Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”
And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”
The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed, for I am a man under authority…
When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!
Obviously, this Roman centurion had heard of Jesus, probably had heard Him speak and was convinced that Jesus was a man of great spiritual authority. The centurion had great faith because he understood Jesus’ words had authority over sickness and disease. Not only did he understand and believe, the centurion was willing to act on what he understood Jesus could do!
The centurion didn’t approach Jesus and say, “Jesus, I need You to come to my house. If my servant is going to get well, you need to personally lay your hand on him for him to recover.” No, he just said, “You speak the Word, Jesus, and I’ll take that Word and act on it!” The reaction Jesus had must have been one of amazement and delight because this Roman’s faith in His word was so confident that he didn’t feel Jesus’ physical presence was necessary. No one, not even a Jew, had been as full of faith and confidence as to ask Jesus to just speak the Word!
So how did Jesus respond to this centurion’s faith? He said, “Go your way, and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour. The centurion didn’t need a special manifestation or special feeling. He just heard the incorruptible seed of Jesus’ words and said, “I believe what You say.” And when the centurion heard Jesus say, “Go your way…” the centurion knew it was done! As soon as he turned his back to Jesus and started walking home, that was his faith in action. He didn’t question Jesus, he didn’t want to know how long or in what fashion his servant would be healed. He just turned on his heel and headed home believing it was done!
That’s what God expects us to do. He doesn’t expect us to wait for some special manifestation, even thought that may happen at times. God expects us to simply take Him at His Word, believe we receive His promises and boldly act on them in faith. Remember, faith is putting legs on what you believe.
Confession: Jesus responds to faith. The servant was healed because the centurion believed the words Jesus spoke would come to pass. I am healed because I believe God’s healing promises will come to pass in me!
There is too much bad news that comes from the media, friends and just plain life. My purpose is to give hope to those who will embrace the living God, Jesus Christ and teach victorious principles that come from the Bible.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Put Your Trust in Jesus, Not Man
Now a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. ---John 5:5-8
Jesus walked directly to the man and asked, “Is it your will to be healed?” The man replied, “But I have no man…”
That was this man’s first problem. He was looking to man. In other words, he was saying, “Yes, I’d like to be healed, but I can’t. I’m too slow. I’ve been here too long. I don’t have any friends. No one will help me, so I can’t be healed.”
Apparently, some of the sick around the pool were prosperous enough to hire a man to stay with them. When the water was troubled, the hired man would pick up the sick person, run to the pool and put him in the pool. And if that person was first, he’d be healed. But evidently this crippled man didn’t have any money, because he told Jesus, “I have no man.”
We must not make the mistake this man did by keeping our eyes on what we lack. We have a man --- the Man Jesus --- and in Him there is no lack. If we focus on what we don’t have, we miss our answer when it stands before us.
When you look to man, you will always be sadly disappointed. Some believers even go to a specific healing evangelist, expecting him to heal them. But no man can heal anyone.
Regardless of what kind of anointing someone operates in, no man is a healer. Jesus alone is the healer. So trust in Him alone for your healing. Jesus is all you need!
Confession: I focus my spiritual eyes on Jesus, with whom there is no lack. No man is my healer—Jesus is my healer!
The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. ---John 5:5-8
Jesus walked directly to the man and asked, “Is it your will to be healed?” The man replied, “But I have no man…”
That was this man’s first problem. He was looking to man. In other words, he was saying, “Yes, I’d like to be healed, but I can’t. I’m too slow. I’ve been here too long. I don’t have any friends. No one will help me, so I can’t be healed.”
Apparently, some of the sick around the pool were prosperous enough to hire a man to stay with them. When the water was troubled, the hired man would pick up the sick person, run to the pool and put him in the pool. And if that person was first, he’d be healed. But evidently this crippled man didn’t have any money, because he told Jesus, “I have no man.”
We must not make the mistake this man did by keeping our eyes on what we lack. We have a man --- the Man Jesus --- and in Him there is no lack. If we focus on what we don’t have, we miss our answer when it stands before us.
When you look to man, you will always be sadly disappointed. Some believers even go to a specific healing evangelist, expecting him to heal them. But no man can heal anyone.
Regardless of what kind of anointing someone operates in, no man is a healer. Jesus alone is the healer. So trust in Him alone for your healing. Jesus is all you need!
Confession: I focus my spiritual eyes on Jesus, with whom there is no lack. No man is my healer—Jesus is my healer!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Don't Wait for the Water to Move
When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” ---John 5:6
Notice Jesus went to this pool where a great multitude of sick people gathered. They were all waiting for the water to be troubled. They knew that when the water moved, the first person who stepped in would be healed. Everyone else had to wait for the next visitation of the angel. And they’d wait and wait and wait…
The situation was a little like a person who decides to buy lottery tickets and win millions of dollars. Maybe he’ll get the lucky ticket; more than likely he won’t. There are no guarantees.
Unfortunately, most of the church world is in that state of wishful thinking. Most Christians would like healing to just come to them. But they won’t do their part to take hold of their healing by faith.
“Do you want to be made whole?” That is a good question! You would think, “Of course, everyone wants to be well!” But there are some Christians who protest saying, “But if healing were for today, everyone would be healed.” No, not everyone even wants healing! Some folks would rather stay sick. There are some folks that depend on the attention they get from their illness or inabilities to do things. They receive government support for their infirmities and can’t think of having to work or do things for themselves. They have been conditioned to be sick. This is definitely a ploy of the enemy to keep them in bondage and prevent them from reaching the destiny God has for them.
Please don’t think I am condemning those people; however it is a reproach to the body of Christ for God’s children to continue in a state of illness. God has made provision, through His Son, to make health and healing available to those who will implement the laws of faith and healing. We must love those who are sick and give them attention when they’re well so they don’t have to be sick to receive that attention. We can also teach them God’s word to enlighten them to what is available and help them receive their healing. They must alter the way they think and you can help.
At the same time, we ought to examine ourselves. Are we “waiting for the water to move?” or are we doing our part to receive our healing by faith?
Confession: I am whole. I don’t use sickness as a way to get attention, and I don’t just wait for the “water to move.” Healing is mine, and I receive it now by faith!
Notice Jesus went to this pool where a great multitude of sick people gathered. They were all waiting for the water to be troubled. They knew that when the water moved, the first person who stepped in would be healed. Everyone else had to wait for the next visitation of the angel. And they’d wait and wait and wait…
The situation was a little like a person who decides to buy lottery tickets and win millions of dollars. Maybe he’ll get the lucky ticket; more than likely he won’t. There are no guarantees.
Unfortunately, most of the church world is in that state of wishful thinking. Most Christians would like healing to just come to them. But they won’t do their part to take hold of their healing by faith.
“Do you want to be made whole?” That is a good question! You would think, “Of course, everyone wants to be well!” But there are some Christians who protest saying, “But if healing were for today, everyone would be healed.” No, not everyone even wants healing! Some folks would rather stay sick. There are some folks that depend on the attention they get from their illness or inabilities to do things. They receive government support for their infirmities and can’t think of having to work or do things for themselves. They have been conditioned to be sick. This is definitely a ploy of the enemy to keep them in bondage and prevent them from reaching the destiny God has for them.
Please don’t think I am condemning those people; however it is a reproach to the body of Christ for God’s children to continue in a state of illness. God has made provision, through His Son, to make health and healing available to those who will implement the laws of faith and healing. We must love those who are sick and give them attention when they’re well so they don’t have to be sick to receive that attention. We can also teach them God’s word to enlighten them to what is available and help them receive their healing. They must alter the way they think and you can help.
At the same time, we ought to examine ourselves. Are we “waiting for the water to move?” or are we doing our part to receive our healing by faith?
Confession: I am whole. I don’t use sickness as a way to get attention, and I don’t just wait for the “water to move.” Healing is mine, and I receive it now by faith!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Watch Your Words
(Jesus) said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man. . .” ---John 5:6
The Bible has made it clear that Jesus directly asked the man lying on the porch by the pool if he wanted to get better. The man answered, “I can’t.”
Just as we can locate this man’s faith by his words, “I can’t” or I don’t, or I won’t, we can locate our faith by our words. In my daily devotion, I have taught a great deal on faith and confession (or saying what the Word says.) I have encouraged you to meditate on the Word, get it in your heart, become convinced that God is not a liar but will do what His word says He will do. I have encouraged you to speak out the confession at the end of the devotion which will put the words into the atmosphere, thus speaking out your belief and propelling faith into your future. You may accept this as truth, but when no one is listening and the pressure is on, we need to pay attention to what comes out of our mouths.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say, “my cancer” or “my diabetes.” I have even slipped on occasion. Our world system, of whom Satan is the god, makes sure that we are inundated with messages from the media, the doctors, and friends and family that it is normal to be sick and have pain! But this is not why Jesus died on the cross! He did not take those stripes upon his body so we can be sick. Isaiah in the Old Testament and Peter in the New Testament told us that “by His stripes (whipping and bruises) we have been healed! That means physical healing! He took on our sickness, disease and torments so you don’t have to carry them. Satan is the one who wants to break you down, make you think sickness, and accept his package of cancer or his package of diabetes or any other disease known to man.
The very first thing we must do is not accept this as YOURS!!! It is not YOUR cancer, it is the devils! It is not your diabetes; Satan is the author of disease. So, as you speak, don’t claim it as yours. You can say, this . . cancer, or whatever it is. But never say, “It’s mine.” When you do that, you own that disease. That is exactly what Satan wants you to do.
The next thing you can do is reject that disease, knowing that you are a child of God and you are covered in the blood of Jesus. Make the confession that by His stripes you are healed. You may not feel it yet, but keep saying it and you will be amazed at how much better you will feel. Eventually, the symptoms will lessen. Keep saying that confession over and over and then thank God for healing your body.
That is how you speak to the mountain of disease. In Mark 11:23, Jesus says, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
Confession: I confess that I have not been speaking over my mountain in faith. I realize that my mouth has been speaking unbelief even though I believe that Jesus took my sickness and disease. I will not accept any package of sickness from Satan any more. I reject it in Jesus’ name!
The Bible has made it clear that Jesus directly asked the man lying on the porch by the pool if he wanted to get better. The man answered, “I can’t.”
Just as we can locate this man’s faith by his words, “I can’t” or I don’t, or I won’t, we can locate our faith by our words. In my daily devotion, I have taught a great deal on faith and confession (or saying what the Word says.) I have encouraged you to meditate on the Word, get it in your heart, become convinced that God is not a liar but will do what His word says He will do. I have encouraged you to speak out the confession at the end of the devotion which will put the words into the atmosphere, thus speaking out your belief and propelling faith into your future. You may accept this as truth, but when no one is listening and the pressure is on, we need to pay attention to what comes out of our mouths.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say, “my cancer” or “my diabetes.” I have even slipped on occasion. Our world system, of whom Satan is the god, makes sure that we are inundated with messages from the media, the doctors, and friends and family that it is normal to be sick and have pain! But this is not why Jesus died on the cross! He did not take those stripes upon his body so we can be sick. Isaiah in the Old Testament and Peter in the New Testament told us that “by His stripes (whipping and bruises) we have been healed! That means physical healing! He took on our sickness, disease and torments so you don’t have to carry them. Satan is the one who wants to break you down, make you think sickness, and accept his package of cancer or his package of diabetes or any other disease known to man.
The very first thing we must do is not accept this as YOURS!!! It is not YOUR cancer, it is the devils! It is not your diabetes; Satan is the author of disease. So, as you speak, don’t claim it as yours. You can say, this . . cancer, or whatever it is. But never say, “It’s mine.” When you do that, you own that disease. That is exactly what Satan wants you to do.
The next thing you can do is reject that disease, knowing that you are a child of God and you are covered in the blood of Jesus. Make the confession that by His stripes you are healed. You may not feel it yet, but keep saying it and you will be amazed at how much better you will feel. Eventually, the symptoms will lessen. Keep saying that confession over and over and then thank God for healing your body.
That is how you speak to the mountain of disease. In Mark 11:23, Jesus says, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
Confession: I confess that I have not been speaking over my mountain in faith. I realize that my mouth has been speaking unbelief even though I believe that Jesus took my sickness and disease. I will not accept any package of sickness from Satan any more. I reject it in Jesus’ name!
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Miracle At the Pool of Bethesda
Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever diseas4e he had. ---John 5:2-5
This account gives us a picture of God’s sovereign side. If you remember, about three weeks ago, I discussed the sovereignty of God. I said, “When we say God does something sovereignly, we simply mean God does something according to His Word at His own discretion. He initiates it. But God cannot sovereignly do anything outside the boundaries of His Word, because He has bound Himself to His Word.”
In this story, there were five covered porches full of people who sat by that pool that were sick or crippled and needed a miracle to get well. The people didn’t know when the angel was coming; the just knew he was coming. They didn’t know who would be healed; they just knew someone would be healed. And afterwards, the rest of the people would have to sit and wait for the next time the angel came to trouble the water.
Now, let’s look at verses 5-9.
Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?
The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.”
Obviously, the impotent man wasn’t healed on his own faith. Someone may say, “Well, then, Jesus’ faith healed the man.” But Jesus never once said in the Bible, “My faith made you whole.” If Jesus’ faith had healed that man, He would have healed everyone else there too. But after healing this one man, Jesus disappeared into the crowd. He didn’t turn to anyone else in all those five porches. I believe He was on a direct assignment from His Father, for Jesus said “I do nothing that I don’t first see the Father do.”
So, what healed the man? The sovereignty of God! Why did God single that one man out? I don’t know. But I could guess. There was a praying mama or grandma who had petitioned God for years for this man. And in God’s sovereign mercy, He decided to grant their petition. But none of us will ever know for sure. One thing for certain, God did reach out to that individual and He knows what He is doing.
Confession: God reaches out to heal people as He wills. He also made a way for me to receive my healing by faith in His Word. I exercise that faith, and I receive my healing now!
This account gives us a picture of God’s sovereign side. If you remember, about three weeks ago, I discussed the sovereignty of God. I said, “When we say God does something sovereignly, we simply mean God does something according to His Word at His own discretion. He initiates it. But God cannot sovereignly do anything outside the boundaries of His Word, because He has bound Himself to His Word.”
In this story, there were five covered porches full of people who sat by that pool that were sick or crippled and needed a miracle to get well. The people didn’t know when the angel was coming; the just knew he was coming. They didn’t know who would be healed; they just knew someone would be healed. And afterwards, the rest of the people would have to sit and wait for the next time the angel came to trouble the water.
Now, let’s look at verses 5-9.
Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?
The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.”
Obviously, the impotent man wasn’t healed on his own faith. Someone may say, “Well, then, Jesus’ faith healed the man.” But Jesus never once said in the Bible, “My faith made you whole.” If Jesus’ faith had healed that man, He would have healed everyone else there too. But after healing this one man, Jesus disappeared into the crowd. He didn’t turn to anyone else in all those five porches. I believe He was on a direct assignment from His Father, for Jesus said “I do nothing that I don’t first see the Father do.”
So, what healed the man? The sovereignty of God! Why did God single that one man out? I don’t know. But I could guess. There was a praying mama or grandma who had petitioned God for years for this man. And in God’s sovereign mercy, He decided to grant their petition. But none of us will ever know for sure. One thing for certain, God did reach out to that individual and He knows what He is doing.
Confession: God reaches out to heal people as He wills. He also made a way for me to receive my healing by faith in His Word. I exercise that faith, and I receive my healing now!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
What Is In Your Heart?
Out of the abundance of your heart the mouth speaks. ---Matthew 12:34
How many times have we said something we regret and wish we had never said it? I know I have. It is like some other person is speaking and you become embarrassed because it came out of YOUR mouth! When Jesus was chastising the “religious” Pharasees, He was telling them that their hearts were not very clean! They were saying things and yelling accusations that were indicating what was really in their hearts. I know that disturbed Jesus greatly because these men were representing His Father and were highly regarded.
I had a pastor once that was giving a children’s sermon that I never forgot. He had a tube of toothpaste in his hand. He was talking about words that come out of our mouths and once out, they can’t be taken back. It is like a tube of toothpaste. Once you squeeze the toothpaste out, you can’t put it back in the tube.
In Matthew 12, Jesus is really addressing the fact that our words will locate where our heart is. He said the heart of a good man will bring forth good things and the heart of an evil man will bring forth evil things. Let me ask you this. When you are squeezed with a situation that provokes a reaction, are you going to release good or evil out of your mouth? If you regret what you said, that is the Holy Spirit convicting you of the fact that your reaction was evil. Then do a self analysis to find out where that reaction came from.
If your desire is to please the Lord and you really want to change, then do the following. First, repent and ask God to forgive you for bearing bad fruit. Second, tell Him you want to bear good fruit from your heart, but don’t know how to make that happen. Third, give Him permission to do a work in your life that will make you a good fruit bearer. Then lastly, thank Him for making you into the person He has destined you to be. Thank Him for your change in heart.
Confession: I know that the words I speak or how I react can be unpleasant and evil. But I thank God for His mercy and the fact that He desires to help me become the person He has destined me to be.
How many times have we said something we regret and wish we had never said it? I know I have. It is like some other person is speaking and you become embarrassed because it came out of YOUR mouth! When Jesus was chastising the “religious” Pharasees, He was telling them that their hearts were not very clean! They were saying things and yelling accusations that were indicating what was really in their hearts. I know that disturbed Jesus greatly because these men were representing His Father and were highly regarded.
I had a pastor once that was giving a children’s sermon that I never forgot. He had a tube of toothpaste in his hand. He was talking about words that come out of our mouths and once out, they can’t be taken back. It is like a tube of toothpaste. Once you squeeze the toothpaste out, you can’t put it back in the tube.
In Matthew 12, Jesus is really addressing the fact that our words will locate where our heart is. He said the heart of a good man will bring forth good things and the heart of an evil man will bring forth evil things. Let me ask you this. When you are squeezed with a situation that provokes a reaction, are you going to release good or evil out of your mouth? If you regret what you said, that is the Holy Spirit convicting you of the fact that your reaction was evil. Then do a self analysis to find out where that reaction came from.
If your desire is to please the Lord and you really want to change, then do the following. First, repent and ask God to forgive you for bearing bad fruit. Second, tell Him you want to bear good fruit from your heart, but don’t know how to make that happen. Third, give Him permission to do a work in your life that will make you a good fruit bearer. Then lastly, thank Him for making you into the person He has destined you to be. Thank Him for your change in heart.
Confession: I know that the words I speak or how I react can be unpleasant and evil. But I thank God for His mercy and the fact that He desires to help me become the person He has destined me to be.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Act Like the Word Is True
. . . giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.
Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do they get sick, have accidents or have a downturn in life? Well, we know why the people of the world have these things happen to them. But what about Christians? Our Father God doesn’t have any sickness to give us and He doesn’t arrange for accidents to happen. As children of God, we don’t have to take disease and calamities from the world’s father anymore because He doesn’t have rule or authority over us. We have been delivered from the power of darkness.
But, because of lack of knowledge, Christians often don’t realize sickness comes from the devil. Therefore, they don’t resist the symptoms when they show up. Or they may think that sickness is a blessing from God and therefore want to keep it. I also believe Christians think that this is just part of living on the earth!
When these Christians start feeling symptoms, they just say in resignation, “Well, I guess I’m sick.” They don’t know the enemy is trying to bind them up, cause them problems and keep them from obeying God or reaching the beautiful destiny that God has planned for them. They’re ignorant of the devil’s efforts to hinder them from doing the work of the ministry and fulfilling the Great Commission. Therefore, they don’t resist the devil. When symptoms come, they “sign for the package,” receive them and get sick.
Amazingly enough, another major reason many Christians are sick is that they haven’t obeyed James 4:7. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” They just haven’t had the spiritual energy or intestinal fortitude to resist the symptoms and act like the Word of God is true!
If you’re going to live in divine health as God intended, you first have to know that sickness comes from the devil. Then you have to act on the Word. When symptoms come, resist them in the name of Jesus! Act like the Word is true in your life—because it is!
Confession: I am delivered from the power of darkness. I submit to God and resist the devil, and the devil has to go and take his symptoms with him!
Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do they get sick, have accidents or have a downturn in life? Well, we know why the people of the world have these things happen to them. But what about Christians? Our Father God doesn’t have any sickness to give us and He doesn’t arrange for accidents to happen. As children of God, we don’t have to take disease and calamities from the world’s father anymore because He doesn’t have rule or authority over us. We have been delivered from the power of darkness.
But, because of lack of knowledge, Christians often don’t realize sickness comes from the devil. Therefore, they don’t resist the symptoms when they show up. Or they may think that sickness is a blessing from God and therefore want to keep it. I also believe Christians think that this is just part of living on the earth!
When these Christians start feeling symptoms, they just say in resignation, “Well, I guess I’m sick.” They don’t know the enemy is trying to bind them up, cause them problems and keep them from obeying God or reaching the beautiful destiny that God has planned for them. They’re ignorant of the devil’s efforts to hinder them from doing the work of the ministry and fulfilling the Great Commission. Therefore, they don’t resist the devil. When symptoms come, they “sign for the package,” receive them and get sick.
Amazingly enough, another major reason many Christians are sick is that they haven’t obeyed James 4:7. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” They just haven’t had the spiritual energy or intestinal fortitude to resist the symptoms and act like the Word of God is true!
If you’re going to live in divine health as God intended, you first have to know that sickness comes from the devil. Then you have to act on the Word. When symptoms come, resist them in the name of Jesus! Act like the Word is true in your life—because it is!
Confession: I am delivered from the power of darkness. I submit to God and resist the devil, and the devil has to go and take his symptoms with him!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Trust God's Ways
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. ---Isaiah 55:8,9
Yesterday, we touched on this verse regarding God’s ideas and ways regarding sickness. But let’s paint a broader stroked picture of Isaiah 55:8 and 9. To get the full importance of this scripture, we need to look at the context in which this was written. God was speaking to Israel and Israel in scripture also refers to the Church today.
You can read verses 1 through 7 and see that God wants the best for His people. He is saying, why do you waste time or money on anything that is not beneficial to the Kingdom of God? He is calling His people to call upon Him, forsake the wicked and return to the Lord. It also says that God will abundantly pardon. The word “abundantly” means to “increase, heap, multiply, nourish, be thorough. And the word “pardon” means to “forgive or spare.”
In today’s world, we are “dumbed-down,” if you will excuse the phrase, in our understanding of God’s love and mercy toward us. He wants so much for us to do a reality check and see how little we actually trust God for our provision, our healing, our protection and advancement in life (prosperity.) The church, as well as the world, keeps a lid on our thinking.
BUT GOD has higher thoughts for you. He wants you to be healthy – totally healthy. He wants you to have money. He wants you to be happy and in peace. Read Isaiah 55:1-3 and you will see the passion that God has for His people to be successful and prosper. He has great thoughts for you. The word "thoughts" in the original Hebrew means “intentions, curious work, plans, and purpose." Then it goes deeper to the root word which is “to weave or fabricate; to plot or contrive, to think, regard, value, compute, conceive, invent, esteem, forecast and imagine. So, you see, God is thinking about and weaving your future and He wants you to rise up in the image you have of yourself because you have not arrived, for He has great plans for you! (Jeremiah 29:11)
God also says His ways are not our ways. He does things differently than we would. That, I believe, is why we feel that we have to make our own way and do things the way we THINK they ought to be done using the people we think will get us there. Well, God’s ways aren’t our ways. He knows so much better the plans He has for you, so don’t you think that you should just let Him open the doors for you? Don’t you think He ought to plan your day for you? How about letting God put people in your life that will help you get where you need to be. Sometimes those people are the sand polishing the rough rock. That means that they won’t always be easy to be around, but God is grooming you for the future He has planned for you. Take a reality check today to see if you trust the One who knows what is best for you.
Confession: I realize that God has great plans for me and that I have been trying to make my own plans, doing it my own way. Today, I will purposely give my life to my Lord and Savior. I give Him permission to direct my life as He wills so I can accomplish what He has destined for my life, which is better than I can imagine!
Yesterday, we touched on this verse regarding God’s ideas and ways regarding sickness. But let’s paint a broader stroked picture of Isaiah 55:8 and 9. To get the full importance of this scripture, we need to look at the context in which this was written. God was speaking to Israel and Israel in scripture also refers to the Church today.
You can read verses 1 through 7 and see that God wants the best for His people. He is saying, why do you waste time or money on anything that is not beneficial to the Kingdom of God? He is calling His people to call upon Him, forsake the wicked and return to the Lord. It also says that God will abundantly pardon. The word “abundantly” means to “increase, heap, multiply, nourish, be thorough. And the word “pardon” means to “forgive or spare.”
In today’s world, we are “dumbed-down,” if you will excuse the phrase, in our understanding of God’s love and mercy toward us. He wants so much for us to do a reality check and see how little we actually trust God for our provision, our healing, our protection and advancement in life (prosperity.) The church, as well as the world, keeps a lid on our thinking.
BUT GOD has higher thoughts for you. He wants you to be healthy – totally healthy. He wants you to have money. He wants you to be happy and in peace. Read Isaiah 55:1-3 and you will see the passion that God has for His people to be successful and prosper. He has great thoughts for you. The word "thoughts" in the original Hebrew means “intentions, curious work, plans, and purpose." Then it goes deeper to the root word which is “to weave or fabricate; to plot or contrive, to think, regard, value, compute, conceive, invent, esteem, forecast and imagine. So, you see, God is thinking about and weaving your future and He wants you to rise up in the image you have of yourself because you have not arrived, for He has great plans for you! (Jeremiah 29:11)
God also says His ways are not our ways. He does things differently than we would. That, I believe, is why we feel that we have to make our own way and do things the way we THINK they ought to be done using the people we think will get us there. Well, God’s ways aren’t our ways. He knows so much better the plans He has for you, so don’t you think that you should just let Him open the doors for you? Don’t you think He ought to plan your day for you? How about letting God put people in your life that will help you get where you need to be. Sometimes those people are the sand polishing the rough rock. That means that they won’t always be easy to be around, but God is grooming you for the future He has planned for you. Take a reality check today to see if you trust the One who knows what is best for you.
Confession: I realize that God has great plans for me and that I have been trying to make my own plans, doing it my own way. Today, I will purposely give my life to my Lord and Savior. I give Him permission to direct my life as He wills so I can accomplish what He has destined for my life, which is better than I can imagine!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Choose God's Higher Thoughts
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. ---Isaiah 55:8,9
Because they don’t understand the way God thinks or who He is, people say, “I believe God wants to use sickness to teach me.” Or, they say, “Sickness is just part of life!” But is that what is in God’s heart?
All of us have probably held theories and beliefs at one time or another that have messed up our thinking. Perhaps Satan’s biggest lie is that sickness and disease are from God, or just part of life. When we fall for that lie, we stop resisting the devil’s attacks on our bodies and open the door for him to walk right in and strap sickness on us. Then we wonder why we can’t get rid of the sickness.
The first thing we think and do is to find a medicine to cover the symptoms and where we might receive temporary relief or recover. We then become reliant on doctors and medicine and forget that God can and will heal you of any pain or sickness you may have. We may also ask for people to lay hands on us and pray and, there too, find temporary relief. But then in either case, symptoms might come right back. We won’t find permanent relief until we make sure that the door giving the enemy access is closed and locked. How do we lock the door? By getting a strong revelation in our hearts that healing is God’s will.
You see, we open the door to sickness through wrong thinking. Wrong thinking produces wrong believing, and wrong believing produces wrong speaking. When all those factors are put together, we experience only bad results.
When faced with symptoms of sickness, we should immediately say, “The Bible is God talking to me. What does God think? What does the Bible say?”
God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts. That means we mustn’t keep our thoughts or destiny in the basement of our minds. He has much grander and higher thoughts – not unreachable thoughts. The enemy of our soul wants us to stay below our abilities and dreams. God has a destiny He wants you to reach and if you are sick, Satan is happy and God is disappointed! Thank God, He wrote down His thoughts and ways in sixty-six books and gave them to us! And in those books, He tells us that healing is His will!
Confession: I don’t allow the devil’s doubt and unbelief to keep me from receiving my healing. I choose God’s higher thoughts and ways for me that will produce healing in my body!
Because they don’t understand the way God thinks or who He is, people say, “I believe God wants to use sickness to teach me.” Or, they say, “Sickness is just part of life!” But is that what is in God’s heart?
All of us have probably held theories and beliefs at one time or another that have messed up our thinking. Perhaps Satan’s biggest lie is that sickness and disease are from God, or just part of life. When we fall for that lie, we stop resisting the devil’s attacks on our bodies and open the door for him to walk right in and strap sickness on us. Then we wonder why we can’t get rid of the sickness.
The first thing we think and do is to find a medicine to cover the symptoms and where we might receive temporary relief or recover. We then become reliant on doctors and medicine and forget that God can and will heal you of any pain or sickness you may have. We may also ask for people to lay hands on us and pray and, there too, find temporary relief. But then in either case, symptoms might come right back. We won’t find permanent relief until we make sure that the door giving the enemy access is closed and locked. How do we lock the door? By getting a strong revelation in our hearts that healing is God’s will.
You see, we open the door to sickness through wrong thinking. Wrong thinking produces wrong believing, and wrong believing produces wrong speaking. When all those factors are put together, we experience only bad results.
When faced with symptoms of sickness, we should immediately say, “The Bible is God talking to me. What does God think? What does the Bible say?”
God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts. That means we mustn’t keep our thoughts or destiny in the basement of our minds. He has much grander and higher thoughts – not unreachable thoughts. The enemy of our soul wants us to stay below our abilities and dreams. God has a destiny He wants you to reach and if you are sick, Satan is happy and God is disappointed! Thank God, He wrote down His thoughts and ways in sixty-six books and gave them to us! And in those books, He tells us that healing is His will!
Confession: I don’t allow the devil’s doubt and unbelief to keep me from receiving my healing. I choose God’s higher thoughts and ways for me that will produce healing in my body!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Jesus Conquered the Devil
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. ---Acts 10:38
When Jesus went to the cross, He not only conquered sin and death, He also destroyed the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8) The devil hates mankind and wants to make our lives as miserable as he can through several different tactics. His favorite is through fear and intimidation. But he also loves to put sickness on people (because they fear it so much) and involve mankind in calamity. Well, in Acts 10:38, it looks like God wanted Jesus to free mankind from those who were “oppressed” of the devil.
The word oppressed means to exercise dominion against. Satan uses all the tactics he can to gain dominion in our lives. If it is financial dominion, then you experience poverty or have no enjoyment in making money. If it is bodily dominion, then he will get you embroiled in addictions, filled with sickness and disease or he’ll manage to make you “accident-prone.” What this does is steal from your peace, your bank account, but most of all, your destiny! He is also very interested in oppressing your heart! If he can keep you focused on yourself, your problems, your sickness, your circumstances, then you’ll never become the overcomer that Jesus sees you are capable of.
Our scripture today says that Jesus of Nazareth was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and with miracle, overcoming power. Jesus went about doing good (in word and deed), healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Jesus was the express demonstration of God’s will for you today. Jesus wasn’t here today and gone tomorrow. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) So through the power that Jesus yielded to us before He went to heaven, we too, can do good and and receive health and then heal all who are oppressed of the devil.
The Holy Spirit of the living God that dwells in you is capable of defeating all the thoughts, all the circumstances and all the diseases that the enemy of your soul is oppressing you with. If he has gained control of your life in some way or another, make this declaration out loud:
Declaration: Satan, you have been defeated by Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Through His life, death and resurrection, I am a child of God and a believer in Jesus Christ. You have no hold on my body, on my mind, or my life. I have a destiny that God wants me to accomplish and in the Name of Jesus, I will reach it! I command all sickness, every unclean spirit, all spirits of oppression to GO! Now, leave me and never return. Thank you Lord Jesus for saving me from sin, sickness and all oppression.
When Jesus went to the cross, He not only conquered sin and death, He also destroyed the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8) The devil hates mankind and wants to make our lives as miserable as he can through several different tactics. His favorite is through fear and intimidation. But he also loves to put sickness on people (because they fear it so much) and involve mankind in calamity. Well, in Acts 10:38, it looks like God wanted Jesus to free mankind from those who were “oppressed” of the devil.
The word oppressed means to exercise dominion against. Satan uses all the tactics he can to gain dominion in our lives. If it is financial dominion, then you experience poverty or have no enjoyment in making money. If it is bodily dominion, then he will get you embroiled in addictions, filled with sickness and disease or he’ll manage to make you “accident-prone.” What this does is steal from your peace, your bank account, but most of all, your destiny! He is also very interested in oppressing your heart! If he can keep you focused on yourself, your problems, your sickness, your circumstances, then you’ll never become the overcomer that Jesus sees you are capable of.
Our scripture today says that Jesus of Nazareth was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and with miracle, overcoming power. Jesus went about doing good (in word and deed), healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Jesus was the express demonstration of God’s will for you today. Jesus wasn’t here today and gone tomorrow. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) So through the power that Jesus yielded to us before He went to heaven, we too, can do good and and receive health and then heal all who are oppressed of the devil.
The Holy Spirit of the living God that dwells in you is capable of defeating all the thoughts, all the circumstances and all the diseases that the enemy of your soul is oppressing you with. If he has gained control of your life in some way or another, make this declaration out loud:
Declaration: Satan, you have been defeated by Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Through His life, death and resurrection, I am a child of God and a believer in Jesus Christ. You have no hold on my body, on my mind, or my life. I have a destiny that God wants me to accomplish and in the Name of Jesus, I will reach it! I command all sickness, every unclean spirit, all spirits of oppression to GO! Now, leave me and never return. Thank you Lord Jesus for saving me from sin, sickness and all oppression.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Anointed with the Holy Spirit and Power
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; ---Acts 10:38
There are a couple more things I want to pull from this scripture for you to think about. Look at the first phrase, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.” First of all the reference of Jesus is not the Christ, or the son of God. Jesus is referenced here as a “man” from Nazareth. It is true that Jesus was God in the skin, but He was 100% man as well. This is saying that God anointed or consecrated Jesus, the man, with the Holy Spirit and the power. The word power in this verse, in its original form, means “forceful, miracle-working strength, the ability to be mighty and do wonderful work.”¹
Now remember, that while Jesus was on this earth, the Holy Spirit was with those that Jesus directed Him to indwell. For example, the disciples went to the villages two by two, “sent” by Jesus with authority. Then the 70 disciples in Luke 10:19 were given power or authority to cast out demons and to heal the sick. The Holy Spirit was limited in whom He could indwell at that time. But once Jesus had died and been resurrected, THEN the Holy Spirit was released upon mankind to work in multiples of places, people and circumstances at once.
If you are a have accepted and confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you have been born into His Kingdom. You too, have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. That means you are in the family of God and His child. The Holy Spirit will help you, teach you, convict you, and guide you into the person that God destined you to be. The disciples received the Holy Spirit in that way after Jesus appeared to them as they were hiding in John 20:21. It was there that Jesus blew on them and they received the “infilling” of the Holy Spirit. BUT, Jesus had more for the disciples and He has more for you as well.
In Acts 1:8, Jesus was speaking to the disciples after His resurrection from the dead. He was instructing those who had been faithful to Him to go to Jerusalem and wait. (Luke 24:49) Wait for what? Jesus told them that they were to wait until they were endued (or clothed) with power (explosive, miracle-working power)¹ from on High. Now, many people believe that Jesus was speaking only to His disciples but there were 120 people in the upper room in Acts 2. They also received the miracle-working power of the Holy Spirit. God never intended for that power to stop when His mortal disciples died!
As we read in Matthew 28:18, we see that Jesus said “ALL authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. GO, therefore, and make disciples…..” That command was to whom? His disciples. Jesus was telling His disciples that they were to make disciples and they are those who are believers and pupils of the Word of God. Then in Mark 16:17 Jesus said, “And these signs will follow those who believe.” He then proceeds to tell them they have power to walk in the miracle-working strength that He had. My point is, that as a believer, you have been given you the same power (miraculous, forceful strength and the ability to be mighty and do wonderful work)¹ and the authority to go everywhere you can to tell others about Him.
¹ Strong’s Concordance Greek Dictionary, page 25 Dunamis “Given the ability to use force, miraculous power, an abundance of might, strength to do wonderful work.”
Confession: I see through the scriptures that Jesus was given power and authority as a human and that He has given that same power and authority to me as a believer and child of God. I want to be a learner and a pupil of the Word so I can understand what is mine through the blood sacrifice of Jesus.
There are a couple more things I want to pull from this scripture for you to think about. Look at the first phrase, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.” First of all the reference of Jesus is not the Christ, or the son of God. Jesus is referenced here as a “man” from Nazareth. It is true that Jesus was God in the skin, but He was 100% man as well. This is saying that God anointed or consecrated Jesus, the man, with the Holy Spirit and the power. The word power in this verse, in its original form, means “forceful, miracle-working strength, the ability to be mighty and do wonderful work.”¹
Now remember, that while Jesus was on this earth, the Holy Spirit was with those that Jesus directed Him to indwell. For example, the disciples went to the villages two by two, “sent” by Jesus with authority. Then the 70 disciples in Luke 10:19 were given power or authority to cast out demons and to heal the sick. The Holy Spirit was limited in whom He could indwell at that time. But once Jesus had died and been resurrected, THEN the Holy Spirit was released upon mankind to work in multiples of places, people and circumstances at once.
If you are a have accepted and confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you have been born into His Kingdom. You too, have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. That means you are in the family of God and His child. The Holy Spirit will help you, teach you, convict you, and guide you into the person that God destined you to be. The disciples received the Holy Spirit in that way after Jesus appeared to them as they were hiding in John 20:21. It was there that Jesus blew on them and they received the “infilling” of the Holy Spirit. BUT, Jesus had more for the disciples and He has more for you as well.
In Acts 1:8, Jesus was speaking to the disciples after His resurrection from the dead. He was instructing those who had been faithful to Him to go to Jerusalem and wait. (Luke 24:49) Wait for what? Jesus told them that they were to wait until they were endued (or clothed) with power (explosive, miracle-working power)¹ from on High. Now, many people believe that Jesus was speaking only to His disciples but there were 120 people in the upper room in Acts 2. They also received the miracle-working power of the Holy Spirit. God never intended for that power to stop when His mortal disciples died!
As we read in Matthew 28:18, we see that Jesus said “ALL authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. GO, therefore, and make disciples…..” That command was to whom? His disciples. Jesus was telling His disciples that they were to make disciples and they are those who are believers and pupils of the Word of God. Then in Mark 16:17 Jesus said, “And these signs will follow those who believe.” He then proceeds to tell them they have power to walk in the miracle-working strength that He had. My point is, that as a believer, you have been given you the same power (miraculous, forceful strength and the ability to be mighty and do wonderful work)¹ and the authority to go everywhere you can to tell others about Him.
¹ Strong’s Concordance Greek Dictionary, page 25 Dunamis “Given the ability to use force, miraculous power, an abundance of might, strength to do wonderful work.”
Confession: I see through the scriptures that Jesus was given power and authority as a human and that He has given that same power and authority to me as a believer and child of God. I want to be a learner and a pupil of the Word so I can understand what is mine through the blood sacrifice of Jesus.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Healing is Good!
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. ---Acts 10:38
The Bible doesn’t say, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, who went about making people sick everywhere He went.” No, Jesus went about doing good. What “good” did Jesus do? This scripture says He “went about doing good, and healing.” Whom did He heal? Those who were oppressed.
Who oppressed them? The devil. That’s pretty plain. God tells us in this scripture where sickness and disease come from—the devil.
God also tells us what “good” is: Good is healing. Sickness isn’t good, because Jesus healed those who were sick and oppressed of the devil. “Good” is setting people free from sickness and disease.
Sickness isn’t a blessing from God. It’s a curse, a satanic oppression and a bondage that the enemy places in the body of Christ to slow us down or stop us from preaching the Gospel to all the world.
God wants us well so we can fulfill the Great Commission and the destiny He has designed for us to do it. He wants us not only to preach the Gospel, but to lay hands on the sick to set them free. (Mark 16:18) Why? Because sickness is bad, and healing is good!
Confession: My Father says healing is good. He willingly heals me. And as I lay hands on the sick, God's power causes them to recover!
The Bible doesn’t say, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, who went about making people sick everywhere He went.” No, Jesus went about doing good. What “good” did Jesus do? This scripture says He “went about doing good, and healing.” Whom did He heal? Those who were oppressed.
Who oppressed them? The devil. That’s pretty plain. God tells us in this scripture where sickness and disease come from—the devil.
God also tells us what “good” is: Good is healing. Sickness isn’t good, because Jesus healed those who were sick and oppressed of the devil. “Good” is setting people free from sickness and disease.
Sickness isn’t a blessing from God. It’s a curse, a satanic oppression and a bondage that the enemy places in the body of Christ to slow us down or stop us from preaching the Gospel to all the world.
God wants us well so we can fulfill the Great Commission and the destiny He has designed for us to do it. He wants us not only to preach the Gospel, but to lay hands on the sick to set them free. (Mark 16:18) Why? Because sickness is bad, and healing is good!
Confession: My Father says healing is good. He willingly heals me. And as I lay hands on the sick, God's power causes them to recover!
Friday, May 8, 2009
The God Who Never Changes
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. ---James 1:16,17
If you receive a promotion, it is from God. If you came upon an accident and were complaining because you were running late, God just protected you from being involved in that accident. If someone blessed you with an unexpected word or deed, it is from God. Scriptures tell us that every good and perfect gift comes from God. The promotion, the protection and the blessing from the friend is a gift that was from God. And He will never change! He will always have wonderful gifts for you. If something isn’t good or perfect, we know it doesn’t come from above!
What about sickness? Well, if sickness came from God, it would have to be good. But we know sickness isn’t good, because it steals, kills and destroys. It does not come from God. Our bodies reject sickness, our minds are troubled by disease and everything in our soul wants to be well!
Have you ever considered that last part of verse 17? God, the Father of lights has no variableness (which means fickleness). God does not change His mind on what will work with one person and not will work with another. He considers everyone on an even playing field. He wants to gift any of His children who are obedient to His law and will trust Him, and God will never change! God has not shadow of turning! He can’t even think or entertain the thought of changing!
Jesus doesn’t change either. He is the express image of the Father, and He’s the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) And Acts 10:38 says Jesus “went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with him.”
God didn’t send sickness, disease, poverty or mental torment in the beginning. He didn’t send any of that during the time of Jesus’ earthly walk, and He doesn’t send sickness, disease, poverty or mental torment to the earth today. Rather, God made a way to deliver us from anything that would try to kill, steal or destroy us when He sent the living Word, Jesus Christ.
Confession: My Father and His Word never change. He sent His Word to heal and deliver His people under the old covenant, and He sends His Word to heal and deliver me today. I receive my protection, healing and blessings by faith in God’s Word.
If you receive a promotion, it is from God. If you came upon an accident and were complaining because you were running late, God just protected you from being involved in that accident. If someone blessed you with an unexpected word or deed, it is from God. Scriptures tell us that every good and perfect gift comes from God. The promotion, the protection and the blessing from the friend is a gift that was from God. And He will never change! He will always have wonderful gifts for you. If something isn’t good or perfect, we know it doesn’t come from above!
What about sickness? Well, if sickness came from God, it would have to be good. But we know sickness isn’t good, because it steals, kills and destroys. It does not come from God. Our bodies reject sickness, our minds are troubled by disease and everything in our soul wants to be well!
Have you ever considered that last part of verse 17? God, the Father of lights has no variableness (which means fickleness). God does not change His mind on what will work with one person and not will work with another. He considers everyone on an even playing field. He wants to gift any of His children who are obedient to His law and will trust Him, and God will never change! God has not shadow of turning! He can’t even think or entertain the thought of changing!
Jesus doesn’t change either. He is the express image of the Father, and He’s the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) And Acts 10:38 says Jesus “went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with him.”
God didn’t send sickness, disease, poverty or mental torment in the beginning. He didn’t send any of that during the time of Jesus’ earthly walk, and He doesn’t send sickness, disease, poverty or mental torment to the earth today. Rather, God made a way to deliver us from anything that would try to kill, steal or destroy us when He sent the living Word, Jesus Christ.
Confession: My Father and His Word never change. He sent His Word to heal and deliver His people under the old covenant, and He sends His Word to heal and deliver me today. I receive my protection, healing and blessings by faith in God’s Word.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Don't Be Double-Minded
Let him ask (God) in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. ---James 1:6-8
Many people would never identify themselves as believing on both sides of the fence, but if you were to examine yourself, you may be surprised! There are many influences in our lives and most of them don’t even think to include God and His perspective on our lives. As children of God and residing in His kingdom, we are to think differently. We are to be so aware of what God has said in His Word as well as what was demonstrated as His will through the life of Jesus Christ, that whatever happens in our lives, we remain steadfast in our hearts and minds that God is quite able to walk with us through our circumstance AND end up blessing us more in the end.
Let’s focus on sickness and disease attacking our body or the body of our loved one. Whenever sickness attacks our bodies, everything in us wants to be free of it. It’s uncomfortable. It is “dis-ease,” and we automatically want to be rid of it as quickly as we can.
God has designed our bodies to fight off infection, to show symptoms of something going on in your body like headaches or fever. Our body doesn’t want to be sick any more than you do! God even set up defensive capabilities to protect your organs and blood against the attacks from the outside world. It is amazing how our body heals after injury or sickness.
But here is where we miss it. First of all, we let the sickness sweep over us and we accept it as “part of life.” However God set up our first defense system through our body rebelling against disease. Second, He has sent His Word establishing that it is NOT His will that you be sick which is documented all the way back to Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness. Thirdly, God sent Jesus Christ to come to this earth to bring back the Kingdom of God that was lost in the Garden of Eden. By doing this, Jesus taught that in God’s Kingdom, there is no sickness or disease. And He commenced in demonstrating this through miraculous signs and wonders. Finally, Jesus willingly went to the cross to take ALL of your sins and ALL of your sickness so that you don’t have to carry them any more.
So, how do we get double-minded? We end up allowing the secular world (mostly through the media) to dominate our thinking. We listen to doctors who have had patients that had no clue how to tap into God’s Word therefore making a long history of that particular disease prognosis seem daunting. We listen to our family, friends and co-workers tell about someone they know went through the same thing and all the difficulties they endured and still ended up dead. If we dwell on the world's opinion, but then we want to believe God’s Word, we are double-minded.
Well, I want to tell you of a wonderful lady I know who knows how to tap into God’s Word. She is not double-minded in the least. This woman has had cancer three times. Each time, she does what the doctor wants her to do, but she doesn’t listen to the negative from her doctor, family or the history of that disease or it’s treatment! She believes what God says. So as she is taking her chemotherapy, all the while declaring that the medicine will do what it is supposed to do with no ill effects. She speaks over her body saying the cancer will die and she will not!! She is confident that she will not have the side-effects that so many people endure. So after she has her chemo, she feels good enough to go shopping, go to a Bible study or any other activity. . . right after her treatment. How can she do this? She is declaring the Word. She is not allowing anyone or anything make her think any differently and is a walking testimony of how God’s Word works.
You, too can walk in confidence that the Word works. Don't be double-minded about it. Refuse sickness when it comes. When symptoms attack your body, attack those symptoms with the Word of God! You are God’s child, and you don’t have to keep one thing that doesn’t come from Him!
Confession: I am single-minded and stable in all my ways. I know God’s will for me is healing and good health. Sickness has no place in me, and I refuse to let it stay!
Many people would never identify themselves as believing on both sides of the fence, but if you were to examine yourself, you may be surprised! There are many influences in our lives and most of them don’t even think to include God and His perspective on our lives. As children of God and residing in His kingdom, we are to think differently. We are to be so aware of what God has said in His Word as well as what was demonstrated as His will through the life of Jesus Christ, that whatever happens in our lives, we remain steadfast in our hearts and minds that God is quite able to walk with us through our circumstance AND end up blessing us more in the end.
Let’s focus on sickness and disease attacking our body or the body of our loved one. Whenever sickness attacks our bodies, everything in us wants to be free of it. It’s uncomfortable. It is “dis-ease,” and we automatically want to be rid of it as quickly as we can.
God has designed our bodies to fight off infection, to show symptoms of something going on in your body like headaches or fever. Our body doesn’t want to be sick any more than you do! God even set up defensive capabilities to protect your organs and blood against the attacks from the outside world. It is amazing how our body heals after injury or sickness.
But here is where we miss it. First of all, we let the sickness sweep over us and we accept it as “part of life.” However God set up our first defense system through our body rebelling against disease. Second, He has sent His Word establishing that it is NOT His will that you be sick which is documented all the way back to Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness. Thirdly, God sent Jesus Christ to come to this earth to bring back the Kingdom of God that was lost in the Garden of Eden. By doing this, Jesus taught that in God’s Kingdom, there is no sickness or disease. And He commenced in demonstrating this through miraculous signs and wonders. Finally, Jesus willingly went to the cross to take ALL of your sins and ALL of your sickness so that you don’t have to carry them any more.
So, how do we get double-minded? We end up allowing the secular world (mostly through the media) to dominate our thinking. We listen to doctors who have had patients that had no clue how to tap into God’s Word therefore making a long history of that particular disease prognosis seem daunting. We listen to our family, friends and co-workers tell about someone they know went through the same thing and all the difficulties they endured and still ended up dead. If we dwell on the world's opinion, but then we want to believe God’s Word, we are double-minded.
Well, I want to tell you of a wonderful lady I know who knows how to tap into God’s Word. She is not double-minded in the least. This woman has had cancer three times. Each time, she does what the doctor wants her to do, but she doesn’t listen to the negative from her doctor, family or the history of that disease or it’s treatment! She believes what God says. So as she is taking her chemotherapy, all the while declaring that the medicine will do what it is supposed to do with no ill effects. She speaks over her body saying the cancer will die and she will not!! She is confident that she will not have the side-effects that so many people endure. So after she has her chemo, she feels good enough to go shopping, go to a Bible study or any other activity. . . right after her treatment. How can she do this? She is declaring the Word. She is not allowing anyone or anything make her think any differently and is a walking testimony of how God’s Word works.
You, too can walk in confidence that the Word works. Don't be double-minded about it. Refuse sickness when it comes. When symptoms attack your body, attack those symptoms with the Word of God! You are God’s child, and you don’t have to keep one thing that doesn’t come from Him!
Confession: I am single-minded and stable in all my ways. I know God’s will for me is healing and good health. Sickness has no place in me, and I refuse to let it stay!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Jesus Destroyed the Works of the Devil
For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. ---1 John 3:8
Where does sickness, poverty and depression come from? We have to find the source of the problem before we can get rid of it. So, let’s look at the reason Jesus came to the earth. Isaiah 9:6 tells us that Jesus was going to be born and the government (of heaven) would be on His shoulder. He came to bring God’s kingdom and its government back to this earth. Then, as a result of Jesus’ life and carrying out the will of the Father, Jesus demonstrated the vastness and depth of God’s love for mankind. The cross was the completion of Jesus’ task and that was to take ALL of our sin, sickness and depression upon Himself and destroy the works of the devil once and for all. Jesus defeated Satan and the grave of death so we can live God’s kind of life (zoe) on this earth now and when we pass over into eternity, to live with God and Jesus. Now, that is Good News!!!!
There are people who are just beginning to walk by faith. But even though they are learning to believe and confess the truth of God’s Word, they still have that old doubt-filled thinking dogging them. They are thinking, “God may want me sick for a purpose. This poverty may be sent from God to teach me something.” Or, “God will restore my friend, but I can’t imagine God wanting to restore me!”
If that’s what you’re thinking; you won’t be healed or restored. Your faith will never operate beyond your knowledge of God’s will. You have to know a sound mind, health and prosperity is God’s will before you can believe for it. By the way, the original meaning of prosperity is to move ahead, push forward, to be prosperous.
So feed your spirit on healing Scriptures that tell you God wants you healthy, to have a sound mind (without confusion or depression) and to always be moving ahead in your life, your soul and your body. Fill your mind with the Word so those old, doubt-filled thoughts can’t even find a way to get in! Scripture tells us that “without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) Your faith can make you whole—if you know what you believe and that will please God!
Confession: It’s God’s will for me to be healed, live in health, and be whole in mind and body. Sickness, poverty and depression don’t come from God and He doesn’t use negativity to teach me. Jesus destroyed the works of the devil, so I can live free of the torments of the devil!
Where does sickness, poverty and depression come from? We have to find the source of the problem before we can get rid of it. So, let’s look at the reason Jesus came to the earth. Isaiah 9:6 tells us that Jesus was going to be born and the government (of heaven) would be on His shoulder. He came to bring God’s kingdom and its government back to this earth. Then, as a result of Jesus’ life and carrying out the will of the Father, Jesus demonstrated the vastness and depth of God’s love for mankind. The cross was the completion of Jesus’ task and that was to take ALL of our sin, sickness and depression upon Himself and destroy the works of the devil once and for all. Jesus defeated Satan and the grave of death so we can live God’s kind of life (zoe) on this earth now and when we pass over into eternity, to live with God and Jesus. Now, that is Good News!!!!
There are people who are just beginning to walk by faith. But even though they are learning to believe and confess the truth of God’s Word, they still have that old doubt-filled thinking dogging them. They are thinking, “God may want me sick for a purpose. This poverty may be sent from God to teach me something.” Or, “God will restore my friend, but I can’t imagine God wanting to restore me!”
If that’s what you’re thinking; you won’t be healed or restored. Your faith will never operate beyond your knowledge of God’s will. You have to know a sound mind, health and prosperity is God’s will before you can believe for it. By the way, the original meaning of prosperity is to move ahead, push forward, to be prosperous.
So feed your spirit on healing Scriptures that tell you God wants you healthy, to have a sound mind (without confusion or depression) and to always be moving ahead in your life, your soul and your body. Fill your mind with the Word so those old, doubt-filled thoughts can’t even find a way to get in! Scripture tells us that “without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) Your faith can make you whole—if you know what you believe and that will please God!
Confession: It’s God’s will for me to be healed, live in health, and be whole in mind and body. Sickness, poverty and depression don’t come from God and He doesn’t use negativity to teach me. Jesus destroyed the works of the devil, so I can live free of the torments of the devil!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
God's Kind of Life
The thief does not come but to kill, steal and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. ---John 10:10
Where does sickness or confusion, or calamity come from? I have heard, for years, God blamed for such events. Even Christians, because they couldn’t rationalize such events and knowing God was “sovereign” would tell us that God wanted to teach us and to make us pious or more “Christ-like.”
However, if we look in the Word, we definitely see that sickness, calamity and depression comes from the enemy and not from God. Jesus certainly didn’t get Christ-like through sickness and disease, so I don’t know why we should have to do it that way! Tragedies are a satanic force. God called it a curse in Deuteronomy 28:59-61. In Luke 13:16, Jesus called it a bondage. And by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Peter called it satanic oppression in Acts 10:38.
God doesn’t like sickness or catastrophe or anything else that would destroy His people. He is totally and completely against it. He has done, and is still doing everything in His power to get healing and health of mind and body back to His children.
The thief---the devil---is the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy. Jesus gives only abundant life. The word “abundant” in the original Greek means superabundance, excessive, overflowing, surplus, over and above and more than enough, just for starters. That sounds very positive to me. Imagine living a life that is full of success, divine health, and favor from all men!
Let’s take one strategy the devil uses on people, sickness. Sickness steals money, steals families; it steals homes. It steals everything it can steal. Sickness kills and destroys. The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy, and he’ll use any other method he can to make sure you don’t enjoy life, this side of heaven.
Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” The word life in the Greek is “ZOE,” and it refers to life as God has it. Jesus was saying, “I have come that you might have the life of God.”
Was God ever sick? No! Sickness and disease don’t come from God; otherwise, Jesus would have given sickness to us as part of the “abundant life” package. Remember, Jesus was the will of God in action. But He didn’t’ come to bind us in chains of bondage and oppression. He came to set us free!
Confession: Jesus gives me abundant life—life as God has it. God doesn’t get sick, so I don’t allow sickness to stay in my body either. God’s divine health belongs to me! I will enjoy an over-abundance of life because Jesus declared it to me.
Where does sickness or confusion, or calamity come from? I have heard, for years, God blamed for such events. Even Christians, because they couldn’t rationalize such events and knowing God was “sovereign” would tell us that God wanted to teach us and to make us pious or more “Christ-like.”
However, if we look in the Word, we definitely see that sickness, calamity and depression comes from the enemy and not from God. Jesus certainly didn’t get Christ-like through sickness and disease, so I don’t know why we should have to do it that way! Tragedies are a satanic force. God called it a curse in Deuteronomy 28:59-61. In Luke 13:16, Jesus called it a bondage. And by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Peter called it satanic oppression in Acts 10:38.
God doesn’t like sickness or catastrophe or anything else that would destroy His people. He is totally and completely against it. He has done, and is still doing everything in His power to get healing and health of mind and body back to His children.
The thief---the devil---is the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy. Jesus gives only abundant life. The word “abundant” in the original Greek means superabundance, excessive, overflowing, surplus, over and above and more than enough, just for starters. That sounds very positive to me. Imagine living a life that is full of success, divine health, and favor from all men!
Let’s take one strategy the devil uses on people, sickness. Sickness steals money, steals families; it steals homes. It steals everything it can steal. Sickness kills and destroys. The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy, and he’ll use any other method he can to make sure you don’t enjoy life, this side of heaven.
Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” The word life in the Greek is “ZOE,” and it refers to life as God has it. Jesus was saying, “I have come that you might have the life of God.”
Was God ever sick? No! Sickness and disease don’t come from God; otherwise, Jesus would have given sickness to us as part of the “abundant life” package. Remember, Jesus was the will of God in action. But He didn’t’ come to bind us in chains of bondage and oppression. He came to set us free!
Confession: Jesus gives me abundant life—life as God has it. God doesn’t get sick, so I don’t allow sickness to stay in my body either. God’s divine health belongs to me! I will enjoy an over-abundance of life because Jesus declared it to me.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Come Out of Your Trial Stronger
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ---1 Timothy 6:13
It has been said, “I thought when a person operated in faith, he wouldn’t have any problems” No, that’s what faith is FOR – to help you overcome the enemy when he attacks you with problems.
A man came to one minister and said, “I want you to pray I’ll never have any more trouble with the devil.” The minister said, “Do you want me to pray you will die?” You can count on it—the enemy will come with tests and trials. He is trying to steal, kill and destroy everything good in your life. (John 10:10) As long as we live here on this side of heaven, we will have trouble with God’s enemy, the devil.
What does the devil do? He tries to stir up negative circumstances, symptoms, thoughts, imaginations and trials. He does anything he can to discourage us and make us quit. I’m not speaking doom and gloom; I’m just saying we may as well face the fact that life on this earth won’t be a “bed of roses.”
Even though we are Christians, problems will come to us in life. But we aren’t supposed to hide, bury our heads in the sand or run in fear and cry, “Oh, God, what am I going to do now?”
We need to stay scriptural. Notice I didn’t say religious. Religion doesn’t keep us safe, healed, or protected from spiritual influences. By being scriptural, we use scriptures to do battle. Then every time symptoms, temptations, tests or trials come along, we’ll get a silly grin on our faces and say, “Glory to God! Here’s one more chance for me to flex my faith muscles. I’ll come out of this stronger.”
Your GOOD confession during your difficulties will make the devil back off and run in the opposite direction. There may be residue left after the test or trial, but continue the good confession of your faith and let others know how God is working on your behalf.
Then, the next time the devil comes after you, you’ll be stronger and he won’t work as hard because he knows from past experience that you know your scriptures and have confidence that God will do what He says He will do.
Confession: I’ve been redeemed from Satan’s control. Difficulties in life will not destroy my body, my mind or my emotions. I am more than a conqueror and know that the devil is defeated through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. I will stand firm in the storms, fight the good fight of faith and will give a good confession to those around me.
It has been said, “I thought when a person operated in faith, he wouldn’t have any problems” No, that’s what faith is FOR – to help you overcome the enemy when he attacks you with problems.
A man came to one minister and said, “I want you to pray I’ll never have any more trouble with the devil.” The minister said, “Do you want me to pray you will die?” You can count on it—the enemy will come with tests and trials. He is trying to steal, kill and destroy everything good in your life. (John 10:10) As long as we live here on this side of heaven, we will have trouble with God’s enemy, the devil.
What does the devil do? He tries to stir up negative circumstances, symptoms, thoughts, imaginations and trials. He does anything he can to discourage us and make us quit. I’m not speaking doom and gloom; I’m just saying we may as well face the fact that life on this earth won’t be a “bed of roses.”
Even though we are Christians, problems will come to us in life. But we aren’t supposed to hide, bury our heads in the sand or run in fear and cry, “Oh, God, what am I going to do now?”
We need to stay scriptural. Notice I didn’t say religious. Religion doesn’t keep us safe, healed, or protected from spiritual influences. By being scriptural, we use scriptures to do battle. Then every time symptoms, temptations, tests or trials come along, we’ll get a silly grin on our faces and say, “Glory to God! Here’s one more chance for me to flex my faith muscles. I’ll come out of this stronger.”
Your GOOD confession during your difficulties will make the devil back off and run in the opposite direction. There may be residue left after the test or trial, but continue the good confession of your faith and let others know how God is working on your behalf.
Then, the next time the devil comes after you, you’ll be stronger and he won’t work as hard because he knows from past experience that you know your scriptures and have confidence that God will do what He says He will do.
Confession: I’ve been redeemed from Satan’s control. Difficulties in life will not destroy my body, my mind or my emotions. I am more than a conqueror and know that the devil is defeated through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. I will stand firm in the storms, fight the good fight of faith and will give a good confession to those around me.
Friday, May 1, 2009
A New Revelation
"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:38
This past weekend, Bob and I traveled to Phoenix, Arizona where we were to meet folks that had the same interest as we, buying and selling real estate as investors. Since we were total strangers with each other and there for the purpose of gaining knowledge and expertise in a secular setting, I put on my business hat.
In the very first session of a two-day conference, I had the sense that these people in the same room as Bob and I, for the most part, were in this business to help people who were in a difficult time in their lives. Yes, there are real estate investors who are in it just to take advantage of people or out to make as much money as they can. But under the mentorship and guidance of Dean Graziosi and his associates, there is a compassionate and humanitarian element that under girds the business of RE investing.
So, this is why I am writing this devotion this morning in a different way. I had a huge realization of what is happening to the Church today and pray that each of us can make a difference. I will do my best to explain what happened this weekend.
In the first session, Dean led us through an exercise to find out why we are in real estate investing. It was a 7-step ladder with each answer followed with a “why?” So, if we are asked “Why are you in real estate?” we would answer “To make money.” The next step was asked, “Why do you want to make money?” The answer would be something like, “To provide for my family.” The next step would be “Why do you want to provide for your family?” And so on up the ladder. By the top three steps, all the materialistic reasons were shed and the heart felt answers came out.
Dean had a volunteer come up and present a mock run to demonstrate how it was going to be done. The young lady was clear on her material answers, but just as Dean said, it got into heart issues on the last three. It was interesting but as she sat up there, she very hesitantly talked about purpose for her life and destiny. It started sounding kind of spiritual to me and I leaned over to Bob and said, “I wish she would just say it!” To us, she was trying not to be spiritual and stay as secular as she could.
Now, let’s jump to the last 3 hours of the conference. Bob and I had been flown out there by Dean Graziosi so we could share our real estate story with him and the participants. He knew I went on mission trips and therefore a Christian. We had written our real estate story and been told what questions Dean was going to ask, but I never expected it to take the turn it did.
As we sat on the sofa in front of 130 people with cameras that were recording for future TV specials, Dean looked straight at me and asked, “Debbie, how did you fill out the top three levels of your ladder?” I am thinking, “Are you serious? You really want me to answer that?” In that moment, I knew I had to say what God would want me say. So, I took a deep breath and told him exactly how I had filled out my sheet. I told him I had a destiny that God had prepared for me and there was a purpose for my life. That I had to strive to achieve that purpose because when I stand before God on my judgment day I want to answer that I had accomplished it all.
There erupted applause all over the room. I was suddenly aware that the folks in that room needed someone to break the silence or that secular atmosphere and put God in the middle of it. When I split that secular/spiritual veil it was like a huge sigh of relief came over everyone. I had many people come up to me and thank me for saying what I did!
Now here is the lesson I learned. We, as the church, have zipped our lips for far too long. We have failed to give God credit, honor, or acknowledgement because of….why? It seems there is an unseen presence or veil that prevents us from breaking through and recognizing God in our lives and sharing it with others. That unseen veil is spread over us by the enemy of God, Satan. I have given a lot of thought to this phenomenon and it is really very mental. There are no signs, laws or guns pointed at us Americans saying we can’t recognize God and give Him credit when talking to others. We have simply stopped because we feel intimidated by…who? Not the people we are speaking to. They may even agree or give their own testimony. It is the unseen devil that is always lurking in our mind saying, “Don’t say that! They will get offended!”
Remember in Revelation 12:11 it says that the devil is overcome by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus’ death on the cross) and the word of our testimony. My friends, we must give God credit for all He does in our lives, how He teaches us, recognize when He protects us, how He blesses us and however else you can give your testimony. You may just credit Him to your spouse and children, or it may be in front of a group. But this is what we must do as the Church and once again be the people of God in which He is waiting.
This past weekend, Bob and I traveled to Phoenix, Arizona where we were to meet folks that had the same interest as we, buying and selling real estate as investors. Since we were total strangers with each other and there for the purpose of gaining knowledge and expertise in a secular setting, I put on my business hat.
In the very first session of a two-day conference, I had the sense that these people in the same room as Bob and I, for the most part, were in this business to help people who were in a difficult time in their lives. Yes, there are real estate investors who are in it just to take advantage of people or out to make as much money as they can. But under the mentorship and guidance of Dean Graziosi and his associates, there is a compassionate and humanitarian element that under girds the business of RE investing.
So, this is why I am writing this devotion this morning in a different way. I had a huge realization of what is happening to the Church today and pray that each of us can make a difference. I will do my best to explain what happened this weekend.
In the first session, Dean led us through an exercise to find out why we are in real estate investing. It was a 7-step ladder with each answer followed with a “why?” So, if we are asked “Why are you in real estate?” we would answer “To make money.” The next step was asked, “Why do you want to make money?” The answer would be something like, “To provide for my family.” The next step would be “Why do you want to provide for your family?” And so on up the ladder. By the top three steps, all the materialistic reasons were shed and the heart felt answers came out.
Dean had a volunteer come up and present a mock run to demonstrate how it was going to be done. The young lady was clear on her material answers, but just as Dean said, it got into heart issues on the last three. It was interesting but as she sat up there, she very hesitantly talked about purpose for her life and destiny. It started sounding kind of spiritual to me and I leaned over to Bob and said, “I wish she would just say it!” To us, she was trying not to be spiritual and stay as secular as she could.
Now, let’s jump to the last 3 hours of the conference. Bob and I had been flown out there by Dean Graziosi so we could share our real estate story with him and the participants. He knew I went on mission trips and therefore a Christian. We had written our real estate story and been told what questions Dean was going to ask, but I never expected it to take the turn it did.
As we sat on the sofa in front of 130 people with cameras that were recording for future TV specials, Dean looked straight at me and asked, “Debbie, how did you fill out the top three levels of your ladder?” I am thinking, “Are you serious? You really want me to answer that?” In that moment, I knew I had to say what God would want me say. So, I took a deep breath and told him exactly how I had filled out my sheet. I told him I had a destiny that God had prepared for me and there was a purpose for my life. That I had to strive to achieve that purpose because when I stand before God on my judgment day I want to answer that I had accomplished it all.
There erupted applause all over the room. I was suddenly aware that the folks in that room needed someone to break the silence or that secular atmosphere and put God in the middle of it. When I split that secular/spiritual veil it was like a huge sigh of relief came over everyone. I had many people come up to me and thank me for saying what I did!
Now here is the lesson I learned. We, as the church, have zipped our lips for far too long. We have failed to give God credit, honor, or acknowledgement because of….why? It seems there is an unseen presence or veil that prevents us from breaking through and recognizing God in our lives and sharing it with others. That unseen veil is spread over us by the enemy of God, Satan. I have given a lot of thought to this phenomenon and it is really very mental. There are no signs, laws or guns pointed at us Americans saying we can’t recognize God and give Him credit when talking to others. We have simply stopped because we feel intimidated by…who? Not the people we are speaking to. They may even agree or give their own testimony. It is the unseen devil that is always lurking in our mind saying, “Don’t say that! They will get offended!”
Remember in Revelation 12:11 it says that the devil is overcome by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus’ death on the cross) and the word of our testimony. My friends, we must give God credit for all He does in our lives, how He teaches us, recognize when He protects us, how He blesses us and however else you can give your testimony. You may just credit Him to your spouse and children, or it may be in front of a group. But this is what we must do as the Church and once again be the people of God in which He is waiting.