BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

I remember one time He spoke to me along those lines when our church was on a Daniel fast. (That’s a fast where you temporarily give up something your flesh is fond of in order to focus more on the things of the spirit.) During the dates of the fast, Ken and I were on a long motorcycle trip with some friends, and the Holy Spirit put it on my heart that while we were on the trip, I was to avoid eating desserts. In the natural, I wasn’t very excited about that idea. On those long days, riding across the country on a motorcycle, I often looked forward to desserts as the highlight of my day. So, for my flesh, giving them up was a big sacrifice. But, knowing that whenever the Lord leads us to separate ourselves from something, it’s because He wants to BLESS us, I committed to stay away from sweets during the fast. For the first few days, it was difficult. It seemed like wherever we stopped to eat, they’d have luscious-looking desserts on display. I’d see homemade carrot cake 6 inches high and lemon icebox pies and think, Mmmm, that would sure taste nice. But then I’d hear that Voice on the inside. The Holy Spirit would remind me of the Daniel fast and of my desire to separate myself unto God, and out of love for Him I’d say no to that cake and pie. What happened? After a week or so, my desire for those things began to wane, and my desire for the things of God got stronger. Simply by following the leading of the Holy Spirit in what I ate, I experienced to a greater degree the presence of the Lord. I drew near to Him, and He drew near to me (James 4:8). That’s just a small example of how the Holy Spirit helps us live as God’s special treasure. Sometimes He’ll lead us to lay aside perfectly legitimate things for a time, not because He doesn’t want us to enjoy life, but because He doesn’t want us to desire anything more than we desire God. God wants to be first place in our hearts and our lives. That’s what making Jesus the Lord of our lives really means. It doesn’t just mean that we’re saved from sin. It means that Jesus is our Head, and we’re His Body; that we’re so loyal to Him that whatever He tells us to do, we do it. Even if our flesh doesn’t like it. Even if it’s uncomfortable or hard. Even if there’s something we think we’d enjoy doing more, we do what Jesus says because He is Lord. “But Gloria, that doesn’t sound like very much fun.” Are you kidding? No pleasure the flesh or this world has to offer can even compare with the thrill of what Jesus has for us—especially right now! We’re living in the last days prophesied about in the Bible. God is about to do some mighty things in the earth, and He plans for us to be a part of them. He plans to manifest His glory through us, in signs, wonders, great healings and miracles. This is the grand finale! God is about to gather into His kingdom the final, great harvest of souls, and He’s not going to do it through a lukewarm, semiworldly bunch of backslidden Christians. He’s going to do it through those who have answered His call to be holy as He is holy. Through "a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but…holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:27). The people He has called out of the world and separated unto Himself. His special treasure. The living saints of the living God! V Points to Get You There: 1) God has always wanted a people who would obey Him and be His special treasure. Ex. 19:5 2) As a believer, you’ve been called not to blend in with the world but to display to the world the glory of God. 1 Pet. 2:9 3) Living in holiness isn’t just avoiding what the world calls sin; it’s living to please the Lord. 1 Cor. 10:31 4) Following the Holy Spirit is holy living. Rom. 8:14 5) In these last days, Jesus is going to work signs and wonders, not through a worldly church, but through believers who are walking in holiness. Eph. 5:27 ****************************************** ****************************************** * * * * ADVERTISEMENTS * * * * Begin the awesome journey In "Pursuit of His Presence," Kenneth and Gloria Copeland share devotions designed to help you know the wisdom, the grace and the power of God. You'll learn to rest in Him because—through His Word—you have found a never-ending supply of love, peace, security and refreshing comfort. "Pursuit of His Presence" paperback Now $12.99 reg $15.99 #B200602 kcm.org/mag 1-800-600-7395 (U.S. only) FREE standard shipping included. Offer price valid until June 30, 2020 ***************************************** ***************************************** 60-Day Guarantee Risk-Free Superkid Academy Children’s Church Curriculum Putting the Word Into the Hearts of Superkids! 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