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ONCE UPON A TIME

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in ONCE into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews9:12)

The story of the blood of Jesus is an established fact throughout history.

Mark Hankins

Everyone likes a great story that begins with the phrase, “Once upon a time….” The story of Jesus is the greatest story ever told. It is not a fantasy, but a true story that has changed the world for thousands of years. The story of Jesus is told in over a thousand languages to millions of people, young and old, around the world, and it is still changing lives today!

One day as I was studying Hebrews 9 and 10, the word “ONCE” stood out so clearly.  I began to see God’s plan of redemption in Christ and how the wisdom and power of God very effectively “ONCE” paid the price for our freedom. ONCE! That’s all it took! Jesus shed His blood ONCE! He defeated and dethroned Satan, ONCE…FOR ALL TIME…ONCE for all mankind…ONCE for the cure of every condition…ONCE for every blessing in Heaven to be ours!

Confession: Jesus went ONCE for all into the Holy of Holies! Jesus shed His blood ONCE for the price of my freedom.

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JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of the mall. (Psalm 34:19)

God always has an escape route and is faithful to bring us out.

Mark Hankins

I’m glad that the Lord said in Psalm 34:19 that He would deliver us out of all of our afflictions. He did not say half of them or most of them, He said, “out of them all.”  God always makes a way out.

The word afflictions means adversity, distress, tribulation, persecution, depression, misery, trouble, and pressure. God never guarantees us that we will be exempt from adversity. However, He does guarantee always to bring us out.

Joy cometh in the morning. It may seem like a long night, but the night cannot last forever. The sun is coming up on a new day. The Sun of Righteousness is rising with healing in His wings (beams), and you shall go forth and grow up as calves released from the stall. (Malachi 4:2) As sure as the sun comes up every morning, your deliverance is on the way. The earth is constantly turning on its axis. Even though you may not feel like it, your situation is turning right now. It may seem dark now, but something is happening.  Things are turning, the morning is certain, and the sun is rising!

Confession:Joy cometh! Healing cometh! Blessing cometh! Money cometh! Faith cometh!

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GOD IS RESTORING YOUR JOY

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

If you will refuse to give up and allow your faith to be on trial, you cannot lose!

Mark Hankins

At 75 years of age, Norman Vincent Peal was asked when were the best ten years of his life. He replied, “I haven’t lived them yet!”

Shake off the dust of the past. God will restore the years that the devil tried to mess up in your life. Don’t look back with regret. What the devil meant for evil, God is turning around for your good.

God’s going to do His part, but you have to do your part — you have to rejoice! God has some surprises that are exceeding abundantly above all you could ask or think according to the power that works in you. (Ephesians 3:20)

Confession: God is faithful. He will not allow me to be tempted beyond what I am able to endure. He will always make away to escape! “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

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FAITH UNDER TRIAL

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, when ever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.

(James 1:2  AMP)

God is interested in your character and your whole person, not just your immediate comfort.

Mark Hankins

I was watching a documentary on how people make pottery. Pottery is baked in extreme heat to make it durable and hard, so it is usable. I thought it was interesting that they know a pot is done by the sound it makes. Many times trouble will hit you and get you into serious oven situations. If you stay silent while in the oven, then you are going to be in the oven a long time. But if you will just go ahead and shout for joy, you will make it through!

God wants you to hold steady and stop squirming out of your problems and difficulties prematurely. The natural human tendency is to try to find a way to get out from under the pressure. You have to realize that your faith is on trial, and the devil is trying to knock that faith right out of you. Mix patience with your faith and it will take you through the pressure. Let God build character in you and make you strong enough to receive blessings that you may not have been able to receive before.

Confession:I refuse to give up! I am going to allow my faith to be on trial, and I will not lose!

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JOY NEUTRALIZES PRESSURE

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God.

 (Acts16:25)

If you allow pressure to push you out of position, you’ll miss your miracle.

Mark Hankins

The Apostle Paul had the Jews, the Gentiles, and the Romans putting pressure on him. During one of the most difficult hours of his life, he began singing praises to God.

The devil can put pressure on you and get you into a corner, but as long as he can’t shut your mouth, you can overcome. Oral Roberts said,“Everyday there’s a miracle coming to you or passing you by.”  That means if you allow pressure to push you out of your position, you’ll miss your miracle.

When you start counting it all joy, it neutralizes the pressure. That is a challenge, but rejoicing is a choice you make that will strengthen you so that your faith and patience will hold you steady. “Is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow and don’t try to squirm out of your problems.” (James 1:2-4 TLB)

Confession:When my patience is in full bloom, I will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. (James 1:4  TLB)

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