Speeding Things Up

We’re living in a day when God is speeding things up. What should have taken you a lifetime to accomplish, because you honor God, He is going to do in a fraction of the time. God is going to give you breaks that you didn’t deserve. He is going to bring the right people across your path. You’re going to see opportunity like you’ve never seen before. You need to get ready; you’ve come into a shift.

Think of it like a car. When you shift from second gear to fourth gear, the engine is still running at the same speed. It’s not working any harder, but you’re going faster. You’re covering more ground. The higher gears have greater capacity. They’re designed to go faster. In the same way, because you’ve kept God first place, He is shifting you to a higher gear. You’re going to go further, faster not because you’re working harder trying to make it all happen, but because it’s your time for acceleration!

Ask!

I wonder how many people have been disappointed simply because they didn’t pray and ask God for the big things in their hearts. You might say, “Well, God is God. If He wants to bless me, He’ll bless me.” But no, it says in James 4:2, “You have not because you ask not.” So if you’re not asking big, you’re shortchanging yourself.

You will never reach the fullness of your potential if you only pray small prayers. I’m not talking about just making a wish list. I’m talking about asking God for what He’s already promised you. The bible says, “When you walk in God’s ways, you will lend and not borrow. With long life God will satisfy you. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

If you are a believer in Christ there are hundreds of promises that you have every right to ask your heavenly Father to fulfill. Not only that, there are specific dreams and desires that He’s placed in your heart. They didn’t just randomly show up. The Creator of the universe put them in you. Dare to ask big and then watch as God goes to work at bringing those things to pass in your life!

The Next Open Door

The bible says, “I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” God opens doors of opportunity before us that no one is able to shut. But we have to realize, sometimes He also closes doors because He has something better in store.

We may see a logical opportunity, but just because it’s the logical way doesn’t mean that it’s God’s way. Just because it happened that way before doesn’t mean it’s going to happen that way next time. That’s why you have to stay open and keep trusting in God. If you’re narrow-minded and only look at the door behind you that’s been closed, you may miss the door He has opened in front of you!

Friend, when you are able to let go of your own agenda and trust God, He’ll make sure you see those open doors. The bible says that His words are what lights our path. Our attitude should always be, “God, I surrender all to You. Have Your way in my life. I trust Your timing. I trust You to do it Your way.” Then, step back and let Him reveal the next open door He has prepared for you.

Freedom

Today in America, we celebrate Independence Day. July 4, 1776 was the day America declared their independence, but the battle for freedom went on until 1783 – seven years later. Even though the people declared their freedom in 1776, they had to stand and fight for many years before the British would accept and recognize the United States of America.

In the same way, we have to declare our freedom and be determined to stand against the opposing forces of darkness in our lives. We have to declare our freedom from addiction, poverty, sickness and lack. We have to stand and fight until we fully experience the freedom and peace that our Creator has promised.

Do you know what the early colonists did once they signed the Declaration of Independence? They read it out loud in public. They published it in the newspaper. They spread the word. They continued to declare and celebrate even though they were in the midst of the battle.

Today, no matter what battle you may be facing, declare that you are free and celebrate your freedom because victory is on the way!

Double For Your Trouble

The bible says, “Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs.” In the Old Testament when this scripture was written, God’s people were going through a very dark time. They were being held captive and mistreated by other nations. God sent this word to encourage them and give them hope for their future, and when the time came, God was faithful to His promise!

Are you going through a difficult time today? Let this word bring you encouragement, too. God wants to give you double for your trouble. He is the God of restoration. That means He’s not going to just repay you for every wrong done, He’s going to go above and beyond and make things even better than they were before.

If you’re facing tough challenges today or going through a time of adversity, remember, it’s always darkest just before the dawn. Your days are destined to shine brighter because God is faithful. As you stay in faith and are obedient to His leading, you’ll receive double for your trouble and see His promises come to pass!

Be Bold As A Lion!

As a believer in Jesus Christ, you are called to live a bold and confident life. You don’t have to live under the weight and pressure of fear. You don’t have to live with daily anxiety. Because the Creator of the universe has promised to never leave you nor forsake you, fear and worry are beneath you.

When you rise up in faith, trusting that God is with you and for you, all doubt and fear has to leave your life. The bible says that, “the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Righteousness is God’s way of doing things. When you do things His way, when you are submitted to His plan for your life, He will empower you with boldness and strength. He will equip you to walk in His victory.

Today, if you’ve been feeling anxious or fearful, begin to declare God’s truth over your life so you can be set free! Pick your chin up and put your shoulders back! Declare what God says about you, that you are made righteous in Jesus’ name, that you are more than a conqueror, tthat you are as bold as a lion – because you are a child of the Most High God!

He Will Complete What He Started

It’s interesting that the last thing Jesus that said on the cross was, “It is finished.” It certainly looked like the end. It looked like it was over. But I believe that wasn’t just a statement of fact, it was a statement of faith. Jesus was saying to His Father, “I’ve done My part. Now I have total trust and confidence in You that You’re going to finish what You started.” Even though it looked like the end, in reality, it was only the beginning.

When it looks dark in your own life, when things aren’t going your way, dare to make that declaration of faith just like Jesus, “It is finished.” What you’re really saying is, “God, I’ve done all you’ve asked me to do and now I leave it to You to turn this situation around. I know You’re going to heal my body. I know You’re going to restore my finances. I know You’re going to give me good breaks.”

Always remember to speak victory over your circumstances because He is faithful and the bible says that He, “will continue His work in you until it is finished.” Today, choose to put total trust in your heavenly Father, knowing that a shift is coming. Declare it out loud, that His will be done in every area of your life, and He will complete what He’s started in you!