I Hear the Sound of Victory

If you hadn’t heard, 2011 is the year of victory. This fact has been reiterated by numerous Pastors across the country including my father, Pastor Donald Chisholm of the Latter Rain Cathedral in New York.

All this year I have been looking for and obtaining victory in every area of my life. But I sense there is more to come. For the last two days, I have been humming Maurette Brown Clark’s latest single Victory:

I hear the sound of victory
I know that things are gonna change for me
I make the sound everywhere I go
And I share the sound with everyone I know

In fact, today I wanted to write something on relationships however, I could sense the Spirit saying, “No, someone needs to know they have the victory!”

Victory, according to Free Online Dictionary is:

1. Defeat of an enemy or opponent.
2. Success in a struggle against difficulties or an obstacle.
3. The state of having triumphed.

Don’t you want your testimony to be that you overcame in 2011?! I know its December 9, but it’s not too late. God can do the impossible in a few short days. He just needs for you to believe and receive.

Some of you think this message is for someone else. No, it’s for you. This is not a coincidence that you are reading this post. God intended for you to do so and He wants you to get excited about what He can and will do.

So pray to God, express your need, and start speaking as if it is already done. Proclaim 2011 the year of victory!

Remember with God all things are possible,

Dr. Celeste

590 books sold, 9,410 to go (For an explanation of these stats please see post One Year – 10000 books)

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Copyright © 2011 by Dr. Celeste Owens. All rights reserved.

Now or Later: Being In Tune with God’s Timing

Is timing an issue for you? It certainly has been for me.  God speaks a promise to me and like a crazy woman I get to figuring out how I am going to make it happen. But now I’m finally learning to slow down and ask the all important question: Is that a right now word and a foreshadowing of what is to come?

You, too, should be in the regular habit of asking yourself that very important question; as it is critical that you understand God’s timing. As we often forget, God exists outside of time. Therefore for Him when He speaks, it is so. When Moses asked God who he should say sent him, God simply replied tell them, “I AM that I Am” (translated from the Hebrew phrase ehyeh asher ehyeh). Which can also be stated: I was, I am, and I shall always be. See what I mean, outside of time. Therefore exercising wisdom and discerning God’s timing accurately is crucial.

In 2000 I moved to Chicago to complete a year-long predoctoral internship. Right before I moved my friend Sheldon prophesied that he could see me (in his mind’s eye) sitting around a big table with leaders and heads of state. He further stated that he believed one of those people was Oprah Winfrey. Say what?! Oprah? I thought what perfect timing, I am moving to Chicago and Oprah lives in Chicago…what more is there to say? Needless to say Oprah and I never hooked up. I couldn’t even get tickets to be in the studio audience!

So what was that all about? It’s was about me being in rush to make God’s will a reality. In hindsight I can see how unprepared I would have been to interface with such great leaders. Even now God continues to prepare me for such a big assignment. And He continues to use people and His word to remind me of His Jeremiah 29:11 promises to me. Those promises keep me excited about what is to come and motivated to keep being my best in all that I do.

So here are a few tips for discerning whether God’s promises are for now or later:

1. You aren’t prepared. In 7^th grade I heard God speak to my spirit that I would be a psychologist. I was 12. That was definitely not a right now word.
2. You don’t have a clear understanding of the promise. About a year ago woman came to me and said that God told her to tell me, that I was “the replacement.” It took me all of two seconds to deduce that promise to Oprah is retiring her show, I am about to get a talk show. Ha! I crack myself up. Clearly I didn’t understand the meaning behind those words (and still don’t for that matter).  So it would behoove me wait for more clarity.
3. You don’t have the resources or tools. Take Abraham for example. God told him that he would be the father of many nations, yet at the time he didn’t have an heir and Sarah his wife was barren. He clearly wasn’t in the position to fulfill that promise.

Therefore my friend instead of worrying yourself into a frenzy, use today to prepare for tomorrow. Though the vision tarries, it’s only for a while, He will do just what He said. Habakkuk 2:4 reads,

“ Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
³ For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.

Furthermore, Joshua 21:45 reads, “Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.”

As an aside, this post is not a license for those who are procrastinating to continue to do nothing; you know what God wants you to do. I just have one word for you: Jonah.

For all others, be encouraged. All of God’s good promises will come to pass. If not now than later. But in the meantime prepare, prepare, prepare.

Remember with God all things are possible,
Dr. Celeste

587 books sold, 9,413 to go (For an explanation of these stats please see post One Year – 10000 books)

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Copyright © 2011 by Dr. Celeste Owens. All rights reserved.

The Health Benefits of Positive Thinking

I am melancholy by nature. If there is any negative to be found in a situation, I can find it. For the last couple of years, if not decade, I have diligently submitted to the Holy Spirit’s handy work. Slowly but surely I am being changed.

What about you? Are you naturally inclined to thoughts of optimism or pessimism? If the latter, don’t be discouraged; there is hope for you.

My extended family prays 6am every morning via conference call. Today God reminded us through His Word how to combat the urge to think negatively. Philippians 4:8 reads, “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.”

My mother mentioned that the same scripture had come to mind earlier in the week as she was thinking about some health challenges she was facing that particular day. She recalled that as she thought about what was good (e.g., for the most part she has always been healthy and has no other significant health challenges) she began to feel better and stronger both emotionally and spiritually. And although physically she didn’t feel any different that health challenge became less of a focus for her and in turn she was able to end her day on a positive note.

What she experienced is not simply germane to her situation. Researchers have also come to understand the benefits of positive thinking.  Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

• Increased life span
• Lower rates of depression
• Lower levels of distress
• Greater resistance to the common cold
• Better psychological and physical well-being
• Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
• Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

With those types of benefits, who has time to be negative?

So I challenge you to start thinking about what you are thinking about. Don’t allow negative thoughts to run rampant in your head, but instead challenge these thoughts by redirecting your mind to meditate on what is good. In doing this you will start to train yourself to approach your problems in a more productive way. Furthermore, thinking the best will allow you to focus on what really matters, knowing the all the other things will eventually work out for your good.

Remember with God all things are possible,

Dr. Celeste

352 books sold, 9,648 to go (For an explanation of these stats please see post One Year – 10000 books)

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Copyright © 2011 by Dr. Celeste Owens. All rights reserved.

The Sky Ain’t the Limit No More

I am writing this blog from my parent’s living room in Buffalo, New York. I am here for a couple of speaking engagements yet I didn’t want to neglect to encourage you through this blog.

Do you have a monster-sized dream? I know I do. And as I walk through the process of the fulfillment of that dream, my faith is challenged at every angle. I am learning that the faith I had yesterday is not enough to move me into the blessings of tomorrow. In fact, I need my faith renewed daily and that is just what God is doing for me.

For many years I thought that having faith meant I didn’t doubt; that I was to believe and that was that. But now as God challenges me to trust and believe Him for more (especially for things I can’t do in my own strength) my faith is being challenge. One moment I believe Him at His word, while the next I’m balled up in a heap at the center of my bed trying to keep hope alive!

What’s that all about?

Well, at least for me, it’s about being human and letting God work in me His perfect plan. Oswald Chambers said in My Utmost for the Highest, “Faith brings us into right relationship with God and gives God His opportunity to work.” In other words it is not my faith, per se, that makes things happen, but God. That’s comforting because if the magnitude of my blessing was based on my belief, I wouldn’t have very much.

For example, one requirement for completing of my doctorate degree was the completion of a full-time APA-approved internship. Finding an internship is a very stressful time for students because there are more students than internship slots.

Long story short, I applied to 10 internships, received an interview for 1, and got into 0. Not a good recipe for a girl who was believing that God was going to give her one of those coveted internship slots. So did I remember to do as the scripture instructs and give thanks? Of course not.  Instead I cried and even told God I was trying not to be angry with Him, but He was leaving me no choice. The nerve.

But God was interested in perfecting my faith so He gave me just what I needed to keep moving forward. So, after a very encouraging talk with my Dad, I decided to pursue my last option: placement into one of the internship sites that hadn’t found a student yet. There weren’t that many, but there was one left for me. The director of the Chicago Area Christian Training Consortium (the site where I was placed) said to me when I called him about the internship, “you are an answer to prayer.” Wow, me? The whinny God-why-didn’t-you-give-me-what-I-wanted crybaby was an answer to prayer? What a mighty and loving God we serve.

Again, God wasn’t interested in perfect faith but a mustard seed amount of faith that kept me moving because faith without works is dead. All I had to do was call Chicago and He did the rest. BTW, that internship was one of the best experiences I had in all my life. When God blesses us, He gives His best.

For the last couple of days there has been a song in my head that won’t stop. It’s by Mali Music called “Nothing too Hard.”  Here are some of the lyrics:

   So the sky ain’t the limit no mo
                   No cuz the sky is way way too low
                   Now that I got the Lord, Faith, and the Holy Ghost
                   Ain’t no limit to how high I can go
                   Nothing’s impossible
                   (Sorry if u think so)
                   All things are possible thru Christ

So there you have it: the sky ain’t the limit no more. As a matter of fact, whoever said the sky was the limit was wrong.  There are NO limits in God, so take the limits off of Him. That monster size dream will come true if you step out in faith, pursue God with all your heart (even when doubt threatens to consume you), and let Him act on your behalf.

Remember with God all things are possible,

Dr. Celeste

321 books sold, 9,679 to go (For an explanation of these stats please see post One Year – 10000 books)

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Copyright © 2011 by Dr. Celeste Owens. All rights reserved.

How to Avoid Disappointment

Few things can shake one’s faith more than a disappointment—being looked over for a promotion, denied acceptance into a particular club or school, or rejection by someone we love. But it’s not the disappointment that’s the problem—because we are human and being disappointed is part of the human experience—it’s how choose to respond to the disappointment.

So here’s the million dollar question. How do you respond when things don’t go your way? Do you say, “all things are working together for my good,” or do you go into a litany of complaints, “just when I make one step forward, I’m knocked back two,” or “if it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all.”

My, my, my, that last statement is wrong on so many levels—first, luck is not part of the Christian experience and secondly, what will that type of talk produce besides depression and anxiety?

So knowing the truth makes you free. And the truth is coming to us today from the 4^th chapter of James. Fortunately, he offers several explanations to the denial of our requests that may subsequently help to alleviate disappointment:

1. YOU DIDN’T ASK (v.  2).

 “You do not have because you do not ask.”

 I can’t tell you how many times people have come to me to complain about their situations and when  I ask them if they prayed and made a specific request  to
God, they look at me like a deer caught in headlights. Strangely enough, they were expecting things to miraculously work out yet they hadn’t taken the time to pray and make the request known to God.

 

2. YOU ASK AMISS (v. 3)

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”

Praying for your request doesn’t mean that you will get it. The next obstacle is the condition of your heart. Unfortunately, we ask for some things out of vanity and pride. We want the big house—not to make our home open available to those who are in need of shelter and/or encouragement, but to show off. We want the fancy car—not to offer rides to those who are in need, but as a status symbol. So in return for your greed you get nothing and over time grow bitterer with disappointment. But if you would take the time to examine your heart you would know why some of your requests aren’t granted.

3. YOU ARE PRIDEFUL (v. 6)

 “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

You are so busy planning your own way that you don’t have time to ask God His plan. But if you want to be empowered by His grace and achieve good success in all that you put your hands to, you must walk in humility. It is humility that allows you to seek Him for wisdom in how to use your time, energy, and resources. And it is humility that will enable you to handle disappointment well.
4. YOU ARE DISOBEDIENT

“If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top,
never at the bottom” (Deutoronomy 28:13).

Sometimes the problem isn’t Steps 1-3 above but simply a matter of disobeying the specific command. Case in point, my son AJ receives a progress report every day from school. Since the beginning of school year he has gotten “good day.” But lately he has desired the best rating which is “great day.” So the other day he asked me how he could get his teacher to rate him higher.  I told him it was simple: all he needed to do was to open his mouth and participate. He said that he would do that however, it has been several days and his rating hasn’t changed. Yesterday, when he opened his mouth to complain, I asked, “Did you do as I instructed?” Of course he had not. Ask yourself the same question, “Have I done what God has instructed me to do?” If not, any disappointment that you feel is self imposed.

I hope the next time you feel disappointed that you take time to explore the “why” behind your dilemma. Feeling disappointed is human but the power to overcome and learn from disappointment is divine.

Remember with God all things are possible,

Dr. Celeste

270 books sold, 9,730 to go (For an explanation of these stats please see post One Year – 10000 books)

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Copyright © 2011 by Dr. Celeste Owens. All rights reserved.

Go Look Again

My father received the most amazing news this week: “You’re cancer free!”

That favorable diagnosis is made all the more exciting because he had been diagnoses with prostate cancer in June of this year. Immediately following that initial diagnosis, he sought the Lord in prayer. When God responded that he would heal him, my father believed.

So as the doctor’s developed their plan, my father praised God for His plan. Unlike most people, instead for fretting, complaining, and worrying my Dad used his time wisely: he continued his normal routine and even went on vacation! Why not? What was there to worry about? He was healed!

Therefore, when the doctors recommended radiation, my dad’s faith recommended another course of action: “go look again.”  To this request, his doctor replied, “no one has ever asked me to do that before but if that would make you feel better we will do it.” The doctor biopsied three sections of his colon—no doubt going the extra mile to be thorough and thus suppressing all doubt…or so he thought. I can only imagine his surprise when the pathologist report concluded that there were no traces of cancer in my dad’s colon.

Have you received some devastating news about your health? If so, there is no need to fret or worry. God is in control.

I, too, have my own cancer story. Just a few days after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, God sent me a word that He would heal me.  The exact prophesy, as relayed by mother was, “This is not until death. I will confound the doctors and the X-rays.”

With that word, I was armed and ready. So ready in fact, I prayed fervently that God would remove the tumor without any cancer treatment. The night before I was to begin chemotherapy I told my husband and parents that the lump would be gone by morning. But to my disappointment it wasn’t. That wasn’t how God planned to heal me. Therefore I accepted His plan and waited. It took some time but the day did come when I was able to insturct the doctor to “go look again.”

The same is true for the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48). For twelve long years she was subject to a bleeding condition. But she continued to believe in the healing power of the Savior and when she touched His garment He said, “Daughter, your faith has made you whole.” I can only imagine her pleasure as she instructed her physicians to “go look again.”

Whose report will you believe? If God said it’s done, it’s done; He always has the final say.  When God sends you a word of healing, believe it. It’s not up to you to decide how and when He will respond; it’s simply your job to believe.

As many of you know God’s healing isn’t always instantaneous, but it is sure and it’s according to your faith. If you believe that you are healed, you are healed. The Word tells us that by His strips we are healed. So that makes it so.

Now as you wait for the manifestation of your healing keep doing all that you can. Don’t complain, and certainly don’t worry. The day will surely come when you will be able to say “go look again.” Be well!

Remember with God all things are possible,

Dr. Celeste

255 books sold, 9,745 to go (For an explanation of these stats please see post One Year – 10000 books)

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Copyright © 2011 by Dr. Celeste Owens. All rights reserved.

20/20 Vision: Seeing Through the Eye (Glasses) of Faith

“20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet” (American Optometric Association). Not everyone has 20/20 vision. I, for one, have 20/40 vision, which means that I must be as close as 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 40 feet. For that reason, I wear corrective lenses or eyeglasses.

Interestingly enough, our understanding of how vision works in the natural can also explain how vision works in the spiritual. When it comes to spiritual vision, many of us have poor eyesight; we can’t see what God sees. We can’t see that He has a hope for us or that all of His good promises will come to pass. But if we would just put on the spiritual eyeglasses of faith, we would see with 20/20 clarity what God is trying to show us.

Trust me, when it comes to seeing (let alone writing) the vision, our natural eyesight is deceptive because most times our reality doesn’t line up with what God says will be. I can’t tell you how many times God has said “X” would happen before “X” was even in my peripheral vision. But when I chose to see things through the eyes of faith, my attitude changed, my faith increased, and I started to live as God—not my circumstances—would have me to live.

I was watching Oprah’s Lifeclass the other day. On that particular episode she featured a portion of an interview she did with Jim Carrey in 1997 where he described how visualization led to great success. Incidentally, three years before he was cast for Dumb and Dumber, he literary wrote himself a check for $5M and visualized himself cashing it. Indeed, because of his faith, he was able to cash that check by the date he had written at the top.

Amazing, huh? But if Jim Carrey can visualize a great future, so can you. You, too, have the power to “write your own check” if you start visualizing God’s great plan for your life. Of course, seeing things through the eyes of faith is no easy feat and you certainly can’t do it in your own strength.  Therefore, pray to God for the supernatural ability to see the invisible future.

John Maxwell says, “It almost impossible to separate faith and vision” because faith is future-oriented and always focused on the vision. This statement isn’t implying that faith disconnects from the present, on the contrary. In fact, faith makes the NOW more enjoyable because you know that today is simply preparation for what is to come!

As I was writing this post, I received a text of confirmation from Dr. David Anderson that read, ”Faith is believing that God is going to do what He said He would do. When and how He does it is His business. Believing that He will is ours!” Amen.

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews, often call the “Hall of Faith” features the faith superstars. Verse 13 tells us that, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them.” And they lived like the race was won because they could see the finish through the eyes of faith.

Remember with God all things are possible,

Dr. Celeste

216 books sold, 9,784 to go (For an explanation of these stats please see post One Year – 10000 books)

Comments are welcome. Also, please subscribe to have this weekly post sent directly to your Inbox.

Copyright © 2011 by Dr. Celeste Owens. All rights reserved.

Not Everything is the Devil’s Fault

I know, I know, that’s a strange title, but seriously—not everything is the devil’s fault. We have become so conditioned to blaming every mishap and misstep on the enemy, that we lose prime opportunities to learn from our mistakes.

For instance, the other week I took my car into the repair shop because there was a burning smell coming from the engine and as a result my car had lost its ability to accelerate. They assessed my concerns and reported that the repairs would total $6900.00. I kindly took my keys and left the shop.

Not knowing what to do, I did what came natural. I blamed the enemy: “this is just a distraction from the pit…the devil is a liar”—you know how we do. But then I paused and prayed that the Lord show Himself through this situation and let me learn (if anything) what I was to learn.

Over the week that followed God shed some much needed light on my dilemma. The problem was me and my lead foot. If there was any demon involved in my problem, it was me the speed demon. Most everyong drives fast in the DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia), but I was faster than that.

For a long time I knew I was wrong but justified my behavior. Here are a few instances:

1. Once I was reading Liberated Through Submission and author P.B. Wilson wrote, “my husband always obeys the speed limit.” I felt
   convicted but instead of repenting and changing my ways, I brushed off her comment and continued speeding.
2. Earlier this spring I got into a minor fender bender while moving onto the exit ramp. We both lost come paint from our vehicles and my bumper was damaged. Thankfully, the other driver never reported the accident to my insurance company… so I kept right on speeding.
3. Just days before taking my car into the repair shop Andel reported that my front left seat was broken and had locked itself into the furthest distance from the gas pedal. (God really has a sense of humor.) Good things my legs are long or I wouldn’t be able to drive at all, let alone speed.

So to make a long story bearable, I realized that I had brought on all of my problems. With a humble heart I repented and asked God to work out our situation and He did. Another repair shop did the work at a fraction of the original estimate. Praise the Lord! And to show my gratitude I have slowed down tremendously. My son even said to me the other day, “Ma, why are you being such a slow poke? All the other cars are passing us.”

BTW, about the seat. I didn’t get it repaired because the cost was too great. So even if I want to speed, I can’t—my seat is too far back! I tell you, God really knows how to make sure we learn what we need to learn.

As you read this you may thinking to yourself what’s the big deal? It’s just a little speeding. But, I assure you, it’s much more than that. This is about obedience. If you want the run-you-down-overtake-you type of blessings talked about in Deutoronomy 28 you must practice radical obedience—even in the
seemingly small things.

If something out the ordinary has happened to you don’t simply write it off as the devil. He may be involved, but just in case he isn’t, run it by God. There just might be some lesson He’s trying to teach you.

Remember with God all things are possible,

Dr. Celeste

204 books sold, 9,796 to go

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Copyright ©2011 by Dr. Celeste Owens. All rights reserved.

Step Away from the Plans

I don’t know about you, but when I get a word from God that He is going to do something great for me, I get to figuring out how I am going to make it happen. I get to planning, making calls, surfing the internet—whatever I think I need to do to help God out.

Unfortunately, I have had to learn the hard way that God doesn’t need my help; He simply desires my cooperation with His plan. If He said He’s going to do it, it’s done.  He just needs me to walk through the open door—not make one.

So after many mistakes in this area, I’m learning to slow down and let God’s plans unfold supernaturally.

Here are a few examples of how waiting has paid off:

1. Earlier this year I sensed the Holy Spirit telling me that I would be used to encourage the seniors in our community. I immediately thought about the Seniors Agape Ministry of First Baptist Church of Glenarden, my home church. But instead of jumping on that thought, I decided to wait. Just recently I spoke at a prayer breakfast. A member of the Agape Ministry was present and asked me to speak to their group. Cool, right? But I’m not done. Yesterday, my friend Jackie emailed me to ask if I would speak to a group of seniors for a new focus study that she was creating. I gladly accepted.
2. I am the author of The 40-Day Surrender Fast.  Again, I sensed the Holy Spirit telling me that churches would use this fast for their first-of-the-year period of consecration. Immediately I started drawing up a mental list of Pastors I should connect with. But quickly decided to wait on God.  One church that had crossed my mind was Mt. Ennon Baptist. A few days later their pastoral assistant phoned me to be a speaker for their annual women’s conference. The same happened with another church.  Just last week, a minister from that particular church called to say that she would introduce the
   Surrender Fast to her Pastor. Lastly, a friend of mine suggested her book to her former Pastor. We connected and he’s interested in doing it for his congregation.

Are you as amazed as I am? I didn’t need to do anything but let God’s plan unfold and accept each opportunity as God presented them to me!

I am reminded that I don’t have to make opportunities; God has already paved the way. All I need to do is walk through the open doors.

I talk about this same concept on Day 31 of the The 40-Day Surrender Fast: “I sense that some of you are working too hard for God’s dream. He has promised you “X” and before He can work on your behalf, you are making futile efforts to make it so. God doesn’t need your help; it is not by your works that His will comes to pass, but by His grace.”

So how can you accurately discern when it’s you making it happen or God’s will being done?  That’s simple. When you are frustrated, tired, and burdened by your efforts you are operating in your own strength. But when you have peace and joy, you are allowing God’s grace to propel you to your appointed destination.

That being said, “Step away from the plans.” Relax, release control, and allow God’s perfect will to operate in your life.

Remember with God all things are possible,

Dr. Celeste

165 books sold, 9,835 to go

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Copyright ©2011 by Dr. Celeste Owens. All rights reserved.

Talk What You Know and Heard

Have you heard the phrase, “talk what you know, not what you heard?” As a youngster that was one of my favorite phrases to recite when a friend dared to confront me with something she had heard. Just reciting that phrase would shut the whole confrontation down.

But as an adult I realize that that phrase is not entirely accurate. Case in point—faith.  When it comes to faith, talking what you heard is totally appropriate.

The Word tells us “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). In those seasons when nothing seems to be going right, speaking to yourself what  you have read in the Bible and heard God say to you is a sure way to increase your faith.  In those times can imagine your faith retorting, “talk what you know, not what you have heard.” Absolutely not.

In fact, faith does the opposite. When you speak those things that are not as if they are so, the impossible becomes possible. Luke 17:6 reads, ““If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

Lately, God has been saying to me that I have an international healing ministry. My circumstances don’t reflect this reality but I believe God.

Every morning my extended family gets on a conference line to pray. One morning as prayer requests were being brought before the Lord it came to me to say “please pray for my international healing ministry.” I hesitated for a moment—knowing it sounded ridiculous—but quickly decided that obedience is better than sacrifice and that faith without works is dead.

Have you ever had a moment like that? No matter how difficult it is to say something that is not a reality, just do it. Believing God at His Word often requires you to say some things that sound silly to other people. That’s okay. Just keep believing and it will come to pass. God’s Word will not return to Him void.

I hear some of you saying…aren’t there times God wants us to have faith to ourselves? Yes, but not in every instance. I cover this in The 40-Day Surrender Fast in the chapter entitled The God of the Impossible.  I quote: “Sometimes God wants you to act in boldness and declare His promises aloud so that others will witness His mighty hand in your situation and also believe.”

So in accordance with that truth we begin praying for my international healing ministry in April. Just this week I received an invitation to speak to some individuals in the Latino community on the power of the tongue. The entire event will be interpreted as most of the participants only speak Spanish. Is that amazing or what? International healing ministry here I come!

You, too, can be on the road to fulfilling the promises God has spoken into your spirit. Start by reciting his Word and speaking affirmations over your life. Saying His promises out loud will increase your faith exponentially. Then you will be able to say what you heard because you know it is true.

Remember with God all things are possible,

Dr. Celeste

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Copyright ©2011 by Dr. Celeste Owens. All rights reserved.