We are interrupting our study of 1 Peter for a special lesson this week. This is a timely lesson for those in the Kipton Church who are currently meeting to pray for revival as well as a mighty move of God's power in our midst.
We have been practicing praying and declaring the word of God. This is a biblically sound concept, as noted in today's text from the book of Revelation:
Revelation 19:11-16 - And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
I don't know about you, but I get goose bumps just reading those verses!�
But the thing I want to draw your attention to is in verse 15, where the scripture says "out of his [Jesus] mouth goeth a sharp sword".
Now, is this literal? Is Jesus going to go riding out on his white horse with a literal metal sword clamped in his teeth? Is he going to swing his head back and forth to fight against his enemies? Of course not!
The key to what is happening here can be found in Ephesians:
Ephesians 6:17 – and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.
So obviously, the sword of Jesus is not a literal sword made of metal.� His sword is the word of God.�
Now back to the scene in Revelation. Is Jesus riding on his white horse and when he opens his mouth a bible pops out? Or maybe a cell phone with an electronic copy of the bible on it? Is Jesus going to fight the enemy with a phone or an ipad? Of course not!
Jesus wields the sword of the Spirit by SPEAKING AND/OR DECLARING THE WORD OF GOD!
The word of God is the sword that Jesus uses to defeat his enemies. This is not a new concept. We saw Jesus doing this while he was on earth doing battle with Satan during what is now known as the wilderness temptation.
Matthew 4:4 - But he [Jesus] answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
In every instance of temptation, Jesus defeats Satan by speaking/quoting the word of God. And that's not all�
- In Matthew 21, when Jesus cursed the fig tree and it withered from the roots, how did he do it?� He opened up his mouth, and used words.
- When Jesus calmed the storm (wind/sea) that threatened to overtake the boat in Mark 4, how did he do it?� He opened up his mouth and spoke to the wind and the sea.�
- In Matthew 17 when the disciples needed help freeing a boy from a demon, how did Jesus do it?� He opened up his mouth, and rebuked the demon. ��
In Mark chapter 11, when Jesus taught the disciples about mountain moving faith, did he instruct them to pray about the mountain? No, he did not.
Did he instruct them to worry about the mountain?� No, he did not.�
Did he tell them beg and plead with God to move the mountain?� No, he did not.�
He told them to SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THAT OBSTACLE (with words, using their mouths) AND ORDER IT TO BE MOVED INTO THE SEA.�
As Christians, we have all been trained to pray, and that is a good thing.�� But we have also been instructed by Jesus (through both teaching and example) that our words have power in the spiritual realm.� As we speak the word of God out loud in faith, it goes into the spiritual realm and it causes a reaction from heaven.� Our words, spoken in faith, open the door for God to visit the earthly realm and bring about changes.� Bringing about (or birthing) the will of God on earth is a partnership between God and us.� We speak out in faith exercising the authority God has given us, and God brings about the change. �
The spoken word of God is not just the sword of Jesus. It is the sword of every believer. It is part of our spiritual armor. It is the way we engage the enemy, and defeat him. Should we pray? Absolutely!
1 John 5:14-15 - And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us: and if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we desired of him.
However, prayer is only part of our arsenal. It is ABSOLUTELY VITAL that we begin to speak the word in faith, and begin to use the authority that Jesus has given us.
We wonder why we don't see many miracles today. Perhaps part of the problem is that we are not using the authority God has given us. Let's remind ourselves what God has given us:
- The authority to bind and loose (Matthew 18:18).�
- The power of agreement (Matthew 18:19).�
- Authority over all demons and the authority to cure all sickness (Luke 9:1-2).�
- The ability to call those things that are not as though they are (Romans 4:17).�
- The power of the blood of Jesus and our testimony (Revelation 12:11).��
We exercise this authority with our mouths, through faith.�
Furthermore, God tells us that his word is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12), and that he watches over his word, to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12).� So we need to get busy speaking the word over situations in our lives and in our nation that do not conform to the will of God.�
Now, this is not to imply that a single 'dose' of the word will instantly change a situation.� We are not going to examine the reasons for this right now.� For now, let's just get started.� And let's decide in advance that we are going to persevere.� We must continue to speak and pray in faith, until we see the situation conform itself to the will of God.� In the book of Galatians chapter 6, Paul assures us that if we do not grow weary and give up, we will reap the change we are seeking.
So, to help you get started, I have included 11 scriptures in this post.� I strongly urge you use the list this way:� �
- Speak out the scripture, as written.�
- Then personalize and speak out the declaration.�
- Pray over that scripture and declaration, asking God for change.�
You can use this list exactly as it appears, or you can use it as a model and make your own list. Please feel free to share it with anyone who will use it.
Now is the time for all Christians to BEGIN TO SPEAK IN FAITH AND TAKE AUTHORITY OVER THEIR SITUATIONS.�
As a side note, I especially want to draw your attention to scripture #11. �As explained below, I am using this passage to pray for America.� I think you will find it an invaluable scripture for this use.�
LIST OF DECLARATIONS
#1 Acts 4:29-30 – Now Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.
Declaration:� I believe and declare that I am filled with Holy Spirit and speak the word of God with all boldness. God will confirm his word with signs and wonders which will result in salvation and deliverance for the people of (city name) and all who hear of it.
Prayer suggestion:� Pray for open doors in your community to share the gospel and pray for people, believing that God is going to confirm your testimony with miracles.
#2 2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
I Thessalonians 5:9 – For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 46:13- I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry; and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.
Declaration: I believe and declare that the will of God is coming to pass on earth, even as it is in heaven. �God's will does not tarry; it is manifested this very day. �I decree that today is the day of salvation through Jesus Christ to every single person in (city name), and all those I am praying for including (insert name here).
Prayer suggestions:� It is God's will for people to be saved, freed from addiction and healed from all physical, mental and emotional sickness. Jesus paid the price for these blessings on the cross.� Pray for his will to come immediately to those on your prayer list.
#3�Isaiah 55:10-11 – For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Declaration:� I believe and declare that God's word is flowing freely to the uttermost parts of the earth.� Wherever it flows, it brings life and spiritual fruitfulness, accomplishing the purposes of God and destroying the works of the devil. �
Prayer suggestions:� The gospel goes out into the world 24/7.� Think of all the seeds that have been planted in the hearts of people that have not yet sprouted and grown!� Perhaps some were planted into people as children (your children?) but have never been fruitful.� Pray for Holy Spirit rain to come down, and bring life to those hidden seeds. �
#4 Isaiah 43:18-19 – Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.� Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?� I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert� to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.
Declaration: �I believe and declare that the past is behind me.� My sins are forgiven by the blood of Christ.� God is doing new amazing things in my life and using me in new ways, for his glory.� I am filled with Holy Spirit power.� I am a new wineskin.� I am exercising the authority God has given me to cure all sickness, cast our demons, bind and loose, preach the word, and call the things that are not as though they are, so that his kingdom may be manifested on earth as it is in heaven.� I decree that His name is and will be glorified and praised in all the earth.
Prayer suggestions:� Spend time in prayer, seeking wisdom from Holy Spirit as to what he is doing/wants to do in your community and in the lives of your family.� Get in agreement with it, and use your spiritual authority to enforce it in their lives.
#5 Isaiah 49:25 – But thus says the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with him that contends with you, and I will save your children.
Declaration:� I believe and declare that (insert personal name or city name here) is even now set free from Satanic bondage and blindness, because God himself fights for possession of (name).� We declare that the mind of (name) is awakened to clearly see the truth of the gospel.� We not only claim the life of (name) for Christ, but we hereby lay claim to all his/her descendants. ��
Prayer suggestion:� Pray for spiritual blindness to be removed from your city/loved one so that the truth of the gospel can be clearly seen.� Pray (bind/loose, declare, apply the blood of Christ, etc) against any strong hold, addiction, sickness, poverty, generational curse, etc.�
#6 Joel 2:28-29 – And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams and your you men shall see visions.� Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.
Declaration:� I believe and declare that Holy Spirit is actively at work in my life.� He has filled me with his power, wisdom and spiritual gifts.� He is actively involved in communicating with me and other believers.� I declare that I hear his voice and I follow his leading.
Prayer suggestions: �Pray for the baptism of Holy Spirit.� Ask Jesus for a spiritual prayer language, then use it.� Ask the Lord to speak to you, whether through dreams, visions, tongues, etc.� Work on your ability to hear him and follow his leading.
#7 Deuteronomy 20:1 – When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.
Esther 8:11 - �the king allowed the Jews who were in every city to gather and defend their lives, to destroy, to kill and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them, children and women included, and to plunder their goods.
Declaration:� I believe and declare that greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.� I am clothed with the full armor of God and I am not afraid of the enemy, for no weapon formed against me will prosper.� God has given me his authority to destroy and bring to nothing the evil that Satan has planned for me, my family, and the people of America/earth.
Prayer suggestion:� Begin to engage in spiritual warfare for your personal life – your children, your finances, your health, your ministry� everything that concerns you.� It is your right to fight for victory in your own family. �Once you have slain the 'lions and bears' of today, you will have the confidence and faith to face the 'Goliaths' of the future.� Don't try to rely or depend on someone else to do this for you - it is not only your privilege, but your responsibility. �
#8 John 16:23-34 – Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.� Until now you have asked nothing in my name.� Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
Psalm 84:11 - For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Declaration:� I believe and declare that God watches over his word to perform it.� I do not need to beg God for anything; I simply ask in faith.� He joyously hears and answers my prayers, giving me everything that I need to live a victorious, abundant, fulfilling life.� ���
Prayer suggestion:� God already has the answers to your problems lined up for you.� In faith, with an open mind, ask him for a solution.� He may not answer in the way you imagined, but his way/answer/solution/provision/open door will be perfect for you.
#9 Mark 11:23 - For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be removed, and be cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he said shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he said.
Declaration:� I believe and declare that nothing is impossible with God!� Even now, my circumstances are conforming to the will of God.� I place my faith in the Alpha and Omega, the one who moves mountains, the one who has never lost a battle, the one who knows the end from the beginning, the one who watches over his word to perform it; the only eternal God and King who reigns forever and ever! ��
Prayer suggestion:� Rise up in the authority God has given you.� Speak directly to that mountain, commanding it to conform to God's will, like Jesus did when he cursed the fig tree.
#10 Numbers 10:35 – And it came to pass when the ark set forward, Moses said, "Rise up Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered.� Let them that hate thee flee from before thee.
Declaration:� I believe and declare that God is in our midst, and that he is moving in the world today, actively fighting against the forces of darkness, who run away from his presence.
Prayer suggestion:� Satan will flee from the presence of God.� Use praise and worship to bring God's presence into situations, and watch the devil run!� Begin to thank the Lord for the answers you have seen with the eye of faith, even though they have not yet manifested in the natural realm.
#11 Proverbs 6:16-19 – There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
This scripture passage in Proverbs is one that I am using for declarations on a national level, for America. For example, our government currently sanctions abortion, which is the shedding of innocent blood, and we know that God hates that. So I might declare something like this:
Declaration:� I believe and declare that God hates abortion and therefore it has no place in the nation of America.� I declare that Americans will no longer be blind to the sin of abortion; they will recognize its evil and reject it.� I decree that the laws of abortion will be abolished in this nation and American law will conform to the will of God.
Prayer suggestions:� In my opinion, all of the evil and wrong doing that the government is now perpetrating fits into one of the seven categories mentioned in Proverbs, so speak out/decree against any/all of their actions using this passage in Proverbs.�
FYI, we are seeing a lot of 'sowing discord among brothers' in our nation today, so be sure to include that one especially right now.
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