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FAITH GETS HAPPY NOW

…so that I might finish my course with joy. (Acts 20:24)

Faith cranks God’s tractor
Mark Hankins

When you look at the life of the Apostle Paul, you will see a man that God had perfectly “putt” to a divine calling and destiny. You can see the genius of God as you observe the many turning points in the trajectory of Paul’s life. You will also notice the spirit of faith working to overcome adversity. Paul had been stoned, shipwrecked, snake-bit, beat in the head, and left for dead. He could have said he was a tired, mistreated, lonely, disappointed, and hurting man, but that’s not how Paul didn’t described himself. Instead, Paul said he was a happy man.

Towards the end of his life, Paul stood before the leaders of the Roman Empire and said, “I think myself happy” (Acts 26:2). Another translation says, “I have been congratulating myself, King Agrippa.”

Paul’s spirit of faith carried him to his divine destination. He finished his course with joy and completed the assignment given to him by Jesus Christ. He enjoyed the journey in spite of all the adversity he faced. Faith gets happy now!

Confession: I will finish my course with joy. In spite of adversity, the joy of the Lord is my strength! (Nehemiah 8:10)

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SPEAKING OF HIS GLORY

In his temple doth every one speak of his glory. (Psalm 29:9)

Whenever we say, “Glory,” we are including all of the goodness of God!
Mark Hankins

God is called the “God of Glory” in Acts 7:2.
Ephesians 1:17 calls God the “Father of Glory.”
He is the “King of Glory” in Psalm 24:7-10.
Jesus is the “Lord of Glory” in 1 Corinthians 2:8.
Hebrews 2:10 tells us that Jesus died to bring “many sons into glory.”
I Peter 4:14 says, “The Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you.”
In 1 Corinthians 2:7, the Apostle Paul says of his revelation, “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden widsom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.”
John 17:22-24 describes Jesus as the Lord of Glory and says that He came that we might enjoy the same glory

One commentary I read defined the glory this way: wealth, numbers, commerce, power, wisdom, promotion, superiority, dignity, authority, nobility, splendor, valor, magnificence, extraordinary privileges, and advantages. Whenever we say “GLORY,” we are including all the goodness of God. We speak of His glory and carry His glory!

Confession: Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world! (1 John 4:4)

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WILLING TO RECEIVE

And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed — keep that ablaze! God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. (2 Timothy 1:6-7 The Message Bible)

You cannot dishonor people that God has put into your life and
expect to receive from them. Mark Hankins

You must honor the people that God brings into your life, because they carry something that is vital to you; they carry revelation. You will have to humble yourself to learn and receive these important things. The Apostle Paul knew first hand the value of supernatural relationships. Paul never would have fulfilled the call of God on his life without the assembly in Antioch. All of Paul’s letters were written after he was launched from a corporate assembly. Paul was launched into his apostolic ministry because of a corporate seeking of the Lord.

Jesus is faithful to send the Word to you in a way that you can understand and receive it to help you fulfill the will of God for your life. God will talk to you through supernatural relationships. How you manage those relationships will determine how much revelation will come to you.

Confession: I understand the value of supernatural relationships. I am willing to humble myself and receive from the people God has brought into my life.

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WATER, WATER, WATER

…with the washing of the water by the word. (Ephesians 5:26)

Repetition of the watering process is essential for seeds to grow.
Mark Hankins

Years ago, my family and I moved into a “new-to- us” home. I brought in a lot of dirt in order to change the landscaping. I then needed to plant some grass. So, I bought a little bag of centipede grass. I got the ground ready and placed those little tiny seeds in the dirt just right. The instructions said, “You must water the seeds everyday.” So, every day, morning, and evening, I watered that seed.

Four weeks went by and nothing happened! I went back and read the instructions: “Don’t expect quick results. Don’t expect anything the first four weeks…after eight weeks, little, tiny centipede grass will start to sprout, but you may need a magnifying glass to see it…Be patient.” So four more weeks — water, water, water! Finally, I saw a little bitty centipede grass. After another three months, I could finally see the grass while standing up!

Today, the whole yard is covered with beautiful centipede grass. The planting process was important, but the instructions on the watering process were actually more important!

Confession: But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:4)

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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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