"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Eph.2:10 NIV)

This is a promise that I personalize and say to myself every day as part of my positive confession routine.

I say it this way:

"I am God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus, to do good works which He has prepared in advance for me to do!"

By repeating this passage in first person, I am doing several things. First, I am making this promise mine! Secondly, I am stating it as though it has already been done for me (and it has been done already "in advance.") Thirdly, I'm recognizing in this promise that God has created me for a specific purpose that I am able to do because he has prepared both it and me to do it.

Activate your faith

Believing and confessing these things personally is an active part of faith! It activates the promises and makes them happen!

"Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request." (1 Chron. 4:10 NIV)

This short, heartfelt prayer by an old testament man named Jabez, was answered positively by God.

And, why may you ask, did God agree to what Jabez was asking?

First, he asked God! That's right, he actually brought his request to God in prayer! Sadly, many don't receive blessings from God simply because they don't bother to ask Him! "You have not because you ask not." (James 4:2 KJV) In order to receive from God, you must actually ask him!

Second, he "cried out to God" passionately. His prayer was sincere, heartfelt and genuine! God's word says, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16 KJV). The wonderful advantage we have as New Testament believers, is we are made righteous through the blood of Jesus!

Third, he was very specific and clear about what he wanted and asked God for. Because he asked clearly and specifically, God could answer clearly and specifically as well.  Unfortunately, many don't ask that way. The Bible says, "Let your requests be made known to God." (Phil. 4:6b NKJV).

To recap (with one addition)

1) Pray!

2) Be genuine, passionateand sincere.

3) Be specific. Make it very clear what you are asking for.

4) Use Jesus's Name. As New Testament followers of Jesus Christ who have been given the right to come "boldly to God." (Heb 4:16), you must pray in Jesus's Name! That seals it! And, that is another great promise you can thank God for!

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people." (Eph. 1:18 NIV)

It's a problem that has been around for a long time and still is the same today! You don't know what you don't know! And if you could see into the spiritual world you would be astounded at what you would see!

 Army's of Angels!

There is a story in the Old Testament, that tells how the king was mad at the prophet Elisha, and sent his armies to attack him. When Elisha's servant saw the armies coming he was afraid. But Elisha wasn't concerned or alarmed because he knew something that his servant didn't know. "And Elisha prayed, 'Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.' Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." (2 Kings 6:17 NIV)

They were surrounded and protected by God's army of angels!

In the same say, our promise is saying "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people." (Eph. 1:18 NIV)

You have so much readily available to you as a follower of Christ! Open your spiritual eyes and see!

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:7 KJV)

Sometimes when a HUGE problem comes suddenly and and unexpectedly, (this happens to everyone from time to time) you need to remind yourself of this great promise! "cast 'all' your care upon him!" This means every care, no matter how small or how big!

 Where you will get the the best results

The word "cast" means to throw something in a specific direction. A fisherman casts where he believes he will get the best results. In the same way, our best results (solution) to any and all problems will always come from God! When you "cast" your care on him, He will help you! And, He even gives the reason why He will help you; "Because he cares for you!"

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord." (1 Cor. 12:4-5 NIV)

When you become born again by receiving Christ, (John 1:12 & John 3:3) God gives you at least one spiritual gift, and sometimes several. (1 Cor. 12:11)

To help you and others!

These wonderful gifts are provided to help you grow in your relationship with God and to help you be effective in helping others, too.

You can find these gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11, and 1 Peter 4:11.

God gives these gifts for a number of great reasons:

To equip His children for service. To build up His church. To bring unity in faith. To bring knowledge of Jesus. To bring spiritual maturity. And, to bring the whole measure of fullness in Christ. (1 Peter 4:10 and Eph. 4:11-12)

You must "stir them up" and then put them to work, so both yourself and others can benefit from them!

 "Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you..." (2 Tim 1:6a NKJV)

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deut. 31:8 NIV)

I turn this promise around and begin with the ending (the result), and I say it this way:

"I am not afraid or discouraged, because the Lord Himself goes before me, is with me, and never will forsake me!"

 Then I say to myself

"He promised it! I believe it! And, that settles it!" 

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV)

Notice that this section of scripture, containing several promises, is about how to get help from God for many different types of people who may be weak, weary, or have stumbled and fallen.

 How does the answer come?

It comes from "putting hope in the Lord!"

This is not a difficult thing to do to receive such great benefit!

Here's what you get

 "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)

Such great promises!

"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4 NIV)

A very simple and powerful, answer for dealing with any fear is found in this passage! 

Two Wonderful Things!

When fear attacks, you must immediately seek the Lord! And then two wonderful things happen:

1) He ANSWERS you!

2) He DELIVERS you from all your fears!

Activated by faith!

Of course, this is an act of faith (all promises are faith activated!)

I heard this promise stated simply the following way:

Fear knocked,

faith answered,

and there was nobody there!

"Keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.” (Proverbs 3:1b-2 NIV) 

Who wouldn't want what is promised here?

Prolonged life for many years! Peace! Prosperity! All Wonderful promises!

 And how do you receive these things?

You keep the commands of the Lord in your heart! That's it!

And further great news is found in the following passage about keeping commands!

Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will be inside you and will help you do it!

"If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." (John 14:15-17 NIV)