When you read the newspaper headlines and latest media reports, does it sometimes seem as if the world is caving in on itself? Well, it is. Financial crashes, escalating gas prices, violence, terrorism, and uncertainty are the norm today. It is the enemy’s job to get you to focus on the things happening around you; to get you to listen to words of fear and despair so he can bring the very things you fear to pass in your life. It sounds like a dirty game, but Satan does not play fair. When it comes to fear, your ignorance of this powerful spiritual force can actually cause bad things to happen in your life. You cannot afford to harbor fear on any level, and there is no better time than now to eradicate it from your mind and heart for good.

What is fear? It is a spiritual force, just like faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Fear is the substance of things not hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. You see, faith and fear operate by the same spiritual laws. One is the reciprocal, or opposite, of the other.

To better understand faith and fear, you must comprehend the platforms from which these forces operate. Everything in the Kingdom of God operates by love, and since faith works by love, it is love that forms a foundation for faith. On the other hand, the world system operates by selfishness. Therefore, fear can only stand on a platform of selfishness.

To get rid of fear, you must first address any areas of selfishness in your life. Even a fear of heights or of danger is tied to selfishness. When you are afraid for your safety, it is as if a switch in your spirit is turned on that signals a self-preservation mechanism. When you are concerned with preserving yourself, you have essentially crowned yourself god and rejected the divine protection of God. When this type of fear is in place, you actually connect yourself to the very thing you fear.

Understand there is no such thing as a “little” fear being okay. God puts those who are fearful in the same category as liars, murderers, and whoremongers! To be a Believer and harbor fear in your life is a slap in God’s face. He has given you direct access to every spiritual blessing in Heaven—from finances to protection. You have nothing to fear!

Also, realize fear is a foreign spirit that does not come from God. If you are ever afraid of something, you can have confidence that the fear is coming from Satan. A Christian’s reborn spirit does not produce fear, so if fear comes, it is an attack of the enemy against your soul. His objective is to introduce fear to your mind so it makes its way to your spirit. When this happens, he can bring his plans to pass in your life.

Search your heart for any areas of fear and deal with them immediately. Find the scripture that relates to the thing you fear and begin meditating and continually confessing it. Walk in love toward others so the love of God can drive fear out of your heart and mind. When you operate from a position of love, selfishness is destroyed and fear has nothing to stand on. You do not have to be in bondage to this devilish spirit; as a Believer, God has given you dominion over it!

Be sure to stop by our online bookstore and order your copy of this week’s single message, Building Your Family Upon a Rock, and learn how a foundation of love supports a family unit that is unshakeable!

Scripture References

2 Timothy 1:7
Job 3:25
1 John 4:18
Revelation 21:8

Believers have an edge over the world that enables us to be successful, prosperous and productive, even in the midst of economic crisis. There is no question the world system, with its institutions and ways of doing things, is failing. Financial bailouts and rescue plans cannot change this fact. However, the Word of God is your guarantee of security in the midst of hard times. Now, more than ever, is the time to plug into the promises of God and remain focused on Him.

The Kingdom of God is a higher system that supersedes the world’s system. It is a system that has an abundance of resources, wisdom, and assistance available for you. While the world is talking about recession and existing on fear, you can tap into the infinite and unlimited resources of Heaven to get your needs met at any time, no matter what is going on around you.

One of the things God has made available to Christians is His wisdom. Wisdom is knowing what to do when you do not have the answers through your own natural ability. Wisdom is based on revelation knowledge that comes from God.

As it pertains to financial security, a key to making sure your needs are met on a consistent basis is to tap into the wisdom of God where your money is concerned. Practical advice is just as important as the spiritual side of things. Since so many people struggle in the area of finances, it makes sense to pay attention to some basic tips to maximize your finances in the midst of economic instability.

1.Be a giver.

When you give from a pure heart, trusting God to meet your needs, you are guaranteed a harvest. Seedtime and harvest is a spiritual law that will work for anyone who will get involved. Being a giver is the way to prosper in the Kingdom of God. Instead of being one who hoards your finances out of fear, be willing to keep an open hand. This way, God can bless you in the same way you bless others.

2.Be frugal in your spending.

I am not saying you should not buy anything you like or desire, but allow God to direct your spending habits instead of buying things on impulse. Consider those things you absolutely need right now versus the things you can do without. Allow God to bless you with the desires of your heart at the right time. Do not spend money you do not have or live beyond your means. This is a principle of good stewardship which qualifies you for your next level.

3. Stay out of debt.

Debt is part of the world’s system, particularly when you find yourself using credit cards to pay your bills, buy items you cannot afford, or acquire things on credit to keep up appearances. A good rule of thumb is, if you cannot pay your credit card bill off every month, you should not buy things on credit. Only use the plastic if absolutely necessary, and if you know you have the cash to pay the bill. Do not take on any debt right now if you can avoid it and work diligently to pay off existing debt.

These three simple keys can help you tremendously during the difficult times in which we live. By adding the spiritual with the practical, you will access the supernatural power of God to transform your finances!

Scripture References

Matthew 6:33
Luke 6:38
Luke 12:42
Romans 13:8

I often tell my congregation, “Expectation is the breeding ground for miracles.” In order to receive from the Lord, we must expect Him to show up and show out in our lives. Without a fervent sense of expectancy, all we are doing is taking part in religious exercises that have no power behind them. It is time for Believers to start expecting God to do some great and mighty things in our lives.

Many Christians pray, read their Bibles, go to church, and serve in various capacities in ministry, but when it comes to the promises of God leaping off the pages of the Bible and manifesting in their lives, their faith levels are really low. They say they believe but they really do not, nor do they really expect God to come through on His Word. This is not the way Christians should live.
 
God wants us to release our faith for everything we need and desire. He wants you to expand your capacity to receive by believing Him for BIG things! When you read a scripture from His Word, and receive it in your heart, without doubt, you should absolutely expect it to come to pass. There should be no question in your mind that what God said is exactly what He will do.
I like the example of the man at the Gate called Beautiful, in the book of Acts.

Acts 3:2-5 recounts the scene:

“And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.”

This man received his healing because he expected to get something from Peter and John. He had his neck outstretched and his faith engaged. As a result, he was able to leap to his feet.
 
  I wonder how many Christians could have already experienced the manifestation of the things they are believing from the Word, if only they would walk in unwavering expectation. There are no limits to what God can do, and if you can believe for what seems impossible, He will do it.
 
  Expectation also means dreaming big. Do not limit God because of what your past experiences have been, or based on what others may say. Sometimes you will have to get “out of the box” so to speak, in order to receive bigger and better things from God. If you can find it in the Word of God, and you have the faith for it, you will possess it. You are not waiting on God; He is waiting on you! Walk in expectation and watch your dreams become a reality.
 
  Be sure to stop by our online bookstore and order your copy of this week’s message. This timely word will increase your faith and take your spiritual growth to new and greater levels!
 


Scripture References

Mark 11:23
Acts 3:2-5
Mark 10:27