BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

Now, I’m not suggesting you stop putting action to your faith. Of course not! I’m just saying don’t turn what God created to be a pleasure into a job. Stop approaching the marriage bed like you ought to be getting paid by the hour, and enjoy yourselves! Instead of “laboring” to make a baby, labor to enter the rest of faith. Talk to each other like you’re already pregnant. Stay in The WORD until the struggle relaxes, and then do what Philippians 4:6-8 says: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things" ("New King James Version"). Look again at those verses. They don’t just say, “Don’t be anxious.” They say, “Be anxious for nothing, but…” do something else: Let your requests be made known to God. Do as Jesus instructed in Mark 11. Pray and believe you receive. Once you’ve done that, rather than negating your faith by saying again and again, “Oh God, You know how much we want a baby. Please, please give us one!” continue to make your wants known to God through thanksgiving. Thank Him for answering your prayer, and stay in peace by keeping your mind fixed on good things. When the devil attempts to get your faith off line and you’re tempted to get anxious over some bad report, focus on the report of The LORD. Think about things that are going right in your life instead of the things that are wrong. “Well, I’m trying to do that, Brother Copeland.” No, don’t get off on that trying business again. This isn’t something you “try” to do. It’s a command of God. Don’t sit there night after night watching murder and mayhem on television, and then claim you can’t help thinking negative thoughts. Change your mind by changing the channel. Turn off that fear-inspiring garbage and tune in to the Believer’s Voice of Victory Network or some other faith-building broadcasts. See With the Eye of Faith God can’t change your mind for you, and neither can the devil. Your mind belongs to you. You’re the one with the authority to cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). So just do it! Take charge of what you’re thinking. Follow David’s example in Psalm 103 where he said, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies” (verses 2-4). This is how you keep your faith activated and stay in God’s rest! When your mind and emotions start coming apart at the seams, say, “Soul, you just shut up that unbelief. You stop forgetting the benefits that belong to you because of what Jesus did on the cross. You remember that because of Him, you’re BLESSED. You’re saved. You’re healed. You’re a child of God who is crowned with His lovingkindness and tender mercies!” *** article continues on next page *** ****** ADVERTISEMENT ****** ONE WORSHIP 11 original worship songs Music CD $12* #B160902 From a team that has garnered multiple Dove and Grammy nominations for songwriting, artistry and production. Connect with God in a deeper way, as Dara Maclean, Anthony Skinner and Michael Howell lead you into His presence. Order yours today! *FREE standard shipping included. Offer price valid until Sept. 30, 2016 kcm.org/mag 1-800-600-7395 (U.S. only) ************************************* 8 : BVOV

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