She Made It On The Page....

Remember the account of Rahab in the book of Joshua?
Joshua sent out a couple of spies, to go secretly look over the land, particularly the city of Jericho.
The fellows came to the home of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there.
When the king of Jericho announced that there were Israelites in their city that were searching out the countryside, he sent some folk to Rahabs house to call the men out.
She had already taken the men to the roof of her house to hide them. Rahab told the soldiers that the men were not in her house.

After the soldiers left she went to the roof to tell the men:
Joshua 2:8-13
8 Now before they lay down, she came up to them on the roof,
9 and said to the men: "I know that the LORD has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you.
10 For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.
11 And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.
12 Now therefore, I beg you, swear to me by the LORD, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father's house, and give me a true token,
13 and spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death."

Then in vs. 14 the fellows said:
14 So the men answered her, "Our lives for yours, if none of you tell this business of ours. And it shall be, when the LORD has given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you."

So, you know how the account goes. She was given instruction to let down a red cord down out of her window....and after the 7th trip around Jericho, the Isralites blew the trumpets and shouted a great shout and the walls came down...ALL EXCEPT RAHABS HOME ON TOP OF THE WALL. The Israelites were given instruction about Rahab and her family...they were all SAVED.

This girl had the guts to take hold of FAITH, and DO what she was instructed to do, and BELIEVED.

This girl Made It On The Page....she was the great grandmother of King David. Her faith was honored by God, and He even included her in the lineage of Jesus.

Rahab even made it in the "Hall of Fame of those of Faith" in Hebrews 11:30-31
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.
31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.

That girl had NOTHING - no foundational teaching, she had nobody to expound the Word of God to her, and was not raised up in the Hebrew faith. She took the word of promise from a couple of spies because the Isralites had a reputation of being taken care of by their God. SHE WANTED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF BY GOD. She was. She had nothing but the desire in her own heart.

Here we are, most of us,
1. Have the Blood of Jesus
2. Have the Name of Jesus
3. Have the Word of God
4. Have the Holy Spirit
5. Have the armor of God

We have been well equipped, and we need to see the same overcoming victory.
I WANT TO BE TAKEN CARE OF BY GOD TOO! LOL
I receive the finished work of Jesus.
I thank God that He's made His Word easy to receive.
I receive ALL OF IT, for ALL of my life. LOL

And I will TELL EVERYONE I KNOW about How HE BROUGHT ME OUT of every snare of the devil.

Hallelujah!!!!!

Father, THANK YOU for HELPING US to hear and quickly receiving your Word. Thank You for showing Yourself strong on our behalf, and that You are FAITHFUL to all of Your Word, and provision for us. I give you PRAISE and THANKSGIVING, in Jesus' Name.

What About Paul's Thorn In The Flesh?

This article was authored by Gloria Copeland - was retrieved from: http://www.kcm.org/real-help/article/what-about-pauls-thorn-flesh
And is being used by permission

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Tradition has taught that Paul's thorn in the flesh was some type of physical ailment or sickness. If you will take time to study the Word, you will find that this is not true. Paul clearly states in II Corinthians 12:7 that because of the abundance of revelations he had received, he was given a thorn in the flesh and the thorn was "a messenger of Satan." The Greek word translated as messenger always refers to someone who is sent and denotes a definite personality.

This same word for messenger is translated in other verses of the New Testament as "angel." Angels, as God's messengers, are created beings with personalites. Satan's messengers would be in the same category. In contrast, sickness is not a personality, nor a messenger.

Paul's thorn in the flesh was a wicked spirit or angel sent by Satan to buffet him. Buffet means to strike repeatedly. God does not send wicked spirits against people in the Body of Christ for any reason (James 1:13). He sent the Holy Spirit and has given us His Word, which is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness to discipline and guide us (see John 16:13; II Timothy 3:16-17).

The phrase "thorn in the flesh" is a figure of speech or illustration. It is similar to calling someone who irritates us "a pain in the neck." Likewise, Paul's thorn was an evil angel who caused him great irritation, but not with sickness or disease. In II Corinthians 11:24-26, Paul lists what some of these "irritations" were - being imprisoned, stoned, beaten, shipwrecked and attacked by angry mobs.

Other examples of the persecutions Paul suffered are found in Acts 13:45, 50 and Acts 14:5-7, 19-20. The people in these verses were instruments used by the source of persecution - the messenger of Satan.

This evil angel was assigned to Paul for one reason - to stop the Word from being preached. Wherever Paul went, the messenger of Satan worked to incite the people against him. All the persecutions that Paul suffered were Satan's attempt to steal the Word from him (see Mark 4:14-20).

Satan will see to it that no believer is exalted above the measure of the Word that actually lives in him. The Word that is alive in your heart is the word on which you steadfastly act. You will have to stand in faith for every word of revelation knowledge you receive.

Many have used Galatians 4:13 to support their traditional teaching that Paul's thorn was sickness or disease: "You know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first." The Greek word for infirmities means "want of strength; weakness, indicating inability to produce results." This translation is used in I Corinthians 2:3: "And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling." Like many believers, when Paul first started ministering, he never felt he had the natural ability to do the job God called him to do.

But the next verse goes on to tell us he was obedient anyway and the Holy Spirit made up the difference with a demonstration of His power: "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (I Corinthians 2:4). Paul's infirmity or weakness of the flesh provided an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to do a mighty work.

That's why Paul could say, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities [lack of strength], that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities [weakness], in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong" (II Corinthians 12:9-10). Our weakness is no longer a problem once we learn to rely on the Holy Spirit's power.

God had given Paul the revelation of the authority of the believer. Paul had authority over Satan in the Name of Jesus - just as you do. But he had to enforce his authority by directly commanding the evil spirit to desist in his maneuvers against him. However, in this instance, Paul sought deliverance from the Lord instead.

"For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me" (II Corinthians 12:8). If you want results, do not ask God to deal with the devil for you. Just as God told Moses to drive out the inhabitants of the land (Numbers 33:52), He instructs you to drive out the demons or evil spirits (Mark 16:17). "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).

When Paul asked the Lord to make this messenger of Satan depart from him, the Lord said, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (II Corinthians 12:9). He did not say that the messenger would not depart. He was saying to Paul, "My favor is enough. For when you do not have the ability to humanly overcome, you have My Name to stop Satan's attack and cast out the devil."

The Greek word dunamis, which is translated strength in this verse, can also be translated as power. We get our English words dynamite and dynamo from it. It is the same word Jesus used in Acts 1:8 when He said, "Ye shall receive power [dunamis], after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." Weymouth's translation of II Corinthians 12:9 reads, "My grace suffices for you, for power is perfected in weakness" (The New Testament in Modern Speech). This is the opposite of the traditional teaching that Paul had no victory over the thorn in the flesh.

Paul lived to be an old man and then said that he could not decide whether to stay here or to go be with the Lord (Philippians 1:22-24). He needed to stay here for the Church's sake, but he yearned to go be with Jesus. He did not leave this world until he and the Lord were ready. This is not the description of a man who lived with sickness and disease.

Satan's angel, the thorn in the flesh, could gain no victory over Paul through adverse circumstances because the power of Christ rested on him. "I have learned in any and all circumstances, the secret of facing every situation..." (Philippians 4:12, The Amplified Bible). He revealed this secret in the next verse: "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me - I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me."

When Paul in himself was weak, Paul in Christ was strong. Satan's angel, the thorn in the flesh that we have heard so much about, never did overcome Paul and the power of God. Satan could do no more than irritate or annoy him like a thorn in his flesh - a temporary discomfort which could be removed. Paul was a covenant man; he ran the race and won. He knew his authority as a believer. He knew the shield of faith would quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16). When he began using his faith, the Lord was able to deliver him out of all the afflictions and persecutions (II Timothy 3:10-11).

Paul's thorn in the flesh is a tradition that Satan has used to deceive and rob many people. Using it as an excuse, tradition says that God gets glory from sickness because the world sees how marvelously the Christian bears pain and agony. Tradition never adds up to the right answer - anyone knows that the world has all the pain and agony it can stand. The world wants a way out of sickness, not another way into it.

If we allow the traditions of men to usurp authority over God's Word, we will be helpless in the face of sickness. God will be able to do nothing for us, because we have made the Word "of none effect" in our lives (Matthew 15:6).

Use the following confession to declare your freedom from ineffective religious traditions and walk in the power of God's Word instead.



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Your Word is Truth, O Lord. It is an incorruptible seed which I plant in my heart. I believe the Word has been planted in good ground and that I receive a mighty harvest.

I do not receive the ineffectual traditions of religion or the world which nullify the Word. I root out every perverse doctrine. I resist the powers of darkness that come to steal the Word of God.

The Word reveals Your will and I set myself in agreement with it. I renew my mind daily with Your Word in order to acquaint myself more intimately with You and to know Your ways. As Your Word becomes established in my heart, I become rooted and grounded in the Truth. In Jesus' Name, amen.

SAY IT!!!

Mark 11:23, 24
23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.
24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Proverbs 12:13, 14
13 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous will come through trouble.
14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth

Job 22:28
28 You will decree a thing and it will be established for you ; so light will shine on your ways.

Proverbs 18:20, 21
20 A mans stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat it's fruit.

Father, I trust Your Word....HELP US to trust it and act upon it. HELP US to BELIEVE what You have said. We need YOU. We're created in YOUR image, and our words hold great power. Help us to be full of Your Word and to WALK IN IT every day of our lives. In Jesus' Name.

JESUS ALREADY DID IT!

This is a prayer taken from Scripture, and following this confession of God's Word, are the Scripture references that it's been taken from.

Hebrews 4:12 tells us - For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Thank God for the living, powerful Word/Sword He's left for us.

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Matthrew 18:17 declares that Jesus Himself bore my sicknesses and diseases. and since He already bore them, I don't have to. He was made sick so that I might be made well. He was beaten and bruised for me. He was my substitute, and He became sick so I wouldn't have to.

Isaiah 53:5 says by His stripes I was healed. But that is past tense. If I was healed, then that means that healing is already mine today. All I have to do is receive it. Jesus already did it for me. It's already done. I don't have to get my healing; it was a gift from my Lord and Savior. Jesus did it for me. He was bruised for my iniquities, the chastisement of my peace was on Him, and by His stripes I am healed.

My healing was bought and paid for two thousand years ago. I am not sick and trying to get healed. I am already healed, and sickness is trying to take hold in my body. But I won't let it! I boldly proclaim that Jesus already did it! therefore I am healed! Sickness has no right to stay in my body. I am healed, healthy, and whole because of the finished work of Jesus, IN THE NAME of Jesus.

Scripture References:
Isaiah 53:4, 5
4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

Psalm 103:2-4
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies

II Corinthians 5:21
21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Overcoming Worry

The following is a prayer taken from Scripture. Following are the Scripture References. If you have issues with worry....take these Scriptures and make use of them just as faithful as you would a prescription of medicine, and watch God's Word build faith in you and work in your life.

Then when you see God working in your life, and His Word doing it's work for you, don't forget to be thankful and give Him Glory for it.

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Jesus said in His Word to not worry or have any anxiety about anything. He said to not take any thought or be concerned about any circumstance in my life. I cast my care, concern, and worry on the Lord.

I refuse to worry or be fearful. I put my trust and confidence in God. God will take care of me, because I know He loves me. I thank God for His presence and peace in my life. Jesus said not to let my heart be troubled or afraid, but to keep my mind focused on Him, knowing He will never leave me or forsake me.

God's Word says that the afflictions of the righteous are many but He will deliver them out of them all. I will keep looking to God and not worry or be in fear about the circumstances of my life.

God said that in the world I would have tribulation, but He told me to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world and will help me to do the same.

God's Word says not to take any thought about the future; therefore, I refuse to worry or be anxious concerning my future. I put my future in God's hands, and I know He will take care of me.

God's Word says that all things work together for good to those who love Him. I recognize that I can't do anything to change my circumstances by worrying, except to make them worse. What satan has meant for evil, God will turn for good. I am free from worry, and I have victory in Jesus' name.

Scripture References:
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God

I Peter 5:7
casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Philippians 4:7
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.