Freedom

Cursed?

Gay Bissell Change, Freedom, Healing, The Word ,

Are you or is someone you know under a curse?

Do bad things keep happening to you?

Are you repeating the same destructive habits or patterns over and over?

Did these patterns exist in the lives of other family members?

You may be a really good Christian and yet thinking that you are under a curse.  Many people do think that.

Many Christians, as well as unbelievers, seem to really think that the devil has more power to harm, than God has to free and heal.

Many people seem to think that they are stuck and doomed to live with the generational curses.

Others spend countless hours reading and studying and searching for the hidden root of the curse, to no avail.  (Jesus said, You search here and there but won’t come to me in faith John 5:40.  You want to be “ok” because of your works, or your “goodness”,  or with your efforts to fix things.)

Freedom will never come this way.

But, I have a some good news to share.  And if you are open to it, it will change your life.

First of all let me say that YES there are “curses” that are passed down from generation to generation.  Let’s read Exodus 20:5.   “I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me.”

That is real, but now that only stays activated when we refuse to make a quality decision to change the way we think, in other words, refuse to repent for not believing God’s Word of FREEDOM and VICTORY from our past and present circumstances.

When we believe circumstances and the “devil-lies” more than truth, then we have no confidence to believe God (I John 3:21 If our heart does not condemn us we have confidence before God.) When we are believing lies,  our heart is automatically condemning us, though it may be at an unconscious level.

Let me lay a foundation here.

  1. Jesus came to destroy the works of the evil one, and He DID IT.  The works of the evil one HAVE BEEN TOTALLY DESTROYED (1 John 3:8).  The only power the devil has to enforce the “curse”, the family patterns, is the power we give to him by believing the lies instead of believing the Word of God.  [It is critical that we CHANGE OUR MIND about what we believe.]

2.   Believing TRUTH is the only thing that sets us free (John 8:32).   Therefore it stands to reason that we should make it a top priority to know THE TRUTH about every issue of life.

I remember when I first started walking with the Lord.  My life had been a huge mess. I had major emotional issues.  But, I also believed God’s Word contained the answers I needed.  I didn’t have a promise book, didn’t even know about promise books, but I had a bible concordance.  So I got a notebook and made a list of the different emotional problems I had and then took the concordance and began to search out what God said.  Fear and panic were particular issues of mine.  I had never heard of panic attacks back in 1980, but I surely had them.  Here is the truth though – the word of God brought total freedom and healing to me…to my emotions and my body.

There are many verses on fear.  I wrote them down and I carried one or two with me because I wanted to live in peace.  Over time, the light of the scriptures drove out the darkness of fear and the panic attacks stopped. I was no longer under the “curse” of fear.  Studying about fear didn’t bring freedom!  Taking  truth into my thinking, my heart and my practice, brought freedom.

3.   See, the devil is a liar and the father of lies, all he has is lies.  As long  as we continue to live in agreement with what he whispers, the longer we stay under the  “curse.”

4.   Jesus took away the devil’s power to control us and keep us in bondage.  Jesus actually became the curse in order to dismantle it so that the blessings can flow into our life  (Galatians 3:13-14). Jesus hung on a tree when He was crucified.  Verse 13 says that everyone who hangs on a tree is cursed.  Jesus went through this so that the blessings of Abraham could come to us, too.  Believe me Abraham was highly blessed.

Let me show you some more powerful truth:

In Jeremiah 17:5-8  we are shown some very critical information about curses and blessings.

Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord. 6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, And shall not see when good comes, But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, In a salt land which is not inhabited. 7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.”

When anyone puts their trust in themselves or in another human being they automatically come under a curse. Plain and simple.  You don’t have to believe me, but your life will prove it to be true.

Jesus said in John 3:17 that he didn’t come to condemn the world (or curse the world) but to bring salvation, which equals freedom, health, victory, peace, prosperity etc.

In verse 18 Jesus clearly says that those who do not believe are already condemned, or cursed.

When anyone of us trust in our own goodness, or our ability, or intelligence or whatever, and do not acknowledge God or learn His ways they fall “under condemnation or the curse”.

We have to move beyond our “victim mentality”.  WE can change the course of our life and find lasting freedom from all manner of “curses” provided we are willing to make the quality choice and commit to walk it out day by day.

If we make a mis-step, be quick to take responsibility before God, be cleansed by His blood (1 John 1:9) and get back on track.

These curses and patterns do not have to have dominion over you. You have dominion over them.

We have an incredible power within us to choose. Deuteronomy 30:19 says God has set before us life and death and we should choose life that we can live!

Be Free.  Then help others make the right choice.

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Back to the Basics

Gay Bissell Change, Freedom, The Word , ,

Sometimes we have to go back to basics, or  “back to the very beginning” (as Julie Andrews sang in The Sound of Music), and do a quick review of how we are actually “getting along” in living this life of faith, and in the effectiveness of our prayer life.

For several weeks I have personally been in that “mode”, as I have spent much time meditating and reflecting upon the “prayer-conversation” of Jesus and the Father as recorded in John 17, and other passages.

I would like to share some insights that have formed over the last few days. I am only sharing what I have personally had revealed to me and what I am purposing to walk out as I am surrendered to and empowered by the Spirit of God.

Crazy as it may seem to many, I am motivated by extreme desire to be effective in prayer and victorious in my mind and emotions.  I strongly desire to not be a believer whose joy and victory is dependent upon circumstances.  I strongly desire that my circumstances always bow to the TRUTH of God’s Word and that no matter what I will genuinely rejoice in God and in truth – regardless.

(It is my understanding that the early Christian martyrs, who were tortured or burned at the stake did so not with complaint or accusations against God but with praise on their lips.  To me, that is the “gold standard”.)

Here are a few simple keys I want to pass on today.

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#1  We must always look with spirit eyes into the unseen realm, in order to maintain the kind of victory that is based upon truth, not upon circumstances.  We must always keep our eyes upon God who CANNOT lie and who KNOWS HOW to work out the details of our journey in this life.

Of course this can be a major challenge to our mind…especially when we are certain we have ‘heard from God’…. as to what His will for us is.

#2  We must expend effort and invest time into increasing our deep trust in His word.  His Word must be the SOLID ROCK inside us, when the storms hit.  Our trust must never be in people.

It may sound easy enough to embrace this, but be assured it isn’t  because we are all basically “people pleasers” or “people reactors” at our core.

(We must know and personally believe that Jesus was not moved by external “evidence”, but by eternal evidence.  He was not moved by opinions of man. He needed no human attention, acceptance, approval, or applause. See John 5:41, 44 and John 2:25)

#3 The biggest battle we all must win is the battle in our mind.  So we must face it head on,  in order to win.

I will now share something very simple that can help anyone make progress in this arena.

Begin immediately to make the changes you want.

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Start here.   The scriptures declares that:

1. “NO weapon formed against you shall prosper….” Isaiah 54:17 (It would be good to read the entire verse)

2.  “You are more than a conqueror…(through Christ)  ” Romans 8:37

3.   “You have the mind of Christ…” 1 Corinthians 2:16

What was revealed to me was that most of our mind battles consist of facing one or all three of the following:

Fear   –  of the FUTURE:    of the unknown, failure, or exposure of our real self

Regret —  from the PAST:  of mistakes, or wrong choices

Emptiness – in the PRESENT:  no sense of a reason to exist, purpose, love, or joy

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The battle(s) can be won by first honestly “owning up” to what is bothering you.  Then realize that it is possible to exchange truth for the lies that are going round and round inside your mind.

In fact the cross of Jesus is all about the place where the “great exchange” took place -He gave His life, His emotions, His mind for mine, if I will but take what is offered.(Positive thinking and positive confessions can never match the power of the life giving word of God)

Take one scripture, all or add additional ones to the ones above.  Use  the scripture as your sword against the lies that come against your mind until the “skirmish” is completely over!

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Be aware that there will be new battles, but you will always win the same way….by starting off with “It is written…..”

Do it out loud. (You do not have to feel like it.)   The word is living and active and it works if you will work it.

Darkness in thoughts and distress in emotions will go.  Peace and joy will come.

And please remember, it does not glorify God to live in regret or fear or emptiness.  Jesus came to give us abundant life.

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Insight & Inspiration – #11

Gay Bissell Freedom, Healing ,

God intensely desires to heal and restore His creation.  All of creation is groaning for this to be.  One day there will be a restoration of all things (Acts 3:21) And it is in that day that the Kingdom becomes completely visible.

Currently, restoration happens first on the inside of individuals, and then on the outside. And then as people cooperate with God restoration can be released into realms beyond – like family, business and governmental realms etc.  Restoration can be seen and known.

As AMBASSADORS of the Kingdom we can and should be ready to minister freedom and the hope of restoration, whenever and wherever we find opportunity and quickening.

We proclaim in prayer and in personal encounters:

1. FREEDOM FROM DEMONIC POWER, CONTROL AND INFLUENCE: Study Ephesians 2:2; Colossians 2:15; 1 John 3:18)  Demonic influence and manipulation is the force behind ALL lawlessness.

2. FREEDOM FROM SIN’S POWER AND CONSEQUENCES                  These consequence are death, punishment, and eternal separation from God.(See: Romans 3:23-25; Ephesians 2:4-9; Colossians 2:13-14; 1 John 1:7-9)

3. FREEDOM FROM CONDEMNATION, GUILT AND SHAME:             Study: Romans 8:1; John 3:17-18; John 8:11)

Since Jesus is the Word made flesh, the Word comes to heal and deliver. Look at Ps 107:20  He sent forth His Word and healed them, and delivered them from all their destructions

It is not our word or words that bring the healing and deliverance, rather His word.  We must stick with His words.

In Exodus 15:26 these words are recorded:  I am the Lord that heals thee.  Since, God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18) and since He never changes (Hebrews 13:8) we can rest assured that when His word meets faith it WILL accomplish what He said it would.

As we encourage others to receive and implant the word in the heart, we can assure them that they will they receive healing and freedom, and will progressively become more whole.

We must always stress the necessity of renewing the mind and heart, so that transformation can come.

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Insights & Inspiration – #10

Gay Bissell Freedom, Healing, Uncategorized ,

According to 2 Corinthians 5:18, 20 as NEW CREATIONS, we have been given an assignment, AMBASSADORSHIP, from the King of Glory and for the Kingdom of God.

“Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and GAVE US the ministry of reconciliation, Therefore, we are AMBASSADORS for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

I have noticed over the years that when someone first enters new life in Christ there is a zeal that is unmatched. It is as if you cannot stop them from bubbling over  and sharing the truth and freedom they have encountered.  They don’t even have to be told that they have an assignment.

But, over the years LIFE HAPPENS, and as trials come and go, enthusiasm for the things of God often begins to wane.  Weeds of worries begin choke out the assignment of ambassadorship.

Life can easily become routine,  drudgery, a struggle for survival in the race (the rat race) of earthly life.  If we pray, we mostly pray survival prayers instead of revival prayers.

There is great need for the honor of the ministry that the The King of Kings has given us to be recaptured, so joy  can be rekindled. WE are the carriers of the message and the power of salvation, deliverance and healing.  We have received His ministry.  We have received the favor and approval  of the King. We do not need the affirmation, or validation,  from men to obey the instructions of the King.

Just as Jesus came to preach, proclaim and announce deliverance and favor (Luke 4:18-19) we are to do the same.  Jesus was about His Father’s business.  And we must be also.

We have “truth-treasures” that others have great need of….FREEDOM, VICTORY, FORGIVENESS, RELEASE FROM PAIN, purpose and a future.

Today and everyday ask God for at least one person in whom to plant a seed of truth.

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Insights & Inspiration – #9

Gay Bissell Freedom, Healing, Training , ,

Deliverance is initiated by God, not us. It is NOT our responsibility to run around trying to get everyone delivered.  It is our responsibility to discern what God wants to do and when. Not everyone has reached the point of willingness, readiness, or faith.  That is what is needed by every person.  God is always ready, but people are not. Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit not the needs.  He did what the Father told Him or showed Him. See John 5:19 And He was always looking for faith, not problems.

Here is an important passage from Psalm 107:10-14

“There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in misery and chains; because they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High.  Therefore,He humbled their hearts with labor; they stumbled and there was none to help.

Then they cried out tot he Lord in their trouble; He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke the bands apart.”

Describe the scene:

1. Discuss why the people were in those conditions:

2. Discuss what God did, or allowed and why:

3. Describe the results:

This passage demonstrates how God uses circumstance to bring people to the point of deliverance.  Remember there has to be deliverance before restoration. And there has to be a strong cry of faith to touch God for help.

No other scenario will provide the atmosphere to release the delivering, healing and restorative power of God into an individual or family.

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BEFORE WE BEGIN

Gay Bissell Freedom, Prayer, Spiritual Warfare, Training , , ,

If you feel called to function effectively in the ministry of deliverance and/or inner healing, I  encourage you to take time daily to seek the face of the Lord. Read and meditate on His Word, worship, pray, journal and also keep records of what He does through you.

Do not spend all of your time reading books on the subject of deliverance. You will consciously or unconsciously be letting others form you.  The unique work of developing and forming you belongs to the Lord.  Certainly, from time to time He will bring others along, as well as books, that will provide exactly what you need at that moment.

It is important for you to invest yourself into the process through study of the Word, prayer and meditation.  “Winging it” may work once or twice, but a great rule of thumb is to do what God instructed Joshua to do before he entered into conquest of the Promise Land.  Meditate on the word night and day and then YOU will make your way successful. (Read Joshua 1:7-9)

Also, become very observant as to how opportunities around you are unfolding. Are you finding yourself more and more in situations in which you must speak a word of deliverance or healing over someone or into some situation.  Is this your first response when there is a need?

Qualities of a “deliverer” can be observed in the lives of many biblical persons.  In your journal list some of the people God called and used to bring deliverance.

Note some of the characteristics you see in them.  Pray that those will become strengths in your life, if they are not already. Ask God to reveal insights to you regarding their lives and ministries.

In summary, the things that are extremely important for you to do right now, if your feel called to this ministry, are to

1. Develop a deeper personal (working) relationship with the Lord.

2. Sing to the Lord without CD’s

-Sing songs you remember.

-Make up songs to the Lord.

-Sing the Psalms and other scriptures

3. Study.

4. Keep a record of your experiences.

5. Keep a record of revelations.

6. Make yourself available to go and do what He puts before you.

Eph 5:19-20 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things to God

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