Kenneth Copeland Ministries has been publishing the Believer’s Voice of Victory magazine for more than 40 years. Receive your positive, faith-filled magazine FREE each month, subscribe today at www.freevictory.com.
Issue link: http://magazine.kcm.org/i/414546
Unlike Elizabeth, Mary didn’t hide but went quickly to her cousin solely on the angel’s report that she too was pregnant. The moment she walked into Elizabeth’s presence their faith connected. Immediately the baby leaped in Elizabeth’s womb, she was anointed by the Spirit and began to prophesy—a rare occurrence in her day for anyone, especially a woman. By the Holy Spirit, she threw off any shame that was on her or Mary, and proclaimed the blessing of the Lord to be at work. The Spirit’s move upon her ignited a flame in Mary and she too prophesied, revealing to them both, and all generations to follow, the purpose of God’s salvation plan. The Word of God that flowed through her confirmed His hand in all that was happening in their lives. Make Way for God’s Provision What about Joseph? The Bible states that he was a just, upright man, clearly with a tender heart. But because he was upright, he couldn’t marry Mary. It would be crosswise with all he thought true. Yet, through a dream Joseph was told to marry her. Joseph immediately recognized God to be the source of the dream. His faith was unwavering, responding quickly and decisively to every order that came through this and other God-given dreams, no matter if it made sense or was at considerable financial cost. Later he was told to take his young family into Egypt. Imagine him suddenly uprooting to go into a foreign country with an unpleasant history for Jews, without any guarantee of what lie ahead. And what about a threat to the child? Who would have reason to harm this little child? But God said, “Go,” so he went, putting all his trust in God, believing he was accurately following His lead. God’s will is accomplished when someone is believing for it to be, trusting Him with all his heart and leaning “not unto his own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). I believe Joseph’s strong faith is what made way for God’s provision. The trip to Bethlehem was secure. When it seemed there was no room for them, room was found. When the wise men came with their abundant treasures, it financed the young family’s flight into Egypt, providing for them until their return into Israel. What a man of faith! What a wonderful example for us to follow. And what about Simeon’s faith? He is one of my personal favorites. He was finely in tune with God! He knew the coming of the Lord’s Christ (Anointed One) was so imminent that he would see Him before his own death. At the precise moment Mary and Joseph brought Jesus into the Temple for circumcision, Simeon was there to take the baby and declare, for all to hear, exactly who he held in his arms. Within moments Anna, an elderly prophetess who had spent over 80 years daily praying in the Temple, was telling everyone about Jesus. Word of Simeon’s prophecy had spread quickly! Simeon and Anna had faith to wait. They had faith to watch and recognize the Lord at His coming. The Bible records people of great faith who connected with heaven’s plan for the first coming of the Lord. During this Christmas season, determine to follow their examples and become a bold person of great faith, connecting with heaven’s plan for the second coming of the Lord! V About: Terri Copeland Pearsons is the eldest daughter of Kenneth Copeland. Since 1993, she and her husband, George Pearsons, have served as senior pastors of Eagle Mountain International Church at Kenneth Copeland Ministries in Fort Worth, Texas. For information or ministry materials go to terricopelandpearsons.com. *****ADVERTISEMENT********** “You can’t put God in a box.” …but He did put Himself in a book! And not just a book about Him—He is actually IN the Book! In this series, Terri Copeland Pearsons invites you to step into the reality of The Living Word on a higher level—to a reality the world just can’t see. You’ll discover how the Book—God’s Word—can do anything He can do…because the Book IS Him. Open your spiritual understanding to Jesus and the Father IN the Word like never before. See that "There Is Life in the Pages"! sale $14.99* reg $20 "There Is Life in the Pages" 8 CDs $14.99* reg $20 #B141203 digital audio download $7.49* reg $10 #B141204 Available in Spanish on DVD—please call to order. Order online and save an additional 10% kcm.org/mag 1-800-600-7395 U.S. only +1-817-852-6000 *Plus shipping. Offer prices valid until Dec. 31, 2014 ***************************** BVOV : 11