Most Recent Blog Posts
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Post 94 – The Power of Decision.
My last two posts had to do with “taking every thought captive,” a reference to 2 Corinthians 10:5. I said that the scriptures tell us that God has not given us a spirit of fear (timidity), but of love, power, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Show More
Fear and the ability to make the right choice.
Someone recently said to me that we are supposed to fear God. The scriptures do say that, but there are some important differences we need to be aware of. There is a big difference between reverential fear or awe of God’s majesty and glory and fear that produces terror! Those who don’t know God through Jesus Christ should be in terror for Hell awaits them.
However, as Born-again believers in Jesus Christ, we are under the covering of God’s Grace, and we must be in a place of honoring Him. We are sons and daughters under the covenant of Grace, which was purchased by Jesus through His crucifixion, death, and resurrection.
We should not be in terror of anyone or anything, for God is with us. I will admit that we may experience the emotion of fear, but fear should not dictate our actions.
- An acronym for the word FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real.
We are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) the old has passed away, and all things have become new. This means that we must begin to think differently and act differently. We change as we learn to be led by the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us.
It all boils down to this- you must decide (make a choice) to follow Jesus. This means to do those things He wants us to do, and to avoid those things He doesn’t want us to do. It is all about the decisions you make in life.
The issue of fear is genuine, but the problem is not with the emotion of fear, but how you respond to the fearful event! Do we act righteously or unrighteously?
It is important to decide before you face a crisis how you will act. The worst time to try and make a righteous decision is while you are in the crisis. So, you must decide before the temptation; I will not lie, I will not steal, I will not cheat, I will honor my parents, I will not covet, I will not commit murder. We must dwell on these things, for Satan wants to tempt you to do evil! In all ways and all circumstances, we must decide to honor the Lord God with our words and our actions!
What happens if you don’t make a decision because of fear?
- If you don’t make a decision the devil will – Judas in the Gospels is an example.
- If you don’t make a decision, others will – Golden calf and Aaron – Exodus 32
- If you don’t make a decision situations and circumstances will – Nabal/Abigail – 1 Samuel 25
We were meant to have dominion.
Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
- We are not meant to be a “slave to the bondage of fear”; we can make a way out through the right decision. (Romans 8:14 above).
We are not called to be ruled by emotion but by our will!
- Billy Graham is probably the most well-known evangelist in this century, and his success is attributed to bringing people to the point of making the right decision!
- DL Moody had a 30-40% success rate; Charles Finney had a success rate of 60-70%… Finney would often say, “I don’t preach to their emotions; I preach to their will.
- We are called to exercise our will according to God’s Word, and if we do, we will find our way out of our unfavorable circumstances.
Decision is a choice.
The Latin word for character is dokime,̄ and in the New Testament, it means to be tested. In English, it is the word habit. Therefore your character is the sum total of all your habits. You have been tested and the result is good or bad.
- It is not about what you intend to do, but what you actually do. Every person is a Legend in their own minds, but it is in the fires of trial and tribulation that the truth becomes evident, coming through as gold or dross.
- Samuel Smiles (late 1800’s)… sow a thought reap an action, sow an action reap a habit, sow a habit reap a character, sow a character reap a destiny!
- Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This is what God says and to see the fruit of it you must do it God’s way.
Repeated decision form habits… you never make an unimportant decision because all decisions lead to forming habits. The absence of a decision is a decision not to act! Those habits either build up or tear down your character.
God’s Grace can break bondages, but God’s Grace cannot make decisions for you.
- So many people are waiting for God to do what God has told them to do! It is usually fear that holds them back, fear of failure, fear of consequence,s or fear of loss.
- God’sGgrace makes it available, but it is our decision to bring it to pass.
We are to become more like Jesus every day…
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:17-18.
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Post 93 – Taking Every Thought Captive, Part 2.
Post 93 “Taking Every Thought Captive” / Don’t lose hope! Part 2
I am continuing from our last post entitled “Taking every thought captive.”
Last time we said that with all that is going on in the world today that we must resist falling into fear. Fear takes our focus off of the Lord and the hope that He provides.
Hebrews 11:1 states that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The things hoped for in this verse are the promises of God found in the Bible. The evidence of things not seen speaks of the spiritual nature of our battle against fear. Fear is a crippling emotion, and we must learn to recognize real threats from those threats that we imagine and magnify to the point we are helpless and hopeless! There is an essential difference between being disappointed and discouraged.Show More
The Difference Between Discouragement and Disappointment is HOPE!
Both disappointment and discouragement involve feelings down and low. discouragement is a CHOICE to stay in the pity hole.
- Disappointment | the feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one’s hopes or expectations.
- Discouragement | loss of confidence or enthusiasm; to lose hope.
Discouragement differs from disappointment.
When our expectations aren’t met, we feel disappointed. But discouragement, a feeling of despair and desperation, is a choice. We can choose to remain dejected or determine to work through our feelings and overcome them.
Recovering from Disappointment and Discouragement.
There is an excellent episode in David’s life found in 1 Samuel 30, that shows how David dealt with disappointment before it could turn into discouragement and depression. This happened before David became king.
David and his men were in the wilderness escaping from the wrath of King Saul, of Israel. King Saul was threatened by the popularity of David. While David and his men were returning to Ziklag where their families were, the Amalekites attacked Ziklag, burned it to the ground, and took all the women and children captive.
When David and his men arrived at Ziklag and saw what had been done verse 4 says,
- “Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep.” They were all disappointed and distressed, as you can imagine. David’s men were so discouraged that they spoke of stoning David. Verse 6, “Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.”
Did you catch what David did? He “strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” That is step number one.
When we become disappointed or discouraged, we must do the same as David, “strengthen ourselves in the Lord our God!” We strengthen ourselves by taking every thought captive; if those thoughts don’t line up with what God has said about us, we must discard them and not dwell on those kinds of ideas. Thoughts of fear, anxiety, defeat, hopelessness. Those kinds of thoughts are from the enemy of our soul, Satan!
- James 4:7, “Therefore submit to God. Resist (push against) the devil and he will flee from you.”
- Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
The second thing we must do is go to the Lord and direction from Him. God knows the plans He has for you to prosper you and bless you. Those are the thoughts we must embrace, even when our emotions cause us to despair.
- Verse 8, “So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”
David encouraged his men, and they pursued the Amalekites. They found the Amalekites and destroyed them, recovering their wives and children without any harm to them. As a bonus for their faithfulness to believe God, they plundered the Amalekites of their treasure.
I encourage you to read all of 1 Samuel 30 for more in-depth insights that the Lord may give you, and keep in mind:
- Disappointment is Universal. Almost everyone has been disappointed at one time or another.
- Disappointment is Recurring. You may overcome disappointment one week, only to face it again the next.
- Disappointment is Contagious. Watch out for those who want to pull you down by indulging in negativity and self-pity.
- Disappointment is Unpredictable. You never know when it will strike you or a loved one.
- Disappointment is Temporary. It will pass if you respond correctly.
Don’t allow disappointment, which is an unfulfilled hope or expectation to turn into discouragement, which is a loss of hope. Take control of the kinds of thoughts you choose to focus on. Focus on Jesus the lover of your soul!
Meditate on the following verse as you face life this week, Psalms 31:24, “Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord.”
In closing keep in mind the battle begins in the spiritual realm, the victory in the spirit will manifest in the physical realm:
- Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
- 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
Activate your faith… Speak to your situation!
Mark 11:22-24 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 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. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
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Post 92 – Taking Every Thought Captive!, Part 1
The Bible says that we will experience “wars, famines and pestilence” in this life. What we are experiencing with the COVID-19 virus or Coronavirus is simply part of the fallen nature of the world, and in this case, it has affected the entire earth! Is this the beginning of the end? The quick answer is no! The truth is we live in a “fallen” world as a result of sin, the world as we know it is “broken.” God is in the business of redeeming us out of this world system.
Remember, Jesus said that we are “in the world but not of the world.” We are pilgrims or sojourners in this world. Our true home is the Kingdom of God. Our citizenship is in Heaven, and we are ambassadors representing Jesus to a fallen, broken world. Show More
Having established that we are sons, daughters, and ambassadors of God, we must understand that our relationship with Jesus, our Lord and Savior, entitles us to live in a state of “Hope.” Not a desperate, fear-laden hope as in “I hope it will work out well, but a confident hope an assurance, trust or faith that God is in control. He knows my situation, and He is for me and not against me. All of these statements are supported by many scripture verses, which is the Word of God; and God does not lie!
The COVID-19 or Coronavirus pandemic has caught the attention of every person in every nation of the world. It’s fitting to look at what the Word of God has to say about this sickness, and what our response should be as Christians. Our response is to “fear not”! Look at what the following scriptures say about the term “fear not”:
- Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
- Isaiah 41:13 For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’
- Isaiah 43:1 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
- John 12: 15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.”
As believers in Jesus Christ our response should be to “fear not”. Now I agree that it is easier to say “fear not” than to live fearlessly!
The Truth about Fear
God has something to say about these three emotions!
- Worry To feel uneasy or concerned about something; be troubled. Matt 6:25-34 Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…
- Anxiety Uneasy and apprehensive about an uncertain event or matter. Phil 4:6-9 “Be anxious for nothing…”
- Fear A feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger (real or perceived). 2 Tim 1:7 God has not given us the spirit of fear…
Worry, anxiety, and fear are not of God, especially when they prevent you from doing what God wants to do. Fear is natural to the human condition, but God has given us someone who can help us overcome our fears, the Holy Spirit. That is why we are encouraged to stir up the gift (singular) the Holy Spirit (daily). Stirring up the gift of the Holy Spirit means that we are operating in the anointing, fulfilling the purpose and plan of God for our lives. This process should occur in our everyday lives. Opportunities arise to pray for and with individuals and to do the works of God in Christian charity (Matt 25:31-46).
When the anointing of God is operating in our lives, we develop closeness to God, which builds our faith that He is in control. Fear, on the other hand, generally implies that you are powerless in the situation. If your focus is on fear, it can’t be on Jesus!
The more actively you involve the Holy Spirit in your daily life, the more assurance you have in His ability to care for you. Your testimony (declaring what God is doing) builds faith and confidence in Him. It is for this reason that we are encouraged not to be fearful. Being fearful forces us to “pull back.” There is a power in testifying of God’s provision that produces trust over worry; peace over anxiety and courage over fear.
Fear is part of the natural condition. Scientists call it the flight or fight reflex. That means that when we are fearful, we want to either run from the situation or resist the situation! However, some people instead of running or fighting, become paralyzed and do nothing! As Christians we have not been given the spirit of fear, which leads to paralysis.
What Should Our Response Be to Fear?
There are two sides to fear, actual fear (rational), and perceived fear (irrational). It is so important to know the difference.
- Rational – There was a real fear among the Christians who were being persecuted by the religious Jews, Acts 8:4, “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” You see what the enemy meant for evil God turned for good.
- Irrational – this kind of fear magnifies the fear to unrealistic proportions and leads to disappointment, discouragement, depression.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
- Stir up as in stir up the ashes to re-kindle the fire.
- Gift of God is the Holy Spirit, His anointing
- Fear is timidity: fear.
- Power “dunamis” – force, miraculous power: ability, abundance, worker of miracles.
- Love – agape unconditional love in spite of the circumstances.
- Sound mind – discipline, self-control.
Phil 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
The Key to Overcoming Fear as a Christian.
2 Cor 10:3 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”
- Disappointment is Universal. Almost everyone has been disappointed at one time or another.
- Disappointment is Recurring. You may overcome disappointment one week, only to face it again the next.
- Disappointment is Contagious. Watch out for those who want to pull you down by indulging in negativity and self-pity.
- Discouragement is Unpredictable. You never know when it will strike you or a loved one.
- Disappointment is Temporary. It will pass if you respond correctly.
Don’t allow disappointment, which is an unfulfilled hope or expectation to turn into discouragement, which is a loss of hope.
Meditate on this verse as you face life this week, Psalms 31:24, “Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord.
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Post 91 The Great Exchange – Riches for Poverty.
The Great Exchange – Riches for Poverty
Jesus took our poverty that we might have eternal riches; “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 Corinthians 8:9).
Before we get into riches and poverty lets take a look at what Jesus said in
Matthew 6:31, “Therefore, do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things, the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”Show More
It seems clear that Jesus is saying that our focus in life needs to be “the kingdom of God” that is the spiritual nature of the kingdom on earth and seeking His righteousness, which is pursuing what is right in God’s eyes, not necessarily what we think is right. All of this means that we need to be sure that we are pursuing the truth and not a lie. For all of us will experience trouble, but we need not be afraid, for Jesus is with us by His Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Paul warns us in Colossians 2:8, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” What the Apostle Paul was saying is to make sure you are following the truth and not just what sounds appealing. I recently read a quote that speaks to being careful who or what you follow, “Any halfway clever devil would decorate the highway to Hell as beautiful as possible.” Anon. We must be cautious, all of us can be influenced by what we would rather hear or see than the truth. However, it’s the truth of God that will set you free!
THE CONTROVERSY
The subject of prosperity or poverty is one of those subjects of debate throughout Christendom. The two extreme sides are the “name-it and claim-it” group, and the “poverty is Godliness” group.
- The “name-it and claim-it” group believes that God wants to give them every earthly riches, ease, and pleasure. Just release your faith, and God will give it to you. You are a “King’s kid” therefore, you deserve it all. These are very appealing ideas but fly against the truth of God’s Word, as we will see.
- On the other hand, the “poverty is Godliness” people proclaim that suffering in this life is the means of glory in the next life in Heaven. That sacrifice, going without, and suffering is the means of glorifying God. Frankly, that is not such an appealing idea, and it also goes against what God’s Word says.
Now you might conclude from these two extreme statements that the truth must lie between the two! A little bit of pain and a little bit of joy, but also that is incorrect. So, what is the truth about prosperity and suffering according to the Scriptures?
NO ONE ESCAPES THIS LIFE UNSCATHED FROM TROUBLES.
Trials and tribulation, you will have! No one escapes it. It is a part of life on earth, and the Scriptures make that clear. The word tribulation or tribulations is used over 30 times in the New Testament. Jesus never talks about Believers avoiding the trials and tribulations of life but that as Believers pressing through them. It is how we handle the trials and tribulations of life that glorify God!
Glorifying Jesus through our words and deeds is the point of the Christian life. Whether in prosperity or poverty! It is your love for God that glorifies Him. By love, I mean love, not as a sentimental love or feeling but a love that obeys Jesus regardless of the trials and tribulations we find ourselves in. This kind of love demonstrates faithfulness, whether you are in prosperity or poverty, success or failure, happiness or sadness, health, or sickness.
We must be careful to understanding that there is a Worldly perspective and a Biblical perspective of the world we live in. In many ways, they are opposed to one another. Jesus makes it clear that we are in the world but not of the world, and our citizenship is Heaven- even now. We are now ambassadors representing the King of kings and the Lord of lords on this earth.
DEFINING RICHES – THE WORLD AND GOD’S VIEW
World view– Riches, success, or wealth can be referred to by the three G’s- Gold, girls/guys, glitter, in other words, money, lust, and power. Look at what 1 John 1:15 has to say about the world view, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” In light of these verses, you have to ask the question, are you seeking His righteousness?
God’s view– has to do more with who you are rather than what you want in life! In other words, God is more interested in your character than your image, position, or possessions. Jesus wants you to move in the nature of the Holy Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. You see, if you have His Holy Spirit and His Holy Spirit has you- then and only then will you experience the love and peace of God which surpasses all understanding!
DEFINING POVERTY – THE WORLD AND GOD’S VIEW
World view- The world’s view of prosperity is connected to happiness. Happiness depends on the conditions you find yourself in. When everything around you is good, then you are happy. Yet, if the circumstances are bad, then you are unhappy. Therefore, circumstances control your happiness. If you can’t control your circumstances, you will be unhappy! Everyone will agree that we are not always in control of our circumstances.
God’s view- Jesus is more interested in your joy than happiness. Joy does not depend on circumstances. Joy depends on knowing Jesus and being in a relationship with Him. John 15:9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
Mother Teresa said the following: “We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for is the greatest poverty.”
PROSPERITY
The word prosperity in the Bible has more to do with success in the journey we call life than the accumulation of possessions or wealth. It is being at peace with your situation, knowing that God is truly in control. It’s embracing the promise that He, the Lord, will never leave you nor forsake you. It’s knowing that all things are possible with God! Listen to what Paul says in Ephesians 1:17, “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, 18 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, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.” This is what prosperity is in Christ!
As leaders, we cannot preach what is popular, we must preach the truth! There is no doubt that the prosperity message of success and wealth is popular, but it appeals to the wrong spirit. Leaders can attract crowds and followers by preaching the prosperity message alone. However, many fall away when trials and tribulations come. And that is because they are taught to ask, but they ask amiss, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” (James 4:3)
3John1:2, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” When your soul prospers because of your personal journey with Jesus, you will genuinely prosper in all things. You will possess something that the world cannot, nor can it understand, the spiritual nature of your peace. Regardless of your circumstances right now, you are born-again; you are a son/daughter of God, your eternal life is secure, and you have a friend in Jesus.
CONCLUSION:
Prosperity or poverty? That is the question!
God wants you to be successful. It isn’t that God doesn’t want you to have material blessings; the issue is your motivation. Why do you want success! Is your desire for success to please the Lord or to please yourself?
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Post 90 – The Great Exchange: Physical Healing for Sickness!
The Great Exchange: Physical Healing for Sickness
The Great Exchange is what Jesus purchased for us on the Cross of Calvary; the Great Exchange represents the major blessing or benefit of the New Covenant. The exchange is a trade, in that Jesus took something from us and then gave us something far, far better.
Today we are looking at the fact that Jesus took our sickness that we might have health; “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Pet 2:24; see also Isa 53:5).
In the New Testament of the Authorized Version of the Bible, the words heal or healed are used 28 times, and 26 of those times, it meant physical healing. Show More
Does Jesus Heal Today?
One of the great controversies in Christendom is, “does Jesus heal physically today?” Some Christians take the position that healing passed away when the Apostles passed away! Nothing could be further from the truth! “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever!” (Hebrews 13:8) God never changes! (Numbers 23:19). If God does change, how can we have any sense of security in our salvation? You see, faith requires us to be sure that God’s word was not for a season of time or certain individuals. Either the whole Word is true, or none of it is true!
- I.E., If I place a drop of poison in a clean, clear glass of water, would you drink it? Of course not, a little poison poisons the whole glass. The same is true of the Bible; it is pure and unadulterated; it is all true even if it sometimes seems impossible for our human minds.
Remember Isaiah 55:8-9, God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts, His ways are not the ways we would do things! We should never limit how God can or might act based on our own understanding. We are the ones who are limited; nothing is impossible with God!
God Never Changes.
If God does not change, how can some deny what God has said about healing? I believe that some have moved away from the supernatural healing of God because their focus has been on their personal experience, wrong teaching, or human understanding and logic.
- Personal experience – I am sure all of us have prayed for something or someone, and it did not work out as we hoped or expected. I remember as a new Christian, my pastor saying to someone, “are you here to serve or be served?” That is a profound question that all of us need to apply to our own lives. Did God the Father send Jesus to serve us, or did He send Jesus to set us free to serve Him?
Too many Christians see God as their personal servant, they would never say that, but their behavior indicates that to be the case. When they are in trouble or need, they pray and expect God to come to the rescue. However, the person has already determined how God should move in the situation. That is not how God works. Let me be clear, God does hear our prayers and comes to our aid, but His ways are not our ways. Remember, God has a plan and wants you to be a part of it, not the other way around.
God’s ways are always better than our ways, although we may not understand at the time. That is why faith is so important in our walk with God. “Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see.”
- Human logic or “I think” – When personal experience does not produce the results, we expect then we try to understand with our human minds, “why not!” Our conclusion may be that “healing” is not for today! This means we are dismissing the scriptures and relying on feelings instead of faith.
- Wrong teaching – this comes about as a result of the fracturing of the Church. Evangelicals, Pentecostals, and Charismatics. To be discussed in an upcoming episode.
Our trust and faith should be in what God has said in His Word, the Bible.
What Jesus said about healing:
- John chapters 14-16 – we will do more than even Jesus did…
- Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
- Mark 16:18b “they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
- Luke 9:2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
- Luke 10:9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
What the Apostles said about healing
- 1 Corinthians 12:9 “To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;”
- Hebrews 12:12-13 “Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.”
- James 5:16 “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
- 1 Peter 2:24 “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.”
What Church History says about healing
- The 2000-year of church history has shown time and time again that there has always been a remnant of Believers who saw miraculous and progressive healings. By the way, all of these after the Apostles passed away!
- In the New Spirit-Filled Life Bible Notes by Jack Hayford, Pastor Jack Hayford encapsulates the thoughts of many theologians in the following statement:
- “The ministry of the supernatural is the heritage of the church according to Jesus’ own words (John 14:12–14). To pursue supernatural ministry is not a quest for the sensational, but a quest to allow the Holy Spirit to glorify Jesus by doing His works through His body (the Church). Fundamental to the church’s mission is The Ministry of Divine Healing, as well as Ministering Deliverance from Bondage—seeing the sick made whole and the demonized made free (Mark 16:17). The path of Miracles is the portion of those who pursue God’s call to faith for achievements that transcend or goes above human abilities and imagination, and Power Ministry Through God’s Spirit brings such things into being.”
Physical healing is a sign that God is at work, and it is the greatest evangelistic tool we have at our disposal. All we have to do is believe!
Read Matthew 15:21-28 and see that “healing is our bread.”
