BVOV July 2005

“Blessed is the

nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.�

Psalm 33:12

Join the “It Shall Come to Pass”

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ou and I are the last-days generation. We are the generation that has been fully equipped with all the spiritual tools and revelation necessary to let God’s glory fill the earth. We are the ones who will bring Jesus back for His Church.

“But Brother Copeland, how are we going to do what no previous generation has done? Are we any smarter or holier or more full of faith than those who have gone before us?”

Probably not. But the issue isn’t about who we are. It’s about who God is and what He is doing in this generation. He has given our generation revelation that previous generations did not have. He has shown us how to use our faith and His Word to change our world and bring in His kingdom.

Would you like to know how we are going to be the generation that brings back Jesus for His Church? It’s by letting God freely pour out His blessings on us like no previous generation has seen! To find out how that is going to happen, let’s take a fresh look at a very familiar passage about living in the blessings of God—Deuteronomy 28:1-2: “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.”

A generation of believers that gives its attention to the Word will soon start thinking, speaking and acting according to its authority.

by Kenneth Copeland

Notice that passage of Scripture does not say, “It might come to pass... There is a good chance that it could come to pass... If everything works out all right, there is a strong possibility it will come to pass.”

It says, “It shall come to pass...the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations...these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee.” I like that. Don’t you?

This is much more significant than the casual, powerless words people drop when they say, “Bless you.”

When God blesses us, He empowers us. He gives us the power to receive everything we need to excel in every area of life: spirit, soul, body, finances and relationships.

We are to walk as an empowered generation! We are to walk in the “it shall come to pass” of God. Unlocking Unlimited Power | How do we position ourselves for the release of all God’s blessings so that His glory floods the earth?

Look again at Deuteronomy 28:1: “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments....”

Would you like to unlock the unlimited provision of God for this day? Be diligent about the voice of the Lord. Let His Word fill your eyes and your heart. Let it fill your lips.

I know diligence is not usually an exciting word, but when you see the power and provision that word will unlock in your life, you will literally run to attend consistently to the things of God’s Word.

Diligence is not dredging up some great reserve of soulish effort. It means choosing what we give our attention to. Diligence simply refers to that about which you are attentive and busy doing.

Let me add to that definition something you are not going to find until you get into the laws of the spirit: You are being diligent about something all the time. That is the way you were created by God. You have an attention and you give it. The fact that you are alive means you are busy all the time.

It’s not hard to find what you are diligent about. Just ask: “What am I busy about most of the time? What has captured my attention?”

Stop Harvesting Nothing | You say, “But, Brother Copeland, I know some people who are not diligent about anything.”

Then they are diligent about nothing. If a person is doing nothing, then nothing has his attention. And we produce what we give our attention to. What does being diligent about nothing produce? Nothing. More nothing.

Greater amounts of nothing. Nothing a hundredfold!

Have you said, “I just don’t have anything”? If it’s true, it’s because you’ve been diligent about nothing.

You simply need to change what you’ve been giving your attention to.

I used to get so amused at Brother Hagin talking about the polls he would take during prayer and ministry times. He would move among the people praying at the front of the church and quietly ask, “What are you praying about?”

Time after time someone would answer, “Oh, well, really nothing in particular.”

And Brother Hagin would say, “Well, then nothing is what you are going to receive.”

The same principle applies to the person who spends all of his time reading magazines about what he would like to do someday. “Someday” has captured his attention. Unless he changes what he is giving attention to, “someday” is all he’ll ever have.

Now you see why the devil doesn’t care if you read magazines. He doesn’t even put up much of a fuss if you read magazines about the Bible. But just watch and see to what lengths he will go to stop you when you get into a magazine that has the Word of God in it.

A generation of believers that gives its attention to the Word will soon start thinking, speaking and acting according to its authority. It will loose burdens and destroy yokes and start enforcing the devil’s defeat on every hand. No wonder he gets agitated over believers who begin to give attention to the Word of God! He knows the continual flow of blessings that will follow spells total defeat for him!

Become Blessing-Minded | We live in the day Satan so desperately tried to keep from coming. He deceived generations of believers into an understanding of blessing without power. He convinced them to be diligent about religion instead of about God and the promises of His Word.

But God didn’t let him get away with it. He came on the scene in the 20th century to restore what the devil, religion and unbelief had stolen from His people—and

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consequently had stolen from Him. He restored the new birth and revelation of it. He restored the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and revelation of it. He restored revelation of the gifts of the Spirit—the things men said had passed away. God restored these things, demonstrating that He and His Word will never pass away.

During that restoration time, God woke people up to the fact that miracles were just as available as they had ever been. And believers needed them badly. His people were way off the course on which He was planning to take the Church. God knew His people needed divine intervention in the normal course of nature to get us back on track concerning His way, His will, His Word and His business.

God didn’t do this to make us miracle-minded. God never intended for us to live on miracles. He desires for us to live in His promises.

When the Israelites crossed over into the Promised Land, they stopped depending on the miracle of manna and started enjoying living daily in the covenant It’s not hard to blessings promised by God. find what you are They stopped wearing the diligent about. same sandals that had not worn out during 40 years of wilderness wandering, and Just ask: “What started enjoying new sandals am I busy about whenever they needed them.

There’s a reason God said most of the time through Moses, “if thou shalt What has captured hearken diligently unto the my attention ” voice of the Lord...all these blessings shall come on thee.”

There’s a reason Jesus preached everywhere He went: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has sent me to preach....”

Jesus came anointed to miraculously change the course so believers could walk in that anointing which is the source of blessings. He came not just that men might be healed, but that believers could live continually in divine health. He came not just to provide supernaturally for a bill to be paid, but so that men could live continually in the superabundance of God’s provision.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said over and over, blessed, blessed, blessed: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.... Blessed are the merciful.... Blessed are the peacemakers...” (Matthew 5:6-9). He was showing us how to protect the anointing and stay in the continual flow of God’s blessings.

It is time to become blessing-minded. It’s time to be diligent concerning the Word of God so we can release the blessings of God into the earth.

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Revelation is coming quickly and with great substance and power to the Body of Christ all over this earth. The glory has come, and as God said, “All the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.”

Do It Right—Retrain | “Brother Copeland, I really desire to be diligent about the things of God and be in the continual flow of His blessings. But my flesh and my mind keep pulling me off track.”

That’s no problem. Just retrain yourself! Your flesh was trained to do what it habitually does now. Your mind was programmed to want to move in directions other than the Word of God. So just reverse the process.

Start right now filling your mind with new information and giving your flesh new directives.

One thing I’ve learned is that anything you desire to do with ever greater excellence always takes retraining.

You have to act on purpose to retrain yourself. I’ve seen this in the natural realm in what I must do to stay sharp as a pilot.

I love to fly and I purpose to do it well. I’m committed to doing it well. But as much as I love flying, recurrent training several times a year is hard work. I must keep my pilot’s license and my flying skills current, and I desire to equip myself to fly more complicated, faster airplanes. That takes regular, intensive retraining.

As a believer, I have to deal with the same thing. My flesh never desires to be trained in spiritual matters. It rebels at that. It just doesn’t want to do it.

What’s the answer? Make a decision to be diligent and do it. Make a quality decision that you are going to line up with what God’s Word says, no matter what anyone or anything else says. Decide upfront, before situations arise, that God is right. Make a decision with which you will not argue and from which you cannot retreat.

Determine that you’re going to operate by faith, based on what God has said, instead of operating by fear, based on what the world says. Diligence is the only thing that can push us over the top in spiritual matters.

God Honors Diligence | Gloria and I have a friend whose grandmother was a dear saint and powerful woman of prayer. She had never been to school a day in her life and didn’t know how to read or write, but she knew the Word of God. On faith alone she raised not only grandchildren and other members of her own family, but also children who weren’t part of her family.

To do that she made a quality decision not to go to work full time. She worked at home, taking in laundry and ironing as it became available. But mostly she cared for the children.

Get Overflow!

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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—

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A S H O C K W AV E C O M I N G in the Kingdom of God

Prophecy given by Kenneth Copeland, March 18, 2005

I need you, saith the Lord. I need every born-again child of God. I need you filled with the Spirit. I need you free from fear, doubt, unbelief and all the bondages that you’ve known in the past.

This is the grandest, greatest time. This is the time that I planned, saith the Lord. This is our time—I need you. There are more people coming into My kingdom right now than ever in the history of the relationship between heaven and earth. I need you. I need you to follow what I’m saying to you. I need you to be obedient to the Spirit of grace.

There are wonders and signs from heaven being prepared right now. There’s coming a sudden shock wave in the kingdom of God that’s going to flow out into the earth and there’s going to be a sudden influx into the kingdom of God. I need you. I need you ready, I need you prayed up and strong. I need you ready because there’s going to be a flood of little, brand-new, bornagain children coming into the kingdom of God. I need you to be a mother to them. I need you to be a father to them. I need you to be a big brother to them. I need you to be a big sister to them. I need you to help lead and guide and nurture them right on into this great tsunami of love and the power of God. So listen and be ready. Make adjustments in your life and in your lifestyle. Prepare, commit and consecrate yourself. Reach out for a higher level in Me, saith the Lord. I need you and I need you strong. And My power is available to you tonight as never before in the history of the human race—so rejoice, rejoice, rejoice for the Spirit of strength is among us.

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V ICTOR Y

Her grandchildren remember her getting up early every morning to have a worship service with the Lord.

Though she may not have had money to buy food, she always found a penny or a nickel to bring to the Lord each day.

Each day she’d pray, “Lord, I know that You know, and You know that I know You know what I need today, and that You are going to take care of us today.” One day when there was no food in the house, she prayed that prayer, then she set the table, believing for food.

Not much later someone delivered a large box full of groceries for that family.

Another time when they were without money during a bitterly cold winter, they ran out of coal to heat the little, old, shotgun-style house they lived in. The children wore their coats in the house to stay warm.

She prayed that same prayer. Later that day, someone backed a coal truck up to her front yard. She didn’t even know who he was. He never got out. He just released the lever and dumped enough coal in the middle of the yard to last the whole winter long.

God honored what she had settled through a quality decision. She didn’t have a lot of revelation about all the provision that was available to her as a child of God. But what she knew, she stood on in unwavering faith. She “hearkened diligently unto the voice of the Lord” and she lived in the “and it shall come to pass” of God’s blessings.

If God could move so powerfully on the unwavering commitment that simple saint made to the revelation she had, what do you think He is getting ready to do among those who are standing immovable on the promises and in the gifts He has poured out in our generation?

Be Diligent With God’s Word | Settle where you stand concerning God’s Word at this time in His dealings with man. Decide you are going to be diligent in the Word. Decide you are going to be diligent to do what God has said.

If you have never received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, speaking with other tongues, quit saying, “Well, I wonder now if I really do need that. I wonder this. I wonder that.”

I know you are wonderful. But quit being diligent at wondering. Become a doer of the Word. Don’t cry out to God, “Oh, God, help me out of this miserable mess,” then turn down the things He has given us to combat the mess.

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He appeared and

gave the same invitation to 500 people: Go to Jerusalem and don’t go anywhere else until the promise of the Father comes on you—until the Holy Ghost comes on you (Luke 24:49). But at Pentecost, only 120 of those people were diligently praying and expecting the coming of the Holy Spirit to empower them. What happened to the other 380?

If there are going to be two groups, decide you will be part of the 120. Be diligent about acting on the Word of God without compromise.

It’s time for intensive training. It’s time for quality decisions from which there is no retreat and with which there is no longer any argument. God is looking for believers who will walk in His power moment by moment, day by day, prospering in every area of life as

vessels through whom His glory can flood the earth.

I assure you, when we are in that place where God’s blessings are flowing to us and through us, the devil’s day is over. There’s nothing he can do except flee, trying to escape the Anointing of Jesus in us and on us. And there’s no place he can hide.

The time is now. God’s Word is clear. His plan has been set in motion. There is not another generation to come along and pick up our mistakes and go on where we have missed it. We are going to do it. We are it. Time has run out.

We are the generation that is going to see this thing through to the end. We will be diligent to hearken to the Word of God. And we shall see the “it shall come to pass” of God’s end-time glory! V ICTOR Y

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JUST ONE WORD— THAT’S ALL IT TAKES!

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In this dynamic compilation book, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland have put together four of their best-selling One Word From God books. Find out about prayer, your destiny, finances and health from powerful teachers such as Lynne Hammond, Happy Caldwell, John Avanzini and Charles Capps, along with the Copelands and many others. This easyto-read book presents answers to some of life’s greatest questions. You’ll find page after page filled with principles that will help you overcome any situation in life.

It’s true—One Word From God Can Change Your Life forever! So order today and get the answers you need.

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the

story of the

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’ve heard faithful men and women of God prophesy about it for years. I’ve read about it in the Word. I’ve seen it by faith with the eyes of my spirit ever since God began to teach me about it nearly 20 years ago. The Church the Lord Jesus Christ comes to receive unto Himself will not be a downtrodden, backslidden, weakened Church, but will be filled with the glory of God (Ephesians 5:27).

And now, it is time. The hour has come. World events in Israel and the nations point to the lateness of the hour. It is time for the glory of God to be poured out upon and manifest through the Church.

Amazing manifestations of God’s glory are happening now. And we can expect a changing within the Church from one degree of glory to another until He appears to receive us unto Himself.

It has been prophesied that even the faces of believers will be so changed they will shine with the glory of God. Miracles and healings to surpass anything we’ve known, have been foretold. Do these thoughts surprise you? They shouldn’t. The Bible declares from beginning to end that we are destined for just such glory. In fact I have come to see that the Bible is literally the “Story of the Glory!”

A Supernatural Circle | To truly see the Story of the Glory we need to understand that all glorious Bible truth runs its course in circular form. It begins and ends in God. Jesus Himself illustrated this circular pattern. He said of His ministry, “I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father” ( John 16:28). Do you see the circle?

His mission started in heaven where all precious things begin. Jesus came from the bosom of the Father.

Then He came into the world. He completed the circle by going back to the Father.

Look thoughtfully at Isaiah 55:10-11 to see the circular route God’s Word always follows.

To see the Story of the Glory we must go back to the book of beginnings—the book of Genesis.

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GLORY!

THAT ’S WHAT YOU AND I ARE SAVED TO.

We ar e not just saved fr om sin— WE ARE SAVED TO GOD AND HIS GLORY. The Day the Light Went Out | “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep” (Genesis 1:1-2).

Contrary to what one might think from a surface reading of these verses, they do not say that God created the earth without form and void. The Hebrew words tohu v’bohu translated “without form and void” mean, according to a Hebrew lexicon, “confusion, chaos, waste....” In other words, a mess, a disaster.

I was teaching this at a Bible school in Germany when one woman helped me out. She said, “We know what tohu v’bohu means. We use that saying. We got it from the Jews.

It’s like this. You have cleaned your house perfectly. It is spotless. You walk down the hall and open the door to your teenager’s room. Then you yell, ‘This place is tohu v’bohu!

Clean it now!’”

The Bible tells us specifically in Isaiah 45:18 that God did not create the earth tohu. “For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain [tohu], he formed it to be inhabited.”

God did not create earth a chaotic mess. He created it as He always does all His work—perfectly. It was habitable and full of life.

I believe the dinosaurs were part of life on earth in God’s first work of creation. A big question among scientists has always been, “What happened to the dinosaurs?” They’ve come up with theory after theory. But recently many have agreed on one theory—all the dinosaurs died at once, killed in one catastrophic event. I believe they are getting close to the truth. Something catastrophic happened between the first and second verses of Genesis. I believe millions, perhaps billions, of years lie between them. Someone has said, “As many years as true science requires.”

In one great climactic moment, judgment fell on “the world that then was” and, as a result, “the earth became [alternate translation] without form, and void.”

In Jeremiah 4:23 the prophet records that moment as God let him look back on it: “I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void [tohu v’bohu]; and the heavens, and they had no light.”

God removed earth’s light. Not just the moon and the stars. God removed His light, for “God is light” (1 John 1:5).

When God took Himself, the Light of Life, away from the earth, every living creature including the dinosaurs, died in an instant.

Jeremiah 4:26 tells us this judgment which destroyed earth’s cities and life was the result of God’s “fierce anger.”

What caused such wrath? A rebellion so great that it split the angelic forces of heaven. A rebellion against God led by the most beautiful being God had created, the archangel Lucifer. Isaiah 14:12-15 describes the event: “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!... For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds: I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”

Like all of God’s perfect creatures, Lucifer had been given a will. But instead of submitting that will to God, Lucifer was the first being ever to cross wills with the Father. This passage in Isaiah reveals five “I wills” of Lucifer. He led a rebellion against God with the goal of taking over the throne of God. Jesus tells us what happened to the would-be usurper: “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven” (Luke 10:18).

God was so angry that He removed the Light from the earth where Lucifer’s domain had been and it became tohu v’bohu—a mess, a disaster, an uninhabitable wasteland without form and void.

“Let Us Make Man...” | In the vast intervening span of time, I wonder what the angels thought about the one dark spot in God’s perfect creation. Did they talk about it?

Did they just ignore it? For they definitely were watching when things began to change, when the Holy Spirit began to hover over the dark waters of planet Earth.

They heard God’s first words, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3).

Light! He wasn’t talking about the sun and moon. They didn’t come forth until the fourth day. No, God was talking about the Light of Himself. He was saying, in essence, I am returning Light and life to earth. I removed Myself from that place, but I am going to work there again. I am going to bring it to My planned purpose. Earth will be filled with My glory as the waters cover the sea!

And so began God’s workweek with the new order of things. He separated the waters. He called forth the plant life out from the earth. He created a new order of animal life. Instead of dinosaurs, He created elephants and giraffes and such. He set the moon, the sun, and the stars, etc. The first day...the second day...the third day...the fourth day...the fifth day...

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And then the sixth day! The most thrilling day of all! With all creation watching, God stepped to center stage and made a declaration which rocked all creation as it reverberated from the regions of glory to the regions of the damned.

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth” (Genesis 1:26).

At such astounding words, one angel stepped forward and voiced a question other angels surely had (Hebrews 2:6 reveals this to be the question of an angel), “What is man?”

Psalm 8 records the angel’s questions just after he had observed God at work in creation. “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art

God paves streets with gold. The crown was made of the most valuable substance in all creation. The angel tells us what it was: “[Thou] hast crowned him with glory...” (verse 5).

The crown was made of glory! God’s glory! The glory which may seem so abstract to some is the highest heavenly reality. For the glory of God is God’s presence manifest.

That glory of God is God Himself.

God’s glory sat upon man as his crown and encircled his being as his covering.

The Mystery of the Ages | Once the crown had been set, however, and God’s Word had gone forth declaring that man would have dominion over the works of God’s hands... fallen Lucifer came to challenge that Word. For he knew that if he could ever stop God’s Word from coming to pass, he could defeat God.

Satan’s tactics were simple. He tempted the will of man. Man yielded and turned his will crosswise to the will of God.

mindful of him?” (verses 3-4).

In other words, I’ve just watched You create the heavens and they are such a work! But I have one question. What is a man? What is man that You, O great Creator, have him in Your mind?

And then it is recorded that the angel said, “and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (verse 4).

Imagine the angelic astonishment at God’s relationship with this new creature called man. After all, they’d always had to go to God to present themselves before His holy throne. But here is a creature God prizes so highly He goes down to earth and visits him every day.

The angel continues his query, “For thou has made him a little lower than [Elohim]...” (verse 5).

The King James Version translates the Hebrew word Elohim as “angels.” But the word Elohim is the word for God; in fact it is a plural word. It literally shows God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

What is so remarkable to the angel is that the order in creation has changed. For all eternity past, the angels had only known this order: The Triune Godhead, then the archangels and then the angels. Now there is a new order.

Man has been ranked just under the Godhead. The angels didn’t even know the position was open.

But the wonder of all wonders is verbalized in the angelic questioning: “[Thou] hast crowned him...” (verse 5).

God crowned man! God didn’t ask Gabriel or Michael to do it. Amid majesty and pageantry far surpassing any crowning of any earthly monarch, God Himself arose and crowned His man.

Kings wear crowns. In this crowning God fixed forever the place of man in God’s heart and in God’s plans.

What was the crown made of? Of diamonds? Of gold? No!

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Satan’s tactics were simple. He tempted the will of man. Man yielded and turned his will crosswise to the will of God. When he did, he fell. And oh! The heights from which he fell. Man fell from the glory of God. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Man clothed in God’s glory, fitted for fellowship with the Creator, had walked in God’s presence every day. With the glorious covering gone, Adam was naked and afraid and hid himself from the presence of God (Genesis 3:10).

Satan thought he’d won. He knew sin could not endure the glory of God’s presence. He knew God’s glory would consume the sin Adam had become. He thought he had separated God and His man forever.

I saw this scene in the spirit. I saw the predicament. I was made to know that the reaction of a natural father to a fallen son would be to grab him and clasp him to his bosom.

Then I was made to know, If I had clasped Adam to My bosom, I would have consumed him. And with him, mankind. Satan would have stopped My plan for man and defeated Me. I seemed to hear Satan’s whining voice taunt God, over and over, “What-are-ya-gonna-do-now? What-are-yagonna-do-now?”

I was made to know that God did not answer Satan’s question. But I knew that God had a plan. A plan which began in heaven before the foundation of the world. A plan which would complete the circle and bring man back into the glory in which he began.

The Bible calls God’s plans mysteries. The Greek word means “divine secrets.” This plan—the mystery of the Church—God did not soon reveal. The Bible says “it was hidden in God.” The Old Testament prophets prophesied about it, yet they wondered of what and of whom they were speaking. Even the gospel writers did not grasp

the meaning of the mystery. It was not until a man named Paul came along that God revealed the mystery of the Church.

“We speak wisdom among them that are perfect [or mature]: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:6-8).”

If Satan had known the plan, he never would have lifted that spotless Lamb to the Cross. When he did, God’s own blood was shed to cleanse man so that he could once again stand in the presence of God’s glory.

Since Jesus arose, any man who believes Jesus died on that cross, who believes that God raised Him from the dead, and who confesses Jesus as Lord, is instantly born again.

In one glorious moment he becomes a new creation—with Christ, the Anointed One, living within him, his hope of again returning to the fullness of God’s glory.

This is the plan, the mystery of the Church: “The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but

now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:26-27).

Glory! That’s what you and I are saved to. We are not just saved from sin—we are saved to God and His glory.

The Church is destined to stand before God’s face forever, crowned in the very fullness of His glory and power, where as glorified beings we will operate with God in His plan throughout the ages of eternity!

It is the last of these last days. Very soon now we will walk the streets with our faces shining, and men and women will come to us to accept the Lord Jesus Christ they see within us. Very soon now God’s glory will be manifest in His Church! V ICTOR Y Billye Brim is president and founder of Billye Brim Ministries and Prayer Mountain in the Ozarks. For information or ministry materials write to Billye Brim Ministries, P.O. Box 40, Branson, MO 65615, call (417) 336-4877 or visit her Web site at www.billyebrim.org.

TH E R E ’S POW E R I N T H E BL O OD!

God has given you a present—a covenant He made with you through the shed blood of Jesus. It’s a promise that gives you everlasting hope in trouble and the surety of a prosperous future.

Now, discover the depth of this covenant in this special package which includes The Blood Covenant, a 6-message series

by Kenneth Copeland, along with The Blood and the Glory, a powerful book

by Billye Brim. You’ll not only learn how God established His covenant in the earth, but also why.

If you’re a serious student of the Word, you’ll love delving into this package and discovering the power in the blood of Jesus!

Blood Covenant Package:

The Blood Covenant (6-tape or 6-CD series) The Blood and the Glory 6” x 9” | paperback | 168 pages with tapes CDN$25 #B050729 with CDs CDN$25 #B050730

To order in the United States call toll free 1-877-480-3388. To place an order by mail, please use the address on the last page. Order online at www.kcmcanada.ca.

B

A

Me study Hebrew Commentaries? Yes, you can! å The Jews have researched the Word—researched God—for thousands of years. And as the rabbis of old studied the Word, they wrote their opinions or their commentaries. That’s why the Old Covenant is still intact and that’s why these Hebrew study books are so great.

>

Now, not everything I read in them do I believe, but I do see things that Ken and I have learned by revelation

that they put on paper in such a tremendous way.

>

I’m not a very good scholar on dates and history, but I don’t study just to

find out the history. I go in there to get something to live by. I research God—seek God. That is what makes life work. You will gain great insights when you take the Word, go to your place of study and begin to seek God.

—Gloria Copeland

C D

A. Make centuries of Old Testament research your own with The Chumash, a commentary by rabbi scholars on the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), the Haftaros (selected readings from the prophets), and the Megillos (five shorter Old Testament books). This five-volume boxed set will add new depth to your personal Bible study!

The Chumash CDN$62

#B050713

B. Jews found wisdom on many levels in Mishlei/Proverbs. This collected research of rabbinic scholars unearths a treasure-trove of spiritual instruction and down-to-earth advice for parents, merchants and children. Get your copy of Mishlei/Proverbs and gain wisdom from the stories and comments on Proverbs 1-15.

Mishlei/Proverbs

6 ¼” x 9 ¼” | hardback | 304 pages CDN$27 #B050714

C. This thoughtful look at a Jewish child’s persecution, his spiritual journey and his courage corrects many misconceptions of traditional Judaism. His story will encourage and inspire you as you see how the power and truth of God’s Word changed his life. It’s a powerful story of God’s faithfulness in responding to anyone searching for truth!

The Rabbi From Burbank

by Isidor Zwirn and Bob Owen

5 ¼” x 8 ¼” | paperback | 173 pages CDN$12 #B050712

D. In joy, grief, thanksgiving or beseeching, the Jew reached for his Tehillim—the book of Psalms. This ArtScroll Series edition features a commentary by Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Feuer that has made the Tehillim even more meaningful for English-speaking Jews. This five-volume boxed set can offer you valuable knowledge and insight into historical Jewish views of the book of Psalms. Add it to your library today!

Tehillim CDN$75

#B050715

Discover the Power of the End Times!

As Christians, we know we’re living in the end times…but what exactly does that mean? In this package, you’ll find messages that will help you discover the keys to unlocking and understanding biblical prophecy. We desire to help you draw closer to Christ and gain a better understanding of His plan for you and for the world, so we’ve put together this unique package. It includes: • Heavenly Jerusalem by Billye Brim—As the Church, we must rise to our calling and take our place in history as biblical prophecy is fulfilled. Discover your place and get ready for the Heavenly Jerusalem that is to come!

• Judgment of the Nations by Billye Brim—The Bible says it: Judgment is coming to the nations. And in this powerful message, you’ll see evidence of the coming judgment through current world events and gain an understanding of how they fit into Bible prophecy.

• Practicing His Presence* by Brother Lawrence and Frank Laubach—Considered one of the greatest pieces of Christian literature of all time, this book details how to get to know the Lord in a deeper, more powerful way in these end times.

Don’t wait. Discover the power of the end times today!

Prophetic End Times Package

Heavenly Jerusalem (2 tapes, 2 CDs or single video) Judgment of the Nations (2 tapes, 2 CDs or single video) Practicing His Presence* (7 11/16” x 5” | paperback | 150 pages) with tapes | CDN$30 #B050709 with CDs | CDN$30 #B050710 with videos | CDN$40 #B050711

*Note: This book includes some views KCM does not endorse.

To order in Canada call toll free 1-877-480-3388 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.

The “Profit’s” Reward Thank you, Kenneth and Gloria, for the work you and your family have done in prison ministries. You are definitely a “profit” for Jesus!

Through the knowledge and understanding of God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit I received through the prison ministry literature and other blessings your ministry gives inmates, I went from 43 years (two life sentences) to 20 years with 10 to serve. I was paroled on Sept. 6, 2002, and continue in prison ministry.

I thank God for the work you are doing by His power.

D.H. | Oklahoma

Torment Terminated I just became a Partner last month and when I received your magazine I noticed there was an article on fear.

I had been tormented with fear since I was a child and even saw demons on several occasions. I was always afraid of seeing one again, but after reading your article Pull the Plug on Terrorism, I am totally free from fear. I have put on my spiritual armor.

Thank you. You are truly a real ministry of God and your fruit is good!

M.Y. | Tennessee

GoodNEWS “So then faith

cometh by hearing, and

New Teacher Brings the New! In 1979, the Spirit of God led me to turn on my television.

I saw a Caucasian man teaching and the Lord said, This is your new teacher.

I thought this was strange because I was accustomed to listeni only to African-American Baptist preachers. But I knew that this was the Spirit of God speakI told the Lord that ing to me, so I began to listen to your broadcast and received great revelation from your teaching. I was so hungry for the Word, I began listening daily and became a Partner.

In 1988, I told the Lord that one day I would send your ministry $1,000. $ Since that 1979 broadcast, God has baptized me in the Holy Spirit, helped my husband and me and our three children pioneer a church (which will be celebrating 11 years in June!), blessed us with overseeing three other churches in North America, and we just returned from our sixth apostolic trip this year to Trinidad and Tobago. The Lord has also honored me in being the co-host of a large, yearly prophetic conference, and has helped me author my first book! We have established a Christian academy grades pre-K through high school and we send ministry teams into the prisons weekly.

I am now sowing the promised $1,000 into your ministry. Before 1979 I did not believe that a woman could accomplish any of this but you and Gloria taught me differently!

W believing God to add a large addition to our present facility this year, debtfree. Your ministry is good ground to sow in! We thank God for you.

One day I would send

your ministry 1,000.

Cheryl Fortson | Bloomfield, Conn.

Prayer Moves Storm and Secures House Thanks for agreeing with us in prayer during the storm that came through our area. We asked for agreement that our house would not slide or collapse into the pit we dug for a basement. God gave my husband the wisdom to put the house on jacks and it did not move for months.

Even through 76 mph winds, the plastic that covered the wiring, studs and sheetrock held so our home was not harmed. We claimed that the storm would split and go around us, and on July 4, 2004, it did just that.

Most of our small town lost trees and power lines were down, but on our little place we just had leaves and twigs. You could literally see where the storm went around us.

God gave my husband

wisdom.

Sandy Guyer | Missouri

SGazette hearing by the word of God.”

International News

“We Can Speak to the Fig Tree, the Mountain...and Fires!”

Thank you for your teaching and faithfulness to God’s Word. This past weekend we had to call 911 when our chimney caught on fire. I asked the Holy Spirit to show us what to do. I was on my way ease Let Freedom Ring rel d nte gra s wa I ! ort out the door when a testimony Gloria a praise rep I am writing to give you I believe this is a ! ed ect had shared came instantly to my mind. exp n tha r lie s ear from prison six month Partner yer pra a d an p She told about a woman who had been shi on ati enant rel result of my being in cov ordered to evacuate her house due to g with your ministry. tin oin an r you in re fires raging in her area. She spoke to the being able to sha I have been so blessed by rld. Thank wo the d fire, commanding it to turn away, and un aro ers rtn try Pa and those of your minis Lord the all g rin sha her house was saved. in ce ten and persis d you also for your diligence an th fai my ly on t So I turned and pointed toward my no has greatly increased has blessed you with. It us. in is He o fireplace and said, “Fire, you will die am in Christ Jesus, but wh understanding of who I and our r the Fa down and not do any damage to this nly ave he r ou d glory to I give all honor, praise an house in Jesus’ Name.”

Jesus.

Lord and Savior Christ By this time flames were leaping sevD.R. | Texas eral feet out of our chimney but I never experienced any fear. The peace of God enveloped me.

Later, the firemen told us they didn’t even have to use water. Afterward, they used large What Would a fans to blow the smoke out of the house Healed Woman Be Doing? and even helped us clean up the residue from I’d had problems with my back for over 23 years. In 1993 the extinguishers. an MRI confirmed I had three herniated discs. My back had That evening we were back in our family room become so sensitive to movement, a sneeze could put me in bed. praising God for His complete deliverance. You One day after a sneeze, my husband made me a bed in the have taught us about faith in the Word of God living room so I could be with him and the and our authority over the enemy. We can speak kids. I had your broadcast on. Gloria was to the fig tree, to the mountain and to fires! teaching on healing and telling people to D.M. | Canada do what they couldn’t do before, by faith.

I asked God, “How can I tell my body The Kingdom of God Invading to be healed when I know what the report the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia! s I heard the Lord say, I really want to thank you for your broadcast that raised Jesus from the dead has quickened your mortal body— because even though there are no churches here, that Spirit is your authority to tell your body to be healed! So I my faith is still intact via your faith teaching. I told my body it had to respond to the authority within me and would really like to learn more about living in be healed! faith without falling even when the devil When I asked God what a healed woman would be doing tries to attack my mind. right now, He said, She’d be doing her dishes. So I got up from Recently he almost succeeded my bed, all bent over, barely able to take steps, and walked to by reminding me about my kitchen sink. I began doing my dishes and before I was my past and making me through, I was standing upright and still am to this day! to always feel guilty.

Thank you. It would take many tablets to tell how KCM has But I thank God I am helped our family in our walk with God, but suffice it to say, an overcomer!

God is GOOD! G.O. | Saudi Arabia (Romans 10:17)

Loraine Ellison | Cleburne, Texas

CALLED TO INTERCESSION

by Kenneth Copeland

D

o you know what Jesus was really talking about when He said: “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be , He was talking about the mourning of comforted” (Matthew 5:4)? the intercessor. He was teaching about the comfort that comes to the intercessor when he is assured by the Holy Spirit that he has “prayed through.”

To pray through means “to break through the barriers that have stopped the work of God in the lives of others.”

It means using your spiritual armor to push back the forces of darkness that surround them.

There’s a desperate need for believers who are willing to do that today. There’s a need for intercessors who will go before God and reach out for His mercy and compassion for the sinner, for the sick, and for this downcast world.

For prayer warriors who will stick with it until they have the assurance inside—in their spirits—that every barrier is broken and every area of bondage has been abolished.

God is looking for intercessors like that. There are certain things that won’t happen on this earth until He finds them. There are blessings and moves of God that won’t come about until someone gives birth to those things by prayer.

Even the Lord Jesus Himself was ushered into the earth by intercession. Remember Simeon and Anna?

They were both intercessors, prayer warriors of God. They’d spent years in spiritual mourning, praying for the Messiah to come. But when they were done, they experienced the comfort of the Holy Spirit. For when they saw Jesus as a tiny baby in the temple, they recognized Him and rejoiced.

If you’re wondering if you’ve been called to intercession, then you probably are. God is calling believers everywhere to experience that unique kind of mourning and comfort that only the intercessor knows. He’s calling you to lay down your life for others through prayer.

Somewhere in the world, someone needs you to pray them through. So spend some time on your knees today. V ICTOR Y

D I S C OV E R

THE

Power of Intercession When Kenneth and Gloria Copeland began KCM more than 30 years ago, one of the first things they did was hire intercessors to pray for the ministry and those God would call alongside them. The Copelands knew that successful ministry is founded on prayer.

Today, you too can learn about The Power of Intercession.

In this fifth message in the prayer series, Kenneth Copeland teaches what the prayer of intercession is, and how you can use it to bring mighty changes to your life, your family, your ministry and your world.

Don’t wait another moment…discover The Power of Intercession today!

The Power of Intercession video | DVD |

15 #B050707 15 #B050708

CDN CDN

$

$

To order in Canada call toll free1-877-480-3388. To place an order by mail, please use the address on the last page. Order online at www.kcmcanada.ca.

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s o me o n e w h o c a n h e l p

nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

t

he moon cast an eerie glow over the palatial, 1860 Victorian

home in Des Moines, Iowa. Six-year-old Sue listened as the wind howled and the oak tree outside her bedroom scratched its gnarly fingers against the window. For hours she rocked back and forth in bed with pillows stuffed against her ears, trying not to listen as her parents screamed and raged at one another. She’d heard the litany often enough.

n Somehow through all the noise, Sue heard the soft hoot of the owls in the tree outside. Climbing from bed, she ran to the window and pressed her face against the cold glass. n “Come with me,” she seemed to hear the owls beckon. They’re my friends, Sue thought as she crept down the stairs and out into the night. As if on cue, the owls swept down in front of her and Sue ran to follow them. Across the lawn, down the street, around the corner, Sue knew the route by heart. The owls always led her to the old governor’s mansion—she never understood why. But once there, they flew away.

n Sue shivered against the chill and the sudden realization that she’d have

to make her way home. Trembling, she hurried down the dark streets. Back home, she crept up the stairs and slid into the bed. She hadn’t been missed.

n Sue pulled the covers up over her head and rocked. n As crimson streaks of sunlight finally streamed through the window, Sue had only one thought. n I want to die.

by Melanie Hemry

believing that God wanted my parents to drink and More Trouble | “It never occurred to me that everyone didn’t fight all the time. I thought He orchestrated every bad hear the owls or have them as friends,” Sue Baago recalls. “It thing that ever happened to me. There was no one to was years before I discovered that my great, great grandmother turn to for help.” was deeply into witchcraft. My father was a famous and wealthy That changed when Sue was a student at Drake University. man. We had everything money could buy, but no peace. My At a school dance she met Myron Baago, a student at Iowa mother caught my father sexually molesting me when I was State University. The two couldn’t have been more different. very young, so she moved into a bedroom with me and slept Sue grew up eating exotic foods prepared by French chefs. there until I was 18. I never felt safe or loved.

Myron was raised on homegrown vegetables cooked by his “The thing I remember most about my life is that every mother. Sue’s family life had been tempestuous…Myron’s single day, until 1978, I wanted to die. By the time I was 10 had been peaceful. years old, I had bleeding ulcers. I had a nervous breakdown The couple dated until Myron graduated with a degree when I was 12. When I was 16, I sliced my wrists.” in chemical engineering. Afterward they married and School became its own form of torture for the young girl. moved away to take a job.

She understood the words on the page of a book, but she At their wedding, the couple was showered with an amazcouldn’t comprehend their meaning. There was simply too ing array of gifts including sterling, crystal and china. They much traffic in her mind—fear, confusion and paranoia— started their life together surrounded by new furniture in a to leave room for comprehension. She compensated by lovely home. Over the course of a few throwing herself into the one thing she years Sue gave birth to two daughters, loved—ballet. Music and dance were Salvation Prayer Dawne and Heather. like a balm for her soul, transporting If you do not know her to a beautiful, peaceful place. By the The Cycle Repeats Itself | Sue age of 14, Sue was helping teach ballet. should have been happy, but she wasn’t. as your Her days of dancing abruptly ended Instead she suffered mentally day and when an accident in the hall caused Sue night. Her torment was so severe that to trip and fall, leaving torn cartilage & , during one nightmare, she pulled out and a hole in her kneecap. Not only simply pray the following prayer in all her eyelashes. Sue was also plagued did the injury mark the end of her faith, and Jesus will be your Lord! by an ever-increasing array of physidancing days, it thrust her into years of Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. Your Word says, cal ailments including elephantitis, unrelenting physical pain.

“Whosoever shall call on the name of colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, herniated With dancing no longer an option, the Lord shall be saved” and “If thou and ruptured discs in her back Sue threw herself into music of another shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord and blood clots. She spent years in kind—her flute. Determined to take first Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart and out of hospitals and under the care chair in orchestra, she practiced for hours. that God hath raised him from the dead, of psychiatrists.

One day during practice, her lip split open thou shalt be saved” (Acts 2:21; Romans On March 5, 1973, Sue dropped and began bleeding profusely. The injury 10:9). You said my salvation would be Heather and Dawne off to stay the result of Your Holy Spirit giving me marked the end of her dream. new birth by coming to live in me (John with a friend so she could go to a Sue found another niche where she 3:5-6, 15-16; Romans 8:9-11) and that psychiatric appointment. “Sue, I don’t excelled, this time in water ballet. All if I would ask, You would fill me with understand you,” the friend said. “You the years of dance and music made her Your Spirit and give me the ability to are a beautiful woman with a devoted a natural for this synchronized form speak with other tongues (Luke 11:13; husband and great children. You have of swimming. Wrapped in a cocoon of Acts 2:4). a lovely home and wonderful clothes. water with the beat of music pounding I take You at Your Word. I conYou’re a great cook and you entertain in her heart, she could dance. But her fess that Jesus is Lord. And I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the well. Is there anything you can’t do?” joy was short-lived—at the age of 18 a dead. Thank You for coming into my Weary to the depths of her soul, Sue boil on her eardrum sidelined her. heart, for giving me Your Holy Spirit as said, “Yes, there’s something I can’t You have promised, and for being Lord do…I can’t cope with life.”

No One to Turn To | “During over my life. Amen.

Sue kept her appointment, and left my school years, my mother dropped If you have just prayed this prayer, the psychiatrist’s office in tears that me off at church on Sundays because please contact us and let us know afternoon. Despite the doctor’s earnest she thought it was socially important of your decision. We have a free Salvation Package that we would like efforts, she was not getting better. for me to attend,” Sue remembers. to send you to help you begin your Is there anyone who can help me?

“The church taught that God is in new life in Jesus! Simply write and ask She wondered. control of everything, so I came away

Jesus Savior Lord

for offer #50801 using the address on the last page or call 1-877-480-3388.

J U LY

’ 0 5

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B V O V

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19

School became its own form of torture for the young girl.

She understood the words on the page of a book, but she couldn’t comprehend their meaning. There was simply too much traffic in her mind—fear, confusion and paranoia— to leave room for comprehension.

Filled With Fear | “Over the next five years, I plunged into a deeper depression,” Sue recalls. “Everything overwhelmed me. I couldn’t cope with the dandelion seeds in the yard. I couldn’t cope with leaves falling off trees.

If I stepped on a leaf, I thought I’d committed murder.

Words and odors from my childhood plagued me. I was in constant, chronic pain.

“I felt powerless to stop myself from treating my children the way I’d been treated. As a result, they were afraid of me. When Myron came home from work, he never knew what he would find. I may have thrown a dining room chair through a closet door or slammed a hole in the wall. I was very sick, very selfish and almost totally insane.

“Eventually I became bedridden. So in addition to working full time, Myron had to care for me and the children, cook meals and do the laundry. He realized he needed help and called on his mother to give us a hand.”

One day while she was helping out, Myron’s mother tentatively handed Sue three tapes. “Sue, I’d like for you to have these,” she said softly. The tapes were The Power of the Tongue, The Troublemaker and Words of Faith by Kenneth Copeland.

Sue threw the tapes in a drawer and slammed it shut.

Her days were filled with soap operas and rock music, the louder the better. She wasn’t interested in anything else.

Months later however, Sue felt oddly compelled to listen to the tapes. As she did, she heard Kenneth Copeland talk about a good God. He taught things she’d never heard before. What she heard gave her hope. Turning off the television and radio, she began listening to the tapes day and night.

Sue looked up the scriptures as Brother Copeland mentioned them. For the first time she discovered the goodness of God. Once Sue understood God loved her, she gratefully gave her heart to the Lord Jesus.

As she continued to read the Bible verses Brother Copeland referred to, Sue was especially drawn to the second part of 1 Peter 2:24, by his stripes you were healed.

“I couldn’t quite understand what the words meant,” Sue says, “but I knew they were important. For 30 days I read those six words out loud and listened to the tapes repeatedly.”

On May 24, 1978, Sue received a revelation when the Holy Spirit asked her, When did you marry Myron?

“In 1966,” she answered.

Well, if you were married, then you are now.

So, if you were healed, then you are now!

Suddenly the truth exploded in Sue’s heart and mind. “I realized that if I was healed by Jesus’ stripes—on the cross, I am healed now. I got it!”

Setting the Captives Free | “After that, my life changed drastically. All the sickness and pain left my body. But my mind was still a mess. Later I was listening to one of the tapes again when I got hold of 2 Timothy 1:7. It said that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. I’d spent my whole life being tormented by fear, and what I wanted more than anything in the world was a sound mind.

“Immediately, I dove headlong into that verse, reading 2 Timothy 1:7 out loud again and again. I kept at it for two months and one day as I was reading it, something snapped in my mind. All the demonic oppression lifted.

For the first time in my life, I had a sound mind. I had clarity and peace.

“Within three months He had delivered me from a wheelchair and from going into a mental institution.”

Sue wasn’t the only one to find peace. Myron, Dawne and Heather’s lives changed as well. There were no more anxious days wondering what they would find when they came home. For the first time ever, their home was blessedly tranquil.

In the weeks, months and years that followed, Sue continually rejoiced over the wonder of her healed body and transformed mind. She spent her days mining the Word of God for precious promises. She relished the simple joy of raking leaves. When neighbors complained about having to shovel snow, Sue laughed with delight.

Every day was a wondrous new experience. God had given Sue an entirely new life.

She has been enjoying that new life for 27 years now.

Saved, healed and delivered from a spirit of insanity, Sue is quite literally, a woman transformed.

She finally did find Someone who could help her. That help didn’t come the way most people would expect. It didn’t come through self-help books, medications, hospitals or physicians.

Sue’s entire life was transformed by three tapes and two scriptures.

What is simply a spiritual slogan to some people, is a living reality to Sue Baago. One word from God truly can change your life forever. V ICTOR Y

Interested in the materials mentioned in this article? They are now available in a special Be Set Free Package at a reduced price.

See the response form in the center of this magazine to order.

Partnership is all about the

and getting the burden-removing, yoke-destroying power of God to all people.

You have a supply of God’s Anointing that I need. I have a supply of God’s Anointing that you need.

But for that anointing to flow among us in its greatest potential, we must join together.

We must be divinely connected through partnership.

G

od’s Word tells us partnership in ministry is the most powerful relationship on earth. It is a covenant relationship based on the blood of Jesus—a relationship of the highest honor and the highest commitment.

—Kenneth Copeland

“ THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS ON ME, BECAUSE HE HAS ANOINTED ME TO PREACH GOOD NEWS TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM FREEDOM FOR THE PRISONERS AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT FOR THE BLIND, TO RELEASE THE OPPRESSED, TO PROCLAIM THE YEAR OF THE LORD’S FAVOR.” LUKE 4:18-19, N E W I NTE R NATIONAL VE RSION

IF YOU’RE NOT YET A PARTNER WITH KENNETH COPELAND MINISTRIES AND WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PARTNERSHIP, JUST… write to us using the address on the last page, call 1-877-480-3388 or visit www.kcmcanada.ca

?

PARTNERS! PLEASE SEND US YOUR TESTIMONIES—WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT THE GREAT THINGS GOD IS DOING IN YOUR LIVES SO WE CAN REJOICE WITH YOU!

God has great things in store for you!

ç

Thinking about marriage? Better think again.

Till Death Do You Par t Is a Long, Long Time

I

f you’re over 25 and single, chances are you’ve felt the pressure. Maybe it’s come from well-meaning parents, overly eager for grandchildren. Maybe it has come from friends who think that because they’re married, you should be too.

Maybe you’ve felt pressured by your own insecurities as you have wondered, What’s wrong with me? Is it the way I wear my hair? Am I too fat? Too skinny? Why am I not married yet?!

If you’re unmarried and starting to get frantic about it…stop. Take the next few minutes, climb out of the pressure cooker and take an honest look at what a mate can and can’t do for you. By doing so you might well avoid one of the greatest catastrophes life can bring—a bad marriage.

As a pastor I can tell you Christians are being trapped in such marriages all the time. They’re marrying the wrong people for all the wrong reasons. They’re being deceived by marriage myths that have left them disappointed, disillusioned and all too often, divorced.

Myth #1: The Loneliness Cure

The first myth is the belief that marriage will put an end to loneliness. One single woman deceived by this myth, wrote: “I can’t think of anything I hate more than being alone. Everywhere I turn I see couples. Couples on TV, couples in cars, couples on planes, couples in restaurants, couples in parks, couples...couples...couples. Everywhere there are reminders that I am alone. I wonder if I will ever find a person to fill that hole in my heart.”

Child of God, if you ever find yourself thinking like that, warning signals should start flashing in your mind because you’re expecting something from marriage it never can give you. Marriage is not the cure-all for human loneliness. There are many desperately lonely married people who can vouch for that.

You see God created human beings to yearn for two levels of relational intimacy. Granted, one of them is the yearning for an honest and trusting relationship with a friend or marriage partner. But the second one is far greater.

It’s the yearning to enter an authentic, growing relationship with God. We’ve been putting too much emphasis on meeting a mate, believing that mate will fill the hole in our hearts.

But they can’t do it. A mate might fill space in our houses, but they can’t fill the hole in our hearts.

by Creflo A. Dollar

Only Jesus can fill our hearts.

It’s fine to date someone, but that person is not the loneliness cure. Jesus is your cure. So the dating relationship should direct both of you—as individuals—to an increasing intimacy in your relationship with God. As He becomes stronger in your lives individually, then you’ll have a completeness you have never before experienced.

In John 10:10 Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Remember this: Only Jesus can give you abundant life.

Only He can give you a life so full that it puts loneliness behind you forever. That curly headed cutie who catches your eye can’t do that for you.

So before you plunge into a relationship with expectations that never can be met, plunge into the depths of your relationship with Jesus Christ. Build a solid foundation in Him. Myth #2: The Life Preserver | The second myth many people believe about marriage is that it will heal their broken hearts. A person who is hurting may think, If I can just f ind a mate, I’ll feel better.

If that’s what you think, then think again.

A man or woman who is drowning in emotional pain and latches on to marriage as a life preserver is opening the door for disaster. I’ve seen it time and again. One day the life-preserving spouse will stand up and say, “Please just back off and give me some space!”

The pain-filled spouse will interpret that request as another round of rejection, neglect or abuse. When they react to that threat, chaos will break out in the marriage.

Healthy marriages cannot be built on foundations of brokenness. Spouses cannot heal broken, messed-up hearts. Only Jesus can do that kind of heart surgery.

Therefore if you’re hurting, if you’re plagued with feelings of inferiority and fears of being abandoned, don’t cling to a person. Cling to Jesus. Develop a personal relationship with Him, and you’ll find He is the best companion and lover you could ever have. He’ll never leave you nor forsake you. He’s a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

You don’t need that unemployed, cocaine-using boyfriend who’s been abusing you. You don’t need that girlfriend who criticizes and belittles you. Kick those heartbreakers out of your life and get hooked up to Jesus. He’ll take care of you.

Myth #3: Happily Ever After | The third and perhaps most common myth to beware of is this: Marriage will make me happy. Countless singles fall for that lie. He or she may think, I’m not content now as a single, but if I can get married, I’ll be content. After all, I’ll have my wife, a f ireplace and a wonderful life. We’ll get cozy on the couch, listen to Lou Rawls records and live happily ever after.

You know what I would say to that?

Wake up!

An unhappy single equals an unhappy marriage. An angry single equals an angry marriage. A dissatisfied single equals a dissatisfied marriage. Whatever you are when you are single, that’s what you’ll be when you’re married because marriage does not produce life or character transformation.

Jesus transforms. The Word of God transforms. But marriage does not. It will not transform you and it will not transform the one you marry. If your boyfriend is a frog before you marry him, he’ll be a frog after you marry him. Saying “I do” won’t turn him into a prince.

Character changes are produced by the inner work of the Holy Spirit independently of one’s marital status.

Whether you’re married or single, if changes need to be made within your heart, they will have to be made by meditating on God’s Word, acting on that Word, and

Success for Your Family In The Successful Family: Everything You Need to Know to Build a Stronger Family, Pastors Creflo and Taffi Dollar present practical, biblical principles to strengthen today’s families.

In this foundational guide to family success, you will discover sound, lasting solutions to the challenges facing your family.

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being yielded to the Holy Spirit. There is no other way to get the job done.

say. “I have a solid relationship with Jesus. He’s healed my broken heart. I’m happy, healthy and I want to get married.

Do you have any other words of wisdom for me?”

Yes, when you choose a mate be absolutely sure to obey Myth #4: Marriage Is for Everyone | Despite the fact the instructions God gives in 2 Corinthians 6:14-15: “Be that most people in our society eventually get married, it’s ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what important to keep in mind that marriage is not God’s plan fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and for everyone. There are those who, like the Apostle Paul, what communion hath light with darkness? And what have the gift of abstinence. That simply means they have concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that no compelling need for a sexual relationship. believeth with an infidel?”

Such gifted people can serve God in ministry in a In other words, only marry a believer. Unpopular though much greater way than married people can because they it sometimes may be among singles, that is a requirement don’t have to attend to the responsibilities of a family. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul, addressing this subject, writes: of God. Keep it without compromise.

If you’re dating a man who is “kind of saved,” who drinks But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a a little and smokes a little and cusses a little, then get rid of virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such him until he gets delivered from that little bit of stuff he’s shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. But been doing. You don’t need to marry into that mess. You I would have you without carefulness. He that is wait until he gets “real saved” before you marry him. unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Even then don’t rush into anything. Take time to observe Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is that potential mate very carefully. They are not always what married careth for the things that are of the world, they appear to be. Just because they say they’re a Christian, how he may please his wife. The unmarried woman don’t automatically believe it. careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy The Bible says you’ll know Christians by the fruit they both in body and in spirit: but she that is married bear. So let that boyfriend or girlfriend bear some fruit first. careth for the things of the world, how she may please Then give it time and see if that fruit lasts. Don’t say, “Well her husband (verses 28, 32-34). he bore fruit last week so we’ll get married the next!”

No, I advise you to give it at least one year. If that boy You need to realize some troubles will arise in your life is still opening doors for you and sending flowers, if he’s as a result of marriage. You’re living in a fool’s paradise still concerned about you and hasn’t pressured you into if you think just because you have a romantic or even a sexual activity after a year, reel him in because he’s a good spiritual experience with your mate that you won’t have catch! If that girl is still talking sweetly to you and treating problems. Marriage is made of problems! It is a continuing you with respect after she’s been seeing you a year, set the wedding date, because she’s the one you’ve been praying for God to send.

S i n g l e s ! Make plans to attend the Singles Ce l e b r a t i o n .

Finally as Colossians 3:15 says, “let the peace from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in opportunity to cope with and overcome one attack of the your hearts” (The Amplif ied Bible). Next to making Jesus devil right after another. If you go into marriage thinking your Lord, choosing a mate is the most monumental otherwise, you’re already starting out on the wrong foot. decision you’ll ever make. So don’t do anything unless For that reason Paul advises those who want to give God’s peace in your heart tells you it’s safe. themselves completely to the ministry of the Lord to Let Him direct you. Never jump ahead of Him. Relax remain single. However Paul says, if they cannot abstain and let God bring that right person to you in His own from sexual passion, “let them marry: for it is better to way. Don’t get in a hurry and make a mistake. After all, “till marry than to burn” (1 Corinthians 7:9). death do you part” is a long, long time. V ICTOR Y Now that doesn’t mean you should get married because you’re burning with sexual lust. No. Fix the burn before you get married because if you marry with the burn, you’ll burn Creflo A. Dollar is the founder and senior pastor up after you get married! The lust that drove you to marriage of World Changers Church International, a nonwill eventually drive you out of your own household into denominational church with more than 25,000 adulterous relationships. So deal with it now. members, located in Atlanta, Ga. For more inforTake Your Time

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mation, visit www.creflodollarministries.org.

www.getimmersed.org

Jerry Savelle

Jesse Duplantis

Southwest August1-6

2005

Creflo A. Dollar

Prosperity Overflow Convention Join Gloria Copeland for Healing School Saturday, August 6, at 9:30 a.m.

20 05 Single s C elebr atio n Exclusively at the Southwest Prosperity Overflow Convention! Join other singles of like faith 18 and older in the Convention 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.

Park Central Hotel | $100 single/double | Please mention Kenneth Copeland Ministries when making reservation. www.parkcentralhotel.com (817) 336-2011

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.

Commander Kellie

own Healing School. See you there, cadets!

International Reception Wednesday, August 3, following the afternoon session

Marriott Courtyard Blackstone Downtown Fort Worth | $125 single/ double | Please mention Kenneth Copeland Ministries when making reservation. Reserve by 5/30/05. www.marriott.com/dfwms | (817) 885-8700

Praise and worship led by Len Mink and the KCM Band.

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

Host Hotel Radisson Plaza Hotel Fort Worth $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. www.radisson.com/ftworthtx | (817) 870-2100

Dana and Linda Johnson

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.

For updated information, please log on to www.getimmersed.org or call the KCM office nearest you. Partners and Friends within the United States call 1-800-600-7395. Partners and Friends within Canada call 1-877-480-3300. Fort Worth Convention Center | 1201 Houston St. Fort Worth, TX 76102 | (817) 570-2222

Get Into the Overflow!

Son of Liberty—

Haym Salomon The United States of America, its very existence and purpose, was established by God. And during the infancy of this nation, there was one wealthy Jewish man who played a vital role in God’s plan—Haym Salomon.

1 Born in Poland in 1740, Haym tasted bitter persecution as a new government targeted Jews in the 1760s. Desiring freedom, he fled the country and traveled throughout Europe. During this time he learned several languages and became very skilled in exchanging currencies.

1 His search for freedom eventually landed him in New York. There he wholeheartedly embraced the patriot cause and joined the Sons of Liberty, a secret organization of American revolutionaries. He believed America to be a country where Jewish people could live safely, and Haym Salomon was personally determined to ensure that hope.

1 Like a number of the Sons of Liberty, he was a businessman. After arriving in New York, Haym Salomon began working as a commission merchant. As a result, when the American Revolution began, he had the connections and means to help the American army. 1 In the harsh winter of 1775-1776, Haym was troubled to learn that the American soldiers fighting at Quebec did not have adequate food, clothing or blankets.

He transported vital provisions to the troops as they returned to Fort Ticonderoga.

Upon returning to New York, Haym Salomon was arrested by the British, who suspected him of being a spy. He was thrown into a disease-infested prison where he became ill, probably with the tuberculosis that later claimed his life.

From there he was transferred to the feared Provost Prison.

Conditions there were deplorable, food was scarce and rotten, and torture was common. When German officers discovered Haym’s language skills, they put him to work as an interpreter. Unbeknownst to them, during this time he was also using his skills to convince German soldiers to desert and help prisoners escape. After his release from prison, the brave Haym remained in New York and continued to work undercover for the American cause.

In 1777, he married Rachel Franks, who was from a wealthy Jewish family. In 1778, their son Ezekiel was born.

While wartime conditions made it increasingly difficult for merchants to obtain goods, Haym and his family survived due to his skill as a broker. That same year, the British again arrested him for revolutionary activities. His sentence— execution! He escaped to Philadelphia, but without his wife, child or money.

Rachel’s relatives were members of a Jewish congregation in Philadelphia and they helped Haym start a brokerage and merchant business there. Rachel and their son were soon able to join him.

Haym Salomon to pledge their assistance and even their own personal fortunes to support the nation’s financial welfare through this institution. Haym Salomon didn’t hesitate. His money and his good name were gladly given on this occasion and many others.

His command of French and other languages also enabled him to negotiate with foreign officials to obtain loans for the American government. He was officially appointed broker to the Office of Finance.

Haym Salomon’s wisdom and services became invaluable as indicated by more than 75 entries in Robert Morris’ diary.

Again and again he declares, “I sent for Haym Salomon,” or words to that effect.

Haym Salomon remained faithful to the cause even at the expense of his own welfare and that of his family. Most of the commission money he earned was placed back into the federal fund. Not only did he use personal finances to provide interest-free loans to James Madison, Thomas Jefferson and numerous other public figures, he also personally paid the salaries of some government officials and army officers.

Haym Salomon poured his very life into the country he loved.

Following the war, the nation faced bankruptcy. It is said that Robert Morris again sent for Haym Salomon. Although very ill, the faithful patriot didn’t disappoint. America’s cry

Haym established a reputation as a brilliant financial broker.

He accumulated a fortune and pledged it to aid his adopted homeland.

“Send for Haym Salomon!” | Haym established a reputation as a brilliant financial broker. He accumulated a fortune and pledged it to aid his adopted homeland. His financial skills were sought after by American and international dignitaries, as well as many others.

General George Washington suggested that Robert Morris, superintendent of finance, ask Haym Salomon for assistance in raising money to continue funding the war. When all seemed lost, Robert Morris did just that. It is said that on Yom Kippur, he sent an urgent message to Haym during religious services, asking him to raise $20,000 immediately. Interrupting services on a holy day for such a request was unthinkable! But Haym Salomon’s patriotism compelled him to obtain pledges for that amount on the spot.

Because the Continental Congress had no authority to collect taxes to pay for an army, this Polish Jew who had set up a brokerage in a coffee shop, raised the money. He helped fund Washington’s surprise attack at Yorktown in 1781, which was ultimately the final major victory of the war.

In 1782, in an effort to stabilize the value of money, Robert Morris helped establish the country’s first national bank, the Bank of North America. He looked to patriots like

for help roused him from his deathbed and he did what he did so well one last time—he raised the funds needed for America to live on.

In 1785, at the age of 45, the illness he contracted in prison ended Haym Salomon’s life.

Honoring a Hero | A statue featuring George Washington, Robert Morris and Haym Salomon was erected in Chicago in 1941 to honor their contributions to the Revolutionary War effort. Then in 1975, a commemorative U.S. postage stamp was issued honoring Haym Salomon. Unique printing on the glue side bears this message: Financial Hero – Businessman and broker Haym Salomon was responsible for raising most of the money needed to finance the American Revolution and later to save the new nation from collapse.

Although a number of Jews played significant roles in the founding of our nation, many historians believe that had it not been for the faithful efforts of Haym Salomon, there would not be a United States of America today! V ICTOR Y

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E nvy

by Gloria Copeland

ENVY: “A FEELING OF DISCONTENT AND ILL WILL BECAUSE OF ANOTHER’S ADVANTAGES, POSSESSIONS OR SUCCESS.” b It’s an experience we’ve all had at one time or another. It is so common, in

fact, most people think it is no big deal. They see it as just a harmless, human emotion. But they are gravely mistaken. b As innocent as it may sometimes seem, envy is actually the devil’s own poison designed to turn love into hate and immobilize the force of faith in your life. If you want to see how deadly envy can be, just take a look at what the Scriptures have to say about it. Find out where it comes from—and more alarming than that—where it is headed. Once you do, you’ll want to rid yourself of it once and for all. b “Well, Gloria, that shouldn’t be too difficult for me,” you may say. “I don’t really think I’m envious of anyone.” b That may be true. But let me encourage you to search your heart carefully just to be sure. Many times we aren’t even conscious of envy. We may feel it stirring within us, but we fail to identify it because we assume such feelings are “only natural.” b Actually “natural” is precisely what envy is. It’s part of what the Bible calls the “natural or carnal mind.” It’s a mind programmed by the devil to be in direct opposition to God. b Another biblical term for envy is “the flesh.” It’s listed as a “work of the flesh” in Galatians 5 alongside some other very serious sins including: “Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such...” (verses 19-21). b That’s not a pretty list, is it? b Most believers would never purposely engage in any of those fleshly activities. How then does envy get introduced into our lives? b It sneaks in without announcing itself.

It slips in unnoticed. b Suppose you go to church, for instance, and you see Brother Smith with a new car. Suddenly a thought comes to your mind: Why does he have a new car? He didn’t even need it. I’m the one who needs a new car. b Or suppose you see Sister Jones in a beautiful new dress. As you sit down next to her, you notice how dowdy your dress is compared to hers. Suddenly you feel like someone’s ugly stepsister. b You may not think much more about it—consciously. But later, you notice you’re a little irritated or depressed. You can’t quite put your finger on why you feel that way. After all, you were having a good day until a little while ago.

What happened?

TH E D E V I L’S P E R S O N A L P O I S O N

Envy tries to get you to ſight

FOR YO UR OW N R IG HTS. IT PUSHES YOU TO LOOK OUT FOR YO UR OW N W EL FARE, AND TO BE HOSTILE BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE IS MOR E SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE THAN YOU ARE. I’ll tell you what happened. Envy crept in and poisoned you with a feeling of ill will and discontent because of another’s success or advantages. Envy made a move on you.

Pulling the Plug on Your Faith | Notice I said it made a move on you, not in you. That’s an important distinction.

You see, if you’re a born-again believer, envy is not part of your spiritual nature. It’s something the devil tries to pressure you into receiving. He dangles it in front of you like bait on a hook, hoping you’ll take a bite.

He wants to defeat you! He wants to keep you sick, broke, sad and perpetually trapped in your circumstances. And to do that he must somehow stop you from living by faith.

Since he can’t very well just come barreling in the front door and steal the faith right out of your heart, he slips in the back way. He uses envy and strife to interrupt the flow of love in your life.

The minute love is disrupted, your faith stops working too because “faith [works] by love” (Galatians 5:6).

Many Christians don’t understand that principle so they struggle along quarreling and fussing with one another—and wondering all the while why their faith isn’t producing results.

They don’t realize that in order to walk in the power and blessing of God, they cannot allow envy or strife into their lives. Period.

James 3:16 shows us why that’s true. It says, “where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” In other words, envy and strife give the devil an open door into your life.

What kinds of “evil work” will the devil bring through that open door? Everything from depression to murder. Yes, murder! That was envy’s first recorded act. It was responsible for the first human bloodshed. The Bible tells us about it in Genesis 4:3-7: In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground. And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering. But for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed. And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and dejected? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it (The Amplified Bible).

Cain was feeling envy because his brother had the Lord’s approval and he didn’t.

Now notice the Lord didn’t say, Oh Cain, don’t worry about that. After all, those feelings are only natural.

You’re just experiencing a little sibling rivalry.

No. He said, Cain, sin is crouching at your door.

We all need to heed those words. We need to realize that envy is sin. It’s the opposite of love. It is of the devil and if we let it stay in our lives, very soon we’ll be yielding to the evil spirit that governs it.

That’s exactly what Cain did and as a result he “...rose up against Abel his brother and killed him” (verse 8, The Amplified Bible).

That wasn’t an isolated incident either. The deadly tracks of envy are recorded all through the Bible.

For example, Psalm 106:16-17 tells us Dathan envied Moses and Aaron. You know what happened to him, don’t you? He was swallowed up by the earth.

Jacob’s sons sold their brother Joseph into slavery because of envy. They thought by getting rid of Joseph, their lives would improve. But instead of getting better, their lives grew worse. In fact things got so bad they had to go to another country to get enough food to keep their families from starving to death.

In the New Testament, the Pharisees’ attitude toward Jesus was poisoned by envy. Ultimately, we know it drove them to kill Him, for Matthew 27:18 says, “it was because of envy that they had handed Him over to [Pilate]” (The Amplified Bible).

From Genesis to Revelation, you can see envy doing its sinister work, trying to stop the plan of God.

Even When You’re Right...You’re Wrong | No wonder the Apostle John warns us so strongly against it, saying: This is the message which you have heard from the first, that we should love one another, [and] not be like Cain who [took his nature and got his motivation] from the evil one and slew his brother.... He who does not love abides (remains, is held and kept continually) in [spiritual] death.

Anyone who hates his brother [in Christ] is [at heart] a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding (persevering) within him (1 John 3:11-15, The Amplified Bible).

Clearly, envy is serious business. We need to rid ourselves of it completely and start loving each other. We need to stop striving with each other and “lay [our] lives down for [those who are our] brothers [in Him]” (verse 16).

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www.getimmersed.org Get into the

Overf low Join Kenneth and Gloria at these 2005 meetings…

West Coast Prosperity Overflow Convention July 4-9

Anaheim Convention Center 800 W. Katella Ave. Anaheim, CA 92802 (714) 765-8950

Southwest Prosperity Overflow Convention August 1-6

Fort Worth Convention Center 1201 Houston St. | Fort Worth, TX 76102 (817) 570-2222 Singles Celebration

Great Lakes Prosperity Overflow Convention

Days of Refreshing 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

August 22-27

U.S. Cellular Arena | 400 W. Kilbourn Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414) 908-6000

July 23-24 Inspiring Excellence Conference 2005 Family Harvest Church 18500 92nd Ave. Tinley Park, IL 60477 (708) 614-6000

September 2-4 Thunder Over Texas Motorcycle Rally Jerry Savelle Ministries International Texas Motor Speedway 3601 Hwy. 114 Justin, TX 76247 (817) 297-3155 www.thunderovertexas.com

September 11 Annual Chicago Faith Conference Living Word Christian Center 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130 (708) 697-5000 www.bwm.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.

September 29 Grand Opening & 13th Church Anniversary Ceremonies Victory Christian Ministries International 3911 St. Barnabas Road Suitland, MD 20746 (301) 297-5020 www.vcmi.org

October 2 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

That’s what real love is—laying down your life for someone else.

In a very real sense, you are laying down your life when you refuse to envy because envy tries to get you to fight for your own rights. It pushes you to look out for your own welfare, and to be hostile when others are more successful in life than you are.

Ironically though, envy actually stops your success! It keeps you from rising to the level of those you are envying. Why? Because, as I said before, it stops your faith. It takes you outside the realm of love and 1 Corinthians 13:8 says love never fails.

Therefore, envy becomes a trap that secures your failure!

The truth is, all strife works that way—whether it’s caused by envy or by something else. All strife is sin!

That means even when you are on the “right” side of an argument, if you’re in strife, you’re wrong. When you’re offended and angry with your husband or wife, your children or anyone else, you’re wrong. You’ve opened the door to the devil and you’d better do something quickly.

What should you do?

Shut the door! Stubbornly resist those fleshly pressures and temptations of the devil. Treat strife just like you’d treat a rattlesnake or any other deadly invader. Refuse to let it in!

If you’re a preacher of the gospel, for instance, and there’s a new pastor in town who is getting more results than you are, don’t be naive enough to fall into envy’s trap. Trick the devil!

Turn the tables on him! Start praising God for the success of the new pastor. Do what you can to help him.

In other words, start walking in love and laying down selfishness. If you’ll do that, you’ll keep the door open for the blessings of God.

You Can Do It! | That’s important in this dangerous day.

We need God’s blessings more than ever. We need His power.

We need to be walking in our full inheritance as believers because this age is about to be brought to a close. As the Apostle Paul says: The night is far gone and the day is almost here. Let us then drop (fling away) the works and deeds of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light. Let us live and conduct ourselves honorably and becomingly as in the [open light of ] day, not in reveling (carousing) and drunkenness, not in immorality and debauchery, not in quarreling and jealousy. But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh (Romans 13:12-14, The Amplified Bible).

The hour is late! It’s time for us to wake up. It’s time we quit allowing the devil to darken our homes, our businesses, our churches and our individual lives with strife and envy. It’s time we quit letting him pull the plug on our faith power. It’s time we started living in the light.

You may be thinking, That’s easier said than done!

I know. But you can do it.

Learn to watch over yourself. Pay attention to your state of mind. When you find yourself depressed or downcast, don’t just ignore those feelings. Think back. Ask yourself, “What started this downturn?”

You may realize that a particular situation sparked feelings of aggravation, jealousy or strife within you. If so, look at that situation through the eyes of God and then talk to it (see Mark 11:23).

Say, “That situation has no power over me. I refuse to allow it to bring envy and strife into my life. I yield to the forces of love and joy within me. And Lord, I praise You for Brother Smith’s new car. I thank You that Sister Jones has those nice clothes!”

Then just start praising the Lord. Sing a song. Put on a tape that will lift you up, and force yourself to sing along. Before long, the love of God will be bubbling up out of your heart again and you’ll be singing in genuine joy.

I know you will because I’ve done it!

That’s right. These are not just good ideas I’m giving you.

They are principles from the Word of God that Ken and I have lived by for more than 35 years now. They are principles that have literally changed our lives.

They’ll change your life too. In fact, I believe any husband and wife who will live the life of love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 can have a wonderful life together. Even if they start off at zero with no love between them at all, they can end up with a successful marriage because love never fails!

“But Gloria, if love never fails, why do so many Christian marriages—marriages that were once based on the love of God—end up on the rocks?” you ask.

It happens because strife and envy are allowed to cut that love short. As a result, those Christian lives and marriages are drained of God’s power. They become carnal and there is confusion and every evil work.

First Corinthians 3:3 puts it this way: “For as long as [there are] envying and jealousy among you, are you not unspiritual and of the flesh, behaving yourselves like mere (unchanged) men?” (The Amplified Bible).

The moment we let envy and strife in the door, we begin to live like people out there in the world. We become like the natural, unsaved men in this scripture—fearful, powerless and defeated—instead of like supernatural born-again, Spirit-filled people of God. I agree with Paul. The hour is too late for us to live like that.

The coming of Jesus is near at hand. And when He comes, we don’t want Him to find us spiritually sick and weak, living lives that have been poisoned by envy and strife.

We want Him to find us standing tall in the Spirit—full of love, faith and power—walking in the victory Jesus bought for us.

We want Him to find us living in the light! V ICTOR Y

KEEP LOVE ALIVE

The Enemies of Love are lurking about just waiting to invade your life! But you can stop them cold.

How? By walking in the fruit of the spirit. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance will win every time!

Refuse to allow envy, jealousy and strife to get a foot in the door of your life. And find out how to keep and maintain the benefits of a Spirit-led life in this four-message series by Gloria Copeland. She’ll teach you how to develop and walk in love. You’ll also learn what Jesus has to say about avoiding the devil’s temptations and traps.

Order today. Defeat the Enemies of Love and begin living a victorious life!

Enemies of Love

4-message series on 8 tapes CDN$25 #B050705 4-message series on 8 CDs CDN$25 #B050706 To order in Canada call toll free 1-877-480-3388 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.

www.getimmersed.org

A u g u st 22-27

2005

Kenneth Copeland

Gloria Copeland

Jerry Savelle

Jesse Duplantis

Mi l waukee, Wis .

Creflo A. Dollar

Join Gloria Copeland for Healing School Saturday, August 27, at 9:30 a.m.

Superkid Academy

Keith Moore

Keith Butler

Bill Winston

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.

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

Holiday Inn Milwaukee City Centre

Best Western—Inn Towne Hotel

www.milwaukeecitycenter.hilton.com $107 single/double | Please mention Kenneth Copeland Ministries when making reservation.

Reserve by 7/23/05. | (414) 271-7250

www.ichotelsgroup.com $89 single/double | Please mention Kenneth Copeland Ministries when making reservation. | Group Booking Code: GLB | Reserve by 7/21/05. | (414) 273-2950

www.inntownehotel.com $72 single/double | Please mention Kenneth Copeland Ministries when making reservation.

Reserve by 7/19/05. | (414) 224-8400

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 Canada call 1-877-480-3388.

U.S. Cellular Arena | 400 W. Kilbourn Ave. | Milwaukee, WI 53203 | (414) 908-6000 1

Kenneth Copeland Ministries PO Box 3111 STN LCD #1 Langley, BC V3A 4R3

507

J U LY

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Kenneth Copeland

Gloria Copeland

Kellie Copeland

Jeremy Pearsons

BELIEVER’S

VOICE

OF

3 Sun

Kenneth Copeland Walking in the Armor of Light We’ve been called “out of darkness into His marvelous light.” What does darkness do in the presence of light?

It must flee! So learn how you can walk in the light and experience the benefits God has provided.

10

4 Mon

24

31

Kenneth Copeland Fear Is at the Root of Strife Where does strife start? And how do you stop it in its tracks? Find out this week!

6 Wed

7 Thu

8 Fri

Rise to a Higher Standard

12

13

14

15

Living a Higher Lifestyle

Jeremy Pearsons joins Kellie Copeland for another week in the Word. Don’t miss their

discussion about living in purity—“a higher lifestyle” than the world.

18

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The Power of the Word

Join Gloria Copeland and Billye Brim for a faith-charged week in the Word as they share a timely message for the Church today! Don’t miss it!

25

Gloria Copeland Long Life—Whose Choice Is It Anyway?

Tune in this Sunday for an inspiring message about how you can choose to have a long, full life on earth.

5 Tue

In this week of straight talk to young men and women, Kellie Copeland encourages them not to fall to the standard of the world, but rather rise to the standard of the Word.

11

Kenneth Copeland The Law of Love Is the Armor of Light Do you want armor that will protect and defend you in every situation? Then major on love! Tune in to understand how the law of love is the armor of light.

CALENDAR

DAILY BROADCAST

Kenneth Copeland Major on the Command of Love Love should be our first priority. Find out how God’s power follows those who walk in love!

17

BROADCAST

Tune in to the BVOV broadcast Monday through Friday and on Sunday each week at www.kcm.org.

Billye Brim

SUNDAY BROADCAST

V I C TO R Y

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More Love, More Power

Gloria Copeland and Billye Brim continue another week of lively teaching with powerful

truths that will give you hope…and set you free!

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$15 Sunday broadcast CDN$10

BELIEVER’S VOICE OF VICTORY VOLUME 33 NUMBER 7 July 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 Don Turner Editorial Assistants/Eileen Hooley Melissa Johnson Proofers/John Caccomo Jean De Long Michelle Harris Senior Designer/Michael Augustat Advertising Coordinator/Joy Hoekstra Production Coordinator/Lynette Lundy Type Coordinator/Joyce Glasgow