TIMOTHY JORGENSEN

Copyright © 2014 Timothy Jorgensen

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 1494877902

ISBN-13: 978-1494877903

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version of the Bible. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, by Thomas Nelson Inc., publishers.

CONTENTS

1. Star Trek Faith

2. The Rock of Hupomone

3. The Fire of Makrothumia

4. Letting Patience have its Perfect Work

5. Meditations on Hupomone

6. Meditations on Makrothumia

7. Building Blocks

Faith

Strength and Capacity

Provision and Prosperity

Wisdom

Protection

Grace

The Victorious Life

The Goodness of God

Chapter 1

STAR TREK FAITH

Faith is one of the most powerful concepts in the Bible, and since without it we can’t please God, can’t receive anything from God, can’t do anything with God, I feel it is essential to check up on, and build up our faith muscles as much as possible, make sure they are strong, powerful and ready to jump into action. I believe that after reading this, you will have your faith muscles charged and ready to meet any circumstance you may be facing with clarity and determination. I have heard a lot of great faith messages- and still listen to as many as I can, but what you are about to learn today, may change how you look at faith and walk in it, forever.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”

(Heb. 11:1-3)

The rest of Chapter 11 describes the different things that faith does. The Bible talks a lot about faith, but this is the clearest definition of what faith IS. In the above verse, ‘substance’ is often translated substance, or assurance, etc. The first greek word is hupostasis and although it is a noun, it is not quite a noun as it is translated. It is more of a state of being or a noun that defines a continual process that is taking place. For example: “I am running.” (running is a present participle) Or closer to the point- “The running made me tired.” (running is a gerund- a present participle acting as a noun) So faith is a substance, but hupostasis is the process by which a substance is manifesting.  The best translation would be something like substantiation. This word only occurs 3 times in the New Testament- all in Hebrews, and all translated differently. ( 1:3 “who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person (hupostasis), and upholding all things by the Word of His Power, when He has by  Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right Hand of the Majesty on High.”  3:14 “For we are partakers of Christ, if only we hold the beginning of our confidence (hupostasis) steadfast to the end.)

“Beam me up!”

Let’s look at this verse this way- “Now faith is the substantiating (or substantiation) of things hoped for.”  Best example of this word as an illustration is those Star Trek transporters. As soon as the crew says “Beam me up Scotty”- There is a point where they are halfway on the ship, and halfway on the planet. It is the substantiating of things hoped for. They are positioned in hope of reaching the ship (or planet) and yet in a sense they are already there at the destination. That is faith. But when they are fully at their destination, they no longer are in the process of substantiation, they are fully there at the destination. Faith is no longer in operation because they fully have what they hoped for.

Now, faith is based on eternal realities, and does not recognize time. As soon as the substantiation is occuring, in the eyes of faith, it is as good as done. Now we on earth have to deal with the process of time, but if we keep the switch of faith’s substantiation on, we can see it like Heaven does- as good as done.  The Bible is clear. If you have something, do you need faith (substantiation of things hoped for) for it? No. (Rom8:24)  This is why the substantiation process is so important to understand. It is the way things are released from heaven, from the Spirit, to the earth.

Substantiating a Miracle

Another excellent example from the Bible is when is Peter walking on the water- Faith was causing a solid substance under his feet. In Matt 14 Peter saw the wind and waves, got his eyes off Jesus, and fear entered his heart…and he started “beginning to sink.” Why, what was happening? Doubt was causing the substantiation of things hoped for to grow weaker and weaker. So here is a practical example- Let’s say you pray and minister healing for yourself or others- how does this apply? As the pain is leaving- this is because the substantiation of things hoped for is getting stronger and stronger! Don’t stop there, keep working it. You got it! Not part of it, but the whole thing is manifesting in your body!!! Healing is breaking out all over- start to move and enjoy it! The Author and Finisher of our Faith- He started these promises, He will finish them also. What this word means is that He started it, and the WHOLE THING is set in motion! Once you got that breakthrough point- the whole dam is starting to bust loose!

Evidence that Rebukes

Let’s look at the second half of Hebrews 11:1- “The evidence of things not seen.” Evidence is the word Elegchos, which is a noun that is often translated evidence or conviction, but the meaning is actually a lot stronger than those English words. If you take the ‘s’ off, it becomes elegcho which becomes a verb translated ‘rebuke’.  That is much more forceful than evidence, or conviction. The noun here with the ‘s’ only occurs one other time in the new testament- 2 Tim 3:16- “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof (elegchos), for correction (epanorthōsis), for instruction in righteousness…”  Correction tells a better way- but reproof is the noun form of rebuke, which just means ‘you are WRONG’ it literally means to strike with words. In terms of a legal defense, this word elegchos would not really be a noun like evidence but more of a legal rebuttal. Think about it. Evidence does nothing. It just sits there. It can sit there all day and the case can be lost. A rebuttal takes the authority of the courtroom, and forces the evidence into the face of the jury and rebukes the contrary theories with the truth.

Reality is Breaking Through

Look at this full view of Heb. 11:1 Now faith is the substantiating of things hoped for, the rebuttal or rebuking of things not seen. In other words, the spiritual realm in the form of the Word of God, which is the invisible realm, moves into the natural realm and it rebukes the things that are. It places a rebuttal against the things that are seen and the things that are temporal- the existence of things that are touchable, feel-able and see-able. This Word from the spiritual realm rebukes all those things that are against God’s Word. It is the rebuttal of or from the spiritual world. And it moves into the natural world with great force and authority tearing down things that are seen, replacing them with the truth of the things that were previously not seen. Faith was not intended to be a dormant substance or inactive evidence which you may have thought by reading that verse on the surface.

Let’s put this verse in a stronger tone, in light of this understanding.

“Faith is an aggressive position of bringing a substance into being, rebuking the things that are presently seen in the natural with spiritual realities not yet seen.”

So, faith is not static, it is active! You may say, “I’m in faith”  Really….  Things like your thought life, your confession, your action- these reveal whether you are in a position of substantiating or not.  Just like Peter, it is possible to get in a position of substantiating and then out of it real fast! You can exercise great faith today and move out if it tomorrow!  Or, you can be completely knocked out of faith today, and come right back into that position a minute later. This is what is called a ‘double-minded man’(James1:6-8). Paul also says to examine ourselves whether we are in the faith or not (2 Cor.13:5).

These three have to consistently line up- thought life, confession, action.

I found that even though many have gone through faith teaching they don’t understand faith. They can talk faith and still have fear. Faith means that you position yourself not to accept the natural anymore. Faith declares that ‘I position myself, I lock myself, to only look into the spirit world by the Word of God and bring it into the natural world.’ See the ‘bringing it into the natural world’ requires us to take it from the spirit realm and speak it as a rebuttal to the things that are. This is why we confess what we believe and not what we see. The confession becomes a rebuttal to the things that are. The things around you may say you’ve got problems, you’ve got sicknesses… but the things of the spirit say you are healed by His stripes, every mountain shall move, all things are possible to those who believe. And you come into this physical realm and your speaking to the mountain is like a impassioned legal rebuttal to the things that are in existence. You must prosecute the illegal actions of the natural realm with the rebuttal of your legal evidence until the defense is forced to yield! To exercise faith you must never be moved by things that are seen, but by what you know by the Word how the Spirit relates it to your circumstances.

Speaking the Reality that you see

At one time the disciples had no faith. Mark chapter 4:36 onwards “And leaving the crowd, they took Him with them just as He was, in the boat. And other boats were with Him. And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do you not care if we perish?” And He awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” See faith is a position that is inside. You have taken and locked yourself into that position. And from that position of seeing the things that are in the spirit world, you turn around to the situation that is physically seen and you rebuke it because it is not in line with the spirit world. Notice that when Jesus turned around at the storm He did not say what He saw. He said what He wanted. Jesus did not look around and say “Wow- this is a great storm.” He didn’t confess what He saw. He turned around and said what He wanted. He saw the reality from God in the spirit realm, which was peace and calmness. So He rebuked the storm because it was not in line with what He saw. Faith is a rebuttal from the spirit realm. The question is “what do you see?”

We must train ourselves to see the promises of the Word of God so vividly. We align our spirit, soul and body, we align our thought life, our confession and our action “We thank God we have hundreds of souls saved.” Why? That is what we see. What are we doing? We are substantiating souls.  We align up with “We walk in the spirit and glory of God, we move in the gifts of the Spirit, we are equipped to heal the sick and cast out wicked spirits.” That is what we see. We are substantiating these things we hope for, they are happening in our midst. We are rebuking the natural with these realities from the heavenlies. The natural screams ‘you can’t’ but you rebuke it with ‘shut up, I can do this.’ You see it so vividly.

By the end of Hebrews 11 you should see the possibilities of your faith and have the confidence to declare: “My faith is substantiating the truth that I am Subduing Kingdoms, Working Righteousness, Obtaining Promises, Stopping the mouths of Lions, Quenching the Violence of Fire, Escaping the Edge of the Sword, Out of Weakness becoming Strong, Becoming Valiant in Battle, Turning to flight the Enemies Army, Receiving the Dead come back to Life, and Transforming Generations to Come.”

Chapter 2

THE ROCK OF HUPOMONE

If you have been paying attention, the question you should be asking is “How can I shorten thishupostasis time frame here on earth?”  We all want faith to work like it works in heaven. When the Word is released- it should manifest here on earth, without any delays. Paradoxically, this is where patience comes into play. But it is important to realize that how the New Testament talks about patience, is very different to how we normally talk about patience. We tend to think that patience is ‘wait around until your expectation comes to pass’. But that is not what the Bible speaks of concerning patience.

The Core of Character

Let’s start connecting the dots by first turning to Romans 5:3-4  “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  Now, the end product from this process is hope, and we remember that faith is the substantiation of things hoped for, so our hope is truly the blueprint, or target for our substantiating faith. Can you tell hope is important? Without a doubt! (pun intended) So how is hope produced? Through character. Character is the foundation of a person’s personality- unchangeable in every storm. Steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in God’s work- never quitting, and never failing. And how does character come? Through perseverance. This is the linchpin we will discuss in a moment, but first let me address the common assumption concerning the catalyst for this perseverance- tribulations. People often assume that going through tribulations develops Christlike character. No- not necessarily or automatically. Tribulations do not ultimately change you, they simply reveal you. Pressure simply reveals what is built on the inside. Tell me, does everyone that goes through tough times come out with better character? Nope. Some actually come out of tribulations even worse! That is why the previous word is so important- perserverance. This is the process that transforms the tribulation into powerful character formation.  But what does that word ‘perserverance’ really mean?

Lost in Translation?

You may have heard that in the New Testament there are 4 different Greek words has that are translated into one English word ‘love.’ A study of them reveals the different kinds of love there really are. This word in the English Bible “Perseverance” or “Patience” is another one of those under-translated words. The literal meaning of this word would be puzzling in the context without an explanation so the translators chose to use the more common words of ‘patience, perseverance, longsuffering,’ –but none of these words really gives the meaning. Unfortunately, as we mentioned before, most times we think of patience like ‘waiting until God does something’ which misses the true concept of what an active force patience is meant to be.

There are two words that the Bible translators used interchangeably to express the concept of patience, perseverance, longsuffering, and/or endurance.

Overflow and Abide

The first word used for ‘perseverance’ used in Romans 5:3-4 is the word ‘hupomone’. It is a combination of two Greek root words HUPO and MONE.  The prefix ‘hupo’ means to be over and upon- like something resting over a situation or something. For example- a plate could be just resting upon the table- but think of a tablecloth that is big enough to cover the entire table. Then the tablecloth will be ‘hupo’ that table. It’s not just on, it is on, overflowing, and covering the whole thing.

‘Mone’ is derived from the Greek word ‘meno’. Meno is the same term that Jesus used when He says ‘Abide in Me and let My words abide in you.’ The word ‘abide’ is ‘meno’.  It is only when you ‘meno’ that you can be fruitful- or successful. When you ‘meno’ in Him, you can ask whatever you will and it will be done for you. And it is important to know- Jesus is the WORD of God.  Your ability to pray and succeed, depends on Him/The Word ‘meno-ing’ in you and you ‘meno-ing’ in Him/The Word!

Beyond building on the Rock- BE the Rock

So, since we are already told to ‘meno’ in the Word (Jesus), any use of the compound word ‘hupomone’ cannot be separated from this ‘meno-ing’ in the Word. What this means is this: any situation that is meant to produce ‘hupomone’ is ultimately intended to create an abiding in Jesus and the Word so that this Reality and Presence covers your whole being until you are totally hidden and only Jesus/the Word is now seen. Your life is hidden in Christ. (Col.3:3) It is being covered by the Shadow of the Almighty. Your ‘abiding’ has become so solid that you could be pushed left, right and center and it doesn’t change your position in life. You are the house built upon the Rock of Gibraltar against any storm. In fact, that is the clearest picture of what ‘hupomone’ is like. Imagine, the storm is raging around you- and instead of letting go of the Rock you are holding onto, (the Word, the Truth, the Promise) you strengthen your grip and hold on tighter. Simultaneously, the Rock then begins to grip you tighter as well! The complete work of this hupomone is when you and the rock of the Word become one.

This is the first powerful force of patience. But that’s just the beginning.

Chapter 3

THE FIRE OF MAKROTHUMIA

In Colossians 1:9-11 we find a powerful New Testament spiritual growth prayer.

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy…”

In the past, I would love this prayer… up until the last part. ‘For all patience and longsuffering with joy’. Personally, I did not want to have wisdom and success in every good work, know God better all the time, be strengthened with His miracle power, just…. to wait and suffer?!!! And be happy about it??? This does not sound like a victorious life. To me, this did not make any sense. Was Paul confused or crazy? No. This last part is actually the most important, but it is often lost in the translation of these two words for patience.

The first word for patience we already know- it is hupomone. Abiding unshakably in Christ, so that his promise, His Word, His truth completely covers and grips your life, as you grip it.

Melting the opposition

But the second word is the one we want to look at- it is the word translated ‘longsuffering’. That word is the Greek word ‘makrothumia’. ‘Makro’ is a prefix that is a magnifier of whichever word is connected to it. And the second half is the word “Thumia”. ‘Thumia’ is the word where we get the brand ‘thermos®’ which often represents a container that keeps things hot. Thermal energy, thermal spring, thermal night vision, thermal underwear… these all involve heat, and ‘Thumia’ means ‘fire’ or ‘heat’. So when you combine ‘Makro’ and ‘Thumia’, you create a superheat, or a fire that constantly increasing. So what does this mean concerning the concept of the twin forces of patience? While hupomone can stand stronger and stronger in the storm, makrothumia is more than just an endurance that ‘suffers a long time’ within that storm. Picture it as a fire that rises out of you to overwhelm and consume that storm that surrounds you! Think of it like this- when we light birthday candles, we switch off the fan, because the wind will blow out the fire.  However, if a forest or a house is on fire, any wind will NOT blow it out, but will instead fan the flames to burn hotter, and faster, and brighter until the whole countryside is on fire. This is the power of ‘makrothumia’. When circumstances come blowing against you, it is not you that is in trouble, it is the circumstances that are in trouble. The more the wind blows, the hotter the fire within will burn! The force of hupomone establishes you in the Word, and then the force of makrothumia uses the power of the Word to overcome and- what was going to devour you, you now devour it.

Now THIS is Victory!

So with another look at Colossians 1:9-11, THIS is why His glorious miracle power hupomone’s you to unshakably abide in Him, able to withstand any trouble and never wavering from your position- but not only that- it then causes you to makrothumia over the circumstance- you come into a place of complete dominion. So this is not a picture of waiting, suffering, defeated… It is a picture of being invincible and every demonic arrow is deflected. And you then get the joy of devouring your circumstance with that same power. Now THAT sounds like victory to me!

So here are two types of patience.  The first is hupomone in which the character of Jesus and the Word of God are formed and established in you. That’s the first stage of patience and that’s the type that Romans 5 talks about.  The next stage is when the character of Jesus is so formed in your life that your patience now becomes a force to overcome the tribulations of life and that patience comes out in your life.  Now instead of just enduring- now you are overcoming.  That’s the second form of patience called makrothumia.  When this second force comes out of your life it begins to dominate your circumstances.  Your patience becomes a power that flows out of your life and you can say to the storm, “Peace be still.”  And your circumstances are overcome and controlled by the security and stability in your life.

Inside-Out

I realize that this seems backwards to how most people act, but if we think about it, it makes complete sense. Most times we try to change the circumstances around us first. We don’t fully understand the fact that as our character changes first, then our character can change the circumstances. We talk about speaking to the mountain (circumstances) and expecting it to move, but we neglect the importance of the face that it is what we truly believe in our heart (character) that gives our mouth the power to do this. Do you see why patience is so important to Mark 11:23-24? But most do not realize this. The first part is the change in you.   It seems there must be an intake before there is an output.  Hupomone is an intake whereas makrothumia is an output.  There must first be an endurance that is built in our life.  Physically, it can be likened to lifting weights or starting endurance training.  For example, there is a definite internal transformation after one year of running a mile or two a day. In fact, you might hardly see the change externally until there is significant change internally first.  Most people won’t realize the change within you first. And the greater the resistance the greater the internal development. It is the time and effort for the enduring part that is difficult.  The overcoming part really is no problem. After a year of running a mile or two a day, if there was a day you needed to run 3-4 miles, you could do it. No problem. It is a by-product of your endurance. But no one starts out with this overcoming power- it is developed over time and tribulation while disciplining one’s mind and body to this new routine.

Chapter 4

LETTING PATIENCE HAVE ITS PERFECT WORK

It is not easy putting the Word first in stressful situations in our lives every day. Family, friends, work, hobbies, social activities… the question is- how confident are we that the specific dominant principles of the Word are implemented at every level of these aspects of our lives? We like to say ‘we put the Word first’ but the question is, what is our reaction to circumstances? What is the specific Word principle that rises up within you? The hupomone process is where we STOP, take a moment and consider what that Word would be. Now, that Word that we are considering might not be overcoming in our lives yet, and our circumstances will not pause while we are considering it! The storm will continue to rage, while we are digging and building this foundation in our lives. This is the process of enduring, while we are working the Word into our life. Is this easy? Not at all. It is easier (for the moment) on our soul to react on impulse and do what we see others do, what our family does, what society does, what our natural emotional makeup provokes us to do. Annnd… we know how that usually turns out. No character change (for the better anyways), and no overcoming results.

The Day of Reckoning- Today and Everyday

This natural instinctive response has to die. This ‘reckoning yourself dead’ is the hupomone part.(Rom.6:11) While you are learning to ABIDE totally upon Him and His Word, and letting Him totally abide upon you, that is a process of death for your ways, your fears, your ‘personality’, your comfortability and training yourself to yield to the resurrection power of the Life of Jesus and Word of God. The facts are- there is no resurrection reality without first a death reckoning. That’s just the way it is- no getting around it.

You would be surprised that sometimes that this false sense of self is still turning up and sometimes a whole different area and you keep dealing with it in your life until ‘self’ totally dies.  You can run from these circumstances but you will have the same situations over the next year.  You will find different actors, different people, except that you are the main star.  And since you can’t take the difficulty you run to another place. And the process will keep cycling round and round until you learn to reckon yourself dead to these old habits from an old false nature.

What we call tribulations are the situations where this false self is targeted in an intense way. Self can’t hide. Either it is there and is forced to pop up so you can reckon it dead in your soul, or it is already reckoned dead and you can feel the Christ in you start to rise up and deal with the situation.

The Role of Tribulations

Faith in the Word is always tested by the fires of tribulation. You will never know there is a silent contaminant of doubt within your mind undermining your faith until tribulation exposes it. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience(hupomone). But let patience(hupomone) have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”(James 1:2-4) This is why scripture commands us to have joy in the face of tribulations. The situation puts hupomone to work and every doubt and instance of self becomes target practice for the elegchos(rebuttal) aspect of faith. The old man is reckoned dead and the Word of God and the Life of Jesus takes center place saturating your mind and being.

We can look at an extreme example of this hupomone process from the life of a father in the faith- Abraham.  In Rom. 4:17 ‘(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him who believed - God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things, which do not exist as though they did.’

Look at verse 18, there was no natural way that this promise could be fulfilled.  ‘Who contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”  And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body already dead (since he was about a 100 years old) and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.  He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.’  It took Him 20 years to get to this place. Why?  He was dying to himself and letting the Word be built stronger and stronger against the tribulations of his situation. Look at vs 21 and being fully convinced that what God had promised He was also able to perform.”

The Passing Standard- Fully Convinced

This is the point we want to make: There was a time when Abraham was not convinced. There was a time he was half convinced, and there was time where he was fully convinced. Why do we need to be fully convinced?  It only takes a small little virus to kill a 6 feet tall body.  A small little virus of doubt is all it takes to spread an infection throughout your faith.  Peter was walking on water very well, but just one doubt was enough to sink him. Here is where we make this statement.  As far as the realm of faith and the Spirit is concerned, there is no difference between a quarter conviction, a half conviction, and 90% conviction at all.  The only difference is between 100% and the other percentages.  Either the switch of faith is flipped or it isn’t. It is not about your performance as far as God is concerned. It is simply making the quality decision to be fully convinced concerning what He promised. He does the impossible, you make the decision to believe that and act according to what you are convinced about.  Because a person who is half convinced, or even 90% convinced, he will still have the element of fear and doubt.  And the person who is 99% believing still fails. You can study hard for your exams.  If the passing mark is 80%, it makes no difference whether you got 79% or if you got 20%.  You said but I missed by one point. If they said that the passing mark is 80, it makes no difference whether you got 79 or 20. To you it has a difference, because the one who scores 79 works very hard or does his best to do it and was so close, but yet so far.  It makes no difference.  You still didn’t qualify.  Whether you get 79% or 20% you still have to sit again for the examinations.

It makes no difference as far as changing circumstances and makrothumia is concerned.  Makrothumia or the ability to overcome in any area cannot come out until you reach 100% conviction, until you are like Abraham, fully convinced.  That’s the passing standard to overcome by faith. Remember the more you die to the impossibilities around you, the more you die to self around you, the more you die to circumstances around you- the force of hupomone will keep working the Word and life of Jesus into your spirit and mind, and hope will rise until you internally flip the switch and are 100% fully convinced.  That hupomone will then transform into the force of makrothumia radiating out of your life to change your circumstances around you. You have the full assurance of hope, and your faith is unstoppable.

Making Patience Active

Even though it sounds like this depends on your efforts-  that is the wrong focus. Your miracle, power to overcome, etc is all available for you through Christ. The work that depends on you is the work of faith. It’s the ability to make a quality decision according to the Word of God, and work WITH what He is doing inside and through us. The good news is that the Word is living and powerful, and produces a work in you called hupomone and then makrothumia which is going to both establish and empower you to experience what is available through Christ.

Biblical patience is not the often misrepresentative passive-standing-on-the-sidelines-waiting for God to do something externally (or internally). It is active. The problem with a passive view of Biblical patience is that it deceives us into thinking that the ball is in God’s court- aka ‘His Sovereign Will’, when that is not the case at all. The Word has been passed to us, and it is Living and Powerful to change whatever needs changing. And once we know what the Word is doing within us, we can PARTICIPATE with it in our lives. You don’t have to guess about what He is doing. The Word is transforming us to transform the situation. “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Eph.3:20) That power that is working is the power of the Word. But please notice that His ability is relative to the power that we allow to work in us. Do you see why a passive view of patience will counteract your faith and God’s power in your life? Say it out loud- “Being patient does not mean waiting for God to do something!” It really does take a while to sink in, so feel free to repeat that a few times.

Panic wearing a faith label

But the other side of the coin is when it is only us. I mentioned about the necessity of dying to self, because sometimes we get impatient when we are acting out of our self more than out of God.  For example- let’s say that a storm would come against you when you are in a little boat, and you are out fishing in the ocean, and the boat begins shaking and sinking like it happened to Jesus and His disciples in their boat in the Sea of Galilee.  Then you cry out to God, “Help in Jesus’ Name!”  It looks like you are exercising faith but actually you are exercising panic.  You may be using religious clichés like using the name of Jesus, calling upon God, etc but still nothing happens because there is no core of confidence, no full assurance of hope. Your faith is based on whether it works or not.  It’s different from someone who had endured storms with the understanding that hupomone is working to perfect their faith to stop that storm.  The boat could be tossed to and fro and you endure it- focusing on Something stronger than the storm.  Until you absolutely know that it doesn’t matter whether the boat will sink or the boat won’t sink.  You know that your life is in God.  You know that you won’t die.  Even if the boat sinks you won’t die. There is a knowing on your inside.  Your inside has become so established in the truth of God’s Word to the point that it is no longer ‘you’ who live. That’s the hupomone part.

Dominion under control

But it is Christ who now lives in you.  That the makrothumia part.  And the boat can shake; you endure -focusing on the Word, allowing the process of hupomone to happen- until there is no more fear in you.  You endure until there is no hurt in you.  You endure until there is no sense of emotion or panic in you.  And by the time you endure until you really enjoy it and it doesn’t bother you whether you get wet or not.  Whether there are sharks nearby or not.  That is when suddenly your makrothumia rises on your inside.  You have been established completely through hupomone and something from your inside tells you to speak to the storm and by the time you speak to the storm, it doesn’t bother you at all.  You are compelled to say it because your makrothumia has risen up within your spirit. Some people don’t have endurance at all.  A little bit of difficulty comes by their way, and they quickly launch their verbal commands, “In Jesus’ name” here, “In Jesus’ Name” there. Any problem comes, ‘In Jesus’ name.’  On the surface, it seems they have learned authority but they have no foundation of the Word to establish their nature in the dominion of Christ in them.  Any problem comes, they cry, “Satan get thee behind me” out of discomfort rather than Christ in them taking dominion. They are missing the core of the weapons that God gives.

Go Beyond Selfish Comfort

Too often we use the appearance of spiritual things with self at the core when God wants us to learn endurance in doing what His Word wants us to do at that time! Think for a moment about when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. Only 3 temptations are recorded (and these are important to know and study), but do you know that Jesus was tempted for 40 days and 40 nights. Really? Do you think there were ONLY 3 that whole time? No- I am sure even at night the devil never gave Him rest.  Let me ask this question.  Why didn’t Jesus command the devil to leave Him on the first day?  Don’t tell me that He couldn’t, He could. 40 days 40 nights can see several hundreds, several thousand temptations.  Why wasn’t the devil chased away?  Because God never told Jesus to do it.  So as long as the Father never told Him, He endures.  At the end of the 40 days and 40 nights of using the Word- demonstrating hupomone for our benefit, the Father said it is now enough, tell him to get out.  Because we learn in this life, that the anointing of God and the power of God are not for selfish use or for our own comfort.  The power of God is used to glorify God.  The authority of Jesus is to bring forth the rule and reign of Jesus.  It is no longer that I who live but Christ who lives on the inside.  We must get the first part right first before we get the second.  Far too many times it is we who are living.  We who are doing those things, and Christians don’t practice endurance in letting the Word be tested so you are trained to put it first.  Only when the work is perfect, complete then makrothumia will flow out.  Let patience have its perfect work.

Chapter 5

MEDITATIONS ON ‘HUPOMONE’

In this chapter we want to explore some of the important scriptures that speak about the concept of hupomone and make some observations on what this can mean in our lives about the potential power of this first force of patience for us and our situations.

First, let’s encapsulate what we have learned about hupomone. This definition is going to be the key for releasing some incredible revelations and new found understanding for us. As you plug this definition into where you see hupomone used, you are going to see these familiar verses in a whole new light.

HUPOMONE- Abiding in Jesus- in constant obedience to His Word, holding on to His promise for you, staying conscious of His Presence until you become unshakable and invincible in that position. Your mind is saturated with the fact that He completely covers you, and tribulation causes you to hold even tighter onto the Word until the Word then grips onto you!  It is an internal work inside your heart, the process of reckoning yourself dead to self.

This definition is crucial. We want to make sure we do not slip into a view of patience or endurance that is defined by ‘just waiting until God does something.’ The ball is in our court, and there are opportunities awaiting us for God to fulfill His Word through the force of hupomone!

Buckle your seatbelt- this is going to be an amazing ride!

“…But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the Word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit withHUPOMONE…”

Luke 8:15

It is a revelation to understand that one’s fruitfulness in the Kingdom of God depends on the ability to employ this process and force of hupomone. To plant the Word without understanding how hupomone works, or its goal in one’s life can mislead one to think they can just wait around and the Word will still produce fruit.

“In yourHUPOMONE possess your souls.”

Luke 21:19

Hupomone is the force that will give you the ability to truly possess your soul. No matter what chaos is swirling around you.

“…but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation producesHUPOMONEandHUPOMONE, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint…”

Rom. 5:3-5a

We have already looked at this verse in our study, but it is a great reminder that hupomone ultimately WILL lead to hope. A hope that will never disappoint. True Biblical patience never leads to despair and disappointment, but an unshakable hope in the outcome. Don’t accept any counterfeit!

“…But if we hope for what we do not see, then we eagerly wait for it withHUPOMONE. Likewise the Spirit also helps us in our weaknesses…”

Rom. 8:25-26a

There are times when we do have to wait. But it is important to note that we don’t just stand around, we employ hupomone to make sure that our hope comes to fruition.

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through theHUPOMONEand comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.  Now may the God ofHUPOMONE and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus…”

Rom. 15:4-5

I am sure you are starting to notice how many times hupomone is connected to hope. But also notice that hupomone leads to comfort as well! This is important- many times we connect being patient with being passive, and this scripture (with that definition) implies this leads to comfort. But it is in the midst of the action of hupomone working the Word that true comfort comes to our souls and lives!

“But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in muchHUPOMONE, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses…”

2 Cor. 6:4

We see this verse in a whole new light, when we realize we are not known as ministers by our waiting patiently, but by our establishing of the Word and saturating Presence of Jesus in our lives and situations. And that is known FIRST before the tribulations, needs and distresses. Because that is what is going to empower a minister of God to triumph in each of those situations!

“Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with allHUPOMONE, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.”

2 Cor. 12:12

Here is another verse that describes the characteristics of a minister- and in this case an apostle. This time, we see hupomone is prioritized BEFORE the signs wonders and mighty deeds! Hupomone triumphs through the tribulations, needs and distresses… into signs, wonders and mighty deeds.

“…so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for yourHUPOMONE and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure…”

2 Thess.1:4

We can see in what we have learned from this book that hupomone strengthens faith. In the above scripture they are put together, but it is once again important to note that hupomone comes first! It is so valuable, that it is worth boasting about to others!

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love,HUPOMONE, gentleness.”

1 Tim.6:11

Yes- hupomone must be targeted and pursued, just like these other characteristics.

“For you have need ofHUPOMONE, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise…”

Heb.10:36

Action is important. But along with this action, we need to receive the promise from the realm of the spirit by the internal work in our souls by hupomone. You have NEED of it to receive the promise!

“…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run withHUPOMONE the race that is set before us…"

Heb.12:1b

Look what hupomone gives you the strength to do- RUN YOUR RACE. This goes beyond our idea of waiting patience or endurance- look again at our definition of hupomone once again and see how this concept gives the runner not just the ability to run from, but run and even lead a movement at the same time!

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith producesHUPOMONE. But letHUPOMONE have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

James 1:2-4

When we are looking for specifics in how hupomone is produced- this scripture is very direct. It is produced when your faith is tested. These terms are specific and important. It is not produced by trials, but when your faith is targeted and tested. The more quickly you focus on what the enemy is focusing on, you can make sure to strengthen it, and produce hupomone which will create its perfect work in your life and your faith. If you know you  are producing hupomone, you can smile. You know you will win!

“My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering andHUPOMONE. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of theHUPOMONE of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord- that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”

James 5:10-11

What a great comfort. The work of hupomone is not to make one weary or destitute, but to fulfill to a place even better than before. In Job’s experience, he received double for what he had before his loss. He had a very limited view of God, but he held on to his faith through the trials that were thrown at him with what He did know about God and did not fail to receive his reward for it. Hupomone is what helped him do that. And ultimately it revealed the compassion and mercy of the Lord.

“But for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-controlHUPOMONE, and toHUPOMONE godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.”

2 Pet.1:5-7

It is illuminating that self-control comes before hupomone. Hint, hint… But look what comes AFTER hupomone- godliness! It makes one reveal the nature and ability of God! It really is the link between self-control and godliness.

“I, John, both your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the Kingdom andHUPOMONE of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Rev. 1:9

John makes a point here that hupomone is a kingdom quality of Jesus Christ. What a great picture- Like our previous example of the Rock of Gibraltar, hupomone caused the same rock that the enemy wanted to destroy him with, became the platform for him to  become more solid than ever before. Hupomone doesn’t just give a rock to stand on, you actually become part OF the rock!

“I know your works, your labor, yourHUPOMONE, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and haveHUPOMONE and have labored for My Names’s sake and have not become weary.”

Rev.2:2-3

Here we see how hupomone gives strength to outlast your enemies. Jesus looks for hupomone, and rewards based on it. Hupomone is what gives a backbone to you to never compromise with evil.

Make sure to go back and study the definition of hupomone as you look at each of these scriptures. Seeing the full scope of how working the Word and the conscious Presence of Jesus to a place of saturation affects the whole scenario presented by the scripture will make a tremendous difference in how you apply it.

Chapter 6

MEDITATIONS ON ‘MAKROTHUMIA’

The next force of patience that we looked at was makrothumia. It is the next stage of how the Word works in our lives to to overcome obstacles and enforce the reality of the Word in our circumstances.

Once again, let’s look at this definition and use it as a key to unlock what the New Testament speaks of, when it refers to this use of patience, perserverance, or longsuffering.

“MAKROTHUMIA” –Where your faith in the Word in the midst of the circumstance has come to a place of being FULLY CONVINCED. Self has died, and the Spirit of Christ rises up and brings the circumstance under the dominion of the Word of God in you.  It is like the fire of God in you consumes that attack, circumstance, or tribulation. It is an external work of the Spirit through you.

With that definition in mind, let’s meditate and get illuminated on some common scriptures that use makrothumia. Since we have already looked at the key verses that refer to hupomone, it is important to recognize where makrothumia was used instead of hupomone! Ask the Holy Spirit why this word was used instead- He will highlight some things in the verse and passage that will stir up your faith for how the Spirit can work in and through you to dominate and bring to pass the will of God. (And- afterwards, re-read the hupomone scriptures, and ask the opposite question regarding makrothumia!) When you can change and charge your faith, you can change and charge your life!

“But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God…. by purity, by knowledge, by MAKROTHUMIA, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love…”

2 Cor.6:4,6

Part of expressing yourself as a minister of God is through this fully convinced dominion of makrothumia. This characteristic commends you to others as faithful representation of a minister of God.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, MAKROTHUMIA, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

Gal.5:22-23

What an amazing revelation that makrothumia is used here rather than hupomone. It makes complete sense as fruit is something that is an outward expression of the Spirit, which makrothumia is, while hupomone is the inward work based on our working the Word into our character. And with our definition of makrothumia, this concept is a far cry from just simple ‘waiting on God’ or ‘suffering for a long time’ as most define patience in this verse! It is not a concept of ‘being walked on’ long-suffering, but Spirit-led dominion rising up!

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to have a walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with MAKROTHUMIA, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Eph.4:1-3

Once again, it is a tremendous realization that conducting yourself as a believer called by God, does not translate into being everyone’s doormat. Makrothumia destroys the concept of false humility that focuses on the weaknesses of self, and instead reckons self as dead and that a new spiritual nature has risen up who can lovingly serve others with honor and the dominion of Christ.

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for allHUPOMONE and MAKROTHUMIA with joy…”

Col. 1:9-11

Even though we have already discussed this verse, I want to once again highlight how this prayer compounds itself to the climax “forallHUPOMONE and MAKROTHUMIA with joy…”  Knowledge leads to a walk with the Lord, a walk with the Lord leads to fruitfulness and success, along with increased knowledge of God and undergirded with strength –and all this will crystalize a character of these two twin forces of patience with joy. Hupomone and Makrothumia are the mould that every believer is to be formed by, and other previously mentioned items are tools in that process of moulding!

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be MAKROTHUMIA with all.”

1 Thess.5:14

Now this might be somewhat of a surprise, based on what we know of the nature of makrothumia. It seems like this concept can be rude and unfeeling, but that is not the case- especially in the context of the verse. However, makrothumia is once again a reminder that believers are not doormats that others can ignore and walk on, but they are salt of the earth, and the lights of the world. This means they produce a strong, almost irresistible  influence in the situation, and they can be confident that by the Word and the Spirit, everything that is out of line around them will come into line to the Word and the Spirit that has transformed (hupomone’d) them on the inside. This verse is an exhortation to never give up believing and knowing this- no matter where you are, or who you are with!

“But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, MAKROTHUMIA, love,HUPOMONE …”

2Tim.3:10

This is another surprising verse- this time because of the order that these two words are put into. We know that ultimately hupomone must be formed before makrothumia can be activated. But for that reason, we would expect love to come first as well as something that Paul should emphasize. I am not going to put a lot of weight into the order of this list of what Paul is telling Timothy, except that in general Paul seems to really dig into Timothy to strengthen what needs to be strengthened for Timothy’s call and ministry. These were vivid personal snapshots of Paul’s ministry in Timothy’s eyes, and Paul is reminding him of how important they are for Timothy’s own ministry. These were all alive and tangible to both Paul and Timothy, not just noble but vague concepts to be aware of and preached. Each of these items were to be considered LIFE to both Timothy and those who would later live with and hear him. This is a great list, but there are probably a few great things that were left off, that we would have put on. But would we have included both makrothumia and hupomone like Paul did? We have to understand their importance to life and reproducing ministry like Paul and Timothy did!

“Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all MAKROTHUMIA, and teaching.”

2 Tim.4:2

Another great exhortation to Timothy, this time about being ready to preach the Word.  Timothy’s power to convince, rebuke and exhort was to have impact and be successful only with the force of makrothumia behind it. It is interesting Paul says ‘with ALL makrothumia’- this means that makrothumia must come to such a complete maturity where it is an overwhelming, unstoppable force in Timothy’s preaching. I believe that this force is the key to true preaching that converts the soul! -Which then becomes good ground for solid teaching afterwards. This is a labor of the Spirit working externally and mightily through you- taking your preaching and slinging it straight through ‘Goliath’s’ skull- where strongholds come down, and minds are converted and renewed. Sometimes it is not the eloquence of the words that are spoken, but the power that pushes them that makes the difference.

“And we desire that each one of you show he same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who though faith and MAKROTHUMIA obtain the promises.”

Heb.6:11-12

I am always encouraged by this verse. This exhortation shows that when we will press towards the ‘full assurance of hope’ within ourselves, there comes a point where faith and makrothumia will kick into gear to bring into any promise of God to fulfillment. It is a reliable pattern that has been documented throughout the ages of how the believers of old have obtained mighty miracles and promises of God. If they can do it, I can do it, and you can do it.

It is interesting that it is faith and makrothumia rather than faith and hupomone, that obtains the promises. Knowing that makrothumia is an external work through us, this means that there are obstacles outside of us that must be overcome in order to receive everything that God has for us! Yes, the obstacles are real, and not just in our mind. But they can only be overcome by the work of hupomone to bring us to this full assurance of hope and so the power of the Holy Spirit through makrothumia can target and bring down all the obstacles that are standing between the promise and its manifestation.

“But the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is MAKROTHUMIA toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

2 Pet.3:9

This verse is eye-opening as it talks about God’s makrothumia working toward us. He is so overwhelmingly persistent to reach out, influence, and win lives from destruction. He is not trying to influence to cause people to die, but to come to life. What great news to believe and know- now that we know the power of makrothumia!

Chapter 7

BUILDING BLOCKS

In this final chapter, I want to give you some building blocks that can get you started in establishing Hupomone into your life in a few common areas. In the next few pages, I will give a few scriptural topics that every person has to work on establishing in their life at one time or another. Unfortunately, some people never get them established in their life at all and go through life being tossed to and fro by circumstances.  But this is what this whole book is about- going from instability, to an established abiding power until it becomes an overwhelming, overcoming force that subdues circumstances.

Of course this list is just a start- here may be other topics that will be important to you that you will need to find scriptures about to start meditating on and establishing hupomone into your life and mind. And there are more verses on the following topics that you probably want to add beyond what are documented here as well!

How do you use these building blocks? Once you find a mindset that the Holy Spirit alerts you that is contrary to the Will of God (exposed by circumstances or/and the Spirit) use one of the following relevant topics to read the Word and meditate on the circumstances in light of hupomone. Make sure you understand the goal of hupomone as you meditate on that topic and scripture. It will help you focus. Let it begin to work a complete work into your mindset- establishing a strong memory, corresponding emotions, producing intelligent logical applications, vividly imagining their outcome, and influencing your will to do what you now think because of that mindset. Again, remember the goal of hupomone as you do this mindset re-calibration.

But what about Makrothumia you ask? Believe me, once hupomone has its complete work, you will lack nothing. Makrothumia will come forth almost automatically. Just expect it.

But what will it look like? That’s where we go right back to where we started in Chapter 1 with “Star Trek Faith”.  This is the faith to look for that will rise up to substantiate the Will of God and rebuke the contrary circumstances with eternal realities. Makrothumia is the backbone of force behind this outward expression of faith.

However, please understand that this process does not necessarily require long periods of time. Sometimes yes, but sometimes your soul snaps into a place of hupomone in a moment of time, and makrothumia empowers your faith to act in the next moment. This is all a supernatural work of grace, and because of that, we don’t have to always position our expectation to draw out the process over an extended period of time. It can also happen SUDDENLY! So regardless if it takes a long period of time or the next moment- make the determination to see this process take place- and you just might find it happening quicker than you might have first thought. Glory to God!

FAITH

“So Jesus answered and said to them, “ Have faith in God. For assuredly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea’  and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.”

“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you (desire) ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

(Mark 11:22-24)

“So shall My Word be that goes out of my mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

(Isa. 55:11)

“And I say to you, ASK and it shall be given you. SEEK and you shall find. KNOCK and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone who asks- receives; and he that seeks- finds; and to him who knocks- it shall be opened.”                (Luke 11:9-10)

“And the apostles said, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea.’  And it would obey you.”

(Luke 17:5-6)

“…then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! It will be done, just as you believed it would.”  And his servant was healed at that very hour.”

(Matt. 8:13)

“…and He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you.”

(Matt.17:20)

“As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he said unto the ruler of the synagogue, “Be not afraid, only believe.”

(Mark 5:36)

“…and He said unto her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”

(Mark 5:34)

“With God all things are possible.”

(Matt.19:26b)

“Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.”

(Romans 5:1-2)

STRENGTH AND CAPACITY

"I will love You, O LORD my Strength- the LORD is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer; my God, my Strength, in Whom I will trust; my Shield and the Horn of my salvation, my Stronghold."

(Ps 18:1-3)

"If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter."

(Prov.24:10-11)

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love."

(1 Cor.16:13-14)

" ... Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, Who made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, -not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

(2 Cor.3:5-6)

"Your God has commanded your strength; Strengthen O God, what You have done for us."

(Ps.68:28)

"O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He Who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!"

(Ps 68:28)

"Whom have I in heaven but You? And there I none on earth I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

(Ps 73:25-26)

" ... for though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you."

(2 Cor. 13 :4)

"Therefore strengthen the hands which hand down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that which is lame may not be dislocated, but rather healed."

(Heb.12:12-13)

"As yet I am as strong this day as I was on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD has said."

(Josh.14:11-12)

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

(Eph.6:10-11)

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap  if we do not lose heart."

(Gal. 6: 9)

PROVISION AND PROSPERITY

“I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; And in you shall all the families of the earth be blessed.”

(Gen.12:2-3)

“…so then, those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.”

(Gal.3:9)

“Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.”

(Ps.34:9-10)

“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

(Josh.1:8-9)

“Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

(Ps 37:3-4)

“Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, ‘The Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.’ And my tongue shall speak of your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long.”

(Ps.35:27-28)

“Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in his house and his righteousness endures forever.”

(Ps.112:1-3)

“He who deals with a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent becomes makes one rich.”

(Prov.10:4)

“The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters others will also be watered himself.”

(Prov.11:25)

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you, through His poverty, might become rich.”

(2 Cor.8:9)

“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

(Matt.6:33)

“…and my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

(Philip.4:19)

Wisdom

“Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.”

(Ps.73:23-24)

“…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of the power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power…”

(Eph.1:17-19)

“And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all workmanship…”

(Ex.31:3)

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My Eye. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, -or else they will not come near you.”

(Ps 32:8-9)

Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares… “Turn at My reproof; Surely I will pour out My Spirit on you and make My words known to you.”

(Prov.1:20,23)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

(James 1:5)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

(Prov.3:5-6)

“I will bless the LORD Who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons.”

(Ps 16:7)

“…for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.”

(Matt.21:15)

“My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall bring understanding.”

(Ps 49:3)

“Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.”

(Prov.20:5)

“…But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.”

(Job 32:8)

“…For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may have a walk worthy of the LORD, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work, increasing in the knowledge of God.”

(Col.1:9-10)

PROTECTION

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.’  Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High your habitation, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion, and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. ‘Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My Name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My Salvation.’ ”

(Ps 91)

“…but the Lord is faithful, Who will establish you, and guard you from the evil one.”

(2Thess.3:3)

“Be my Strong Habitation, to Which I may resort continually; You have given the command to save me, for You are my Rock and my Fortress.”

(Ps.71:3)

“But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the Message might be preached fully through me, and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion…And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly Kingdom- to Him be glory forever and ever- Amen!”

(2Tim.4:17-18)

“Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His Right Hand.”

(Ps.20:6)

“O God the Lord, the Strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.”

(Ps 140:7)

“…and I shall give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My Hand. My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”

(John 10:28-29)

“I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.”

(Ps.16:8)

Grace

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.”

(1Cor.15:10)

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him Who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust…”

(2Pet.1:2-4)

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.”

(Romans 5:1-2)

“And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.”

(Acts 4:33)

“Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, Who was bearing witness to the Word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.”

(Acts 14:3)

“…of which I became a minister according to the gift of grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.”

(Eph. 3:7)

“But when it pleased God, Who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood…”

(Gal.1:15-16)

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

(Eph.4:29)

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

(2 Tim 2:1)

“…Who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began…”

(2Tim.1:9)

The Victorious Life

…Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”… “Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.”

(Num.13:30; 14:9)

“…But My Servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it.”

(Num.14:24)

“Blessed be the LORD my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle. My Lovingkindness, and my Fortress, my High Tower, and my Deliverer, my Shield and the One in Whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me.”

(Ps.144:1-2)

“Now thanks be to God Who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.”

(2Cor.2:14)

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He Who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

(1 John 4:4)

“…but you shall hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have done this day. For the Lord has driven out from before you great and strong nations; But as for you, no one has been able to stand against you to this day. One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He Who fights for you, as He has promised you.”

(Josh.23:8-10)

“For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world,  -our faith.”

(1 John 5:4)

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He Who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him us for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us ALL things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God Who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ Who died, and furthermore is also risen, Who is even at the right hand of God, Who makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written ‘for Your sake we are killed all day long’ We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us.”

(Rom.8:31-37)

“For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your Hands.”

(Ps.92:4)

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

(Rom.12:21)

The Goodness of God

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait I say on the LORD!”

(Ps.27:13-14)

“Oh how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!”

(Ps.31:19)

“O taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!”

(Ps.34:8)

“Oh that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.”

(Ps.107:8-9)

“Why do you boast in evil, mighty man? The goodness of the Lord endures continually.”

(Ps.52:1)

“You who are named of the house of Jacob: ‘Is the Spirit of the LORD restricted? Are these His doings? Do not My Words do good to him who walks uprightly?’ ”

(Micah 2:7)

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord. Forever.”

(Ps.23:6)

“Therefore we also pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His Goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

(2Thess.1:11-12)

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with Whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

(James 1:17)

“…if you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

(Luke 11:13)

“And we know that ALL things work together for GOOD to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

(Rom.8:28)

“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

(Gen.50:20)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

With a strong teaching gift, Timothy Jorgensen ministers internationally with a passion to raise up breakthrough believers of all ages and backgrounds. He is a graduate of Spirit Life Bible College in California, and School of the Prophets in Malaysia, and holds ordination through John G. Lake Ministries and is Wisconsin State Director for JGLM. He has spent years ministering in the US, New Zealand, Indonesia, Nepal and Malaysia. Tim and his wife Rina have two sons and currently reside in Madison, Wisconsin.

To find out more about his teachings and ministry, and obtain other helpful resources, visit spiritlifetraining.com

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Star Trek Faith

Chapter 2 The Rock of Hupomone

Chapter 3 The Fire of Makrothumia

Chapter 4 Letting Patience have its Perfect Work

Chapter 5 Meditations on ‘Hupomone’

Chapter 6 Meditations on ‘Makrothumia’

Chapter 7 Building Blocks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR