Steps That Make a Difference
September 30th, 2008
Dear friend,
This past week we’ve seen the network and cable news programs swirling with information about banks and savings and loans failing; debates about the U.S. government stepping in to insure or bail out these financial institutions; then watching as the “blame game” happens between political parties and candidates for office. I am reminded yet again of the security and stability we have as people of faith based on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ.
In the midst of the storms of life, let’s remember who can calm the waves with just one word. Brother Kenneth and Sister Gloria Copeland have a beautifully framed statement in their home that reads, “One Word from God can change your life.” How true that is. That is why we, as Christians, can have hope and assurance in the midst of life, when it seems as though so many are filled with panic and fear.
Do Not Fear...Have Faith
The phrases “fear not” or “do not be afraid” appears over 365 times in the Bible. How about that? One for every day of the year…plus some. That’s exactly how the Lord works…infusing hope, joy, love into our lives…conquering fear.
I invite you to take a few moments now to build your faith as you affirm these Scriptures that bring hope and conquer fear:
“If God is for us, who [can be] against us?... He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect [when it is] God Who justifies...? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:31-33; 37-39, The Amplified Bible).
“Fear not, believe only….” (Luke 8:50)
“But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” (Psalm 3:3, AMP)
“The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped….” (Psalm 28:7, AMP)
Where Can Your Life Go? As Far As You Can Believe.
Recently I saw a beautiful picture of a log cabin and the White House. Between the log cabin and the White House, there was a ladder. Standing at the bottom of the ladder, looking up to the White House, was a caricature of Abraham Lincoln.
A little boy who was looking at the picture asked his mother, “Mommy, what does it mean?” “It means Abraham Lincoln climbed the ladder all the way from the log cabin to the White House.” Then she added, “Look son, at the line that’s under the picture.” Under the picture was the line, “The ladder is still there.”
There is a ladder for you, my friend. It can take you from where you are to where you want to go. All you need is faith in God and a dream in your heart. A dream is just another word for believing God loves you and wants you to succeed.
No matter where you are in life right now, economically, culturally or physically, you can climb up. With God’s help you can be stronger tomorrow than you are today.
Do you want to go up the ladder from a log cabin to the White House? Maybe so…or maybe not. But, you do have goals and dreams, don’t you? I offer these four timeless, classical concepts to you today as steps, the rungs of the ladder of your success:
A—Adopt an attitude that is positive
B—Believe in and practice the boundaries of the Ten Commandments
C—Sharpen your caring concern for other people
D—Listen for direction from the Holy Spirit
These four steps can change your life. Start by asking the question, “Where is God leading me to make a difference today?”
Articles to Reflect On
This week I’ve included three articles for you to look at regarding the current financial issues facing our nation. We read articles such as these to keep up with current discussion and thought, but we need to remember we are not moved by what we read, for we read through the eyes of faith:
- Leaders try to close bail out deal, from the Manchester, New Hampshire paper, The Union Leader
- Blame Game Begins on Capitol Hill from ABC News
- Congress, White House reach financial bailout plan, The Kansas City Star
Affirm Generosity, Deny Scarcity
Psalm 150, the last Psalm in the Book, is an exuberant expression of amazement at God’s goodness. It affirms, “Praise God, Praise God with the lute, Praise God with the trumpet, Praise, Praise, Praise.” At the beginning of the Bible, we find in Genesis 1 a song of praise for God’s generosity. It tells how well God ordered the world and keeps saying, “It is good, it is good, it is very good.” And in Psalm 104, the longest of the creation Psalms, is a commentary on Genesis 1. Here the Bible affirms God’s faithfulness saying God is utterly reliable; verses 27-28 (AMP) remind us; “These all wait and are dependent upon You, that You may give them their food in due season. When you give it to them, they gather it up; You open Your hand, and they are filled with good things.”
Together, these three scriptures proclaim God’s abundant power in the world today. Genesis 1 affirms generosity and denies scarcity. Psalm 104 celebrates the joy of creation and rejects or as Brother Jerry Savelle says, “vetoes” anxiety and Psalm 150 encourages us to abandon ourselves to God….knowing He has it all under control.
Our faith is not just about spiritual matters. The closer we stay to Jesus, the more we will bring a new economy of abundance to the world. This has nothing to do with being Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative. It is much more elemental…creation itself is infused with God’s generosity. We must find ways in this 21st century environment in which we live, to make God’s abundance known, tangible and active in people’s lives. Fear leads to a scarcity mentality…faith leads to abundance.
Thanks for being an important part of Believers Stand United! And remember, JESUS IS LORD!
Dr. Stephen Lowell Swisher
Kenneth Copeland Ministries
Keeping You Informed
To read full entries, click the links below. Once you’ve read the articles, feel free to post comments about each piece.
Leaders try to close a bailout deal – “‘We’re making a lot of headway; I think it’s possible to get this thing done tonight,’ Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., said yesterday.” (New Hampshire Union Leader. “Leaders try to close a bailout deal.” www.unionleader.com. Sept. 28, 2008.) 
Blame Game Begins on Capitol Hill – “Separately, an audit requested by Republican Sen. Charles Grassley was released Friday, offering a highly critical report of the Security and Exchange Commission’s own leadership.” (Schwartz, Rhonda. The Blotter: From Brian Ross and The Investigative Team. “Blame Game Begins on Capitol Hill.” http://www.abcnews.go.com/Blotter/. Sept. 26, 2008.)
Lawmakers, White House agree on $700B bailout – “Congressional leaders and the White House agreed Sunday to a $700 billion rescue of the ailing financial industry after lawmakers insisted…” (Hirschfeld Davis, Julie. Kansas City Star. “Lawmakers, White House Agree on $700B Bailout.” www.kansascity.com. Sept. 29, 2008.)
Thank you again for joining us in this endeavor. Together we’re making a difference! |
