Although it is still wonderfully warm and sunny, the Autumn is already in the air. Long Summer evenings are getting shorter and cooler and the leaves on birch trees are showing the first signs of yellow. There is a little bit of sadness in my heart as the warm Summer days are smoothly rolling into a cooler Autumn... but then again, soon there is a colorful parade of my favorite colors - yellows, oranges, browns and greens of all shades... not to mention an abundance of Autumn fruits fresh off the trees - apples, pears, plums! Wow! I love the abundance of an Autumn.

As during several of my previous Health blogs I talked about longevity... I thought I would pick up the subject again and sprint with it, sharing with You The Health & Beauty Secret of the Celebrated Egyptian Queens and Other Nobles of Past Centuries. I started to research the rejuvenative herb a few years ago and since then also claimed this ancient beauty secret as my own. I hope You will enjoy the article and find some helpful tips that You can put to rejuvenative use.

You might have guessed it, I am talking about Aloe Vera.

Aloe (Aloe vera barbadensis miller and Aloe arborescens) - There are about 300 species of aloe growing mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. Although Aloe vera is very cactus-like in appearance, it is a member of the lily family. Out of about 300 species of aloe, only four are recognized as having nutritional values. Aloe vera barbadensis miller, known as Aloe vera, is on the top of this list and is used in most commercial products with aloe content. Another aloe plant that contains nutritional values is Aloe arborescens. In Europe it is often grown in homes as a house plant. It would be good to grow either of those aloe plants at home for emergency use.

History: Aloe has been used for its medicinal properties for over 3,000 years. The Egyptian queens and well known beauties Nefretiti and Cleopatra used it as part of their regular beauty regimes. It is said that Alexander the Great in 333 BC was persuaded by his mentor Aristotle to capture the Island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean for its profound aloe supplies, which were needed to treat his wounded soldiers. Antique Greek and Roman doctors Dioskorides and Galenos recommended aloe vera to their patients. Egyptians used aloe juice to embalm their dead.

Rich in: The gel of the aloe vera leaf contains over 75 nutrients and 200 active compounds, including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids, and 12 vitamins. The outer rind of the leaf has practically no nutritional value.

Internal use: Aloe vera, being one of the most healing herbs, contains strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal. Aloe vera promotes cell growth and is strengthening to the whole immune-system. It is neurologically calming, acting also as a powerful detoxifying agent that helps to clean the morbid matter from the stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and colon. Aloe vera is very beneficial in case of coughs, ulcers, lesions, hemorrhoids, diabetes, cancer, headaches, arthritis, constipation, indigestion, asthma, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and radiation. Being one of the best herbs to clean out the colon, it soothes all kinds of stomach disorders. Aloe vera promotes menstruation when it is suppressed. It expels pinworms after several doses. It helps reduce the effects of aging and increases the quality of life of the elderly. It is recommended for smokers and ex-smokers as it helps heal the chronic catarrh.

How to prepare: An alternative medicine practitioner of the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, doctor Jethro Kloss, provides a good recipe for all who have problems with bowel movements. In his book “Back to Eden” Kloss writes: “I have used aloes for many years with most splendid results. I have used aloes for many years in connection with other herbs in the following mixture: 1 ounce powdered buckthorn bark, 1 ounce powdered rhubarb root, 1 ounce powdered mandrake root, ¼ ounce powdered socotrina aloes, 1 ounce powdered calamus root. Dose: each person should take the amount necessary to move the bowels freely one or two times a day. For instance, start with one-fourth teaspoonful, then increase or decrease the dose as needed. Some need much more than others, so everyone must take the amount needed in his own case. Do not take it during pregnancy or while nursing.”

Aloe vera juice, taken about 20 minutes before breakfast, does a good job on its own to move the bowels.

Do not use in case of: pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid using aloe vera internally as, due to its laxative properties, it may cause miscarriage.

External use: Aloe gel is used for topical treatment of wounds, burns, cuts, sores, skin irritations, skin ulcers, itchy skin, eczema, acne, stings, insect bites, and joint problems. It helps prevent the formation of liver spots in aging skins. If aloe vera is applied regularly and for long enough it will often cause established spots to disappear. Aloe vera is one of the best anti-aging herbs available, helping to rejuvenate aging skin and combat wrinkles. To achieve the best results, only the highest quality of organic aloe should be used. It is extremely helpful in the treatment of gum disease–gingivitis and periodontitis. It reduces the bleeding of the gums. Aloe is powerfully antiseptic in gum pockets where normal cleaning is difficult. Cracked and split corners of the mouth can be cured by aloe. It is helpful in the treatment of cold sores (Herpes simplex) and shingles (Herpes zoster). It is an excellent remedy in case of earaches. Find out about our range of certified organic aloe-vera-based products at http://www.TheSpringOflife.net/ONEGroup.html

How to prepare: To heal an earache, cut a leaf of an aloe plant (Aloe arborescens), fillet out the inner leaf gel, and put the gel into an aching ear. In a few hours the piece of an aloe becomes completely dry. All the healing juice penetrates into the ear. Remove the dry piece and place a fresh piece of aloe in the ear. This remedy should heal an aching ear in about 24 hours. I have used this cure several times. It works.

Good to know: When you buy a ready made aloe vera gel or juice, read the label! When the product contains the “whole leaf,” that means that it includes the rind, which is little more than a filler. A high quality aloe vera gel or juice contains only the nutritious inner gel; it is not heat treated, filtered, concentrated, or powdered. Pure aloe vera gel is one of the most nutritious products available. Like most natural remedies, aloe works best when used fresh from the plant, but it oxidizes rapidly when cut and exposed to the air.

Find out my personal beauty secret - certified organic Aloe-Vera-based products at our products page. I have to admit that I use one product the most - the B5 Hair Repair - that I truly splash all over my face and body and hair, not to mention using it for all kinds of wounds. Ahhh, a rejuvenative and healing miracle!

Many, many blessings to You all,

I was reading through the Hall of Fame of Faith... or Hebrews 11. What an inspiring chapter in the Word... chapter to cheer us on in our faith! Isn't it just so amazing how the Word describes Abraham when he went forward to a place unknown to him! He didn't even know where he was going. He just took one step at a time, moving on as he received the instructions from God. Not knowing where he was moving towards, yet "he did not trouble his mind about where he was to go." Wow!

This really caught my attention. Abraham did not know where he was going, yet he did not worry about it! Can You imagine God telling us to pack our stuff and take off... yet not giving us any instructions as to where to go! The closest to this kind of faith I have reached was 10 years ago when the Lord told me that I was going to go and help out at a DC/LA youth event in the US. That year 22 thousand youth attended. He put into my heart to book the tickets to certain places, without me knowing where I was going to stay at. I knew no one in Washington DC nor did I have enough money to stay in a hotel for several nights... yet, I knew I had to book the tickets and go by faith. Sure, God made a way for me and took care of all the expenses. It was a very exciting time in my life and I still treasure the sweet memories of this special trip.

"The just shall live by faith", declares Hebrews 10:38. We are all called to live by faith, for, God continues in the same verse: "if he draws back and shrinks in fear, My soul has no delight or pleasure in him." I still remember my faith trip. I had such knowing and confidence in my heart that God had spoken to me that I took off in complete faith and excitement. But then, when I had arrived and days passed and still there was no confirmation as to where I was going to stay at, not to mention the fact that I had no contact with the people organizing the DC/LA events in Los Angeles and Washington DC. I so remember having my daily walk very early in the morning, repeating to God: "You told me to come, You told me to book the tickets, You told me that I was going to be part of the DC/LA and You WILL make a way for me."

The same morning the event started in LA, my pastor - I still call pastor Steve, who was my very first pastor when I got saved in LA in 1993, my pastor - had reached the organizers of the event and came to pick me up to take me there. God did make a way! ...just as He had promised me. Though, I can't say that no doubt thoughts ever crossed my mind. Of course they did... especially when I told everyone in my church (in LA) that I was going to be part of the DC/LA... yet not even knowing where the event was going to be held at.

But then again, faith is not in our minds, faith is in our hearts. I had a knowing in my heart that God had given me a promise. Still, doubt thoughts bombarded my mind. So, I spoke to them, like Mark 11:23 teaches us to do: "Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him."

Our words have power. There is very special faith released when we hear our own words of faith. So, I spoke faith. David too spoke faith words when he faced the giant. He did as God does: "God speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed." (Rom.4:17) "So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)

David looked at his opponent, his senses telling him that it was impossible for him to win this giant... yet, he had the knowing in his heart that God could and would win this battle for him and for His people. David knew his God. David had had several experiences of God's faithful deliverances in times of danger. This anchored his faith. So, David spoke to the bombarding fear. He defeated fear thoughts with faith words. He called out what he was going to do to the giant. He prophesied... and a few moments later his prophecy came true.

We too need to release our faith through the words of our mouths: "For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ)... and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation." (Rom.10:10) Our salvation in any and every situation comes by first believing God's Word or His personal promises to us with our hearts and then speaking this Word out of our mouths.

God releases His faith by calling the nonexistent things as if they already existed. He expects us to do the same. Ephesians 5:1 exhorts us to: "Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]."

Faith works every time... except when sin in our lives blocks it. Mark 11:25 teaches us: "whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop."

We have to keep our hearts pure of all unforgiveness. Our faith cannot work when there is unforgiveness in our hearts. It is because unforgiveness is of the devil and opens the door to the devil in our lives. Forgiveness ...and yes, at times we will have to start from forgiving by faith, having yet no feelings of forgiveness whatsoever ...still, this act of obedience opens the door for God to move on our behalf. This is because forgiveness is born out of love. We have no power to forgive without God for there is no love apart from God and also there is no true forgiveness apart from God. We do need His help and His power to forgive. But, forgiveness always releases us from the power of the devil.

When we remember that in reality whatever evil someone did to us, was inspired by the devil, it will be easier for us to forgive the person, hitting the devil hard by this act of love. Galatians 5:6 explains that our faith is "activated and energized and expressed and working through love." So, it is vital to keep our hearts free from all unforgiveness. It is vital to us, as it does no harm to the one towards whom we hold a grudge. We are the ones who suffer. Besides, Romans 12:19 exhorts us and promises us: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God's] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord."

One of the greatest men of faith, who had to forgive humongous hurts, was Joseph (see Genesis 37 and 39) whose brothers conspired to kill him out of jealousy... but through God's supernatural protection, they sold him into slavery. He then had to forgive the wife of his master who put him into prison. Had he not forgiven those great acts of injustice, he would not have prospered nor would he have become all that God had called him to be.

When our hearts are free from all unforgiveness, we are ready to release our faith with power. I love to go back to one of the greatest men of faith, from time to time, reminding myself that truly nothing at all is impossible with God! Isn't it just so comforting and encouraging to read about the mountain-moving faith of Abraham!

"[For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith, as he had been promised. He did not weaken in faith when he considered" the facts. "No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised." (Rom.4:18,19a,20-21)

Abraham did not even think he needed any human reason to hope, in order to receive the promise of God. All he needed was the Word from God. He looked at the facts, still not weakening in his faith. Sure, it was a journey. He did not start out with such faith and confidence. Instead, he looked at the facts and lost it, making big mistakes. But as the time went on, he learned to know God's love, God's ways and God's power and he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God for something he did not yet have. Just like Abraham's faith grew when he gave thanks to God for the things he did not yet have, so will our faith grow. His faith grew as he spoke of the nonexistent things that God had foretold and promised as if they already existed ...being fully satisfied that God was able to make happen what He had promised.

I just re-read Hebrews 11:1 and was filled with fresh encouragement: "Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]."

Think about it! The ONLY thing we need in order to know that something is real, is faith in our hearts! Isn't this amazing! It is so, so easy and thus, may be also the reason we so often forget it, wringing our hands and allowing anxious thoughts to fill our minds, worrying about the things that we do not yet see. But this verse is very clear, telling us that the faith in our hearts IS the confirmation of those things we hope for! The faith in our hearts is the PROOF of those things we do not yet see and the conviction of their reality.

When God puts something in our hearts, then we have faith for it. This faith is the ONLY confirmation and proof we need in order to know that those things we do not yet see are very much real. When God told me to go to the DC/LA, I KNEW it was God Who had spoken to me. I had absolutely no doubt in my heart and it did not matter how many doubt thoughts bombarded my mind - as long as I did not allow them to sink into my heart. I rejected them by speaking the Word, thus making the doubt thoughts ineffective. God was able to move through my heart faith and my faith filled words.

Sure, all the world around us is filled with fear and worry and doubt... and yes, it indeed is contagious. So, we need to daily make the effort to rid ourselves of all fear, doubt and worry thoughts. We do it by spending time with the Lord and in His Word. We need to daily come to the place of complete peace... for this is the place where God can talk to us. Some days it is easier to reach the full peace than others... but we have to daily make the effort. This place of peace is the place of safety and rest. It is our secret hiding place where we commune with God and hear from Him. It is ok when we do not daily hear any special news from Him. What is important, is the fact, that we have taken the time and obeyed Him. This way we keep our spiritual ears and spiritual eyes open to the Lord. Whenever He wants to say something to us, we are trained to hear it and see it.

It is beyond all question that when God ministers a promise to our hearts, doubt thoughts will come... but still, it is better to hold on to what we cognize in our hearts, rather than let it go because "it makes no sense". We can go to God with the promise and speak faith words. I usually say: "Lord, I believe that I am hearing from You. I recognize Your voice and the voice of the stranger I shall not follow. Lord, confirm to me that what I am sensing in my heart, is of You. Do it in a way that I understand. Thank You Lord." He always confirms it to me. If it is not of Him, it will disappear. If it is of Him, the knowing in my heart will grow.

We are called to live by faith, yet, so often we try to slip off from the straight and narrow into seeing and feeling. It is commonly uncomfortable to step out in faith as we have no natural proof of the things the Lord has put on our hearts... but it is the way of the Lord and in order to be blessed by Him and in order to live in supernatural protection, we need to trust our hearts more than our minds. We should test everything that comes to our hearts. If the knowing grows and strengthens and agrees with the Word of God, we should step out in faith, trusting the Lord to lead us on. Faith in our hearts is the confirmation of the reality of the things we are hoping for.

Many, many blessings to You all,

I'm sure we all have many good intentions in our minds, but if they do not get written down, we forget about them pretty fast... or they just cause us more stress for we know that we need to change some things but we never get to it. When we write down our goal, we will actually see it and reading it over again, we start moving towards achieving the goal. What is YOUR new health goal for this month? Think about it... then write it down... read it... and start moving towards it. You know, it is actually easy to achieve our goals like this. Writing down our goals also brings clarity to our minds.

I would like to share with You one real worthy health goal for this month.

Fresh salads are some of the healthiest foods this time of a year. In order to receive the greatest benefits from the antioxidant-loaded greens and vegetables, we can prepare a super healthy custom-made dressing right at home. I strongly urge You not to use supermarket salad dressings as they contain too many synthetic substances that greatly subtract from the health benefits of a fresh salad. It is so very easy to prepare a healthy salad dressing at home... thus greatly boosting the nutritional value of Your salad.

The main ingredients You need are freshly squeezed lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar and organic extra virgin olive oil. Pour the ingredients into a glass jar with a screw-on top. Then add some salt... and then comes my favorite part - just go wild in adding those fresh or dried herbs of Your own choice. Finally, screw the top on and shake really well. Let the dressing sit for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors and antioxidants intermingle, bringing out the best of one another. Pour some of it on Your salad & mix. Let it sit for another 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing the vegetables and greens to devour the dressing.

You can keep the extra dressing in the fridge. Do not use plastic containers to preserve food. Always use glass or ceramic or wood. Some recent studies have shown plastic containers to release harmful chemicals into the food it contains. They are especially dangerous when used in microwave. Though, even without the use of plastic containers, microwave ovens do a pretty good job in killing the health value of the foods.

When You pick the herbs to use in Your salad dressing, choose the ones that contain the health benefits You desire. Here are some suggestions:

ANISE (Pimpinella anisum) - relaxant, stimulant, tonic, carminative, stomachic. Anise prevents fermentation and production of gas in the stomach and bowels; helps to overcome nausea and colic.

BASIL (Ocimum basilicum) - stimulant and nervine. I use basil a lot as it gives a very pleasant taste to almost any food.

CARAWAY (Carum carvi) - prevents fermentation in the stomach, aids digestion, strengthens and gives tone to the stomach, helps to expel gas from the bowels.

CATNIP (Nepeta cataria) - useful in pain of any kind, spasm, gas pains, hyperacidity in the stomach, and for the prevention of griping in the bowels. Helps relieve headaches.

CAYENNE (Capsicum frutescens) - stimulant and antispasmodic. Cayenne is good for heart, kidneys, spleen, pancreas. Cayenne will help heal a sore and ulcerated stomach (while black pepper, mustard, or vinegar will irritate it).

CORIANDER (Coriandrum sativum) - a good stomach tonic and very strengthening to the heart; expels wind from the bowels. Good for flavoring other unpleasant-tasting herbs.

CUMIN (Cuminum cyminum) - contains incredible antioxidant properties, including seven anti-inflammatory properties and three pain relieving compounds.

DILL (Anethum graveolens) - helps prevent gas and fermentation in the intestines; stimulates the appetite; very quieting to the nerves. Dill has been used traditionally as a remedy for cancer and estrogen deficiency.

FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare) - good remedy for gas, acid stomach, gout, cramps, colic, spasms.

FENUGREEK (Trigonella foenum-graecum) - has long been considered the "cure-all" treatment for ailments in the Middle East. The bittersweet seeds contain five compounds that appear to help diabetics lower blood sugar.

MARJORAM (Majorana hortensis) - a good tonic; excellent for sour stomach, loss of appetite, indigestion, water retention.

MINT (Monarda punctata) - very quieting and soothing; eases pain; good for water retention, nausea, vomiting, gas and other digestive problems.

ORIGANUM (Origanum vulgare) - very strengthening to the stomach; increases appetite; helps in case of water retention; helpful in dyspepsia, rheumatism, colic, nausea, neuralgia, nervousness.

PARSLEY (Petroselinum sativum) - very rich in iron and vitamin C, very good source of calcium, potassium, phosphorus and vitamin A. This herb is excellent for cancer (in this case is best drunk as tea). Parsley is an excellent remedy for difficult urination, dropsy, jaundice, stones or gravel in the urinary tracts, obstructions of the liver and spleen, syphilis, and gonorrhea. DO NOT USE parsley in case of kidney infection!

SAGE (Salvia officinalis) - You can never go amiss when You take sage, a herb that is often called "cure-all". It is good for liver and kidneys, one of the best remedies for stomach troubles, dyspepsia, gas in the stomach and bowels. Will expel worms in children and adults.

TURMERIC (Curcuma longa) - possesses tremendous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The herb is beneficial as a digestive aid, liver protector, and heart tonic. It is a pain reliever, relieving pain without upsetting the stomach.

I hope You will enjoy preparing Your very own healthy salad dressings... knowing that You are taking a significant step towards greater health and longevity. The information about the herbs and condiments is from Jethro Kloss' "Back to Eden, The Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Foods and Home Remedies since 1939" and Jordan S.Rubin's "The Maker's Diet".

I wish You all the most wonderful August,

There is one theme in the Bible that I need to come back to and concentrate on over again... for it is so easy to slip in this area. Every time I come back to the theme, the Lord teaches me something new... or leads me deeper into the Truth. I am talking about the use of my words. Well, of course we need to concentrate on every theme in the Word over again in order to be rooted in the Truth and not in the ways of the world... but the Proverbs does say that "death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]."

Well, if is the question of death or life, it is truly important!

I was reading today in the book of Isaiah about the wise king Hezekiah. Chapter 36 talks about how "Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and took them. And the king of Assyria sent the Rabshakeh [the military official] from Lachish [the Judean fortress commanding the road from Egypt] to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem with a great army... And Rabshakeh said to them, Say to Hezekiah, Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: What reason for confidence is this in which you trust? Now in whom do you trust and on whom do you rely, that you rebel against me?" (v.1-5)

The Assyrian military official continued to speak the words of terror and threat to the Jews in Jerusalem... words that brought fear to the inhabitants, so that Eliakim, who was over the royal household, Shebna, the secretary and Joah, the recording historian pleaded with him: "We pray you, speak to your servants in the Aramaic or Syrian language, for we understand it; and do not speak to us in the language of the Jews in the hearing of the people on the wall." (v.11)

But the official deliberately continued to speak the words of threat in the language that the Jews understood... for he knew that those words would make their hearts sink... which most probably happened, but none of the Jews answered anything back to him. Verse 21 explains: "But they kept still and answered him not a word, for the king's [Hezekiah's] command was, Do not answer him."

King Hezekiah was truly wise. He knew that: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]." (Proverbs 18:21) ...so he had commanded his people to keep their mouths shut!! King Hezekiah did not allow his people to give a foothold to the enemy through their fear- and doubt-filled words.

When Hezekiah received the report of all the threats of the Assyrian king, he did not speak any fear words out of his own mouth either. Sure, fear attacks every time something like that happens. I am sure he was really alarmed, but he was strong in the Lord, knowing what he needed to do. Isaiah 37:1 describes his actions: "And when King Hezekiah heard it, he rent his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord."

Hezekiah did not call together a council and start making plans to protect his city or call in extra forces from Egypt. Neither did he start wailing and crying. Instead, he humbled himself before the Lord and went into the house of the Lord. He immediately withdrew into the presence of the Lord ...and the Lord sent him the Word through Isaiah, encouraging and strengthening him, promising to fight his battles... which He did.

Hezekiah seeked for God's way of doing things. He knew that: "There is a way that seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death." (Prov. 16:25) ... Hezekiah chose to hear from God and then act accordingly.

But then the king of Assyria sent a written threat message to king Hezekiah ...again his reaction was: "And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it. And Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord."

Again, although frightened, Hezekiah, he did not speak the words of fear. He immediately went into the presence of the Lord to hear from Him... and again the Lord sent a message through Isaiah, to encourage and strengthen him, promising to fight his battles Himself. King Hezekiah's wise actions brought them victory. Verse 36 reveals the outcome: "And the Angel of the Lord went forth, and slew 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians; and when [the living] arose early in the morning, behold, all these were dead bodies. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed.."
Unlike the people of the old testament who relied on the prophets to hear from God, and to speak forth the will of God, we have the Holy Spirit living right within us. We do not need to rely on our pastors or other spiritual leaders to hear from God for us. Neither do we need to wait for a prophet to speak the will of God over our lives. We all can hear from God personally: "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." (Rom.8:14) And John 3:34 promises: "For since He Whom God has sent speaks the words of God [proclaims God's own message], God does not give Him His Spirit sparingly or by measure, but boundless is the gift God makes of His Spirit."

The more we agree with the Truth in the Word of God and proclaim it, the more room we give to God to move in our lives and situations. Psalm 15 says: "Lord, who shall dwell [temporarily] in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell [permanently] on Your holy hill? He who speaks and thinks the truth in his heart. He who does these things shall never be moved."

When we have taken the time to feed on the Word of God daily, hiding the Truth in our hearts and speaking the promises of God over our lives, thus calling "the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed" (Rom.4:17)... we will be speaking the words of faith in difficult situations. When we have the Word in our hearts, it will naturally flow out of our mouths, for "out of the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:34-35)

...and whatever we fling forth - good or evil - will come to us, just like Job 22:28 warns: "You shall also decide and decree a thing, and it shall be established for you..." Job was the perfect example of this Truth. He himself admit in chapter 3:25: "For the thing which I greatly fear comes upon me, and that of which I am afraid befalls me." ...we receive from the Lord according to the faith or fear that is in our hearts.

We have to know that there is a huge difference between having fear in our hearts or getting momentarily frightened in a situation... but still having faith in the heart. When we have taken time to fill our hearts with the Word, we have invested in faith. We get rid of fear by knowing the promises of God, not just in our heads, but in our hearts. They give us complete security and peace.

One of my good friends, when she gets bad news or has doubt thoughts, she immediately grabs the phone and calls someone to talk about it. But God never told us to talk ABOUT our problems... He told us to talk TO our problems for them to be eradicated. He didn't even tell us to pray about our problems (which doesn't mean that we shouldn't pray for wisdom)... He taught us to speak TO them: "Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him." (Mark 11:23)

So, when bad news come our way, and fear strikes, we should do as Hezekiah did - immediately get into the presence of the Lord, to get strengthened and encouraged. Only when we have calmed in the presence of the Lord, then should we talk about the bad news (if we need to talk about it)... but in a way of faith, stating the facts and then confessing the promise of God to go with it... the promise of deliverance. We actually do need to hear ourselves decree a victory over our situation, as this is the way our faith grows - faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Rom.4:17) and "with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trust in, and relies on Christ) ...and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation." (Rom.10:10)

So, when we want to talk about bad news, we better have the promise of God to go with it, declaring the victory over the situation. For indeed, just like Job says, WE DECIDE the outcome of our situation, so we do. God has already given a promise concerning the situation, but it is up to us to decide to agree with the Word of God or to choose our own way. Whichever way we choose to go, we "shall decree a thing, and it shall be established for us".

I've heard so many testimonies of Christians, when being attacked, quoting a verse from Psalm 91 or pleading the blood of Christ and using the name of Jesus, thus scaring the attacker away. Why would a mere Scripture scare someone with a weapon? Because it is a spiritual weapon. The Word of God is like a bullet we use agains the enemy. The devil within the attacker recognizes the God within the believer... and he will have to flee. "Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)

Job 22:21 gives us a promise: "Acquaint now yourself with Him [agree with God and show yourself to be conformed to His will] and be at peace; by that [you shall prosper and great] good shall come to you." What a promise!! Who would reject great good and prosperity! Verses 22-23 show us the way to do it: "Receive, I pray you, the law and instruction from His mouth and lay up His words in your heart. If you return to the Almighty [and submit and humble yourself before Him], you will be built up; if you put away unrighteousness far from your tents." We submit to God and humble ourselves before Him by saying, Lord, You know better. I trust Your Word instead of the outside circumstances. If You have said it, so it is. I decree Your Word over my situation. Submitting to God is saying: You are right, I am wrong... I choose to agree with You.

So, lets decide to agree with God and decree the Word over our lives... and whatever it says, it shall be established for us.

Many, many blessings to You,