BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

We'll not only survive, we will thrive in the secret place of the Most High." "Let's put our faith in God as our refuge, get rid of the trash in our lives, and do what's right. B V O V : 2 9 have to actively "take refuge" in God. How do we do that? By faith! Faith is a major key to receiving everything God offers. It's how we receive the new birth. It's how we receive healing and prosperity. And since faith comes by hearing God's Word, to have faith in our refuge, the first thing we do is find out what the Word says about it. We feed on God's promises of protection until all fear has been eradicated from our hearts. Then, according to Romans 10:10, we say what we believe. We talk like David did and say things like, "I'm hidden in the secret place of the Most High! He saves me from violence. He's my refuge, my defense and my very present help in time of trouble." Ken and I preach frequently about faith and words, so if you've heard us very often you already know how important they are. But they're not the whole story. It's not just what you believe and say that matters. Your actions are important too. If you want to stay safe in God's refuge, you must obey Him. You must do what He tells you to do in His written Word and through the voice of the Holy Spirit inside you. Otherwise you'll open the door to the devil; he'll gain entrance into your life and threaten your security. It's a sobering thought, I know, but it's true nonetheless. Even though we're believers— born again and washed in the blood of Jesus—if we want to live in God's secret place of protection, we must be steadfast in our walk with Him. We can't be on fire for Him one day and backsliding the next. We can't be wishy-washy, acting like saints on Sunday and sinners on Monday. "For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord" (James 1:6-7). Living In Dangerous Territory This is one reason why, in my own life, I put such emphasis on spending time in God's Word. The Word strengthens my faith and keeps me spiritually stable. It corrects me when I'm wrong and teaches me how to live in a way that pleases God. Fifty years ago I used to do and say things without any sense of conviction, that I would never do or say today, because I've spent time in God's Word. I've gotten to know Him and His ways. I've learned more about what I should and shouldn't do and say. Do you know what else I've learned from spending time in the Word? I've learned that God is altogether good, that He wants the best for me. But, if I choose to go opposite His direction, I'm taking my life in my own hands. I'm heading for trouble because just as following His commands leads to THE BLESSING, refusing to follow them leads to the curse.

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