Elements of Overcoming Faith

Elements of Overcoming Faith
ISBN - 978-0-9834145-0-6 Copyright 2011 Kayode Ijisesan Printed in United States of America All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher and copyright owners.
Published by KingsWord Publishing
CONTENTS
Preface 1 Faith Formation Element 1: Identification 9 Element 2: Meditation 19 Element 3: Imagination 29 Faith Release Element 4: Affirmation 41 Element 5: Expectation 51 Element 6: Action 63 Element 7: Celebration 73 Faith Anchor Element 8: Sanctification 81 Element 9: Association 91
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Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? - Apostle John
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PREFACE
Personal Testimony
ore than ever, I am appreciative of the goodness of God I have experienced in my life. Personally, God has been so good to me; I really cannot lay claim to any credit for all He has done in my life. In as much as there is a lot of glory yet to be manifested, I will be a fool not to give God thanks for what he has done already. It wasnt like this starting out life. Things did not look like they would ever turn out the right way. Back then, situations and circumstances pointed me towards failure. All around, there were stark realities that spelled doom. From a very humble background in my home country Nigeria, nothing outwardly suggested that I would be great in life.
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Apart from the good moral upbringing that my parents gave me and the fact that I was well above average in elementary and high school, that was about all I had going for me in life. Aside these, I was at ground zero. However, two events took place that changed the course of my life. I gave my life to Christ and I received a vision from God to raise a supernatural army for Him. While these were the turning points of my life, things did not change automatically in the physical. I still had to walk through circumstances that were against the essence of my newly found belief. And that was the height of it. That was when I experienced the greatest challenges of my Christian walk. It was as if all the forces of hell were against my calling and purpose, vowing I would not amount to anything in life. At a point, I was homeless. The thought of where to lay my head every night was a concern. I lost friends and relationships. Even academics became a serious challenge. All that, however, cannot be compared to the persecution I faced when I stepped out to start my ministry. I started a christian group and it attracted unusual unfairness. I became an object of mockery
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Preface
among those that should accept me fellow believers. Because of the peculiarities of my ministry, they wouldnt want to have anything to do with me. They even told fellow believers that they shouldnt identify with the group. This, naturally speaking, was too much for someone new to ministry to take. I would have been crushed; my ministry would never have seen the light of day; this book would never have gotten into your hands. Where did the breakthrough come from? What led to my change? It wasnt my aggression - that wouldnt have gotten me anywhere. It wasnt my connections - I didnt have that many. It wasnt luck far from it. It wasnt even my good morals and intentions. Rather, it was a scripture I came across at the height of these challenges. In the middle of nowhere, at a time the light of destiny was dim to the natural eye, Apostle Johns words to his children became impressed in my spirit so much that I wouldnt let go: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4
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Flood light from heaven fell upon that scripture in my heart, making me see its clear details. There it is: Whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world I am not at the mercy of conditions but a master of circumstances, irrespective of my background, gender, age, temperament! 1st John 5:4 became my mantra and the theme scripture for the christian group I founded. The group then known as Victory Christian Fellowship literally rested on the revelation from this scripture. Through this scripture, a spirit of faith was birthed in me that could not be quenched. It became an anchor for my soul. I realized I am born of God, because I have made Jesus the Lord of my life. I also received a vision that is born of God, because I received it from Him. So, I am meant to overcome the challenges, troubles and persecutions. That makes me a world champion! It didnt matter again what life had denied me before then. It didnt matter which part of the world I was living in. It didnt matter who believed in me and who didnt. It didnt matter the wiles of the enemy. By being born again, by embracing my God-given vision,
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Preface
I knew I had signed up for destiny. I became motivated from within so much that I couldnt be moved by circumstances. In the thick of opposition, I began to carry out certain acts corresponding to my faith. One by one, from scriptures and by the dealings of the Holy Spirit, I began to practice these acts I call The elements of overcoming faith. Years have come and gone, and the results are evident. My faith in Christ Jesus as my savior and maker of destiny has seen my ministry represented in major continents of the world as I go about preaching the good news and planting churches in the nations. By the Word of faith, the destiny that God showed me is becoming a reality, and I thank Him for everything. My story is not meant to be an exception. It should be common among believers. It ought to be the story of everyone that will engage his faith in all facets. Anyone that will embrace the ways faith expresses itself, no matter what position he is in right now, will one day be able to share his grand testimony of Gods goodness in Christ Jesus. This is the victory our faith.
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Faith Formation
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. - Apostle Paul
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ELEMENT 1
Identification
o matter what the world or religion says, not every man is a child of God. Though everyone is a creation of God, not everyone has a relationship with Him. Jesus acknowledged some peoples father as the devil, right in their presence. He wasnt accusing them falsely (He doesnt do that), He was telling them the simple truth. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44 To be a child of God and have a relationship with Him,
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you must accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. When you accept Jesus, you are changed within totally. You are given a brand new spirit with the life and light of God. When you say that prayer of salvation with your heart and mouth, you are immediately transformed into a brand new man in Christ Jesus. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 The word new here means specie that has never existed before. That means on getting born again, you were not repaired or refurbished. You were not sent to a mechanic workshop, you were created anew. The old you (spirit being) was done away with, and there emerged the new you untainted, unblemished and original. Check yourself out from the Word and you find this splendid, glorious being that you now are: You have been made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
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Identification
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 You are made unto good works. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 You are complete in Him. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: Colossians 2:10 You are more than conquerors. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8:37 You are blessed with all. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3
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Notice all these scriptures have one these phrases in Christ, with Christ, through Him, in Him. Its on point; your new identity is rooted therein in Christ. Identification is actually the story of mans redemption. Jesus identified with you in your lowly state so that you can identify with him in His exalted state. When He was crucified, you were crucified with Him. (Romans 6:6, Galatians 2:20) When He died, you died with Him. (Romans 6:8, 2 Timothy 2:21, Hebrews 2: 14-15) When He was buried, you were buried with Him. (Romans 6:4-5, Acts 2: 23-26) When He was made alive, you were made alive with Him. (Colossians 2:13, Ephesians 2:5) When He was raised, you were raised with Him. (Ephesians 2:6, Colossians 3:1) Now He is seated at the right hand of the father, and you are seated with Him. (Ephesians 2:6)
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Identification
With everything he was from the cross to the throne, you were made united with Him at New Birth. Now that He has taken His rightful position of authority at the right hand of the Father, guess where you are right there in Him. In Christ you are of God you are related to God, and actually a child of His. This new status comes with untold privileges. Because of your union with God, you are not just an ordinary man. Though you still face challenges here on earth like every other man, you have what it takes to rise above them. You now have authority in Christ Jesus to deal with situations of life the same way Jesus dealt with the fig tree, winds and seas. Remember you are in Him, and He is in you! Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4 The Greater One lives inside of you! That makes you insurmountable. The problems and difficulties that get others grounded, you ride over them. When they say there is a casting down, you will say there is a
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lifting up. Why? You occupy an exalted position. The devil, demons, troubles, situations and circumstances are under your feet because of your association with Jesus. What a superman you are! But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:17 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8:37
Accept You!
This is now your real identity. When you got born again, you were translated from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of His son in light. (Any contrary opinion is tantamount to pride.) Do yourself a great favor: Accept who you are. Embrace your new status. It is the first step to exercising the Godkind of faith. Identification is the starting point of overcoming faith. That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. Philemon 1:6
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Identification
Acknowledge your new nature in Christ Jesus. You are no longer a sinner, you are a saint. The new you is not unrighteous, the new you is just. You are not just a creation of God; you are a child of God. You have his nature to express. You have the life of God (John 10:10) You have the faith of God (Romans 12:3) You have His love to express (Romans 5:5) You have the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) You have His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21) You have His grace (Romans 5:2) You have His Word (2 Peter 1:4) The Word is the light shining on your new nature. As you get accustomed to the new you through the Word, you will begin to manifest that new nature. Understanding from the truth of Gods Word will begin to shape your thoughts and move you to act based on the abilities of God resident in you. It will open you up to a whole new frontier of believing! This is the real you, welcome to your world!
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Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Mark 9:23 Its a whole new realm of possibilities. Your identification in Christ gets you off the course of hopelessness and puts you on the path of high prospects for your future. No more reason to nurse failure! To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Colossians 1:27 Oh my! What a day when you gave your life to Christ! What a change that happened! (It wasnt an outward change; it was an inward glorious change.) Identifying with this change is the foundation of your faith. When you do away with pride and submit to Gods Word where your identity is concerned, accepting who you are in Christ Jesus, faith is stirred in you. Your new order begins to take form as you embrace your identity. For you to walk in faith to please God
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Identification
and have results in life, you must first of all accept your union with Christ and your highly exalted position in Him. Overcoming faith only comes through identifying with your overcoming status!
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ELEMENT 2
Meditation
ou will never be established on your identification until you dwell in the Word of God long enough for your new identity in Christ to be ingrained in you. The second thing after you have gotten on the path of identification is to meditate on the Word of God. Overcoming faith will never be realized without it. By meditation I do not mean mere reading or a cursory glance at scriptures. There is a difference between reading the Bible and meditating on it. While you can read without meditating, you cannot meditate without reading, hearing or saying the Word. To meditate means to ponder, to roll over a thought in ones mind for a considerable period of time.
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The act of meditation speaks of conscious engagement of the mind in a particular line of thought. In this simple definition, the phrase conscious engagement is vital, particularly regarding the Word of God. There must be a calculated effort in putting your attention on the Word for a season. Meditation on Gods Word is and will always be a deliberate action. You cant have it otherwise. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8 Why? Mediation involves the natural senses of the eyes, the ears and the mouth. And these are already embattled with natural occurrences that are not in line with the Word of God. While it is just so easy to think, ponder on negative stuff, it will have to take some countering effort to ponder on the realities of Gods Word. Its like going upstream while the world is going downstream. It is moving against the tide of
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Meditation
the worlds system. That is why it has to be a conscious action. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:20-22 See the emphatic tone of the fatherly advice. You cant miss the import of the message: Do all you can to pay attention to the Word. Overcoming faith depends on it! So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 Faith comes through constant meditation!
Dont be Lazy
Your best companion in life therefore ought to be your Bible and faith materials in every available
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medium. Your Bible is not meant for the bookshelf or the coffee table. Its meant to be carried regularly in your hand and in your heart. Its content is meant to be rolled over in your mind until it begins to rule and guard your thoughts. The frequency for this action, according to the psalmist, is day and night. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalms 1:2 If that sounds like a burden on your shoulder, consider the other side and see the lorry load of problems that is piled up for those that will not learn from Gods Word. Jesus made this clear: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
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Meditation
Gods yoke is the effort you will make to learn from God through meditation. Compare that to a life of penury, sickness, adversity, confusion or delusion that awaits anyone that does not take heed to the Word; you will see that Gods burden is light indeed. For overcoming faith, meditation is necessary. As a Christian, you cannot afford to be lazy. Success is not for lazy folks. You must be diligent in spending time with the Word until it becomes a part of you. You must labor in Gods Word to enter His rest. You must learn how to roll the Word in your mind until it becomes real to you. This has great recompense of rewards.
Rewards of Meditation
Meditation in the Word causes success (Joshua 1:8) Meditation brings good life and health (Proverbs 4:20-23) Meditation causes the work of ones hands to proper (Psalm 1:1-3) Meditation causes unusual insight and understanding (Psalm 119:99) Meditation brings great profiting (1 Timothy 4:15)
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Meditation to Revelation to Dominion

Such tremendous results are possible because at the end of the meditation process is revelation. Meditation gives you the capacity to see into the realm of the spirit causing you to have insights into the intents, purpose and promises of God such that you will not be moved by physical evidences. Joshua was told to meditate on the Word in order to have success. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8 David had a commentary of meditating on the Word. No wonder he overcame his enemies. O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. Psalms 119:97
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Meditation
Daniel had understanding through meditation. He was promoted above his fellows. In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books Daniel 9:2 Paul through meditation and revelation became a great authority in the gospel, championing its course. How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; Ephesians 3:3-5 These people meditated to the point of revelation. Once that can happen to you, you are ready to deal with the devil, ready to face any challenge, ready to step out at Gods instruction. You have crossed to the realm of dominion that will yield great profits. It is revelation that makes a champion.
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Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 1 Timothy 4:15 See what you have to gain by focusing on Gods Word. From meditation to revelation to dominion to results! While identification gets you on the path of faith, meditation makes you build your faith. Identification tells you it is possible, meditation says, Its for real. Meditation brings you into revelation that will cause dominion. Here is Your Majesty walking in the midst of circumstances with boldness. No fear! Fear is a tormentor of those that will not meditate unto revelation. Fear only gives way at the point of revelation. Until then, it is allowed to hang around. But when revelation comes through meditation, you will conquer fear! The anchor of all faith expressions is revelation. Where there is no revelation, there is no overcoming faith! This is why you cannot afford to be a lazy Christian. You cannot afford to live just for the fun of it. You must be purposeful about your existence.
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Meditation
You must maximize life by fulfilling the law of success through meditating to catch revelation in order to have dominion. You may to have to lock up yourself in a room to meditate. You may have to stay awake all night while others are sleeping. You may have to plug an appliance into your ears all day, listening to the Word of God. Whatever it will take for you to cross into the spirit realm to catch a glimpse of Gods intents and dictates through the process of meditation, do it. Life will not remain the same afterwards.
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ELEMENT 3
Imagination
here is a law of success that says anything you focus on will grow. Anything you meditate on will be magnified in your life. Putting the Word of God before you on a consistent basis is a prerequisite for overcoming faith because it leads to revelation which expresses itself through imagination. Revelation usually comes with supernatural images as the light of God is shed upon a scripture in our heart. You must always bear in mind that man came by way of image (made in Gods image) and he will always need God-kind of image to function effectively. That is why it is imperative for man to develop an appropriate image from the Word of God in order to win consistently in life.
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We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 2 Peter 1:19 Illumination from the Word brings about imagination of the same Word.
The Power of Imagination

We all know the place of imagination. The mind has two parts of capturing mental images. The first part is the memory which has to do with replaying the past. The second part is imagination, which has to do with pre-playing the future. Imagination is about dreaming. And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Genesis 11:6 The good thing is that everyone can dream. While you cant really alter the memory because it is information and images about the past, you can form or reshape
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Imagination
your imagination because it is images of things that are still ahead. You can dream of a better future. There is great power in imagination and conception. There is no restraining order on your imagination. You can determine your future by your imagination. You can form mental images through revelation in Gods Word that will ultimately attract the good things of life to you. The Word is meant to help you build mental images on Gods plan and purposes for you. There is no limit to such imagination. It is as far as you can see. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. Genesis 15:5
Evil Imagination
Most people have been conditioned to use imagination to their detriment. The devil has done pretty well in twisting the imaginations of men through the sin nature he introduced in Adam. God gave Adam the gift of imagination and he was doing pretty well with
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it until Satan tempted and landed him in sin and death. The temptation altered his imagination of God - mans imagination was twisted as a result. And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5 From then till now, it is natural for men to capture through their experiences images of lack, failure and difficulties and project such images into the future such that the future turns out to be according to those images. The creative nature of man was twisted to produce negative results. But you are not just a mere natural man. Remember you are born again, and you have the new nature of God. Your identity is in Christ. The revelation of your identity through meditation should get you to imagine the right results for your future. You need to wake up to your new self by your imagination of faith.
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Imagination
Cast them Down

It is not that there will not be tendencies to imagine the wrong things - it was your spirit that got born again, not your mind. Your mind will still want to pre-play images deduced from happenings and experiences around you. But you must guard against such. By your act of will, you must cast down every evil imagination. The future is at stake. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 This should be an essential preoccupation of a believer. Evil imaginations may still want to build due to external influence of sin and death, but you must resist them. Cast down every imagination of failure, lack, debt, sickness, death, accident etc. If you want to stop seeing nasty things happen around you, you have to stop nasty imaginations forming in you. Sometimes demons from hell literarily want to force their way
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into the arena of your mind by suggesting negative thoughts to you. Cast them out. You have the ability. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; Mark 16:17 Dont spend your time on wrong images. Dont watch movies that will build negative images in you. While others are talking about leading actors and actresses of modern day movies, you talk about Joseph, Jacob, Daniel, Esther in the Bible. Those are your real heroes. Stay with the right image of the Word. Its time for the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob to be real to you. Destiny only answers to right imagination. Until you begin to develop the right images for your destiny, your imagination will compromise your destiny. Why? Your imagination is the blueprint for your future. It is the design that will be constructed into the edifice that your future will be. Consider your life now - if what you have under construction is not glorifying God, its time to demolish that structure, design a new blueprint through your imaginations and start
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Imagination
building based on the new blueprint. That was what Abraham did. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. Romans 4:18 Abraham tore the blueprint of childlessness and designed a new blueprint based on the images of the promise of God to him. He set himself loose from the stronghold of barrenness through the imagination of his children becoming as numerous as stars. He rode on that imagination to glory. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:3-4 The Bible is full of such numerous promises that will
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create the imaginations of health, wealth, abundance, safety, success, great future etc. The Word says, for instance, that the Lord is my shepherd, and I shall not want. You can build imaginations on that scripture so much that your needs will always be met and your bills will always be paid. In the midst of adverse economic conditions, you can use the promises of God to build imaginations of a new car without loan, a new house fully paid for. These deductions are not automatic; they are usually a product of meditation. The best way to deal with negative imagination is not to be in the custom of building on them at all. For your mind not to be a regular factory of the devils imagination, you must be building godly imagination though Gods Word on a regular basis. There is no vacuum - if you are not building a good kind of imagination, you will be building the other kind. The absence of God-kind of imagination is the presence of the devils imagination. And vice versa! The imagination of what you focus on more will displace the other. When evil thoughts want to rear their head and you have built up imaginations from the Word of God
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Imagination
already, those God-kind imaginations will swallow up the negative imaginations. That way, you will be able to bring every thought to the obedience of Christ. Thoughts in themselves are not imaginations yet, they are suggestions, topics for discussion in the mental realm which when entertained they become the plan. Remember Christ is your identity. Every imagination must conform to the imaginations in Christ. Every thought contrary to your new identity is a trespasser. Arrest it under the law of the spirit of life. In its place, create strong picture of abundance in the midst of lack, fruitfulness where there is barreness, health in ailment, and success when others are failing. Maintain those pictures in you through consistent meditation. Dont let them go. They are your future. As you dream on, heaven is looking down on you with sheer delight. Such imaginations activate your overcoming faith, and faith thrills God. The Most High is pleased with you because He is raised high in your mind above all situations and circumstances. And as you hold Him in such high esteem mentally, He will bless you physically.
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Because you do not let Him down in your imagination; He will not let you down in your manifestation.
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Faith Release
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. - Jesus Christ
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ELEMENT 4
Affirmation
f you have accepted Gods Word to be true about your new identity in Christ; if you have meditated to a point of revelation, and have deduced some great imaginations that form a wonderful blueprint of your destiny, its time to build based on that blueprint. Your first and foremost duty in constructing your future is affirmation. While overcoming faith is formed by the elements earlier discussed (i.e. Identification, Meditation and Imagination), it will only be released through affirmation. Affirmation means to uphold, maintain and assert positively. It is declaring the images of the Word of God you have formed inside of you. It is confessing the truth of Gods Word that you have so elevated in your heart. It is voicing out your inner conviction of
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the Word of God. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 2 Corinthians 4:13 The spirit of faith speaks. Overcoming faith is a function of overcoming words spoken out of a heart that is filled with the dictates, intents and purposes of God, irrespective of circumstances. You can see this all over scriptures. God recreated the world God refashioned the world to His taste by His words. Though the physical evidence was: without form and void, He didnt keep mute. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. Genesis 1:3 Abram called himself great At Gods command, Abram started calling himself Abraham, (meaning The father of many nations) and he eventually became so.
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Affirmation
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. Genesis 17:5 Jesus cursed the fig tree Jesus boldly spoke to a fig tree in the presence of His disciples that it should not yield fruit again, and it happened just as He had said. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. Mark 11:14 Affirmation is the trigger for the manifestation of faith. Removing affirmation from faith is taking away a bullet from a pistol. The bullet is only potent when shot from the gun. What makes overcoming faith so potent, what gives it its target, what causes manifestation and brings possession is affirmation. Jesus testified to this in His earthly walk: For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall
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believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Mark 11:23 Jesus taught the disciples the lesson of their lives. For you to walk in overcoming faith, you must demonstrate your confidence in God by declaring His Word boldly. You must proclaim the Word that has already been formed and elevated in your heart and mind. Affirmation is a constant in the equation of faith. For you to see results, you must express the revelation in your heart with your mouth. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:8-10 There is no Christianity without affirmation. No one has ever become a Christian without confessing the
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Affirmation
Word of God (on salvation). And no one can have results as a Christian without continuing to confess, declare or assert the Word of God. Affirmation of faith is the livewire of Christianity. It is meant to be a pre-occupation of every believer. It is our profession. Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Hebrews 3:1 The reason why affirmation takes a centre stage in a Christians life is evident here: Jesus has gone ahead of us to heaven to be the high priest of New Testament believers (you and I). One of His roles as our priest is to present our words to the Father in order to bring them into manifestation. Before He left for heaven, He had sounded this warning: Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33
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To confess Jesus before men is to confess or affirm the Word (Jesus is the living Word) in the presence of men. (Note that affirmation is made open and bold to whoever cares to listen.) To deny Jesus before men is to shy away from declaring the Word in ones dealing with men. For the former, Jesus presents such declaration of faith to the Father, making a case for its manifestation and the Father has no choice but to grant it because He is bound by covenant. For the latter, Jesus has no word to present to the Father because He can only present words that are consistent with the covenant. The result is no show! This is the bane of believers that dont confess the Word. This is why people of God dont manifest the blessing of God. When you begin to say words that are not in agreement with the covenant God has with you, God is not in the position to deliver it. The writer of Hebrews understood this. And it was his great charge to his fellow believers. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Hebrews 4:14
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Affirmation
Affirmation is what translates to manifestation. Confession brings possession. You dont need to wait for things to happen in the natural. (Some people have been merely wishing for a turnaround for decades to no avail) you make things happen by the words of your mouth. So far you are speaking the Word of God rooted in your heart, Jesus your High priest is there to present your assertion of faith and Gods angels will act swiftly on your requests. Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Psalms 103:20
Wrong Affirmation
When you voice out the Word of God on prosperity, abundance, health, success, promotion, the angels of God go into operation to bring these to pass. When you speak contrary to the Word of God, speaking lack, failure etc, the angels are not empowered. The forces of heaven dont move to perform words of fear, doubt or unbelief. They just cant be bothered. Instead the forces of hell prevail, causing havoc.
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The kind of words we speak determines the kind of manifestations we get. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21 Solemn truth! Your life is a product of words. Your words determine your world. Where you are today is what you said yesterday and where you are going tomorrow is what you are saying now. On a daily basis, you are making your future with your words. Whatever you dont want to see, wherever you dont want to be, dont say it. Its a set up from hell to put you down. Your world is a product of your words. Someone says, But that is what I can see around me. No! You dont say what you see around; you say what you want to see around. You say the truth of the Word instead of the facts of circumstances. And you cant afford to be indifferent and mute. (A dumb Christian is a defeated person.) Be like your heavenly father always. Declare!
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Affirmation
(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Romans 4:17 This creative ability is in you right now. The same way God called light out of darkness, you call abundance out of lack, call health out of sickness, call success out of failure. Dont be moved by what you see. Dont wait for the situation to change. The situation will only change by your declaration of faith. So declare it now. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 Say: I have it now. I have become now. I am now. Call forth into existence your imaginations based on your revelation of Gods Word. That way, you are creating your world the way God created His at the beginning. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:3
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Remember you have Gods identity. You have His ability. If he could recreate the world, you can recreate yours. It doesnt matter what has happened. It doesnt matter how far things have gone wrong. What matters is the Word of faith in your heart and in your mouth!
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ELEMENT 5
Expectation
ffirmation is not begging. It is claiming. There is a sense of assurance about it. Overcoming faith is bold, persuasive and convincing. Affirmation of faith naturally results in the next element, which is expectation. According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. Philippians 1:20 Expectation such as this is not merely hoping or wishing. It is a strong desire and anticipation for something. It is looking forward to getting something out there that already has your name on it. You have
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already made the orders by faith through the earlier elements, and your orders have been confirmed. All you are waiting for now is delivery. The goods are yours already; they only need to land on your doorstep. So you are to expect them. Jesus had this way of thinking a lot while He was on earth because He was a man of overcoming faith. He always sought to see miracles happen. He never marveled at a miracle but always marveled when people around would not receive from God with their faith. Every time this happened, He was quick to point out their low demonstration of expectation to receive: In His Home Town Jesus marveled at the people in his home town because they lacked expectation to receive. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. Mark 6:6 Teaching at the Mount Jesus compared the peoples expectation to that of
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Expectation
the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, and it fell short. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Matthew 6:30 Rebuking the Wind One day Jesus got up to rebuke the wind on the sea His disciples could not deal with the situation because their expectation did not just measure up. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:26 Training a Disciple Again, out in the sea one day, Peter demonstrated high expectation by walking on water, then he lost it. Jesus was quick to correct him. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith,
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wherefore didst thou doubt? Matthew 14:31 While all these instances have people falling short in their expectation, there were others Jesus commended because of the faith they demonstrated: The Centurions Anticipation A centurion expected his servant to be healed at the command of Jesus from far away. Jesus Himself was amazed. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Matthew 8:8-10 A Womans Strong Belief A woman demonstrated her expectation for her
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Expectation
daughter to be healed by not settling for less. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the childrens bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. Matthew 15:26-28 Notice that what Jesus regarded as little faith or big faith has a lot to do with the peoples expectation. The ones that demonstrated great faith really expect to receive. The ones that exhibited little faith were dillydallying. Overcoming faith requires much expectation!
You Observe to Expect

The secret to expectation is captured at the Beautiful Gate where Peter and John met a man lame from his mothers womb. The lame mans attention was seized by the Apostles until the manifestation of his miracle.
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And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. Acts 3:4-8 The lame man looked on the apostles, and expected to receive and he eventually received (instantly, in his own case). To expect something means to look forward, to wait positively and you cannot conveniently do that if your heart and mind is not on that thing. You have to be observant continually (otherwise the manifestation may even come and you never know). Expectation is all about focus! The focus for faith is the Word of God. Remember overcoming faith only comes by the Word. So if you will expect unto manifestation, you must focus on the Word. You must pay attention to the Word
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Expectation
all through. You need to focus on the written Word and the specific instruction that God has given you. You need to observe the Word of God. What you continually observe is what you see. And what you continually see is what you get. It is not enough to meditate on the Word of God once. It is not enough to have just a flash of revelation. It is not just enough to imagine and affirm the Word of God once in a blue moon. You need to keep your expectation up by continuing in the Word of God, otherwise your expectation fizzles out, and there goes the manifestation! You have to keep observing. Till your manifestation comes, you cant afford your effort to wane on any of the elements of overcoming faith. Its all one trail. If you stop meditating on the scripture you are basing your faith on, your revelation will get stale and you will stop imagining. If you stop imagining, you will stop affirming. If you stop affirming, you will stop expecting. You have to observe the whole process of faith. This is training in patience. What can you really
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get from God without patience? By definition, patience is being consistently constant in faith. It is actively engaging ones faith until manifestation. For overcoming faith to yield its results, patience is required. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Hebrews 10:35-37 The assurance that the manifestation will come and not tarry is hinged on God. Expectation to receive a gift is determined by the nature and character of the person sending the gift. In this case, God is the sender. His character has been tested to be perfect as He does not fail. A thousand times out of a thousand, He will always bring His Word to pass. Among men, we will find people that are able and not faithful. They have the capacity to help their fellow men but they dont always want to help. We also have people that are faithful but not able. They want to
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Expectation
help fellow men, but they just dont have what it takes. But God stands out. He is the only being that combines both attributes of ability and faithfulness reliably. And He is truthful about it. God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Numbers 23:19 This scripture lends the most credence to the whole Bible and Christian faith. Your expectation of Him is hinged on this truth. He cant fail, He cant lie. He will always deliver. Patience is quite realistic from this angle! It doesnt mean the devil will not try to trick you out of your standing on the Word. The devil will try to short-circuit your faith by making your expectation move from the Word to circumstances around you. He will want to make you shift your focus from God to people - dont allow him.
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For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 The things that are seen are the facts of this world. According to Paul, they are temporal and subject to change. But the things that are not seen are the truths and revelation drawn from the Word of God. They are eternal and permanent. While people can change their mind and circumstances can fade away, God still stands as sure. Only God and His Word have eternal status! Never let your focus shift from what is permanent to what is temporary. Dont build around what is fickle. Rather keep your gaze on the written Word. Keep observing the vision or instruction He has given you. You are dealing with God that never fails. Keep your expectation alive for the desired end results.
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Expectation
For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18 Your expectation will not be cut off because what you observe you expect and what you expect you attract. From the part of the world your goods might be, pull their manifestation towards you by your undivided attention on the scriptures that promise them. Expect their delivery!
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ELEMENT 6 Action
bserving the Word will not only make you expect, it will also make you act on the Word. Your observation of the revelation behind your faith must definitely lead to certain corresponding actions in line with faith for it to produce results. You observe in order to do the Word. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God,
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to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: Deuteronomy 28:1 Success and blessing manifestations await anyone that is willing to move into action by his faith. These actions or works are the proof of overcoming faith. They are the real indicators that point in the direction of your faith. If indeed you have come to believe, then you will act. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. James 2:18 It is foolishness to separate faith from corresponding actions regarding the revelation that births that faith. There are always actions that are consistent with your faith. And your faith is perfected by such appropriate works. Without them, the faith doesnt really exist. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. James 2:17
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Action
The Three Hebrew Boys Acted their Faith The three Hebrew children did not obey the kings order. Based on their inner conviction they acted and got their manifestation. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Daniel 3:16-18 Abraham Sacrificed His Son Abraham was told by God to sacrifice Isaac, the child of promise. He went ahead, believing God will have to restore him back to life if necessary. However, God showed up just on time to honor his faith. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
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And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. Genesis 22:12-13 David killed Goliath David took action on the revelation of the covenant he had and single-handedly defeated the arch-enemy of his nation. And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. 1 Samuel 17:48-49 All these are faith-based actions at the face of grave odds. They are clear examples of faith backed up by works. All the saints in faiths hall of fame in Hebrews 11 backed up their faith with appropriate actions. Overcoming faith requires overcoming works!
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Action
Work of Peace
The first of such works (and one that is general) is the work of peace. If you have prayed, believed and received, peace must be in operation. Since you are affirming that God has done what you are standing in faith for, then you dont get worried or anxious about it again. You have to stop thinking of the bill, symptom or condition. Allow no care or worry again because you have your answer already by faith. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 Always make sure that the peace of God undergirds your faith. (This doesnt mean the devil will not try to raise thoughts of doubt in your mind. Already you know how to cast down contrary thoughts and imaginations.) You might have started out in faith but if the faith is waning (by the indication of a lack of
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peace) you need to observe the Word the more. This will get you back on track and lead you to a point where you cast your cares naturally. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Sowing Seeds
Your faith may require the action of sowing a particular seed. Giving is an act of overcoming faith. In the whole process, God may lead you to give a particular offering. Often, such a seed is sacrificial, as in the case of Abraham. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Hebrews 11:17 Imagine the horrendous doubt, fear and concern that would have tried to cloud Abrahams mind. But he would not give in still. At the command of God, he gave His greatest possession as a proof of his faith in God. By that singular action, he secured his manifestation.
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Action
And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. Genesis 22:16-18 The enemy and his agents may want to deceive you not to give particularly if you are standing in faith for finances or resources. They may want to make you think that you dont have anything to give or the seed is too precious. But if God impresses it in your heart to give, if he tells you to sow that seed for the harvest of your manifestation, do it! It is the corresponding action of your overcoming faith. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalms 126:5-6
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The devil doesnt want you to give because he is afraid of your harvest. He is trying to stop you from feeding your covenant and manifesting results. You must not allow him. That seed is not a loss. It is not lost. Its only going to produce your harvest. It is bringing about the manifestation of your faith.
Other Actions
Depending on what you are standing in faith for, you will have to believe to a point of action. If you are looking for a job, submit your resume in different companies with an assurance that your job is settled. If you are looking for a child, start shopping for that baby. If you are standing in faith for the healing of your body, the revelation of your health in Christ Jesus should move you to get up from the bed and act like people that are healed. It may look crazy. People that know you may scream at your decision. Dont take it against them. They cant see the invisible because they didnt catch the revelation with you. They cant see your victory, but you can. You know you have won, even before the match
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Action
started. It doesnt matter how many goals have been scored against you on the outward. By your overcoming faith, you have an inside information: You won. And the blessing will have to manifest your victory.
Dont Imitate Without Revelation

Just make sure you are acting in line with your faith and according to the revelation you have. There is a difference between faith and presumption. Overcoming faith is not based on another mans testimony; it is based on the revelation of the Word of God. While other peoples testimonies can encourage you to walk by your faith, they are not necessarily the basis for your faith. The Word of God is. It is presumption to take off your recommended eyeglasses solely because another person shared a testimony that he acted as such and got the physical healing of his eyes. That person did it based on a revelation he got. Without such an inner conviction, there is no faith in its true sense. If you act based on someone elses faith actions it is merely trying to copy faith, and it wouldnt work because it is not faith! The faith of your brother may not be able to help you.
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You are not wired to live by the faith of others. Four times this truth is drummed. It is as if the whole Bible is geared towards passing this all important message to Gods children: For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:17 The just shall live only by his own faith. Overcoming faith, which is revelation-driven and action-borne, must be the lifestyle of every believer. You know the truth by revelation, and you act out the truth that you know irrespective of the odds. Mountains may appear large, walls may be closing in on you, but because you know, you are moved to act despite them. And those corresponding actions, the proof of your overcoming faith, will clear out the challenges, and open the door to your manifestation.
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ELEMENT 7
here is a particular action that always accompanies overcoming faith. It corresponds to faith and usually a strong proof of ones expectation. It literarily births the manifestation. It is the force of joy which is accompanied by an attitude of celebration. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2 The force of joy is in a class of its own. While other faith actions move you closer to your manifestation, joy literally serves as the crown of your faith and the foretaste of its manifestation.
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Celebration
Add celebration to all the other elements and your physical manifestation is made. Why? Joy is the proof of your victory. If you have ever watched a game of sports before, you will notice the winning side is always the celebrating side. All you need to do to know the winner is to look for the group celebrating after the match. The whole essence of faith is victory. If indeed faith is the victory that overcomes the world, then faith is not complete without some celebration. Someone asks, What is the celebration about? Another one says, I will celebrate when I have it in my hands. No! This is faith walk. In the terrain of overcoming faith, you do not see before you believe. Rather you believe in order to see. If indeed you believe you have received, you rejoice. Here is the end of your faith. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9
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Celebration
The problem is that people equate joy to happiness. But there is a difference. Though happiness and joy are expressions of good feelings, happiness is expressed based on outward evidences while joy is a function of an inner conviction irrespective of physical circumstances. The celebration of faith is meant to happen always in and out of season. Nothing should tamper with it. You can rejoice always. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 What is the dividend of joy? The result of celebration is the manifestation. Joy is acting out your victory by faith. As you rejoice, you make your manifestation a reality. There is no action that draws your results more than your joy. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3 There is no victory without joy. And that is why the devil will not want you to have anything to do with it. He is okay with you hoping and wishing it may
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come to pass. But he is so afraid of you celebrating because of its consequence. Joy implies the certainty of your results. It means you have won, and hell hates to be told that final verdict. Where your manifestation is concerned, celebration is the final blow on Satan. It messes his camp up real good! When you are going through and want to overcome find yourself a space to shout, dance and laugh. If the devil cant keep you shouting and hollering in joy, you have won. If he cannot stop you from rejoicing in faith, he cannot stop your manifestation. In any challenge you are standing in faith against, count it all joy. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; James 1:2 Remember this is an action that is inwardly driven. It is an action based on the revelation you have received. It does not matter the pressure or condition. It does not matter the array of problems the enemy has laid on your path in order to make you give up on your faith. (That is the aim in the first place - to make you
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Celebration
give up.) Launch your attack of joy on him. Rejoice; laugh at the devil. Laugh him to scorn. The devil thinks he has gotten you, but he does not know that your arsenal is full of detonators of joy. When he thinks he has edged you in with thoughts of fear and doubt; when he thinks he is about to rob you of faith, you need to release an explosive of joy and watch all his wiles fall into pieces. The enemy cannot simply handle a Christian that celebrates his victory in Christ! Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Habakkuk 3:17 We rejoice because our confidence is not in the flesh. Our confidence is in our identity in Christ Jesus. We celebrate victory that we already have in Christ Jesus. The devil can never have the final say. He is already defeated. Exercising your overcoming faith is all about making him stay defeated in that aspect and joy is the tool.
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This is the essence of celebration. Any Christian that will not celebrate his manifestation stands the risk of being sucked back into doubt, fear and unbelief. Thats why you have to learn to turn the heat on the devil by rejoicing. Anything you truly celebrate for, having meditated, imagined, affirmed and expecting will have to come to pass.
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Faith Anchor
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. - Apostle Paul
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ELEMENT 8
Sanctification
vercoming faith works! From the elements of identification to celebration, faith is made to produce results. But there are other elements that can hinder or compromise the faith process if one does not take heed to them. They are the carriers through which faith formation and release is effective. Without the ambience they provide, faith will not land in manifestation even if it takes flight. At the ungodly temperature that their absence affords, faith freezes to death. Despite the great potency of overcoming faith, it is reduced to nothing when it is devoid of these elements.
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And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2 These elements are sound attributes of love, the first being sanctification. Ones faith may never manifest without it. Sanctification is one word that is not so much in vogue in certain Christian circles nowadays, but it should be because it is an attribute embedded in the characteristic nature of the new creation. It is a spiritual reality of our new being. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 You and I are already sanctified in Christ Jesus. To be sanctified means to be separated for a purpose. Every Christian is meant to consecrate himself unto Gods purpose by consciously separating himself from corruption and contamination of this world. The charge about sanctification is not to make us
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Sanctification
sanctified but for us to be true to our nature by living such a sanctified life. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1 Sanctification is a quality and character that every child of God must exhibit for his faith to always produce. Not living a sanctified life means living in sin. And sin kills. Sin and death are inseparable companions. They always go together. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 Sin will mess up the life of any believer that engages in it. Such a Christians capacity for overcoming faith will be compromised. Lack of integrity, malice, unforgiveness, stealing, fornication, and all the works of the flesh will not allow one to enjoy the promises of health, soundness, success, income, improvement, multiplication and long life available by faith in Christ
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Jesus. No wonder Pauls warning: Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 Holiness is essential for faith to work. (Holiness here is not perfection. It does not mean you dont miss it sometimes but that you dont make a practice of sin. When you find yourself falling short of Gods standard in your conduct, quickly repent and sincerely ask God for His forgiveness. That way, your holiness is intact.) Holiness shouldnt be something strange or difficult for a believer. Already we are His righteousness in Christ Jesus. The righteous nature in us abhors evil and as long as we yield to it, our conduct should be in line. God Himself is righteous, thats why He cannot sin. He is holy because He is righteous. And since He has made us righteous like He is, He does not expect anything less from us regarding holiness.
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Sanctification
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:16 A Christian that toys with sin is only shooting himself in the leg. For instance, a believer that will not forgive his neighbor is hindering his faith walk. No matter what reason he has for not forgiving, he is not going to get what he is standing in faith for. Jesus clearly stated this: Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:24-25 A Christian that walks in malice is sowing the seed of discord in the earth (his heart) that he is expecting his harvest of good works to come from. This seed, if left unchecked, will germinate and grow in such a way that it will choke the good harvest being expected. There will be no result to show for faith and good works.
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Fornication, adultery, hatred, murder, stealing, strife are all works of the flesh. And the people that engage in them are living contrary to the lifestyle of the kingdom. However, faith can only work effectlively when the flesh is put in subjection. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 Sin is a distraction. It is to get you off the ground of your faith in Christ Jesus. The ones that are called by the name of the Lord should therefore depart from sin. According to Apostle Paul, this is the foundation in God. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ
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Sanctification
depart from iniquity. 2 Timothy 2:19 If you are a child of God, for the sake of your faith in Him, do away with sin.
The Word of Holiness

The way to walk away from sin and walk in holiness on a consistent basis is to constantly renew ones mind with the Word of God. The earth is under the influence of the law of sin and death. In order not to be caught in its vicious cycle, one must constantly feed on the Word. We must be transformed by the Word on a constant basis in order not to conform to the ways of the world. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 Sanctification is fueled by the Word of God. When a believer neglects the Word, sin and all fleshly tendencies will start manifesting. The nature of God
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that we have within us will only come into expression when we pay attention to the Word. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalms 119:9-11 The Word is the mirror! If you want to see how and what you are, check the Word. When you see yourself through the Word, you will know who you really are. You are not someone that is meant to be controlled by sin again. Rather, sin should not have dominion over you. You are not someone running away from sin or shying away from holiness, you are someone already sanctified and made holy by God, and you want to maintain your holiness by conducting yourself by the laws of God. This consistency in the Word sets free! For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
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Sanctification
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. James 1:23-25 Once you dont look away from the mirror of Gods Word and you continue to meditate in the perfect law of liberty, sanctification (which is separation from worldly ways), is guaranteed. You will be able to forgive because the Word says forgive, you will act in love because the Word says so. You will be able to live a holy life because the Word says Be holy. You need this for your faith to produce. Overcoming faith is nurtured and brought to fruition in the atmosphere of sanctification. Sin compromises faith. You need to consecrate yourself to Gods will and separate yourself from the evil ways of this world. You need to renew your mind so that you can conduct yourself in purity and holiness in order to have its great reward which is wholeness and peace in all ramifications.
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T
ELEMENT 9
Association
od has called us unto sanctification so that we can please Him by faith. The sanctified life is a separated life. Its such an existence that holds on to what is godly and shuns what is evil. And you cannot really live a sanctified life without having the right association around you and doing away with the wrong company. This positioning is core in the definition of a blessed man. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever
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he doeth shall prosper. Psalms 1:1-3 You will not hook up with the ungodly if you want to associate with the Word on a consistent basis. You really cannot have it all together for a long time. The one you pay more attention to will stifle the other. That is just the way it is. Sanctification, association and overcoming faith go together. For you to express faith as a regular lifestyle, you have to live in a community of faith. For you to maintain overcoming faith, you need to take heed to the company you keep. Association is a major determining factor in life. Abraham left his family For Abrahams faith to work, God commanded him to leave his family. That was the beginning of the manifestation of the blessing in his life. Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy fathers house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
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Association
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 12:1-3 Rahab had it all wrong but associated rightly Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho but at the most critical point in her life she chose to associate with godly people. By that action, she plugged herself into Jesus lineage. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. Hebrews 11:31 Ruth wouldnt let go of right company After experiencing some tragedies, Ruth made a critical decision to stay connected to Naomi and that was the turning point in her life. She was duly rewarded. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Ruth 1:16
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There is a kind of company that will feed your faith and another one that will starve it, thus reducing your capacity to overcome. At different times in your faith walk, you need encouragement and support. You may need someone to charge you with the Word of God you are standing on. One word from such people at that time will make such a difference. If you only have people that feed you with doubt and unbelief, then your faith will be compromised. Adam and Eve were compromised because of association. They had the privilege to fellowship with God in the cool of the day. For one reason or the other, Eve decided to spend more time with the devil, and that was it. Apparently, she must have heard the voice so many times. It was not the first time the devil spoke to her. She yielded because the devils impression had somehow overshadowed that of Gods in her heart. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one
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Association
wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Genesis 3:4-6 Any voice that is dominant in your ears controls your belief system. Thats why you cant afford to surround yourself with people that are disconnected from God. You dont need a company of people that fills you with unbelief. Separate yourself for your overcoming faith. Feed your faith appropriately. There are some people you dont need in your holy of holies for they will desecrate you. There are certain things you dont tell some people, because they will mock that vision out of you. If you are a lady seeking a husband and you have a friend that says All men are dogs, run away from such association. If you are a young man and a friend tells you, There is no virtuous woman around, fire him as a friend. Its your life; you have a right to fire and to hire. Consider Jesus when He was on earth. He maintained an attitude of faith around Him everywhere He went. He guarded the right atmosphere for faith and miracles. When He had to heal Jairus daughter, He
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firstly sent some people out before He prayed. When He went to the Garden of Gethsemane, He only took Peter, James and John - not doubting Thomas! Your association is everything. You need a strong fellowship to have strong faith. You need believers. Peter and John realized this when their lives and ministry were threatened. At that point, they realized they couldnt do it alone. And there was no place to turn to except their company. And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. Acts 4:23 You must belong to a company of people that believe all things are possible. You need people that will tell you that your faith project can be done. You dont need folks that will say God may or may not heal you, explaining that it is according to His mood, not according to His will. You dont need such people who read their Bible upside down. You need your company of faith.
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Association
That is why you must listen to preachers and teachers that feed your of faith. You must hang around their ministry products. Never allow your ears to stop hearing the Word of faith. You must follow them so that you can get their kind of results. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:12 Your life is too precious to be left exposed to attack. You have in you a like-precious faith that will make you overcome in life and you must guard it. The faith in you must be nurtured in an environment that does not breed doubt in order to manifest. Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Peter 1:1 Who is speaking to you? What kind of supply of words are you having in your life? Dont be sentimental about relationships.
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Surround yourself with people that fire up your faith. You need the right association to develop an overcoming faith.
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The Plan of Salvation

Ever since the fall of man, sin and death became the nature of every man. Hence, the need arose for man to be regenerated from the inside in order to reconnect with God. Jesus offered His life to pay the price of sin for man. He sacrificed His life to bring mankind back to His lost glory. Jesus has done His part by offering Himself as the sacrifice for your sin through His crucifixion. Now you need to do your part by acknowledging what He did for you in His death and resurrection. Simply put, you need to be born again. I encourage you to pray the following prayer in order to receive your salvation ...Heavenly Father; I come to You in the Name of Jesus. Your Word says, Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Acts 2:21). I pray and ask Jesus to come into my heart and be Lord over my life according to Romans 10:9-10. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. I do that now. I confess that Jesus is Lord, and I believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead.
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To contact the author write: KingsWord Ministries Intl 3323 W Cermak Rd Chicago, IL 60623 USA Phone: 773 -277-8701 Website: www.kingsword.org E-mail: info@kingsword.org Please include your testimony of help received from this book when you write. Your prayer requests are welcome. To contact the author in Africa, please write: KingsWord Ministries Intl P.O. Box 3291 Ikeja, Lagos Or call: (234) 803-789-6835 You can order additional copies of this book or any other book by the author online @ www.kingsword.org or by mail through any of the postal addresses above.
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About the Author

Kayode Ijisesan is the president of KingsWord Ministries International, a ministry dedicated to the preaching of the gospel in the nations. He heard the call of God into full time ministry while training to become a pharmacist. Precisely, in August 1990 God spoke these words to Him, raise me a Supernatural army. Pastor Kay as he is fondly called is the Lead Pastor of KingsWord International Churches with branches in North America, Africa, Europe and Asia. He travels extensively around the globe proclaiming the message of victory by the Word and the Spirit. Kayode and his wife, Mayowa are blessed with two children - Tolu & Temi. They currently reside in Willowbrook, a southwest suburb of Chicago, Illinois. Learn more about KingsWord Ministries International by visiting our website @ www.KingsWord.org
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Books by KingsWord Publishing

* PRECEPTS OF EXCELLENCE * WISDOM FOR THE WORKPLACE * SECRETS OF FINANCIAL INCREASE * NO MORE TOIL * JEHOVAH ON-TIME * YES YOU CAN * THE SPIRIT OF FAVOR * THE EMPOWERED LIFE * ELEMENTS OF OVERCOMING FAITH * 31 DAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL ON REDEMPTION * 31 DAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL ON PURPOSE * 31 DAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL ON FAITH * 31 DAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL ON PROSPERITY * 31 DAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL ON PRAYER * 31 DAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL ON WISDOM * 31 DAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL ON FAVOR * 31 DAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL ON EXCELLENCE * 31 DAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL ON HOLY SPIRIT * 31 DAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL ON LOVE * 31 DAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL ON THE KINGDOM OF GOD * 31 DAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL ON THE BELIEVERS AUTHORITY
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Elements of Overcoming Faith

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