world-overcoming faith He has! Every born-again Christian is born of God, and our victory over every trial and tribulation is in our faith in God and His Word (1 John 5:4).

So, what do you do when you face one of the many challenges life holds for all of us? How do you make it through times of trial? How do you tap into that world-overcoming victory, and pass the tests?

God has every answer for every test we face, in His Word. All we have to do is go to the Holy Bible, open it up, find the answer and take a few simple steps to solve every problem.

Step No. 1 to Passing a Test: Choose Life

Since the beginning, God has intended our lives to be lived simply. Every decision we have to make boils down to a basic yes or no answer. The main question is whether we choose life or death, blessing or cursing. Deuteronomy 30:19 says: “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!”

Think about it. From every morsel of food we put into our mouths, to how we obtain the things we need, to how we treat the people in our lives—basically it’s up to us whether our choices result in life and blessing, or death and cursing.

When we made the most important decision in our lives to say yes to Jesus, we truly opened up the door to everything good God has in store for us. We said, “Yes, I believe Jesus is the Son of God. Yes, I call on His Name. Yes, I receive Him as my Lord and Savior.”

At that moment, the Spirit of God moved into your life, and you were empowered to begin to make the right choices. You were miraculously given the ability to hear directly from God in your heart and to understand the Bible clearly and what it has to say about you and the issues in your life. The Spirit of God moved inside your spirit to teach you God’s wisdom concerning everything you need to know for a victorious life.

The choice is still up to you whether you take advantage of the answers and solutions the Holy Spirit desires to reveal in the Bible and in your spirit, or you can just sit there complaining and letting life get you down.

Step No. 2 to Passing a Test: Examine Yourself

To examine yourself, let’s start with a couple of simple questions.

What do you do when you wake up one morning with a runny nose? Do you think: Well, here it is…my annual head cold! I had better get ready to be laid up in my pajamas for a few days. I hate these colds!

How about a little harder question? What do you do when you get a diagnosis of a serious disease from your doctor? Is your first thought: Oh, I hoped this day would never come. My mother had this. My grandma had it. Now I’ve got it. Oh, me, I know what I’ve got to look forward to now.

Think about these examples in terms of financial or relationship tests. Do you immediately give in? Is your first response one of worry? If so, you have already declared, whether the situation is simple or hard, “The test wins…I lose!” But you don’t have to respond this way. Whether you pass any test depends totally on what you declare about it. What comes out of your mouth, both when the test first arises and throughout the duration of it, will determine the outcome!

The words we speak reflect what we have in our hearts and in our minds—what we really think about things. And we develop our thoughts from what we continually hear and see. If we get our information from past experiences, family history or the evening news, and let those sources determine how we think about our lives, we will find ourselves in trouble. We will judge our trials and tests based on that information and it will determine the outcome.

But if we get our information from God’s Word, and from people who have experienced success through His Word, we will find ourselves overcoming the challenges we face.

Our most important decision is to receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. After that, we must decide where we get the truth about living our life—life as He intends us to live it. The world and our enemy, Satan, have a plan and constantly feed us information to take us down. Our heavenly Father, Jesus our Lord and the Holy Spirit have a plan to take us over the top. What we have to do is decide to turn to God’s Word to discover the truth and live from that source of information.

Click here for five scriptures to help you stand against trouble.

Step No. 3 to Passing a Test: Turn to the Word

Life in abundance—that’s a life that lives by the scriptures in the Bible! Your life may have a test every single day, but if you know God’s Word on the subject, the answers are all right there in front of you!

God’s Word speaks to every major issue in life. We deal with the same issues Adam and Eve dealt with…health and long life, provision and relationships. All mankind’s tests started right there with them. So, whether on a personal or worldwide level, these are the major issues of life on which we are tested.

And, the choice to pass or fail is still the same. Who are you going to listen to? Who are you going to obey?

God has never taken away our ability to choose how we handle tests. Even with all the power of the Holy Spirit we have received to tap into His wisdom, knowledge and understanding, the questions come down to this one: “Will I spend the time today to hear from God, to get my information from the Word, and to receive His truth that will give me abundant life?”

When you say yes to that question, you’ll have your answers right before your eyes and ears, which means they will be in your heart and mind. They will be the first thing out of your mouth when the test comes. No matter how simple or hard the test, you will have your answers!

This is not rocket science. But I will tell you this, approaching your life from this simple perspective with the open Book as your source will determine how far and how fast you go in life. It’s God’s plan for you to succeed and be living proof that anyone can live the abundant life Jesus came to give us!

Step No. 4 to Passing a Test: Listen to the Lord

Yes, God has a great plan for each of us. He’s laid it out in His Word. Our most important role in the plan is to pay attention to what He says.

He intends for each day of our lives to be fruitful and blessed, with each day leading us right along the path of His plan. Remember what He said through the prophet Jeremiah to the children of Israel: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’” (Jeremiah 29:11). That is His dream for all His children.

“Plans for good and not for disaster,” He said. God’s big picture is that nothing in your life is a disaster and that nothing cuts off His plan for your good, hope-filled future! Tests will come, yes. But He has given you exactly what you need to pass every one and stay on the road to your bright future.

So, pay attention to Him so the Holy Spirit who lives in you and guides you will have something to work with.

This is how God has directed me for more than 50 years of facing and passing the tests in my life. I give God the first part of my day. I read His Word, I pray in the spirit, I listen to Him…I pay attention.

Sometimes He directs me to just go about my daily business and be ready for whatever He brings my way. Sometimes He directs me to step out and go someplace special or call someone about something. My point is, every day I give Him my attention and every day He gives me direction.

We may have something in our lives that needs adjusting or some outright change that needs to take place. Maybe an attitude needs to be changed. Maybe some activity needs to be reconsidered. Maybe some perspective needs to be tweaked. When you approach the open Book every day, do it with an attitude that says, “God, I’m open to adjustment. Show me where I need to be tuned up and brought into alignment with the Word.”

I’ve had some major tests in my life. But, praise God, because of my daily pattern of paying attention and spending time with Him in the Word, I’ve been prepared and I’ve passed the tests. Some of the tests have come and gone in a day. Some have just called for a small adjustment, and some have required a major overhaul. Some have taken weeks, months or years to be resolved. But the solutions always come.

Today you can start using a new method of passing tests. You can face your trials and challenges with new confidence and assurance of successful results. James 1:25 (NKJV) says, “He who looks into the perfect law of liberty (the Word) and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” So, open the Book, stay in the Word, hear it, do it and be blessed!

An Inspiring Example – A Tribute to Kenneth and Gloria for 50 Years of Ministry

Posted on March 13, 2017 - 3:47 pm by KCM

Keith and Phyllis Moore congratulate Kenneth and Gloria on 50 years of ministry!

https://youtu.be/arshMknTg2Q

Brother Kenneth & Mrs. Gloria,
We celebrate with you on your 50th anniversary in the ministry.
Phyllis and I will never forget the first time we were in one of your meetings. We were just married, and had just discovered the wonderful word of faith through your ministry when, by the grace of God, you came to a little auditorium in Jackson, Miss.

Sitting there in our bell-bottoms, the Spirit of God ministered to us so powerfully through you. Looking back now, it was a turning point in our lives into God’s good plan for us, setting us on His course for our lives.

For years now, we’ve been privileged to know you personally. What great and true friends you have been to us. Always believing in us, and always standing with us through every challenge and assignment. You have been strength and comfort to us many, many times.

Having been in the ministry for a while now ourselves, we are coming to realize the commitment and dedication it takes to do what you both have done so well now for half a century. We have witnessed how you have been willing to make any sacrifice and pay any price to accomplish what the Lord has instructed you to do. Your example is inspiring.

It was God who chose that, through your mouths, we should hear His good Word and believe.

Our lives have been forever changed and enriched beyond what we thought was possible. And the same is true for millions around the planet. Your value to us is beyond price!

We love you and thank God for the gifts that you are. Precious are your feet to us.

Keith & Phyllis

Learn more about Keith and Phyllis Moore and Faith Life Church here.

So Long, Insecurities!

Posted on March 8, 2017 - 6:38 pm by KCM

You Can Overcome Spiritual, Mental and Physical Insecurities With Scripture!

Insecurities. At some time, everyone struggles with them. Words and emotions swirl in our heads whispering that we are not spiritual enough, smart enough, attractive enough or some other “not enough.” All these whispers have something in common—they are all lies straight from the pit of hell. Left unchecked, they threaten to choke out the Word, paralyze us and leave us ineffective in the Body of Christ. If you find yourself tired of succumbing to insecurities, there’s good news—God’s Word can overcome them every time they tempt you!

Discerning Truth From Lies

In 1 John, we find a beautiful promise from God that “perfect love casts out all fear” (1 John 4:18, NKJV). Then in Romans, we are reminded there is “no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). From Genesis to Revelation, God assures His people—us—that He is with us in the valley as well as on the mountaintop, and that nothing can separate us from His love.

Of course, the enemy works to convince us otherwise. He constantly shoots arrows of doubt and fear into our minds, attempting to discredit the promises and nature of God. He knows he can’t take away our salvation (John 10:28-29), but if he can get us to forget who we are in Christ, he can severely hamper our effectiveness.

As with anything in our lives that doesn’t match up with God’s Word, our spirits need to become quick to recognize where lies, insecurities and fears are scrambling for a foothold. Then we should combat them by proclaiming God’s truth and resisting the enemy (Psalm 91 and James 4:7). In doing so, we put God and His Word in the proper perspective and are in a position to remove insecurities and walk in security and courage.

Here are three common areas of insecurities and ways to address them:

Spiritual Insecurities

Spiritual insecurities can come from many places: the enemy, circumstances, even our own limited understanding. They can also arise during certain seasons like:

Times of prayer and fasting
The launch of a new venture or ministry
Times of weakness or fatigue
Following a personal victory.

When we find ourselves heading into or out of one of these seasons, we should ask God to prepare our hearts and guard our minds. It’s not about getting to a place where we’ve outgrown the attacks, but instead recognizing them and replacing the lies with God’s Word.

Here are some examples that might sound familiar:

Lie: If God really loved me, He would do “x.”
Truth: “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” –1 John 4:9-10

Everything God does for His children is born out of love. God was faithful in giving His Son, Jesus, for us; therefore, we can trust Him to continue to be faithful to us, regardless of the circumstance or situation.

Lie: Everyone else can hear God for himself, but not me.
Truth: “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me…. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” –John 10:14, 27

God’s Spirit lives within His children. We can ask the Holy Spirit to help us hear and obey His voice. Then as we submit to Him and listen, we will begin to develop our ability to hear.

Mental Insecurities

Our spirits and minds are closely connected, and if our spirits are flagging, chances are our minds are, too. Just like we daily brush and floss our teeth, we must daily brush and floss our minds with the Word of God, removing any debris that doesn’t belong.

Lie: I’m not smart or competent enough.
Truth: “We have the mind of Christ.”–1 Corinthians 2:16

If we have “the mind of Christ,” then God can equip us for whatever task or trial we face.

Lie: I always fail in “x” area.
Truth: “The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.” –Proverbs 24:16

Yes, we will fail and mess up, but that’s not the end of the story. God’s Spirit enables us to get back up and keep moving forward.

Insecurities can also be intensified by those around us, so it may be helpful to examine our friends and companions. What kind of insecurities do they exhibit, and are they trying to project them on us? Examine the levels of toxicity in their conversation and attitudes, and decide if we can change those things for the better, or if we need to remove ourselves from the mix.

Physical Insecurities

What do we tell ourselves when we look in the mirror? What words come to mind as our eyes seemingly find every shortcoming, blemish and flaw? It’s been proven that we reserve some of the harshest words for ourselves. The words we tell ourselves in the mirror are often words we would never tell a parent, a sibling, a boss or a best friend.

The Word tells us that our bodies are temples of the living God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). It also tells us that we are responsible for the words we speak (Matthew 12:36). We are accountable for each word we speak and each action we take in regards to our bodies. It matters that we take good care of ourselves. It matters that we nourish our bodies with good food. It matters that we exercise, not because we are trying to be better than someone else, or look a certain way to gain worth, but because we honor God for the price He has paid to have a relationship with us.

Lie: You are too fat/thin/tall/short/etc.
Truth: “The very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” –Luke 12:7

God created each of us. Yes, we should respect our bodies by caring for them properly, but we must recognize (and appreciate) that we were created uniquely special by our heavenly Father, and He delights in us.

Lie: Because I look/don’t look a certain way, I’m not as worthy or useful as the next person.
Truth: “The Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” –1 Samuel 16:7

God doesn’t judge like humans do. He sees your heart and soul as the most valuable part of you, and your worth isn’t dependent upon your appearance.

At the heart of so many insecurities is the fear we are not enough to be used by God. But Jesus is more than enough. And in Him, so are we.

Second Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (KJV). If we will allow it, God is able to weave together our strengths and imperfections to accomplish His will. While it is not natural human instinct to boast about weaknesses or relish in shortcomings, that’s exactly what God tells us to do because, as believers, we know that it is not our strength that matters, it’s His. His grace is all we need, and His power works best in our weakness, knowing that the power of Christ can and will work in us (2 Corinthians 12:9)!

Often, our insecurities are rooted in fear. Click here for a confession you can say to help you overcome fear!

How to Find Yourself In Christ

Posted on March 7, 2017 - 1:11 pm by KCM

5 Life-Changing Truths to Help You Discover Your True Identity

You’ve probably heard the phrase…”I need to find myself”…or, “I lost myself”…or, “I don’t know who I am.” Every person who has ever lived has probably grappled with these types of questions. Maybe you’ve found yourself asking those same questions. So…do you have an answer yet? Who are you…really?

Before you try to answer, stop and think. Strip away what you have achieved, what you own and what you do… and search yourself—who are you? If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Savior, and you say, “I am a redeemed child of God who lives and exists ‘in Christ,’” praise God! You understand a powerful truth that changes the way you relate to God, the world and even yourself.

However, if you haven’t accepted Christ or can’t answer that question at all…or maybe you understand that you’re redeemed but don’t know what it means to be ‘in Christ,’ you’re in for an exciting revelation. You are about to learn what it means to be in Christ and it will change… your… life!

Below are five truths that will help you discover your true identity in Christ.

You have a new identity.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called ‘uncircumcised heathens’ by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.” –Ephesians 2:10-13

First of all, when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you became a new person. No, you didn’t receive a new physical body, but you did receive a new spiritual one. At the time of salvation, your spirit was re-created in Christ Jesus; you were born of God. You were given a new identity in Christ.

In the above passage, it says that you are God’s workmanship, “created anew in Christ Jesus.” The word created in that passage is the same word used in Genesis 1:1 where God created the heavens and the earth. Believe it or not, He used that same creative power to fashion your new spirit man!

Think about that. The same creative work, and divine inspiration, your heavenly Father used to make the far reaches of the galaxy, were turned toward you to make a new, re-created, spiritually whole you. He didn’t simply cover over the old, making you into some kind of earthly fixer-upper, but He took out the old and gave you a new spirit man. There never has been, nor never will be again, someone like you. You are unique, specifically fashioned by a wondrous God!

You are delivered.

“He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” –Colossians 1:12-14

Because of what Jesus did for you on the cross, sin no longer has any hold on you, and this world and all its traps have no power over you. You have been freed from the darkness of this world! The devil may try to convince you otherwise, but God and His Word will always hold true, and as you walk in faith, you will overcome every trap the enemy sends your way.

You are a joint heir.

“For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.” –Romans 8:16-17

When you accepted Jesus, you became one in spirit with Him. In other words, when God looks at Jesus, He sees you. Jesus didn’t only come into your life; you came into His. At that moment, you joined with Him to become part of Him, or as John 15:7, KJV, says, you are now abiding in Him.

You are holy and without fault.

“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” –Ephesians 1:4

Since you are part of Jesus, you are holy and blameless. God doesn’t look at you and see all your shortcomings. He doesn’t shake His head in disappointment or disgust because you’re not living up to some celestial measuring stick. No, He sees you through Christ—holy and without fault in His eyes.

You are worthy.

“So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.” –Ephesians 1:6

Meditate on that verse a moment—God accepts you… just as you are, because you belong to Christ. He doesn’t accept you and deem you worthy because of your efforts, but rather, because of Jesus’. Because of Jesus, you are worthy and accepted and righteous by God’s grace.

All of this—and so much more—is available to you because you are in Christ. Begin studying what is available to you as a child of God. To help, check out the Real Help article, “What’s It Mean to Be In Christ? A Study of Ephesians 1.” Let the Holy Spirit minister the truth of who you are in Christ while the Word rewires how you think of yourself. Then you can face every day with the understanding that you are blood-bought and overcoming in Him!

2017 – March Wallpaper

Posted on March 1, 2017 - 12:00 am by KCM

March’s digital wallpaper is ready for you to download! Save this wallpaper to your desktop computer or mobile device.

Click here to download the Desktop version.

Click here to download the Mobile version.

Desktop Computer Instructions
For most desktop computers, click the link to download the image. Then, navigate to your downloads folder to find your newly downloaded image. Next, simply right-click the image and select “Set as desktop background or wallpaper.”

Mobile Device Instructions
For most mobile devices, click the link to download the image to your device’s photo album. Then, in most cases, you can change your wallpaper background or lock screen from the Settings menu. If you can’t find this setting, consult your device’s help section or manual for instructions on how to apply the image as your new wallpaper or lock screen.

Disaster Relief: 2016 Year in Review

Posted on February 22, 2017 - 12:00 am by KCM

2016 was a busy year for the Kenneth Copeland Ministries Disaster Relief team! We responded to 55 cities and counties across the United States, searching for Partners and Friends who suffered damage from tornadoes, flooding, massive hailstorms, wildfires and hurricanes.

Check out our Recap Video below.

The KCM Disaster Relief team helped hundreds of people last year—all thanks to the Partners of Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Additionally, our prayer ministers reached out by phone to 149,064 Partners and Friends, potentially affected by natural disasters, to pray with them and hear their stories of faith and victory.

Our team appreciates your prayers of faith and agreement as we enter 2017. We are always in prayer and faith that natural disasters will not harm, damage or come near the Partners and Friends of KCM. As you know, Kenneth and Gloria pray Psalm 91 over you daily. And the Disaster Relief team is always alert and preparing to respond as needed.

NEW IN 2017

KCM Disaster Relief has our very own YouTube channel! We will be updating our YouTube channel with Partner stories from the field and powerful testimonies of God’s faithfulness! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss anything!

Check it out by clicking here.

Jesus Is Lord!
Steve Poteet
KCM Outreach Department

P.S. Would you like to help with disaster relief efforts? Click here to see how you, too, can be a part of the team!

Is Healing Really for Everyone?

Posted on February 21, 2017 - 5:21 pm by KCM

This one message on healing will forever alter how you see sickness and disease.

by Kenneth Copeland

Your days of sickness and disease are over! I’ll never forget the day God spoke those words to me: It was some of the best news I’d ever heard. I believed it and have been walking in the glorious truth of it for nearly five decades now. If you’re wishing God would say those same words to you, wondering if healing is really for everyone, I have good news for you: He has.

He has said it to every one of us.

He said it with such power and force it made hell tremble and heaven ring. He wrote it in the covenant blood of His own Son. He shouted it down through the ages through prophets, apostles and preachers.

The problem is, most Christians haven’t truly let it reach down into their hearts and become truth to them. God has said it…but they haven’t yet believed.

If that’s the case with you today, then what you’re about to read can change that forever. If you’ll take this message, study it out in the Scriptures and see for yourself it’s the truth, if you’ll dare to believe it and act on it, it will not only change your heart, it will change your body.

This one message on healing will forever alter how you see sickness and disease. It will put to rest every doubt about God’s will for your healing and open the door of divine health to you. Below are three truths that will help you settle this issue in your mind once and for all.

Truth #1: The Cross set us completely free from the curse.

To understand this truth, you have to go back to the cross, to the place where Jesus paid the price for you—spirit, soul and body. Calvary was the most complete event that has ever taken place.

God left nothing out of it. Not one cursed thing that came about through mankind’s union with satan was left standing. Jesus triumphed over it all. By taking upon Himself every foul thing that fallen man has ever suffered, He set us free—spirit, soul and body.

He became our substitute. He became poor, that we might be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). He became weak so that we might be strong. He endured death so that we might be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22). “He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By His wounds you are healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

Notice how healing and forgiveness go together here like hand and glove. God does not separate them. The reason is simple. They are not separate!

Some theologians, however, have tried to rob the message of the Cross of its full power by teaching that this healing is merely spiritual healing. But Isaiah 53:5 says, “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” (KJV).

I’ll admit, judging by the sickness-ridden, defeated lives of many Christians, it may seem like Redemption did little more than save us from hell by the skin of our teeth. But that’s because, for the most part, we don’t have any idea what really happened at Calvary. And that lack of knowledge has destroyed many precious Christian lives.

But the Word of God says Jesus was bruised for our iniquities…and with the stripes that wounded Him, we are healed. The words bruised and stripes are translated from the same Hebrew word…so that means we can say it this way: “He was bruised for our iniquities and with those bruises we are healed.” Don’t let anyone convince you that your healing was not part of God’s plan of Redemption, because it absolutely was!

Truth #2: Healing and forgiveness of sin were bought by the same blood that poured from the same wounds on Jesus’ body.

Jesus paid the same awesome price for both our sins and our healing. He took on His own body every sickness and infirmity of every man, just as He took on Himself the sin of every man. He suffered the torments of them all, so we could be free of them all.

The very thought of this staggers the mind. Sin alone is powerful! It will change the color of a person’s hair. It will twist their countenance. It will darken the light in their eyes.

But His sacrifice expanded to include the sicknesses of every man, woman and child who will ever live on this planet. Of course, we cannot imagine such horror. But if we could, we would be able to see the awful price Jesus paid for us at Calvary.

In the light of such a sacrifice, how dare we then, ignore what happened on the Cross and tell some sick brother that it is God’s will for him to be sick a little longer so he can learn something? That’s like saying God would want someone to be in sin a little longer to learn something. And, of course, that’s absurd!

It’s high time we realize God hates sickness the same way He hates sin. Sin, sickness and disease all came out of the same pit at the same time!

Now if by some convoluted stretch of the religious imagination we could decide it is His will for us to be sick, we’d have to condemn every doctor and every nurse for trying to thwart God’s will. That doesn’t make sense, does it?

Truth #3: Healing always comes to those who receive.

God said, “By his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5, NKJV). He also said, “Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven” (James 5:15). And He said, “[Jesus] took our sicknesses and removed our diseases” (Matthew 8:17).

And God always keeps His Word—healing always comes. The new birth comes the same way to anyone who will follow the instructions in Romans 10:9-10: “If you openly declare that Jesus is LORD and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”

The problem has been in our receiving, not in God’s giving.

“But if receiving healing is as simple as receiving salvation,” you ask, “why are so many Christians still sick?”

Primarily, it’s because the truth about healing hasn’t been consistently preached. Since “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by The WORD of God” (Romans 10:17, KJV), it follows that failure to teach the fullness of the gospel has left many Christians without enough faith to heal a headache—much less cancer.

If you’re wishing right now that healing would begin in your body, stop wishing and start digging into The WORD! Study, meditate and listen to faith-filled CDs about healing and redemption. Then start preaching it. Preach it to yourself. Preach it to your children. Preach it to your dog if he’s the only one that will listen. It probably won’t do much for him, but it will help you—and that’s what matters.

I’m not saying it will be easy. It won’t be. Not in this life. Not in this world. You can’t live in victory over sin without making an effort, and you can’t bumble along in life and expect God to just drop healing in your lap.

No, you’ll have to stand for it. You’ll have to fight the good fight of faith. But as I’ve answered in this article, healing is for every believer. Yes…you are in a fight, but it’s a fight you can—and have the right to—win!

Kenneth will lead you in this head-to-toe healing confession in this video…click here!

5 Truths About Biblical Prosperity

Posted on February 6, 2017 - 3:56 pm by KCM

In life, some topics are simply easier to discuss than others. Such is the case with biblical prosperity. As Christians, we have no problem sharing about our latest win at work or the great deal we found online, but we shy away from admitting that we are trusting God to expand our financial borders or help us overcome debilitating debt. Why is that?

While finances are obviously not the main point of God’s Word, they are mentioned numerous times within it. Just look at these verses:

On Giving

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’ And God will generously provide all you need.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8a)

On Saving

“Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter.” (Proverbs 6:6-8)

On Debt

“Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)

On Investing

“But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.” (Ecclesiastes 11:2)

These verses (and there are many, many more) support the truth that God neither wants His children to be afraid of money, nor does He want them to obsess over it. Money is a tool, neither good nor bad in and of itself. Much like a contractor would need a hammer, drill or crane to build a physical house; we all require money to build our financial houses. And like any other resource at our disposal, it belongs to Him. We don’t truly own it. Instead, we are called to be “stewards” of it (Luke 16).

God often uses finances to teach and mature His children, and those lessons are as unique as the person learning them. He might want to teach one person about tithing consistently. Another might be learning to give an offering above the tithe. Another might be learning how to stand in faith for the prosperity of their business or their family’s finances. And yet another might be learning to seek direction on which ministries to support. In each of these instances, the believer must hear and obey the leading of the Holy Spirit while refusing to be swayed by peers or popular thought.

As you grow in your understanding of biblical finances, here are five truths and scriptures on which to meditate:

Financial Prosperity is God’s will for you.

“You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). What that prosperity looks like will differ from family to family, but be assured that God’s will is prosperity. You are not outside the will of God when you ask for financial provision and blessings.

You are blessed to be a blessing.

“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, ‘They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever’” (2 Corinthians 9:8-9). Resources are never meant to be hoarded in the kingdom of God. Instead, God desires that they be freely shared to accomplish His will. Ask yourself: Do I allow myself to be a conduit of God’s blessing, or do I see myself as a stopping point? If your answer is the latter, ask the Holy Spirit to give you a vision for blessing others.

Rely on heaven’s economy, not the earth’s.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, KJV). No matter the need, God loves it when His children pray with joyful expectation in their hearts (aka faith), eagerly looking for how He will provide for them.

Commit to handle your finances God’s way.

According to God’s Word, the most rewarding pursuit is that of His kingdom. Does that fly in the face of modern mindsets? Yes. But as with every facet of Christian living, we are called to line up with God’s Word, not popular thought, cultural standards or our own whims. Finances are no different. “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:31,33, KJV).

Plant the seed of the Word.

“And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred” (Mark 4:20, KJV). Your words matter. If you constantly speak negativity and lack over your finances, don’t be surprised if negativity and lack are what greet you as you sit down to pay your bills. Instead, speak words that line up with the Word and proclaim the faithfulness and blessing of the Lord. And if you need help knowing what to say, check out the article, “Biblical Confessions for My Finances.”

God is able to make all blessings abound to His children (2 Corinthians 9:8). This includes financial blessing! Obviously, financial abundance—or lack—is not our ultimate purpose in life any more than is fame, happiness, popularity, pleasure or any other temporary thing. No, we are first called to know and follow Christ, and to tell others about Him. God in His infinite wisdom moves His resources about His kingdom to accomplish His ultimate will—making disciples. As His children, we have the honor of joining with Him and being the best stewards of what He has given us, and in the process, we become channels of blessing to others, which surely blesses us. Amen!

2017 – February Wallpaper

Posted on February 3, 2017 - 12:00 am by KCM

February’s digital wallpaper is ready for you to download! Save this wallpaper to your desktop computer or mobile device.

Click here to download the Desktop version.

Click here to download the Mobile version.

No-Fear Parenting: How to Parent With Confidence

Posted on January 30, 2017 - 12:55 pm by KCM

The currency of this world is fear. Why? Because fear entices. Fear motivates. Fear sells. Unfortunately, this mindset has permeated the parenting world as well. As parents, we face a dizzying array of questions. Does your child refuse to eat salad? Be afraid! He will end up with diabetes! Does your child have red-rimmed eyes? Be afraid! She is probably on drugs! These fears of what is or is not happening, or what may or may not happen, can steal our joy and confidence as parents.

But aren’t you glad that as Christians, we do not have to think, act and fear like the rest of the world? God is Love personified, and Love casts out fear. In fact, 2 Timothy 1:7, KJV, assures us that “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” If we really believe God’s love for us and are committed to following His ways in all that we do, we can’t give fear any place in our lives — parenting included.

It’s true —Your children’s minds, bodies and spirits are under attack by the enemy, but if you’re worrying about this more than anything else, you’re more than likely not putting total confidence in God’s Word, His love and His promises. Learn how to parent with confidence by being diligent to pray over these three areas and modeling right behavior for your children in love, and by doing so, you will combat the fear that so often threatens your peace as a parent.

Mind

The media your children consume (i.e., books, movies, television shows and games) is one of the biggest influencers they encounter outside of parental input. Instead of being fearful of what they read, watch and see when they’re out and about, make sure you feed their minds good media at home. Clarify what is and what isn’t allowed for them to watch, and talk to them about the messages contained in the media. Philippians 4:8 provides great guidelines: “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Pre-screen books, movies and games. Make sure you’re comfortable with the things they read, watch and play, and discuss the media and their messages openly. If your children consume a steady diet of appropriate media at home while learning to think wisely about it (with an unshakable Christian worldview), it’s less of a problem when they encounter inappropriate or ungodly material elsewhere.

Body

The struggle to keep your children’s bodies safe is one every parent faces. You can combat that anxiety with the Word. Philippians 4:6 encourages us. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” This applies to both the small things, and the important things.

For young children, do your best to provide a safe environment with safe equipment and due diligence by being aware of where they go and with whom they interact. Talk to them about making smart decisions as they play with their friends. (No jumping off roofs, please, or pulling a crazy stunt on a skateboard.) Then, ask the Holy Spirit to comfort you and give you the wisdom you need. Trust that He will do just that.

For older children, it’s vital to facilitate age-appropriate conversations about things like alcohol/drug usage, wholesome lifestyle practices, sexual activity and maintaining a healthy body image. If you remain calm and matter of fact when talking to your kids about these subjects, and talk about them often, they’ll feel more comfortable approaching you when they encounter a difficult or uncomfortable situation.

Spirit

And finally, the most important area of development: your children’s spirits. One good way to combat fear in this area is to encourage godly friendships for your children. Make sure the kids they’re spending the most time with are children who share your family’s values, so they will help build up one another’s spirits.

You may also battle fear over your children’s salvation. So many parents fall into the trap of trying to “save” their children. You can, and should, stand in faith for each of your children’s salvation as well as “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6, KJV), but, ultimately, you are not responsible for their decisions to follow the Lord. Salvation is a gift from God, and from Him alone. As a brother or sister in the Lord, you are called to model godly behavior by training and walking in love with them. Encourage them to spend time with God and read the Word. Teach them to use the Word to combat the things they face and how to make decisions based on it, but realize that your children’s relationships with God are ultimately up to them.

Focusing on these three efforts by praying and being a righteous role model will help you parent with confidence and not fear. No doubt, parenting is a solemn and awesome responsibility. And as Christians, we’re called to fulfill that responsibility with faith, hope and love; never fear. If anxiety starts to creep into your spirit about your children, pray, speak the Word and remind yourself that God is for them (Romans 8:31), not against them. He is always working in your favor, and your children are even more precious to Him than they are to you. What a comforting thought! Your heavenly Father loves your children even more than you do! Trust Him, and let the knowledge of His love bring you peace today.