More than half of the states in the U.S. have what is known as “stand your ground” laws, which allows individuals to defend or protect themselves by use of force, rather than just running away. God has given us a “stand your ground” law, too (See Matthew 10:1; Luke 9:1, 10:19; Ephesians 6:11; just to name a few). We have a list of promises—guaranteed blessings—that belong to us. But we have to stand against our enemy to take them and receive them. To stand your ground means to refuse to change position—to refuse to move from one place to another—to refuse to retreat or lose your advantage in the face of opposition.

I love watching the sunrise on the horizon of Lake Michigan, and it always reminds me of the dawning of the new life of faith. The black-painted sky gradually thins and stars lose their sparkle against the graying morning. On the horizon, where the sun hides low like a lion in tall grass, the darkness melts before the advancing, red-tinged light. A fire is coming. And then it shoots out across the landscape—just a small ray—but the darkness has no chance against it. Then the brilliant arch advances. By the time the full orb rides on the horizon, its radiant heat is already drying the night air and warming my face.

Every day can be an exciting adventure for the Christian who knows the reality of being filled with the Holy Spirit and who lives constantly, moment by moment, under His gracious direction.
 
Three Types of People

1. Natural Person (Self-Directed Life)
(Someone who has not received Christ.)
Self is on the throne, directing decisions and actions (represented by the dots), often resulting in frustration. Jesus is outside the life.

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” is from 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV). We’ve seen this recognizable Scripture on plaques, shirts, tablecloths, and maybe even on face masks due to our present times. It is a verse that people find meaning in no matter how strong their faith is in God. It is attached to one of the most celebrated segments of Scripture among believers today. First Corinthians 13, for those who may not know, is the verse commonly used in wedding ceremonies, recounting how love is not puffed up, not envious, endures all things, and never fails.

One of the top search phrases leading people to Bible.org is this question, “What does God say about me?” That could be a natural question for anyone to ask who does not already know the Bible’s teachings. But, a lot of times, that question is wrapped up in mega insecurity, even among Christians. Perhaps this question is constantly rolling over in your mind.

When I was fighting cancer, I knew how important it was to know the Word and to act on it for health and healing. Had it not been for the Word of God — knowing that God’s Word works, that God would never lie and that He keeps His promises — I would not be alive today. God sent His Word, and I was healed. 
But when our daughter, Lisa, was born with a condition similar to cerebral palsy and brain damage, my husband and I knew very little about healing. John was the pastor of a traditional church that didn’t teach about healing. Lack of knowledge could have destroyed us (See Hosea 4:6), but somehow we knew that God’s Word was true.

You’ve been through retail therapy, tried the meditation apps, and you’re starting to realize that chips and queso won’t actually solve your problems (#rude).
It’s crazy how many people struggle with anxiety, and even crazier how it can get so out of control.
For anyone who’s been through it, it can feel like no matter how many self-help tricks you try, anxiety will always be there to ruin an otherwise perfectly good day.

It’s summertime in the south, which means ripening watermelons, the stifling humidity, and flickering fireflies. Twice in the past two weeks I have traipsed out at dusk with a mason jar and nephews and friends’ kids in tow to chase lightning bugs. Within seconds, dozens of flashing neon dots enveloped us. Excitement surged through my veins. We began stalking the illusive insects, darting and reaching and following deeper into the darkness.

Your influence in this world is far greater than just the confines of your house, your yard and your little work space at the office.
Actually, if the truth were known, the whole company where you work is dependent upon you, the whole neighborhood where you live is dependent upon you, even the entire nation needs you—if you are fearless and full of faith.

Healing belongs to you. It was included in your SALVATION package. Still, building faith to receive isn’t always simple, although it’s not meant to be hard. Faith for healing takes desire, effort and most of all, PERSISTENCE. In your journey toward becoming a person who fully enjoys the covenant promise of healing, questions will inevitably arise.