Happy Father's Day!
Teaching Our Children to
by John Copeland
John Copeland with son Jonathan
Don’t Hang the Curtains‌
Hang I
Rod!
the
magine someone trying to hang curtains over a window without first putting up the curtain rod. It would be impossible, right? The guy would try to put up one set of curtains only to have them fall down just as fast as he could reach for the next set. If he continued in this way, he would soon be hopelessly tangled in a pile of curtains. , If we looked a little closer at this pile of fallen curtains, we would see written on each a name. One would be the curtain of faith. Another, the curtain of deliverance. Others might be curtains of healing, prosperity, righteousness and gifts of the spirit.
by Kenneth Copeland
S P I R I T U A L L AW GOVERNS all of LIFE. Next we would hear the poor fellow crying out: “Oh God, why is this happening to me? I’m serving You. It seems as though my faith doesn’t work right. I’m sick, though I believe in healing. I believe in abundance, yet I’m behind in my bills. Only debt and lack are abundant in my life. What’s wrong??!!” Our attention is then drawn to a corner of the room. There, standing all the time just waiting to be hung is a tremendously strong, golden curtain rod. It’s as massive and stout as a bridge girder. Written on it in huge red letters we see Matthew 22:37-40: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the f irst and great commandment. The second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these hang all the law and the prophets. The Lord flashed that vision across my spirit recently as I was praying about overflow and why the Church has had such a hard time with promises such as Ephesians 3:14-21. The Ephesians passage was the Apostle Paul’s prayer that we would have a working knowledge of the love of Christ and such intimacy with Jesus and His Anointing that we would be “filled with all the fullness of God.” For 2000 years the Church has really had difficulty believing that could ever happen. As I prayed, the Lord showed me that curtain-hanging scene. My first thought was, This is hilarious! I am a big fan of the old, silent-era movie comedies of Buster Keaton. It was amazing how his character could become so tangled up in all kinds of stuff and still come out of it all right. So as this vision unfolded, it tickled me. I laughed out loud. That is, until I heard that man’s cry: “Oh God, why is this happening to me? I’m serving You. It seems as though my faith doesn’t work right. I’m sick, though
I believe in healing. I believe in abundance, yet I’m behind in my bills. The only abundance I have is debt and lack. What’s wrong??!!” When I heard that prayer, it pierced my heart. That cry is the same cry I am hearing everywhere. It’s something that has been far too common in the lives of believers everywhere. As the Lord concluded the curtain-hanging vision He had given me, He spoke these final words: Don’t hang the curtains. Hang the rod! The curtains are already on the rod.
Salvation Prayer
If you do not know
Jesus
as your
Savior & Lord,
simply pray the following prayer in faith, and Jesus will be your Lord! Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. Your Word says, “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” and “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:9). You said my salvation would be the result of Your Holy Spirit giving me new birth by coming to live in me (John 3:5-6, 15-16; Romans 8:9-11) and that if I would ask, You would fill me with Your Spirit and give me the ability to speak with other tongues (Luke 11:13; Acts 2:4). I take You at Your Word. I confess that Jesus is Lord. And I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. Thank You for coming into my heart, for giving me Your Holy Spirit as You have promised, and for being Lord over my life. Amen. If you have just prayed this prayer, please contact us and let us know of your decision. We have a free Salvation Package we would like to send you to help you begin your new life in Jesus! Simply write and ask for offer #50801, or call 1-877-4803388.
Doing the Greater Works | The writing on those curtains represents every blessing and manifestation of God’s love to meet man’s need. Each of them is a law of the spirit. And they all hang on the law of love. Two things believers must clearly establish in their thinking are (1) everything works by spiritual law, and (2) no law of God works correctly unless it is first tied to the law of love. These things are vitally important to comprehend and apply, especially as we walk in days of overflow—days of increasingly great displays of God’s abundance and love, but also days of unusual devastation, whether the result of man’s activities or catastrophic eruptions of the physical elements of the earth buckling under the weight of sin. What we are seeing is not the result of two different sets of spiritual laws, one created by God and the other created by Satan. We are seeing the result of one law set in motion at Creation and reaffirmed in God’s promise after the Flood: “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest…shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22). And every word and action of man is included in that planting and harvesting process: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his
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flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:7-9). Sin’s harvest is the same as it has been since the Garden of Eden. Romans 6:23 tells us: “For the wages of sin is death.” But the overflow of the fruit of righteousness—the seeds of repentance, love and compassion—is the abundance of everything good. Overflow is fulfillment of Jesus’ promise that “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” ( John 14:12). Greater works than what Jesus did on earth? Is that possible? Not only is it possible, but the Church already saw a glimpse of the “greater works” on the Day of Pentecost. Thousands of people were spirit-born and baptized that
new Are You the Real Deal? The world is always looking for people who are the genuine article—the “real deal.” As believers, we know the real deal is someone who loves God, obeys His commands and loves others. In this power-packed teaching, Kenneth Copeland shares that true success is not based on wealth, status or the next promotion. Rather, it comes through giving God’s Word first place—the No. 1 spot—in our hearts, and by walking in love. This is a message we at Kenneth Copeland Ministries believe will bless every Partner and Friend. That’s why this month, this series is FREE—just for asking. Start loving like God loves and begin to walk in the true success, health and wealth God has for you! Order today!
Love: Your 1st Priority 2-tape set | #B050612 | 2-CD set | #B050614 |
free
To order in tCanada call toll free 1-877-480-3388. To place an order by mail, please use the address on the last page. Order online at shop.kcmcanada.ca.
day. Not only that, people were healed by the power of God without being touched—they only had to come within a shadow’s distance of Peter. But those kinds of occurrences over time became fewer and fewer and farther between. What happened? Did God just stop doing those things? No. The Church stopped making love a priority above every other pursuit. As a result, operations of the nine gifts, or manifestations of Jesus, faded to almost nothing. Revelation of God’s Word also grew increasingly dim. Then one day revelation of Romans 1:17, “The just shall live by faith,” came alive in the spirit of a young, German priest named Martin Luther. And God patiently began restoring truth to the Body of Christ. The new birth, the revelation that the just shall live by faith, the baptism in the Holy Ghost, gifts of the Spirit, healing, faith, prosperity—all of these things have been restored. Restoration has come. It’s time for overflow. Know and Apply the Elements | God has never changed His plan which is for Jesus to manifest Himself in us as “his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Ephesians 1:23). His plan is still for believers to comprehend (have a working knowledge of ) and know (intimately) the love of Christ and His Anointing (Ephesians 3:19). It is still that we would walk so consistently full of His love that wherever we go, we would confidently hear and obey the voice of the Holy Ghost telling us how to minister to the needs of those we meet. For instance, if you were filled with the fullness of Him and walking in the love of God you could be in the grocery store when you’d hear the Holy Spirit whisper: See that woman over there. Her heart is broken. Her teenager is in a whole lot of trouble. If you’ll just walk over to her, I’ll give you words to say that will deliver her from fear and grief and sorrow. As you were obedient to the prompting and instruction of the Holy Spirit, that woman would be set free! We enter into God’s plan for our lives as we discover and apply the elements of His laws that let His love be put on full display. The laws of God control the blessings of God. There are no accidents, and there is no such thing as luck. Spiritual law governs all of life. God’s laws, or promises, in every realm of human existence were given for a purpose. That purpose is stated in 2 Peter 1:4 which tells us we have been given “exceeding great and precious promises: that by these [we] might be partakers of the divine nature.” Perhaps you’ve heard someone who does not understand that faith is a law say something like, “Well, you know, faith comes through trial and tribulation and temptation.” What they’re saying is just guesswork. That’s not what the Word says at all. And it just plain doesn’t work. If hard times
Two things believers must clearly establish in their thinking are
[ 1 ] EVERY T H I NG WORKS by SP I RI T UAL LAW, and [ 2 ] NO LAW OF GOD WORKS CORRECT LY UNLESS it is FI RST T I ED TO T H E LAW OF LOVE. made your faith strong, everyone would be a faith giant! Romans 3:27 tells us faith is a law: “By what law? of works? [No]: but by the law of faith.” And by a little digging in the Word, we find the elements of that law. Romans 10:17 says: “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Another element of spiritual law is found in James 2:20: “Faith without works is dead (or incomplete).” Jesus said, “Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith” (Mark 11:23). As we continue reading, we also find that Jesus said, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses” (verse 25). Once again we see that every law hangs on the law of love. “Faith worketh by love” (Galatians 5:6). Every promise of God is released the same way. God is no respecter of persons. Find the elements and apply them in the order He gave. Begin by walking in the greatest law— love. Then faith, prosperity, healing, wisdom, gifts of the spirit, salvation—whatever is needed to manifest the love of God in that situation—will manifest every time. No Longer Mere Men and Women | You can apply this same process to every promise of God—His blessings work by spiritual law. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). We need to know these things because we are no longer mere men and women. We are new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). The same Father who did the works that manifest in Jesus now lives in us to do those same works and greater works: Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…. He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father…. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him…. If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him ( John 14:10-23).
Can you see what is bursting forth in the Body of Christ in 2005? Let’s look again at that post-Pentecost report of what happened in the life of Peter. Acts 5 tells us there was a huge outpouring, so much so that people were bringing the sick into the streets on their beds “that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them” (verse 15). This wasn’t about his shadow. It was about a manifestation of the power of God so strong that neither sickness nor disease nor any other work of death and darkness could stay in those who got within shadow distance of him. Now, are you ready to shout? That same thing has begun to manifest again in parts of the world. There are churches in Nigeria in which this is happening all the time. As soon as people walk through the door, they start speaking in tongues and getting healed! Taking Love to the Streets | As love becomes our greatest pursuit, manifestations of that love are going to make the multitudes wake up and take notice. The world is hoping that what we believe is real. And they’ll see it is true as we begin to get an intimate, working knowledge of how Love operates. When that happens, we’ll stop identifying with the woman with the issue of blood straining to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. Instead we’ll begin identifying with the One whom she touched. “Oh Brother Copeland, that sounds like blasphemy!” I’m not talking about being Jesus. I am talking about being His joint heirs, anointed and authorized by Him and indwelt by the Father who does the work. When you begin to walk in love, love will flush the fear out until you are no longer afraid to impose your authority on sin, sickness, demons and fear. You’ll become a vessel through whom the love of Jesus will be put on full display. You’ll begin to walk so close to God that you tell Him about 500 times a day how much you love Him and He’ll tell you 505 times a day how much He loves you. You’ll learn to recognize the voice of Love and hear Him talk to you. That’s the true depth of meaning in this life. It’s not just preaching for an hour. It’s having God stop you on the street somewhere and say, That woman needs healing. Minister to her now. Be ready. Develop a working knowledge of the love of God and intimacy with His Anointing. Make love your greatest pursuit. Don’t hang the curtains…hang the rod. V ICTOR Y J U N E
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Get Overflow!
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new
in the
Everything you do in life is a seed. There are spiritual, mental, physical and financial seeds you sow with your mouth, your actions and your money. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the words you speak, your thoughts and the way you respond to every situation—especially during times of overflow.
In this series of teachings, Kenneth Copeland shows you how to put yourself in line with God’s plan of overflow so you’ll have more than enough. You’ll also discover: • The prerequisites to having overflow in your life • Why joy or sorrow is your choice • How to live by faith and not by luck • How to have the ability to love like Jesus • How your personal overflow is tied to developing the power of His love within you
Overflowing Harvest— By Faith…Through Love 5-tape series 5-CD series 3-video series 2-DVD set
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CDN$25 #B050601 CDN$25 #B050602 CDN$30 #B050603
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Satan is fighting hard to keep God’s people from walking in overflow. But he’s losing his grip! Discover the
To order in Canada call toll free (877) 480-3388 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. PT Monday-Friday. Charge card orders only please. All major charge cards accepted. To place an order by mail, please use the address on the last page.
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depths of all God has for you today…and get ready for an Overflowing Harvest—By Faith…Through Love!
by Gloria Copeland
A C T I VAT E the P OW E R “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Ephesians 3:20
ever. Amen (so be it).
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wrong and now I’m just too tired to do anything but lay As a believer, you have the power of the Holy Spirit here and watch television. Maybe we can spend some time inside you. But that power won’t go to work until you put together later.” it to work! Scripture Reading You wouldn’t do that, would you? The Holy Spirit won’t just Ephesians 3:16-21, The Amplified Bible No! If Jesus were sitting there muscle in on you. He won’t come in your room where you could in and turn down the television 16 May He grant you out of the rich treasury see Him, you’d fall on your face and jerk you up off the couch and of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced and begin to worship Him. You say, Now you listen to me! with mighty power in the inner man by the wouldn’t care how tired you were No, He’s a gentleman. He has [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost or what kind of day you had. been sent to help you to do the being and personality]. You’d jump at the opportunity to will of God, to strengthen you, to 17 May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell fellowship with Him. counsel you...but He won’t do a (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) Well, listen, the Holy Ghost is thing until He’s asked. in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, in you. He’s waiting on you. He’s That’s why James 5:13 says if 18 That you may have the power and be strong ready anytime of the day or night. you’re in trouble or afflicted, pray. to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s He’s saying, I’m here to help you and It’s prayer that puts the power devoted people, the experience of that love] strengthen you. I want to comfort within you to work. what is the breadth and length and height and you today. You know that problem Just think about that. The Spirit depth [of it]; you’ve been having? I want to help of Almighty God…the Spirit that 19 [That you may really come] to know you get that out of your life. hovered over the face of the deep [practically, through experience for yourselves] The Holy Spirit has some and carried out God’s Word at the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere things He wants to show you— Creation…that same Spirit is knowledge [without experience]; that you may things you’ve been trying to inside you—waiting for you to be filled [through all your being] unto all the figure out. He’s waiting there call on Him! fullness of God [may have the richest measure of with the power to overcome every If Jesus came into your house the divine Presence, and become a body wholly obstacle in your life. Take time to and sat down at your table, you’d filled and flooded with God Himself]! 20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) pray. Pray in the spirit. Pray with put aside everything to talk to the [action of His] power that is at work within understanding. Pray and activate Him, wouldn’t you? You wouldn’t us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do the power that is at work within just rush through and say, “Jesus, superabundantly, far over and above all that we you today. V ICTOR Y I’m so glad to see You. I wish I [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest had the energy to talk to You, prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]— but You wouldn’t believe what 21 To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Excerpted from the From Faith to kind of a day I had today. I mean, Jesus throughout all generations forever and Faith devotional. everything in the world went J U N E
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Fort Worth Convention Center
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Southwest August1-6
2005
Prosperity Overflow Convention
Jerry Savelle
Jesse Duplantis
Creflo A. Dollar
Join Gloria Copeland for Healing School Saturday, August 6, at 9:30 a.m.
Overflow
Get Into the Host Hotel Radisson Plaza Hotel Fort Worth
815 Main St., Fort Worth, TX 76102 | (817) 870-2100 phone (817) 882-1300 fax | www.radisson.com/ftworthtx
$112 single/double | Please mention Kenneth Copeland Ministries when making reservation. Reserve by 6/30/05. | Please check with Radisson concerning cancellation policy at time of reservation. Marriott Courtyard Blackstone Downtown Fort Worth 601 Main St., Fort Worth, TX 76102 (817) 885-8700 phone | (817) 885-8303 fax www.marriott.com/dfwms | $125 single/double
Please mention Kenneth Copeland Ministries when making reservation. | Reserve by 5/30/05.
Join Kenneth and Gloria at these other 2005 meetings…
West Coast Prosperity Overflow Convention July 4-9
Anaheim Convention Center 800 W. Katella Ave. | Anaheim, CA 92802 (714) 765-8950
Great Lakes Prosperity Overflow Convention August 22-27
Park Central Hotel 1010 Houston St., Fort Worth, TX 76102 (817) 336-2011 phone | (817) 336-0105 fax www.parkcentralhotel.com
U.S. Cellular Arena | 400 W. Kilbourn Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414) 908-6000
$100 single/double | Please mention Kenneth Copeland Ministries when making reservation. Fort Worth Convention Center | 1201 Houston St. Fort Worth, TX 76102 | (817) 570-2222
Praise and worship led by Len Mink and the KCM Band. We need you—to help us make this meeting a success: Come to the volunteer meeting, Sunday, July 31, 3 p.m.— Radisson Plaza or join us for pre-service prayer every evening 45 minutes before service.
Calling all kids, ages 6-12!
Join us for Superkid Academy with Dana and Linda Johnson and special appearances by Commander Kellie! It’s like a full week of Superkid Camp for FREE! And don’t miss Saturday…where you can be a part of our very own Healing School. See you there, cadets!
Dana and Linda Johnson
2005 Singles Celebration Exclusively at the Southwest Prosperity Convention! Join other singles 18 and older of like faith in the Convention
September 18-23
Eagle Mountain International Church Kenneth Copeland Ministries Headquarters 14355 Morris-Dido Road | Newark, TX 76071 (not a mailing address) (817) 252-2868
Washington, D.C. Victory Campaign November 17-19 Hylton Memorial Chapel 14640 Potomac Mills Road Woodbridge, VA 22192 (703) 590-0076
June 17
September 11
Annual Word of Faith Conference Word of Faith International Christian Center 20000 W. Nine Mile Road Southfield, MI 48075-5597 (248) 353-3476
Annual Chicago Faith Conference Living Word Christian Center 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130 (708) 697-5000 www.bwm.org
June 27
October 2
National Pentecostal Church of God Convention (417) 624-7050 ext. 370 or 371
July 23-24 Inspiring Excellence Conference 2005 Family Harvest Church 18500 92nd Ave. Tinley Park, IL 60477 (708) 614-6000
September 2-4 Commander Kellie
Days of Refreshing
Thunder Over Texas Motorcycle Rally Jerry Savelle Ministries International Texas Motor Speedway 3601 Hwy 114 Justin, TX 76247 (817) 297-3155 www.thunderovertexas.com
Grace Fellowship P.O. Box 55236 Tulsa, OK 74155 (918) 252-1611
October 26-31 Prayer Mountain in the Ozarks Billye Brim Ministries P.O. Box 40 Branson, MO 65615 (417) 336-4877 www.billyebrim.org
November 6-7 Living Word Bible Church 3520 E. Brown Road Mesa, AZ 85213 (480) 964-4463
Center Ballroom. | Enjoy great fellowship, food, entertainment and fun Wednesday, August 3, immediately following the evening service. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 if purchased before July 1. To order tickets, call or write to Kenneth Copeland Ministries or log on to www.kcm.org. International Reception - come celebrate 25 years at Southwest. Wednesday, August 3, following the afternoon session
Visit our Web site for more information. Unable to attend the meetings? Then join us via a live broadcast through Internet BVOV TV and Internet Radio at www.kcm.org. Meetings are subject to change without notice. For updated information, please log on to www.kcm.org or call the KCM office nearest you. Partners and Friends within the United States call (800) 600-7395. Partners and Friends within Canada call 1-877-480-3388.
Alexandria-daughter of John and Marty Copeland
to
Training Children
LoveGod
Children are our future. In fact they are the future. | Speaking from experience as a pastor and father, I can tell you children grow up very quickly. As parents and as a church we’re called to train them and teach them the truth of God’s Word. | Part of that training includes teaching them to honor us. Just think of how God corrects us as His children. We understand He does it because He loves us. He desires for us to honor and respect Him so that we immediately obey Him. And He wants us to obey Him so we can fulfill His calling on our lives. | The same is true for our children. As we raise them to honor and respect us, we’re also teaching them to honor and respect their heavenly Father.
by George Pearsons
The Greatest Compliment As a child I remember wanting my parents to correct me. One time in particular comes to mind when I was about 5 years old. My family and I were living in New York City. My mother was working the night shift and my father had fallen asleep on the couch. Instead of going to bed on my own, I stayed up watching television. It never crossed my mind to get ready for bed by myself because I’d never done it before. I just waited until my father woke up. When he asked me why I wasn’t in bed, I innocently replied, “I was waiting for you.” Looking back I realize that I wanted him to correct me and tell me what to do. It’s the same with our children. They want to be corrected. They may not say it but deep down in their hearts they desire instruction and correction. Why? Because they develop a sense of security when we discipline and correct them. They will love us as their parents and more importantly they will love God. Loving God and One Another | Everything we do in our lives—whether as parents or children—should come from a place of loving our heavenly Father and one another. Matthew 22:37-39 says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Each of us is called to love God with all of our heart, soul and mind. We’re also called to love our neighbor as ourselves. Take a moment to reread this verse. Where it says, “thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” put parentheses around “thy neighbor” and in its place fill in the name of someone you know. Now think about this: Children could insert the names of their parents into this verse. Doing so would mean that they should love us, their parents, as they love themselves. This isn’t a stretch because “thy neighbor” isn’t limited to the person who lives next door to you. It’s anyone you are in contact with— friends, family, co-workers and parents. A Commandment With a Promise | Deuteronomy 5:16 tells us how important it is for children to honor their parents. The first part of the verse is a commandment: “Honour thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee.” But this commandment comes with a promise. The promise says, that our days will be prolonged on this earth and filled with the glory of God in the land which the Lord our God gives us. Kids need to understand that honoring mom and dad affects the course of their lives. It’s that important. The word honor means “to hold in high esteem, to respect,” or “to love with great kindness, affection and care.” Just as we should hold our parents in high esteem, we should teach our children to do the same. They are to value us as precious and love us with great kindness, affection and care.
by Jeremy Pearsons Other than the Word of God and listening to the Holy Spirit, I believe there is no greater teacher in life than life itself. The things we experience often serve as building blocks that help shape who we are. With Father’s Day approaching, I would like to take the time to share some personal experiences with my dad that have impacted my life. Let me begin by saying my dad would be the first to tell you he is far from perfect…but not in my eyes. Not only has he taught me to love God and the Word, but he is also responsible for my love of music. As a baby, I sat on Dad’s shoulders watching and listening to him play the piano. And eventually I sat next to him while he patiently taught me to play. Because of my parents, I know how to believe God for healing in my body. As a child when I’d get sick, 1 Peter 2:24 was always the first medicine I was given, followed by a healthy dose of Papa Kenneth’s healing tapes! Yet another building block in my faith was set when Dad announced we would be giving our house away—a house that was completely paid for! This was a shining example to me of how to give God our best seed. I also remember Dad in his pajamas, struggling to stay awake at 2 a.m. while he helped me complete a science project that was due the next day. Not only did that experience teach me about a father’s unconditional love, but it also taught me not to procrastinate! Dad also loved me enough to spank me and ground me for wrong behavior. For that, I’m thankful! He taught me what not to do…and that is often the most valuable thing a person can know. I see in George Pearsons a man being made perfect through a life devoted to the Word. The building blocks of honor and integrity are set in my life because they count for something in his. By seeing him walk in humility, I’ve learned the value of preferring others. And possibly some of the greatest lessons he’s taught me came when he said, “Son, this is where I’ve missed it.” As you can tell, I love him! And when someone says, “Hey Jeremy, you remind me so much of your dad,” it’s one of the greatest compliments I could receive! VICTORY
Jeremy Pearsons, son of Pastors George and Terri Pearsons and Kenneth Copeland’s eldest grandson, is the senior high minister of 14forty Student Ministries at Eagle Mountain International Church. For information about 14forty visit us online at http:// www.14forty.com. For ministry materials write to Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Fort Worth, TX 76192-0001.
As we teach our children to respect our authority they will in turn learn to respect God’s authority. As their parents we are the voice of God in their lives. We’re to train and direct them to follow after the Lord with all of their hearts. We’re called to be a reflection of Jesus Christ to them. As we teach them to be more like Jesus, we’ll help them to become more familiar with God’s love.
their parents) is all part of honoring and loving us. Jesus obeyed immediately. He didn’t talk back to Mary and Joseph or roll His eyes at them. He obeyed. This is how our children should respond to us too. They should be quick to obey. By learning to quickly obey us, they’re also learning to quickly obey God.
Our Example | In Luke 2 we read about Jesus as a child. It’s a great example of how children should respond to their parents. In this passage, Jesus and His earthly parents traveled to Jerusalem for Passover. He was 12 years old at the time. At the end of their visit, Mary and Joseph left Jerusalem to return home. Along the way they discovered that Jesus was not with their group. They returned to find Him teaching at the temple. When they asked Him what He was doing, He answered, “Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49, New King James Version). Now look at what verse 51 says: “And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them.” It says, “Jesus was subject to them.” The word subject is a military term which means “to rank yourself under someone.” Jesus ranked Himself under His parents—He put Himself under their authority. He was practicing obedience with His parents so that He could be obedient to His heavenly Father. It says in The Amplified Bible, He “was [habitually] obedient to them.” So for our children, obedience (being subject to us as
The Next Generation | As parents and believers, we have an awesome responsibility. We are raising the next generation. Our children and the children in our churches are the next generation’s pastors, teachers and parents. We must raise them right. We need to train them to follow God—to honor and obey Him without complaining or hesitating. This is a necessary step toward equipping them to fulfill God’s calling on their lives. Let’s not leave our children illequipped to handle their calling. Let’s teach them what it is to honor us and that by honoring us, they honor Him. Children need to honor God and to know how very much God loves them. They learn that to a great degree through you, their parents. And remember, our children are our future! V ICTOR Y
George Pearsons is the senior pastor of Eagle Mountain International Church, located on the grounds of Kenneth Copeland Ministries. For information or ministry materials write to Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Fort Worth, TX 76192-0001.
Do you ever stare into the eyes of your teenager during one of your “lectures” and wonder if anyone is even home to hear it? Well, even in the midst of eye rolling and strategic sighing, it’s not hopeless. With a little work, you and your teenager really can have a great relationship. This straightforward and blunt new series by Jeremy Pearsons tells how. It’s aimed straight at your teen and with the title How to Handle Mom and Dad, it’s sure to get his or her attention! In a language teenagers can understand, Jeremy tackles topics such as: what it takes to make glad parents and not mad parents, how to deal with confrontation, correction and those parental speeches (that seem to last for hours), how to get an attitude makeover and other practical tips. Order today and listen for yourself. Then pass this cool CD series on to your teen. After the initial “eye roll,” you might even catch them smiling!
How to Handle Mom and Dad |
3-CD series
CDN $15 #B050613
Train Up Parents… in the Way They Should Go
To order in Canada, call toll-free 1-877-480-3388. To place an order by mail, please use the address on the last page. Order online at shop.kcmcanada.ca.
2 0 05
A u g u s t 22-27
Kenneth and Gloria Copeland
Mil waukee, Wi s .
Jerry Savelle
Jesse Duplantis
Creflo A. Dollar
Keith Moore
Keith Butler
Bill Winston
Join Gloria Copeland for Healing School Saturday, August 27, at 9:30 a.m. Praise and worship led by Len Mink and the KCM Band. We need you—to help us make this meeting a success. Join us for the volunteer meeting, Sunday, August 21 at 3 p.m. in the Hilton Ballroom.
Superkid Academy
Calling all kids, ages 6-12!
Join us for Superkid Academy with Dana and Linda Johnson and special appearances by Commander Kellie! It’s like a full week of Superkid Camp for FREE! And don’t miss Saturday…where you can be a part of our very own Healing School. See you there, cadets! Commander Kellie
Dana and Linda Johnson
Get Into the Overflow!
HOST HOTEL Hilton Milwaukee City Center | 509 W. Wisconsin Ave. | Milwaukee, WI 53203 | (414) 271-7250 phone | (414) 271-1039 fax | www.milwaukeecitycenter.hilton.com $107 single/double | Please mention Kenneth Copeland Ministries when making reservation. Reserve by 7/23/05.
Holiday Inn Milwaukee City Centre | 611 W. Wisconsin Ave. | Milwaukee, WI 53203 | (414) 273-2950 phone | (414) 273-7662 fax | www.ichotelsgroup.com $89 single/double | Please mention Kenneth Copeland Ministries when making reservation. | Group Booking Code: GLB | Reserve by 7/21/05. Best Western—Inn Towne Hotel | 710 N. Old World Third | Milwaukee, WI 53203 | (414) 224-8400 phone | (414) 273-7503 fax | www.inntownehotel.com $72 single/double | Please mention Kenneth Copeland Ministries when making reservation. Reserve by 7/19/05.
Unable to attend the meetings? Then join us via a live broadcast through Internet BVOV TV and Internet Radio at www.kcm.org. Visit our Web site for more information. | Meetings are subject to change without notice. For updated information, please log on to www.kcm.org or call the KCM office nearest you. | Partners and Friends within the United States call (800) 600-7395. | Partners and Friends within Canada call 1-877-480-3388. U.S. Cellular Arena | 400 W. Kilbourn Ave. | Milwaukee, WI 53203 | (414) 908-6000
“And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.” Acts 28:5
ååååååååååååå What Would You Do if a
Poisonous Snake Bit You? ,,,
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hen I read about the travels of the Apostle Paul, I find his story to be simply remarkable. What he had to endure to take the gospel to the gentiles was out of the ordinary! | For example, in 2 Corinthians 11:25, Paul tells us that during the course of his ministry he was shipwrecked three times! He writes, “…thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep.” Traveling by sea was a perilous and risky undertaking. Ships were not always reliable. The routes often took them through waters cluttered with sharp rocks, reefs and debris. Even if the vessel was guided by strong, skilled leadership, currents were so strong that even the best ships could be carried directly into rocks and other dangerous obstacles. In Acts 27, we read that Paul was traveling aboard a ship that ran into rocks and broke into pieces. In that moment of crisis Paul became God’s man on board as he spoke the word of faith to the crew and passengers. Soon he was in charge of the entire situation. Once marooned on the island of Melita, Paul worked with other crew members to collect wood for a fire. A venomous viper was hidden in the sticks he was carrying. When he dropped his wood into the flames, that snake
,,,
bit Paul on the hand. Acts 28:3 says, “And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.” The word viper is the Greek word echidna, and refers to “a highly venomous snake.” The verse says that this snake “fastened on his hand.” The word fastened is the Greek word kathapto, and it means “to tightly fasten.” This snake deeply bit the Apostle Paul and injected its venom into his hand, for the word kathapto also meant “to introduce poison into the body.” That viper sunk its fangs into Paul’s flesh and released its full load of venom into his hand. That is why Acts 28:4 says, “And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.”
by Rick Renner
,,,
But what did Paul do? Acts 28:5 says, “And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.” The phrase “shook it off ” is from the Greek word apotinasso. It is a compound of the words apo, meaning “off ” and “away” and the word tinasso, which means to “shake.” This word gives us a picture of the Apostle Paul shaking his hand back and forth until the viper released its fangs and fell into the fire. When the barbarian crowd saw that Paul didn’t die, they assumed he was a god. In just a short time, Paul used the event to bring the whole island together for a crusade! Publius, the chief of the island, was so impressed that he took Paul into his own home for three days. While there, Paul laid hands on Publius’ father, who “lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux” (Acts 28:8). The man was miraculously healed and soon the entire island was in revival! The Bible tells us, “So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed” (Acts 28:9). By the time Paul departed from Melita, he was so respected and honored that they loaded him down with everything necessary for the remainder of his journey! How would you have acted if you had been in Paul’s position? Suppose you were shipwrecked, lost all your material possessions, then found yourself marooned on an island inhabited by barbarians, where a venomous snake promptly bites you! Do you think you would have “shaken it off ” as Paul did? Would you have turned your disaster into a revival? Or would you have been tempted to sit down and cry while you worried about your plans being ruined? Paul’s attitude kept him in the midst of revival everywhere he went. He had the opportunity to give in to his flesh and throw a pity party, just as you and I do. But because Paul chose to keep going and never stop, God’s power was always available to help him in every situation. What is hindering you today? What is the devil trying to use to latch on to your life and to distract you? Why don’t you make the decision to shake it off? There’s too much at stake to let some little thing distract you and pull you down into defeat. Turn that attack around and use it for the glory of God. Make the devil sorry he ever sent that poisonous viper to attack you! My Prayer Today | Lord, give me the attitude that turns every attack the devil sends into an opportunity for revival! Help me walk in such strong and consistent faith that I do not flinch at ANYTHING. Rather than give in to my flesh and let worry conquer me, help me remember the assignment You’ve given me and help me remain committed to finish my course on time! I pray this in Jesus’ Name! My Confession Today | I confess that revival happens everywhere I go! Every disaster the devil sends is an opportunity
to advance the gospel! I refuse to give in to my flesh and throw a pity party. Because I keep going and never give in or give up, God’s power is always available to help me in every situation. There’s too much at stake for me to let some little thing pull me down into defeat. With God’s Spirit at work in me, I overcome every obstacle that tries to block my way! I declare this by faith in Jesus’ Name! V ICTOR Y Excerpted from Sparkling Gems by Rick Renner
Rick Renner is an author, pastor and teacher of the Word of God who has ministered all over the world. He and his wife, Denise, pastor Moscow Good News Church in Moscow, Russia. For more information or ministry materials, please write: Rick Renner Ministries, P.O. Box 702040, Tulsa, OK 74170-2040 or call (918) 496-3213.
Uncovering the Many Facets of the Word Like finding a shiny jewel in a pile of rocks, Sparkling Gems From the Greek will inspire you to dig into God’s Word in search of valuable gems. In this unique daily devotional, Rick Renner combines his understanding of the Greek language and his knowledge of biblical history to explore New Testament scriptures. By defining key words from the original Greek language and explaining the historical context in which the scriptures were written, he reveals new facets of the Word and how to apply them to daily life. The table of contents and index make this an easy-to-use study tool you can refer to over and over again. Order yours today!
Sparkling Gems From the Greek CDN$ 30 #B050605
| 7¼” x 9½” | hardback | 1,106 pages
To order in Canada call toll free (877) 480-3388 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. PT Monday-Friday. Charge card orders only please. All major charge cards accepted.
GoodNEWS “A faithful man shall
abound with blessings...”
Proverbs 28:20
Teaching Me So I Can Teach Them
Thank You, Jesus, for Protecting My Family! After seeing Kellie Copeland’s Prayer for Family Protection I began reading it every morning. My family is separated by many miles. The prayer makes me feel more secure throughout the day, knowing and believing they are safe. One morning I almost did not read my prayer. But I knew I had to take time to read it, so I did. Later on in the day I called my sister and she told me my niece had just totaled her car, but she was not hurt in any way. I immediately thought, Thank You, Jesus, for protecting my family. Thank you, angels, for taking charge over my family, for covering them with your wings of protection. I hung up the phone and called the KCM prayer line to thank God once more, and to give a praise report. Thank you, Kellie, for sharing your special prayer with me. Phyllis Roberts Beech Grove, Ind.
My grandson Christopher who lives in New York needed dental surgery when he was 4 years old. The hospital told us the insurance would pay, but when all was said and done, the paperwork came back rejected. We had paid the $800 deductible which left over $2,000 still to pay. I called your prayer team and asked them to agree that the money would come in and they would take payments. The next day the hospital called and said we did not have to pay any of it! They had made a mistake and approved the surgery before hearing from the insurance so they absorbed the cost! Christopher is now 6 and he loves Jesus! I am so thankful for your ministry. You’ve taught me so much that I can share with all my grandchildren. I was praying with my other two grandsons, Nick (8) and Nate (11), last night—just listening to them talk to the Lord is so thrilling—I can imagine how it thrills the Lord’s heart, too. Thank you for teaching me so I can teach them!
I am so thankful for your ministry.
Marti Deacon | Michigan
The Year of Overflow in Prison I went to prison in June 2000, sentenced to 105 to 210 years. For three years I walked around in darkness full of hate, grief, envy and mad at the world. My five children forgot me. My wife moved in with my best friend. Then this “Jesus freak” started telling me that Jesus had something in store for me. I’d laugh and go on my way. For a month he kept saying, “Come to church and see.” One Sunday in August 2003, tired of my life, I went to church for a laugh. But the joke was on me—I went to the altar and made Jesus Christ the Lord of my life! When I saw in the Word that God restores families, I prayed that God would restore my family as He did for Joseph in the Bible. A short time later I was moved to a different housing block. There I met six of the greatest Christian brothers ever. They worked with me and taught me a lot, using your books on healing, the power of tongues, etc. We became a true family. But God wasn’t done. This past Thanksgiving my youngest daughter wrote me a letter and my second oldest daughter wrote to me after Christmas. I believe this is the Year of Overflow. I believe my other three children will get in touch with me soon. God not only restores families, He gives new ones. Kenneth, thank you for your help. Keep me in your prayers. You are in mine. R.P. | Pennsylvania
SGazette ay! Fear of Water Flushed Aw granddaughter became suddenly
ngest At 6 months old, my you been the high time, which always had h bat r He . ter wa of ed terrifi praying over her, a nightmare. I had been point of her day, became late one night ting a little better. Then and the situation was get smerized by ast with me. She was me she watched your broadc . r for the entire broadcast Gloria and focused on he Now, months her bath time was back! The next day, her joy in when you take y—the screaming comes later, she is the water bab left outside! g’s water dish has to be do the ; ter wa the of her out ulness! nk you all for your faithf Thank You, Jesus! And tha th, N.H. Judith Hewson | Tamwor
Struggles Give Way to Praise Report! We have a family of six and you’ve played a huge part in our lives for at least the last eight years. I have written you about our struggles and now have praise reports! In a period of two weeks, my husband received a job that pays $20,000 more than his previous job, and our son received a call from a talent agency that he had applied to a year ago. In addition, my husband is now coaching a basketball team. He loves the game but initially was concerned about losing his temper. However God has helped him and he has been able to have the self-control he needs. It is a wonderful team and after the first game it blessed me so much to hear my husband tell how God had put it all together. By the time I went to bed that night I was crying tears of thankfulness. I love you guys and appreciate you so much! Dusty Farmer | Texas
International News
Intruder Encounters the Power of God At 4 a.m. while my 4-year-old son and I were sleeping, someone came into our apartment. We both woke up from the noise of the door being opened. I jumped up from my bed wide-awake, facing the person standing before me. Not knowing if they were male or female, or whether or not they had a weapon, I began screaming. But then, being reminded that I was a child of Almighty God and remembering a story in your magazine, I began yelling to the burglar, “Get away in Jesus’ Mighty Name and get out of my apartment immediately!” The person didn’t move so I turned the light on and saw that it was a woman about my age. I then grabbed her by the arm and led her out of the apartment. Before I closed the door behind her I found myself saying in a calm voice, “God bless you.” Later I asked my son why he had been so silent. He said, “Mummy, as you talked with that woman, I prayed the Lord would take that evil spirit out of our apartment.” Thank you for working for God’s kingdom and for being such a big blessing to others like me! I.H. | Canada
“Daddy Is a Nonsmoker” My 9-year-old daughter, Annabelle, has been believing for Daddy to give up smoking. She has been praying for him for about six months and declares, “Daddy is a nonsmoker!” Her dad always smoked outside in the garden and never near the children. But Annie would see him out her bedroom window and decided at age 8 to involve the Lord Jesus in the situation. During a recent illness, her daddy stopped smoking and has not taken it up again—he hasn’t even been craving a cigarette badly. Annie has seen what wonderful results happen when something is given over to God. M.R. | England
V h
Covenant of Love by Melanie Hemry
Bryan Bair ran his fingers over the shiny metal of his French horn one last time before handing it over. Pocketing the money, he left the pawnshop and drove to the rundown shack he and his family called home in Muskogee, Okla. In an effort to liven up the dismal rental, his wife, Angie, had painted the walls. Convinced that their daughter, Cierra, shouldn’t crawl around on the filthy carpet, they’d scratched together enough money to replace it at their own expense. Once again prosperity had eluded them. No matter how hard they worked or how carefully they spent, they just couldn’t get ahead. Both cars were being repossessed. If that weren’t bad enough, they were being booted out of the ramshackle house, and the owner was suing them for changing the décor! Bryan unlocked the front door and stepped into the cool, dank living room. Everything he owned was gone. He slipped off his wedding band and ran his finger over the word engraved inside. Hesed. That was all he had left to cling to—one word of hope. From Rules to Revelation | “Angie and I grew up in the same church in Oklahoma City,” Bryan explains. “I was several years older than she was and we didn’t know one another well. As adults life wasn’t kind to either of us. After suffering years of physical abuse, the Lord rescued Angie from almost certain death, and she returned to Oklahoma City to begin healing. Her sister gave her a set of tapes by Kenneth Copeland, The Blood Covenant. The tapes were life-changing for Angie, and when she learned that I was broken and bruised from a failed marriage, she loaned them to me.
“I sold medical supplies, and listened to the tape series in my car as I traveled. The thing that most impressed me was Brother Copeland’s teaching on hesed. This is the love of God that passes mere knowledge. It is the experience of God’s love based on a covenant which lasts until death and beyond. With two failed marriages behind us, and the abuse Angie suffered at her former husband’s hands, we were in awe of this kind of love.” Angie and Bryan learned from the tapes that tithing was divinely designed to be an expression of faith in that covenant of love. That was a new idea to them. They’d both known tithing as a biblical rule, but they’d never had a revelation of it as their covenant connection. Help in Troubled Times | On May 3, 1997, Bryan and Angie married and made a covenant between themselves and God. As a permanent reminder, they engraved the word Hesed inside their wedding bands. Angie worked as a dental assistant and Bryan continued his career in medical sales. They lived in the small house Angie owned and tithed 10 percent of all their income, trusting in their covenant with God. Two days before Christmas, Bryan’s boss called in his entire staff. “You’re all fired,” he said. “Some of you may be hired by the distributor who’s taking over the business.” Bryan sighed with relief when the distributor hired him, but it came with a price. He would do the same job he’d been doing with 20 percent less salary and no benefits or insurance. A year later, the company changed hands again. Bryan lost another 5 percent of his income, and Angie gave birth to their daughter, Cierra. By 1999, a frustrated Bryan took a job with a new company as a direct manufacturer’s representative selling spinal implants. The salary package was about the same as the one he’d left behind. Because his territory included all of Tulsa and the northwest part of Arkansas, they listed Angie’s house for sale and moved to Muskogee. Bryan stood in the living room and ran his finger over the word engraved on the inside of his wedding band. Angie’s house still hadn’t sold, they were being kicked out of the rental house, both cars were being repossessed and he’d hocked his French horn. This is the protection of God? He fell to his knees on the hardwood floor. “Lord, why? I’m tithing, and we aren’t making ends meet!” Why are you stealing from Me? Bryan gasped. “Lord, we’ve tithed faithfully for two years!” Render unto Caesar that which belongs to Caesar and to God that which belongs to God. “I knew immediately what I’d done wrong,” Bryan says. “We’d been tithing after taxes. In other words, we were giving the first portion of everything to taxes and tithing
on what was left. I told Angie what the Lord said, and we both repented and agreed to tithe on our gross income. “The first of May, I tithed 10 percent of my gross salary. Two days later, a woman who had lost her home during a tornado saw Angie’s house and bought it immediately.” The Breath of Life | In another stroke of divine favor, Angie’s parents provided the money for them to move into a much nicer house in Muskogee. They’d been living there for a while when Angie began feeling sick and suffering from headaches and fatigue. Not only that, it became increasingly difficult to awaken 3-year-old Cierra each morning. She was lethargic and her eyes stayed a reddish color. One night during dinner Cierra said, “Mama and Daddy, I saw Jesus in my bedroom last night.” Angie stopped serving food and glanced at Bryan. “What did Jesus do, honey?” “He blowed in my mouth,” Cierra explained. Bryan and Angie looked at one another with raised brows and shrugged. Days later, Angie and Cierra were in the house alone when the carbon monoxide alarm sounded. Angie called the gas company, and they sent someone immediately. His carbon monoxide detector sounded an alarm before he ever got inside the house. “Get out now!” he shouted. “The serviceman said that our carbon monoxide alarm “You absolutely cannot continue to tithe 10 percent of your income while in bankruptcy,” the trustee ordered. was next to an air vent so while the poisonous gas was filling the house, the alarm only sensed fresh air until it reached dangerously high levels,” Angie recalls. “After taking the readings, he said there was no reason that we were still alive.” This time it was Angie who pulled off her wedding band and ran her finger over the word engraved inside. Hesed. A sob caught in her throat as she realized what God had done. Jesus had breathed into Cierra’s mouth! The Tithe Test | Although Bryan and Angie saw promising changes in their financial picture, it appeared to be too little too late. They were forced into Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Seated in chambers with the bankruptcy trustee during their hearing, Bryan and Angie were unprepared for the ruling.
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men all these
have something in common...
Par tnership. This month as we celebrate Father’s Day in America, men around the globe have risen to the call and discovered the strength of partnership. They’ve joined Kenneth Copeland Ministries with faithful support and unyielding prayer. Together we’re raising up a generation of men, women and children who are ready to reach the world with the uncompromised message of the gospel. And it shows. As these men stand with us, they know we’re standing with them too. We’re praying daily for them. We’re believing with them for restored relationships, financial success, wise parenting and abundant health. Each day our anointings and ministries are j o i n i n g together, empowering one another. And together, we’re changing the world! If you’re not yet a Partner with Kenneth Copeland Ministries, or want to find out more about partnership, just...
call 1-877-480-3388 or visit www.kcmcanada.ca God has great things in store for you!
“You absolutely cannot continue to tithe 10 percent of your income while in bankruptcy,” the trustee ordered. It was tempting. It was a way out of the financial vise that seemed to tighten around Bryan moment by moment. He wanted to throw up his hands and say, “OK, so it was a bad idea. I’ll try again later when this whole mess is cleared up.” He twisted the ring on his finger. Hesed. He was in covenant with God. He’d made a promise that he intended to fulfill if it cost him his life. What if it does cost me everything? Mouth dry and hands clammy, he looked the trustee in the eye. “We will never stop giving that 10 percent.” “Then I have no other choice but to remove your Chapter 7 status. I am moving you into a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. That means we’ll put you on a repayment plan. You’ll repay every dime with interest.” Bryan looked at Angie, who smiled. “We prefer it that way.” The decision to tithe, regardless of the cost, triggered such deep-seated fear in Bryan that he suffered night terrors. Each time he woke in a cold sweat, shadowboxing against an unseen enemy. Angie comforted him and said, “We will be tithers. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but He has given us His love, power and a sound mind.” “Angie helped me get through the night terrors for months,” Bryan recalls. “Another thing that helped was a list of scripture confessions for breakthrough that was printed in one of the Believer’s Voice of Victory magazines. I kept them on my desk and repeated them daily.” Toward the end of that year, in November 2000, Bryan scored a direct hit on the enemy when he released his first vocal CD of nine songs entitled In His Presence. Soon after, an amazing thing happened in his business. Before he could contact new doctors in his territory, they began contacting him and asking for his product. The favor of God rested on him to such a degree that both doctors and hospitals saw him as a benefit. While still tithing and repaying all his debts, Bryan and Angie began giving a monthly gift to KCM. Bryan decided to release his territory in Oklahoma and concentrate his efforts in northwest Arkansas. In July 2002, they moved into their new home near Fort Smith, Ark. Angie, an artist, painted an archangel standing guard and placed the painting above their fireplace—a constant reminder of their covenant with God. She also painted and personalized bedrooms for Tayler and Britton, Bryan’s two teenaged children. Instead of a ratty rental house, they
Partners! Please send us your testimonies—we want to hear the great things God is doing in your lives so we can rejoice with you!
lived in a beautiful home filled with love and laughter. A Covenant of Life | In August 2003, Bryan and Angie took Tayler, Britton and Cierra for a last getaway to Branson before school started. Excited about going to Silver Dollar City, the children chattered happily during the drive. The next morning they were about to leave the hotel when 5-year-old Cierra grabbed her abdomen and screamed in agony. They rushed her to a nearby clinic where she was diagnosed with appendicitis. There were no surgeons available and the ambulance was tied up with another patient. The fastest way to get help, they were told, was to drive her to Fayetteville. After loading the family in their 2001 Expedition, Angie phoned family members and asked for prayer. Without warning, the shocks went out on the car. “Every bump in the road knocked the breath out of us,” Angie remembers. “And with every jolt Cierra screamed. It was a grueling trip that should have taken an hour, but we had to go so slowly that it took us three. Most of that time our cell phones were without a signal. But once the cell phones came on, I phoned my mother who’d just returned from the Southwest Believers’ Convention. She and a friend who’d been at the convention had been praying for Cierra, and the Lord told them to tell us to take Communion. “I searched the car for anything to use as Communion elements. All I could find was half a Diet Coke and a Twinkie. I broke off pieces of the Twinkie for each of us, and then prayed over it as representing Jesus’ body that was broken for Cierra. We used Diet Coke as a substitute for Jesus’ blood that was shed for her, and prayed based on our covenant with God. “The moment we finished praying Cierra’s pain stopped, and she went to sleep. She slept the remainder of the way to Fayetteville. When the surgeon met us, Cierra was awake and in no pain. He pressed on her abdomen just like the previous doctor had done, but it didn’t hurt her. According to the blood work, her white count had been up but was dropping.” “There is no doubt that something has taken place in this child’s body,” the surgeon explained, “but there is nothing wrong now. She is free to go.” Bryan and Angie had the car repaired and returned to Silver Dollar City to finish their vacation. As they watched Cierra run and play, they fingered their rings and gave all the praise to God. The Lord has continued to bless them beyond their wildest dreams. In the month of January 2004, Bryan made more money than he made during a whole year before he began tithing on his gross income. Bryan and Angie Bair defeated fear and in so doing they defeated the poverty attached to it. Because they
steadfastly maintained their covenant connection, today they not only know God cares for them, they have experienced firsthand His powerful covenant love. V ICTOR Y
Standing in Agreement— There Is Victory in Numbers! Praying alone is effective. But sometimes you need the power of others praying in agreement with you. | Kenneth Copeland’s Pressing In for Victory will teach you thoroughly about the prayer of agreement. You’ll learn how joining others and praying according to God’s Word is a powerful weapon in your prayer arsenal. | Hear personal stories of how Kenneth and Gloria again and again received the answers they needed through powerful prayers of agreement, writing contracts based on scriptures, and pressing in until their breakthroughs came. Stop just hoping your prayers will be heard and start praying with the confidence that you have what you ask according to God’s Word. Order now and supercharge your prayer life!
Pressing In for Victory
15 #B050607 21 #B050608
video | CDN$ DVD | CDN$
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The God of the Breakthrough
A
re you desperate for a breakthrough? Are you thinking, If the Lord doesn’t do something soon, I won’t make it. | If so, I completely understand. A few years ago, I desperately needed a financial breakthrough. I was standing in faith, confessing the Word and waiting for provision to come. Though I’d experienced a few turnarounds, our finances were still under attack. | In January of the following year God began doing great things. Then shortly afterward, He gave me a word. He said that my wife and I, our ministry and anyone else who lays hold upon this truth, would experience more of His presence, love, power and favor than ever before. He then added, You’ll experience your greatest breakthroughs thus far. | Praise God! That prophetic word was exactly what I needed to hear, and it’s what I want to share with you so “The God of the Breakthrough” will visit your house too. A Prophetic Word | God brought 1 Kings 17 to my attention. It’s a story I’d read many times. In fact, I’d preached from it often but this time the Lord revealed something new. He said, Within this story you will discover the keys to supernatural breakthrough. | In this passage, God sent Elijah into hiding from King Ahab and provided for him by commanding the ravens to feed him by the brook Cherith. When the brook dried up, God sent Elijah to Zarephath of Sidon. He told him he’d find a widow woman there who would take care of him. When Elijah found the woman, he discovered that she had just enough food for one more meal. In verse 12, she told him, “I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” | If anyone was a candidate for a breakthrough, it was this woman. She had just enough food for one last meal. Then she was prepared to die. She needed God to come through for her in a big way!
House! will visit your
by Jerry Savelle
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Now notice how her situation changed when Elijah said, “Fear not; but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail” (verses 13-14). Elijah gave her a prophetic word when He said, “The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail.” This prophetic word was the first key to her breakthrough. Without it she and her son would have died. But instead she discovered when she acted on that prophetic word, her future changed. No longer would she and her son die, but rather, they would experience supernatural provision. In the same way, a prophetic word can change your future! Through the word which God will give you—either through scripture, another believer or a prophetic message—He will tell you what to do. Then it’s important not to give up. No matter what happens in between the time you receive the word and the time it comes to pass—stand strong. Receiving your personal prophetic word is the first key to your breakthrough.
Heavenly Father, I receive this prophetic word. I believe with all my heart that You want to visit my house. I am willing to obey. I’m willing to sow a significant seed. Right now, I boldly declare that The God of the Breakthrough is visiting my house. Amen! From now on proclaim, “The God of the Breakthrough is visiting my house.” Don’t stop believing and standing for it. Praise God for fulfilling His promise. As you put these keys into practice, your breakthrough will come. Then you’ll be able to share what you’ve learned, and help others understand how to experience a breakthrough in their lives too! V ICTOR Y Jerry Savelle is president and founder of Jerry Savelle Ministries International and pastors Heritage of Faith Christian Center. For information or ministry materials write to Jerry Savelle Ministries, P.O. Box 748, Crowley, TX 76036; visit their Web site at www.jsmi.org; or call (817) 297-3155.
| The second key to experiencing a breakthrough is to obey the prophetic word. Notice in verse 13, Elijah told the woman “make me thereof a little cake first.” In order for the prophetic word to come to pass, she had to be obedient. I’ve discovered over the years that God’s instructions usually don’t make sense to the natural mind. This woman had just told Elijah that she only had enough food and oil to make one last meal, but what was his response? He told her to make him a cake first. It didn’t make sense, but it was a necessary step for her to receive her breakthrough. She simply needed to obey.
Obey the Word
A Significant Seed | The third step to receiving a breakthrough
is to sow a significant seed. When I asked the Lord to clarify what He meant by a “significant seed,” He told me that a significant seed has value to the sower. When Elijah told this woman to make him a cake before she cooked her last meal, he was asking her to sow a significant seed. It was her last bit of food. I’m not implying that you give everything you have in order to sow a significant seed. Right now, ask God what significant seed you should sow toward your breakthrough. No one else is responsible to tell you what that seed should be. You must listen to God for yourself. As you take this message to heart, make the decision to: • listen for a prophetic word from the Lord, • obey that prophetic word, and • seek the Lord to know what significant seed you need to sow toward breakthrough. Now if you’re ready for a breakthrough in your life, pray this prayer:
Break Out and Break Through Most people desire to do and be something extraordinary. But disappointments and hardships have quenched their God-given dreams. In this revealing book, Jerry Savelle brings to the table the fact that If Satan Can’t Steal Your Dreams, He Can’t Control Your Destiny! Discover the secrets of recapturing your dreams, four principles of making dreams a reality, and Satan’s No. 1 strategy for robbing you of your dreams— then stop him cold! D You can walk in your dreams! D But if your life is in a rut and you’re barely surviving, you also need to know The God of the Breakthrough Will Visit Your House! In this book and CD, you’ll learn how to seize the breakthrough you need. The adversity you’re experiencing today could become the steppingstone to your greatest victory as you go from just surviving to thriving. D So order today and get all three of these vision-enhancing products by Jerry Savelle for one great price! If Satan Can’t Steal Your Dreams, He Can’t Control Your Destiny 4 1/4” x 7” | paperback | 128 pages
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SPIRITUAL
H E R I TA G E
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A m e r i c a’s Fo u n d e r s —
Christians or Deists? I often receive requests to answer editorials and letters to the editor about the religious persuasions of America’s founding fathers. The standard assertion is that they were all deists, pointing to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison as proof. N In many dictionaries the terms deist, agnostic and atheist now appear as synonyms. An atheist believes there is no God. An agnostic professes that there is no way to know if God exists. A deist believes in an impersonal creator of the universe, who wound it up like a clock but is no longer involved with mankind. Although a very few of the founders considered themselves deists, these definitions do not apply to the notable founders’ beliefs. N There is abundant evidence to refute the notion that the founding fathers were atheists, agnostics or deists, or that they wanted to divorce religious principles from public affairs. N Thomas Paine, in his discourse on “The Study of God,” forcefully asserts that it is “the error of schools” to teach sciences without “reference to the Being who is author of them: for all the principles of science are of Divine origin.” He laments that “the evil that has resulted from…teaching [science without God] has been that of generating in the pupils a species of atheism.” N In Benjamin Franklin’s 1749 plan of education for public schools in Pennsylvania, he insisted that schools teach “the necessity of a public religion…and the excellency of the Christian religion above all others, ancient or modern.” Mr. Franklin proposed a biblical inscription for the seal of the United States, and chose a New Testament verse for the motto of the Philadelphia Hospital. He was one of the chief voices behind the establishment of a paid chaplain in Congress. In 1787, when he helped found the college which bore his name, it was dedicated as “a nursery of religion and learning” built “on Christ, the Corner-Stone.” Clearly Benjamin Franklin’s beliefs didn’t reflect those of a deist.
by David Barton
THERE IS ABUNDANT EVIDENCE TO REFUTE THE NOTION THAT THE FOUNDING FATHERS WERE ATHEISTS, AGNOSTICS OR DEISTS, OR THAT THEY WANTED TO DIVORCE RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLES FROM PUBLIC AFFAIRS. Nor did George Washington’s. He was an open promoter of Christianity. In his speech on May 12, 1779, he claimed that children needed to learn “above all” the “religion of Jesus Christ,” and this would make them “greater and happier than they already are.” On May 2, 1778, he charged his soldiers at Valley Forge that “To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.” When he resigned his commission as commander in chief of the military June 8, 1783, he reminded the nation that “without a humble imitation” of “the Divine Author of our blessed religion,” we “can never hope to be a happy nation.” George Washington’s own adopted daughter declared that you might as well question his patriotism as to question his Christianity. Alexander Hamilton was certainly no deist. He began work with Rev. James Bayard to form the Christian Constitutional Society to help spread throughout the world the two things which Mr. Hamilton said made America great: (1) Christianity, and (2) a Constitution formed under Christianity. Only his death two months later thwarted his plan of starting a missionary society to promote Christian government. Facing death in a duel with Aaron Burr, Alexander Hamilton met and prayed with the Rev. John M. Mason and Bishop Benjamin Moore. He reaffirmed his readiness to face God should he die, having declared to them “a lively faith in God’s mercy through Christ, with a thankful remembrance of the death of Christ.” He also partook of Communion with Bishop Moore. There have been claims that Thomas Jefferson omitted all miraculous events of Jesus from his “Bible.” But his own words explain his intent for the book was not that it be a “Bible,” but a primer for the Indians on the teachings of Christ (which is why he titled it The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth). He had the “red letter” portions of the New Testament published to introduce the Indians to Christian morality. As president of the United States, he signed a treaty with the Kaskaskia tribe wherein he provided—at government expense—Christian missionaries to the Indians. In fact, Thomas Jefferson himself declared, “I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus.” The writings of James Madison, who trained for ministry with the Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, are replete with declarations of his faith in God and Christ. In his letter to Attorney General Bradford, he laments that public officials are not bold enough about their Christian faith in public and that they should be “fervent advocates in the cause of
Christ.” And while Mr. Madison does allude to a “wall of separation,” he says the purpose of that “wall” is only to prevent Congress from passing a national law to establish a national religion. None of the founders mentioned fit the definition of a deist. Those who claim all our founders were deists typically name only a handful and generalize the rest. This in itself is a mistake, for there are more than 200 (55 at the Constitutional Convention, 90 who framed the First Amendment and the Bill of Rights, and 56 who signed the Declaration of Independence). Any generalization of these men as deists is completely inaccurate. The reason critics never mention others is evident. Consider what must be explained away if the following signers of the Constitution were mentioned: Charles Pinckney and John Langdon—founders of the American Bible Society James McHenry—founder of the Baltimore Bible Society Rufus King—helped found a Bible society for Anglicans Abraham Baldwin—a chaplain in The Revolution and considered the youngest theologian in America Roger Sherman, William Samuel Johnson, John Dickinson and Jacob Broom—theological writers James Wilson and William Patterson—placed on the Supreme Court by President George Washington: They had prayer over juries in the U. S. Supreme Courtroom. The list could go on, and this does not even include the huge number of thoroughly evangelical Christians who signed the declaration or helped frame the Bill of Rights. Perhaps critics should spend more time reading the writings of the founders to discover their religious beliefs for themselves rather than making sweeping accusations which are so easily disproved. V ICTOR Y David Barton, nationally known author and public speaker, is the founder and president of WallBuilders, a pro-family organization which seeks to educate grass-roots society to rebuild America’s constitutional, moral and religious foundations. For more information go to www.wallbuilders.com, call (817) 441-6044 or write to WallBuilders, P.O. Box 397, Aledo, TX 76008-0397.
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by John Copeland
Teaching Our Children to
“ F EAR NOT ! ”
W
When I was growing up, my dad, Kenneth Copeland, taught me many valuable lessons. He taught me about spiritual things and natural things. But one of the most important lessons I learned from Dad was how not to allow fear in my life. That’s a lesson I’m passing on to my children, and it’s something I hope you would want to pass on to your children as well. Of course, the reality is that most children are naturally fearful. So as parents, we must take the time to explain to them that they have no reason to fear because God loves them and is always with them. When children know they can count on God—and they understand that God is much bigger than the “boogeyman” or anything else they may fear—it gives them a sense of safety and security. To overcome fear, kids, just like adults, must be fully persuaded that God in them is greater than anything that is in the world (1 John 4:4). First John 4:18 says: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (New King James Version). If our children know we love them, and God loves them, the enemy won’t be able to get a foothold of fear in their lives.
Never Use Fear to Motivate | Now as parents, we must never use fear as a means of motivation. Teaching our kids to respect something that is potentially dangerous, like an automobile, is one thing. Teaching them to be afraid of it is something else altogether. Obviously, you would not want your child to run out into oncoming traffic. But it would be wrong to tell them, “If you go out into the street, a car is going to run over you and kill you!” That would be motivating them through fear. There is never a time when using a little fear—or a lot for that matter—is healthy. Take the time to explain to your child that, “An automobile is a lot bigger than you are. If you run out in front of a moving car, it has the ability to harm you. If you’re going to cross the street, make sure it’s safe.” Instead of creating an element of fear, you’re instilling in them a respect for what the automobile is capable of doing. 24/7 Protection | Our children should also understand the protection that’s available to them through God’s Word. It’s something I learned as a kid, and as a result I have confidence that I’m safe no matter where I am or what I’m
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doing. For instance, I like to hunt and there are rattlesnakes and copperheads out in the woods. And the truth is I can’t stand snakes. If I see one, I’m not about to pick it up and play with it. But at the same time, I wouldn’t be afraid of it or let it bother me. Why? Because as a kid I learned that I am protected because I have a covenant with God. I learned that angels are around me—protecting me. My parents taught me the promises of Psalm 91 and likewise, I’m teaching my children that those promises are true for them 24/7, no matter where they are.
Testing the Limits | While most children have to learn how to overcome fear, there are those who are not afraid of anything. That’s the way I was as a kid—constantly testing the limits of everything! I wanted to be a stuntman from the time I could ride a tricycle. I tried to jump it and ride it fast. Today, my 5-year-old son, Jonathan, is the same way. It’s in his genes. He recently learned to ride a bicycle, and two
months later he built a ramp so he could jump his bicycle. What do you do with a child like that? Well we don’t need to teach him how not to be fearful because he’s not afraid. But we do have to supervise his activity as much as possible, and take the time to teach him about being responsible in his actions. Part of that is teaching him to wear his safety gear and training him to use as much good judgment as a 5-year-old can. Of course, we pray for him, too, and confess the Word over him and expect him to be protected and safe. More than likely, at some point in his life Jonathan will still have opportunities to overcome fear. And we’re equipping him to be able to do that as well.
“No Fear” Provides an Advantage in Life | Because Dad taught me how not to be fearful as a kid, I have been able to overcome fear as an adult. Although I never was afraid of much as a child, or as a teenager, I did have to overcome the fear of getting up in front of people to speak. And the bottom line of that fear was the fear of failure—the fear of what people would think of me. But now when I have a speaking engagement or I’m scheduled to tape the broadcast, I simply don’t allow fear to come in. I focus on the fact that I’m doing this because I love people and I love our Partners. I remind myself that this is far more important than what people think of me. Even though public speaking still isn’t something I look forward to doing, I simply say, “Lord, this is in Your hands and I know I can trust You.” I know I have the Holy Ghost on the inside of me and I believe “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, New King James Version). Our children need to know who they are in Christ, and that they always have the help of the Holy Ghost. Then no matter what obstacles they face, they’ll be able to handle them. When something looks like it could be a major problem, and the enemy tries to torment them with worry and fear, he won’t be able to succeed. They’ll know how to resist fear—the devil—and they’ll also know how to listen for the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Ghost. Helping our children grow up with a lifestyle of “no fear” will give them a great advantage in life. Just think about how many times the Holy Spirit has prompted you to do something but you drew back because of fear. For instance, have you ever felt like you should go witness to your neighbor and the enemy immediately tried to talk you out of it? He might have used the fear of rejection— fear of what that person would say, or fear of being laughed at—as a tactic to keep you from going next door. But if you could have recognized that fear as the enemy’s strategy, you would have known how to resist the devil so you could have obeyed God and talked to your neighbor about salvation.
Being equipped to deal with fear makes it easier for a person to obey God in areas that could be challenging. If children learn how to do that at an early age, they’ll be able to readily obey God and operate in a lifestyle of “no fear” as adults. Our children need to know how to live a lifestyle of rejecting fear and letting love rule and reign in their lives. They learn that by watching us, their parents. Teach them to not fear the future and what could happen, but to trust God and follow the Holy Spirit. If we teach our children these things, they will have a tremendous advantage in life! V ICTOR Y John Copeland is CEO of Kenneth Copeland Ministries and the son of Kenneth and Gloria Copeland. He lives in Fort Worth, Texas, with his wife, Marty, and their three children.
God never intended for His people to cope with fear. He intended for us to attack it on all fronts!
Delivered From Fear by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland |
5-tape series 5-CD series
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what will
you Jesus is coming soon!
L Although no one knows for certain the day or the hour, I believe this is the
generation that will see the return of the Lord. When Jesus’ disciples asked, “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” He said:
Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must
come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:4-8).
These events Jesus spoke of are all around us. There is a deluge of wars, rumors of wars and earthquakes in our day. But notice Jesus has commanded us to “be not troubled” even under these circumstances.
L
If we are saved and living a faithful life, we can be perfectly peaceful no matter what is going on around us.
L Believers need not be troubled about the end times—we should be excited and prepared. In
Matthew 24, Jesus went on to say: “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son
of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (verses 44-46).
L Being ready means being wise and faithful servants. This may not be the last
generation, but it’s our last generation. When Jesus comes, we must be doing what He has told us to do.
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Safe in the Ark—Not in the Dark | Noah’s life is a good example of how a wise and faithful servant is blessed. Even though he was ridiculed, Noah did what God told him to do and his obedience paid off. He and his family were protected when the flood washed everything and everyone else away. The Bible also tells us that the time just before the coming of the Lord will be as it was in the days of Noah. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come (Matthew 24:36-39, 42). Noah was a preacher of righteousness in a wicked world. Genesis 6:9 says: “Noah was a just and righteous man, blameless in his [evil] generation; Noah walked [in habitual fellowship] with God” (The Amplif ied Bible). There are
Eternal Rewards | When we are faithful, we are blessed in this life and rewarded in the next. What we do now determines our eternal rewards. It’s up to us. Now if you’re a Christian, but you haven’t been faithful, you need to make a change! If you’re thinking, I’m not ready for the Lord to come. I haven’t done what He told me to do, then you’d better get busy! Because 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 explains that the work of a Christian will be judged: The work of each [one] will become [plainly, openly] known (shown for what it is); for the day [of Christ] will disclose and declare it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test and critically appraise the character and worth of the work each person has done. If the work which any person has built on this Foundation [any product of his efforts whatever] survives [this test], he will get his reward. But if any person’s work is burned up [under the test], he will suffer the loss [of it all, losing his reward], though he himself will be saved, but only as [one who has passed] through fire (The Amplif ied Bible). This is the judgment Christians will experience— “the worth of the work each person has done” will
rewards in heaven, and when I get there I want to hear Jesus say,“Well done!”
People thought he was crazy when he obeyed God and built the ark. Isn’t that exactly what worldly people think about us today? Because we obey God, they say things like: “Those crazy Christians don’t lie or cheat or drink or take drugs. Look at all they’re missing! They believe the end is near and Jesus is coming back soon!” Yes, we do believe that. And yes, just look at all the misery we’re missing! We don’t do things people in the world do because we know of a better way—a way of joy and peace and blessing. They don’t understand why we choose to live in righteousness nor do they understand the time in which we live. Matthew 24:39 in the New International Version says the people in Noah’s day “knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” People not living for God weren’t ready then, and they’re not ready now. However, if we are wise and faithful servants we will be blessed and prepared. We can be like Noah and his family and be safe in the ark, not in the dark!
be judged and rewarded accordingly. This judgment has nothing to do with where we’ll spend eternity. That issue was settled when we were born again and received Jesus as our Lord and Savior. John 3:15-19 in The Amplif ied Bible explains: In order that everyone who believes in Him [who cleaves to Him, trusts Him, and relies on Him] may not perish, but have eternal life and [actually] live forever! For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection,
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The death and resurrection of Jesus is more than just your ticket to heaven. It ’s all part of
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SoGreat
Salvation!
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Salvation is more than just a sure trip to heaven—it’s literally everything you need! Jesus provided it for you and He desires for you to enjoy all of salvation’s benefits. In this dynamic series from Gloria Copeland you’ll discover: • Why salvation is necessary • What happened when you were saved • How to enjoy all that salvation has to offer— here and now • God’s will concerning your salvation Get into the Word today. And find out about all that Jesus did for you as you discover So Great Salvation!
So Great Salvation 6-tape series
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no condemnation—he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ’s name.] The [basis of the] judgment (indictment, the test by which men are judged, the ground for the sentence) lies in this: the Light has come into the world, and people have loved the darkness rather than and more than the Light, for their works (deeds) were evil. Jesus is the Light that has come into the world ( John 8:12). Those who reject the Light stay in darkness. By not making Jesus their Savior and Lord, they are judged and sentenced already. However, if we have been born again, Jesus is our Savior—He has saved us. And “he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation—he incurs no damnation.” We are not guilty! Not only that, as believers we are in line to receive rewards in heaven. When I get there I want to hear Jesus say, “Well done!” I don’t intend to hear Him ask, “Well?” and have to stammer some lame excuse for why I didn’t obey Him! I’ve decided that as long as I have breath I’ll be faithful to God and His Word. I’ll do what He tells me to do. Now is the time to get things straight in your life and be ready for His coming. So if you’ve never made Jesus the Savior and Lord of your life, do it today. (There is a prayer of salvation on page 3 to help you.) It is the best decision you’ll ever make! If you’re a person who has received Jesus as your Savior, but you’ve walked away from God, repent right now— just turn around and go back to God. Repentance reminds me of a device I have in my car that gives directions. When I’m driving, if I miss a turn this device says, “Make a legal U-turn at the next intersection.” That’s repentance! If you’re living away from God and going in the wrong direction, make a legal U-turn and go back to Him. Ask Him to forgive you—and He will. God loves you and He’ll receive you. Then make a decision to walk in faith and be faithful to Him. You don’t have to worry or be fearful about the future walking with God. You already know where you will be spending eternity. And if you’re faithful to God and obedient to do what He tells you, you’ll hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” V ICTOR Y
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Gloria Copeland
BELIEVER’S
VOICE
John Copeland
SUNDAY BROADCAST 5 Sun
Gloria Copeland Setting the Stage for Long Life If you’ll be obedient in both natural and spiritual laws, you can live a long life. You can’t do it in the natural, but you can with the Word of God!
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Gloria Copeland Recipe for Long Life The Bible gives us a recipe for long life. It says if you want to see good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips that they speak no guile. Join Gloria Copeland as she teaches how to use this recipe in your life.
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Kenneth and John Copeland Father’s Day Kenneth and John Copeland spend a special Father’s Day together reminiscing. Join them to find out what God has taught them over the years.
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Kenneth Copeland The Armor of Light Inside the armor of light—the secret place of the Most High—there is total and complete protection. And that’s what Psalm 91 is all about. The word armor in the Hebrew could be considered “a bubble, a complete covering.” Join us to find out what it takes to live in your own bubble of protection.
OF
V I C TO R Y
BROADCAST
CALENDAR
Tune in to the BVOV broadcast Monday through Friday and on Sunday each week at www.kcm.org.
Billye Brim
DAILY BROADCAST 6 Mon
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8 Wed
9 Thu
10 Fri
Healing School
Join Gloria Copeland for a whole week of Healing School. Learn how to receive healing, walk in health and pray for others to be healed. 13
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Prosperity Overflow Convention Special
Don’t miss this week of highlights from our annual conventions! Speakers include Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Jerry Savelle, Jesse Duplantis and Creflo A. Dollar. Tune in and catch a glimpse of the convention experience—then make plans to attend and get immersed in the Word. 20
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Women of Faith
Billye Brim joins Gloria Copeland for two weeks of faith and revelation. Don’t miss a
minute of these powerful women of the Word.
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They’re Back!
Gloria Copeland and Billye Brim continue sharing their latest revelations from
God and His Word. Don’t miss this week as they wrap things up.
Watch the BVOV broadcast again and again! Order your audio or video copies of the BVOV broadcast now by using the form in the center of this magazine. tape or CD Daily broadcast (one week) CDN$10 Sunday broadcast CDN$5
video or DVD Daily broadcast (one week) CDN$21 Sunday broadcast CDN$15
BELIEVER’S VOICE OF VICTORY VOLUME 33 NUMBER 6 June 2005 BELIEVER’S VOICE OF VICTORY is published monthly by Eagle Mountain International Church Inc./Kenneth Copeland Ministries Inc., a nonprofit corporation, Fort Worth, Texas. © 2005 Kenneth Copeland Ministries Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. BELIEVER’S VOICE OF VICTORY and the logo on the back page are registered trademarks of Eagle Mountain International Church Inc./Kenneth Copeland Ministries Inc., in the United States and international countries where BELIEVER’S VOICE OF VICTORY circulates. Printing and distribution costs are paid for by donations from KCM Partners and Friends. Printed in the United States of America. For a free subscription write to Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Fort Worth, TX 76192-0001 or sign up online at www.kcm.org. Because all BELIEVER’S VOICE OF VICTORY issues are preplanned, we are unable to accept unsolicited manuscripts. Marketing Manager/Kelly Weekly Publishing Manager/Glenda Bunkofske Managing Editor/Kim Culp Editors/Deborah Ide Barbara Morley Writers/Karen Adlong Rick Bunkofske Christopher Maselli Gena Maselli Don Turner Editorial Assistants/Eileen Hooley Melissa Johnson Proofers/John Caccomo Jean De Long Michelle Harris Melissa Trammell Senior Designer/Michael Augustat Advertising Coordinator/Joy Hoekstra Production Coordinator/Lynette Lundy Type Coordinator/Joyce Glasgow
JULY4-9 Kenneth Copeland
2005
Gloria Copeland
Jerry Savelle
Get Into the
Overflow!
Jesse Duplantis
Creflo A. Dollar
Anaheim, Calif.
Overflow Join Gloria Copeland for Healing School Saturday, July 9, at 9:30 a.m. Volunteer meeting: Sunday, July 3 at 3 p.m. in the Hilton Anaheim Pacific Ballroom
Calling all kids, ages 6-12! Commander Kellie
Dana and Linda Johnson
Join us for Superkid Academy with Dana and Linda Johnson and special appearances by Commander Kellie! It’s like a full week of Superkid Camp for FREE! And don’t miss Saturday…where you can be a part of our very own Healing School. See you there, cadets!
Anaheim Marriott | $103 single/double | www.anaheimmarriott.com | (714) 750-8000 Please mention KCM when making your reservation. Reserve by 6/8/05. HOST HOTEL
Anaheim Hilton | $114 single/double | www.anaheim.hilton.com | (714) 750-4321 Please ask for rate code WCB when making your reservation. Reserve by 6/1/05.
Radisson Hotel Maingate | $79 single/double | www.radisson.com/anaheimca_maingate (714) 750-2801 | Please mention KCM when making your reservation. Reserve by 6/11/05. Anaheim Convention Center | 800 W. Katella Ave. Anaheim, CA 92802 | (714) 765-8950
Unable to attend the meetings? Join us via a live broadcast through Internet BVOV TV and Internet Radio at
www.kcm.org.
Visit our Web site for more information. Meetings are subject to change without notice. For updated information, please log on to www.kcm.org or call the KCM office nearest you. Partners and Friends within Canada call (604) 572-4242.
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Kenneth Copeland Ministries PO Box 3111 STN LCD #1 Langley, BC V3A 4R3
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live broadcast