BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

our hearts on His Word and meditate on the fact that we are His temple—that He not only dwells in us, He spreads Himself over us like a tent— we'll be able to patiently endure and overcome every trial and temptation the devil sends our way. We'll be able to rest quietly in faith, wait on God's perfect timing, and everything He promised will come to pass in our lives. When you think about it, what often pushes us into anxiety and impatience is our fear that God has forgotten us, or that He might be overlooking us. But such a thing would be impossible! Read the Old Testament accounts sometime about all the attention God gave the Jewish temple. He was very particular about everything that went on there because that temple was His Old Covenant dwelling place. It was His home. And what a magnifi cent home it was! Adorned with gold and precious stones, fi lled with beautiful vessels and immaculately dressed priests, the Old Testament temple was an absolute marvel. Yet even that temple was not adequate for our God. He said, "Heaven [is] My throne, and earth the footstool for My feet. What [kind of ] house can you build for Me…or what is the place in which I can rest?" (Acts 7:49, AMPC). First Corinthians 3:16 answers that question. It says we, as believers, are God's house. We are His resting place. It says, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" If God so hovered over and cared for the details of Solomon's temple, how much more will He hover over and care for every detail in the lives of those temples who are born again in His image. We are His temple not made with hands. We can truly rest knowing that "He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]" (Hebrews 13:5, AMPC). Through the years, Ken and I have spent a lot of time meditating on these truths. We've had a lot of practice patiently enduring and laboring to enter God's rest. We know more about it now than we did when we fi rst started our walk with God. We had to keep trusting Him through the good times and the hard times. It wasn't always easy, but I'm so glad we did it. Every blessing has been worth the wait. Ken and I have never been more fulfi lled. We've never 2 2 : B V O V enjoyed life more. I'd do it all again a hundred times to have the peace and satisfaction we enjoy today. Of course, even now, we don't "have it made." We still encounter di culties and sometimes wait longer than we'd like for certain things to happen. Things aren't always easy for us. We still have to walk by faith. But I will tell you this, they are easier—a lot easier—than they used to be. Why? Because through the years we've experienced for ourselves how faithful God is. Our confi dence in Him has grown. Even in the hard times, it's easier to be patient because we know in advance how things are going to turn out. They're going to turn out for our good. After seeing God come through for us again and again, it's easier now for us to do what James 1:2-4 says: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (NKJV). Ken and I can wait in joy now for God's plans to develop in our lives. We've discovered that patience enables us to walk by faith until we receive full victory. It also increases our fortitude and builds our character in the process. That's why Romans 5:3-5 (AMPC) says: Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our su erings, knowing that pressure and a iction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of ] joyful and confi dent hope of eternal salvation. Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us. Patiently enduring the delays and hardships that come our way makes us stronger, more mature believers. It increases the blessing in our lives and prepares us for the next phase of God's plan. When we exercise faith and patience, overcoming challenges and gaining the victory, it pushes us forward into bigger and better things. KCM.ORG/MAG 1-800-600-7395 (U.S. only) FREE standard shipping included. Offer price valid through June 30, 2025 paperback $ 11 99 reg. $14.99 #B250402 not adequate for our God. He said, "Heaven [is] My throne, and earth the footstool for My feet. What [kind of ] house can you build for Me…or what is the place in which I can rest?" (Acts 7:49, First Corinthians 3:16 answers that question. It says we, as believers, are God's house. We are His resting place. It says, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" If God so hovered over and cared for the details of Solomon's temple, how much more will He hover over and care for every detail in the lives of those temples who are born again in His image. We are His temple not made with hands. We can truly rest knowing that "He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]" (Hebrews 13:5, This New York Times bestseller unlocks the secrets of true living. Discover the 10 keys God taught Gloria Copeland that will deliver you from sickness, poverty, distress and trouble of every kind. Find out how you can live a successful and prosperous life by practicing the same biblical principles. God's Master Plan for Your Life by Gloria Copeland

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