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The Blessing of Godly Offspring

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:27-28 NKJV

Of the five commands God gave man before the fall – a) be fruitful; b) multiply; c) replenish the earth; d) exercise dominion and do not give it to another; e) do not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil – the first three all have to do with reproducing and bearing children. God is the One who instituted marriage and a stable, healthy marriage creates the best environment for raising children. It has been said that the best gift a father can give his children is to love their mother, because if a man makes a real commitment to his wife and his marriage, at the same time, he is also making a commitment to his children. This is a God-given responsibility that we should take very seriously.

And this you do with double guilt; you cover the altar of the Lord with tears [shed by your unoffending wives, divorced by you that you might take heathen wives], and with [your own] weeping and crying out because the Lord does not regard your offering any more or accept it with favor at your hand. 14 Yet you ask, Why does He reject it? Because the Lord was witness [to the covenant made at your marriage] between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously and to whom you were faithless. Yet she is your companion and the wife of your covenant [made by your marriage vows]. 15 And did not God make [you and your wife] one [flesh]? Did not One make you and preserve your spirit alive? And why [did God make you two] one? Because He sought a godly offspring [from your union]. Therefore take heed to yourselves, and let no one deal treacherously and be faithless to the wife of his youth. 16 For the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I hate divorce and marital separation and him who covers his garment [his wife] with violence. Therefore keep a watch upon your spirit [that it may be controlled by My Spirit], that you deal not treacherously and faithlessly [with your marriage mate]. Malachi 2:13-16 AMP

In this passage, God again puts the responsibility on the husbands to treat their wives honorably and not to abandon them for other women. It is not acceptable before God, for a man to selfishly use women for his own sexual gratification – whether before marriage or during his marriage. It is not acceptable for a husband to cheat on his wife. It is not acceptable for a husband to dump one wife for another, simply because he isn’t getting what he wants – or because a better model comes along. Wives are not like cars or houses – you don’t get rid of the one you have so you can have another better, younger, prettier model! It is the man’s responsibility to please his wife and spend his life doing that. If men took this commitment seriously, I’m sure they would be much more careful, and prayerful in their selection of a marriage mate!

Marriage is not just a formality sealed with a signature on a piece of paper. It is not a disposable institution. Marriage is a covenant promise witnessed by God, Himself. Right here, God tells us why He made the two – husband and wife – one flesh. He did it because He sought godly offspring from their union! For the sake of our future offspring, we should count the cost before we say, “I do”, and when we do say, “I do”, we need to commit to the marriage and also commit to live a godly life, so that we can raise godly offspring, according to the purpose and plan of God for our lives. The rewards of fidelity are a strong marriage and healthy, happy children!

Drink waters out of your own cistern [of a pure marriage relationship], and fresh running waters out of your own well. 16 Should your offspring be dispersed abroad as water brooks in the streets? 17 [Confine yourself to your own wife] let your children be for you alone, and not the children of strangers with you. 18 Let your fountain [of human life] be blessed [with the rewards of fidelity], and rejoice in the wife of your youth. Proverbs 5:15-18 AMP

God has a plan for good – for hope and a future for you. The devil also has a plan – to destroy lives – and many people sadly find themselves experiencing much less than God’s best in their marriage and family. Many homes are broken and split apart and can’t be repaired, and it is the children who suffer the most. Because most people today do not exercise sexual restraint, there are many children who are born into single parent households. This makes them more vulnerable to poverty, neglect and abuse than children from intact families, living with their own biological parents. Some children are disadvantaged because a parent has died, but so many more are vulnerable because of poor or selfish choices their parents have made. Children are born into single parent homes for many reasons – by a planned or an unplanned pregnancy, or because the father is irresponsible, abusive or neglectful, or simply because people are having sexual relations with people whom they don’t love or who don’t love or care about them. The ones who suffer are the children. It’s time to stop all selfish behavior and for parents – or potential parents – to think about the consequences of their actions and to make responsible, unselfish choices. We are not evolved animals who follow their animal instincts – we are made in the image of God and are fully capable of conquering our fleshly desires and walking a pure, godly life!

God places the solitary in families and gives the desolate a home in which to dwell; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a parched land. Psalms 68:6 AMP

There is good news! No matter what our situation or how we got there, thank God, He has promised to be both Husband and Father to us and to meet every need we might have. If we humble ourselves and look to Him and trust in Him, He will restore us and protect and provide for us and bless our families.

Walking in Newness of Life

Foundation Scriptures:
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  Romans 6:4 KJV

1. A New Creation.
If you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead, and if with your mouth you confess Him as Lord, you are saved (Romans 10:9-10).
The moment you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you become a new creature – a new creation.
Not only are your sins forgiven, but He gives you a brand new heart.
Colossians 1:13 KJV – “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”
You are translated out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light.
He gives you a new identity.
You are no longer who the world, the devil, or your past says you are.
You are who Jesus says you are!

2. Identify With Christ.
See yourself as He sees you.
Begin to see yourself through the eyes of God‘s Word.
Begin to speak life and faith over yourself.
Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV – “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”
WE have the choice of death or life.
God’s choice for us is life – the devil’s choice is death.
The enemy is a thief – killing, stealing and destroying.
Believers have a covenant with Almighty God and the devil has no more rights over us.
Jesus defeated the devil and we have to enforce his defeat in our own lives.
We need to activate God’s Word and His Promises by choosing life and speaking His Word and Promises over ourselves.
Proverbs 18:21 KJV – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

3. Speak Life.
Stop speaking death and start speaking life.
Speak God’s Word.
Romans 4:17 AMPC – “As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. [He was appointed our father] in the sight of God in Whom he believed, Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed.”
Almighty God created the universe, out of nothing, with His faith and by His words.
He speaks things into existence.
He calls those things that are not as though they were.
He called Abraham a ‘father of many nations’ even though it was impossible in the natural.
Abraham and Sarah became parents because they believed and received the words that the Lord spoke over them.
He expects us to follow His lead – if He speaks a thing (even if it looks impossible) it will come to pass.
We need to come into agreement with His Word and speak it over ourselves.
Speak life. Speak health. Speak blessings.

4. Calling Things Into Being.
Call things that are not, as if they are.
You cannot call things that are, as if they are not.
For instance: If you are sick, you can’t say, “I’m not sick,” because that would not be true.
You CAN say, “By His stripes, I’m healed!” (1 Peter 2:24)
God’s Kingdom operates on laws.
There are laws that govern natural things.
God’s Laws supersede natural laws – His Law is higher than natural law.
Apply His Word to every area of your life.
Start speaking His words over yourself.

Confession of Faith:
I am who Jesus says I am.
I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).
I have redemption through His blood, and forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7).
I give thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made me fit to share in the inheritance of the saints. He has translated me out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son (Colossians 1:12-13).
Through Jesus Christ, I have received abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. I reign in life, through Him (Romans 5:17).
God is rich in mercy. Because of His great love, He has quickened me – made me alive, given me His life – and has raised me up together with Christ. I am seated in heavenly places with Christ (Ephesians 2:4-6).
Because I am in Christ, there is no condemnation. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2).
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20).
Once, I was darkness. Now, I am light in the Lord. I walk as a child of the Light, as one native-born to the Light. Because of His Light in me, I walk in kindly goodness, uprightness of heart and trueness of life. Every day, I am learning more and more to please the Lord (Ephesians 5:8-10).
I am God’s own handiwork, His workmanship, recreated in Christ Jesus – born anew – that I may do those good works which He planned beforehand for me to do, that I should live the good life He prearranged and made ready for me to live (Ephesians 2:10).
I am His child. In Him I live and move and have my being (Acts 17:28).
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
Greater is He who is in me, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).
I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ – who loves me (Romans 8:37).
Jesus took my infirmities and bore my sicknesses (Matthew 8:17).
By His stripes I WAS healed; therefore I AM healed (1 Peter 2:24).
I give Jesus all the glory, because He is made unto me wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30-31).

The Stone the Builders Rejected

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This is from the Lord and is His doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. Psalms 118:22-23 AMP

Jesus asked them, Have you never read in the Scriptures: The very Stone which the builders rejected and threw away has become the Cornerstone; this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? 43 I tell you, for this reason the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce the fruits of it. 44 And whoever falls on this Stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom It falls will be crushed to powder [and It will winnow him, scattering him like dust]. Matthew 21:42-44 AMP

The cornerstone is the foundation for the building. Without it, there would be no building, for it would fall apart. Jesus is the Cornerstone of the Church. Indeed, He is the Cornerstone and the plumb-line of ALL of Creation!

Out of him [Judah] shall come forth the Cornerstone, out of him the tent peg, out of him the battle bow; every ruler shall proceed from him. Zechariah 10:4 AMP

And He shall be a sanctuary [a sacred and indestructible asylum to those who reverently fear and trust in Him]; but He shall be a Stone of stumbling and a Rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many among them shall stumble thereon; and they shall fall and be broken, and be snared and taken. Isaiah 8:14-15 AMP

The cornerstone is the guide or direction for the entire building. It is also the plumb-line. The cornerstone unites two walls at the corner of the building and binds the building together. Jesus said, “I will build My Church”. The Church is built on the foundation of Jesus and then upon the apostles and New Testament prophets. Jesus united Jews and Gentiles in the Church.

You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself the chief Cornerstone. 21 In Him the whole structure is joined (bound, welded) together harmoniously, and it continues to rise (grow, increase) into a holy temple in the Lord [a sanctuary dedicated, consecrated, and sacred to the presence of the Lord]. 22 In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you yourselves also are being built up [into this structure] with the rest, to form a fixed abode (dwelling place) of God in (by, through) the Spirit. Ephesians 2:20-22 AMP

This temple, the Body of Christ, is built on Jesus, the Cornerstone, and is “fitly framed together” (Ephesians4:16), so that every part accomplishes the purpose God has in mind.

Come to Him [then, to that] Living Stone which men tried and threw away, but which is chosen [and] precious in God’s sight. 5 [Come] and, like living stones, be yourselves built [into] a spiritual house, for a holy (dedicated, consecrated) priesthood, to offer up [those] spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For thus it stands in Scripture: Behold, I am laying in Zion a chosen (honored), precious chief Cornerstone, and he who believes in Him [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] shall never be disappointed or put to shame. 7 To you then who believe (who adhere to, trust in, and rely on Him) is the preciousness; but for those who disbelieve [it is true], The [very] Stone which the builders rejected has become the main Cornerstone, 8 And, A Stone that will cause stumbling and a Rock that will give [men] offense; they stumble because they disobey and disbelieve [God’s] Word, as those [who reject Him] were destined (appointed) to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God’s people; once you were unpitied, but now you are pitied and have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:4-10 AMP

The cornerstone was used as a base to make sure the other stones of the building were straight and level. In the same way, Jesus’ life and teaching is the church’s foundation. Jesus was the Chosen One – chosen to give His life and to save the world. He is the ONLY Way to the Father and the ONLY way to salvation. Those who receive God’s word and who believe in and receive Jesus enjoy the benefits, but those who reject Him and His word, have no hope. The “builders” were the Israelites, but they rejected Jesus. Instead of being their Rock, He became their stumbling black and rock of offence. They stumbled because they were disobedient and disbelieving. There are still those who stumble over Jesus because of disobedience and unbelief.

Whereas Israel, though ever in pursuit of a law [for the securing] of righteousness (right standing with God), actually did not succeed in fulfilling the Law. 32 For what reason? Because [they pursued it] not through faith, relying [instead] on the merit of their works [they did not depend on faith but on what they could do]. They have stumbled over the Stumbling Stone. 33 As it is written, Behold I am laying in Zion a Stone that will make men stumble, a Rock that will make them fall; but he who believes in Him [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] shall not be put to shame nor be disappointed in his expectations. Romans 9:31-33 AMP

Israel stumbled over Jesus, the Cornerstone, because they tried to achieve righteousness with God through works, rather than through faith. There is salvation through only one Name – the Name of Jesus! Jesus must become your Cornerstone!

This [Jesus] is the Stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which has become the Head of the corner [the Cornerstone]. 12 And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved. Acts 4:11-12 AMP

God leaves me in awe of his greatness – Rodney Howard Browne

Worship Soundtracks from RMIRiverSong on Vimeo.

Once again, God leaves me in awe of his greatness. This week like always is another supernatural week.  I answered phones for 2 nights this week in the call center. Wow that is awesome! So many people calling! So many calling to get filled with the Holy Ghost and FIRE!  They want more of Jesus or they want Jesus. People getting healed and set free. Thank you Jesus!  One testimony from a caller about her son really touched my heart. She said her son (named the same as my oldest son) was in a car accident 18 years ago and they called her and said he was in the hospital and that she didn’t have to hurry he would already be dead. Wow, how horrible! But she said she thanked God all the way there for her son and she heard God speak to her, scripture. She arrived and he was still alive and today he still lives with her. He’s 38 now with severe brain damage and he always say’s he seen Jesus and he sent him back here. I had great compassion for this lady and her son. I prayed for her salvation and healing for her son. I believe he’s healed and going to lead millions to Jesus. Three days before this call I had a huge fight with my oldest son. What he did was totally inspired by the devil and I was mad. I forgave him but I was hurt. This call made me realize how quickly we can take for granted the precious child God has given to us, even to be mad one hour is too long, even a minute. While I may always be thankful for my children I won’t ever stop thanking him while going through a storm. –Mary H.

THIRTY THINGS THAT GRACE CANNOT DO – PART X

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

27. Grace cannot encourage anarchy in God’s government.

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Genesis 2:16-17 NKJV

If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken it. Isaiah 1:19-20 AMP

28. Grace cannot force God to be lenient with rebels.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NKJV

[Therefore beware] brethren, take care, lest there be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart [which refuses to cleave to, trust in, and rely on Him], leading you to turn away and desert or stand aloof from the living God. 13 But instead warn (admonish, urge, and encourage) one another every day, as long as it is called Today, that none of you may be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [by the fraudulence, the stratagem, the trickery which the delusive glamor of his sin may play on him]. Hebrews3:12-13 AMP

29. Grace cannot give any man a pardon that guarantees him salvation and eternal life regardless of how he lives in sin and rebellion.

What shall we say [to all this]? Are we to remain in sin in order that God’s grace (favor and mercy) may multiply and overflow? 2 Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer? Romans 6:1-2 AMP

[Live] as free people, [yet] without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but [live at all times] as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16 AMP

Yet now, if You will forgive their sin — but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” 33 And the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book. Exodus 32:32-33 NKJV

Add iniquity to their iniquity, And let them not come into Your righteousness. 28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, And not be written with the righteous. Psalms 69:27-28 NKJV

He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. Revelation 3:5 NKJV

And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15 NKJV

But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Revelation 21:27 NKJV

30. Grace cannot ever forgive, redeem, or pardon the devil and demons.

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. 7 Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. 9 They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. 10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:1-15 NKJV

God Watches Over His Word to Perform It

No spoken word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment. If God speaks something it WILL come to pass.

For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment. Luke 1:37 AMP

God, Himself, stands over and watches over His own Word, making sure it is fulfilled.

Jeremiah 1:12 AMP says, “Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.”
The KJV says, “For I will hasten my word to perform it.”
The NKJV says, “For I am ready to perform My word.”
The NIV says, “For I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”
The ERV says, “I am watching to make sure that my message to you comes true.”

God’s Word accomplishes that which He pleases and purposes and it prospers in the thing for which He sent it.

Seek, inquire for, and require the Lord while He may be found [claiming Him by necessity and by right]; call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have love, pity, and mercy for him, and to our God, for He will multiply to him His abundant pardon. 8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:6-11 AMP

The rain and snow come down and water the earth and cause the seeds to sprout and grow up and produce fruit. In the same way, God’s Word goes forth and produces good fruit. God’s Word always produces a result – not just any result, but the exact result that God had for it. God’s Word never returns to Him void – useless or without producing any effect – but it accomplishes that which He pleases and purposes and it prospers in the thing for which He sent it! Isaiah 55:11 NIV says, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” The ERV says, “In the same way, my words leave my mouth, and they don’t come back without results. My words make the things happen that I want to happen. They succeed in doing what I send them to do.”

The word of our God will stand and endure forever.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8 AMP

For all flesh (mankind) is like grass, and all its glory (honor) like [the] flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower drops off, 25 But the Word of the Lord (divine instruction, the Gospel) endures forever. And this Word is the good news which was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:24-25 AMP

The sum of Your word is truth [the total of the full meaning of all Your individual precepts]; and every one of Your righteous decrees endures forever. Psalms 119:160 AMP

God’s Word will never pass away.

For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Matthew 5:18 NKJV

God is dependable and faithful to His Word.

So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word. Hebrews 10:23 AMP

The Word of God is tested, tried and proven.

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried. He is a Shield to all those who trust and take refuge in Him. 2 Samuel 22:31 AMP

As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him. Psalms 18:30 AMP

Every word of God is tried and purified; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him. Proverbs 30:5 AMP

God keeps His Word even if men don’t keep theirs. God’s Word is true and will come to pass no matter what people do, say or believe.

What if some did not believe and were without faith? Does their lack of faith and their faithlessness nullify and make ineffective and void the faithfulness of God and His fidelity [to His Word]? 4 By no means! Let God be found true though every human being is false and a liar, as it is written, That You may be justified and shown to be upright in what You say, and prevail when You are judged [by sinful men]. Romans 3:3-4 AMP

If we are faithless [do not believe and are untrue to Him], He remains true (faithful to His Word and His righteous character), for He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:13 AMP

God’s Word WILL work for YOU if you will believe it.

And we also [especially] thank God continually for this, that when you received the message of God [which you heard] from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men, but as it truly is, the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it]. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 AMP

[For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, So [numberless] shall your descendants be. 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah’s [deadened] womb. 20 No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, 21 Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised. Romans 4:18-21 AMP

MARY’S SONG

And it occurred that when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit. 42 And she cried out with a loud cry, and then exclaimed, Blessed (favored of God) above all other women are you! And blessed (favored of God) is the Fruit of your womb! 43 And how [have I deserved that this honor should] be granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, the instant the sound of your salutation reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed (happy, to be envied) is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her from the Lord. Luke 1:41-45 AMP

The moment Elizabeth saw Mary, her baby (John) leaped in her womb and she knew that Mary was carrying the Messiah in her womb. She called Jesus, her Lord.

And Mary said, My soul magnifies and extols the Lord, 47 And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46-47 AMP

This prophetic song of Mary is referred to as the Magnificat, which is the first word in the Latin translation of this passage. Mary glorified God for what He was going to do for the world through her, just like Hannah, the mother of Samuel did in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. In both songs, as the Holy Spirit prophesies through each of these two women, God is magnified as a champion of the poor, the oppressed, and the despised. Mary calls God her Savior. Mary, like any other person on earth, needed God as Savior. She was not holy and perfect – she was an ordinary girl – but because she was willing and obedient, God was able to use her to bring forth the Savior of all mankind – and now we call her blessed, just as she said.

For He has looked upon the low station and humiliation of His handmaiden. For behold, from now on all generations [of all ages] will call me blessed and declare me happy and to be envied! 49 For He Who is almighty has done great things for me — and holy is His name [to be venerated in His purity, majesty and glory]! Luke 1:48-49 AMP

Mary celebrates how good God has been to her – not because she deserved it – but because of His goodness. We can only really understand what grace is when we are humble enough to realize that we have not deserved what God has given us. Mary was not being proud when she said, “From now on all generations will call me blessed.” She was recognizing and accepting the gift God had given her. When God calls you, realize that you CAN fulfill His plans for your life, with HIS help. Firstly, you should not say, “No.” Secondly, you should do it, acknowledging that you cannot do it without Him. Pride is refusing to accept God’s gifts and call or taking credit for what God has done. Humility is accepting God’s gifts and using them to serve and bring praise to Him. Do not deny your gifts, or belittle, or ignore them. Thank God for them and use them to His glory.

And His mercy (His compassion and kindness toward the miserable and afflicted) is on those who fear Him with godly reverence, from generation to generation and age to age. Luke 1:50 AMP

God always keeps His promises. Mary praises God because the promises of the Old Testament are finally coming to pass. He has always kept His promises in the past and He will continue to keep the promises that He has made, to subsequent generations.

But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children’s children. Psalms 103:17 AMP

He has shown strength and made might with His arm; He has scattered the proud and haughty in and by the imagination and purpose and designs of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of low degree. 53 He has filled and satisfied the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty-handed [without a gift]. 54 He has laid hold on His servant Israel [to help him, to espouse his cause], in remembrance of His mercy, 55 Even as He promised to our forefathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever. Luke 1:41-55 AMP

Mary declares that God will turn everything around. He will deal with the proud, the rulers and the rich – He will scatter them and humble them – they will have to acknowledge that He is King. On the other hand, He will exalt the humble and lift up those of low degree. He will fill and satisfy the hungry with good things. At long last, justice is going to be done.

God kept his promise to Abraham to be merciful to God’s people forever. Christ’s birth fulfilled the promise, and Mary knew and understood this.

In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies, 18 And in your Seed [Christ] shall all the nations of the earth be blessed and [by Him] bless themselves, because you have heard and obeyed My voice. Genesis 22:17-18 AMP

You will show Your faithfulness and perform the sure promise to Jacob and loving-kindness and mercy to Abraham, as You have sworn to our fathers from the days of old. Micah 7:20 AMP

Thank God, for Mary, a young, humble girl, who knew her God and trusted His word. She trusted the words she read in the written Word of God and she trusted the words He spoke personally to her. Because of her implicit faith and her surrender to the will of God for her life, she has a place in history as the mother of our Lord Jesus and a woman of great faith and worthy of our respect.

The Value of a Mother

Now the Lord God said, It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him. Genesis 2:18 AMP

And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam; and while he slept, He took one of his ribs or a part of his side and closed up the [place with] flesh. 22 And the rib or part of his side which the Lord God had taken from the man He built up and made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. 23 Then Adam said, This [creature] is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of a man. 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall become united and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not embarrassed or ashamed in each other’s presence. Genesis 2:21-25 AMP

God’s plan for man was never for him to be alone. So he created woman, from his side, and made them come together as one.

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:27-28 NKJV

That particular union, which can only naturally take place between a male and a female, produces life. So God instituted the family as the first institution.

And did not God make [you and your wife] one [flesh]? Did not One make you and preserve your spirit alive? And why [did God make you two] one? Because He sought a godly offspring [from your union]. Therefore take heed to yourselves, and let no one deal treacherously and be faithless to the wife of his youth. Malachi 2:15 AMP

The family consists first of a father and a mother. God instituted the covenant of marriage to produce godly offspring. Parents’ responsibilities are not just to make babies out and leave them for others to raise; but rather to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In the 21st century that we live in, the family structure has been broken down and destroyed through sin and selfishness; through divorce, infidelity, abortion, same-sex marriage, etc. The breakup of the family has been championed by Hollywood through film, television, sitcoms, soap operas, and the lifestyles of the Hollywood stars, thus destroying the institution God created. The only way back, is through the pages of God’s Holy Word: the father as the head of the home; the mother, the helpmeet – together raising their children.

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10 NKJV

Since this is Mother’s Day, we want to acknowledge our mothers and all they do for us. We can’t even imagine what it would be like without our mothers. God specially anointed mothers to give that tender loving care and nurturing that is so important for their children’s physical and emotional health. The love of a mother for her child transcends everything, because she not only conceived, but carried that child in her womb for nine months, went through major alterations in her physique in preparation for the arrival of this new life and then after the ultimate experience of giving birth, she is the one to hold and nurse the baby at her breast. The bond between the mother and her baby is one of the strongest and deepest bonds that there is in human relationships.

She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. 15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.
Proverbs 31:13-15 NKJV

She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. Proverbs 31:17-18 NKJV

Many woman, today, work outside the home whether by choice or necessity; however, the greatest role a woman can fulfill is that of a Wife and Mother, just as the greatest role a man can fulfill, over and above all else that he does, is that of a Husband and Father. There is nothing like the unconditional love of a mother – the ability to selflessly care for, nurture, educate, and raise her young ones, even as she works, cooks, cleans, and creates. While most people work 9 to 5, a mother’s work is never done. She is up late in preparation for the day ahead and she’s up early with a head start on the day.

Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:25-27 NKJV

On this Mother’s Day, we salute and acknowledge all mothers who unselfishly and sacrificially have given of themselves to their family. You are loved and appreciated.

Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:28-31 NKJV

A Prayer for mothers:
Father, in Jesus’ name, we pray a special blessing on mothers today. Pour on them the oil of joy from heaven. Strengthen them and flood their hearts with your love.

EFFECTIVE PRAYER

 

  1. Rodney Howard Browne shows to Pray at all times.
    • There are many things God has equipped us with, to effectively run our race. One of them is prayer.
    • Pray at all times—on every occasion, in every season. Seasons change—pray in every season and don’t stop praying.
    • Pray with all manner of prayer and entreaty. Different prayers for different situations.
    • To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance. The enemy won’t give you a break—don’t give him one. Pray with strong purpose and perseverance. Weak, faithless prayers are not answered.
    • Intercede—stand in the gap—in behalf of all the saints.
    • Intercede means: to plead on another’s behalf; to act or interpose on behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition; to act as mediator in a dispute; to attempt to reconcile differences between two people or groups.
    • 1 Corinthians 14:15 – Pray in your earthly language; pray in your heavenly language.
  2. Rodney Howard Browne encourages us to Pray in the Spirit.
    • Romans 8:26-27 NKJV – Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
    • We pray in the Spirit when we don’t know what to pray.
    • When we pray in the Spirit, we are praying the perfect will of God; therefore it is very important to pray in the Spirit even if you think you know what to pray.
    • As you pray in the Spirit, you grow in sensitivity to the voice of the Spirit, and He will lead you and prompt you even as you pray in your earthly language as to what to pray.
  3. Rodney Howard Browne shows us that we have Confidence in prayer.
    • 1 John 5:14-15 AMP – And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. 15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.  
    • If God hears us, He will answer us.
    • How can we be sure that He hears us?
    • If we ask the Father for anything according to His will, we know that He hears us. You can be confident that you are heard and that the answer is on the way.
  4. Pray to the Father in the Name of Jesus.
    • Under the Old Covenant, people knew God as God, but Jesus showed us an added dimension of Him as a loving, heavenly Father.
    • If you are a born-again, blood-washed believer, then God is your Father. John 16:23-28—Ask Me nothing—ask the Father in my Name.
    • John 14:13-14 NKJV – And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
    • We don’t ask Jesus for anything.
    • We ask the Father in the Name of Jesus. We ask according to His will as revealed in His Word.
    • Our joy is full because He answers our prayers.
    • Jesus said, “Don’t keep asking Me. The Father Himself loves you directly.”
  5. Jesus our High Priest.
    • Under the Old Covenant, men came to God through a priest and heard from God through the prophet. Under the New Covenant, Jesus is our High Priest.
    • Hebrews 4:14-16 – Come boldly to the throne of grace. 
    • Because Jesus loves us, because He totally understands what we face, because He took our place, we can now come to God, based on what Jesus has done, and boldly ask for help in the Name of Jesus.
    • People who are timid before God do not have a revelation of how much He loves us and what He has done for us.
  6. Effective prayer.
    • James 5:16 KJV – The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. NKJV – The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. AMP – The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. 
    • There are three things at work here. A righteous man; praying fervently; expecting an answer. The result is powerful, dynamic and effective!
    • Fervent prayer. Fervent means: having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm, etc.; having or showing great emotion or zeal; ardent; extremely hot; burning; glowing.
  7. Righteousness and answered prayer.
    • 1 Peter 3:8-12 – For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their prayers.
    • Righteous in heart and motive, righteous in word and righteous in action.
    • Love God and your neighbor; do good, not evil; clean up your mouth; pursue peace.
    • God’s eyes are on the righteous—He is constantly watching over you.
    • His ears are tuned in to your voice and He hears your prayers. Remember, if He hears, He answers.
    • Commit to righteousness, because you are called to inherit a blessing!

God’s Will

 

Rodney Howard Browne teaches us to look at our lives. How frequently have you prayed and prayed for direction, only to hear nothing in reply? When we find ourselves not able to hear God’s voice, we must take an in depth look at our lives to find the source of problem.

First, your own self-will could be getting in the way of God’s will for your life. If you decide up front what you believe should occur, you could be telling God with your actions that you don’t need His input. 2nd , the negative influences of folks may be drawing you away from God’s plan. Just like Job, we must be careful of apparently well intentioned, yet horribly badly judged, buddies who offer uncommitted recommendation. Third, unconfessed sin in your life might be toughening your heart to the point of non secular hearing loss. Is there anything standing between you and God today that must be removed? 4th , easy doubt can seep into a follower’s life and starve his religion to the point of ineffectiveness.

We must believe that God can and will show us His plans for our lives. 5th , busyness is an example of the most threatening enemies of non secular expansion. Are you too busy to spend a quiet moment with the Lord? You can’t expect to hear Him if you do not take some time to listen. Rodney Howard Browne teaches us to get rid of obstacles. God does not keep His will a secret. It isn’t His goal for His children to leap thru hoops to find Him. Nor does He desire His supporters to go thru life aimlessly. If needless or deadly obstacles obstruct your walk with the Lord, remove them today and get back in step with Him.