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FAITH AIN’T PRETTY

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart. (Jeremiah 15:16)

Hello, neighbor! Faith ain’t pretty, but everyone needs faith! Mark Hankins

A local tire store advertises in the newspaper and on television with this ad: “Hello, neighbor! Tires ain’t pretty, but everyone needs tires, so you might as well get them from us at the best price.” That TV ad caught my attention. Sometime later I was in a radical church service where people were laughing, rejoicing, shouting, and praising God. Some were even leaping for joy, running, and dancing! During all of this, the Lord spoke to me in this way: “Hello, neighbor! Faith ain’t pretty, but everyone needs faith! So get your faith from God and learn how to release your faith and respond to the Word and to the power of God.” Sometimes you have to get “ugly” for Jesus. You must act like the Bible is true if you want the anointing and the power of God! Rejoice in the face of adversity! The spirit of faith will cause you to see the victorious end of the challenge you are facing!

Confession: I rejoice in the face of adversity! I am not ashamed to get “ugly” for Jesus! I rejoice at thy word as one that findeth great spoil! (Psalm 119:162)

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A NEW DAY OF BOLDNESS

Having therefore, brethren, BOLDNESS to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. (Hebrews 10:19)

The blood of Jesus has given us great boldness and confidence.
Mark Hankins

Another word that stood out to me in Hebrews was the word, “boldness.” The blood of Jesus has given us great boldness and confidence. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.” (Hebrews 4:16) “That we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper.” (Hebrews 13:6)

Some other translations of Hebrews 10:19 translate boldness as “freedom of speech” or “outspoken.” The blood of Jesus has given us great boldness and confidence. As believers, we need to exercise our “freedom of speech” and be outspoken about the blood of Jesus and who we are in Christ. Instead of being a victim of our experiences, our experiences are a victim of us.

Now we as believers can take the Word of God and speak with great boldness and confidence! When Satan comes against you, just bring up the story of the blood of Jesus.

Confession: The Lord is my Helper. I can come boldly unto the throne of grace. I am sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10, 14)

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GOD’S DAREDEVILS

The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. (Daniel 11:32 NKJV)

“Exploits” are defined as, “Deeds marked by daring and excellence.” Mark Hankins

When I was about 10 years old, we played neighborhood football in my backyard.  Usually as the game progressed and the smaller boys were losing, the bigger boys would announce loudly, “We’re going to run right up the middle.” And they did!  Sometimes they ran over me!

Their challenge reminds me of David, who announced to Goliath, “This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand… that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” (I Samuel 17:46)  No devil, no man, and no circumstances can stop God’s divine plan for this generation. As God has declared it, we must prophesy and proclaim His power in the Earth.

He is Almighty God! He is a Mighty Warrior! As we hear and know His voice, new confidence and strength comes to us. We will arise with new boldness and declare His dare. It is time for a new generation of men and women to rise up and do great exploits!

Confession:I am rising with new confidence, boldness, and strength. With God all things are possible! All things are possible to him that believeth!(Matthew 19:26, Mark 9:23)

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SEE YOU AT THE TOP

This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face. (Psalm 24:6NKJV)

There are some blessings you cannot receive from God at sea level! Mark Hankins

I recently viewed a documentary about Mount Everest and those who have climbed it. Climbing a mountain is a gradual process that takes climbers from lower camps to higher camps as they make the ascent. During this process, their red blood cells actually double in number in order to carry enough oxygen to keep them alive. This kind of mountain climbing must be in your blood in order for you to survive!

In Psalm 24, God gives a challenge to those who want to move up higher in their fellowship with Him. After He gives the condition of clean hands and a pure heart, God promises that they will “receiving the blessing from the Lord.”

Climbing the Mountain of the Lord is a much higher calling than climbing Mount Everest. It is a place where satisfaction, fulfillment, and blessings flow. It is time for us to move up higher in the glory of God!

Confession: I am a part of the generation that seeks the face of God. I am climbing the Mountain of the Lord where there is satisfaction, fulfillment, and blessing!

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MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or Who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord… (Psalm 24:3-5)

The spirit of faith always chooses the Glory Road. Mark Hankins

The Knox translation of Psalm 24:3 says, “Who dares climb the mountain of the Lord?”  The ones who will climb God’s mountain are the ones with the spirit of faith! The spirit of faith always chooses the Glory Road! Climbing this mountain represents obedience to the will of God. 

The road on the mountain of God is the Glory Road. Those who choose to travel the Glory Road see the glory of God! The Glory Road is like a spiritual Mount Everest.  On this road there is much sacrifice and it is extremely challenging, but when you get to the top and see what is on the other side, you will be glad you chose that road. It requires training and discipline to make it to the top. However, the rewards at the top make the journey worthwhile. Choose the Glory Road and experience the glory of God!

Confession: I will dare to climb the mountain of God and obey His will for my life! I choose the Glory Road! I will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of my salvation. (Psalm 24:5)

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