Revival is Coming, but God is Turning Over Stones First [feedly]

Revival is Coming, but God is Turning Over Stones First

Everywhere I have ministered over the past several months I've asked a simple question, "How many feel as if you have been in a significant and prolonged season of transition?" The response is always overwhelming. Nearly every hand in the church will shoot up attesting to the fact. No doubt many reading this could testify that you've been feeling transition as well.

I write because so many miss the fact that what they have been feeling individually is actually connected to what God is doing corporately in the body of Christ. Right now, there is a transition taking place between spiritual seasons.

God established seasons from the beginning of creation. Genesis 8:22 tells us that, "as long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." Just as it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual. Discerning the season and more importantly the transition of seasons is key if we are to be prepared for the next.

The Church is in a season of transition. God is presently at work breaking up the fallow ground. Fallow ground is land which was at one time plowed open, but has laid dormant for a season and has since hardened. This is a natural part of the process of letting the ground rest through the winter season. However when the farmer discerns that spring is on the way, he sets out once again to work the fallow ground with a plow, turning over the soil, breaking and preparing it to receive fresh seed to produce a harvest.

The Lord is placing His hands into the soil of our lives and the life of the Church to break up the fallow ground. Like a skilled farmer, He is tilling and turning the ground beneath our feet. This is the reason why we have felt so much turbulence and recognized that we are in a state of transition. It would be easy to personalize this season, believing that God is working in you and around you to move you else where. Though this may be the case for some, it is not for all. 

It is important to know where God has firmly planted you, that way you don't mistake a transition in season to be a transition in position. Stay where the Lord has called you. If you have not received a clear word from the Lord, stay true to the last word you heard.

The Lord is turning over the soil and uncovering stones. These stones are secret sins that were allowed to remain hidden for a season, but that time is coming to a close. Those that have not found a place of true repentance, God is bringing into the light. This is why many fallen leaders have been exposed in the last year.

God was silent for a season giving space for leaders to repent. However, because of His great love, He will not allow any of us to remain in a place of sin. It is a work of His grace to expose us to the light, regardless how humiliating it may be for the moment. His concern is our future destination, not our present discomfort.

God loves each of us and His Church too much to allow things to remain hidden. These things must be extracted if the Church is to be prepared for the next season. Do not miss your opportunity to get things right with the Lord and return to a place of holiness! If God has His finger on hidden sin in your heart, take it to Him so that He may deal with you in private before He must deal with you in public.

Allow the Holy Spirit to move through you. Follow the Psalmist David in his prayer, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24).

While removing the rocks, God is also uprooting weeds. The weeds are the seeds of the past the enemy has sown. Often, these are hurts, offenses and cares of life which choke and hinder fruit from fully flourishing. It's time to let go of what you've held onto. Your future is not in your past and you cannot carry these things into the next season. They will hinder your growth. Forgive others and embrace unity with those the Lord has placed you around.

Let Him complete His work of uncovering the rocks and uprooting the weeds. Let Him awaken the soil of your life and prepare it for what is next.

Transition is taking place. The winter season is coming to a close. Fresh spring rains are on the way. Times of refreshing and new life is quickly approaching. God is about to visit His Church in the coming days with an unprecedented outpouring for those willing to position themselves for it.

I have spoken with so many pastors who are saying they are personally feeling the draw to return to the prayer closet. Others are feeling that it's time to start making room for God to move in extended meetings. Each are confirming that there is a window opening in the heavens for revival. Don't miss the season!

Jesus charged the multitudes, "Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming'; and so it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, 'There will be hot weather'; and there is. Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?" (Luke 12:53-56).

The seasons are changing. Discern the transition and position yourself correctly in the midst of it. Surrender to that inward pull to come back to place of private prayer, devotion and holiness. Fall on your knees and experience the clarity of His voice and the sweetness of His presence. Pastors, call the church back to the altar of prayer. Position your people to seek the Lord while He may be found. He is ready to visit His church, if we will open the door!

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Daniel K. Norris is an evangelist who works alongside Steve Hill bringing the message of revival and repentance to the nations. Together they co-host a broadcast called From the Frontlines. Norris also hosts the Collision Youth Conference that is broadcast all over the world. He can be contacted at danielknorris.com.

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Churchgoing Men Would Appreciate Less Cleavage in Church Too

On Thursday, my editor and Christian sister Jennifer LeClaire wrote an opinion piece for Charisma titled, "Why Do So Many 'Born-Again, Spirit-Filled Women' Show off Cleavage in Church?" As many of you who read Charisma know, Jennifer's opinion pieces often garner a great deal of attention, and this one certainly wasn't any different.

As of early Friday afternoon, the column had gotten more than 15,000 hits and nearly 200 comments from our readers—some of them flattering and some of them not-so-flattering. Many have chastised Jennifer for being judgmental about what she said in the article.

If you know Jennifer and you know where her heart is, you wouldn't think that for a second. Jennifer is one of the most on-fire-for-God and tuned-into-the-Holy-Spirit people I've ever known. I know what she wrote came from the heart and was God-inspired.

I'm sure not many of you know me, as I've only been at Charisma for a year. But I'm going to follow up on Jennifer's article, and this time from a man's point of view.

Jennifer pointed out that she is "talking about so-called 'mature believers,' not lost souls or baby Christians [that] come into God's sanctuary on Sunday morning wearing clothes you might rather expect to see them wearing at a dance club on Saturday night." She wrote, "I'm talking about those who claim to be 'born-again, baptized, blood-bought' (even tongue-talking) members of the church!"

I've attended many churches where I have seen this. This is even an issue in my own church. I'm not quite sure what the rest of the women in the congregation think, but my wife is absolutely amazed when she sees women who are dressed as described above.

I can't pretend to think like a woman or know what is in their hearts. However, I will say this, and I'm going to be as transparent as I possibly can in this forum: I'm not sure that many women understand or even think about the consequences of the way they dress in church (or on the street, for that matter) as it pertains to the men of their congregation. I'm not sure that they understand that lust of the eyes is something we men struggle with every day, all the time.

We are bombarded every day with images of scantily dressed beautiful women every day in society from advertising in every possible medium. It's difficult to escape it, and society doesn't care because they're only trying to sell their products and make their companies more attractive to the consumer.

The last thing we need is to walk into church—a place where we have come to worship God freely and love Him with all of our hearts—and to have our attention diverted by the way some women are dressed. And not to mention if you happen to look at a women dressed that way and you're with your wife, how does that make her feel? You know she's thinking, "So, I guess that's attractive to you, and I'm not?"

I know exactly what a lot of you are going to say. I can hear it now: "Well, that's your problem. If you can't divert your eyes from a woman like that, then you have a big-time problem with your heart, and you don't really love your wife or God."

My retort to that would be: Any man who says he isn't at least slightly affected by a scantily dressed woman—as described by Jennifer in her article—is either a eunic, gay or someone who isn't telling the truth.

The problem isn't that we don't love our wives. I certainly do, and I know most men love their wives and wouldn't do anything in the world to hurt their feelings or self-esteem. And as Christians, we love God with all of our heart (at least I hope we do).

No, the problem is found in the fact that we are only human, and we're going to be tempted to at least look. Again, men, don't tell me that you don't.

And when we do look, we could find ourselves guilty of lust in our heart. Matthew 5:27-28 says, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

You never know what it could lead to. You look at the above-mentioned women and that image won't leave your mind. You go home and get on the Internet, and then who knows what can happen? Even mature Christian men can get sidetracked by lustful desires. James 1:14-15 says, "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."

At a recent meeting of my men's group at my home, we talked about this and how much of a problem it is and how much we struggle with it—and I'm talking about a group of guys who love Jesus and want to serve Him with all their heart. But we were all transparent, and we all want to be held accountable for our actions and what's in our hearts. If I've got a problem, then I want someone to tell me about it so I can go to God in prayer and fix it.

So, what is the solution? I believe it can be found in Romans 14:13, which says, "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way."

Mark 9:42 says, "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea." And then there's Luke 17:1, which states, "Then He said to the disciples, 'It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!'"

It's like drinking alcohol in front of an alcoholic or taking a man who has trouble with pornography or is struggling in his marriage out to lunch at Hooters. It simply shouldn't be done.

Women, I'm not demanding anything from you. What you do is certainly between you and God, and I realize that you're there to worship too. However, I am asking that you search your hearts. If anything I've said resonates with you and you realize that how you dress can cause a man—any man, even your pastor—to stumble, then please rethink your wardrobe before you walk out the door (not just on Sunday morning, either).

As someone who has struggled with the subject and knows many who have (again, transparency), we would appreciate a little more modesty.

Shawn A. Akers is an associate editor for Charisma Media.

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Why God Doesn't Do What You Think He Should

Maturity in Christ demands that we come to the place where we continue to trust God, even when His ways are difficult to understand.

Recently, a friend's letter arrived that reminded me of the importance of resting our hearts on what we know to be true about God, especially when faced with circumstances that lead us to question His will.

He wrote: "As a family, God has been speaking to us recently through the death of my youngest sister, Freda, on August 31. We have no details yet. She sailed on September 18 of last year. ... After 10 years' patient waiting for the way to open.

"Many of our friends in their letters of sympathy speak of God's mysterious ways, and I know there is an element of mystery. But I shrink from the suggestion that our Father has done anything which needs to be explained. What He has done is the best, because He has done it, and I pray that as a family we may not cast about for explanations of the mystery, but exult in the Holy Spirit, and say, 'I thank Thee, Father....Even so, Father.' It suggests a lack of confidence in Him if we find it necessary to try to understand all He does.

"Will it not bring Him greater joy to tell Him that we need no explanation because we know Him? But I doubt not there will be a fulfillment of John 12:24." —Rev. Frank Houghton (China Inland Mission).

We Need No Explanation

Our hearts rejoice in that word for so great a matter. It is, indeed, the only perfect word. But perhaps sometimes in an incomparably lesser trial, the tempter has disturbed us, persuading us to look for an explanation. We find ourselves saying, "I wonder why." Faith never wonders why.

Among our several hundred of all ages in the Dohnavur Fellowship family, who are being taught in the ways of prayer, there were many for whom this lesson was set when the answer to their prayers was turned to the contrary, just as they thought they had safely received it. For on a certain evening there was a special prayer for the healing touch for me. That night the pain was lulled, and natural sleep was given.

The blissfulness of the awakening next morning is still vivid and shining. I lay for a few minutes almost wondering if I were still on Earth. No night has been like that since. No sleep like that has come nor any such easeful wakening.

I knew something that morning of what it will be when He "shall look us out of pain."

All the dear household rejoiced. Down to the tiniest child who could understand there was gladness and thanksgiving. Had they not asked for healing by the touch of God? Was this not that? So they accepted it with a reverent and lovely joy.

But my nurse was careful in her joy, and nothing was done, no carelessness occurred that could account for what followed. The pain returned and increased. The nights were as they had been. And some did, I know, find it very confusing and very disappointing. For was there not prayer? Indeed there was.

The loving care of those who led the prayer of our fellowship had divided the day into watches; there was never an unprayed-for hour. But the bars closed down once more. Was it strange that to some, who have not known Him long, there was the trial of wondering Why?

Trust His Heart 

"I am learning never to be disappointed, but to praise," missionary Frederick Arnot of Central Africa wrote in his journal long ago. It was the word of peace to us then.

I think it must hurt the tender love of our Father when we press for reasons for His dealings with us, as though He were not love, as though not He but another chose our inheritance for us, and as though what He chose to allow could be less than the very best and dearest that Love Eternal had to give.

But on a day of more than a little trial, in His great compassion I was allowed to see—for as the ear is unsealed at times, so are the eyes opened—and I knew that the enemy had asked to be allowed to recover his power to oppress, and that leave had been granted to him, but within limits.

I was not shown what those limits were. I saw only the mercy that embraces us on every side. Was that moment of insight merely a pale reflection of an ancient familiar story? So some will understand it.

But the comfort that comes through such a moment never stays to argue about itself. It sinks deep into the heart and gives it rest.

Thereafter, not seeing, not hearing, not feeling, we walk by faith, finding our comfort not in the things seen or heard in that illuminated moment (though, indeed, that which was seen or heard does, with a sweetness peculiar to itself, continue to console), but in the Scriptures of truth: "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. ... And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God" (2 Tim. 1:12; Rom. 8:28, KJV).

With Him who assures us of this there is no variableness, neither shadow that is cast by turning. His word stands true. In that truth we abide satisfied.

And so I have come to this: our Lord is sovereign. He may heal, as He will, by an invisible touch or by blessing the means (His gifts) that are used.

He may "save the exhausted one," as Rotherham renders James 5:15, or sustain with words him that is weary, as He did St. Paul, and use those words for the succor of others (2 Cor. 12:9).

The Secrets of the Lord 

"But you are not St. Paul." I remember reading that in a book on healing, just after I had been given peace in acceptance of a certain "thorn in the flesh" (2 Cor. 12: 7). I had prayed more than three times that it might depart from me, but it had not departed.

"You are not St. Paul." It was true, of course, but it seemed too facile to be a true answer to this riddle of the universe.

And now, the more I study life as well as books, the more sure I am that there is a darkness folded round that riddle into whose heart of light we are not meant to see. Perhaps that light would be too bright for our eyes now.

I have known lovers of our Lord who in their spiritual youth were sure beyond a doubt that healing would always follow the prayer of faith and the anointing of oil in the name of the Lord. But those same dear lovers, in their beautiful maturity, passed through illness, unrelieved by any healing.

When I looked in wonder, remembering all that they had held and taught in other years, I found them utterly at rest. The secret of their Lord was with them. He had said to them, their own beloved Lord had said it, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14: 27). So their hearts were not troubled or afraid, and their song was always of the lovingkindness of the Lord. "As for God, His way is perfect" (Ps. 18:30), they said. "We need no explanation."

Today with this thought in mind I read the "Song of the Redeemed," the ninth song of St. John, heard after a door was opened in heaven: "Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints" (Rev. 15:3).

Some of us cannot enter fully into even earthly music until it has become familiar. Perhaps our various experiences here are means by which we may learn the heavenly melody to which such words are set, so that when we hear the harpers harping on the harps of God we shall catch the thread of that melody, and follow it through its harmonies, moving among them with confidence and gladness, as on familiar ground.

"As for God, His way is perfect." That is the substance of the words. And if His way be perfect, we need no explanation.

Read a companion devotional.

Amy Beatrice Carmichael (1867-1951) was a missionary and a prolific author of poetry and prose. She was born in Millisle, Northern Ireland, to Presbyterian parents, and from her youth was sensitive to the message of the gospel and the fate of those who did not know Christ.

In 1892, her application to the China Inland Mission was turned down because of concerns regarding her health. But in 1893, she was given the chance to serve briefly in Japan and Ceylon.

Finally, in October 1895, Amy arrived in India, where she would remain for the rest of her life. Her ministry, Dohnavur Fellowship, focused on rescuing children from threatening situations such as child marriage and temple prostitution. To those who became part of her family, Amy, who never married, became "Amma,"--a term derived from the Tamil word for mother.

In 1931, Amy suffered disabling injuries in a fall and never fully recovered. The final two decades of her life were spent confined to her quarters.

From her bed, she frequently wrote letters to her friends and staff. One collection of writings provided the content for her best-known book, Rose From Brier (Christian Literature Crusade).

Amy Carmichael died in 1951 and is buried on the grounds of the Dohnavur Fellowship. The ministry she began more than 100 years ago continues in operation.

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6 Vital Things to Pray Over Your Kids [feedly]

In today's world, all we have to do to be worried or afraid for our kids is wake up every morning! There is fear and doubt all around us.

Anyone can look at the condition of society or at the behavior of their children and be fearful. But God calls us and our kids to be salt and light in the earth (Matt. 5:13-14). We do not have the spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1:7).

So, how do we keep our kids surrounded with faith every day when things don't look so good? By saying what God says. By speaking His Word's of faith over them. If we go by what we see, it's easy to be afraid. But faith believes something it can't see yet—it goes by the promises of God!

In Romans 4:17, the Bible says that God calls those things which be not as though they were. I believe you and I can do that too—there is power in our words!

Think about it: What "be nots" exist in your child's life today? Do they "be not" obedient? Do they "be not" doing well in school or staying on track with God? If so, let's start calling those things as though they are, releasing our faith words over them as God has instructed us.

Speak the Word 

I don't know about you, but I can always use a "parenting refresher" when it comes to keeping my kids surrounded with faith. Here are six vital prayers that will help God's perfect will come to pass in the lives of your kids:

1) God has a good plan for my child (Jer. 29:11; Rom. 11:29). "Father, thank you for the wonderful, divinely ordered plan you have for my child's life. (He/she) has a divine destiny, and I proclaim that they are walking in it today. I declare that they are fulfilling God's plan for their life, and they have a bright future!"

2) The Holy Spirit is helping my kids (1 John 4:4; John 14:16, AMP). "The Greater One lives in my children today. He helps them, guides them, encourages them, protects them, and empowers them. He is greater than any plan or force of the enemy and causes my children to overcome in every situation of life."

3) I refuse to fear (2 Tim. 1:7; Mark 5:36). "Father, I refuse to be afraid about my children. I surround them with faith and with the love of God. I imagine them successful, happy, protected and healthy. Whenever I think of my children and their future, I have a sound mind. I picture them surrounded with God's power and protection."

4) Our family walks in love (1 Cor. 13:4-8; Eph. 5:1-2). "My relationship with my children is blessed; we walk in love with each other and enjoy each other as God intended. Love is free to reign in our household. We don't allow strife or division but declare that our home is filled with peace and harmony. Give us wisdom, Father, to bless and help each other."

5) Peace reigns in the heart and mind of my children (Is. 54:4; Col. 3:15). "My children are taught of the Lord, so they have God's peace upon them in every sense of the word—wholeness, completeness, nothing lacking, nothing lost. That peace guides them and keeps them. My children have great peace in their lives."

6) My children are diligent (Prov. 10:4; 2 Pet. 3:14). "My children are not lazy but good workers who persevere, even when it's hard. They stick with things and refuse to quit. They are steady, earnest and energetic. Because of that, they will not be poor but rich, according to God's Word."

As believers, we don't have to be afraid—we can have faith! We can live above the trials of this world when we keep our eyes on the Lord. As you pray these prayers over your kids, expect to see supernatural results!

Karen Jensen teaches "Parenting With a Purpose" seminars all over the world (www.karenjensen.org). She is an instructor at Rhema Bible Training College (www.rbtc.org) and the author of "Why God Why: What to Do When Life Doesn't Make Sense" published by Charisma House (www.WhyGodWhyBook.com). 

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Possess Your Spiritual Inheritance [feedly]

According to the Scriptures, only two of the Israelites who left Egypt went into the Promised Land. Among the 12 men Moses chose to spy out the land, 10 came back and gave a negative report about the giants who lived there, causing the people's hearts to melt in fear. But Joshua and Caleb declared the beauty of the land and that God would make the giants defenseless before them (Num. 14:9).

Because of the Israelites' unbelief, God let them wander in the desert until they died. Their children inherited the Promised Land they were meant to enter.

However, Caleb followed the Lord fully and, along with Joshua, inherited the Promised Land. His was a winning battle strategy—complete abandonment to God (Josh. 14:9-14).

Caleb's physical strength had not abated during the 40 years in the wilderness. God was with him and drove out the enemy, giving him his inheritance in Hebron, which had been the stronghold of the strongest giants in the land, the Anakim.

Inheriting your promised land also will require a winning strategy. It will mean following the Lord wholly and yielding to the Holy Spirit at every point at which your will, your thoughts and your desires differ from His divine purpose for your life.

The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in your spirit, filling you with the life of God and expressing that divine life through your soul—your mind, emotions and will. When God's will becomes your will, His thoughts your thoughts and His desires your desires, you can say with the apostle Paul, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20).

Who Is Possessing Your Land? 

In Joshua 12, there is a list of 31 kings the Israelites defeated after they entered the Promised Land. As they overcame these enemies of God, their lands were distributed among the tribes of Israel.

In a similar way, the old nature that clings to us seems to have as many "kings" as those who ruled in the land of Canaan. Our self-life does not die easily.

In his book Thirty-One Kings: Or Victory Over Self (Christian Publications), A.B. Simpson assigned a "face" of self for each one of the kings listed in Joshua 12 who was defeated by the Israelites. I am sure his list is not exhaustive. But I challenge you to ask the Holy Spirit to show you which of these kings are living in your "land": self-indulgence, self-seeking, self-complacency, self-glorying, self-confidence, self-consciousness, self-will, self-importance, self-depreciation, self-vindication, sensitiveness or touchiness, self-seeing, introspection, self-love, self-affections, selfish motives, selfish desires and selfish choices.

Add to this list the kings of selfish pleasures, selfish possessions, selfish fears and cares, selfish sorrows, selfish sacrifices and self-denial, selfish virtues and morality, self-righteousness, selfish sanctity, selfish charities, selfish Christian works, selfish prayers, selfish hopes and selfish life.

God promised the children of Israel a land flowing with milk and honey at the same time He told them about about their enemies (Ex. 3:8). He promised to give them a wonderful land in which to live and to drive out their enemies before them (Ex. 33:2).

For New Testament believers, the promised land is not a physical territory; it is a spiritual one. The promised land Jesus came to give us is characterized by freedom from the enemies in our self-life that war against our souls, robbing us of peace and prosperity.

Self-love is at the root of every form of the self-life. It is a heart centered upon itself, wherein every affection and power of our being is turned inward and self-ward.

Our life must be held not as a selfish possession but as a sacred trust. The apostle Paul understood this when he said, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21).

All God's promises can be yours as part of your promised land. But you must choose to overcome the enemies that try to keep you from inheriting it.

We Conquer Through Surrender 

God is faithful to exchange your sinful nature for His divine nature as you determine to bring the aspects of your self-life to the cross. In his book, A.B. Simpson wrote, "We must surrender ourselves so utterly that we can never own ourselves again. We must hand over self and all its rights in an eternal covenant, and give God the absolute right to own us, control us and possess us forever."

Christ has made it possible for you to lose your self-life entirely and enter into the freedom of eternal life as you become a partaker of His divine nature. The apostle Peter declared triumphantly, "His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Pet. 1:3-4).

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Possessing your spiritual inheritance involves the ability to live a holy life and receive impartation of the divine nature as you continually give yourself to God and come to truly know Him. He makes it possible for you to become a partaker of the divine nature, delivering you from the corruption of this generation.

As you study His Word and humbly seek Him, you will begin to think as He thinks; you will exchange your worldly thoughts for His kingdom thoughts. The Holy Spirit will cause the written Word to come alive to you. And Christ, who is the Word, will become your life. You will realize the reality of what the apostle Paul wrote: "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27).

In my book Placed in His Glory, I wrote, "The work of the Holy Spirit is to reveal the glory of Jesus in us. As long as we are in control, He can't be.

"The 'I' nature wants to rule, having my way and exercising my rights, never allowing the Holy Spirit to do what He came to do. If we take our 'I' to the cross, we can exchange it there for the I AM.

"Then the Holy Spirit moves into every area of our personality, and the veil of flesh begins to fall away. We begin to realize that we don't think as we used to think.

"The truth will dawn on us: 'These aren't my thoughts.' Then we understand Paul's injunction to 'Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus'" (Phil. 2:5).

The Holy Spirit begins to replace Adam's carnal mind with the mind of Christ so we can think as our Daddy thinks. Then He changes our rebellious wills as well.

As we keep surrendering to the Holy Spirit, He begins to take the Father's will and make it our will. As we yield to the Holy Spirit's work within us, we begin to walk with God and do the will of God.

Perhaps you will never fully grasp the wonder of redemption. But you can rejoice in it and experience the reality of the life of Christ in you—your promised land—as you abandon yourself to the Holy Spirit within you.

He has come to change you into the image of Christ, to cause this "treasure in earthen vessels" to shine forth, "that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us" (2 Cor. 4:7). And He made your victory possible (Col. 2:13-15).

Christ did it all for us. Why should we be defeated by enemies who seem too strong for us—anger, self-pity or pride? We must be very courageous to put off the old man and put on the new, as Paul admonished us: "Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and ... put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness" (Eph. 4:22-24).

Begin to declare victory. The righteous King has come. Receive His perfect love and banish the kings of self forever.

Read a companion devotional.

The late Fuchsia Pickett is the author of Possess Your Promised Land, published by Charisma House, from which this article is adapted.

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