Everywhere you go, God goes, because He authorizes us as His followers to go in His name. He says to us, “I’m on a journey with you. I’ll never leave you, I’ll never forsake you, and wherever you go I am ready to go with you.”

In 1 Peter chapter 5 the devil is called the adversary and is compared to a roaring lion. The devil threatens, the devil growls, and the devil scares you, but he has no power—only his attempt to threaten you in your world.

Do you realize that Satan has no power? The only power he has is that which we relinquish to him when we believe the word of the deceiver over the Word of the living God.

“If the Lord had not been on our side…” Psalm 124:1 What marvelous words! How many times can we think back and remember how the Lord has protected us, provided for us, and even comforted us?

For many of us today, regardless of our society, we allow the phrases “NO! You can’t!” “NO! You shouldn’t!” “NO! That’s not right!” “NO! It’s not possible!” to control our destinies. Realize today that Christ takes the parentheses off your life. He puts a plus on your future because He says, “All things are possible, only believe!” (Mark 9:23 paraphrased)

Why do people fear if they believe that the Creator of the universe lives inside of them? Why do people expect the worst when all things are possible to those who believe, as Jesus has spoken? Why do people think they will be in isolation, when Jesus said I will never leave you nor forsake you?

I can with confidence predict that we are more than conquerors in every situation as the scripture declares. Our greatest days are right ahead of us as we navigate the waters in these rapids of the river of life. Every river has a little rough water but no concern. The boat was designed for the rapids. This is when it performs its best!

Relax in God’s boat. Jesus is in the boat with you, so enjoy the ride as it carries you through some twists and turns this coming year. You will be the better for it!

I have walked the overcoming fear pathway for many years with nothing more than the Word of God in my heart, a positive confession in my mouth, and a small band of committed partners! I have seen His miracles and I know that God will not fail us! He is true to His Word! He is with us!

As we step into this brand new year set before us, remember what God has promised to His people: “Fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them (the obstacles of life): for the LORD will be with you!” Joshua 10:25 (emphasis mine)

Have you ever felt discouraged? Have you ever felt unsure of what to do? Are there times you just feel like giving up? Like you’re being thrown into the fire with nowhere to run and no escape?

One of the great stories of scripture talks about three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who were thrown into a fire for refusing to worship the King’s idols. These three men had been honored and promoted as wise sages throughout Babylonia. Learning of their refusal to bow to his idols, the king offered them a second chance. Again they refused, this time saying, “even if we are thrown into your blazing furnace, oh King, the God we serve will deliver us from your Majesty’s hand.”

Infuriated by their response, the king had the execution fire built 7 times hotter—so hot that as the soldiers approached the furnace to throw in the three bound men, they themselves were burned to death. As the King stared into the furnace, he suddenly shouted, “there are four men in the fire, not three—and the fourth looks like an angel of God!” At that moment, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego walked from the fire unharmed and without even the smell of smoke on their clothing!

I believe HOPE is a supernatural God-given empowerment. Hope is not just a good feeling; it is a force that produces strength for the journey. You are possibly facing your own fiery challenge or affliction. Hope allows you to turn your trials into smiles.

In 2006 we were conducting meetings in Puerto Rico. One particular medical doctor noticed that his patients were being healed and took great interest in the miracles. Even though he was initially skeptical, he realized our emphasis on people connecting with Jesus would bring freedom from stress, and often people didn’t even recognize they were healed!  God’s peace had entered their spirit, soul and bodies, and with His presence came healing.

This doctor told us that of the female patients he treats, many convince themselves that they are sick. Interestingly, often when running the required tests to identify a problem, he finds nothing. Yet in a matter of a few weeks or months, the same patients will return with evidence of the illnesses they were convinced already existed.

Research shows that DNA actually changes shape according to our thoughts. As you think negative thoughts, toxic thinking re-wires your brain in a negative direction, forcing your mind and body into stress.  On the contrary, every positive thought releases life-giving chemicals.  Imagine what the brain does when you smell a rose or look at a beautiful picture, or when you read the word of God! Jesus is called the “Prince of Peace,” and when an individual receives His life into their spirit His presence fills them—often driving out sicknesses and disease.