“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” - (John 14:27)
Jesus said that one of signs of the End-Times would be increasing turmoil in the world. We certainly see that all around us today: environmental concerns, medical concerns, terrorism, and political turmoil dominate our headlines. “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.”
The truth is that no human government will ever be able to create lasting peace in this world. Only those under God’s government are able to experience real peace. “Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end.”
As believers we need to be careful that what goes on around us isn’t what goes on inside of us!
“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.”- (Col 3:15) "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls." - (Prov 25:28)
A nation can never be at peace if the citizens who make up that nation have no peace. The government of God on earth starts with the government of God in our hearts. "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." - (3 John 2). The soul is made up of your mind, will, and emotions. It is what regulates the flow of God’s blessing into our lives and through our lives towards those around us.
Characteristics of a Soul Under God’s Control
1) A mind that meditates regularly on the word of God. (Rom 8:6, Rom12:2, Josh 1:8.) A mind that is filled with God’s thoughts will also be filled with God’s peace. "You will keep him. In perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." - (Isaiah 26:3). “Peace that passes all understanding.” - (Phil 4:6-9).
2) A will that is settled to do the will of God regardless of the cost. Many people have no peace because they are at war with themselves! God’s peace comes when we are under God’s government, trusting in Him and fully surrendered to His will. “O my Father, if it is possible, let this this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." - (Matt 26:39). "I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart." - (Psalm 40:8).
3) Emotions that are under the control of the Holy Spirit and do not control the way we live. This doesn’t mean that we should restrict or quash our emotions. But neither do we allow them to dictate our decisions and directions in life. “A man of understanding is of a calm spirit.” - (Prov 17:27). "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad." - (Prov 12:25-26).
Yours for an increase of Gods government and peace in our lives, our churches, and our nation.
Dr. George Hill President & Founder
Victory Churches International
1 Cor 12:10 - “To another the working of miracles.”
The virgin birth was a sign and a miracle. (Isa 7:14) A miracle is something that is contrary to the laws of nature. They defy reason and transcend natural laws. When God wants to work a miracle, He always looks for someone He can use.
It’s one thing to receive a miracle for yourself. It’s another thing entirely to have God use you to impart a miracle to someone else! He wants to work in us AND through us to bless humanity! God hasn’t just given us a message - He has also given us the power to demonstrate the truth of the message!
“And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” - (Luke 1:35) Mary responded to the angel: “Be it unto me according to Your Word.” (vs 38)
We can learn several vital keys to experiencing the miraculous from this passage:
- Hearing the Word of God. Whether it is the written Word or the spoken Word, hearing allows us to align ourselves with God-at-work. 1 Cor 12:8 “For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit.” Rom 10:17 “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.”
- Believing the Word. Mark 16:17 “These signs will follow those who believe. In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues…..” Believing is a choice! Some people believe instantly. Others, like Abraham (Rom 4), become fully persuaded over time. Either way, signs and wonders will follow those who believe!
- Speaking the Word. Hebrews 11:3 “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” We also ‘frame our world’ by the words we speak. The miracle of Elizabeth’s pregnancy (Luke 1): Zacharias, her husband didn’t believe the angel’s proclamation, so God prevented him from doing any negative speaking!
- Acting on the Word. Sometimes miracles happen, just by speaking the Word. But, in other cases, a miracle is only going to happen as we act on an instruction the Lord has given us. When Jesus fed the five thousand, the food didn’t begin to multiply until the disciples started to break the bread and distribute it. “Whatsoever He says to you, do it!” (John 2:5)
If I could add a fifth point it would be Praying the Word. Nothing is more powerful than praying the Word of God. Jeremiah 1:12 says that God watches over His Word in order to perform it. When we pray God’s Word we are reminding Him of his covenant promises and aligning ourselves with His purposes!
Why not join with our worldwide family of Victory Churches this January as we fast and pray for a year of miracles, signs, and wonders in Jesus’ name?
Adapted from ‘Release the Gifts of the Holy Spirit’ by Drs George and Hazel Hill. This and ‘Praying God’s Word’ are both available at the Victory Bookstore.
Dr. George Hill
President & Founder
Victory Churches International
