The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. ---John 1:29
When God gave the instructions for the Passover, He gave very specific instructions about the lamb:
Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year; ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: and ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. ---Exodus 12:5,6
Jesus fit every one of these qualifications. He was a Lamb without blemish, for He had never sinned. He was the firstborn in his family, “a male of the first year.” There was even a particular time this Lamb had to die: “in the evening.” The very hour Jesus died on the Cross was the time when the Passover lambs were being sacrificed.
Who killed the Passover lamb? “The whole assembly of the congregation of Israel.” In Acts 2:23, Peter preached to the Jewish multitude about who was responsible for Jesus’ death: “Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it."
Jesus Christ was condemned by the Romans and crucified by Israel, but He laid down His life for you and me. He took our sin and our sickness on Himself. Just as the whole congregation of Israel had a part of the slaying of the lamb, we all had a part in the slaying of the Lamb of God. Yet Jesus laid His life down willingly. He knew it was the only way we could be delivered out of “Egypt”—the bondage of sin, sickness and disease.
Confession: I believe Jesus was the Lamb slain to take away the sin of the whole world. Jesus died for me. Through Him I receive all the benefits salvation includes. I am saved, healed and delivered!
from Prescription for a Miracle by Mark Brazee
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Jesus, Our Passover Lamb
Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying: ‘On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of the father, a lamb for a household. And if the household is too small for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the persons; according to each man’s need you shall make your count for the lamb. ---Exodus 12:3,4
As we approach Passover Sunday, let us explore the spiritual side – the reason we celebrate this season.
Exodus 12 gives us one of God’s portraits of redemption, a picture of what Jesus did for us in His death, burial and resurrection. At this time, the children of Israel were in bondage in Egypt. In the Old Testament, Egypt is a type of sin, bondage or Satan’s kingdom—the kingdom we lived in before we were born again. As the ruler of Egypt, Pharaoh is a type of Satan.
Israel, on the other hand, is a type of the Church. Moses, God’s man, is a picture of Jesus Christ coming on the scene with signs, wonders and miracles to deliver God’s people. Israel’s deliverance out of Egyptian bondage into freedom is a type of the new birth. Just as the Israelites were allowed to leave Egypt, so is a new believer translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son.
Finally, the miracle that produced Israel’s freedom centered around a lamb—what the Bible called a Passover lamb. As this story was unfolding for the Israelites, they had no idea or concept that this would be used in the future as a picture of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, but it did protect them as they went through the deliverance from bondage to freedom. What the Passover lamb in the Old Testament accomplished for the children of Israel through its death is a clear picture of what Jesus accomplished for us through His death, burial and resurrection.
That’s why John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God. (John 1:29) And in Revelation 13:8, Jesus was called the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Jesus is our Passover Lamb, whose death provided a way for those who believe in Him to be saved, delivered, healed and made whole.
Confession: The Old Testament Passover lamb opened the way for the Israelites to be delivered from Egypt’s bondage. Jesus is my Passover Lamb. His blood opened the way for me to come into the family of God and enjoy my inheritance!
As we approach Passover Sunday, let us explore the spiritual side – the reason we celebrate this season.
Exodus 12 gives us one of God’s portraits of redemption, a picture of what Jesus did for us in His death, burial and resurrection. At this time, the children of Israel were in bondage in Egypt. In the Old Testament, Egypt is a type of sin, bondage or Satan’s kingdom—the kingdom we lived in before we were born again. As the ruler of Egypt, Pharaoh is a type of Satan.
Israel, on the other hand, is a type of the Church. Moses, God’s man, is a picture of Jesus Christ coming on the scene with signs, wonders and miracles to deliver God’s people. Israel’s deliverance out of Egyptian bondage into freedom is a type of the new birth. Just as the Israelites were allowed to leave Egypt, so is a new believer translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son.
Finally, the miracle that produced Israel’s freedom centered around a lamb—what the Bible called a Passover lamb. As this story was unfolding for the Israelites, they had no idea or concept that this would be used in the future as a picture of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, but it did protect them as they went through the deliverance from bondage to freedom. What the Passover lamb in the Old Testament accomplished for the children of Israel through its death is a clear picture of what Jesus accomplished for us through His death, burial and resurrection.
That’s why John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God. (John 1:29) And in Revelation 13:8, Jesus was called the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Jesus is our Passover Lamb, whose death provided a way for those who believe in Him to be saved, delivered, healed and made whole.
Confession: The Old Testament Passover lamb opened the way for the Israelites to be delivered from Egypt’s bondage. Jesus is my Passover Lamb. His blood opened the way for me to come into the family of God and enjoy my inheritance!
Friday, March 27, 2009
How To Receive From God
Therefore I say to you, Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them. ---Mark 11:24
How do we receive all that Jesus bought and paid for through His death, burial and resurrection? Well, we know that faith operates on God’s known will. So first we must look into the Word, where we find it is God’s perfect will for every person to be born again and healed. Next, we make a point of contact, which occurs when we believe we receive—not necessarily when we see our petition come to pass. It is faith that opens the door to receive God’s blessing of healing.
Imagine a reservoir of water held back by a dam and a dry valley below. The two represent a “greater” and a “lesser” -- that is a reservoir full of water and a valley that’s dry. If you were to open the spillgate so that contact is made between the two, the greater would flood into the lesser.
In the same way, our point of contact can be likened to “opening the spillgate.” The moment we release our faith—the point of contact—the greater anointing and power that is in Jesus Christ begins to flow into the “lesser,” our bodies, whether we feel it or not. God’s healing power begins to effect a healing in our physical bodies the moment we believe we receive. Faith is needed to open the door to receive God’s blessing and it will take faith to accept that God’s Word is true. Faith is mentally accepting what God wants to do, even though we may not feel or see it immediately.
In John 11:40, Jesus said to Martha, “I told you if you’d believe, you’d see the glory of God.” Notice He didn’t say, “I told you that when you see God’s glory, then you’ll believe.” Anyone can believe when he sees or feels something. But as Christians, we’re supposed to believe we receive our answer before we see or feel it, because we believe the Word.
What else are we supposed to do? We are to say what we believe: “Thank God, I believe I’m healed by the stripes of Jesus.” Do we necessarily feel any different? Not always, but that’s all right. Our feelings won’t change God’s Word, but God’s Word will definitely change our feelings when we hook up with Him!
Confession: Today I make my point of contact with God. By faith I open the spillgate of His goodness, and His healing power flows into me as I believe I receive!
How do we receive all that Jesus bought and paid for through His death, burial and resurrection? Well, we know that faith operates on God’s known will. So first we must look into the Word, where we find it is God’s perfect will for every person to be born again and healed. Next, we make a point of contact, which occurs when we believe we receive—not necessarily when we see our petition come to pass. It is faith that opens the door to receive God’s blessing of healing.
Imagine a reservoir of water held back by a dam and a dry valley below. The two represent a “greater” and a “lesser” -- that is a reservoir full of water and a valley that’s dry. If you were to open the spillgate so that contact is made between the two, the greater would flood into the lesser.
In the same way, our point of contact can be likened to “opening the spillgate.” The moment we release our faith—the point of contact—the greater anointing and power that is in Jesus Christ begins to flow into the “lesser,” our bodies, whether we feel it or not. God’s healing power begins to effect a healing in our physical bodies the moment we believe we receive. Faith is needed to open the door to receive God’s blessing and it will take faith to accept that God’s Word is true. Faith is mentally accepting what God wants to do, even though we may not feel or see it immediately.
In John 11:40, Jesus said to Martha, “I told you if you’d believe, you’d see the glory of God.” Notice He didn’t say, “I told you that when you see God’s glory, then you’ll believe.” Anyone can believe when he sees or feels something. But as Christians, we’re supposed to believe we receive our answer before we see or feel it, because we believe the Word.
What else are we supposed to do? We are to say what we believe: “Thank God, I believe I’m healed by the stripes of Jesus.” Do we necessarily feel any different? Not always, but that’s all right. Our feelings won’t change God’s Word, but God’s Word will definitely change our feelings when we hook up with Him!
Confession: Today I make my point of contact with God. By faith I open the spillgate of His goodness, and His healing power flows into me as I believe I receive!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Making Your Point of Contact
When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to him; and He laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. ---Luke 4:40
Jesus was the will of God in action. He constantly showed people that God wanted them healed. He never turned a single person away that came to him for healing. Now that Jesus is in Heaven and sitting at the right hand of God the Father making intercession for you and me, He is able to do more in that position than when He was on this earth in a single body.
God wants you healed, and once that truth is lodged in your own heart, your next step is to make a point of contact. This “point of contact” refers to the moment you begin to release your faith for your healing. That will happen when you are totally convinced that God does not want you defeated through sickness, disease or torment. You will make your point of contact when there is no doubt that God is the Healer and He cares about you. You will make your point of contact when there is a conviction that God can take care of any affliction and any disease or any mental or emotional problems. After finding out God’s perfect will in the matter, you make your petition: “Thank God, I believe I receive my healing. Thank God, I’m healed by the stripes of Jesus.”
A point of contact can be made in two basic ways. One way is through prayer according to Mark 11:24: “Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them and you will have them.” Another way is through the laying on of hands: “In my name…they shal lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16: 17,18)
When a person makes his point of contact, at that moment he begins to believe he receives his healing. He may not feel it or see it, but he still believes he has received his answer. You may hear him say, “I believe I received three days ago when I prayed” or “I believe I received yesterday when hands were laid on me.” The important thing to remember is that once you have prayed, thoroughly believing that God wants to and will heal you, that you don’t question the healing. By that, I mean, God will heal you. You may experience symptoms a little while longer. If that happens, just continue to thank God for healing you. If you were to say something like, “Well, I thought God would heal me!” then you are confessing doubt. Then you need to go back to the scriptures and get thoroughly convinced again that it is God’s will to heal.
The reason people don’t receive their healing will be covered in tomorrow’s message. Keep checking in and don’t miss a single message. It will build your faith!
Confession: I know God’s will, so I pray, believing I receive what I desire through my own prayer of faith. Another way I receive from my Father is through the laying on of hands. When hands are laid on me or I pray, my healing begins at that point of contact.
Jesus was the will of God in action. He constantly showed people that God wanted them healed. He never turned a single person away that came to him for healing. Now that Jesus is in Heaven and sitting at the right hand of God the Father making intercession for you and me, He is able to do more in that position than when He was on this earth in a single body.
God wants you healed, and once that truth is lodged in your own heart, your next step is to make a point of contact. This “point of contact” refers to the moment you begin to release your faith for your healing. That will happen when you are totally convinced that God does not want you defeated through sickness, disease or torment. You will make your point of contact when there is no doubt that God is the Healer and He cares about you. You will make your point of contact when there is a conviction that God can take care of any affliction and any disease or any mental or emotional problems. After finding out God’s perfect will in the matter, you make your petition: “Thank God, I believe I receive my healing. Thank God, I’m healed by the stripes of Jesus.”
A point of contact can be made in two basic ways. One way is through prayer according to Mark 11:24: “Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them and you will have them.” Another way is through the laying on of hands: “In my name…they shal lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16: 17,18)
When a person makes his point of contact, at that moment he begins to believe he receives his healing. He may not feel it or see it, but he still believes he has received his answer. You may hear him say, “I believe I received three days ago when I prayed” or “I believe I received yesterday when hands were laid on me.” The important thing to remember is that once you have prayed, thoroughly believing that God wants to and will heal you, that you don’t question the healing. By that, I mean, God will heal you. You may experience symptoms a little while longer. If that happens, just continue to thank God for healing you. If you were to say something like, “Well, I thought God would heal me!” then you are confessing doubt. Then you need to go back to the scriptures and get thoroughly convinced again that it is God’s will to heal.
The reason people don’t receive their healing will be covered in tomorrow’s message. Keep checking in and don’t miss a single message. It will build your faith!
Confession: I know God’s will, so I pray, believing I receive what I desire through my own prayer of faith. Another way I receive from my Father is through the laying on of hands. When hands are laid on me or I pray, my healing begins at that point of contact.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Our Divine Commission
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe; in my name…they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” ---Mark 16:15-18
I would like to point out there are a lot of definites in this scripture. First of all, it is written in red, which means that Jesus said it! There is an authority, an ambassador of Heaven and representative of God Almighty that spoke this mandate. Secondly, He spoke it with the confidence that indicates that it is affirmed from heaven and confirmed by the Father. What validates this is the word “will.”
Why is it that we accept that when one believes and he is baptized, he is saved and if he doesn’t believe he is condemned? But when it comes to laying hands on the sick that they will recover is dismissed as though it doesn’t even exist? The saved and healing were intended to go together and benefit mankind so they will know that God is a caring God and wants people to be well.
Jesus didn’t say, “When you run across sick people, fast and pray to see if they are part of the chosen few God wants to heal.” Nor did He say, “Lay hands on the sick, and if it’s My will, they will recover.” No, Jesus said, “Go find the sick and preach the Gospel to them; then lay hands on them, and they will recover.” This is one of the signs He said would follow all believers.
We should be interested in learning how to operate in faith so we can, first of all, take hold of our own healing. And, if we’re going to be assets to the Kingdom of God, we should be even more interested in learning how to minister healing to sick people – ourselves! That’s what God has been trying to get across to us through His scriptures.
Another thing to point out about this Scripture is that it doesn’t say, “And these signs shall follow apostles and prophets.” No, it says very clearly, “These signs shall follow them that believe.” If you are a Believer, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t be helping out your family members and others, who are sick, to receive their healing. You see, we all have a divine commission to preach the Gospel, and the supernatural signs Jesus listed in these verses will follow us as we preach this message to others.
So tell people the Good News and that is that it’s God’s will to heal them. Show them Matthew 8:16 and Matthew 9:35 and Matthew 10:7,8. Let them know God loves them and has a plan and a purpose for their life. It is not God’s plan that they be in pain, torment or grief, but that they be healthy and whole so they can share the Gospel with those they come in contact with. Then lay hands on them, pray to God for mercy for that person and speak wholeness and life into their body. Then watch God’s promise of healing come to pass in their lives!
Confession: I can tell others the good news that Jesus walked on this earth sharing the news of the Kingdom of God and demonstrated God’s love for mankind by teaching, preaching and healing. He then was crucified, died and was raised from the dead to deliver mankind from sin and sickness. I can also help others receive healing by laying hands on the sick so they can recover to health and wholeness.
I would like to point out there are a lot of definites in this scripture. First of all, it is written in red, which means that Jesus said it! There is an authority, an ambassador of Heaven and representative of God Almighty that spoke this mandate. Secondly, He spoke it with the confidence that indicates that it is affirmed from heaven and confirmed by the Father. What validates this is the word “will.”
Why is it that we accept that when one believes and he is baptized, he is saved and if he doesn’t believe he is condemned? But when it comes to laying hands on the sick that they will recover is dismissed as though it doesn’t even exist? The saved and healing were intended to go together and benefit mankind so they will know that God is a caring God and wants people to be well.
Jesus didn’t say, “When you run across sick people, fast and pray to see if they are part of the chosen few God wants to heal.” Nor did He say, “Lay hands on the sick, and if it’s My will, they will recover.” No, Jesus said, “Go find the sick and preach the Gospel to them; then lay hands on them, and they will recover.” This is one of the signs He said would follow all believers.
We should be interested in learning how to operate in faith so we can, first of all, take hold of our own healing. And, if we’re going to be assets to the Kingdom of God, we should be even more interested in learning how to minister healing to sick people – ourselves! That’s what God has been trying to get across to us through His scriptures.
Another thing to point out about this Scripture is that it doesn’t say, “And these signs shall follow apostles and prophets.” No, it says very clearly, “These signs shall follow them that believe.” If you are a Believer, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t be helping out your family members and others, who are sick, to receive their healing. You see, we all have a divine commission to preach the Gospel, and the supernatural signs Jesus listed in these verses will follow us as we preach this message to others.
So tell people the Good News and that is that it’s God’s will to heal them. Show them Matthew 8:16 and Matthew 9:35 and Matthew 10:7,8. Let them know God loves them and has a plan and a purpose for their life. It is not God’s plan that they be in pain, torment or grief, but that they be healthy and whole so they can share the Gospel with those they come in contact with. Then lay hands on them, pray to God for mercy for that person and speak wholeness and life into their body. Then watch God’s promise of healing come to pass in their lives!
Confession: I can tell others the good news that Jesus walked on this earth sharing the news of the Kingdom of God and demonstrated God’s love for mankind by teaching, preaching and healing. He then was crucified, died and was raised from the dead to deliver mankind from sin and sickness. I can also help others receive healing by laying hands on the sick so they can recover to health and wholeness.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
How Many Sick People Does God Want to Heal?
Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. ---Mark 16:15, 17, 18
How many sick people is Jesus talking about in verse 18? He’s talking about all sick people. God wants all healed, and we know this from what Jesus said: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. And when you find anyone who are sick, lay your hands on them in Jesus’ name so they can recover.” If God didn’t want every sick person healed, Jesus wouldn’t have told us to lay hands on the sick people so He could heal them!
And by virtue of the fact that this is the last thing Jesus shared with His disciples while on earth, we know how important it is. It’s like this. Supposed you were going to leave for a long period of time, and you wanted your close friends to remember something important. Wouldn’t you make sure the last thing you said to them before you left was the message you really wanted them to remember?
That’s just what Jesus did in this passage of Scripture. It is called the Great Commission, and it still hasn’t been totally fulfilled. Therefore, every part of it is still for today.
In the Great Commission, Jesus tells us God wants every person to be saved, healed, set free and delivered. God doesn’t leave anyone out. But He doesn’t force His blessings on anyone either. God won’t force us to be saved, He won’t force us to be filled with the Holy Spirit and He won’t force us to be healed. God is a gentleman, and He only leads if we yield to Him.
God offers to mankind all that salvation encompasses. The original language describes salvation as “wholeness, saved from disaster, protected, healed, to be made well, and to do well” Jesus says, “Whosoever will, let him come.” He wants every creature to hear the Gospel, and He wants every creature healed!
Confession: My Father wants me healed. I believe God’s Word and receive healing for myself in Jesus’ name. And when I lay hands on the sick, they recover!
How many sick people is Jesus talking about in verse 18? He’s talking about all sick people. God wants all healed, and we know this from what Jesus said: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. And when you find anyone who are sick, lay your hands on them in Jesus’ name so they can recover.” If God didn’t want every sick person healed, Jesus wouldn’t have told us to lay hands on the sick people so He could heal them!
And by virtue of the fact that this is the last thing Jesus shared with His disciples while on earth, we know how important it is. It’s like this. Supposed you were going to leave for a long period of time, and you wanted your close friends to remember something important. Wouldn’t you make sure the last thing you said to them before you left was the message you really wanted them to remember?
That’s just what Jesus did in this passage of Scripture. It is called the Great Commission, and it still hasn’t been totally fulfilled. Therefore, every part of it is still for today.
In the Great Commission, Jesus tells us God wants every person to be saved, healed, set free and delivered. God doesn’t leave anyone out. But He doesn’t force His blessings on anyone either. God won’t force us to be saved, He won’t force us to be filled with the Holy Spirit and He won’t force us to be healed. God is a gentleman, and He only leads if we yield to Him.
God offers to mankind all that salvation encompasses. The original language describes salvation as “wholeness, saved from disaster, protected, healed, to be made well, and to do well” Jesus says, “Whosoever will, let him come.” He wants every creature to hear the Gospel, and He wants every creature healed!
Confession: My Father wants me healed. I believe God’s Word and receive healing for myself in Jesus’ name. And when I lay hands on the sick, they recover!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Healing Is Not Just A Divine Afterthought
For we are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. ---1 Corinthians 6:20
Have you ever noticed that God talks about healing before He talks about salvation? He does! He says “Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit.” Healing was not a divine afterthought. It was instituted before the new birth.
Look at what Isaiah 53:4-5 says: “Surely he hath borne our griefs (or sicknesses), and carried our sorrows (or pains); yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions(rebellion, sin); he was bruised for our iniquities(perversion, sin): the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Healing is all around the life of Jesus and His atonement - mind, soul and body. In the prophetic scriptures of Isaiah, healing is revealed in verse 4 and salvation in verse 5 which finishes up with more healing. Does that mean healing is more important? No, but God knew the Body of Christ (the Church) would have more trouble believing for healing; perhaps that’s why He put it first.
Jesus bore stripes on His back before He hung on the Cross. He paid the price for our physical health before He paid the price for our new birth. I say that because it was while Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane that God withdrew His protective hedge and when Jesus released Himself for death on the cross. It was there that all our sins and sickness and torments were laid on Him; thus paying the price for our physical health. Understand, healing isn’t more important than our salvation, but God wants us to know it is equally as important to Him as salvation. God wants us to have both salvation and healing, and we receive both the same way---through faith.
So we must study what the Bible says about the Atonement and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As you do, you’ll come to a firm persuasion, an unshakable confidence that you are as healed as you are saved.
Confession: The work of the Savior is complete. Jesus paid the price so I could not only be saved, but healed as well. I live free of sickness and disease. I am healed, I am well, I am whole!
In Part from “Prescription for a Miracle” by Mark Brazee
Have you ever noticed that God talks about healing before He talks about salvation? He does! He says “Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit.” Healing was not a divine afterthought. It was instituted before the new birth.
Look at what Isaiah 53:4-5 says: “Surely he hath borne our griefs (or sicknesses), and carried our sorrows (or pains); yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions(rebellion, sin); he was bruised for our iniquities(perversion, sin): the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Healing is all around the life of Jesus and His atonement - mind, soul and body. In the prophetic scriptures of Isaiah, healing is revealed in verse 4 and salvation in verse 5 which finishes up with more healing. Does that mean healing is more important? No, but God knew the Body of Christ (the Church) would have more trouble believing for healing; perhaps that’s why He put it first.
Jesus bore stripes on His back before He hung on the Cross. He paid the price for our physical health before He paid the price for our new birth. I say that because it was while Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane that God withdrew His protective hedge and when Jesus released Himself for death on the cross. It was there that all our sins and sickness and torments were laid on Him; thus paying the price for our physical health. Understand, healing isn’t more important than our salvation, but God wants us to know it is equally as important to Him as salvation. God wants us to have both salvation and healing, and we receive both the same way---through faith.
So we must study what the Bible says about the Atonement and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As you do, you’ll come to a firm persuasion, an unshakable confidence that you are as healed as you are saved.
Confession: The work of the Savior is complete. Jesus paid the price so I could not only be saved, but healed as well. I live free of sickness and disease. I am healed, I am well, I am whole!
In Part from “Prescription for a Miracle” by Mark Brazee
Friday, March 20, 2009
Do We Think to Ask?
If you ask anything in my Name I will do it. ---John 14:14
I am a student of the Bible and yet, I fail to “do” what I study we as Christians should do. Let me explain. Last week, I knew I was sick. My head hurt; there was drainage down my throat which made me cough. There was something going on, yet it was not a cold. I went all week thinking it was just allergies or something. But it just got worse. Like the rest of you (I’m guessing) I get wrapped up in my life and don’t think about spiritual matters when my body hurts.
So, as the week progressed, I knew something more than allergies was going on. By Friday, I woke up and I heard the Spirit say, “You have a sinus infection.” So, all day, I knew what my problem was but I still didn’t pray, I didn’t command the stuff to dry up, I just hurt. I went to Wal Mart and got a nettie pot and started using salt water to clear my nasal passages. By the end of the weekend, I was on pain medication all day. I knew I had to get to the doctor on Monday. I knew I had a sinus infection and I just wanted some “drugs” to take care of it. Sound familiar????
I fell into the trap that we all do. We know our symptoms, we may even know what is wrong, and we immediately seek our medicine cabinet, the doctor and drugs. This is NOT why Jesus died on the cross...that we could wallow in pain. He died so we could petition Him so He could give us help!! He gave us authority to speak to the pain, to command our bodies to line up and be healthy, that the infection dry up and our sinus be healthy! He expects us to use our commanding power (a key to the Kingdom).
I blew it last week. But thank God His mercies are new every morning. The day I went to see the doctor I told her my symptoms. She prescribed an antibiotic and nasal spray. I said, what do I have? She said “You have a sinus infection.” I knew that. I just wanted to get confirmation. I was so sick that I just wanted to go home and crawl into bed. I knew I had done what every person who doesn’t know their healing covenant, and even those who do - did. I allowed the sickness to grow and didn’t even try to stop it.
So what should I do to make amends to my Father in Heaven who has already provided healing for my body? I repented!!! I asked God to forgive me for letting this get so far that I had to see a doctor. I asked Him to heal my body. And here is the awesomeness of God’s love and mercy. I took my first antibiotic pill and first dose of nasal spray. Went to bed for the night. The next morning it was like I had never been sick. My head didn’t hurt, my nose was clear and there was very little drainage. I had experienced a supernatural healing. Today is Friday and all week I have been clear of any symptoms of a sinus infection although I have continued on the antibiotic.
My word for today? As soon as you feel the first symptom come upon your body, make a declaration like this:
Declaration: My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. I am a child of God and Jesus died for me and when He did, all my sickness and diseases were taken on by Him. Now body, line up with the Word of God. I command all sickness and symptoms to leave my body NOW. Sinuses, be normal, whole and healthy. In the Name of Jesus be healed!
I am a student of the Bible and yet, I fail to “do” what I study we as Christians should do. Let me explain. Last week, I knew I was sick. My head hurt; there was drainage down my throat which made me cough. There was something going on, yet it was not a cold. I went all week thinking it was just allergies or something. But it just got worse. Like the rest of you (I’m guessing) I get wrapped up in my life and don’t think about spiritual matters when my body hurts.
So, as the week progressed, I knew something more than allergies was going on. By Friday, I woke up and I heard the Spirit say, “You have a sinus infection.” So, all day, I knew what my problem was but I still didn’t pray, I didn’t command the stuff to dry up, I just hurt. I went to Wal Mart and got a nettie pot and started using salt water to clear my nasal passages. By the end of the weekend, I was on pain medication all day. I knew I had to get to the doctor on Monday. I knew I had a sinus infection and I just wanted some “drugs” to take care of it. Sound familiar????
I fell into the trap that we all do. We know our symptoms, we may even know what is wrong, and we immediately seek our medicine cabinet, the doctor and drugs. This is NOT why Jesus died on the cross...that we could wallow in pain. He died so we could petition Him so He could give us help!! He gave us authority to speak to the pain, to command our bodies to line up and be healthy, that the infection dry up and our sinus be healthy! He expects us to use our commanding power (a key to the Kingdom).
I blew it last week. But thank God His mercies are new every morning. The day I went to see the doctor I told her my symptoms. She prescribed an antibiotic and nasal spray. I said, what do I have? She said “You have a sinus infection.” I knew that. I just wanted to get confirmation. I was so sick that I just wanted to go home and crawl into bed. I knew I had done what every person who doesn’t know their healing covenant, and even those who do - did. I allowed the sickness to grow and didn’t even try to stop it.
So what should I do to make amends to my Father in Heaven who has already provided healing for my body? I repented!!! I asked God to forgive me for letting this get so far that I had to see a doctor. I asked Him to heal my body. And here is the awesomeness of God’s love and mercy. I took my first antibiotic pill and first dose of nasal spray. Went to bed for the night. The next morning it was like I had never been sick. My head didn’t hurt, my nose was clear and there was very little drainage. I had experienced a supernatural healing. Today is Friday and all week I have been clear of any symptoms of a sinus infection although I have continued on the antibiotic.
My word for today? As soon as you feel the first symptom come upon your body, make a declaration like this:
Declaration: My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. I am a child of God and Jesus died for me and when He did, all my sickness and diseases were taken on by Him. Now body, line up with the Word of God. I command all sickness and symptoms to leave my body NOW. Sinuses, be normal, whole and healthy. In the Name of Jesus be healed!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
We Are Sealed!
In Him, you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession to the praise of His glory. ---Ephesians 1:13,14
From Ephesians 1:1-14, Paul is assuming that the people of Ephesus, who are reading his letter, are Believers. Those who are reading had heard of Jesus and His miraculous birth, they heard of His incredible ministry and how He talked about the Kingdom of God and the “good news” for those who would accept Him. They had heard of His death, burial and resurrection and the promises Jesus had made concerning those who would accept, believe and participate in the Kingdom He had re-introduced back to the earth.
To top it all off Paul gave an incredible witness of his personal experience with the risen Lord! Those who heard came to a place in their hearts and minds that it was Truth! So, Paul continues his discourse in Ephesians 1:13 and 14 that not only are they chosen, adopted, accepted, forgiven, wise and careful, and have understanding of the mysteries and received an inheritance, he continues to tell them that they have been sealed with the Holy Spirit!
Understand, this is not in the natural realm. All of this is in the spirit realm – which by the way is more real than what we live in today. We Believers must know that although we don’t see or feel what has been revealed to us, it is as real as the home we live in or the car we drive. The spirit realm is real and our Lord wants us to not only believe, but to act as though we have everything He has revealed that we have.
So, let’s return to the sealed part. In the original Greek, sealed is a very definite and concrete act that God has done for you and me. Think back to before there were post offices and airmail! Even 200 years ago, when a letter was written the envelope was closed and a drop of wax was dripped on the flap. Then a signet ring or stamp was pressed into the soft wax to indicate who was sending the letter and also securing the note inside the envelope.
The word “sealed” means a private mark or stamp for security or preservation. It is like placing a fence of protection from misappropriation. It is also a strengthening form of the feelings or sensitive nature; the mind or cognitive faculties. (Strong’s Concordance) Let me put this in our own words, God has placed a protective hedge around your mind so that you can think the thoughts of God. He has sealed or preserved your understanding to create a strong foundation that would protect you from ill-conceived thoughts.
The enemy of your soul, the devil, knows that you are sealed, but as long as you give him opportunities to drop thoughts of fear, insecurity, anger, and a multitude of other depreciating emotions into your head, he knows you will never act on your authority as a Believer. He wants you to be ignorant. But Paul was writing to the Ephesians and every Believer in the future that we are in Christ (in Him.) It is our responsibility to think, believe and act as though we are who God reveals through Paul who we are and that we are covered with protection from Him.
Confession: As a believer of Jesus Christ and His life on this earth, I am special in the eyes of God and have been granted special benefits. I realize that I have been sealed by the most High God, the Creator of the Universe as His special child so that I can be protected and build a solid foundation in which I can be a change-agent on this earth that will expand the Kingdom of God.
From Ephesians 1:1-14, Paul is assuming that the people of Ephesus, who are reading his letter, are Believers. Those who are reading had heard of Jesus and His miraculous birth, they heard of His incredible ministry and how He talked about the Kingdom of God and the “good news” for those who would accept Him. They had heard of His death, burial and resurrection and the promises Jesus had made concerning those who would accept, believe and participate in the Kingdom He had re-introduced back to the earth.
To top it all off Paul gave an incredible witness of his personal experience with the risen Lord! Those who heard came to a place in their hearts and minds that it was Truth! So, Paul continues his discourse in Ephesians 1:13 and 14 that not only are they chosen, adopted, accepted, forgiven, wise and careful, and have understanding of the mysteries and received an inheritance, he continues to tell them that they have been sealed with the Holy Spirit!
Understand, this is not in the natural realm. All of this is in the spirit realm – which by the way is more real than what we live in today. We Believers must know that although we don’t see or feel what has been revealed to us, it is as real as the home we live in or the car we drive. The spirit realm is real and our Lord wants us to not only believe, but to act as though we have everything He has revealed that we have.
So, let’s return to the sealed part. In the original Greek, sealed is a very definite and concrete act that God has done for you and me. Think back to before there were post offices and airmail! Even 200 years ago, when a letter was written the envelope was closed and a drop of wax was dripped on the flap. Then a signet ring or stamp was pressed into the soft wax to indicate who was sending the letter and also securing the note inside the envelope.
The word “sealed” means a private mark or stamp for security or preservation. It is like placing a fence of protection from misappropriation. It is also a strengthening form of the feelings or sensitive nature; the mind or cognitive faculties. (Strong’s Concordance) Let me put this in our own words, God has placed a protective hedge around your mind so that you can think the thoughts of God. He has sealed or preserved your understanding to create a strong foundation that would protect you from ill-conceived thoughts.
The enemy of your soul, the devil, knows that you are sealed, but as long as you give him opportunities to drop thoughts of fear, insecurity, anger, and a multitude of other depreciating emotions into your head, he knows you will never act on your authority as a Believer. He wants you to be ignorant. But Paul was writing to the Ephesians and every Believer in the future that we are in Christ (in Him.) It is our responsibility to think, believe and act as though we are who God reveals through Paul who we are and that we are covered with protection from Him.
Confession: As a believer of Jesus Christ and His life on this earth, I am special in the eyes of God and have been granted special benefits. I realize that I have been sealed by the most High God, the Creator of the Universe as His special child so that I can be protected and build a solid foundation in which I can be a change-agent on this earth that will expand the Kingdom of God.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
We Have An Inheritance
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will ---Ephesians 1:11
We see this phrase, “In Him” used over and over in Ephesians and the New Testament because when we accept Jesus as our Lord, we are in Him and He is in us. What we are studying is the benefits of being in Him; being a part of His world, and He is a part of our lives. In the beginning of our study of Ephesians 1 we found that we have been predestined to be a Child of God, which is to be in Him. From the foundations of the earth, God knew you would be on this earth at this time and for a specific purpose. But first, you must accept what God sent to the earth and gave as a sacrifice for your sinful nature and that is Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the final sacrifice necessary to restore man’s relationship with God. With that done, our part is to accept all that was done and join other Believers in knowing who you are as a result of being His child.
We, as Believers, have been given many benefits. Let me recap what we know just by studying Ephesians 1 – 10. First, we are considered a saint or a holy one. We have been given grace and peace. We are blessed by God. We are chosen by God to do specific things on this earth. We are considered holy and blameless through the blood of Jesus. We have been adopted into the family of God. We have been accepted for who we are. We have been forgiven for all the mistakes of the past. We have been given wisdom and prudence so we can be effective agents for the Kingdom. And we have been and are able to receive mysteries of the scriptures and what is happening in our world today. Wow! What a list! I don’t know about you, but I feel very special and BLESSED!
In today’s verse, we find that we have obtained an inheritance that was already established before we even made our presence on this earth. This inheritance comes from the gifts of God for the purpose of building or growing God’s Kingdom. This inheritance is legally binding, just as a will is drawn up in an attorney’s office and is legally binding. This is what God wants, desires and expects you to receive and use for His glory.
What is this inheritance? Things that God will allocate to us as His children. In a previous study, I covered this in the Keys of the Kingdom. The inheritance includes 1) Covenant with God 2) Baptism of the Holy Spirit 3) The Name of Jesus 4) Authority as a Believer 5) Commanding Power. These are all very powerful tools that Jesus has given to every Believer as specific keys to living a victorious life and advancing the Kingdom of God. This is the will of God. It is what establishes the confidence of your purpose on this earth and the solid ground for living a successful and victorious life today. The question is, will you receive your inheritance and facilitate what you have been allocated?
Confession: I have received an inheritance from God for the purpose of His will to be done on this earth. I will study the Word of God, commune with my Father God, and be a doer of the Word with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in me.
We see this phrase, “In Him” used over and over in Ephesians and the New Testament because when we accept Jesus as our Lord, we are in Him and He is in us. What we are studying is the benefits of being in Him; being a part of His world, and He is a part of our lives. In the beginning of our study of Ephesians 1 we found that we have been predestined to be a Child of God, which is to be in Him. From the foundations of the earth, God knew you would be on this earth at this time and for a specific purpose. But first, you must accept what God sent to the earth and gave as a sacrifice for your sinful nature and that is Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the final sacrifice necessary to restore man’s relationship with God. With that done, our part is to accept all that was done and join other Believers in knowing who you are as a result of being His child.
We, as Believers, have been given many benefits. Let me recap what we know just by studying Ephesians 1 – 10. First, we are considered a saint or a holy one. We have been given grace and peace. We are blessed by God. We are chosen by God to do specific things on this earth. We are considered holy and blameless through the blood of Jesus. We have been adopted into the family of God. We have been accepted for who we are. We have been forgiven for all the mistakes of the past. We have been given wisdom and prudence so we can be effective agents for the Kingdom. And we have been and are able to receive mysteries of the scriptures and what is happening in our world today. Wow! What a list! I don’t know about you, but I feel very special and BLESSED!
In today’s verse, we find that we have obtained an inheritance that was already established before we even made our presence on this earth. This inheritance comes from the gifts of God for the purpose of building or growing God’s Kingdom. This inheritance is legally binding, just as a will is drawn up in an attorney’s office and is legally binding. This is what God wants, desires and expects you to receive and use for His glory.
What is this inheritance? Things that God will allocate to us as His children. In a previous study, I covered this in the Keys of the Kingdom. The inheritance includes 1) Covenant with God 2) Baptism of the Holy Spirit 3) The Name of Jesus 4) Authority as a Believer 5) Commanding Power. These are all very powerful tools that Jesus has given to every Believer as specific keys to living a victorious life and advancing the Kingdom of God. This is the will of God. It is what establishes the confidence of your purpose on this earth and the solid ground for living a successful and victorious life today. The question is, will you receive your inheritance and facilitate what you have been allocated?
Confession: I have received an inheritance from God for the purpose of His will to be done on this earth. I will study the Word of God, commune with my Father God, and be a doer of the Word with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in me.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Mysteries Revealed In The Last Days
For this reason, I, Paul, ….if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets.... ---Ephesians 3:1-5
I, like you, am sometimes stumped by what the authors of scriptures are saying. It is difficult to place ourselves in the culture, life and times that these writers were in. And I believe that even the authors didn’t fully understand what they were writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Think of Isaiah who wrote about the One that would come. That wasn’t to happen for 800-900 years, and there was no such thing as crucifixion in his day. Yet he was writing that God’s sent One would hang upon a tree.
There are many other mysterious scriptures, like what John wrote in Revelations. He wrote things that he had no grid to base the images on. So, he described images in which he could equate. What John thought may be a mosquito or locust is today’s helicopters. So, the authors of scriptures were as confused as our parents or grandparents were.
Today, we are in a different day. Everyone I talk to agree that we are in “the last days.” We are the privileged ones to see prophecy being fulfilled. Although there is turmoil, chaos, uncertainty about our future, we are also in the most exciting time of history – for the Believer! How can I say this? Let us read in Ephesians 1 where we have been studying. In verse 9 and 10: “having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth in Him.”
As we get closer to the “fullness of the times” more and more men and women are getting a deeper understanding of the prophetic messages from Daniel, Ezekiel and many other prophets…not only in the Old Testament, but also the New Testament. After his astounding conversion experience, Paul had a short meeting with a couple of the apostles, then left the area altogether and went to Arabia for three years where he was taught by the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 1:17,18)
Through the Holy Spirit, God can direct our thoughts and hearts and open up scriptures where we will understand “His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself.” We are in the days that were written about thousands of years ago and you and I are the privileged generation that will see it totally revealed. Paul left his friends, his work associates and country so he could get away to hear the voice of God. He came back with a complete heart and mind change because he had immersed himself with the Lord.
As we watch the world, our government, even our work places grasping for answers and solutions, let us turn our hearts and minds to the author of history, our Loving Father. He will make known to us the mystery of His will and gather together those who are “in Christ” here on earth and those in heaven. Will you be among us? Commit to spend quality time with your Abba, Daddy who will direct your thoughts in these “last days.”
Confession: I don’t always understand what the scripture is saying, but I trust you, Father. Help me to be strong and of a sound mind in these days of confusion and chaos. Thank you for walking with me.
I, like you, am sometimes stumped by what the authors of scriptures are saying. It is difficult to place ourselves in the culture, life and times that these writers were in. And I believe that even the authors didn’t fully understand what they were writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Think of Isaiah who wrote about the One that would come. That wasn’t to happen for 800-900 years, and there was no such thing as crucifixion in his day. Yet he was writing that God’s sent One would hang upon a tree.
There are many other mysterious scriptures, like what John wrote in Revelations. He wrote things that he had no grid to base the images on. So, he described images in which he could equate. What John thought may be a mosquito or locust is today’s helicopters. So, the authors of scriptures were as confused as our parents or grandparents were.
Today, we are in a different day. Everyone I talk to agree that we are in “the last days.” We are the privileged ones to see prophecy being fulfilled. Although there is turmoil, chaos, uncertainty about our future, we are also in the most exciting time of history – for the Believer! How can I say this? Let us read in Ephesians 1 where we have been studying. In verse 9 and 10: “having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth in Him.”
As we get closer to the “fullness of the times” more and more men and women are getting a deeper understanding of the prophetic messages from Daniel, Ezekiel and many other prophets…not only in the Old Testament, but also the New Testament. After his astounding conversion experience, Paul had a short meeting with a couple of the apostles, then left the area altogether and went to Arabia for three years where he was taught by the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 1:17,18)
Through the Holy Spirit, God can direct our thoughts and hearts and open up scriptures where we will understand “His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself.” We are in the days that were written about thousands of years ago and you and I are the privileged generation that will see it totally revealed. Paul left his friends, his work associates and country so he could get away to hear the voice of God. He came back with a complete heart and mind change because he had immersed himself with the Lord.
As we watch the world, our government, even our work places grasping for answers and solutions, let us turn our hearts and minds to the author of history, our Loving Father. He will make known to us the mystery of His will and gather together those who are “in Christ” here on earth and those in heaven. Will you be among us? Commit to spend quality time with your Abba, Daddy who will direct your thoughts in these “last days.”
Confession: I don’t always understand what the scripture is saying, but I trust you, Father. Help me to be strong and of a sound mind in these days of confusion and chaos. Thank you for walking with me.
Monday, March 16, 2009
We Have Access to Wisdom
…which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence… ---Ephesians 1:8
I have always wanted to be …wise. Knowing statistics and facts is one thing, but to be wise really comes from knowledge and experience. King Solomon was a very rich king. His father was King David who had amassed great wealth. King Solomon inherited that wealth, then made more wealth. Yet, in all his luxury and accomplishments, his one request to God was that he be granted “wisdom.” This pleased God very much because wisdom is what is required when working with people and situations. When you know how to work with people and in all situations, then you have the ability to gain wealth.
In our verse for today, we find that God desires for us to “abound” or to have an abundance of wisdom and prudence. The word abound means to have in excess, greatly surpass and excel. God desires us to succeed as His child. He wants us to have a sound mind…His mind... to walk through life. God is all wise and He has created our brain and spirit to work together to abound in wisdom.
The other area God wants us to abound or have in excess and excel in is prudence. Webster’s Dictionary says that “prudence” is the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. It also means skill and good judgment in the use of resources as well as caution as to danger or risk. I’m so glad that my Father in heaven has given us the ability to be prudent. He wants us to be a success and not step into a dangerous or risky situation. He has given us the ability to look at all the facts, figures and circumstances and use a sound mind so we can be victorious, successful and above the rest of the pack.
So, to sum this up in Ephesians 1:8, as a believer in Christ Jesus and what was accomplished on the cross by the shedding of His blood, we have been “graced” or given the ability by God to be wise and to govern and discipline our mind to make sound decisions for the purpose of furthering the Kingdom of God and to be successful in life so we can be a witness for others to see.
Confession: I will purpose in my heart the ask God for the wisdom and prudence to help me become what God has destined me to be for His kingdom. I know that with God, all things are possible.
I have always wanted to be …wise. Knowing statistics and facts is one thing, but to be wise really comes from knowledge and experience. King Solomon was a very rich king. His father was King David who had amassed great wealth. King Solomon inherited that wealth, then made more wealth. Yet, in all his luxury and accomplishments, his one request to God was that he be granted “wisdom.” This pleased God very much because wisdom is what is required when working with people and situations. When you know how to work with people and in all situations, then you have the ability to gain wealth.
In our verse for today, we find that God desires for us to “abound” or to have an abundance of wisdom and prudence. The word abound means to have in excess, greatly surpass and excel. God desires us to succeed as His child. He wants us to have a sound mind…His mind... to walk through life. God is all wise and He has created our brain and spirit to work together to abound in wisdom.
The other area God wants us to abound or have in excess and excel in is prudence. Webster’s Dictionary says that “prudence” is the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. It also means skill and good judgment in the use of resources as well as caution as to danger or risk. I’m so glad that my Father in heaven has given us the ability to be prudent. He wants us to be a success and not step into a dangerous or risky situation. He has given us the ability to look at all the facts, figures and circumstances and use a sound mind so we can be victorious, successful and above the rest of the pack.
So, to sum this up in Ephesians 1:8, as a believer in Christ Jesus and what was accomplished on the cross by the shedding of His blood, we have been “graced” or given the ability by God to be wise and to govern and discipline our mind to make sound decisions for the purpose of furthering the Kingdom of God and to be successful in life so we can be a witness for others to see.
Confession: I will purpose in my heart the ask God for the wisdom and prudence to help me become what God has destined me to be for His kingdom. I know that with God, all things are possible.
Friday, March 13, 2009
We Are Forgiven!
I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. ---1 John 2:12
Realizing we can be forgiven for things done and said in the past is probably the most difficult mental exercise we can go through. We know our mental thoughts that led up to a rebellious or sinful act were real. We know that what we did hurt someone or set something into motion that altered an outcome for someone or something that was manipulated. We have bad habits, bad attitudes and wrong desires. We know we are sinful. And yet, Jesus still loves us. He died on the cross because He knew there was no other way to make mankind in right standing with God. His life wasn’t taken; He gave His life….for you!
Our study verse for today is Ephesians 1:7 which reads, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” This verse is so rich; we can’t begin to plumb the depths of it. But for today, we must focus on His forgiveness.
The original word forgiveness means to be liberated, to be found pleasurable, found worthy, pardoned, rescued and delivered; all resulting in cheerfulness and well being. Imagine feeling free of condemnation for things done in the past! Imagine knowing your past is all over, done with and final. Now turn your face forward to the future knowing you are all cleaned up of the muck and dirt of your past life. It is all left behind. That is exactly what Jesus did when He died on the cross for you. He has redeemed (the act of paying a ransom) you. He has made all things new for you. You have been made a new creation, according to 2 Corinthians 17. It says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” That word “new” means fresh, unused and novel.
So beginning today, let’s start acting like we have been liberated from our past, knowing we have been found pleasurable, worthy and have been pardoned from our lies, behaviors, thoughts and habits. Tomorrow, we will see what our next step is in our new-found freedom of sin.
Confession: I am forgiven! I am liberated from my past; the shackles have been cut off because I have found new life in Jesus, my Redeemer and Savior. I am a new creation because I believe that Jesus died for me and have been redeemed, purchased through the blood of Jesus on the Cross. Now, it is my responsibility to learn to walk in my new life as a child of God.
Realizing we can be forgiven for things done and said in the past is probably the most difficult mental exercise we can go through. We know our mental thoughts that led up to a rebellious or sinful act were real. We know that what we did hurt someone or set something into motion that altered an outcome for someone or something that was manipulated. We have bad habits, bad attitudes and wrong desires. We know we are sinful. And yet, Jesus still loves us. He died on the cross because He knew there was no other way to make mankind in right standing with God. His life wasn’t taken; He gave His life….for you!
Our study verse for today is Ephesians 1:7 which reads, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” This verse is so rich; we can’t begin to plumb the depths of it. But for today, we must focus on His forgiveness.
The original word forgiveness means to be liberated, to be found pleasurable, found worthy, pardoned, rescued and delivered; all resulting in cheerfulness and well being. Imagine feeling free of condemnation for things done in the past! Imagine knowing your past is all over, done with and final. Now turn your face forward to the future knowing you are all cleaned up of the muck and dirt of your past life. It is all left behind. That is exactly what Jesus did when He died on the cross for you. He has redeemed (the act of paying a ransom) you. He has made all things new for you. You have been made a new creation, according to 2 Corinthians 17. It says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” That word “new” means fresh, unused and novel.
So beginning today, let’s start acting like we have been liberated from our past, knowing we have been found pleasurable, worthy and have been pardoned from our lies, behaviors, thoughts and habits. Tomorrow, we will see what our next step is in our new-found freedom of sin.
Confession: I am forgiven! I am liberated from my past; the shackles have been cut off because I have found new life in Jesus, my Redeemer and Savior. I am a new creation because I believe that Jesus died for me and have been redeemed, purchased through the blood of Jesus on the Cross. Now, it is my responsibility to learn to walk in my new life as a child of God.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Urgent Message
Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
Now, he is writing again that the Lord has sounded the alarm. Here is what he writes on Saturday, March 7, 2009 in an urgent message:
"I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to send out an urgent message to all on our mailing list, and to friends and to bishops we have met all over the world.
First, I give you a practical word I received for my own direction. If possible lay in store a thirty-day supply of non-perishable food, toiletries and other essentials. In major cities, grocery stores are emptied in an hour at the sign of an impending disaster.
---Amos 3:7
We Are In A Different Day
Today I am suspending my regular daily devotion because of an urgent message from a Father in the Faith, David Wilkerson. He is a pastor, author and a prophet of the Lord. He has written to those on his mailing list and I was forwarded this message because of the reputation he has and the severity of the message. David has a church in New York City whereupon weeks before the attack on September 11, he was impressed of the Lord that there was impending danger and calamity coming to New York. He suspended church services at that time and within a few weeks, the calamity came. His church people were free of obligations to help those in the time of need.
We Are In A Different Day
Today I am suspending my regular daily devotion because of an urgent message from a Father in the Faith, David Wilkerson. He is a pastor, author and a prophet of the Lord. He has written to those on his mailing list and I was forwarded this message because of the reputation he has and the severity of the message. David has a church in New York City whereupon weeks before the attack on September 11, he was impressed of the Lord that there was impending danger and calamity coming to New York. He suspended church services at that time and within a few weeks, the calamity came. His church people were free of obligations to help those in the time of need.
Now, he is writing again that the Lord has sounded the alarm. Here is what he writes on Saturday, March 7, 2009 in an urgent message:
"I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to send out an urgent message to all on our mailing list, and to friends and to bishops we have met all over the world.
AN EARTH-SHATTERING CALAMITY IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. IT IS GOING TO BE SO FRIGHTENING, WE ARE ALL GOING TO TREMBLE - EVEN THE GODLIEST AMONG US.
For ten years I have been warning about a thousand fires coming to New York City. It will engulf the whole megaplex, including areas of New Jersey and Connecticut. Major cities all across America will experience riots and blazing fires—such as we saw in Watts, Los Angeles, years ago.There will be riots and fires in cities worldwide. There will be looting—including Times Square, New York City.
What we are experiencing now is not a recession, not even a depression. We are under God’s wrath. In Psalm 11 it is written,“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (v. 3). God is judging the raging sins of America and the nations. He is destroying the secular foundations.The prophet Jeremiah pleaded with wicked Israel, “God is fashioning a calamity against you and devising a plan against you. Oh, turn back each of you from your evil way, and reform your ways and deeds. But they will say, It’s hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart” (Jeremiah 18:11-12).
In Psalm 11:6, David warns, “Upon the wicked he will rain snares (coals of fire)…fire…burning wind…will be the portion of their cup.” Why? David answered, “Because the Lord is righteous” (v. 7). This is a righteous judgment—just as in the judgments of Sodom and in Noah’s generation.
WHAT SHALL THE RIGHTEOUS DO? WHAT ABOUT GOD’S PEOPLE?
First, I give you a practical word I received for my own direction. If possible lay in store a thirty-day supply of non-perishable food, toiletries and other essentials. In major cities, grocery stores are emptied in an hour at the sign of an impending disaster.
As for our spiritual reaction, we have but two options. This is outlined in Psalm 11. We “flee like a bird to a mountain.” Or, as David says, “He fixed his eyes on the Lord on his throne in heaven—his eyes beholding, his eyelids testing the sons of men” (v. 4). “In the Lord I take refuge” (v. 1).I will say to my soul: No need to run...no need to hide. This is God’s righteous work. I will behold our Lord on his throne, with his eye of tender, loving kindness watching over every step I take—trusting that he will deliver his people even through floods, fires, calamities, tests, trials of all kinds.
Note: I do not know when these things will come to pass, but I know it is not far off. I have unburdened my soul to you. Do with the message as you choose."
God bless and keep you,
In Christ,
DAVID WILKERSON
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
We Are Accepted!
…to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. ---Ephesians 1:6
My husband and I dated off and on for two years while I was in school. As a young lady, I was always listening to his conversation that would include “us” or “we” as we talked about the future. I wanted so much for him to choose me as his bride and accept me for who I was that would make us a couple for life. Finally there came a point in our relationship that he was wholly convinced that it was I who would complete him as a person and committed himself to me. I felt so loved and accepted as he declared himself and his love to me which has continued for 37 years.
How much more does our Father in heaven love us and accept us for who we are. After all, He is the one who knit us in our mother’s womb and wrote our future out in His Book in heaven! We may think, “How could God love me after my mistakes, mess-ups, and rebellion?” Well, amazingly, God loves you even more because He knows how much He has for you and knows that if you simply turn your life over to Him, He can walk you back through to the blessings He has in store for you. He understands our weaknesses and failures. He knows we live in a world that is dominated by sin, lust, pride, fears and anger. He knows all this and yet He still accepts you for who YOU ARE!
There was a time in my life that I wanted to know that God was real and that He knew I was here on earth! I had been going to mainline denominational churches my entire life, but felt that religion was dead! I was thinking, if this is all there is to church and religion, I’m not sure I want any part of it. I was going through a Bible Study called The 21 Day Experiment which was talking about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I thought that if I experienced new tongues, then there would be proof that I am worshipping a real and living God.
So, one night, I was praying and meditating on this study. I was pleading with God to show Himself real to me so I could know I am in the right track. As I was praying, I had a very vivid vision. I saw myself walking in a beautiful meadow filled with flowers. In the distance, I saw a person dressed in white. I knew this was Jesus and He was walking toward me. I walked toward Him and then picked up the pace. I couldn’t wait to get to Him and as I approached He opened His arms wide to take me in. I stepped into the circle of His arms and He wrapped them around me. He spoke with such tenderness and said, “Debbie, I love you for who YOU are.” I knew that what I was doing was putting a demand on Jesus to make Himself real to me through something supernatural which I had never experienced before.Yet, He was the one who wanted me to know that He accepted and loved me! For that time, the tongues was not important. I had to realize that Jesus love me for being ME!
It isn’t what you do, it isn’t what you have experienced or not experienced. It isn’t who your parents are or what they’ve accomplished or what you have accomplished. He simply loves you for being YOU. It is for this reason that we can read this verse in Ephesians 1:6 and fall in love with Jesus. You can praise and adore Jesus that He has accepted YOU. “…to the praise of the glory of His grace by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” The word “grace” here means divine influence upon the heart. He wants us to know that in the spirit-realm, you must know you have been accepted into the heart of Jesus and He into your heart. You are bound as one, like a couple of newly weds, YOU ARE ACCEPTED!
Confession: I praise God that no matter what I have or haven’t done, said, or experienced Jesus still loves me and accepts me for who I am because He is the one who lovingly crafted me and wrote my destiny. My responsibility is to stay committed to Him and let Him direct my ways, thoughts and heart.
My husband and I dated off and on for two years while I was in school. As a young lady, I was always listening to his conversation that would include “us” or “we” as we talked about the future. I wanted so much for him to choose me as his bride and accept me for who I was that would make us a couple for life. Finally there came a point in our relationship that he was wholly convinced that it was I who would complete him as a person and committed himself to me. I felt so loved and accepted as he declared himself and his love to me which has continued for 37 years.
How much more does our Father in heaven love us and accept us for who we are. After all, He is the one who knit us in our mother’s womb and wrote our future out in His Book in heaven! We may think, “How could God love me after my mistakes, mess-ups, and rebellion?” Well, amazingly, God loves you even more because He knows how much He has for you and knows that if you simply turn your life over to Him, He can walk you back through to the blessings He has in store for you. He understands our weaknesses and failures. He knows we live in a world that is dominated by sin, lust, pride, fears and anger. He knows all this and yet He still accepts you for who YOU ARE!
There was a time in my life that I wanted to know that God was real and that He knew I was here on earth! I had been going to mainline denominational churches my entire life, but felt that religion was dead! I was thinking, if this is all there is to church and religion, I’m not sure I want any part of it. I was going through a Bible Study called The 21 Day Experiment which was talking about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I thought that if I experienced new tongues, then there would be proof that I am worshipping a real and living God.
So, one night, I was praying and meditating on this study. I was pleading with God to show Himself real to me so I could know I am in the right track. As I was praying, I had a very vivid vision. I saw myself walking in a beautiful meadow filled with flowers. In the distance, I saw a person dressed in white. I knew this was Jesus and He was walking toward me. I walked toward Him and then picked up the pace. I couldn’t wait to get to Him and as I approached He opened His arms wide to take me in. I stepped into the circle of His arms and He wrapped them around me. He spoke with such tenderness and said, “Debbie, I love you for who YOU are.” I knew that what I was doing was putting a demand on Jesus to make Himself real to me through something supernatural which I had never experienced before.Yet, He was the one who wanted me to know that He accepted and loved me! For that time, the tongues was not important. I had to realize that Jesus love me for being ME!
It isn’t what you do, it isn’t what you have experienced or not experienced. It isn’t who your parents are or what they’ve accomplished or what you have accomplished. He simply loves you for being YOU. It is for this reason that we can read this verse in Ephesians 1:6 and fall in love with Jesus. You can praise and adore Jesus that He has accepted YOU. “…to the praise of the glory of His grace by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” The word “grace” here means divine influence upon the heart. He wants us to know that in the spirit-realm, you must know you have been accepted into the heart of Jesus and He into your heart. You are bound as one, like a couple of newly weds, YOU ARE ACCEPTED!
Confession: I praise God that no matter what I have or haven’t done, said, or experienced Jesus still loves me and accepts me for who I am because He is the one who lovingly crafted me and wrote my destiny. My responsibility is to stay committed to Him and let Him direct my ways, thoughts and heart.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
We Are Chosen
Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days of my life were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them. Psalm 139:16 (AMP)
A typical scene in a school playground is children choosing sides to play a game like soccer or kickball. The first chosen are always the best players. The ones who are known to come through with a good kick or defense play. They are agile, equipped to do the job and will play with energy. We all want to be that person that is chosen among the first because we are able.
In Ephesians 1:4-5 we find that God chose us. Vs 4 “…just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will…” Wow! Imagine being chosen by the Ancient of Days, the Creator of the Universe to do His will!
Many of us just don’t realize how very important we are to God. He knows us before we are formed in our mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:16) He wrote our future, as He saw it, in a book in Heaven even before we took our first breath on this earth. Ephesians 1:4 says that He chose us so we could be holy (a saint, a believer who is physically and morally pure) and without blame (covered with the sacrificial blood of Jesus) and walking in the love of God as only God can give. God had already written our lives down (predestined) us to choose to accept His Son as the One who would redeem the world from sin. It will not happen automatically, for we are given a choice.
I have heard it put this way which helps us to understand how much God loves us and wants us to be His adopted child. Every human being had their name written in God’s Book of the Living. This book contains the name of every single human being that ever existed on the earth whether they heard of Jesus Christ or not; whether they became a believer or not, they are in that Book. The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) So He will send people, send His Word, a magazine or book, a radio or television message to share the Good News of the Gospel to them. Again, it is an individual choice to make a decision whether to believe or not.
When someone accepts the message of the Gospel, their name is moved from the Book of the Living to the Lamb’s Book of Life. Paul writes in Philippians 4:3 “And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the Book of Life.” This is the Book that will be opened in Judgment (Rev. 20:12) and we want our names in that Book!
What is important to remember is that when we have our name in that Book, we are adopted as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself! Jesus chose us to do the work here on this side of heaven as His ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. When a child is adopted by a couple, they chose that child specifically to be in their family. They give that child their name, and all the rights and privileges of one in the family, and finally, they will bequeath all that they own to him. That is exactly what Jesus has done. He has chosen us, made us a legal heir and gave us all the rights and privileges of one being in His family. We must never take our citizenship in the Kingdom of God lightly. It is powerful and we must be willing to explore what we have been bequeathed.
Confession: First of all, I must choose to accept Jesus as my Savior. After that, my job, as an adopted child of the Living God is to understand what has been given to me as an heir of God and a joint heir of Jesus Christ. I also understand that my name has been written not only in the Book of the Living, but in the Book of Life when I accept who Jesus is and what He did on the cross for me.
A typical scene in a school playground is children choosing sides to play a game like soccer or kickball. The first chosen are always the best players. The ones who are known to come through with a good kick or defense play. They are agile, equipped to do the job and will play with energy. We all want to be that person that is chosen among the first because we are able.
In Ephesians 1:4-5 we find that God chose us. Vs 4 “…just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will…” Wow! Imagine being chosen by the Ancient of Days, the Creator of the Universe to do His will!
Many of us just don’t realize how very important we are to God. He knows us before we are formed in our mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:16) He wrote our future, as He saw it, in a book in Heaven even before we took our first breath on this earth. Ephesians 1:4 says that He chose us so we could be holy (a saint, a believer who is physically and morally pure) and without blame (covered with the sacrificial blood of Jesus) and walking in the love of God as only God can give. God had already written our lives down (predestined) us to choose to accept His Son as the One who would redeem the world from sin. It will not happen automatically, for we are given a choice.
I have heard it put this way which helps us to understand how much God loves us and wants us to be His adopted child. Every human being had their name written in God’s Book of the Living. This book contains the name of every single human being that ever existed on the earth whether they heard of Jesus Christ or not; whether they became a believer or not, they are in that Book. The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) So He will send people, send His Word, a magazine or book, a radio or television message to share the Good News of the Gospel to them. Again, it is an individual choice to make a decision whether to believe or not.
When someone accepts the message of the Gospel, their name is moved from the Book of the Living to the Lamb’s Book of Life. Paul writes in Philippians 4:3 “And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the Book of Life.” This is the Book that will be opened in Judgment (Rev. 20:12) and we want our names in that Book!
What is important to remember is that when we have our name in that Book, we are adopted as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself! Jesus chose us to do the work here on this side of heaven as His ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. When a child is adopted by a couple, they chose that child specifically to be in their family. They give that child their name, and all the rights and privileges of one in the family, and finally, they will bequeath all that they own to him. That is exactly what Jesus has done. He has chosen us, made us a legal heir and gave us all the rights and privileges of one being in His family. We must never take our citizenship in the Kingdom of God lightly. It is powerful and we must be willing to explore what we have been bequeathed.
Confession: First of all, I must choose to accept Jesus as my Savior. After that, my job, as an adopted child of the Living God is to understand what has been given to me as an heir of God and a joint heir of Jesus Christ. I also understand that my name has been written not only in the Book of the Living, but in the Book of Life when I accept who Jesus is and what He did on the cross for me.
Monday, March 9, 2009
A Roundtable of Blessings
For You, Oh Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield. ---Psalm 5:12
The Apostle Paul had one purpose in life after his conversion from being a strict Pharisee to a disciple of Christ. His purpose was to help new believers and the Church as a whole to know who they were (and are) in Christ. We Christians today must know, not only in our mind, but in our very being, who we are as a result of believing in the divinity of Jesus Christ. For that reason, Paul wrote to the Ephesian church body and outlined how special believers are in the eyes of God.
So first of all, we must know we are a saint, a holy one in God’s eyes. Also, as a result of accepting the Son of the Living God, we are righteous; legally in right standing with the Creator of the Universe. By merely being recognized by God as an individual who has acknowledged and believe in the Holy Trinity; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we have entered the Kingdom of God.
Now, let’s look at Ephesians 1:3 which reads, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Notice that there is some blessing going on between us and God. The word “blessed” is a wonderful word. In the original Greek it means “eulogeo” which is where we get our word eulogy. It means spoken words of praise and adoration. In the Hebrew, blessed also means to salute and congratulate abundantly. So if you take the original meaning for the blessing that is going on between God and man in this verse, we would see that first, we are speaking praises of adoration toward God. We congratulate and salute Him for being so wonderful and great. We are praising Him for being the Father of Jesus Christ.
Secondly, we realize that God has blessed us. He has spoken well of you and has also saluted and congratulated you for accepting His ultimate sacrifice in His Son, Jesus Christ. Not only that, but He has spoken or consecrated to you and endowed to you every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ. These are not necessarily tangible gifts like jobs, cars, or houses (although He will and does bless us with natural things. But what Paul is speaking about here are “spiritual” benefits.
We can get a clearer idea of what God means when Jesus told his disciples how to pray; “Our Father, in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” This has given us power, as part of the Kingdom of God, to use our authority on the earth. Then Jesus gave the disciples, in Matthew 16:19, more understanding where He said, “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” These are spiritual blessings. They are privileges and benefits that are not carnal or worldly, but from the spiritual realm; the supernatural realm. This week, we will look at all the spiritual benefits we have been endowed with, or blessed with, as a Believer. There are nine of them, so get ready to be BLESSED!
Confession: I bless you, Father. I congratulate, applaud, and I praise You for accepting me into your Kingdom. I am honored that you look upon me as precious and have blessed me with spiritual blessings that come to me as a result of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. I thank you, thank you, thank you…..
The Apostle Paul had one purpose in life after his conversion from being a strict Pharisee to a disciple of Christ. His purpose was to help new believers and the Church as a whole to know who they were (and are) in Christ. We Christians today must know, not only in our mind, but in our very being, who we are as a result of believing in the divinity of Jesus Christ. For that reason, Paul wrote to the Ephesian church body and outlined how special believers are in the eyes of God.
So first of all, we must know we are a saint, a holy one in God’s eyes. Also, as a result of accepting the Son of the Living God, we are righteous; legally in right standing with the Creator of the Universe. By merely being recognized by God as an individual who has acknowledged and believe in the Holy Trinity; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we have entered the Kingdom of God.
Now, let’s look at Ephesians 1:3 which reads, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Notice that there is some blessing going on between us and God. The word “blessed” is a wonderful word. In the original Greek it means “eulogeo” which is where we get our word eulogy. It means spoken words of praise and adoration. In the Hebrew, blessed also means to salute and congratulate abundantly. So if you take the original meaning for the blessing that is going on between God and man in this verse, we would see that first, we are speaking praises of adoration toward God. We congratulate and salute Him for being so wonderful and great. We are praising Him for being the Father of Jesus Christ.
Secondly, we realize that God has blessed us. He has spoken well of you and has also saluted and congratulated you for accepting His ultimate sacrifice in His Son, Jesus Christ. Not only that, but He has spoken or consecrated to you and endowed to you every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ. These are not necessarily tangible gifts like jobs, cars, or houses (although He will and does bless us with natural things. But what Paul is speaking about here are “spiritual” benefits.
We can get a clearer idea of what God means when Jesus told his disciples how to pray; “Our Father, in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” This has given us power, as part of the Kingdom of God, to use our authority on the earth. Then Jesus gave the disciples, in Matthew 16:19, more understanding where He said, “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” These are spiritual blessings. They are privileges and benefits that are not carnal or worldly, but from the spiritual realm; the supernatural realm. This week, we will look at all the spiritual benefits we have been endowed with, or blessed with, as a Believer. There are nine of them, so get ready to be BLESSED!
Confession: I bless you, Father. I congratulate, applaud, and I praise You for accepting me into your Kingdom. I am honored that you look upon me as precious and have blessed me with spiritual blessings that come to me as a result of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. I thank you, thank you, thank you…..
Friday, March 6, 2009
Grace Always Comes Before Peace
The Lord will give strength to his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. ---Psalm 29:11
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ---Ephesians 1:2
I was raised in a denominational church that always gave the definition of Grace as “unmerited favor.” For some reason, I could never wrap my arms around that. It just didn’t connect with what was going on with me. Then, I heard another definition which simply breaks down "unmerited favor" that made delightful sense and opened up my understanding of how God wants to work with us. Think of Grace like this: The ability to do things that you otherwise would not be able to do without God’s help.
With an understanding of how God wants you to succeed, wants you to break through barriers in your life, He wants you to be equipped to handle anything life throws at you, He wants you to be victorious in your career, you health, your relationships. God desires that you continue developing mentally and spiritually toward the destiny that He has in for you in this life. With that understanding, you will need His grace to enable you to be successful in all those areas.
Why do people, especially believers, think God is behind the bad things that happen to good people? God’s desire is that we succeed, but we have to do our part. We behave like a “saint” by accepting God’s love and the ultimate sacrifice of His only Son (Jesus) so that whoever believes in Him will be forgiven and live forever in eternity with Him. (Debbie’s version of John 3:16) Once we are “Believers” God will be very involved in your life, if you let Him. He will grace you to move forward with your dreams, give you boldness to stand up for God and His values, He will grace you to speak His thoughts and step out in faith on many matters.
When we start walking in God’s grace, then peace will automatically come. Yes, we will still have to live in this world and deal with people, finances, circumstances, but God will grace you through them. There will be a peace that no one will understand because you are functioning with God directing you. Situations won't upset you because you know God will take care of them. A bad doctor's report won't shake your world because you know God is the Healer. If you get a termination notice from your job, you will remember God is the Provider. You will be graced to walk through that time knowing that God has promised to take care of you. And with that a different kind of peace will accompany you during that time.
My son has been without a steady job for six months and very little income. His wife is a nurse with a good job, but their debt load far exceeds their income. Inwardly they were dealing with human emotions, but never showed any doubt or unbelief that God was going to walk before them and bring them to the best place because they are obedient to God and trust Him with all their heart. In the natural, their situation was dismal, but their faith (spoken words) demonstrated an incredible measure of peace. With God’s grace, they walked through this time. Yesterday, he was offered a full-time permanent job as the director of a department of a governmental agency. Did they make sacrifices, you bet they did! Did they question God? No doubt there were questions. But they never stopped believing that God was a God of His Word.
How about you? Will you let God’s grace help you through your circumstances? Will you trust and wait patiently, knowing that God is bound to you through His covenant to provide, protect and heal you? Try it by starting today.
Confession: Father, I trust that you will walk with me through today and the days ahead. I will not get ahead of you and will wait patiently for you to make the crooked places straight. But to do that, I need your grace. Your ability to work with and through me to do the things I can’t do in my own human-ness. Thank You Father.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ---Ephesians 1:2
I was raised in a denominational church that always gave the definition of Grace as “unmerited favor.” For some reason, I could never wrap my arms around that. It just didn’t connect with what was going on with me. Then, I heard another definition which simply breaks down "unmerited favor" that made delightful sense and opened up my understanding of how God wants to work with us. Think of Grace like this: The ability to do things that you otherwise would not be able to do without God’s help.
With an understanding of how God wants you to succeed, wants you to break through barriers in your life, He wants you to be equipped to handle anything life throws at you, He wants you to be victorious in your career, you health, your relationships. God desires that you continue developing mentally and spiritually toward the destiny that He has in for you in this life. With that understanding, you will need His grace to enable you to be successful in all those areas.
Why do people, especially believers, think God is behind the bad things that happen to good people? God’s desire is that we succeed, but we have to do our part. We behave like a “saint” by accepting God’s love and the ultimate sacrifice of His only Son (Jesus) so that whoever believes in Him will be forgiven and live forever in eternity with Him. (Debbie’s version of John 3:16) Once we are “Believers” God will be very involved in your life, if you let Him. He will grace you to move forward with your dreams, give you boldness to stand up for God and His values, He will grace you to speak His thoughts and step out in faith on many matters.
When we start walking in God’s grace, then peace will automatically come. Yes, we will still have to live in this world and deal with people, finances, circumstances, but God will grace you through them. There will be a peace that no one will understand because you are functioning with God directing you. Situations won't upset you because you know God will take care of them. A bad doctor's report won't shake your world because you know God is the Healer. If you get a termination notice from your job, you will remember God is the Provider. You will be graced to walk through that time knowing that God has promised to take care of you. And with that a different kind of peace will accompany you during that time.
My son has been without a steady job for six months and very little income. His wife is a nurse with a good job, but their debt load far exceeds their income. Inwardly they were dealing with human emotions, but never showed any doubt or unbelief that God was going to walk before them and bring them to the best place because they are obedient to God and trust Him with all their heart. In the natural, their situation was dismal, but their faith (spoken words) demonstrated an incredible measure of peace. With God’s grace, they walked through this time. Yesterday, he was offered a full-time permanent job as the director of a department of a governmental agency. Did they make sacrifices, you bet they did! Did they question God? No doubt there were questions. But they never stopped believing that God was a God of His Word.
How about you? Will you let God’s grace help you through your circumstances? Will you trust and wait patiently, knowing that God is bound to you through His covenant to provide, protect and heal you? Try it by starting today.
Confession: Father, I trust that you will walk with me through today and the days ahead. I will not get ahead of you and will wait patiently for you to make the crooked places straight. But to do that, I need your grace. Your ability to work with and through me to do the things I can’t do in my own human-ness. Thank You Father.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Are You A Saint?
To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful to Christ Jesus…---Ephesians 1:1
I believe that many of those who have stepped into a conversion experience by accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior haven’t fully understood or appreciated who we are through Christ Jesus. Paul, the Apostle, went from city to city and wrote to these churches to explain what happened when they became followers and disciples of Jesus.
Paul’s ministry was to enlighten, disciple and encourage those believers who were struggling with their new-found faith. He wanted them to understand who they are, now that they are in the Kingdom and how to use the Keys of the Kingdom. So, in this passage today, Paul is writing to the church (the believers) in Ephesus. His goal in this first chapter of Ephesians is to make sure they know who they are in the spiritual world as well as in the natural world.
The same is for us today. We must read this book of Ephesians as if we are a citizen of Ephesus. It is very relevant to us today. So, Paul’s greeting is to the saints in Ephesus and to You! Do you consider yourself a saint? You should! The word “saint” is never a merely religious title in the Bible, but a declared state of being. Saints are “holy people,” so-called by God because He has made them holy through His salvation. 1 Once you accepted Jesus as Your personal Savior, you became a saint, or a holy one, in the eyes of God.
The one condition for this saint-hood is to be faithful in Christ Jesus. First of all, notice that “Christ Jesus” and “Jesus Christ” is used interchangeably throughout the New Testament for a reason. To help you understand how to interpret this, whenever “Christ” is used first, that is recognizing that Jesus is God first, a person of the Trinity. When “Jesus” is used first, it is noting His human-ness before His divinity. So, when Paul wrote that the Ephesians (and us) must be faithful to Christ Jesus, he meant we must be committed, have confidence and be true to our Lord, God, who appeared to man wrapped in skin....Jesus.
So my question to you today is, Are You A Saint? Have you stepped into the Kingdom of God through the Door of Jesus Christ who died for you? Do you consider yourself faithful - confident, trusting and committed to Christ Jesus, the Supreme Authority over your life? If you do, you are a Saint. Be secure in knowing that God will do more for you than you can imagine. Stay with me for the next several days as we go through all the wonderful advantages of being a saint of God.
Confession: Lord, I consider myself as a saint. I know I am not perfect and fail at times, but I am devoted to you and your laws and commit myself to You. Help me to know You more and may my heart be open to your Word only. I will keep my eyes on You and trust You to teach me in all your ways through the Holy Spirit.
1 Spirit Filled Life Bible (New King James Version) Pg 1787
I believe that many of those who have stepped into a conversion experience by accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior haven’t fully understood or appreciated who we are through Christ Jesus. Paul, the Apostle, went from city to city and wrote to these churches to explain what happened when they became followers and disciples of Jesus.
Paul’s ministry was to enlighten, disciple and encourage those believers who were struggling with their new-found faith. He wanted them to understand who they are, now that they are in the Kingdom and how to use the Keys of the Kingdom. So, in this passage today, Paul is writing to the church (the believers) in Ephesus. His goal in this first chapter of Ephesians is to make sure they know who they are in the spiritual world as well as in the natural world.
The same is for us today. We must read this book of Ephesians as if we are a citizen of Ephesus. It is very relevant to us today. So, Paul’s greeting is to the saints in Ephesus and to You! Do you consider yourself a saint? You should! The word “saint” is never a merely religious title in the Bible, but a declared state of being. Saints are “holy people,” so-called by God because He has made them holy through His salvation. 1 Once you accepted Jesus as Your personal Savior, you became a saint, or a holy one, in the eyes of God.
The one condition for this saint-hood is to be faithful in Christ Jesus. First of all, notice that “Christ Jesus” and “Jesus Christ” is used interchangeably throughout the New Testament for a reason. To help you understand how to interpret this, whenever “Christ” is used first, that is recognizing that Jesus is God first, a person of the Trinity. When “Jesus” is used first, it is noting His human-ness before His divinity. So, when Paul wrote that the Ephesians (and us) must be faithful to Christ Jesus, he meant we must be committed, have confidence and be true to our Lord, God, who appeared to man wrapped in skin....Jesus.
So my question to you today is, Are You A Saint? Have you stepped into the Kingdom of God through the Door of Jesus Christ who died for you? Do you consider yourself faithful - confident, trusting and committed to Christ Jesus, the Supreme Authority over your life? If you do, you are a Saint. Be secure in knowing that God will do more for you than you can imagine. Stay with me for the next several days as we go through all the wonderful advantages of being a saint of God.
Confession: Lord, I consider myself as a saint. I know I am not perfect and fail at times, but I am devoted to you and your laws and commit myself to You. Help me to know You more and may my heart be open to your Word only. I will keep my eyes on You and trust You to teach me in all your ways through the Holy Spirit.
1 Spirit Filled Life Bible (New King James Version) Pg 1787
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Jesus Took Our Place
I have returned home to the United States. It was a wonderful trip with a lot accomplished in a short time. I hope my blog reports filled you in on all that I did. Thank you for your prayers. If you ever want to visit LaCeiba, Honduras with your mission team, please let me know and I'll make sure you reach the right people.
I am now back in the "saddle" so to speak with my daily devotions, so please check in every day to see what God's Word will reveal to us TODAY. Here is today's devotion from my favorite book, Prescription for a Miracle by Mark Brazee. Tomorrow, I'll be writing my own devotions again. So be ready to read relevant comments from scriptures that will give you an insight in how you can live a life of victory.
But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. ---Hebrews 9:11,12
After Adam’s fall, man inherited a load he couldn’t carry- a load of death, sin, iniquity, sickness and disease. The old covenant provided for man’s sins to be covered for only one year at a time through the shedding of the blood of bulls and goats. Man could also experience healing in his body through animal sacrifices. But those sacrifices had to be made every year because they were only temporary. They could only cover sins, not totally eliminate them.
Then Jesus Christ came and took the place for our punishment, dying on the Cross as our substitute. Most people have no problem believing that Jesus bore our iniquities on the Cross and set us free from sin (disobedience) ---and He did. He paid the price for our sins so we could stand before Him forgiven. Through Jesus, we don’t have to be bound to a sin nature anymore. We live in right standing with God, and sin cannot dominate us any longer.
But most Christians believe that Jesus left us with our sicknesses, intending to decide on an individual basis who should be healed. These people believe that salvation belongs to everyone but that you never know who’s going to get healed.
That’s what most Christians believe, but that is not what the Bible says. Isaiah 53:5 says that Jesus “was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with His stripes we are healed.” He took our sin, pain and sickness and nailed it all to the Cross, setting us free.
Jesus already took sickness. Anyone can be saved, and anyone who is saved can be healed. Healing belongs to us!
Confession: When I called on Jesus to be my Savior and made Him my Lord, He also became my healer. By faith I receive the healing that is mine. I walk in the divine health that Jesus bought and paid for!
I am now back in the "saddle" so to speak with my daily devotions, so please check in every day to see what God's Word will reveal to us TODAY. Here is today's devotion from my favorite book, Prescription for a Miracle by Mark Brazee. Tomorrow, I'll be writing my own devotions again. So be ready to read relevant comments from scriptures that will give you an insight in how you can live a life of victory.
But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. ---Hebrews 9:11,12
After Adam’s fall, man inherited a load he couldn’t carry- a load of death, sin, iniquity, sickness and disease. The old covenant provided for man’s sins to be covered for only one year at a time through the shedding of the blood of bulls and goats. Man could also experience healing in his body through animal sacrifices. But those sacrifices had to be made every year because they were only temporary. They could only cover sins, not totally eliminate them.
Then Jesus Christ came and took the place for our punishment, dying on the Cross as our substitute. Most people have no problem believing that Jesus bore our iniquities on the Cross and set us free from sin (disobedience) ---and He did. He paid the price for our sins so we could stand before Him forgiven. Through Jesus, we don’t have to be bound to a sin nature anymore. We live in right standing with God, and sin cannot dominate us any longer.
But most Christians believe that Jesus left us with our sicknesses, intending to decide on an individual basis who should be healed. These people believe that salvation belongs to everyone but that you never know who’s going to get healed.
That’s what most Christians believe, but that is not what the Bible says. Isaiah 53:5 says that Jesus “was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with His stripes we are healed.” He took our sin, pain and sickness and nailed it all to the Cross, setting us free.
Jesus already took sickness. Anyone can be saved, and anyone who is saved can be healed. Healing belongs to us!
Confession: When I called on Jesus to be my Savior and made Him my Lord, He also became my healer. By faith I receive the healing that is mine. I walk in the divine health that Jesus bought and paid for!
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