I had a conversation with someone a few weeks ago that sparked the title and topic of this article. She had been talking about going back to school and decided to find out exactly what classes are needed to complete her associate degree. The school responded by sending her a list, not only of the courses that needed to complete the degree, but another list as well. She then forwarded the information to me. The email she received from the school stated: “These are the credentials you have earned…”. According to the email she had earned a total of 5 credentials, or also what the email referred to as certifications. The thing is my friend had earned these certifications thirteen years ago, and she had no clue! She was in total shock!
This incident got me to thinking, and it really began to minister to my heart. I began to wonder how much we as believers have missed out on, because we do not know or understand the promises of God. See, the Bible tells us that He has written His word upon our hearts. That very word contains promises and instructions for life that if we know them and apply them, there are benefits! When you don’t know what you carry you miss out! ”But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,” says the LORD. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people”. Jeremiah 31:33 NLT.
God’s word, the Bible, is the documented covenant (agreement) that God has made with His people. Although the scripture says Israel, if you are a believer in Christ Jesus, it means you too! As a matter of fact, I often read scripture and make it personal. So, that it hits home for me, that God is speaking of and to me. If you’re unsure of what “making it personal means”, see the example at the end of the article when you’re done reading.
Okay, let’s take this a bit further and examine a few scenarios. It just so happens you find yourself dealing with a stressful situation, and your thoughts are all over the place. Well, Jesus said, Peace I leave with you; My perfect peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge. John 14:27 AMP. Did you catch that? Jesus says you have His perfect peace, and that no matter what you’re facing you don’t have to be afraid. He says that you can be bold and not lose heart in anything you come up against. That is a promise! Furthermore, the Bible declares, Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. Philipians 4:6-7 GNT. God’s instruction is not to worry about anything! Instead, if we pray to Him in times of trouble; offering up thanksgiving from our hearts as we make our request, then God will give us great peace, and He will protect our hearts and minds. The peace of God is real, and it belongs to us!
How about another example? Maybe you find yourself facing a very tough situation and you just don’t feel as if you have the strength to go on. Well, Paul stated, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philipians 4:13 BSB. I know you’ve heard it said that God is not a respecter of person. That simply means that if He did it for Paul, He will do it for you! It is a part of the promises you carry! God will give you the strength you need. The word of God also tells us in Nehemiah 8:10 GNT ………The joy that the Lord gives you will make you strong. Perhaps you just need to ask the Lord for joy!
Ever been in a position where you needed to make a decision, but wasn’t sure what decision to make? It was one of those “make you” or “break you” type of decisions, and you really needed help? I have been in this spot on numerous occasions! Do you know what you carry and what the scripture promises? Well, let me tell you! If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 NIV. God is totally all for His children asking Him for wisdom! After all, the Bible declares that Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom… Proverbs 4:7 KJV. It is the most important thing you can get, so why wouldn’t you rest on the promise that if you ask, He will give it to you? God wants to help you make the right decision. He really does!
One last time, shall we? Ever heard that old saying, “you have not because you ask not”? Well, that is actually biblical too. I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24. Whatever it is you need and/or are believing for, ask God for it. He loves to bless His children. Does this mean that He is some genie a bottle, absolutely not! We are to know that He loves us and wants to good things for us. That is God’s heart toward us, He loves us! Therefore, He wants to provide for us. That is His promise! Now, you find a promise from God that fits and make it personal! Why not, it’s what you carry!
Example: Jeremiah 29:11
The original scripture reads: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
The personalized scripture reads: For I know the plans I have for Denia, declares the Lord, plans to prosper Denia and not to harm Denia, plans to give Denia hope and a future.
Blessings and favor to you in Jesus’ name! p.s. The above scripture also applies to you!
by Denia Davis
intimatesurrendermagazine.com 