Don't Let Your Mouth Stop Your Blessing

The children of Isreal are a great example of the point I want to make, don't let your mouth stop your blessing. God had already told them that the land was there's and to go and possess it, but they said "We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we." They forgot that it wasn't about them, God had already told them what he would do. So, it wasn't about what they could do, but what they could do with God. And if you continue to read in Numbers 14 they continued to talk about how they would die in the wilderness. The whole congregation began to cry and mourn except for two of them Joshua and Caleb. They were the only ones that said, "Let us go up at once and possess the land." And as a result of their words God said in Numbers 14:28-35, "Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do unto you." And God went on to say how that whole generation of that congregation that spoke would die in the wilderness except two of them, Joshua and Caleb. So, the ones that said they would die in the wilderness got what they said. And the ones that said we are able and let us go up at once and possess it got what they said. Notice in Psalm 78:41 it says, "Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Isreal." How do you think they limited the Holy One of Isreal, with their words.

Another clear cut example of your words stopping your blessing is found in 2Kings 7:1,2. When there was a great famine in the land and the king of the land went to go see the man of God to get a word from the Lord. And Elisha said, "Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria." Now, watch the response of the kings helper, "Behold, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?" And the man of God said, "Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof." Notice that man's words cut him off from something he had a right to. That's why Proverbs 30:32 says, "If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth." In other words don't let it come out of your mouth. When you have thoughts of unbelief and doubt don't let them come out of your mouth. Because your words could cut you off from what God has for you.

Praise God! Thank you!

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Thank You!

Is the Word of Faith movement biblical?
http://www.gotquestions.org/Word-Faith.html

"Is 'name it claim it' teaching biblical?"
http://www.gotquestions.org/name-it-claim-it.html

"Is there power in positive confession?"
http://www.gotquestions.org/positive-confession.html

Christianity in Crisis:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7jHvm-MKfE

People can "confess" things all they like, but it won't make a bit of difference if God hasn't decreed it. This "power of confession" metaphysical farce which has merged in with Christianity over the past few decades is absurd. I've known people who were sick with the flu but would never "confess their sickness" out of fear of claiming it. I also know people who are in serious debt because of money mismanagement, but who will not "confess" it out of fear that their money curse will perpetuate.

The article here references verses from the Old Testament. Brethren, I've said it before and I'll say it again. The Old Testament is the wrong place to go for New Covenant life. In the Old Testament you'll find scripture on generational curses, for example -- which do not apply under the New Covenant of Jesus Christ. The only element of "positive confession" which makes any difference in the New Testament relates to one's saving testimony of Jesus Christ. There is no teaching of "confessing" or "claiming" worldly success, personal conquests, health, chariots, or oxen or gold. There is only laying hold of Christ. There is also no doctrine of a Christian's words being able to alter reality. Only righteous prayer does this. So, don't be deceived by metaphysics masquerading under the garb of Christian lingo. You can only be fooled if you don't know God's Word in fullness.

I believe this....
In other words don't let it come out of your mouth. When you have thoughts of unbelief and doubt don't let them come out of your mouth. Because your words could cut you off from what God has for you. ...
I believe if we walk by faith as we are supposed to we will see what we believe. and get it.
If we ask for favor psa 5:12 His favor is for a lifetime.
If we walk in this and speak it.. WE WILL HAVE IT>>
Joshua listened to the two spies not the other eight.
He got to the promised land.. WE must I believe remember if we have faith it pleases GOD.. faith the size of a grain of mustard pleases HIM>>
Blessings..
Frannie

There is also no doctrine of a Christian's words being able to alter reality. Only righteous prayer does this.

And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 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 marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour." - Matthew 8:5-13

When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith

Anyway, you can test it to see if I am wrong. Try naming and claiming something, anything and then see if it happens the way the prosperity preachers teach. Try confessing or claiming something according to your will, however you desire, and then wait and watch. Even if you think you have faith for whatever it is, nothing usually happens. This is because faith has to be united with an official promise established by God in His Word and not from some arbitrary desire springing up within ourselves.

If we want God to do something for us, all we have to do is ask Him. But this is heart prayer, not "mouth power". There is a tremendous difference between the two: the difference between metaphysics and Christianity. One is autonomous, as though we have some mystical power within ourselves to alter reality based upon our words and confessions; the other is, quite simply and quite dependently "Not I, but Christ". Can you see the difference?

im not into that blab it and grab it fodder ,,but the bible does teach that we can heal through speaking to the fever or sickness imfirmity ,,,every example of healing in the newtesament was done in that way or laying on hands ,,so faith filled words in this context are powerfull gifts from god ,,as well as the touch of a faithfilled hand

now that is a very interesting truth of scripture ,that iv seen working with my own eyes

the bible does teach that we can heal through speaking to the fever or sickness imfirmity

"Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well..." (James 5:14-15)

The sick Christian is not to "confess" he is not sick, or speak to the sickness, or to "claim" wellness (implying the cure lies within the power of his mouth). He is simply to pray. Sometimes the Lord heals, but then sometimes He does not. Paul left Trophimus sick in Miletus (2 Tim. 4:20). Someone with as much faith as Paul had, you would think he could "speak" to the sickness. Or simply have Trophimus confess with the power of his mouth he was not sick, as some health and wealth preachers teach.

I hope this clarifies what was said above by Gary.

Gary didn't claim that you "claim" or "confess" wellness when speaking to a sickness. His reference was simply that a sickness can be directly addressed in the manner that Jesus did several times throughout the Gospels (Luke 4:39). Walking as Jesus walked, he has witnessed authority over sickness by addressing it directly. Speaking to a sickness like Jesus did is sign of faith not "the power of the mouth." If you anoint with oil when lead to speak, you sin.

The claim that apostles and others after Jesus' time on Earth only anointed with oil and prayed has the exception of the account the handkerchiefs and aprons that Paul touched that healed the sick and cast out demons (Acts 19:12) and how those who were in the shadow of Peter were healed (Acts 5:15).

However the above does not preclude the methods God might use with those who have the spiritual gift of healing. It is nowhere defined but it is safe to suggest that it at the least correspond to what Jesus Christ did.

The claim that apostles and others after Jesus' time on Earth only anointed with oil and prayed has the exception of the account the handkerchiefs and aprons that Paul touched that healed the sick and cast out demons (Acts 19:12) and how those who were in the shadow of Peter were healed (Acts 5:15).

Don't worry - I am not a cessationist by any measure! I have seen my own children miraculously healed after my wife and I anointed them with oil and prayed. Both my wife and I have been healed ourselves by the same method, and given public testimonies. We know it's not the only way, but as far as we know there are no Peters and Pauls walking around central Texas with anointing hankerchiefs (around here they're called bandanas ;)) or casting miracle shadows upon the pavement that we can step in.

I guess I don't consider praying for healing, "speaking" to the sickness, for the only speaking (verbally or noverbally) is directed to God only. The sickness is the indirect object, whereas God is the Direct Object.

If God chooses, He can heal. If He doesn't heal, that is also an answer to the prayer. "No" is just as valid an answer as "yes". But I feel it is incorrect and poor New Testament exegesis to say our "tongue-articulated" confessions or claims (apart from petitions addressed soley to God) can hold any effective clout in the spiritual.

I guess it sort of depends on whether we as Christians are God's agents. An agent has authority to speak on the master's behalf. I think that is why we see the apostles commanding vs. praying.

I think we are agents which is why we pray or command things in Jesus' name.

We can command a fever to leave in Jesus' name or we can pray that God remove the fever if it be His will. Agents should already know the will of the Father so the latter option to me is kind of a measly mouthed prayer.

Of course that is just my opinion.

To me the idea of not speaking negative things is simply a way to exercise faith. If all we do is gripe and complain and always see the downside it's not the best way to live.

We can be like Eeyore or Pollyannas-- I think God prefers Pollyannas.

We can command a fever to leave in Jesus' name or we can pray that God remove the fever if it be His will. Agents should already know the will of the Father so the latter option to me is kind of a measly mouthed prayer.

Here is probably the greatest agent the church has ever seen, praying before he lays hands on a sick man:

"There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured." (Acts 28:7-9)

It would make for an interesting study to take all the healing instances in the NT and see how many times (if at all) actual sicknesses are rebuked verbally, diretly; i.e. "I command you, _______ (fever, paralysis, etc.) in the name of Jesus..." versus "Jesus Christ heals you. Stand up and walk." with no mention of "I" (Peter) bind.." or "I" (Paul) rebuke.." or "I" (John) take authority.." as you hear so often today by the self-proclaimed healers. You may think I am nit-picking, but there is a profound difference between the two.

It would make for an interesting study to take all the healing instances in the NT and see how many times (if at all) actual sicknesses are rebuked verbally, diretly; i.e. "I command you, _______ (fever, paralysis, etc.) in the name of Jesus..." versus "Jesus Christ heals you. Stand up and walk." with no mention of "I" (Peter) bind.." or "I" (Paul) rebuke.." or "I" (John) take authority.." as you hear so often today by the self-proclaimed healers. You may think I am nit-picking, but there is a profound difference between the two.

Is this not the same as FrankinB was saying about our words (or choice of words, or choosing whether or not to speak) stopping the blessing?

from what iv read in the newtestament ,, i havent seen one instant whare some one prayed to god for the healing and then god healed,,,the example you showed paul is that the apostal layed hands on for the healing ,,,the implications seem to be that it was the touch of the faithfull hand that god used to heal ,,,,,in all honesty we dont even know what paul was praying about ,,it may have been for healing ,it may have been for faith ,,it may have been for a filling of the holy sprit ,,,,,the scripture are silent on that ,,,but if we look at most of the examples a comand in jesus name or a touch of the hand ,be it laying on of hands ,,or grasping the hand of the sick ,,with out any formal prayer is evedent ,,,or ther examples ,,,the plain comanding the spirit of imfirity or what evea name it has ,to leave in jesus name ,,,no prayer at the time of the healing

if my memory is correct ,,,,,when jesus said to his deciples this one only comes out by prayer and fasting ,,which seemed to be why they could not cast the spirit out of the boy ,,,,the result was a weak faith jesus said ,,,,,jesus did the job by comand ,,,,,,this shows that the pray needed for the expulision of the demon did not take place at the time of the healing ,,therfor proably was not a pray directly related to that particulal healing ,,this may well be the case in the example you show from acts paul west

but it think it realy comes down to christs athority and his comamding us to do it

he said all athority on heaven and earth has been givern to me ,,,therefor you go

jesus then tells his deciples to go and make deciples of all the nations teaching them all that he taught them

once a person fully believes that god comands him to do it ,,,to lay hands on the sick ,,cast out deviles ,,speak to the mountaint of the fig tree ,,,then gods power will operate through that kind of faith ,,because christ has all athority of heaven and heart ,,,and he lives in us ,, so it not be us healing anyone it will be chist who dwels in us ,,,

isee what you mean ,,,but for instance when peter told the laim man to get up walk in jesus name ,,,he wasnt asking ing if he wanted to get up and walk or he wansnt giving the man two chioces ,,,he comanded him to get up it also interestion ,,that this man was not expecting to get heal so he would hav not had the faith to be heald ,,so it was peters and johns faith wich manfested it self in a comand and a laying on of hand

I think I should have included this link also in the list of links I posted earlier on this thread:

"What does the Bible say about the prosperity gospel?"
http://www.gotquestions.org/prosperity-gospel.html

Having been caught up in the health and wealth name it and claim it prosperity gospel for some years as a newer Christian, I guess you can say I have sort of an insider understanding of just how harmful it is to those caught up in it. That's why whenever I see it propagated in any way it's hard for me just to sit back without saying or doing anything.

we shouldn throw out the baby with the bath water tho

I agree that God heals through man (note: not man through God, very important to differentiate), but I think we are talking past each other and should get back to the original premise of the thread, of which I am challenging as metaphysics, and which others have rightly judged as word of faith error:

"In other words don't let it come out of your mouth. When you have thoughts of unbelief and doubt don't let them come out of your mouth. Because your words could cut you off from what God has for you."

From this statement it can be gathered that it is not the unbelief and doubt of the heart which can "cut you off", but rather the "release" of the doubt through your mouth. In other words, "the power of the mouth", or "word power". This concept is not found in the New Testament, other than letting your yes be yes and no be no. The New Testament teaches that words of unbelief, doubt, cynicism, anger, blasphemy, etc. are but the outpourings of a corrupted heart - nothing more. They have no inherent power of their own. God looks upon the heart; a man's words are only symptomatic of a condition God already knows about.

Now, in the realm of soul, we have a dynamic which is termed "psychosomaticism" which basically means "mind over matter" (or, more accurately "soul over matter"). In psychosomaticism you can use the power of positive thinking and confession to alter your state of reality to varying degrees. But now we have left Christianity and have entered into the metaphysical realm. It has nothing to do with the Holy Spirit. This phenomenon has infiltrated the church over the past several decades and is what we now call "Word of Faith" doctrine.