Confession of Faith - January 21, 2004

SCRIPTURAL VERIFICATION

The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 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. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

(Romans 10:8-10)

CONFESSION

OF FAITH

Series 3.1.21 - #21

Words of Light Upon the Face of Trials and Difficulty

January 21, 2005

The Lord has overcome all things and placed everything under his feet. He is the King of Israel, the God of the whole earth. He opened my understanding and revealed to me his plan for my life. In the vision of the morning, I saw trials and difficulty, but I also saw great victory and effectual ministry. I will not be turned away from the promises given by God. My rivals cannot take possession of the things that he has promised. Sickness and disease will not conquer me. I discern his body, and I show forth a triumphant confession and praise. Jesus has taken the stripes in his own body for my healing. He has placed the kingdom within me. Some look for the kingdom here, and some look for it there. The kingdom of God does not come by observation. The kingdom of God is within me. I must relinquish my own kingdoms within me before I can see the kingdom of God activated inside of me. I have attempted to reside in both kingdoms, my own and his. I relinquish the kingdoms of my heart to God, and they will not be rivals to his kingdom any longer. He has won the supreme battle. He was successful against sin and death. He has given his successful victory to me.

Sin continues to gain another conquest over man. Sin's conquest has been presented as a relationship of pleasure and goodness. It is lust and pride clothed as a relationship. I am determined not to become another one of sin's conquests. If there is first a willing mind, I will humble myself and find grace not to allow this champion of the darkness to conquer me. Sin desires to take complete control of me. Sin conquered Adam and Eve in the garden. Jesus came as the second man Adam and conquered this dangerous foe. He gained control of sin and put it away. I purpose not to allow his glorious victory to be in vain in relationship to me. I cannot be the friend of the world and excel against sin. He that is in friendship with the world is enmity with God.

God has given me the upper hand against sin. His grace has surpassed all of its effects. I should be celebrating today, for sin has already been defeated. He reduced sin by the force of his life. He took away its resistance against righteousness. It was vanquished by love and subdued by its power. The kingdom of God suffers violence, and the violent takes by force. By forceful grace, Jesus tasted death for every man and completely subdued the enemy of my soul. The enemy's only argument is implemented by the lie. The lie is his only means of persuading man. The lie is the foundation of all the strategies and influences of evil. His lies have been shot at me and now stand as obstacles, passions, and bondage. I will not be reluctant any longer. I rise up and accept the victory won by the Prince of victory. He has overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. I believe.

Hebrews 10:22 - 23

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.