Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." We all know that we should think on good things that are positive and uplifting. Unfortunately, it was easier for Paul to write than for us to practice. The question is, "How can I habitually think good thoughts?
You may be walking through a "dry place" in your life, perhaps having a difficult time… a time when it seems that all your opportunities have dried up. It appears that your financial needs are not being met, and your future looks bleak. You may even feel like your prayers are not being heard. Circumstances rise up against you and you don't see a way out. Such were the circumstances in Samaria in 2 Kings 6:24-30: The entire city was in severe famine being surrounded by the armies of the king of Syria who was determined to destroy them. The enemy wanted to take their city and possessions. They could not leave the city to trade or get food from the fields or goods.
There is a belief that at one time or other has affected most humans on earth. It comes in the form of a thought, "I am only one person and what I do does not matter." That could translate into "My vote does not matter. Everyone else will vote." It could also be, "Why should I speak up when I see an injustice. No one will listen." Degenerating further, this belief lends itself to the suggestion, "No one will know. This is not a big deal."
Does God have a plan for your life? If so, what is it? Most people think of specifics: He plans for me to be a teacher. His plan is for me to go to school and become a doctor. He plans for me to marry and have 2 children. Some of your gifts and callings are decided in advance before you are born. Those gifts and callings lead you to fulfill God's intention for your life (PURPOSE of GOD). The end result of God's purpose or intention is to bless you and for you to bless others.
Far too many Christians live in guilt and condemnation. "If only I had prayed more. If I was more spiritual, if I had more faith… this would not have happened." A great number of Christians believe that bad things happen because of one thing… sin. As a result, some Christians judge others when tragedy strikes. "Well, there must have been sin in their life for this to happen!" False religious teachings bring guilt and condemnation, bondage, and finger-pointing judgments. Someone has to be blamed. Sometimes it is God who is blamed for either causing it or allowing it to happen. If not God, then what sin did they commit that brought this on?
As we approach the mark of beginning for a new year, I am proclaiming: Jesus Is Lord Over 2025! I am proclaiming it for my own life, Capps Ministries, our nation, and FOR YOU. Won't you join with me in making that proclamation? Our words are powerful in our own lives and corporately they are even more powerful as we join in unity of the Spirit. Colossians 2:9-10 tells us "…in Him you are made complete, and He is the Lord of all princes and rulers." (Weymouth translation)
What is the "Prayer of Faith"? One of the easiest ways to define something is to discover what it is NOT. The opposite of the prayer of faith is a prayer of unbelief. Why would someone even bother to pray a prayer of unbelief? Usually a person thinks the act of prayer or repetition of prayer and begging God will finally change His mind or get Him to give in. Jesus said in Matthew 6:7, "And when praying, do not use needless repetitions as the Gentiles do, for they expect to be listened to because of their multitude of words."
There is widespread fear and anxiety on the earth today as we are in a once in a thousand-year change of the ages. We are in a time period where there is a shift and a change of great contrast. On the one hand, darkness and deception has increased bringing the world to a time of crisis. On the other hand, we are only short years away from the Millennial Reign of Christ here on earth, when the lamb and the lion will lie down together peacefully. Before that happens, there will be great trouble and great triumph.
Turn Your Health Around! Does it sound impossible? Are you facing a negative diagnosis from your doctor? Or even a devastating diagnosis? Maybe your body is the one that is giving you a bad report!? James, the half-brother of Jesus had great insight into the source of many of our problems. He says: "Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.
I receive letters and e-mails fairly often from people who are confused about "praying more than once about the same thing." Sometimes they think that if they confess the Word more than once, the second time is in doubt or unbelief. Prayer and confession of the Word are two different things. Prayer is simply talking to God and talking to God can be for many different purposes. You can talk to God simply to fellowship with Him and not ask anything. You can praise Him for the blessings in your life and all He has done. You can worship Him because of Who He is – holy and worthy of our reverence.
Follow Up
