I was born again 41 years ago. At that time I had such a
thirst for God’s Word that I would read it for hours, often staying up until 2
or 3 a.m.
One of the Scriptures I encountered that set me on this
course was Joshua 1:8: “this Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth,
but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do all that
is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will
have good success” (NKJV).
I thought, “I have never been successful or prosperous in
anything. Yet this Scripture says I can make my way prosperous by meditating on
God’s law.”
Many times in my life I had started out well and ended up in
defeat. The best example of this pattern was my first marriage. It ended in
divorce after nine years. Five years later, God gave me a wonderful new
husband—and I did not want to fail again.
So I set my heart to meditate on the Word.
In reading through the Bible, I came across the Beatitudes
(see Matthew 5). My eyes were drawn to verse 6: “Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” I was not quite sure what righteousness
meant, but I knew I was definitely hungry for more of the peace I had received
after asking Jesus to come into my heart.
I looked up the word “righteousness” in the dictionary and
found that it means, “to be in right standing.” Then I asked myself the
question, “Whom do I want to be in right standing with?” The answer was
simple– Jesus first, then my family, friends and co-workers.
I discovered that “blessed,” means “fortunate, happy and
spiritually prosperous.” There was that word “prosperous” again! I began to think that this
going-after-God-thing just might work.
I read the Word with even greater enthusiasm because I saw
that I didn’t have to run around discouraged and empty when I could be filled
with the things of God. As I reflected on what I read, my attitude began to
change.
Instead of thinking about how hard my life had been, I
started to thank God for the blessings that came to me daily. It seemed the more I had an attitude of
gratitude; the more good things came my way. Before long I had a barbecue
grill, swimming pool, new cars, money in the bank and a happy family. My whole
life seemed to be filled with the good things of God.
In addition, areas of my life that were damaged and bruised
began to be healed. Proverbs 4:22 tells us that the words of God to His
children are “life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” The
word “health” here is better-translated medicine.
I learned that God’s Word heals better than any medicine you
can take, and it provides better coverage than any insurance policy. Insurance
often pays only a portion of the charges. Jesus paid the total cost and gave us
His full benefits!
Meditating on the Word of God will change you and your
situation as it did me and mine. Things that have caused death will be replaced
with things that bring life. Your hunger and thirst for God will increase, and
the attitude of discouragement that has poisoned your faith will be transformed
to gratitude and hope.
I still read through the Bible every year. It is the most
exciting, life-changing book I have ever read. I am certain that all the
promises contained in it are for me today.
They’re for you too. Meditate on God’s Word and you will be
blessed. You will get out of the blues and witness the miracle of the Good
News. And you will make your way prosperous and have good success forever.
PRAYER POWER WEEK OF 8-1-2011
This week take time to
meditate on God’s Word and use its promises as declarations over your own life
and destiny. Begin to pray the will of God as expressed in His Word. Thank Him
for His plans and blessings over your life and the life of your loved ones. Ask
him for opportunities to serve Him by serving others. Remember those in
authority over you and continue to pray for President Obama and those working
with him to solve our social, security and economic problems. Pray that he
continue to seek God for wisdom in leading the country. Ask God to pour out His
Spirit and bring revival, send laborers into the harvest, protect Israel and
watch over those serving in the military.
Joshua 1:8; Matt. 5:6; Matt. 19:26
To enrich your prayer
life and learn how to strategically pray with power by using appropriate
scriptures, we recommend the following sources by Apostle John Eckhardt: Prayers that Rout Demons, Prayers that Bring Healing, Prayers that Release Heaven on Earth and Prayers that Break
Curses. To order any or all of these click here.
Bill Wiese 
Paul McGuire 
