"Faith Without Works and
Works Without Faith Are Dead"

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD also". James 2:26 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

DEMONIC PRINCIPALITIES ASSIGNED OVER THE AREA HAD BEEN FIGHTING IT FROM ALL SIDES

After one of our sessions when I was teaching on spiritual warfare in the mountains of northern New Mexico, USA, we were marching around the property where my hosts were living, driving out evil spirits which had been hindering progress. We were believing that they would be able to purchase it to fulfill their vision for a steakhouse, inn and gift shop. Demonic principalities assigned over the area had been fighting it from all sides. Up the hill, right behind the property, had for years been an infamous area where truck drivers passing through on the highway would stop to pay prostitutes for sex. Drug dealing was commonplace.

WE KNOW WHY. SPIRITUAL WARFARE WORKS

There was strong evidence that one of the merchants had paid off an inspector to stop my hosts from fulfilling their vision for a business here by denying the proper permits. Later that notorious inspector, who had been "on the take with bribes" and all kinds of under-the-table activities", suddenly resigned. We know why. Spiritual warfare works. The Holy Spirit directed my hosts to the right qualified people who were able craft the proper kind of proposal which was approved, and the property was transferred to them.

THIS WAS A REAL ACT OF FAITH

But, as we were doing the warfare on that cold morning, my hostess felt in her spirit that she was to claim the run-down motel next door as an extension to the property that they did not yet have at that time. This was a real act of faith. She asked me to agree with her. I said, "It will take a lot of work, but if you feel this is the right thing to do in your spirit, I will agree with you, and we will make the decree together". The place was not even up for sale at the time, but in the next few months it went back to its previous owner. My hostess' husband got on board, and began to negotiate by phone with the owner in another state.

EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO ASSURANCE THAT THE DEAL WOULD GO THROUGH, MY HOSTS KEPT UP THEIR FAITH CONFESSION, AUGMENTING IT WITH WORKS, BELIEVING FOR THE RIGHT CONCLUSION

Showing their works to accompany their faith, my hosts began to search by internet beautiful and exquisite furniture which was available at only a fraction of its original cost. Usually this was from people who were moving to another location, and needed to get rid of things they could not take with them to the distant point of their next home. Even though there was no assurance that the deal would go through, my hosts kept up their faith confession, augmenting it with works, believing for the right conclusion. After the place was totally deserted, they watched over it, and even fed the two cats which were left behind. I did my little part by removing the overgrown brush and trees which separated the two properties so that we could keep a better watch over it, to prevent theft and vandalism.

EVENTUALLY THEY BELIEVE THAT ONE OF THE AREAS WHICH IS NOW USED FOR STORAGE WILL BECOME A BEAUTIFUL CONFERENCE CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL, OVERLOOKING A LITTLE STREAM

Finally, the day came when my hosts completed their transaction and became the managers of the property. The face-lift which is now taking place is a testimony to the whole area of the faithfulness of God. Eventually they believe that one of the areas which is now used for storage will become a beautiful conference center for spiritual renewals, overlooking a little stream. One longtime resident said, "You people are doing a good job. It is an uplift to the community. It is an inspiration to the rest of us". No, I am not a financial partner in this project; only a spiritual backer and encourager. I am still in ministry, but I thought that this report would be an encouragement to all who read it, showing that with faith, there must be the appropriate works to accompany it. One without the other only produces death, but together they birth life.

"Forgiveness is a Choice.
Trust is a Process"

"Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, REBUKE HIM; and IF HE REPENT, FORGIVE HIM". Jesus, Luke 17:3 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

EVEN THOUGH WE ARE TO LIVE IN A SPIRIT OF FORGIVENESS, AND NOT CARRY GRUDGES, JESUS TELLS US TO REBUKE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US

Let us take another look at the subject of forgiveness and trust. Contrary to the teaching of some, Jesus does not expect His followers to be "doormats", and let everyone run over them at will. Even though we are to live in a spirit of forgiveness, and not carry grudges, Jesus tells us to rebuke those who trespass against us. Offenders need to know when they offend, and told to change their ways and stop their offensive behavior. According to our Lord, forgiveness is to be offered when the offender repents. We are not to allow people to run rough-shod over our convictions, and act like nothing has happened. How will others ever learn that they have wronged us unless we tell them.

TRUST HAS TO BE EARNED. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

To forgive others is a choice which we make. But, when it comes to trusting that person again it takes time. It is a process. Trust has to be earned. It does not happen overnight. When out of the blue someone asks me to trust them a red flag goes up. Trust is not something that another person asks for, but it is a proven performance over a period of time. It is based on honesty, with realistic evaluations about the behavior and character of the person in question.

IT IS HIGH TIME THIS MYTH AND LIE OF THE DEVIL BE EXPOSED

Too many people take advantage of those who easily forgive them of all their trespasses. They consider them to be "soft touches". I have had to learn that with people who are always wanting to borrow money. Most of them never paid me back. I had to learn that they thought they could "use me", as I was "a Christian", and "a minister of the gospel", so they felt I would be "forgiving", and never demand that they repay the debt which they had incurred. One of their favorite ploys is to "use guilt", and to say that we are supposed to be understanding of their circumstances because we follow the Lord. It is high time this myth and lie of the devil be exposed.

GOD DOES NOT EXPECT US TO LET OTHERS "PLAY MIND GAMES WITH US"

We choose to forgive, but that does not mean we will let that person continue to stomp all over us again and again. To do so makes us "enablers of a dishonest lifestyle". Once "taken", we can chalk it up to experience, but to be taken again makes us a fool. "Don't you trust me?" they will ask. To which we must reply, "I am watching you. When you show me over a period of time that you can be consistently trusted, then I will trust you". God does not expect us to let others "play mind games with us". This is a misuse of the principle of forgiveness. We can choose to forgive when the offender repents, but when it comes to trust, that takes time.

"Finish the Race Strong"

"I have fought a good fight, I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE, I have kept the faith". Apostle Paul, 2 Timothy 4:7 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

WHETHER IT'S A BLUR, RED OR GREEN RIBBON WHICH IS AWARDED TO THE PARTICIPANTS, THE IMPORTANT THING IS THE THE RUNNERS COMPLETE THE COURSE

It is not how we begin the race that counts, but how we finish. The race track is strewn with the casualties of the fallen along the way. They began well, but some how they stumbled on "the sin which so easily beset them". The prizes do not go to those who enter the race, but to those who cross the finish line strong. Whether it's a blue, red or green ribbon which is awarded to the participants, the important thing is that the runners complete the course. Gold, silver and bronze medals are given to the winners in athletic events of the summer Olympic games.

EVEN THOUGH HE RECOGNIZED THAT "THE BATTLE IS THE LORD'S", HE HAD TO PLACE HIMSELF IN A POSITION OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Before his head was severed in a prison in Rome, the Apostle Paul, was able to give this powerful testimony that he had "fought a good fight". Even though he recognized that "the battle is the Lord's", he had to place himself in a position of spiritual warfare. It was not always easy. But, the reason he could call it "a good fight" was because he knew the final outcome. He would win! Regardless of all the pressures in ministry, he could truthfully declare that "he had kept the faith". He did not compromise when it would have been easier to have done so. Standing up against all the enemies which came against the early church, he remained an unblemished hero of the faith.

EVERYTHING THE LORD HAD DIRECTED HIM TO DO, HE WAS TOTALLY OBEDIENT

Even as Jesus said at the end of His earthly ministry, "It is finished", so Paul could decree without hesitation, "I have finished my course". He had completed his assignment. Everything the Lord had directed him to do, he was totally obedient. He had "run the race set before him with patience". No matter what the obstacles were, he persevered, and made sure that he made a strong showing when he crossed the finish line.

HOW WILL YOU FINISH YOUR RACE?

For some the race is long, while for others it is short. My parents preached the gospel for decades. My father for over 60 years, and my mother for over 70 years, while my brother only had the opportunity to preach 202 sermons before God called him home two weeks before his 23rd birthday. But all of them ran the race with everything they had, and by the grace of God finished their course. How will you finish your race? Keep your eyes on the goal--the glory of God radiating from the face of Jesus, as His lips part with the welcome words, "Well done, good and faithful servant". Winner's circle is awaiting your arrival.

Bishop Marvin Schmidt

"You Are Not a Doormat!"

"ARISE, WALK THROUGH THE LAND IN THE LENGTH OF IT AND IN THE BREADTH OF IT; FOR I WILL GIVE IT UNTO THEE". Genesis 13:17 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)RESPECT THE CALLING OF GOD IN YOUR LIFE, AND DON'T LET FRIEND OR FOE NEGATE THE DIVINE VISION WHICH YOU HAVEDon't let usurpers disrespect your dreams, and walk all over you. You are the one to do the walking--over and above your circumstances--claiming the promises which God has given you. You are not a doormat where people thoughtlessly wipe mud off their feet at your expense. Don't allow yourself to be run over by a truck driver, leaving tire tracks on your face. Respect the calling of God in your life, and don't let friend or foe negate the divine vision which you have by their negative attitudes and belittling remarks.GOD DELIGHTS IN "SPREADING A TABLE FOR YOU IN THE PRESENCE OF YOUR ENEMIES" Everything God wants you to be and to do has already been deposited in you. But, there will always be those around you who will either by design or thoughtlessness try to rob you of your spiritual inheritance. They do not see what you see, and will take sport in mocking you, and labeling you as being incapable of achieving your full potential. God delights in "spreading a table for you in the presence of your enemies". It is His desire to bless you so much that it will either shut their mouths, or cause them to flee muttering unintelligible grunts. They will "come in one way, and leave in confusion, seven ways".
REMOVE YOURSELF FROM THOSE WHO WOULD PUT YOU DOWN, AND CAST YOU IN AN UNFAVORABLE LIGHTAchieving your dreams will not take place, and unfold automatically. It is important to know that first of all you must "arise". If you have arisen, and are "walking through the land throughout its length and breadth", you cannot be kicked in the face, and have others wipe their feet on you. You are no longer a doormat. Remove yourself from those who would put you down, and cast you in an unfavorable light. If you look for their approval, they will never lift you up, but will continue to drag you down. If they insist on hanging on, it is time to serve them with an ultimatum, "Either you speak good things into my life, or go somewhere else. From this time on I refuse to accept your garbage". For some reason, it is a prevalent practice in our generation for friends to put others down with smart remarks, which in reality are not smart, but ignorant. These people are known as "dream discouragers and vision destroyers". Who needs it!?!NO MORE BEING KICKED IN THE MOUTH. GET UP, TAKE YOUR STAND, AND LET NO ONE PULL YOU BACKThe time has come to put your foot down, and say, "Enough is enough!" Do not put it with it any longer. The typical retort is, "Oh, I was just joking". This is not funny. There is nothing humorous about it. When someone in your life "jokes" like this, they are trying to communicate a message to you, endeavoring to use humor, while criticizing you. As you arise in obedience to accomplish all you have been called to do, some will go with you, but there will be others you will have to leave behind. No more being kicked in the mouth. Get up, take your stand, and let no one pull you back. God has commanded, "Go forward. No looking back!" There is a bright future in store for you, and no time to waste arguing with those who would try to bring you down to their level.

"If You Have Been Given AUTHORity

You Are an AUTHOR of Impacting Words"

"Then he (Jesus) called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power (inherent ability to perform miracles) and AUTHORITY (backed up by the government of Heaven) over all devils, and to cure diseases". Luke 9:1 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

"Looking unto Jesus THE AUTHOR and FINISHER OF OUR FAITH . . . " Hebrews 12:2a KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

THE RIGHT WORDS IN SEASON WILL ACCOMPLISH THEIR INTENDED GOAL EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY

A person entrusted with authority must needs be, by the very assignment, an author. Anyone in a position of authority has to be familiar with words, know their definition, and understand how to put them together intelligently so that they make sense. The right words in season will accomplish their intended goal effectively and efficiently. One who exercises authority moves in a prophetic gifting, and perhaps even in the office of a prophet. That is why it is vitally important that he knows how to put the correct words in the most powerful fashion to make the maximum impact.

THESE PRETENDERS HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE THAN TO BECOME PRISONERS OF THE CAPTAIN OF OUR SALVATION

The individual who operates in authority must speak specific words with an unction from the Holy Spirit to cause demons to be properly loosed and bound. Furthermore, he has to know how to use the Name which is over and above all other names to command sickness and disease to bow, and surrender themselves under His nail-scarred feet. When rightly enunciated, with the prescribed decree boldly uttered, these pretenders have no other choice than to become prisoners of the Captain of our salvation.

WHEN WE WASTE WORDS, THEY BECOME NON-WORKING

When words are misused and haphazardly applied it is a serious offense against the Almighty. Words are weapons. If they are spoken carelessly and in jest, when the time comes to employ them to conquer fears and cause strongholds to disintegrate, they will fall flat, and be lost. The authority has been drained out of them, thus making them empty and ineffective. This is why we must guard our lips, and not spout out anything that comes into our minds. When that happens, such words become powerless, and lose their value. When we waste words, they become non-working. Jesus said that we will be judged by the words which have come out of our mouths. Words used to devalue the Holy Spirit, and attribute His works to the devil can so offend Him that He will forever depart from that person's life.

THE CHAPTERS IN BETWEEN ARE THE ONES WE WRITE, BUT HE IS THE ONE WHO STARTS AND FINISHES IT

"Our Faith" is like a book being co-written by Jesus and us. He is referred to as "the Author", as He writes the introduction. Then at the conclusion of the book of our lives, He will be "the Finisher". The chapters in between are the ones we write, but He is the One Who starts and finishes it. The more we co-operate with the theme which He has chosen for our biography, the more powerful the authority in His name will operate in our lives. Our authority has been authored by Him--it originated with Him--and is backed up by the government of Heaven. This is why authority in the name of Jesus still works today.

"Having a Personal Experience with

God will Extend Your Life"

"And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel ('facing God'): for I HAVE SEEN GOD FACE TO FACE, and MY LIFE IS PRESERVED". Genesis 32:30 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

THE SECRET OF THE FULFILLMENT OF LIFE IS FOUND IN THE FACE OF JESUS

A popular myth was circulated in ancient times that to look on the face of God would cause a person to die. Just the opposite was true. What is the source of our spiritual life? The answer is found in 2 Corinthians 4:6 KJV, "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give THE LIGHT OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE FACE OF JESUS CHRIST". (Capitals are mine for emphasis) The glory of God emanates from "the face of Jesus Christ". The secret of the fulfillment of life is in found in the face of Jesus. That is why we say, "Look and live".

WITH THE CHANGE OF NAME CAME A CHANGE OF CHARACTER

One night when Jacob encountered a divine stranger, he would not let the One Whom he would soon discover was the Angel of the Lord, depart from him, until He received the imparted blessing. This declaration resulted in an all-night wrestling match. As a result of this face-to-face confrontation with God Himself--the preincarnate Jesus Christ--his life was not only preserved, but his name was changed to Israel. With the change of name came a change of character. He went from being known as "the deceiver" to "a prince with God". Blessings and an extension of life came about when Israel met his Lord face-to-face.

IT IS NOT A PHYSICAL DEATH, BUT "DEATH TO SELF"

Yes, there will be a death when we look upon the face of Jesus. It is not physical death, but "death to self". This kind of death is necessary if we are to experience Christ's resurrection life, as we crucify the flesh, and "have a funeral for the old man of our carnal nature". Jesus, alive and well through the power of the Holy Spirit, lives in us. He is the reason for our very existence.

IF WE WANT TO LIVE A LONG LIFE, ADDING YEARS TO OUR LIFE, AND LIFE TO OUR YEARS, WE NEED THEN TO HAVE A PURPOSE TO GET OUT OF BED EVERY MORNING

One of the reasons Jesus came to Earth was "that we might have life, and have it more abundantly". John 10:10 KJV. If we want to live a long life, adding years to our life, and life to our years, we need then to have a purpose to get out of bed every morning. Experiencing God's glory helps us to increase our knowledge of who Jesus really is. Knowing Him and making Him known to others should be a major reason to keep living.