Are You a Victim of Identity Theft?

Just what is identity theft? It’s when someone steals your true identity and robs you of who you are and even tries to impersonate you.

Has the devil stolen your identity? Are you a victim, not knowing who you really are? Let’s change that.

First of all, you’re not a nobody or a nothing! The devil might have told you that you’ll never amount to much, that things never work out for you, and even that you’re a loser. But these are all lies from the father of lies – the devil himself. To even say that, is to bring reproach upon your Creator. 

Jesus purchased you with a redemption that is worth the whole world. Whatever He is and has, you have because in Him dwells the fullness of the God-head bodily. And the good news is that you’re in Him if you’ve been born-again! In other words, your true identity is in the Lord Jesus. Praise the Lord of glory!

Let’s look at what is actually in us. (The confirming scriptures are at the end of this message.)

1 – In Ephesians we see that we are blessed with every spiritual in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

2 – We were chosen before the foundation of the world.

3 – We have been adopted into the kingdom of God.

4 – Favor and mercy have been bestowed on us.

5 – We have been redeemed from sin, sickness, and spiritual death.

6 – We have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of the Son of God’s Love – the Lord Jesus.

7 – We have salvation through the Blood of Jesus.

8 – We have been chosen of God, even before we were born.

9 – We have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.

10 – We are the Body of the Lord Jesus on earth and in Him dwells the fullness of the God-head bodily. Therefore, the fullness dwells in us by the Holy Spirit.

11 – And because we are in Jesus, Who is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, we are righteous in the eyes of God and set apart for His glory!

These verses show you who you are in Jesus. You are powerhouse going somewhere to be a blessing to all those around you! Meditate on these attributes and you will annihilate depression, inferiority, and intimidation!

Ephesians 1:3-7 (KJV) 3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:4  According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Colossians 1:13 (KJV) 13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Ephesians 1:11 (KJV) 11  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Ephesians 1:13 (KJV) 13  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Ephesians 1:22-23 (KJV) 22  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,23  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

1 Corinthians 1:30 (KJV) 30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Continued next time — Pamela

Are You Enjoying a Life Worth Living?

My observation has been that many times people get saved and then go about their lives as usual – saved and stuck! Some even study the Word for a while but when there’s a crisis and their prayers don’t get answered, they lose heart and quit. That’s because they’re not grounded in the Word and the Word isn’t first place in their lives – the benchmark – for all they do. This is not a pretty picture.

Sadly, many Christians go about their daily lives and only shoot up a desperate prayer when there’s a problem. But that doesn’t get the manifestation. Their relationship with God is similar to their relationship with the doctor. They only go to see him when there’s a problem! That’s not how it’s supposed to be with our Heavenly Father.

Oh, how far short are these attitudes from what our Father actually intends for us! He says we’re the head and not the tail, above and not beneath. He says that He always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus and everything we set our hands to prospers! What more could we want!

God has so graciously given us all things that pertain to life and godliness and all His divine promises are ours. What problem could we possibly have that God has not already provided the solution? We have it made, but with no revelation of the Word, we don’t know what’s been freely given to us.

That’s why it behooves us to make a firm commitment to get into the Word so the Word can get into us! We have to put forth effort because it takes effort to make a firm commitment to God’s Word and make it the “bottom line” for all we do. But, dear ones, it’s worth every moment and the rewards are endless! That’s what’s called a life worth living!

Deuteronomy 28:8 (KJV) 8  The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Deuteronomy 28:12-13 (KJV) 12  The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.13  And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

2 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) 14  Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

2 Peter 1:3-4 (KJV) 3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:4  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Continued Next time — Pamela

Don’t Park in the Past or You’ll Forfeit Your Future!

Are you a prisoner of your past? Do your past mistakes define who you are and ultimately dictate your future? If they do, they shouldn’t. Jesus bought and paid for all your past, present, and future sins and mistakes. You never could, and cannot even now, pay for your sins. That’s why Jesus went to the Cross to be our substitute. He took our place. But, in spite of all that, we can still let the devil keep us in bondage to our past.

Now, just what kind of things am I talking about? Lots of things, especially the things no one knows about – just you and God. But that shouldn’t make a difference since God is the only One who really matters. Sure, people will gossip. We know that, but it shouldn’t keep us from living the life that the Lord Jesus bought and paid for us to have.

In addition to the past mistakes we have made, which have been cast into the sea of God’s forgetfulness, there is that nagging, gnawing, wicked unforgiveness of which many Christians can’t seem to let go. Some have even held onto the unforgiveness for decades, as if that would change anything! Oh, it did change someone and that’s you! Unforgiveness against another person never has the same effect on them as it does on the one with the unforgiveness. It’s like drinking poison and thinking the other person will die. Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling!

Allowing our past sins, mistakes, and unforgiveness rule our lives falls so far short of the life that God intends for us to live. We are not to be defined by our past but rather to let the Word of God define who we are. We’ve been forgiven and set apart for God’s glory. We are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. We’re not some ol’ sinner trudging through life hopin’ and a-prayin’ that we last ‘til the Rapure! That’s not the abundant life that Jesus came to give us.

We are precious and special to God, who gave His very Best to bring us back into right relationship with Him. We were purchased with the Blood of the Lord Jesus!  And then, when we got born-again, He gave us the Name of Jesus, power of the Blood of Jesus, the Word of God, the faith of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit! We couldn’t ask for anything more because God gave us everything we could ever need on this planet to be successful and victorious.

So, take inventory of what’s been holding you back from enjoying the freedom of your salvation. Get rid of the weights and bondages and get on with what God has for you! Praise the Lord of Glory!

Psalm 103:12 (KJV) 12  As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
1 Corinthians 1:30 (KJV) 30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

1 Corinthians 6:11 (KJV) 11  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Philippians 1:11 (KJV) 11  Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 3:9 (KJV) 9  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

John 10:10 (KJV) 10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

John 10:10 (AMP) 10  The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

Hebrews 12:1 (KJV) 1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us…

Continued next time — Pamela

Living What You Believe

God forgives our past, knows our present and future, and has so gloriously provided everything we’ll ever need to be successful and victorious. What’s not to like!

However, we’ve really short changed God’s goodness in that we live our lives, for the most part, trying to survive on our own, getting through this life as unscathed as we can. That’s not how God intended for us to live. He has good plans for us:

Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) 11  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

We are sons and daughters – bought with the precious blood of His dear Son – our Lord Jesus! We are children of the Most High God, the Creator of Heaven and earth. We are His representatives on this earth – ambassadors sent to show forth God’s goodness, which leads people to repentance.

Romans 2:4b (KJV)  … not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

If the only thing people ever see are defeated, beaten down saints, why would they want what we have? They already have that. We need to start walking in what we say we believe. We need to actually live what we profess. We need to have corresponding actions to the faith that we profess. Then the world will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living, manifested right before their eyes, and it will draw them to seek our mighty God and become true follows of Jesus Christ, victorious in every area of life.

James 2:20 (KJV) 20  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

James 2:17 (AMP)17  So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead).

Continued next time — Pamela

Are You Attributing to God What the Devil’s doing?

What? How can I say that? Because many people are doing just that – attributing the devil’s works to God, as if He is the One who is actually doing it or has done it. This is wrong.

So, what kinds of things do people attribute to God that are not His doing? And, as I always say, let’s go to God’s Word and find out what He has to say about this.

First of all, God is not a liar – He can’t lie even if He wanted to because every Word He speaks comes to pass.

Numbers 23:19 (KJV) 19  God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV) 11  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

So, why do people attribute calamities and misfortunes to God, thinking that He has some redemptive purpose in their suffering? Not so. The devil is the one who is out to steal, kill, and destroy you and everything you have and love. But, Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly!

John 10:10 (KJV) 10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Whose report will you believe? Will you believe that Almighty God, the One Who actually is LOVE and truly loves us with an everlasting love, is the One Who causes hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, accidents, etc.? No, no, no!!!

God is not punishing us for anything, His judgment has not been unleashed yet, as long as the earth lease is still in effect. We are living in the dispensation of GRACE – God’s unmerited favor that He chooses to extend to us, His willingness to use His power on our behalf to cause us to be victorious in every area of life.

Remember, God is the One Who gave His all – the Lord Jesus – so that we could be forever with Him. This is not a God who would turn around and then cause calamities in our lives.

Yes, the world is out of control because of sin. The whole world is cursed because of sin. And that won’t change until Jesus comes back. But—

We, as born-again, Spirit-filled believers, are not under the curse. We’ve been redeemed from the curse of the Law and have been given a mandate from God to take dominion over the whole earth and bring it into submission to His plans and purposes. Granted, we have not totally succeeded in this yet but we’re on the right path.

Galatians 3:13-14 (KJV) 13  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith

Genesis 1:28 (KJV) 28  And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Another thing I want to point out is that there is a big difference between what happened in the Old Testament and what occurred in the New Testament. Jesus came to redeem us from the curse of the Law and all that it entailed. We are no longer under that Covenant but under a New Covenant, build upon better promises and ratified in the precious Blood of the Lord Jesus.

God is looking out for us in that He has already provided everything we’ll ever need to be successful and victorious on planet earth. Our part is to find out what we are to do and to do it. God’s Word doesn’t automatically come to pass in our lives without our participation. We have our part and God has His part. We can’t do His part and He won’t do our part. That’s the way it is.

So, if God’s Word doesn’t seem to be working in your life, you need to find out where you’re missing it and start doing your part. Then you will be able to say that you indeed see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!

Continued next time –Pamela

God is Well-Able to Keep Us!

Did you ever consider that if sin weren’t so alluring and enticing, people most likely wouldn’t sin? It’s the allure that entraps people. But, God has already planned ahead for us to be able to resist the “sin” temptation.

Yes, we’re all tempted to sin in one way or another. It’s the result of the curse in the earth. However, anything that God requires of us, He has already made a way for us to be able to do it. That’s because He is righteous and holy and only does what is right. Remember, He loves us with an everlasting love and that LOVE has provided everything we’ll every need on planet earth. Praise the Lord of glory!

Let’s look at I Peter 1:5:

1 Peter 1:5 (KJV) 5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

The word kept means to guard, preserve, protect. And notice that we are kept by the power of God through faith. It seems that everywhere we turn, we have to use our faith. It’s not just knowing the scripture that will keep you. You have to believe it and walk in it by faith. Everything we do, we must do by faith because everything works by faith and that’s how we please God. That’s how we enter into His promises.

So, if it’s not working for you, check up on your faith level.

Next, let’s look at Ephesians 3:20:

Ephesians 3:20 (KJV) 20  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Not only does God promise to keep us, but it is according to the power that works in us. That power is the dunamis power of God—the miraculous, explosive, miracle-working power of Almighty God. That should say it all! But, how much of that power is working in you? The way to assess it is according to how much Word is working in you. How much faith in God’s Word is developed in you? That’s the indicator of how much power is working in you.

The good news is that we determine how much power we have operating in us by how much active Word is in us. Then, using our faith, we can access that power and be the victorious blessings that God has called us to be.

We are well-able to resist temptation because we have self-control in our reborn spirits. Temperance is self-control. But, even though we have self-control in us, we still have to yield to it or it’s of no effect. Remember, God has already done His part. He’s already provided everything we’ll ever need and also the way to do it. But, as you know, we have our part to do. If we don’t do our part, it won’t get done.

So, you see, you are the one who determines whether or not you yield to sin or to the fruit of your reborn spirit. You can do it. Go for it and walk in victory!

Galatians 5:22-24 (KJV) 22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24  And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  

1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) 13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Continued next time –Pamela

Light Begets More Light

Psalm 36:9b (KJV) 9… in thy light shall we see light.

What does this scripture mean that in His light shall we see light? Let’s look closely and glean some truth from this verse.

Light is a powerful force in the earth. It scatters the darkness and exposes what has heretofore been hidden. It’s the same with God’s light. When you walk in the light of His Word, you “see” things that you didn’t see before. We call it revelation of the Word.

God is light and in Him is no darkness (I John 1:5b). This means that if you walk in the light of God’s Word, you’ll really walk in the light and His light will expose and reveal to you the things that you otherwise would not see.

Light exposes the hidden things of darkness. That’s one of the reasons that criminals like to do their dirty work under the cover of darkness. But moving right along, let’s look at the positive side of light’s exposure.

We know that God’s Word is replete with revelation upon revelation and that we, as human beings on planet earth, will never fully know all there is to His Word. It will take all eternity for God to reveal it to us. But we can know in part and to a greater or lesser degree, we, as individuals can glean revelation from the Word as we walk in the light of the revelation that we do have.

Light begets light. As God’s Word is revealed to you, if you’ll walk in it, then He will reveal more to you. There are layers upon layers of truth in every verse and it takes diligence and commitment to peel back the layers. We’ve never exhausted all the revelation that’s in any one scripture.

Remember when you first began to study the Word and how exciting it was to understand something for the first time? Then, as you continued to study, all of a sudden, you received more revelation regarding the same verse? This will continue to happen because there is so much wisdom and revelation in His Word that we can only grasp bits at a time.

I remember an incident when I gave someone a mini book of the Gospel of John. He returned it a short time later saying that he had read it! He completely missed the whole point. He was to keep it and read it over and over to glean God’s truths from it. And that’s what I think happens to many people. They read the Bible in part and feel that once they do that, they’ve accomplished a monumental feat and can move on to something else. They have no clue of the richness of God’s Word and that therein lies the answers to all of life’s questions.

We all need more light of God’s Word and should sincerely desire it. This goes along with loving His Word. Then, as we put forth the effort, and it will take effort, we will get more light and revelation that will change us forever!

1 John 1:5b (KJV) 5   … God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

John 8:12 (KJV) 12  Then spake Jesus again unto them saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Luke 12:2 (KJV) 2  For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

Hebrews 4:13 (KJV) 13  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Continued next time — Pamela

What’s Your Focus?

So, what’s your focus? We’re always focused on something and it’s either positive or negative. It’s our choice.

In any given situation, you can focus on the problem part or the solution part. You can be upset about what’s wrong or be thankful for what’s right. Too many times we get sidetracked by the negative part because it screams so loudly that we forget that there’s a multitude of things to be thankful for.

Focus is a matter of perspective. The half full glass vs. the half empty glass is a classic example. Either way, the glass is only filled half way but it’s your perspective that determines your attitude. Negativity never gets the blessing because it’s so busy being negative that it misses the very blessing that’s been there all the time.

Sometimes we misinterpret situations and make our own problems when there really isn’t one. Many times it’s not a problem unless you make it one.

Another thing to keep in mind is that negativity can be very habit forming. I’ve seen where people get into it and that’s all they see – negative, negative, negative. It’s really hard to be around them because they’re so focused on the wrong things and not the things of God.

Let’s do ourselves a giant favor and focus on whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report. And keep a thankful heart, continually praising the Lord for His goodness to us!

Philippians 4:6 (KJV) 6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:8 (KJV) 8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Continued next time — Pamela

Walking Dead Men

 1 John 5:12 (KJV) 12  He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

Did you know that you’re living on planet earth among walking dead men? According to I John 5:12, if you don’t have Jesus, if you’re not saved – born-again – you are dead!

Now, that doesn’t mean you’re not breathing, but rather that you’re not enjoying the fullness of the abundant life that Jesus came to give – John 10:10. You’re not spiritually alive. You can’t get what Jesus gave unless you have Jesus!

When we speak of walking dead men, it’s not physical death because they’re still walking around. But we’re talking about spiritual deadness. When you get born again, you’re body doesn’t get born again, it’s your spirit, the real you, that comes to life. That’s the part that contacts God, that’s the part that the Holy Spirit speaks to, leading, guiding, and directing you.

Your mind (your soul) doesn’t get re-born. It gets renewed by feeding on God’s Word. Then when your spirit and mind line up with the Word, your body lines up because it’s two against one.

You can never get too much Word in you! We who are born again will live throughout all eternity, using faith and walking in God’s Word. Faith is forever because God is a faith God. Actually, it’s the faith of Jesus in us! Praise the Lord for His unspeakable gift.

John 10:10 (KJV) 10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Galatians 2:20 (KJV) 20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Continued next time — Pamela

Why Do Bad Things Happen? Part II

In Part I, I said that unless you have committed your ways to the Lord, He’s under no obligation to protect you.

2 Timothy 1:12b (KJV) 12  … I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Even so, God does provide for the heathen, otherwise, they would all perish without getting saved. That’s all part of His grace in the earth.

Matthew 5:45b (KJV) 45  … for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Getting back to our topic of why bad things happen, let me reiterate that God gave Adam and Eve dominion over this earth and they were supposed to subdue it the same way God does things—with their words. They were made in the image of God Who brought all things into existence with His Words. And that’s what they were supposed to do.

Fast forward and we see that according to Jesus, we are supposed to take dominion over the circumstances of life with our words. In fact, you are, today, the product of the words you have spoken throughout your life: fear, doubt, anxiety, unbelief or faith, hope, love, joy, truth, etc.

Romans 10:9-10 is not only true for salvation, but your very life. What you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth is what you get.

Romans 10:9-10 (KJV) 9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Ephesians 3:20 (KJV) 20  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

In Ephesians 3:20, we see that God works according to the power that works in us. No power in us, no working of God’s power. So, how do we get the power in us? By getting born-again and filled with His Holy Spirit and getting the Word in you. There’s power in God’s Word because God’s faith is in His Word. He and His Word are One. The more Word, the more faith, the more power! Yes, many are compliant in that area but the power is still not working—why?

Let’s look at Philemon 6:

Philemon 1:6 (KJV) 6  That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

God’s power doesn’t work automatically but according to what we believe. We have to acknowledge that His power is in us and able to cause manifestation in our lives. Many people won’t believe that, let alone confess that the power of God is in them to enable them to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out evil spirits.

Matthew 10:8 (KJV) 8  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Now let’s look at another scripture:

1 Peter 1:5a (KJV) 5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith …

Everything goes back to faith – do you believe or not? And just for the record, believing is not with your head, it’s with your heart. You don’t have faith in your head, you have faith in your heart. It’s always a heart issue with God. Believing with your head is mental assent. Believing with your heart is where the power is.

So, tying it altogether, we see that since God has already done His part by giving us His promises, it remains for us to do our part and that is to walk by faith and not by sight and trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean to our own understanding. But above all, to commit ourselves to Him in everything. That way we stay under the umbrella of His protection.

There’s one more thing I want to mention: the blessing of the tither. In Malachi 3:10-11, we see that God rebukes the devourer – the devil – for the tither. It’s called Tither’s Rights. But, you have to believe it in order to partake of the promise. This will keep you in good stead.

We have to fully commit to following the Lord: studying His Word, walking in His Word, and doing His word. We can’t be hearers only and expect the blessings to fall on us like ripe cherries off a tree. Surely we’re smarter than that!

Christianity is not a religion—it’s a relationship with Almighty God through His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. And if your commitment is anything less than wholehearted, you’re in for torment and heartache.

The devil is out to rob, kill, and destroy and he doesn’t care whether you’re saved or not. He’s out to rob your faith so that you have no protection from God. His protection is like an umbrella. If you stay under the umbrella of His Word, you’ll be protected. But outside the umbrella is the curse and the curse respects no one! The only protection is faith in God and His word which puts an invisible shield of protection around you.

Remember the Israelites in the land of Goshen? The plagues stopped at God’s invisible shield, thus protecting the Israelites. The Egyptians were not so fortunate. The plagues attacked and devastated them.

God’s heart is to protect us but if we get out from under His umbrella, His hands are tied. The curse is running rampant and will continue ’til Jesus comes back.

So, what do we do? Commit your all in all to God. Actually make Jesus the Lord of your life, not just your Savior. Grow in faith in God’s Word and watch great things happen in your life!

2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) 7  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) 5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Malachi 3:10-11 (KJV) 10  Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11  And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

John 10:10 (KJV) 10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Continued next time Pamela