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

God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth. 27 So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth. Genesis 1:26-28 AMP

Almighty God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – Creator of heaven and earth, created man in His image and likeness. He created them male and female. Both the male and the female, together, are created in the likeness of God. There is not one who is inferior to the other, but rather, they are complementary to one another.

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. 19 And out of the ground the Lord God formed every [wild] beast and living creature of the field and every bird of the air and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them; and whatever Adam called every living creature, that was its name. 20 And Adam gave names to all the livestock and to the birds of the air and to every [wild] beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found a helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him. 21 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 2:18-25 AMP

God first created one being, called Adam. But He said, “It is not good, satisfactory, or acceptable that the man should be alone. I will make him a helper – a mate – who is suitable, adapted and complementary for him.” He made Adam fall into a deep sleep and out of his rib – his side – he formed Eve. The Hebrew word, used to describe how God created Eve is different from the word used to describe how He created Adam. It literally means “built” or “skillfully formed”. God skillfully formed a mate for Adam, who would be specially adapted to him and complementary to him in every way. Eve was especially and specifically designed to be Adam’s complementary opposite – his counterpart. She would be suitable for him, intellectually, morally, and physically. He needed her; he could not do without her. Indeed, without her, he did not only lack companionship, but it would be impossible for him to be fruitful, or multiply, or replenish the earth!

Adam said, “This woman is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.” God took some things out of Adam and put them in Eve; He left some things in Adam that He didn’t put in Eve. They need each other. God created them to desire each other – to desire the oneness of their unity. Woman is said not to have been taken out of man’s head to be lorded over by him, nor from his feet to be trampled on by him, but from his side to be equal with him, from under his arm to be protected by him, and from near his heart to be loved by him. This is God’s plan for a husband and wife!

He replied, Have you never read that He Who made them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be united firmly (joined inseparably) to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder (separate). Matthew 19:4-6 AMP

But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. 7 For this reason a man shall leave [behind] his father and his mother and be joined to his wife and cleave closely to her permanently, 8 And the two shall become one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has united (joined together), let not man separate or divide.
Mark 10:6-9 AMP

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. Ephesians 5:31 AMP

God gave marriage as a special gift to Adam and Eve – they were created perfectly and complementary for each other. God ordained marriage – marriage is not a man-made thing – it was not brought about by culture, neither is it just for convenience. Marriage was instituted by God and involves three basic aspects: (1) the man leaves his parents and, publicly promises himself to his wife; (2) husband and wife are joined together by their commitment to each other – by taking responsibility for each other’s welfare and loving their mate above all others; (3) the two become one flesh in the intimacy and commitment of the sexual union that is reserved for marriage. Strong, healthy marriages include all three of these aspects.

Throughout the Bible, God treats this special partnership very seriously and if we are married, or plan to marry, then we should as well. Marriage requires commitment – are you willing to make that commitment that makes the two of you one? The goal in marriage should be much more than friendship; the goal of marriage should be oneness.

“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

And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. Genesis 2:23-25 NKJV

Marriage is God’s idea. God gave one woman to one man and instructed them to have children – to be fruitful and multiply. There is only one natural way to produce children – a man and a woman becoming “one flesh” in an intimate, sexual union. Many people have the mistaken idea that there is something sinful about the sexual union, even within a marriage union. This is totally false. Adam and Eve were naked and not ashamed. Where there is no sin, there is no shame either. There is nothing sinful or shameful about the sexual union of a husband and wife, who are committed and faithful only to each other. God has reserved this privilege for marriage and when we understand this and show our respect for His laws, we will reap the blessing of it. There is nothing better than loving and being truly loved by that one special, fully committed person!

Hebrews 13:4 KJV says, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” The AMP says, “Let marriage be held in honor (esteemed worthy, precious, of great price, and especially dear) in all things. And thus let the marriage bed be undefiled (kept undishonored); for God will judge and punish the unchaste [all guilty of sexual vice] and adulterous.” And The Message Bible says, “Honor marriage, and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband. God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex.”

Marriage is good and honorable and so is the marriage bed. However, God will judge those who have casual and illicit sex outside of marriage. Sex is reserved for marriage, because within the marriage union, it is a blessing to both partners. Inside a loving, committed marriage, it brings peace, joy and fulfillment. Outside of marriage it brings devastation to all concerned – spirit, soul and body.

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. 19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant doe [tender, gentle, attractive] — let her bosom satisfy you at all times, and always be transported with delight in her love. 20 Why should you, my son, be infatuated with a loose woman, embrace the bosom of an outsider, and go astray? 21 For the ways of man are directly before the eyes of the Lord, and He [Who would have us live soberly, chastely, and godly] carefully weighs all man’s goings. Proverbs 5:15-21 AMP

The only way for a man to avoid having many children – dispersed abroad as water brooks in the streets – with many different women, is to keep himself for the one woman he will marry and commit himself to. It is important that you are faithful to your marriage mate both before and during your marriage! In order to grow up into emotionally healthy adults, children need to have a healthy relationship with both their father and their mother. Children need parents who are fully involved in their lives. If a man irresponsibly sows his seed all over town, with no regard as to the consequences, those children will grow up without their father’s love and protection. God requires that men take full responsibility for their offspring and not pile it all on the mother alone. The only sure-fire way to prevent pregnancy outside of marriage is to keep oneself pure and to reserve sex for marriage alone.

The Bible says that the way for a man to be truly happy in his marriage, is for him to commit to love his wife and to keep his eyes only on her and himself only for her. A wise man will do what it takes to keep his love for his wife alive through their entire marriage – till death parts them. Love is not merely a feeling – it’s a committed decision! It is primarily the husband’s responsibility to keep the flames of romance alive in the marriage. Men – don’t panic! This is not an impossible task. It is not merely the grand romantic gestures that do the job. It is all the small, kind and thoughtful things you do on a daily basis that let your wife know how much you love and appreciate her, that keeps her interest in you alive and well.

But because of the temptation to impurity and to avoid immorality, let each [man] have his own wife and let each [woman] have her own husband. 3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights (goodwill, kindness, and what is due her as his wife), and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 For the wife does not have [exclusive] authority and control over her own body, but the husband [has his rights]; likewise also the husband does not have [exclusive] authority and control over his body, but the wife [has her rights]. 5 Do not refuse and deprive and defraud each other [of your due marital rights], except perhaps by mutual consent for a time, so that you may devote yourselves unhindered to prayer. But afterwards resume marital relations, lest Satan tempt you [to sin] through your lack of restraint of sexual desire. 1 Corinthians 7:2-5 AMP

The sexual union is instituted by God and should be respected and nurtured by the husband and the wife. It is not to be used as a reward or withheld as a punishment. It is an expression of love and consideration that each demonstrate to the other. Women especially need to make sure that they respect their husband’s need for this intimacy and regular physical contact and that they make themselves available to him. Husbands need to remember that it is easier for a wife to make herself available to her husband when he is kind and considerate and loving through the day and not only when he wants her favors. If you want a happy, long-lasting marriage, do not refuse or deprive or defraud each other of your due marital rights.

“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.

“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

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.

“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

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

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

2 Timothy 3:16-17  (NKJ)
16All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Reproof means: conviction of sin, punishment or refutation of error. Correction means: a straightening up again, a rectification or a reformation.

Instruction means: tutorage, education, training or disciplinary correction. It is translated in the KJV as chastening, chastisement, instruction or nurture.

The word of God is given to us to convict us (make us aware) of our sin. The word straightens us up, chastises, trains and corrects us. If we receive the word into our lives and hearts and if we allow it to do its work in us, we are wise and we will be even wiser. In other words it takes a measure of wisdom to have a heart open to instruction in the first place and as we allow the word into our hearts, it makes us even wiser. As you grow in God, you are continually learning from Him and being corrected and straightened up by Him.

Proverbs 10:17  (NKJ)
17He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray.

God’s instruction leads us into life and produces life. When we won’t hear God’s instruction, we go astray – we make mistakes, we make wrong decisions and we go in the wrong direction.

Proverbs 12:1  (KJV)
1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

Brutish basically means stupid. Part of the meaning of the Hebrew word, translated brutish is – to be consumed by fire. When people refuse God’s wisdom in their lives, they will end up in the Hot Place!  I don’t know about you – but I don’t want to be stupid or hot!  I think that I would rather receive God’s rebuke now, than His judgement later!

Proverbs 13:18  (NKJ)
18Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored.

Proverbs 15:5-6  (NKJ)
A fool despises his father’s instruction, but he who receives correction is prudent. 6In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but in the revenue of the wicked is trouble.

Proverbs 15:31-32  (NKJ)
31The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. 32He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.

Poverty, shame and trouble are the punishment of fools, who will not receive God’s instruction or the wise instruction and correction of their parents. Honor, wisdom, understanding and treasure are the reward of those who hear and obey God’s correction and instruction.

Proverbs 29:15  (NKJ)
15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

When we were children, our parent’s discipline and the spankings they administered controlled our flesh and carnal nature. As we grow up, we must allow the word of God to minister to us and thereby deal with the sin and foolishness in our carnal nature. We grow in wisdom as we allow the word to discipline and correct us.

Proverbs 17:10  (NKJ)
10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool.

It is a wise man or woman who will have a humble, teachable spirit and who will allow God’s word to reprove, correct and instruct them – even if it is painful to the flesh. A fool will not heed or obey God’s word. Not even a beating can straighten out a fool. Be a wise man/woman and receive God’s word as discipline and correction and instruction in your life and you will always be blessed in every area of your life.

Hebrews 12:11  (NKJ)
11Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

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

Mark 11:11-14  (NKJ)

11       And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.

12      Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry.

13      And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. And when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.

14      In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it.

Mark 11:20-24  (NKJ)

20      Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

21      And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.”

22      So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God.

23      “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says.

24      “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Jesus spoke to the fig tree, cursing it, as He passed by. The next day it was withered away. His disciples were amazed, but Jesus was not. Jesus was present when the world was created. It was created by and through Him. God spoke and the world came into being.

John 1:1-3 (NKJ) says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”  Hebrews 11:3 (NKJ) says, “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”

Jesus spoke to things and they did exactly what He commanded. He instructed us to do the same. He said that we must speak to objects in faith and they would obey. Jesus said that if we believe without doubting as we tell the mountain to move – that it would move.

Jesus spoke to the fever and it left Simon’s mother-in-law in Luke 4:38-39 (NKJ) “Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. But Simon’s wife’s mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them.”

Jesus rebuked the wind and spoke to the sea in Mark 4:36-40 (NKJ) “Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

No matter what situation you are facing – according to the Word of God – you must speak to it, in faith, and it must change. As long as you are obedient to the Word of God in every area of your life you can command every situation in your life to line up with the Word of God. Speak to your body – command it to be strengthened and to function as God created it to function. Speak to sickness and disease – command it to leave. Speak to your finances – command the blessing on your financial affairs.

Speak to the mountain!

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

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.  Colossians 1:9-14 NIV

Several things happened to you, at the same time, on the day that you repented of your sins, accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and were born-again. You were redeemed by the blood of Jesus and forgiven of your sins. You were made a saint of God and qualified by God to share in an inheritance in the kingdom of light, together with all the other saints. And on top of all that your Father has delivered you and drawn you to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness. Sin has no more dominion over you. The devil has no more authority over you. You have been delivered from the power and control of sin and the devil. So many Christians live below the standards that God has ordained for them because they are ignorant of His will and His plan for them. They have no idea what He has already done for them and in them.

Paul prayed that the Colossians would be filled with a full, deep and clear knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and a spiritual understanding. Many people think that God’s will is unknown, but if God wanted His will to be hidden then why does Paul pray for us all to know it? You can know the will of God. His will is His Word. The Spirit of God will instruct you and reveal God’s will for your life. As you walk worthy of the Lord you steadily grow and increase in the knowledge of God. You must live and conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Lord – fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things – bearing fruit in every good work.

You cannot please God if you yield to sin or the devil in any way. The tragedy is that it is the devil who harasses and torments Christians and then gets them to believe the lie that it is God’s will when all along God is telling them that He has delivered and saved them from all the devil’s power and authority. The devil’s influence over you ended on the day you were washed in the blood of Jesus.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:1-10 NKJ

The disobedient (sinners) are subject to the devil and his evil influence, but not the children of God. You were once in bondage to the devil, but now you have been saved by God’s grace and His great love and rich mercy. You are raised up and seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Live and walk worthy of His great love and the grace and mercy that He has lavishly poured out on you. Don’t treat His salvation as a weak, ineffective force. You are saved and redeemed from the darkness and all the power of the enemy. Walk as a child of the light. Walk free from sin and darkness and walk all over the devil. Don’t give him any place or any attention. Take authority over him and walk in the light of the fact that Jesus already defeated him. All you have to do is enforce his defeat by reminding him of what Jesus already did. Live in the light of God!