Declarations

Speak these Bible Declarations over your life this New Year:

I am remarkably made. Psalm 139: 14

God is fighting on my behalf. Deuteronomy 20:4

I am worth more than rubies. Proverbs 31:10

As I follow Jesus, I have peace. Luke 24: 36

I am more than a conqueror. Romans 8: 31

I am heard by God. Mark 11: 24

God is my refuge and strength. Psalm 46: 1

I will seek first His kingdom. Matthew 6: 33

I represent the light of Christ.  Matthew 5: 14-16

I find refuge under His wings. Psalm 91: 4

I extend love, joy and peace. Galatians 5: 22-23

I will glorify Christ. Romans 8: 18

I am a child of the King. 1 Peter 2: 9

God is intentional with my life. Romans 8:28

I have a future filled with hope.  Jeremiah 29: 11

I have everything I need to flourish.  2 Peter 1:3

Fear does not hold me captive. 2 Timothy 1: 7

I have God’s perfect peace. Philippians 4: 6-8

I am forgiven. 2 Corinthians 5: 17

I will put on the armor of God every day. Ephesians 6: 10-18

I can overcome everything with Christ. 1 Corinthians 15: 57

God’s will be done. Matthew 6: 10

I am strong and courageous. Deuteronomy 31: 6

I am guided by God. Psalm 71: 17

God’s power works best in my weakness.  2 Corinthians 12: 9

I am always on God’s mind.  Psalm 139: 13

The Cross of Christ is my power.  1 Corinthians 1: 17

My God meets all my needs. Philippians 4: 19

My strength is renewed in Christ. Isaiah 40: 31

I can see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

My faith makes me whole. Mark 5: 34

Posted January 2023

Source: Bible Gateway

Facts on Prayer

Why is it important to pray for others?

‘God moves through our prayers to accomplish great good in the lives of His people. One of the best ways to love others is to pray for them because through our prayers we open the door to the help only God can provide.’

There is power in prayer. Pray for others like you pray for your family members. Pray with compassion. Pray earnestly. God hears and answers prayers.

Moreover, never forget that Jesus himself is praying for you. Because He is our Great High Priest.  To get a better understanding please study the passages below: 

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—

Hebrews 2:14 (NIV)

For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants.

For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 2:16-17(NIV)

Jesus Christ is a merciful and faithful High Priest who is seated at the right hand of God the  Father.  He will come to your aid whenever you call upon his mighty name.

Jesus is our compassionate High Priest. Please study the verses below to see how it all works.

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16 (NKJV)

Amazing Daily Declarations for You

Declare these Scriptures over yourself. You can say them out loud daily. Your life will never be the same again!

God loves me. John 3: 16; 1John 4:10

God cares for me. 1 Peter 5:7

God has plans to prosper me.  Jeremiah 29: 11

God delights in prospering me. Psalm 35: 27

God’s Word heals me. 107: 20

God has not planned any defeats for me. I am more than a conqueror. Romans 8:37

I am a child of God. Romans 8:16

I am healed by His stripes. 1 Peter 2:24

I am forgiven. Colossians 1:13, 14

I am made right with God. 2 Corinthians 5: 21

I am above only and not beneath. Deuteronomy 28: 13

I am God’s masterpiece. Ephesians 2:10

I am God’s temple – I lovingly take care of my body. Eph. 5: 29,30

I am strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might. Eph. 6:10

I am one in Christ with all other believers. Galatians 3:28

I am a peacemaker. Galatians 5: 22

My name is registered in Heaven. Luke 10: 20

No condemnation awaits me. Romans 8:1

My needs are met by Jesus. Philippians 4:19

I am absolutely safe in the Lord. Psalm 91: 11

I am the salt and the light of the world. Matthew 5: 13,14

I am establishing God’s Word here on earth. Matthew 16: 19

Daily Statements of Faith

Moses would say, “Lord, if you don’t go with us or before us, we are not going anywhere.”

Abraham would say, “The Lord will provide.”

Jacob would say, “I won’t let go of You unless You bless me.”

Joshua would say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Samuel would say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

Nehemiah would say, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

David would say, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” and “This is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Solomon would say,” Trust in the Lord, oh my soul, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.”

Isaiah would say, “Arise and shine for my glory has come,” and “no weapon formed against me shall prosper.”

Jeremiah would say, “The Lord has plans to prosper me and not to harm or fail me.”

Jabez would say, “Oh, that you may bless me and enlarge my territory.”

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would say, “We will not bow down to any image but will serve the Lord.”

Ezekiel would say, “Any dry bones in my life, live again.”

Peter would say, “I will cast my cares upon the Lord for He cares.”

Paul would say, “The Lord will supply all my needs” and “I can do all things through Christ.”

What would you say?

My Prayer

Lord, help me live in love and wonder of you today.

A New Beginning in Jesus – by Hepsi

(Delivered on New Year’s Eve, San Antonio)

The topic of my message is A New Beginning in Jesus.

In the book of Proverbs, we read:

The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, And years will be added to your life. (Proverbs. 9:10.11) God is the giver of wisdom and long life. This is the truth; we must acknowledge and receive it.

Knowing God brings wisdom

The great King Solomon wrote most of the book of Proverbs, he was considered the wisest man on earth. He knew God’s Word and applied God’s Word to daily life. People from far and wide came to listen to his words of wisdom during his lifetime.

In the Bible there is one man greater than Solomon, He is Jesus Christ. He said, “Seek first God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”. Matthew 6:33. In fact both are saying the same thing. The message of the Bible is consistent in exhorting us to Seek God first.

By hearing and reading God’s Word and putting it into practice as well, we become wise individuals. As we enter another New Year and a brand-new decade, let us decide to give first place to Jesus in our lives.

Application of God’s Word in our lives is quite significant. We need to know that the Word of God is alive, and it works for you. When God said, “Let there be light,” there was light. Genesis 1: 3. When you read God’s Word you receive wisdom and discernment. I get excited to preach the Word of God. Because I am fascinated by the Bible like no other book. Initially, in my youth I was fascinated by English literature and read many, many books in English. Both fiction and poetry! Then I discovered the Bible with its many genres.

The Bible has historical narrative, law, wisdom literature, psalms or songs, poetry, prophecy, apocalyptic literature (like Daniel & Revelations), gospels, and epistles. I became passionate about the Bible, its not like any other literature you read, its like bread, its like fire, its energy. It nourishes, protects and comforts you. Its literature that is alive. Its God’s inspired Word.

This New Year, I suggest that you start reading and meditating on the gospels, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were written by the eyewitnesses of Jesus. Carefully follow the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. If you ask me, read the New Testament several times then read the books of the Old Testament. As you keep reading earnestly, the Holy Spirit will guide you to understand Scriptures better. The entire Bible points you to Jesus Christ. Make a new year’s resolution to read God’s Word diligently. You will not be disappointed. God’s Word guides you. We live in troubled times. When you get into the Word you will find answers to many crucial questions. I will give you a Several key reasons on why you should get to know Jesus intimately through the Bible.

(To be continued)

1. Jesus is the Way to Father

Today we live in a world where you hear that there are many ways to God. People are confused. It is important therefore to read the Bible to find out the truth. You may have the question; “How do we know Jesus is the Way to God?” The Bible says, “Seek and you will find.” Read what the Bible says about Jesus. Observe the claims of Jesus. Check out the discussions between the disciples and Jesus. The disciples were the inner circle of believers of Jesus, they ate with him, they walked with him and they heard his teaching. Jesus explains his teaching clearly when he was alone with his disciples. John who wrote the gospel of John is known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”, he was very close to Jesus.

Jesus’ words are recorded in John 14. 6. Jesus said plainly to his disciples: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” And, Philip one of the disciples says, “Lord, show us the Father.” (V.) Then Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.’ (V.9) (John 14: 1-13). Here Jesus reveals himself as God.

I will give you some background here. God is the Trinity. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are the three persons of the Trinity. All of them are at work in the world. To make it clear let me give you an example. The human family comprises of father, mother, and child. I believe since God is the Trinity, God in three Persons has established the family structure.

The Jews worshipped Yahweh/Jehovah, the Father. The Old Testament prophets spoke about the coming of God’s Son, Jesus to deliver us from our sins. These prophesies were fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ the first time into the world in the New Testament. Jesus says “I am the Way” to the Father. So, there is only one way to God that is through Jesus, His Son. Jesus claimed he was God’s Son, right? Then what did Jesus do? He demonstrated his power through signs, wonders and miracles! He turned water into wine, he silenced the wind and the waves, he walked on the water, he cast demons out and set people free, he healed the sick and raised the dead to life. You see that both by his teaching and by his works, Jesus showed that he was the Son of God. And all the time he gave the glory to his Father.

What is the purpose of Jesus coming to the earth? Jesus came to die on the cross for us. During this Christmas season, we need to understand the purpose for which Jesus came to the earth in the flesh, it is with the specific purpose to save us from our sins. He redeemed us with his precious blood. It's costly work. God sent Jesus to reconcile us to Himself. Therefore, Jesus is the Way to God. When we know God’s Word, we are no longer ignorant. The truth sets us free and empowers us. Here is the second key reason for us to read God’s Word:

2. Jesus is the Word

The disciple John writes: ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him, all things were made. (John 1:1-3.) John is talking about Jesus who is the Word. If Jesus is the Word, we need to get to know him through his Word. You see when you begin to love God, you will love his Word. Jesus is the Living Word.

We live in a complicated world today. Please pray for your children. If you cover them in prayer regularly, God will protect your children from all evil. Give your children a beautiful Bible to read. I’m not kidding, its important. I bought all the varieties of Bibles for my children. When they were quite young, I bought baby and toddler Bibles, when they were older, Bibles for Teenagers and so on. I’m glad I did it. Children need to understand the biblical worldview. It will keep them in the Lord’s Way. The Bible gives us guidelines to a godly lifestyle. Take God’s Word seriously. Satan is the author of confusion, he is a liar, he confuses the minds of the people. Therefore, you need to know the Word, “Put on the whole armour of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil.” Ephesians 6:11. If God says this is the way, you need to walk that way. It's important to know God’s will for your life. We should not be ignorant of God’s Word. I believe His Word is like treasure, acquire it, get a grip on God and His Word and never let go.

The third reason to read the Word is we need it to feed our faith.

3. We are Children of the faith

We are called the children of Abraham who is the Father of Faith. Faith is a gift from God. When we believe in Jesus, we receive this gift of faith.

God revealed Himself to the Jews first then extended his salvation to ALL people. In the Old Testament, God says: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Isaiah 44: 6. Therefore, the Jews followed the Living God while the others worshipped idols.

In Genesis, you read the story of Abraham. He is our patriarch or Father. Abraham is called the father of faith because he believed in God’s promises. God made a covenant with Abraham. Covenant means agreement or promise. And God spoke to Abraham, “This is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations…for I have made you a father of many nations. .” Genesis 17: 4-6.

In the New Testament, we read how Jesus came to the earth as a human baby, how he died on the cross openly to save us from our sins. All those who believe in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection will receive eternal life. Therefore, the believers of Jesus of every nation are called “the children of Abraham”. See Galatians 3:14 & 29, we who belong to Christ are called the “Seed of Abraham.” Yes, we are different from the others. We have the gift of faith from God within us, and by faith we believe in the promises of God in the Bible.

For example, if God says, “I’m the God who heals you” (Exodus 15:26) then you better believe that he will heal you of your sickness. Pray for healing and receive it by faith. You have the gift of faith in you. Give God the glory for your healing or your promotion. God is the giver of all good things; he deserves all the glory. Jesus bought you with a price!

The fourth reason is that you are not alone, God has given you the Helper:

4. Jesus promised the Helper

After Jesus resurrected from the dead he appeared to his disciples in his resurrected body. Jesus promised his followers a Helper, The Holy Spirit, also known as the Spirit of truth. The Holy Spirit is our helper. When you believe in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to abide in you. Jesus’ promise was fulfilled when the disciples gathered in one place with many others on the day of Pentecost. “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2: 4. It was a multicultural gathering and they all received the Holy Spirit. The church was born that day. Therefore, the church is multi-cultural. Jesus brought salvation not only to the Jews but To ALL people. We need to have unity in the body of Christ across barriers. In John 17, Jesus prayed for the unity of all believers. We should pray for unity within our families, communities, and churches. God wants unity.

Jesus also told the disciples: “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13). So, when you meditate on Scriptures, the Holy Spirit reveals the meaning of the passages. Can you see the work of the Holy Spirit in the world today? Make a commitment to meditate on God’s Word this New Year and may the Holy Spirit guide and use you fruitfully.

Reason no. 5 the Scriptures enable you to get rid of all doubts:

5. To Get Rid of Doubts:

Who sows doubts into your mind? It is the enemy of your soul. To resist the Devil, you will need to use the “Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.”