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The Power of Faith – Believe, Speak, and Receive

Whatever things ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Mark 11:24

Did you know that faith has power? Whatever you believe is what you will speak. What you speak produces the results you are living out every day of your life. Many people do not take stock of what they say every day. In James 3:6, it is stated that the tongue defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of nature, or our path in life. With such a warning, maybe we should reconsider the words that flow out of our mouth. Jesus spoke to his disciples about the power of faith by believing in prayer that what you speak, you will receive. Just think about the fig tree that Jesus cursed because it had no fruit [see Mark 11:12-14 and 20-24]. Peter the disciple of Jesus, pointed it out to Jesus that the fig tree had withered away, and Jesus said, “Have faith in God.” Jesus explains to his disciples that they too can have this kind of power if they would “believe in what they say”.

The power of words is amazing, and we just do not think about it when we speak every day to those who we are in contact with. Just think about the words spoken on social networks. The slandering is out of control, and many are hurt at what is being said. Today we have employers dismissing people by email, rather than facing the individual in person. Add to the list cyberbullying which is posting rumors and treats. Words are powerful and we need to check take stock of our speech and behavior to that of a more positive tone rather than a negative tone. What we speak can be in the power of God and not in the power of man. Knowing that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith [Hebrews 12:2] helps us to understand that our minds can be renewed to having the power of faith in what we speak.

The apostle Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 4:13, “having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak” [KJV]. We speak what we believe, and this is powerful. Paul has complete confidence in God, whom he believes that what is spoken will reveal the nature of God. We must choose blessing or cursing, life, or death, in the words we speak. Are the words we speak based upon faith? In 2 Corinthians 4:18 it states that we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” When we pray, we look at what is not seen instead of what is right before us. I remember Smith Wigglesworth commenting how when he prayed for the sick in bed, they look to Jesus rather than the condition of the person in bed.

Can we “Have Faith in God?” Yes, we can, when we put our trust in God through His son Jesus. However, there is a condition listed in Mark chapter 11 that is overlooked.

When you stand praying, forgive, if ye have anything[ought] against any, that your Father also, who is in heaven, may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father, who is in heaven, forgive your trespasses.
Mark 11:25-26 [KJV]

Many forget that to receive anything from God one must have a pure heart and motive. So, if you have anger, or unforgiveness against anyone, you must forgive them. This is one reason why we have unanswered prayers. We only look at what we want, but when it comes to forgiving it can be very painful to let go of the hurt that an individual has done to us. This includes not only actions but the many unkind words that has been spoken. Do not let those behaviors or words pull you down to becoming burdened and angry. Let it go and place it in God’s hand. Remember that you cannot change another person, but you can be the reason why somebody changes. When your heart is in the right place you can ask and it shall come to pass, but forgiveness is the key to the prayer of faith. We can believe, speak, and receive just like Jesus did. May we grow in having more faith in God and by taking stock in what we speak.

April 1, 2026

Sheep Within the Fold

I am the door; by me if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 10:9

Some would enter the fold of the body of Christ another way; however, Jesus said that He is the only door for man to enter and be saved. The question is, have you entered into the fold through Jesus? Is Jesus your good Shepherd? Is he guiding you in and out of the green pastures? The green pasture is a place of rest where the sheep can eat in peace. The sheep do not need to worry about the thieves and robbers at this point, for the Shepherd looks out for their every need. We sometimes forget that we have a great Shepherd who is eager to care for and meet everyone’s needs. All we have to do is ask. Sometimes, just asking God for help is the problem that we have. It’s possible that we don’t think He really cares for us. Maybe we feel that He is too far away to hear us. Yet, the Shepherd is never too far away to hear his own flock of sheep. Can we say that the Lord is our Shepherd like David did in Psalms 23? What did David say about the shepherd?

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteouness for his name’s sake.
Psalms 23:1-3

In Psalms 23, King David tells us that the Lord is his shepherd who makes him lie down in green pastures and leads him to still waters. David also tells us that his soul is restored as the Lord leads him in the path of righteousness. This is like going on a picnic where one finds green grass to sit on near a stream to eat and relax. The atmosphere is total serenity, where one can even fall asleep on a beautiful sunny day. So peaceful, this is while lying down on the soft green grass under the shade of a tree and listening to the water run down the stream. Have you experienced this? If you have, then you will know how peaceful it can be. This is exactly the place for the sheep to be, yet we cannot always conceive this image in our own minds. We are ready to faint from the exhaustion of just trying to get to the place of rest and peace. Our soul needs to be restored from all the things it has touched in the world we live in. We definitely need to be guided into the paths of His righteousness, and not walk in our own righteousness. Our own righteousness means nothing when compared to the great Shepherd who knows us intimately. Some may even find it an impossibility that the Shepherd already knows us.

In Psalms 139 in verse 16, David states, “thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unformed; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” David exclaims, “How precious are your thoughts towards me, O God!” Yes, how precious are the Lord’s thoughts towards each one of us that our members were written down in His book. The good shepherd knows his sheep, and the sheep only listen to his voice to follow him. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep and does not allow any man to be plucked out of His hand. Only believers are in the fold of the Shepherd. No one is ever left out unless he willfully makes that choice. Each person has the choice to believe in the good Shepherd. It is an individual’s disbelief that keeps him or her outside the fold of the good Shepherd. Let’s look at verse 16 of John chapter 10. Jesus said that He would bring the other sheep into the fold. Jesus said, “There shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” Anyone can enter into the fold when coming through Christ by believing in Christ’s atonement.

One fold, one shepherd, one body, one spirit, and one Lord of all. Is he your Lord? Do you know what it means to be truly lost? Have you ever been lost on a trail while hiking? How about being lost in a city you are not familiar with? I had run away from home as a teenager in the city of Perth, Western Australia. There was no peace at home, and I just wanted to get away to find some peace. However, there are dangers out in the world that one can’t see ahead of time. I was physically assaulted in a park, and I cried out to God to save me. Save me he did, I stumbled around the city of Perth not knowing where I was going, and I heard his voice telling me I had to go back home. Nothing like arguing with God about the situation at home, let alone being assaulted. But that is exactly what I did. I argued with God. I told him I was lost and did not know the way back home. This was not a problem for God, as my eyes were closed and tears running down my face, He translated me back one block away to where home was. I did not see it happen, but when I opened my eyes, I knew I was in a different place from where I originally was. I just had to accept it for what it was. His voice gave me the assurance as He spoke that He would be with me and help me to bear the verbal abuse that I would receive. No one can tell me that He [God] is not interested in bringing in other sheep into the fold, for I am one of those sheep.

Let us now take into consideration the one thing that is mentioned in John Chapter 10:10. What did Jesus say about the thief’s purpose? The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. Who is this thief that would enter into the fold or pluck one of the sheep out of the hand of the good Shepherd? Anyone who is not a believer, and anyone who lives a life of disobedience to God. Those who follow their own will or the will of another man. Those who are under the influence of the devil. Have you ever considered what the word “devil” literally means? The word “devil” means a “slanderer.” A slanderer makes false and damaging statements about someone. It is a person who slanders both God and man. The devil is the fallen angel who desired others to worship him. Just look at what he told Jesus in Matthew 4:8-9. The devil told Jesus that he would give him the kingdoms in the world if Jesus would only bow down and worship him. In verse 10, Jesus said, “Be gone! Satan: for it is written, “Thou shalt worship the Lord, thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Be careful to whom you follow or worship. The devil left Jesus, and the angels came and ministered unto him [see verse 11 of Matthew chapter 4].

Each of us is to remember the words spoken in the Bible and pray for understanding as to their meaning. Jesus knew the Father. To know is to have knowledge and recognition of something. It is more than just to know about a person. It is believing in that person for who they are as an individual. Building trust with that person is the key to fellowship. Can we have that same kind of trust in God? King David had that kind of trust in God, in that he believed in God’s goodness and mercy. He knew that each person had their appointed time here on earth. He knew that God would see him through troubled times. David also knew when he was at fault. That is why we pray that we would not be led into temptation, but out of temptation, and from the evil one [see Luke 11:3].

We must remember that we are kept by the power of God through faith. And faith is believing in who Jesus is. Salvation and healing are in the atonement through Christ Jesus. Therefore, the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if [they] have committed any sins, they shall be forgiven [see James 5:15]. We draw near to the Shepherd of Love in humble obedience, knowing He will see to our needs. All things are within the Shepherd’s capable hands. It is the meek who shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace [see Psalms 37:11]. Our path is in the Lord’s hand, and He is our Shepherd. Nothing is withheld that the Lord is not generous if we but ask Him for help. He helps us and instructs us through the word [the Bible]. Put your trust in his word and draw near to the Shepherd that you may declare His works. Trust Him to guide you in and out of green pastures so that your soul may be restored to living in love and peace. Ask the Lord for help and declare the work He has done in your life. Allow His spirit to fully restore your body, soul, and spirit today in Jesus’ name. Always pray without ceasing, rebuke the devil, and He shall flee from you.

It is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
Psalms 73:28

What is Godliness?

“Exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.“
1 Timothy 4:7-8

What is Godliness? Godliness is a devout lifestyle or devotion to God whereby one is changed into the image of Christ. A person becomes God-like in character and follows Christ. Godliness is more than just a style of living; it is an obedient life walking in love, wisdom, and the grace of God. Reading 1 Timothy 6, I found that the Apostle Paul references godliness as a doctrine. In otherwords, godliness is part of the belief system we have in Christ. There is a distinct difference between wholesome words of the Lord and non-wholesome words in the world. Godliness speaks to the conduct and character of a person. That person is Jesus Christ. I can remember singing a hymn titled “To Be Like Jesus.”

To be like Jesus, To be like Jesus.
All I ask, is to be like Him.
All thru life's journey from earth to glory,
All I ask, is to be like Him.

Does our character align with the true meaning of godliness? Godliness is those who are holy, God-like, and faithful. Godliness is holiness. Listen to what the Apostle Peter said.

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;”

1 Peter 1:15

God is holy, so you should also be holy in all manner of speech. Speech is wholesome words. These words are the words of God. We are to be partakers of the divine nature of God. We are to be changed into the image of Christ. This is the race we run in our lives. To be like Him. To be God-like, holy, and faithful. It is a life of devotion and commitment to God’s will. Many display an outward appearance of godliness, but within their heart is anything but godliness. They complain and want more for themselves rather than being content with what they have. The apostle Paul conveyed how one’s devotion towards God can be devotion towards something else, such as a selfish ambition. We find the Apostle Paul speaking in 1 Timothy 4:7, that one is to exercise oneself towards godliness. How is this done? The answer is in Acts.

“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.”

Acts 24:16

True devotion towards God is always characterized by a clear conscience towards God and towards men. The question arises as to what form of godliness do we have? Let us read another scripture that sheds a little more light.

“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:“

1 Timothy 1:5

Godliness is in the person of Jesus Christ. Godliness is changing our dirty garments into clean garments [see Genesis 35:2]. This is done through love. For God so loved the world that He gave us His Son [John 3:16]. And what did Jesus say was the great commandment?

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Matthew 22:36-39

To love God should not be a burden. It should not be painful, for Jesus took that pain upon himself on the cross. Jesus gave us the victory to overcome the world. We must believe that He can perform within us what is needed. To change a heart of stone into a heart of flesh where love reigns. Relinquish your control to God and allow Him to move into your life.

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:3-4

A true form of Godliness expresses love. We love Him because He first loved us. Love brings a pure heart and a clear conscience. Paul states it is of faith unfeigned. Faith in Christ is a sincere, heartfelt commitment. Godliness is devoid of hypocrisy or ulterior motives. Paul gives a warning about those who suppose that gain is godliness [see 1 Timothy 1:5]. We should be aware that the form of godliness can be performed in the flesh, being works-oriented instead of being in the spirit of Christ’s love. Having riches does not mean we are Godly people. Having the will to get rich through the Gospel is destructive and traps one into wrong thinking and lustful desires [1 Timothy 6:9]. Only Godliness with contentment is great gain [ 1 Timothy 6:6]. Being content with what you have is the key to Godliness, for God is our provider, and we believe in His providence. As we obey the word, we will become a peculiar treasure to God and become a kingdom of Priests. This is the ultimate vision of God.

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. Exodus 19:5

Continue to exercise yourself towards Godliness and become the vision of God through Christ, reflecting His holiness and character. Remember that Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of life. Let us ask God to be like Jesus every day of our lives.

Let not your heart be troubled

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1

Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled.” Is your heart troubled today? Are you being pressured, distracted, or distressed by circumstances that you have no control over? Some are on the brink of exploding because they have no way of intervening in a situation that has gotten out of control. Not only are adults feeling this, but children also are feeling the pain of distress. A teacher told my husband that during recess, they let the children scream in the school playground, for many are distressed at home. Children, like adults, have questions as to why things are the way they are. The importance of knowledge and understanding is the key to life. Understanding the word of God, the testimonies that are in the word. Understanding His voice in the word is to bring comfort to our hearts when we are pressured by the things that are happening around us.

Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights. The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live. Psalms 119:143-144

Has trouble and anguish taken hold of you? Look to the word and believe in God and Jesus. As a child, I memorized the Ten Commandments. After reciting the commandments in Sunday school, I was given a Bible. I was 9 years old. I slept with that Bible under my pillow. I knew it was a precious gift, but I did not understand it. I believe in God, but I did not know who Jesus was. I needed comfort and love. Have you ever felt out of place, like you do not belong in the place you are in at the moment? When I moved to Perth, Western Australia, I felt that I had come home. Although I didn’t have any relatives there, it was an act of charity. “Charity embraces all acts that contribute to human welfare,” as the Merriam-Webster dictionary stated. This is what Jesus meant when He said, “to love one another,” in John 13:34. The act of love is a sacrifice that many do not give of themselves because they have not witnessed it in their own life.

Yet, here in John chapter 14, Jesus states, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” I have been in many houses and have seen the different styles and layouts of homes. I wondered what kind of mansion Jesus was preparing for me. Could trouble change what I believe in and vice versa? Who do we go to for help? Do we not pray to God for help? Jesus goes out of his way to convey that He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father God but through Jesus. Why? Because Jesus is the act of love, the final sacrifice for all humanity. Jesus is the one who will receive us, just where we are, in any moment in time. Jesus has an intimate relationship with the Father.

“Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” John 14:10

If you believe in God, can you believe in Jesus? Can you believe that the Father is in Jesus? If not, believe in the works, the miracles of healing, and the unexplained things that have happened in your life. That saving grace of God in protecting you before He comes to receive you. You must know him before your own death. Before you go to the place prepared for you. Our hearts are not to be troubled when Jesus has provided the way to truth and life. The Father is doing the work, states Jesus. Jesus exclaims, “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me,” [see John 14:11]. Relationship and obedience go hand in hand, for Jesus spoke the words of the Father in obedience. Believing in someone is a relationship. A relationship is being connected.

Jesus wanted his disciples to be connected with him and the Father. Therefore, he gave the promise of the Holy Spirit as a comforter. The Holy Spirit is the consoler, helper, and the Spirit of truth to the believer’s ignorance.

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;” John 14:16

The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, is to abide with us forever. Jesus prayed to the Father for this to happen. This was not only for the disciples in Christ, but for all believers in the body, the church of Christ. A relationship is a connection with God through Christ. This is the ministry of reconciliation, as Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 5:18, “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.” God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself. This is the truth of Christ within the believer who believes in Christ as the Son of God. Our hearts need not be troubled when we have a relationship with God through Christ. When we are reconciled to God and are connected to him through the Holy Spirit. We can pray and ask anything in Jesus’ name and He will do it, so the Father may be glorified in the Son [see John 14:13].

Joy Fulfilled

“And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” John 17:13

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11

Is your joy fulfilled? What does it mean to have Jesus’ joy be fulfilled within us? Jesus said to continue in my love and abide in my love [see John 15:8-10]. Jesus said, “Herein is my Father glorified.” The Father is glorified when we stay in the love of Jesus. As we remain in the love of Jesus, we will bear fruit. We will see beyond what we were or how we have begun in Christ. This is to bring the joy of the Lord within our hearts.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalms 28:7

Many will go their own selfish ways, but the Lord will be the strength and shield to those who trust in Him. Those who trust in His help every day. Is your heart rejoicing in the Lord every day? You may be going through a dry spell or a purging of your ways, but the Lord is preparing you for a better way to walk in this world. This is what Jesus prayed for in John chapter 17. Take note of the seven petitions that Jesus prayed.

That we may have joy.
To keep us from evil.
Sanctify us through the word of truth.
We are sent into the world.
As Jesus was sanctified, so are we sanctified through the truth.
That we would be one in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The glory that the Father gave to Jesus, Jesus offers to us that we may be one.

This prayer was not only for the twelve disciples, but for all whom the Father gave unto His Son. Those who believed in Jesus as the Son of God, the gift of salvation for all men and women. What about the following verse?

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.

Habakkuk 3:18-19

Habakkuk was a man with spiritual character who fulfilled God’s calling upon his life. Habakkuk had a great love for his people, but he could not understand why God used Babylon as a rod of correction. Habakkuk questions God about what is happening to his people. The afflictions they are receiving from the ungodly. What was the reason for the rod? The answer is given in Habakkuk 2:4-5. It is man’s soul that is lifted up when he is not righteous before the Lord. These are men who are proud, who drink too much wine, and who do not come home. A man who goes after his own desires and is not satisfied. A man who has lots of people under him to rule. If you are perplexed at what you are witnessing in the world today, you are not alone.

Despite the significant challenges we may face every day, “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations,” [James 1:2]. God wants us to grow and mature as followers of Jesus. Our faith must stand on the foundation of Jesus and nothing else. Through faith comes spiritual life. Without faith, it brings spiritual death. The key factor we may miss is Habakkuk’s relationship with God. They had an open dialogue with each other. Plus, God answered Habakkuk’s questions. We do not see any doubt within Habakkuk’s character. Yet, Habakkuk stated, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation,” [see Habakkuk 3:18].

Habakkuk had a relationship with the Lord God. He was one with God. The prayer petitions of Jesus are for believers’ lives to stay in fellowship and be one with Him and the Father. Circumstances are not to take them away from the love of the Lord God. We are to have joy no matter what conditions we find ourselves in. We are to resist evil and follow the path of Jesus. We are sanctified through the word of truth. The Holy Spirit will guide us into the truth of our own ways, if they are different from God’s ways. We must repent of our own ways to walk the spiritual life in Christ. If you are standing in faith, rejoice in the Lord. Some Christians are barely making it today. Hold unto faith with a good conscience.

Let us rejoice in the Lord, for “He will make our feet like hinds’ feet, and He will make us walk in high places,” [see Habakkuk 3:19]. Rejoice in the Lord, for you will overcome all obstacles. Joy will be fulfilled as the Lord will enlarge the steps of your feet so you will not fall [see Psalms 18:36]. Do not allow circumstances to take your joy away. Bring out the stringed instrument and sing unto the Lord God. Remember His words and fellowship daily with the Lord God. Your Joy will be fulfilled.