Tag: God’s word

Truth Bomb – Facts Are Not Always Truth

Posted on by Evangeline
truth bomb

 

Recently, my 15-year-old godson had some time in the car with my husband, Freeman, on the way to basketball practice.  Later that evening, he told his mom that Uncle Freeman had dropped some “truth bombs” on him during the ride. Essentially, Freeman gave him some perspective about a few things that made the life of this teen a little bit better.

 

May I drop a truth bomb on you–about Truth?

 

In our day-to-day lives, facts can challenge us. It can be a fact that you’ve seen test results about a negative health condition. Or your fact could be a very low bank account balance. Maybe it’s a fact that a relationship has started to decline. But, facts aren’t absolute–they are always subject to change. They are influenced by so many different elements.

 

However, Truth IS absolute. It does not change. Truth has the power to set you free from the “facts” of your health, your finances, your relationship issues, etc.

 

You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. – John 8:32

Another way to say that is “knowing the Truth is freeing”. I’m so glad that Jesus dropped this truth bomb!
When you  KNOW God’s love for you, it frees you from fear and torment.
Knowing that the promises of healing, provision, and protection found in God’s Word are meant for you, frees you to expect the best out of life.

 

Here’s another truth bomb that Jesus dropped as He prayed to the Father–

Your word is truth. – John 17:17

By definition, Truth is unchanging; it is certain. Truth is absolute and it’s above all else. It is complete in itself, is independent of anything else, and has inherent power. God’s Word is all of those things.

 

I pray that in the midst of your issues today, no matter how challenging or long lasting they may be, you will recognize you don’t have to be stuck in the facts of your life. Your facts are subject to change so choose to focus on the truth– God’s Word –and get FREE!

 

Find more truth bombs that help you live victoriously in my book, Live to Win!
David and Goliath

David and Goliath from a 2020 Perspective

Posted on by Evangeline

It’s a privilege to share a blog post from Cecil Brown, Jr., my cousin. He was telling me about some insights he had unexpectedly gotten from a Biblical story that he had heard many times since he was a child. His experience was so relatable in how we pick up new points from old stories. I hope it will encourage you to remain open to receiving new insights and more confidence as you read, study, and meditate on God’s Word.

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Have you ever re-read a book or re-watched a movie you hadn’t experienced in 5, 10, 20 years only to have a completely new experience with it?  That’s what happened when my spiritual coach suggested I re-read David and Goliath. It is one of the earliest stories I remember from Sunday School. Little guy beats much larger opponent. It’s likely the foundation underdog story in western culture and is unconsciously retold through countless TV shows, movies, songs, and novels. However, it’s also one of those stories that we often gloss over because “I know this already.” I had some surprising takeaways reading this as an adult. A few observations are laid out below.  My observations are by no means original, but I was surprised by how much of the story I had missed all those many years ago.

David didn’t come to fight, he came to bring lunch.

We often find ourselves called to complete small tasks. We may even find ourselves resenting the small tasks, “How did this end up on my plate?” But being faithful to his assigned duties allowed David to be in the right place at the right time. He was able to take on a much larger challenge. The same can be applied to us.

While soldiers responded fearfully, David (a shepherd) was curious.

“What could be in it for me?” There’s a boldness to this way of thinking that could benefit us in everyday life. Thankfully, in modern times there are no 9-foot brutes for us to dispense with. But life is full of tasks that seem insurmountable that with the proper reframing could be seen as opportunities.

Your biggest opposition can come from those closest to you.

In this case, the opposition came from his older brother, Eliab. When attempting something grand (or even mundane), expect that people (perhaps even someone dear to you) will take issue with the goal you’ve set. You may be shining a light on their inability or unwillingness to take on the task themselves. We should learn to accept objections and criticisms as normal and be undeterred by them.

He had a reference point from prior successes.

The heroic actions undertaken were not those of a complete novice. David had honed his skills over many years, having killed both a lion and a bear in the course of his shepherd duties. However, Goliath presented a challenge far greater than any previously faced. David had developed skills and honed his craft but skill development would only take him so far. By giving honor and praise to God for prior victories, he was infused with confidence that God would deliver him through this as well. It was his faith in God’s ability to move through him, that allowed courage to take him over rather than fear.

My challenge to the reader is to revisit what you already think you know about God’s wisdom. There may be some hidden treasure in it for you.

-Cecil Brown, Jr.

SEE: God’s Promises are Always Good AND He’s a Faithful Promise-Keeper

Posted on by Evangeline

This is something I shared recently at our GRACE event. Hopefully, this will encourage you to firmly believe and see that

God’s Promises are Always Good AND He’s a Faithful Promise-Keeper!

Sometimes it’s difficult to see what God has in store for us. But, when we remember that He has a plan for us and that it’s a good plan, it helps us see and experience the manifestation. As a means of living in faith, I believe there are some basic yet vital essentials to see the manifestation of God’s promises. You can easily remember them using the acrostic “S.E.E.”:

S – Speak God’s Word – Find What God has promised in His Word — the Bible– that addresses your circumstances. Consistently say the same thing God has said; let your everyday words align with His.

E – Envision the  Promise – In your mind’s eye, envision what God has promised as if He said it directly to you. There’s so much that He has said about every aspect of life. Write out the promise that applies to your circumstances and then let your thoughts “see” what it’s like to possess what God has promised.

E – Expect the blessing – Sometimes we get so hung up in the problem that we lose sight of the promise. Then it becomes easier to forget to look for the blessing to happen. Live with a higher level of expectancy about experiencing the promised blessing. We need to regard the blessing as likely to happen simply because God promised it.

Hold on tightly to the hope of seeing Gods’ promises manifested in your life!

So now we must cling tightly to the hope that lives within us, knowing that God always keeps his promises!
~ Hebrews 10:23 TPT

 

Print this infographic
and keep it as reminder of how to see the manifestation of all that God has promised!

S.E.E.

 

God Sent His Word to Heal and Set You Free

Posted on by Evangeline

What is it that will heal us in every situation? God’s Word. That’s why He sent it!

What may be a very familiar verse in Psalm 107 is one which is filled with powerful promise:

He sent His Word and healed them and saved them from their destructions. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind. – Psalm 107:20

God spoke the word that healed you. By the power of His word, you were healed.

You may be thinking or saying, “But my body doesn’t act like it’s healed. I’m still not pregnant.”

I want to encourage you to do what Jesus did when He was presented with thoughts that Satan presented to Him. Jesus met every satanic challenge by responding, “It is written…” He would quote a verse that God had sent through His prophets and kings. He would say what God had said. His response to the challenges was always something that had been recorded in those Jewish writings. The Scriptures always related to what He was facing.

God's Word Heals and Sets Free

 

God’s Promises

Today, we have the entire Bible at our disposal so that we know what Jesus said and did. So when you’re faced with a thought that is contrary to one of God’s promises, let your response be what God has said.  Find a verse in God’s Word that specifically relates to the situation you’re facing. And then SAY it. And say it again. Keep hearing yourself say it so that you build your confidence in what God has said.

WHY?

Because the more you hear it from your own mouth, the more it saturates your spirit. And the more you saturate your spirit with God’s words, the stronger your faith becomes. Then you’re able to on keep trusting that God’s promise is true for YOU. You’re able to rest in knowing that promise until you see it manifested.

So follow Jesus’ example by speaking Scripture to your challenge.  THIS IS HOW WE ARE TO LIVE!

People do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3 NLT

Jesus even repeated this particular Scripture verse in His teaching (Matthew 4:4).

So take the time to find what is written in the Bible about your fertility. God’s word of grace is able to build you up and help you possess what Jesus died for you to receive– healing and freedom.

Tell me in the comments below: What’s a Scripture verse that resonates most with you about God’s faithfulness or about your fertility?

 

 

No Matter the Problem, God’s Answer for it is in His Word

Posted on by Evangeline

God's answer is in the wordGod’s answer to any situation can always be found in His Word.

Do you find that hard to believe? Maybe you’re thinking, “How can an ancient book have the answer to all modern-day problems?” Here’s proof.

I once heard Dr. Bill Winston tell the story of how he had been trying to get an airplane for his growing worldwide ministry.

He had prayed about getting to all the places God was taking him to in a more timely fashion than having to adhere to restrictive commercial airline schedules. He knew that he had the green light from God to pursue a plane for the ministry but nothing seemed to be happening to bring that desire to pass. His prayer practice was to pray Scripture. He knew the word “airplane” was not in the Bible so he didn’t have a specific scripture to stand on. It was beginning to be difficult to have confidence that he had clearly heard from God. But God was giving little nudges as time passed, letting Dr. Winston know that a plane was in his future. One of those nudges included an elderly lady bringing a small airplane part to him! 🙂

God’s Answer

One day during a service at his church, a pastor from a country in Africa was the guest speaker. Right in the middle of the sermon, this pastor took a step back, turned to look at Dr. Winston, and said to him, “Your airplane is in Ecclesiastes 10:20.” He then turned back around and resumed preaching without hesitation or explanation. Dr Winston picked up his Bible and feverishly searched for that passage. He read:

“for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

This was the promise Dr. Winston needed so he could continue to stand in faith for his airplane (bird)! The scripture even pointed to the purpose of the plane…to carry his voice around the world! He continued to believe for the plane until it manifested.

The Power of the Word

Follow Dr. Winston’s example and find a scripture(s) that specifically relates to your circumstances. Stand on that Word. Express gratitude for that Word and the thing it will bring into your life. Choose to praise God in advance of seeing that thing come to pass.

Don’t give up on what God has promised!

God's answer to any situation can always be found in His Word. Click To Tweet

prayer - how to trust

When God Speaks :: His Word Changes Everything

Posted on by Evangeline

When God speaks, do you listen with the expectation that something is about to change?

God’s words contain the power to change everything! That’s why we need to pay attention when God speaks.

Years Decades ago, there was a TV commercial which had the catchy phrase about investing money, “When E.F. Hutton speaks, people listen!” That same thing should be said about God but unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way. We get distracted and don’t hear Him, or we hear Him but become afraid of how His words could affect us, or we simply don’t believe what He said could possibly be true for our life.

But the Bible tells us that there is so much positive power contained in God’s words that those words alone can keep us alive!

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:4 NIV

When God Speaks

So when we are challenged with diseases/conditions in our bodies, we need to be sure to go to the Word. We can take time to encourage ourselves by finding out what God has said about it. Why? Because there are many references in the Bible that assure us we can receive healing through His words. Here’s an example. It’s from Proverbs 4:20-22 NLT:

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.

Let Scripture encourage you to LISTEN when God speaks to you, to remember His words, to hide them in your heart, and to acknowledge that His words bring life and healing to your whole body. No part of your body is left out of this promise. There’s a healing word for your entire body.

What words of His will you use to change your circumstances? Please share the scripture below so that we can all be blessed by it. 🙂

God's words contain the power to change anything and everything! That's why we need to pay attention when God speaks. Click To Tweet

 

Believe It or Not, God’s Word Covers It

Posted on by Evangeline

So often, we forget that God’s Word covers everything that we could possibly need or want. Yes, even in 2016, God’s Word is still relevant and able to affect change in our lives. We can choose to believe what God has said…or not. He has given us the freedom to choose.

I recently read a passage from the Believers Voice of Victory Magazine that drives this point home:

“No matter what kind of situation we are facing, no matter how terrible, dangerous, and confusing it appears to be, God’s Word covers it, sees through it, and reveals the answer to its defeat. The living Word of God will penetrate the darkest difficulties and shed light on the most impossible situations.” ~Kenneth Copeland

God’s Word Covers It!

If you’re involved in a struggle or facing an impending challenge, rest in knowing that God’s Word covers it. It’s up to you to find what He has said about it and then stand on it until you see it manifested. Ask Him, ” Lord, what is it that I still need to see in Your Word that will bring me victory?”  God will always gladly answer this question!

God's word cover itI remember hearing Dr. Bill Winston say that he found his ministry airplane in the Word. That got my attention! There were no airplanes 2000+ years ago when the Bible was written; how could it be in the Word? But he had prayed asking God to show him how to pray to meet the needs of his fast-growing ministry which was requiring an inordinate amount of travel for him to preach. Some time later, a preacher from Africa was speaking at Dr. Winston’s church and in the middle of his sermon, stopped, turn around, looked at Dr. Winston and said, “Your airplane is in Ecclesiastes 10:20” and then turned back around and went right on preaching. Of course, Dr. Winston feverishly flipped through his Bible to find that passage and there it was…his airplane:

“for a bird of the air shall carry the voice”

Don’t tell me that Scripture isn’t applicable in 2016 (and beyond)!

No matter what you’re facing today, rest in knowing that God’s Word covers it. Your solution is embedded inside the Bible. It’s up to you to choose to discover it and the use it as a tool that will manifest the victorious life that God intended for you to live.

After all, He wants you to LIVE TO WIN!

Will you take time today to find a Scripture that addresses your need/challenge?

You can find more information and encouragement about effectively using God’s Word in my book, Live to Win.

shut up satan

Sticky Note Thought #10 – SHUT UP Satan!!!

Posted on by Evangeline

Just tell your enemy, “NO… Shut up Satan!”

So many times, we battle with thoughts that resound in our head that make us fearful and hopeless. But we have not been left without a battle plan. The Bible gives us instructions about what to do. In James 4:7, we’re told:

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (NIV)

God would have you to keep your vision fixed on Jesus and not be distracted by your problems. He wants you be humble, looking to Him to meet all your needs. He desires that you stand up against the enemy’s tactics and deceptions.

One very practical and effective way to do so is to verbally say to the devil, “Shut up!”

I’m not kidding!

Use your mouth as a weapon, making it clear to your enemy that you won’t put up with the fear-inducing thoughts he puts inside your head. Tell him “NO” and then follow that up with something that has come from the mouth of God that applies to your circumstances and gives you a sense of victory.

No matter what the problem is that you’re facing today, you have been given a powerful weapon and an effective tool– your mouth and God’s Word. Use them daily!

 

Monday’s Marinade – Good Health Checklist

Posted on by Evangeline

I love checklists!

Lists can be powerfully helpful and satisfying. Making a list helps me to stay focused. It increases the chances that I will get things done. Can you relate to this?

God is a list-maker too. In the Bible, He gives us lists of things to do to Help us live a life filled with the good things He planned for us. Here’s one of His lists. It’s a good health checklist. Marinate your week with thoughts about your entire body being healthy by using God’s Word!

Health checklist - Proverbs 4

 

Focus Friday – It Takes a REAL Act of Faith

Posted on by Evangeline

Faith is believing God’s words.

Having faith in God’s promises means you allow the words in His promises to become influencers of how you think and act.

Focus on the following scripture throughout the day. It’s God’s Word and it’s what He desires us to believe. Believe it is true for your circumstances because God’s Word is Truth. Act like it is your truth.

Real Act of Faith