I have friends whom I have come to know well. I like them, but I know that if I ever wanted them to be at my house at 7 p.m., they would be late. My lack of faith in their being on time is based on my knowledge of them. It appears they don’t know what it means to be on time.
When we know someone it becomes easy to have faith in them. We know what they will do. For instance, over the years, married couples come to know each other’s likes and dislikes. In fact, they can get to the place that, in many ways, they think alike and enjoy the same things. That’s when they have come to know one another well.
As a strong relationship with the Lord develops, we will find that our likes and dislikes become more like God’s. We enjoy His presence. We understand His ways. The more we pursue knowing the depth of His character and learn His ways, the more we think as He thinks and feel as He feels.
It is only natural when two people spend time together that the person with the weaker personality begins to take on the characteristics of the stronger. We are influenced by those with whom we associate. This principle is revealed in the following verses:
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
(Prov. 13:20 NLT)Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul”
(Prov. 22:24-25 NLT)My child, fear the Lord and the king. Don’t associate with rebels, for disaster will hit them suddenly.
(Prov. 34:22 NLT)…for bad company corrupts good character.
(1 Cor. 15:33 NLT)
The Holy Spirit wants to change our carnal thinking so that He can communicate His desires, thoughts, and attitudes to us. As this happens, our minds and emotions will come into perfect harmony with His will. This takes a diligent commitment to the Word of God and sensitivity to His promptings.
The way we really get to know anyone is by spending time with them. For example, when we first saw the person who would become our spouse, most of us began to devise a plan to meet them. Once we met, we developed a plan to continue seeing them.
Many people want a powerful relationship with God, but they will not discipline themselves to seek God in order to obtain it. So they feel defeated before they ever begin. They cannot see themselves really living close to the Lord. And as long as that kind of thinking dominates them, they are destined to a shallow, unfulfilling Christian experience.
Begin to chart the course of your life by putting God and His Word first place in your life. Then you will see just how quickly He will show Himself strong on your behalf. Daniel 11:32 says, “But the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”
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Vikki and Dennis began as youth pastors in 1973 in Southern California where they received tremendous insight into the work of the local church. In 1976, they moved to Ft. Worth, Texas, to work with Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Vikki worked with KCM for three years before entering full-time ministry with her husband. Since that time, their relationship and involvement with Kenneth Copeland Ministries has continued. Vikki and Dennis have had numerous articles published in the Believer's Voice of Victory magazine.
Vikki has spoken in several nations including Australia, Japan, and Canada. She has ministered on television, radio, in women's conferences and marriage seminars. Her desire is to see people raised to a higher level of living through the Word of God. By acting on Gods principles, Vikki has obtained a testimony of victory and imparts encouragement to others.
Throughout the years, Vikki and Dennis have pursued new avenues of reaching people. The Lord has continued to expand their vision. Their dedication has affected thousands as they are impacting God's people with the love of God.