kcmblogsite, Author at KCM Blog

10 Scriptures to Stand Strong Against Worry

Posted on July 1, 2016 - 3:22 pm by kcmblogsite

by Kenneth Copeland

Is fear contaminating your faith? Ask yourself these questions: Do you worry about the safety of your children each time they walk out the door? Do you find yourself pacing if your spouse is 15 minutes late for dinner? Do you get stressed every time newscasters are proclaiming doom and gloom for the economic markets? Do you fear each time a storm comes through your state? If so, then it’s time for you to take a stand against worry. Here are 10 scriptures to help you stand strong against worry and fear.

1 John 4:18: Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.
1 Peter 5:7: Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Philippians 4:6-7: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:25-34: That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear… These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need…
John 14:27: I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Romans 8:28: And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Psalm 37:3: Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Philippians 4:19: And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Luke 1:74-75: We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.
Psalm 103:1-5: Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

If you have allowed worry to creep into your life, then take a stand against it. Read these scriptures. Print them out and post them where you can see them every day, throughout your day. Don’t let fear rob you of your faith in God and His Word, take a stand against it and live in confidence and godly strength!

Why is it so Important to Meditate on God’s Word?

So many born-again believers miss out on the world-overcoming victory that’s theirs in Christ Jesus. They keep finding themselves “under” the circumstances instead of “on top,” and they can’t figure out why. They’ve never understood a foundational truth about living the successful Christian life. They’ve never understood why it is so important to meditate on, or ponder and contemplate, the Word of God.

Proverbs 4:20-22 says, “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh” (KJV).

Notice that according to those verses, when you “attend” to God’s words they become “sayings.” The Scriptures start talking to you. The Holy Spirit speaks them to you on the inside so you can not only see but hear the thoughts of God.

If you’ll make the decision to take those thoughts by saying them on purpose over and over again, eventually you’ll catch yourself saying them without having to decide to do it. When that happens, your thinking in that area will have been converted. God’s thoughts will have become your own.

Suddenly, you will see something entirely different than the world sees. While they see drought, you see rivers. While they look at famine, you see feast. While they look at financial collapse, you see the riches of THE BLESSING.

I’m not saying all your circumstances will change overnight. It often takes time for the manifestation of THE BLESSING to become visible in this natural realm. But you can still “see” it—because you don’t really see with your physical eyes. I don’t either. You see with your mind. Your brain collects information and turns it into images in your soul. Then you interpret those images and decide what to do with them.

I have a very good friend who proves that point every day. A Partner with this ministry, he owns a gun store. He does not have sight in his natural eyes. One of his customers told me he bought guns from him for four years without noticing anything unusual about him.

“I’d tell him which gun I wanted and he’d go over to the case and get it with no problem,” he said. “He’d clear it, break it down, whatever he needed to do, and hand it to me. I’d stand there talking to him and looking him right in the face with no idea he was blind.”

Amazing as it seems, the man also trains military personnel. According to his staff, if you’re his enemy and you don’t want him to shoot you, you’d better be real quiet. His ears catch sounds yours don’t. He can hear you breathe from across the room—and if he hears you, he can shoot you.

Can that man see?

Absolutely. He sees with his hands. He sees with his ears. He sees images on the inside of him the same as you and I do. His eyes don’t yet transfer light from his eyes to his brain, but that’s changing. He’s attending to the Word. He’s fixing his spiritual gaze on his miracle-working God.

You and I can do the same thing. Instead of looking at the circumstances around us, we can focus on the Word of God. Instead of meditating on what the world says, we can spend our time meditating on what God says. As we do, the Word will get on the inside of us and begin to change our thoughts, our health and our reality!

What to Pray When You Disagree with the Government

Posted on June 29, 2016 - 4:05 pm by kcmblogsite

By Kenneth Copeland

“How should I pray for the government?” That’s a questions many Christians ask themselves. Sadly, when it comes to politics, generations of church people in America have said, “We’re just hoping this political party can fix this mess….” or “We’re just hoping and praying such-and-such a group can fix it.” Well, the politicians—whether Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, part of the Tea Party, Independent or some other affiliation—are not God. They’re only here to govern, and the government cannot create or change anything permanently.

Real change—whether in the political, economic or spiritual realm—only happens when the Church begins to pray and believe God. We’re the ones with real authority, and we’ve been given that authority by the Name of Jesus.

The problem is, we haven’t known what to do with it.

Pray for the Government by Giving Thanks

When it comes to praying for the government, we first need to remember 1 Timothy 2:1-2. In these scriptures, the Apostle Paul explained our responsibility as citizens of heaven and citizens of earth: “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

Over the years, the Body of Christ has missed the thanksgiving part of Paul’s instructions in relation to the political process. When the candidate we want to win doesn’t win, we often quit praying and we definitely don’t give God thanks for them. Oh, we may pray for a handful of elected officials now and then. But how long is it from the time we stop praying until we turn around and start shredding them to pieces in our conversations?

Well, in God’s Book, that doesn’t work.

Pray for the Government Consistently

It doesn’t matter whether the person we vote for gets into office or not. What matters is our obedience to God’s WORD—to pray, make petition and intercession for all men and women, kings and leaders of high authority, and then give thanks to God for them. That doesn’t mean we have to fast and pray 40 days and 40 nights each election year. We can simply begin by spending 10 to 15 minutes each day praying for our authorities.

The point is, intercessions and thanksgiving should consistently be the main focus and effort of our petitions, because real spiritual power lies in consistency—praying in the spirit day after day, standing on the Word, praising and worshiping God concerning our authorities.

Remember, Christians should know how to pray for the government, and it starts with thanksgiving and consistency. We are the ones with the real authority around here, and our countries are depending on us!

7 Scriptures to Stand on for Your Government

As a born-again Christian, you play an important role in the success for your government—whether local, state or national. In addition to voting, you must stand in faith for those men and women in leadership positions. Here are seven scriptures use as you pray over your government:

1 Timothy 2:1-2: I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
1 Peter 2:17: Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king.
Psalm 22:28: For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations.
Proverbs 11:14: Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.
Proverbs 21:1: The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
2 Chronicles 7:14: Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
Proverbs 28:2: When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.

Be diligent to pray for your government and those in positions of authority. In just 10-15 minutes a day, you and other believers like you can change the course of history!

Why You Should Pray in Jesus’ Name

Posted on June 23, 2016 - 4:06 pm by kcmblogsite

by Kenneth Copeland

Have you heard other Christians praying in Jesus’ name, but can’t figure out why? Well, I’m going to answer that question. Of course, the reality is so much bigger than that one question. The truth is that Jesus’ name has an unparalleled authority and power that you and I and every other believer can access.

First, you must realize that Jesus inherited His name from Almighty God. That means it’s God’s own Name. It’s the Name that in the Old Testament is translated LORD (as in Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower”). It’s the Name that was considered by the Israelites to be so powerful and holy that they reverenced it too much to say it and eventually the proper pronunciation was lost.

This is the most awesome, powerful Name that exists, and Jesus obtained it by inheritance. It was conferred on Him after He purged our sin through the work of redemption, when He “sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high,” and God said to Him, “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom” (Hebrews 1:3, 8).

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth” (Philippians 2:9-10).

Just think of it! The Name Jesus inherited, the Name God conferred on Him after His ascension to the throne of grace, is God’s own divine Name. Therefore the only way to measure its greatness and grandness is by measuring the power of God Himself, and that can’t be done.

God’s power is immeasurable—and every bit of it is in His Name!

That’s shouting ground right there, but it’s not the whole story. According to Romans 8:17, you and I, as believers, are “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ,” so that Name belongs to us just as much as it belongs to Jesus. It belongs to every born-again child of God because, as the Apostle Paul said, it’s the Name “of whom the whole family [of God] in heaven and earth is named” (Ephesians 3:15).

This is the reason the Church is referred to in Scripture as the bride of Christ. We’ve been covenanted to Him in a holy matrimony before God Almighty and, just as a bride takes the name of her husband in an earthly marriage, we’ve been given Jesus’ Name.

Most Christians haven’t fully grasped this yet. They might have a little revelation of it. They might understand that they’ve been authorized to use Jesus’ Name at certain times to do the work of God. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The truth is, we’ve not only been authorized to use His Name but we’ve been named after Him.

His Name is our name!

We have as much right to it as my wife, Gloria, has to the name Copeland. She doesn’t have any qualms about using that name. She wields it with the same authority and confidence that I do. She can write it on a check, take it to the tellers at the bank, and they’ll smile and give her every last dime in my account. Why? It’s her name and her account as much as it is mine.

The authority that’s been invested in us as believers is beyond our wildest imaginations. Because we have God’s Name, we not only have the right to speak for God, we have the right to speak by His grace as God. In fact, when we speak His Word by faith the devil can’t tell the difference between us and God Himself. That’s why it’s so important to pray in Jesus’ name and to understand the power and authority available to us when we do.

When the enemy sees us coming his way, dressed in the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6—wearing the belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness, our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, holding up the shield of faith, and looking at him through the faceplate of the helmet of salvation—the devil doesn’t know who’s in that armor. He just knows he’s looking at God’s fighting suit. So as far as he’s concerned it’s either the Father God Himself or His Son, The LORD Jesus Christ.

“But Brother Copeland,” you might say, “God and Jesus are perfect. I’m not. Sometimes I sin or make mistakes. Won’t the devil see that and realize it’s just me inside that armor?”

Not if the moment you sin you immediately repent and run to the throne of grace. Jesus is always there and He’s faithful and just to forgive and to cleanse you of all unrighteousness—instantly, right on the spot. There’s nothing the devil can do about it, either, because your righteousness isn’t based on your own perfect performance. It’s a gift from your heavenly Father who sent Jesus to be made “sin for us…that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

I’m talking to you about praying in the name of Jesus. But really, I’m teaching you that you are qualified to wear God’s armor and wield His authority. Yes, sometimes we’ll make mistakes and fall short, but that doesn’t mean we will ever lose our connection with Jesus. By faith we’re in Him. He’s the head and we’re the body.

Even in a natural sense, the head and the body don’t have two different identities. When I walk into a room no one ever says, “Here comes Brother Copeland and his body.” No, the head and the body are one. They have the same identity and the same name.

That’s how it is with us and Jesus. We’re one. We have the same authority He does. We wear the same armor, and we have the same all-powerful Name!

Hebrews 2:11-14 says it this way:

For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee…. Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.

At times, when you put on the armor of God, you may feel like it’s too big for you. You may be aware that you have some growing to do spiritually before you fill it out. But that doesn’t change the fact that, according to those verses, the Lord Jesus Christ has called you His brother. You’re born of God just as surely as He is. You and He have the same DNA. Spiritually, you’re identical twins.

It’s no wonder the devil is terrified of you. It’s no wonder he flees when you resist him!

You bear the Name of the One who conquered him in awesome, awful combat in the pit of hell. You bear the Name of the One who destroyed him and stripped him of his authority. The all-victorious One who, “having spoiled principalities and powers…made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:15).

No matter what you encounter, have faith in the name of Jesus. Take your place, seated with Him in heavenly places—“Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named” (Ephesians 1:21). It’s your chance to overcome every obstacle!

Kenneth & Gloria Accept Trump’s Invitation to Join Faith & Culture Advisory Board

Posted on June 22, 2016 - 2:33 pm by kcmblogsite

Kenneth and Gloria Copeland have accepted an invitation to be a part of The Faith & Culture National Advisory Board that presidential candidate Donald Trump is forming.

By accepting this invitation, the Copelands have the opportunity to be valuable contributors to conversations surrounding important issues relating to faith and culture that could shape the future of our nation.

With a solid Christian worldview from almost 50 years of teaching the Word of God, the Copelands will speak intelligently into the issues at hand and present strong Biblical perspectives. In addition, this is an occasion for them to share their faith with Mr. Trump and influential members of the board.

This presents a wonderful opportunity to further the Christian faith in our political process, and Kenneth and Gloria Copeland are honored to be included.

Advising a presidential candidate, or even a sitting president, is not a political endorsement; therefore, the Copelands’ participation on this board should not be considered an endorsement of Mr. Trump for president.

Please join Kenneth, Gloria and the entire Kenneth Copeland Ministries staff in praying according to 1 Timothy 2: 1-4:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

²For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

³For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

⁴Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

And remember…Jesus is Lord!

Pleasing the Father

Posted on June 16, 2016 - 10:38 am by kcmblogsite

Walking in His Ways

By Gloria Copeland

Right now I’m hungrier for God than I have ever been in my life. I’m hungry to know Him better. I’m hungry for a greater manifestation of His presence. I’m hungry for Jesus to be fully formed in me.

I’m not alone in that desire. Far from it. Everywhere I go, I see believers who are desiring more of God. I meet Christians whose hearts are crying out to be changed and filled with greater degrees of the glory of God.

A sense of urgency has been implanted in our spirit by the Spirit of God because the end of this age is very near. Time is running out, and God is fulfilling His plan in us. He is preparing for Himself a glorious Church without spot or wrinkle.

He is raising up a people who will walk in the things He has prepared for them.

God is bringing forth a multitude of believers who will fulfill the divine destiny prepared for them since the beginning of time. That destiny is defined clearly in Romans 8:29:

For those whom [God] foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren (The Amplified Bible).

Our destiny as believers is to grow up in Jesus. It’s to be fully conformed to His image, which was placed within us the moment we were born again.

It’s a staggering thought that you and I could ever truly be transformed into that divine image. It seems almost impossible that we could be like Jesus. But God says we can be. In fact, the Bible says He has equipped us with everything necessary so that we might continue growing and developing:

Until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection) the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ, and the completeness found in Him (Ephesians 4:13, The Amplified Bible).

If anyone other than the Spirit of God had written that, I wouldn’t be able to believe it. But the Spirit of God did write it! So, as amazing as it seems, we must simply believe that He has the ability to so completely conform us to Jesus that we “…become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself!” (Ephesians 3:19, The Amplified Bible).

We Must Do Our Part

Not only is God able to do that, it is His will for us. It is His end-time plan. But whether or not that divine will comes to pass in our own individual lives is up to us. If we want to be a part of God’s plan, we must do our part of God’s plan.

That’s how it has always been. In Genesis 18:19, God said of Abraham: “For I know him, that he will command his children and his house- hold after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”

Abraham’s part was to cooperate with the Lord. If Abraham didn’t do that, if he didn’t obey what God told him to do, God couldn’t fulfill His promise to make Abraham a father of many nations, even though that was God’s will.

The same is true for us today. It is God’s will that we be conformed to the image of Jesus. It is His will to manifest Himself in our lives just as He manifest Himself through Jesus’ life. But He cannot do it until we do our part.

Our part is simply this: to walk pleasing before Him—to think His thoughts and speak His words. In other words, we are to walk in His ways.

If we want to fulfill our divine destiny and enjoy the fullness of the power of God in our lives, we must make a decision and a determination to stop living to please ourselves and start living every moment to please the Father. We must walk out the prayer the Apostle Paul prayed for the Colossians:

That ye might be filled with the knowledge of [God’s] will in all wisdom and spiritual understand- ing; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power… (Colossians 1:9-11).

Notice that verse connects pleasing the Lord with the manifestation of God’s glorious power. It says they come together.

The life of Jesus was proof. He said, “He that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him” (John 8:29).

We talk a lot about the fact that God will never leave us nor forsake us. And it’s true, He is always with us. But we have to admit, His power is not always in manifestation.

In Jesus’ life, however, God’s power was constantly in manifestation. Every moment, of every hour of every day, Jesus walked in the measure- less, manifest power and presence of God because He always did those things that pleased the Father.

I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord—but as I am taught by God and as I get His orders.] Even as I hear, I judge [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to Me, so I give a decision] and My judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me (John 5:30, The Amplified Bible). And He Who sent Me is ever with Me; My Father has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases Him (John 8:29, The Amplified Bible).

God was able to say of Him, “Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).

Light…Not Twilight!

There’s no reason why we as believers can’t please God as much as Jesus did. We have a reborn spirit made in His image. We’ve been given His righteousness. We’ve been filled with the same Holy Spirit. We have all the capacity that Jesus had in the earth to be just like Him and to do the works He did because He lives in us. The scripture says “…Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).

He was dedicated. He was totally sold out to God. He was without sin. The Bible tells us that many times He ministered to the multitudes all day and then prayed all night, yet Jesus had a flesh and blood body just like yours and mine. He enjoyed a good night’s sleep just as much as we do. So there was an element of crucifying the flesh involved in giv- ing up that sleep and doing what pleased God. He had to say no to His flesh, and yes to the Father.

“Well, Gloria, I know Jesus did that, but God doesn’t expect that kind of self-sacrifice from us.”

Yes, He does. First Peter 4:1-3 says:

So, since Christ suffered in the flesh for us, for you, arm yourselves with the same thought and purpose [patiently to suffer rather than fail to please God]. For whoever has suffered in the flesh [having the mind of Christ] has done with [intentional] sin [has stopped pleasing himself and the world, and pleases God], so that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living by [his] human appetites and desires, but [he lives] for what God wills. For the time that is past already suffices for doing what the Gentiles like to do…(The Amplified Bible).

It’s time for the Church to stop liv- ing like gentiles (or sinners) do! It’s time for the Church to live like God says, regardless of what the world around us is doing. Just because the world’s morals slip doesn’t mean the Church’s morals should.

It doesn’t matter how dark this world becomes, we are to be the light of this world. Not the twilight of the world—the light!

We need to fight against compro- mise by arming ourselves with the commitment to suffer in the flesh rath- er than fail to please God. To suffer in the flesh doesn’t mean to bear sick- ness and poverty without complain- ing. Jesus already bore sickness and poverty for us, along with every other curse of the law, so that we can be free from those things. We are expected to resist that curse in Jesus’ Name.

Suffering in the flesh is making your flesh do something it doesn’t want to do. It’s dedicating yourself to do what’s pleasing to God even when it causes your flesh discomfort.

When you’re ready to do that, you’ll go beyond just “not sinning” and into a life that’s pleasing to God. You’ll be ready to lay down those things that you enjoy, things that aren’t necessarily bad in themselves, yet which are hindering your walk with God.

If you want to walk in the best God has for you, those are the kinds of sacrifices you must make, for Jesus said:

He who does not take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his [lower] life will lose [the higher life], and whosoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life] (Matthew 10:38-39, The Amplified Bible).

If you could see what God has for you in the higher life, you would immediately let go of the mundane things of the world. You would drop that junk so fast you wouldn’t even know which way it went. But you’re not going to be able to see it and then make your decision.

You have to step into that higher life by faith. You have to lay down your life because the Word says to do it. Then and only then will you discover the wonders that are waiting on the other side of your obedience.

I’m sure Enoch didn’t know what the higher life held for him. He probably had no idea that he’d be the first man ever raptured. But he was. Hebrews 11:5 says, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death…for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

Righteousness and Holiness: Two Different Things

How do you develop the spiritual strength to do the things that please the Father, rather than the things that please yourself? First and fore- most, by spending time in the Word and in prayer. When the power of God was being displayed through the early apostles in great signs and wonders, that’s what they were doing. They were giving themselves “continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).

Romans 8:5 says it this way: “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.” That is the matter in a nut- shell. If you want to grow physically and build big muscles, you have to spend time lifting weights and doing physical things to build those muscles. If you want to grow spiritually, you will have to spend time doing spiritual things.

As you spend time fellowshiping with God in His Word, the Holy Spirit, by the power of that Word, will separate you not only from sin, but also from the unnecessary things of life. He will impart to you the spiritual might and grace you need to obey the instructions in Ephesians 4:22-24:

Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self ] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; and be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual atti- tude], and put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness (The Amplified Bible).

That verse tells us that righteousness and holiness are two different things. Righteousness is the right-standing with God you gained when you were born again. The only thing you did to be made righteous was to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life.

Holiness, however, is another mat- ter. You are not made holy. Holiness is the result of your choices. It’s what you do with your time and your actions. It’s your conduct. It comes when you make a decision of your will to live according to the precepts of the Lord. In short, holiness is doing those things that please the Father.

To be holy is to be “sanctified, and meet for the master’s use” (2 Timothy 2:21). Sanctified means “set apart.” Set apart from what? From the world! God wants us to be so caught up in spiritual things that we lose interest in carnal activities and pursue Him with all our hearts.

He doesn’t want us simply to obey a set of rules because it’s the “right thing to do.” That’s law instead of spirit. God wants us to live holy lives because we have a heartfelt desire to please Him. When we spend time with the Lord, we want to do the things that please Him. Our desire is for spiritual things, not the things of the flesh. It shouldn’t be a “head thing” but a “heart thing.” Time with Him separates us to Him. He wants us to love Him so much that we want to be wholly dedicated to Him!

And He doesn’t want us to con- sider such holiness as something out of the ordinary. He wants us to take the attitude of the Apostle Paul who said to the believers at Rome:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, accept- able unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:1-2).

Being wholly dedicated to God is your reasonable service. It’s not something above and beyond the call of duty. It’s not something that is just expected of preachers and ministers. God expects us all to live holy. He says, “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

Certainly such a life will require us to make some sacrifices. It will cause us to suffer in the flesh at times. But it will be worth it. For “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

When you see the power and glory of God start to flow in greater measure through you, you won’t regret you made those sacrifices. You’ll be glad! When you lay hands on a crippled person and see him raised instantly out of a wheelchair, you’ll be glad you turned down that carnal movie your friends went to see. You’ll be glad that you gave up those hours of sleep so you could spend extra time in the Word and in prayer.

When you speak in the Name of Jesus to someone in bondage, and the devil instantly flees and they go free, you won’t be wishing you’d spent more time pleasing yourself. You’ll be thanking God you chose to please Him instead.

You may think I’m being overly dramatic, but I’m not. Those things are going to happen—not just at the hands of famous preachers and full- time ministers, but at the hands of everyday believers. We’ve already started to see it. But we’re just on the edge of what’s coming. We haven’t seen anything yet!

The prophets of God are telling us that we are about to see the greatest outpouring of God’s power this earth has ever known. It’s been said that if we were told all that’s about to happen, we would not be able to believe it because the magnitude of it is so great.

Glory to God, we are about to see multitudes of Christians put aside the distractions of this age and rise up in the strength of God Himself! We are about to see believers conformed to the image of Jesus! We are about to see the Church that God has always dreamed of—a Church holy and without blemish!

Determine in your heart to be a part of it all. Make up your mind that you won’t be sidelined by doing petty things that please yourself. Dedicate yourself to live wholly pleasing to the Father and get ready for a life of power!

The Antidote to Anti-Anxiety Medication

Posted on June 8, 2016 - 11:24 am by kcmblogsite

By Gloria Copeland

Nerve medicine. That’s what some old-timers used to call anti-anxiety medication. It came in a little bottle and contained a lot of alcohol. They took it when they were upset (or so they said!). Kids rarely saw them actually drink it, but when things went wrong and tensions mounted, they often heard them say, “Let’s get the nerve medicine!”

The idea of nerve medicine may be funny today, but modern medicine has its own versions—Xanax, Lexapro, Ativan, Cymbalta, Valium or any number of other prescription anti-anxiety medications. If you are currently taking one of these medications or are considering taking one, then let this be a wakeup call to stir your faith.

Understand, this is not a message of condemnation, but one of encouragement. If you’re taking a prescription, continue to follow your doctor’s instructions until God tells you otherwise. But here’s what we want you to know: If you are a born-again believer, you have access the antidote to anti-anxiety medication. It’s a nerve-calming, health-producing power that doesn’t come in a bottle. Proverbs 3:1-2, 8, (The Amplified Bible) promises “tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death]” when you obey the Lord’s commandments.

You can have peace in your mind and body. You don’t have to endure panic attacks, feelings of depression or sadness, mental and physical exhaustion or worrisome thoughts. You can have peace, regardless of what is going on around you. Consider these steps for implementing God’s peace in your life.

Understand that Anxiety is Under the Curse

A peaceful mind is God’s will for every one of His children (Isaiah 53:4-5, 2 Timothy 1:7). Anxiety, depression and fear are part of the curse. And guess what? Jesus died to free you from the curse. Your freedom has already been purchased, but it’s up to you to receive it.

Pray for God to Show You the Root of the Anxiety

There can be many roots for your anxiety—physical, emotional or spiritual. It may be because of internal issues like unforgiveness or fear, or it may be the result of external issues like a divorce or job loss. Ask the Lord to reveal the root of your anxiety or direct you to someone who can help you identify that root cause (Matthew 21:22).

Confess Your Healing from Anxiety

Once you know the root of your anxiety, make a list of scriptures that deal with your issue (Romans 10:17). Take these scripture (repeating them multiple times each day) just like you would a prescription. Here are a few scriptures to review: Genesis 50:20, Isaiah 40:29, Psalm 103:4-5, Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 55:22, Psalm 94:19, Psalm 139:23-24.

Seek Wise Counsel for Anxiety

As you pray for direction, ask God to show you if you need to seek outside help. If your faith is ready to stand against the symptoms of anxiety, then by all means do that. If however, the Holy Spirit leads you to seek out a pastor, counselor, doctor, nutritionist, mentor or good friend, then be obedient to His leading. Don’t let guilt about seeking outside help keep you from obeying the Holy Spirit (1 John 3:21-22). God often uses others to get us from Point A to Point B.

Put Action to Your Healing from Anxiety

“Faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless” (James 2:17, NLT). Begin acting on your healing, even if the symptoms are still present.

Obey whatever the Holy Spirit directs you to do—change jobs, sever relationships, move, etc. Obedience is key (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Begin taking care of your body through proper exercise, diet and supplements.
Get out of doors and experience God’s wondrous work in nature. [i]
Volunteer at your church, a soup kitchen, a hotline or some other outreach. As you give your time and energy to others, God will bless your efforts and adjust your focus (Luke 6:38).
Keep a prayer journal. In it note your prayer requests, answered prayers and the blessings He gives. As you become more aware of God’s blessings around you, you’ll become more grateful in your life.

Jesus paid the price for your complete deliverance—even deliverance from anxiety and anti-anxiety medication. As you put your faith in the Word of God, you’ll begin to enjoy the peaceful life, regardless of what circumstance may come.

[i] Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100502080414.htm

How to Get Healed from Cancer

Posted on June 1, 2016 - 9:29 am by kcmblogsite

By Gloria Copeland

If you’ve received the medical diagnosis of cancer, you are not alone. Over 1.6 million Americans received a similar diagnosis this year and nearly 12 million American have received that same diagnosis in the past.[1] Thankfully, the number of these diagnoses is dropping each year, and survival rates continue to improve.[2] If you have received a diagnosis of cancer, there is hope. Here is your guide to receiving your healing from cancer.

Step 1: To Get Healed from Cancer, Understand that Jesus Already Paid the Price

When Jesus gave His life on the cross, He paid the price for your healing. He paid the bill so you can be whole—spirit, soul and body. Isaiah 53:4-5 says:

Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole (The Amplified Bible).

The last line of that verse says, “We are healed and made whole.” It doesn’t say that one day you will be healed and made whole. It doesn’t say that possibly, if it’s the will of the Lord, you might be healed and made whole. It says you already are!

Step 2: To Get Healed from Cancer, Dig Into the Word

“The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38). Scripture clearly states that we fulfill the will of God in our lives by faith (Hebrews 11:6). If you’re sick, you receive healing by faith. You receive anything and everything that you need from God…by faith! Faith is simply believing what God says in His Word. It means trusting what He says more than your diagnosis.

Romans 10:17 tells you how to get faith: “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” If you want your faith to grow so you can get healed from cancer, then dig into the Word. Read it, think about it, pray it and memorize it as often as you can. Click here to get explore our Real Help Healing section. [https://www.kcm.org/real-help/healing]

Step 3: To Get Healed from Cancer, Learn from Trusted Ministers

As you begin to dig into God’s Word for yourself, also take time to learn from trusted ministers. Many of these ministers have themselves experienced supernatural healing. They know what you are going through and will teach you how to stand against your symptoms and for your complete healing. Watch the Believer’s Voice of Victory broadcast. Visit one of Gloria Copeland’s Healing Schools. Let these ministers encourage you so you can stand spiritually, emotionally and physically strong.

Step 4: To Get Healed from Cancer, Speak the Truth

Once you begin to meditate on the Word and build your faith, then speaking God’s truth—the truth that by the stripes of Jesus you are healed and whole—becomes natural. Even if you are still dealing with symptoms and pain and side effects, you can proclaim that you are healed. And continue to proclaim that until you those symptoms subside.

Step 5: To Get Healed from Cancer, Take Care of Your Body

God has already given you an amazing gift—the human body. Within it, He designed systems that allow it to heal itself. Learn how you can strengthen your body through diet, exercise and supplements. Begin eliminating bad habits like smoking, poor eating and inactivity. You are in a fight for your health, and now is not the time for you to be lax. If you need help, then find a naturopathic doctor in your area who can work with your medical doctors to create a healthy plan.

Step 6: To Get Healed from Cancer, Pray!

Only the Holy Spirit can give you clear direction for what you need to do for your treatment (John 14:26). While the Holy Spirit may lead one person to follow a traditional, Western treatment, He may lead another to rely on a holistic approach and yet another to solely press into to Lord in faith. Only He can direct you, so commit yourself to prayer and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading.

If you are unsure about what the Holy Spirit is telling you to do, then ask your pastor or trusted, Christian friend to stand with you in prayer. And if you don’t have a person like that, then call KCM’s prayer line at 1-817-852-6000. One of our Prayer Ministers would love to pray with you.

Step 7: To Get Healed of Cancer, Reflect God’s Love

In Mark 11:24-25 Jesus said, “I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” As you commit to improving your spiritual, emotional and physical health, be sure to forgive anyone who has wronged you. Just as you need to rid your life of toxic habits and food (see Step 5), you also want to remove any toxic emotions. Let go of anger and offense and commit to walking in forgiveness and mercy with others.

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well” (3 John 1:2). Begin putting these steps into practice today! And know that at KCM, we are standing with you for complete healing from cancer. If you are a Partner with this ministry, then know that we pray for you every day. And even if you aren’t one of our Partners, we’d love to pray with you for your healing. Simply call 1-817-852-6000 to speak with one of our Prayer Ministers. We look forward to hearing good report from you about your healing and improved health!

[1] Source: http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@epidemiologysurveilance/documents/document/acspc-031941.pdf

[2] Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/255192.php

8 Steps to Get More Out of Your Bible Study Time

Posted on May 19, 2016 - 10:27 am by kcmblogsite

You’ve heard that you need to study your Bible and give the Word a front-and-center place in your life. You may have even tried to do that in the past without much success. If you are ready to get more out of your Bible study time, put these eight, simple steps into practice.

Step 1: Make an Appointment

Set aside a designated time for your Bible study. It can be anytime in your day—morning, noon or night—whenever works best for you. Just make sure you set a time when you are alert. If you are not a morning person, then don’t schedule it as a 5:30 a.m. wake up call. If you are exhausted at the end of your day, don’t schedule your time in the Word right before bed at night. The only requirement is that you are in a frame of mind to learn from the Word and listen to the Holy Spirit.

Treat this time like you would any important appointment. Protect it and schedule other appointments around it. Through dedication and practice, you will develop a natural desire to do it.

Step 2: Pray

Before you begin your Bible study time, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to open the Word to you. Quiet any distractions and prepare your heart and mind to receive from the Lord. Remember that the Word is God’s letter to His people—and that includes you. This is not just another book nor is this Bible study time simply something to cross off your to-do list. Approach it reverently, with anticipation that the Lord will reveal Himself to you and speak to you about any concerns you may have.

Step 3: Prepare to Take and Make Notes

This is your study time. Gather your pen, pencil, highlighter and/or journal. Or use a computer program like Evernote, which can be downloaded for free, to capture your study notes in your mobile device. Be ready to make notes or highlight passages or words that jump out to you or those you would like to study later.

Step 4: Choose a Starting Point

Since the Bible is made up of 66 different books, you don’t have to start at the beginning with Genesis—although this certainly is a good place to start. Here are a few options from which you can choose.

If you are a new Christian, then perhaps you can begin with one of the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. Within them, you will learn about Jesus’ life and ministry.
Learn about your covenant rights through Jesus Christ. Read a letter of the Apostle Paul to the early churches. Look for and underline phrases such as “in Him,” “in whom” and “in Christ.” These phrases are found 134 times in the New Testament from Acts to Revelation. Every one of them has something to offer you personally because according to Ephesians 2:6, you are in Christ!
Choose a book or topic or person to study. Perhaps you’d like to learn about Moses’ leadership, Joseph’s integrity, Daniel’s faithfulness or Paul’s journeys. Or perhaps you’d like to study about Israel’s escape from Egypt or Jesus’ miracles. Any of these would provide you with excellent study opportunities.
Or you can go through a “Read through the Bible” program (visit http://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/) so you can read the Bible from cover-to-cover in one year.

Step 5: Read and Meditate

To get the most out of your Bible study, leave yourself time to think about what you’ve read. Think about each word. Consider using Bible study tools like a Bible dictionary, a concordance or a Greek/Hebrew study Bible. You can find online versions at BibleGateway.com. Or you may choose to read the KCM Reference Bible, which contains all of Kenneth Copeland’s personal Bible study notes.

A few other tools that we recommend are:

Young’s Analytical Concordance—provides lists of scriptures for specific topics as well as translations for Hebrew and Greek words.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance—a dictionary of the Hebrew, Chaldee and Greek words.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words—a dictionary for scriptural words and meanings.
Expositions of Holy Scripture by Alexander Maclaren—a 17-volume series that includes sermons and teachings on most of the books of the Bible.

Step 6: Journal

Once you have prayed, read your Bible and meditated on what you’ve read, begin writing the thoughts and insights you have. This is how the Lord will begin leading and teaching you. Even if you can’t recognize what the Lord is saying to you at first, begin writing down your thoughts and feelings—whatever comes to your mind. Soon you’ll begin to see a pattern in your journaling that you will recognize as the Lord’s voice in your life. As you make your study a daily discipline, you’ll come to recognize His voice more quickly.

Step 7: Meditate throughout Your Day

When a scripture stands out to you, write it down or type it somewhere you will see it. Then think about—or “meditate” on it—as you go about your day. Recite and declare it so you cannot only see it with your eyes, but you can hear it with your ears. Let it change the way you think about the circumstances in your life and prepare you for situations to come. Pray and ask the Lord to bring it alive to you and give you revelation about it, then trust that He’ll do just that.

Step 8: Act on It

Whatever the Lord teaches you during your Bible study time, put it into practice. Act on it. That’s when you will really see results in your life (Matthew 7:24-27). Remember, the Word is not meant to be taken and hidden away. It is meant to be lived. Let it change the way you deal with your loved ones. Let it influence the way you serve your employers or clients. Let it strengthen you as you minister to others in need. It has the power to transform your life and the lives of those around you. Begin putting it into practice today!

Bible study is a powerful and necessary time for every believer. It is a time of training, sharpening and preparation for whatever the Lord has called you to do. Put these eight steps into practice as you begin studying your Bible and see the difference it makes in your life!

How to Apply the Principles of Faith to Your Job

Posted on May 12, 2016 - 3:01 pm by kcmblogsite

By Gloria Copeland

God has a destiny for you to fulfill. He has specific things for you to do—people to encourage, the Gospel to share and divine purposes to achieve. He doesn’t want you stuck in a dead-end job or not enjoying the job He’s given you. If this is you, then it’s time to apply the principles of faith to your job.

The steps to applying faith to your job are same as they are for anything else. Here are five steps to get you started.

1. Submit Your Life to the Lord

If you haven’t yet submitted your life to the Lord and His plan for you, then do so now. You need to be part of the covenant He has made available through Jesus. It’s easy enough to do. Pray, “Lord, I give you my life—all of it. I know that I am lost without you. I believe Jesus is the son of God and I accept Him as my personal Lord and savior. Please forgive all my sin and accept me into your family. In the name of Jesus, Amen.” (Romans 6)

2. Begin Reading the Word in Faith with Your Job in Mind

Make Bible study and quiet time a daily discipline. If you need help getting started, here’s some tips. Set aside a designated time for your Bible study. It can be anytime in your day—morning, noon or night—whenever works best for you. Just make sure you set a time when you are alert. If you are not a morning person, then don’t schedule it as a 5:30 a.m. wake up call. If you are exhausted at the end of your day, don’t schedule your time in the Word right before bed at night. The only requirement is that you are in a frame of mind to learn from the Word and listen to the Holy Spirit.

Treat this time like you would any important appointment. Protect it and schedule other appointments around it. Through dedication and practice, you will develop a natural desire to do it.

3. Pray Over Your Job

Pray for the Lord to reveal Himself and His plan for your life. If the job you have is truly dead end, then pray in faith for your new position. If, instead, it just needs a Holy Ghost boost, then pray for the Lord to give you favor with your boss (or clients) and renew your passion for your job. (Philippians 4:6)

4. Join a Word-based Church

Find a church in your area that can teach you how to live a faith-filled life based on the Word of God. Visit KCM’s list of Partner churches to find one near you. (Matthew 18:20)

5. Develop a Support Group of Spirit-filled Friends

In addition to your church, visit KCM’s Partner Community to develop friendships with like-minded believers who can stand with you and encourage you as you stand for a new or improved job. (Proverbs 27:17)

6. Speak Words of Faith Over Your Job

Determine not to complain or speak words of doubt (the opposite of faith) over your job or job search. Instead, remain thankful that God is in control, that He is taking care of you and that His Holy Spirit is working on your behalf. (Ephesians 4:29)

7. Remain Patient until Your Job Situation is Resolved

Commit to remain in faith over your job. Continue to study the Word, pray for resolution and thank God for a good outcome. Whether your job improves or a new job comes your way, continue to thank God for His blessing and grace in your life. (Galatians 6:9)

God desires to use you to promote His kingdom, to be an ambassador for Him wherever you go. Put these steps into practice and watch as the Lord shows Himself faithful to you!

3 Strategies to Combat Discouragement

Posted on May 4, 2016 - 8:59 am by kcmblogsite

by Gloria Copeland

Are you discouraged by a situation in your life? Discouraged that your job isn’t taking you where you want to go? Discouraged that your family relationships aren’t what you want them to be? Discouraged that your friendships are lackluster? If so, it’s time to change your perspective. So often, Satan uses discouragement to beat you down. If he can convince you that your life stinks, then he can get control of your mind and eventually your life. Begin putting these strategies into practice and combat discouragement at the source.

Remember that Satan has no authority over you or your life.

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” –Romans 8:1-2

The devil’s only power comes from what he can convince you is true. If he can convince you that you are a powerless victim and that you have no hope, then he has won. Don’t give him that control. Remember what the Word of God calls you—“more than a conqueror” (Romans 8:37).

Turn to the Word.

“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” –1 John 4:4

When discouraging thoughts come to your mind, remember what the Word says. Open your Bible and discover the promises that God has made you regarding your job, family, friends or whatever is bringing you down.

Pray in the Holy Spirt.

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. –Romans 8:26

When you don’t know how to pray, the Holy Spirit still does. Begin praying in the Holy Spirit. Then listen as He reveals His will to your spirit.

Put these steps into practice—and continue to put these steps into practice—until those feelings of discouragement dissipate. Don’t give in to the lies that the enemy will throw your way. Remember, he has no control over you. Turn to the Word and pray in the Holy Spirit. When you put these strategies into practice, discouragement is sure to lose its hold!

7 Scriptures to Combat Discouragement

Satan loves to use discouraging thoughts to gain control of your life. If he can convince you that you are a failure, then he can keep you from fulfilling all that God has for you. Here are seven scriptures to stand on to combat discouragement:

Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Romans 8:1-2: “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”
Romans 8:38-39: And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 12:12: Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
1 John 4:4: “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”
John 14:12-14: “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!
Psalm 91:1-2: Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.