13 posts tagged “jesus christ”
As Christians we don't like to talk about it because as Christ followers sometimes we are told that we shouldn't struggle with depression. I've been told "you're fine", when all I wanted to do was cry. I've been told "fake it till you make it." All by well meaning and well intentioned Christians. The fact of the matter was that when I would go to church, I would put on my fake smile, fake it while I was there, then go back home and into my pj's and turn off my phone. It is exhausting to "fake it until you make it."
I remember when I finally confessed to someone I loved and trusted that I broke down finally and went to the doctor to get on anti-depressants again, the comment they made to me tore me up. Yes, I have forgiven them, but the hurt is still there until the Lord heals it. I believe it remains there so that I can get the message out there that you're not a bad person, or doing something wrong if you are depressed. When someone gets diabetes, do you tell them to suck it up and trust God? Or do you tell them they should take their medicine and go to the doctor? If someone has high blood pressure, do you tell them "fake it until you make it" and trust God, or do you tell them they should take their medicine?
Is it possible, dear Christian, that the Lord gave doctors and scientists the wisdom to create life saving medications so that we could be okay? Yes! God gave the scientists wisdom to know how to treat certain cancers. I have a dear friend who was cured of breast cancer, and while she is still in the final stages of treatment, she is on her way to recovery. What if someone told her "you're fine" and "just trust God"? and she chose not to do this life saving treatment? Sure, there is a possibility that God would miraculously cure her, but do you take that chance when there is a life saving treatment available? No! Just like with any sickness or disease or illness. If someone is throwing you a life saver and you're in the water drowning, do you tell them, "I'm trusting God to save me"? or do you take the flippin' life saver and let them pull you to safety? I don't think I need to answer that question.
Just because we are Christians does not mean that we aren't going to suffer, have problems, go through sickness and illnesses, or struggle with depression. Christ did not promise us a life of ease. If He thought we weren't going to go through junk, why would He provide scriptures such as Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Now some might argue that this scripture is for someone who doesn't know Christ. Okay, then how about the book of Job? Why did God provide us with this book? Job knew the Lord intimately. In Job 1:1 Job is referred to as a "blameless and upright" man "he feared God and shunned evil." The Lord says to satan in verse 8 "Have you considered my servant, Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." Wow!
Or how about the scripture 1 Peter 4:12 "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." (Peter is speaking to Christ followers here) or 1 Peter 4:1 "Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because He who has suffered in his body is done with sin." or James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (Peter and James were both speaking to Christ followers)
My dear friend, if you are suffering from an illness just because you aren't healed yet or living in what the "world" considers "prosperous" -- doesn't mean you are doing something wrong. The Apostle Paul really went through a lot while an apostle of Christ says in Phillipians 4:11-13 "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do evertyhing through Him [Christ] who gives me strength."
John the Baptist was beheaded doing the work of the Lord. Peter was hanged upside down on a cross while doing the work of the Lord. Paul was shipwrecked, stoned, left for dead, imprisoned, tormented by a "messenger of Satan (2 Cor. 12:7). Paul asked the Lord THREE times for Him to take it (the messenger of Satan) away, and the Lord responded "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9). I also believe that eventually Paul was beheaded as well. Of course, our greatest example is Jesus, who suffered the most of all. Heb. 5:8 "Although He was a son, He learned obedience from what He suffered and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him."
So, just because you have trials, tribulations, sickness, financial problems, kid problems, marital problems, relationship problems doesn't always mean that you are doing something wrong. We live in a fallen world. If you have an illness, its okay to go to the doctor and get medicine, and don't let anyone make you feel bad that you have to take it.
Depression is an imbalance of chemicals in the body, much like diabetes is an imbalance, high blood pressure, or heart disease, or .....the list goes on. Some people have it. Some people don't. Don't feel bad or feel like a failure if you have to get an anti-depressant because God provided wisdom to the scientists and doctors for that too -- not just these other things.
Another thing, reach out to others and have a support network that will call you to reach out to you also. I am starting a women's prayer group, and am very excited to have the support and prayer support that we as women so desperately need. Again, Christian, do not think that because things aren't perfect in your life that God is not with you. God is always with you. Trust Him. Follow Him. Seek Him. Thank Him. Praise Him. He is the same yesterday and today and forever. Heb. 13:8.
Do we stop asking for healing? Absolutely not! That is not what I'm saying, but God gave us a brain to use and we should not be stupid if there is medicine or doctors available to help us during our time of illness -- use them!
Recommended reading this week: anything that is in your Bible that jumps out at you. Just read it! :-)
This is the song that has been going through my head all day, so I wanted to share. It is an awesome and amazingly upbeat song. Please listen to it. It's VERY good! Psalms 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalms 118 in itself is awesome (well the whole Bible is), but thought I would share some scriptures that have touched me tonight, and given me comfort. Psalms 116: 7 "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." Today and yesterday I made a list of all my thanks to the Lord. If you are struggling today, I would suggest to make a list of thanks to the Lord. When you do this, it comforts you as you begin to realize the many blessings you have from the Lord. I know it helped me. It comforts during times of trials. James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
My study bible (which is amazingly awesome) says in its notes "The word 'trials' (Greek peirasmoi) refers to persecution and troubles from the world or Satan. (1) The believer must meet these trials with joy (Matt. 5:11-12; Romans 5:3; 1 Peter 1:6), for testing will develop persevering faith, proven character and mature hope (Rom. 5:3-5). Our faith can only reach full maturity when faced with difficulties and opposition (v. 3). (2) James calls these trials a "testing of your faith." Trials are sometimes brought into believers' lives so that God can test the sincerity of their faith. Scripture nowhere teaches that troubles in life are always an indication that God is displeased with us. They can be a sign that He recognizes our firm commitment to him (Job 1-2).
Temptation and trials are different. James 1:13 says "When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone: but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives full birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." My study bible says in the notes "No person who sins can evade guilt by throwing the blame on God. God may test us in order to strengthen our faith, but never with the intent of leading us to sin. God's nature demonstrates that He cannot be a source of temptation to sin."
I John 1:8-10 "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives."
James 5:11 "As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."
Psalms 116:12 "How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord."
Psalms 118:1-8 "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." 4 "Let those who fear the Lord say: "His love endures forever." 5 In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered me by setting me free. 6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 7 The Lord is with me; He is my Helper. 8 I will look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man."
Psalms 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
So if you're having trouble finding things to be thankful for -- let me help you get started: 1) Jesus saved me; 2) my sins are forgiven; 3) I am promised eternal life in Heaven with my Savior and Lord; 4) I have an awesome family (both my biological family and my married into family -- they are all amazing!); 5) I have the BEST kids on the planet; 6) I have a house to live in; 7) I have warm water in which to get clean, rest in, soak in; 8) I have the most amazing husband ever, who is so kind, warm, caring, compassionate, loving, funny, HOT; 9) I have an amazing church, pastor, friends (both old and new); 10) I have food to eat; 11) I have a computer and internet for being able to communicate the message of the gospel, talk to my friends, meet new friends, etc. 12) I have health insurance; 13) I have a bed to sleep in; 14) I have a husband who sleeps very soundly so that I can be on the computer when I can't sleep, or I can read in the middle of the night when I can't sleep; 15) I have pets that are so much fun, loving, great companions; 16) I have some of the most amazing friends on the planet! 17) Icy hot Cream --- ahhhh.
Just doing this right now has helped me tremendously tonight. These thanks are not to brag on me -- but to brag on the Lord. He is the reason I have these things to be thankful for -- He is the reason for my everything. (2 Corinthians 10:17)
Today I had one of the best days I've had in a long time. It was one of those home run, hit it out of the parks, going down in the records kind of days. I was so full of the JOY of the Lord. Filled to overflowing. It was awesome. My pain was manageable enough today that I was able to get out and do stuff. The Lord allowed me to minister to so many people today, visit with some awesome friends, had coffee with another awesome friend who is understanding and kind. Just a lot of GREAT things. God also gave me some more ideas for ministry opportunities that I'm very excited about. Can't wait to do it, if it is His will!
Then I get the slam. This one felt like a kick in the gut, ripped off an old scab, open, bleeding, raw, and then rub salt in it kind of slam. Processing this one has been a bit of a challenge -- I wanted to scream, vent, give into my flesh and blast outwards. Instead, I cried out to the Lord. Put it down on paper. Then made my list of thanks. When you go through trials, how you handle them is what matures you. How you handle conflicts with people is what matures you. Don't avoid them -- face them, gracefully, tactfully, calmly. Accept responsibility for your part. Go to the person as it says in the bible, don't just tell others so that it gets back to the person who has offended you. Return people's phone calls so that things can be made right. Don't ignore emails from people just so you don't have to answer for whatever. Do the biblical thing.
So what happens if you have a person on the other end who won't return your calls, emails, you hear them saying things about you? What then? You forgive -- Jesus said 70 times. Sure, there are two sides to every story, so get the other side out with the person on the other end, not go behind their backs.
Yes, I have made the choice again to forgive, but this is definitely something I need help with from the Lord on -- my prayer through many of these things is "God, don't let me get bitter, let me get better." And "Help ME!" Please pray for me because I feel stuck, and need His help even more than ever. I always need Him, and can't do my life without Him -- but this one is a tough one. Thanks, and much love to all. M PS. I do feel much better now than I did a few hours ago, and this is ALL because of Jesus Christ and His Power, His Amazing Love, His Amazing Forgiveness, Mercy, gentleness, kindness, love and compassion. For that, I am also thankful for. When people disappoint, and I will guarantee you they will, God will never disappoint. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. During these times, I draw closer to Him than ever. For that I am thankful -- and for that closeness, I am thankful for the trials. So, God bless these people.
The Good News of the Gospel is that Jesus is alive! He has risen from the dead. He allowed for Himself to be crucified on a cross of suffering for the sins of ALL men. Our part? To confess our sins, repent from our wicked ways, and turn to Him so that we may be saved. God's word says in Romans 10:10 that if we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, and believe that God raised Him (Jesus) from the dead, that we will be saved. (Also good news!)
Jesus is God in human form come down to the earth to share in our sufferings, to experience our lives, to become the blameless and spotless Lamb of God -- to take on the sins of all men so that we might be saved and come to relationship with our Father in Heaven. He is 100% God and 100% Man -- can you wrap your brain around this? Probably not, but you don't need to.
I saw yet another celebrity death in the news today. Billy Mays (Oxyclean guy), then there was Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon. The deaths of people who are so publicly known causes me to question my own mortality. When will it be my time? Only God knows the days that I have here on this earth. As a Believer, God knows the time and the ways of the remainder of my days here. I don't want to waste them, knowing that I could have told yet someone else about our Lord and Savior -- so that they too may be saved.
Jesus says in the book of John that NO ONE can come to the Father except through Him (Jesus) -- and that is confessing with our mouths that He is Lord, and believed that God raised Him from the dead -- then we will be saved. There are not many paths to get to heaven. There is but only one, and that path is narrow. The gate to hell is wide, and many are heading down that path.
You have a choice to make -- do you choose LIFE (eternal life with Jesus Christ) or DEATH (eternal hell and destruction, where there will be weaping and gnashing of teeth)? Some would say that God is a mean God for sending people to hell. The REAL truth is, He doesn't SEND them -- they choose it, by NOT choosing Him. Hell was not made for humans -- it was made for satan and his minions of demons -- that is why God sent His Son Jesus Christ -- to die on the cross, once and for all, for the sins of all of man kind.
God's word also goes on to say that Jesus did not come to condemn the world -- HE CAME TO SAVE IT! So what will you choose today? By not choosing Christ, you have made your choice. Don't wait until its too late. Don't wait until you're on your death bed. Don't wait another minute, another second. Choose Jesus Christ today, and be saved, and know without a shadow of a doubt of where you are going.
Once you make that choice though, you must realize you have to give up the sinful life you are leading. It won't always be easy, but God's word also says that all have sinned and all have fallen short of the glory of God, but if we confess our sins before our Heavenly Father He is faithful and JUST to forgive us of our sins. THIS is good news people! As Christ followers, we don't have to have it altogether -- we need to do our absolute best that we can, this is where God's grace comes in. When we stumble -- get back up, dust off, and keep moving forward. Confess, repent, ask forgiveness, give forgiveness, love God with all your heart, soul and mind, love your neighbor as yourself (and yes, this even means your ex-husband or wife!).
Watch the video to see what Jesus did for you -- so that you CAN have a relationship and eternal life, and forgiveness from your sins. When we become new in Christ, we become a new creation -- all old things have passed away, and all things are made new! (God's word says this also). I IMPLORE OF YOU -- I BEG OF YOU -- choose LIFE in Jesus Christ today! Don't wait another day. God bless you in His Precious Holy Name -- Michele
I had an interesting meeting the other day. I was driving back from Seattle after my doctor's appointment, and decided that I wanted to stop on Mercer Island because I'd never been there before. It was 10 am, and a beautiful morning already. I had my back pack with my water, and a good book to read. I started off for a park. I passed by two, and before the third one I asked the Lord where I should go and decided to stop at the third one I came to. It was completely empty. What more could I ask for?
I walked down to the park, which was on Lake Washington and absolutely beautiful. It was quiet and peaceful. There were ducks and very few boats out on the water. Gradually more people began to show up. I layed my blankie out and plopped myself in the sun, and began to read my book. Then I notice this man coming down the walk way carrying a huge floaty thing, and listening to some type of pod cast on his blackberry. He made me laugh because he went and sat down on a bench and began blowing up this HUGE floatie, but not with a device. He was using his own mouth to blow it up. When I say this floatie was huge, it was HUGE.
I continued to read my book, flipped over to the other side so that I would get evenly browned. Then he decides to walk over and ask me if I had ever listened to this teacher he was listening to. I told him I hadn't, and had never heard of the guy. I asked him what this guy taught. He said he's a pastor, are you into that sort of thing? I said yes I believe in Jesus Christ.
There were a lot of people around at this point so I didn't feel uncomfortable talking to him. He began telling me that I could have a great life if I would just listen to this teacher, or that teacher, etc. I told him that I did have a great life, but it wasn't a result of any teacher here on earth -- it was solely because of Jesus Christ. I don't place my faith in any teachers. I will listen to them, glean what I can, and put my faith in Jesus and Jesus only. He couldn't understand what I was talking about. I know his heart was in the right place, but just slightly skewed.
He told me that he thought that he had been sent there to get me back on track, and listening to these certain teachers and kept saying if I would listen to these teachers I could have a great life. I explained to this man that what I found, unfortunately, when I was listening to these certain teachers he was talking of, I found that it caused me to carry a burden that I was never meant to carry. I was reading all these books, trying to do all these things, pray the right thing, do the right thing, etc., and getting worn down in the process and very burdened, and felt very heavy.
He then tells me again that he believed that the Lord sent him there for me -- to get me back on track. I very gently asked him, "do you think maybe the Lord sent me here for you?" I told him that since I quit listening to those teachers that I've found a greater peace than I had before. He told me that was a lie from the enemy. I sighed. I asked him if he ever read his bible. You can guess his answer. (No) -- but then he goes on to tell me that one of these teachers he said I should listen to said that even she hasn't read the whole bible. I told him that I found that disturbing, and asked him why he didn't find that disturbing. Someone on television, supposed to be a Christian, teaching the word of God,has been a Christian for many years, and is leading others -- and she says that even she hasn't read the bible. I found that hard to believe, but even if it was true, that's not a good thing.
I told this man that in all my strivings of reading this book, or that book, or working on this issue or that issue, I finally one day looked up and said to the Lord, "it shouldn't be this hard to have a relationship with You." In His gentle, quiet, still voice, He replied "it's not." I put all those books away, and focused solely on the Word. You see, its not up to me to hold the world in my hands, that's His job. Again, when the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, Jesus gave them a simple outline. It's not hard. God -- Your will be done. (Matthew 6:6-13)
It's been a journey to let go of some of these bad teachings that I read because I can't help but think "maybe it was something I did, or didn't do, or I didn't pray it the right way....." etc. Just because we follow Jesus doesn't mean that everything is going to be perfect, or that we're going to have our "best life now" because sometimes life is tough, but what we need to remember is that God is faithful.
A dear friend pointed me to Psalms 25 this morning. In the study notes in my NIV bible, it stated "Adversity in our lives is not necessarily a sign of God's disfavor. Knowing God and His ways may lead us into suffering and loss that we would not have otherwise encountered. The ultimate example of this truth is Jesus Himself, who followed God's will perfectly, yet suffered sorrow, betrayal and the cross. The believer, abiding in God's will, must expect the same." (Matt. 10:24)
There is no magic formula for having a relationship with our Creator. Absolutely we can and should pray and do things as He leads, but above all else, we should want His will to be done in our lives.
What would you do if you knew people you had brought into close confidence, your closest friends, family, were going to betray you? How would you respond? What would you do if the friends you had abandoned you for no apparent reason? Or left you with no explanation? Or began gossiping about you on why they thought certain things were happening in your life? What would you do if you knew about it in advance? Would you still be their friend before the betrayal or abandonment or gossip? Would you forgive?
Our example is always Jesus. His friends betrayed Him, they abandoned Him, He was gossiped about, lied about, beaten, and so much worse, and Jesus knew in advance that these things would happen. Jesus knew that it was Judas who would betray Him into the hands of those who would later crucify Him. Mark 14:10 “Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.”
Jesus knew in advance that Peter would deny Him, and He even told Peter so. Luke 22:61 “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."
Jesus knew that His friends would abandon Him during the most painful time of His life. John 16:32 "But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.”
Jesus knew in advance that He would die a most painful death on the cross for all of mankind. He knew that it was His Father’s will that He die on the cross. Jesus prayed in Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."
Yet even as He is dying on the cross He cries out to His Father in Luke 23:34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." How is that for forgiveness? He is being tortured, yet He is not thinking of Himself He is thinking of those who are torturing Him and crying out to His Father for THEIR forgiveness.
Could we do the same? Matt 16:24 "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." What does taking up our cross and following Jesus mean? Does it mean we will endure some of the same things that Jesus endured (gossipped about, abandonment, betrayal, lied about)? If you knew this was going to happen, would you be able to say "God, not my will, but Your will?" Look at what happened to the disciples. Peter was crucified. Paul was stoned, beaten, thrown in prison, shipwrecked, and eventually beheaded. John the Bapitst was beheaded. Do you think these men would say they had the full life that Jesus promised in John 10:10? I think they would say yes.
Hebrews 13:5-6 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my Helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
So whether I live in a box or in a mansion or in a house in a development, I need to be content with what I have. God has provided for all of my needs. We need to worship the Lord for Who He is, not for what He can do for us or give to us. Do you think that He won't take care of your every need if you just spent a day just loving on Him? He still can run the whole world if we take time just to love on Him, and not ask Him for anything in return.
It truly breaks my heart at times when I watch some of these religious shows, and to me it seems as though they are encouraging us as Believers to worship God for increase, worship God for healing, worship God for me me me -- all about me. I think about how I would feel if my children came to me demanding of me the way I hear some people say that they remind and tell God what He has promised, and how they say it. Like He owes us something. If anything, we owe Him -- our love, our respect, our obedience. Need they be reminded that He gave His Son Jesus as a sacrifice for us for the forgiveness of ALL our sins? How many of them would do the same? Yes, He has made promises to us, but do we go to Him disrespectfully and tell Him "God You better honor this." I heard someone say that one time, and my thought was "or what?" What would we do if we never saw the promises He has made in His Word come to fruition? What if all He ever did was sacrifice His only Son on a cross for you? Would that be enough for you?
I had someone say to me recently that it appeared I was unhappy with the church and church people, and yes I am. It hurts my heart to see how some people treat the Lord, or how they talk to Him. People who are supposed to be Christians -- how they treat God, and how they treat each other. It angers me and hurts my heart. How must that hurt the Lord's heart.
If you go to the end of Hebrews 11 you can read of the Christians of that day being persecuted, sawed in two, they were stoned, some put to death by sword, were destitute, persecuted and mistreated (this was AFTER Jesus died on the cross). It goes on to say in verse 38-40 "the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."
What am I trying to say here? I often wonder, and have asked myself this, would I still love and serve the Lord if all of this were to happen to me? Would I still serve and love Him were He to choose to slay me as He did Job? Would I still love and serve Him if I was living on the streets destitute? I hope that I never I have to find this out first hand, but I do know that in many of the trials I have faced I continue to praise Him and glorify Him, and continue to love Him. It has not always been easy. I do tell Him I don't understand it, but trust Him and trust that He has a plan, whatever that may be and that His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Thank you Lord for your Son, Jesus.
Mark 3:22 “And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He [Jesus] is possessed by Beelzebub ! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons."
I am finally laughing right now – you see, I am a threat to the devil because the Lord did an amazing work in me on Sunday, and now he’s "honked off". I give God all the glory. I had someone tell me that the stuff I am going through (sickness in my body) is basically because of a demon, and that it just needs to come out. You’re saying I’m demon possessed? Are you joking? Seriously. I do not believe a Christian can be demon possessed, and I’ll tell you why. When I said that simple prayer and invited Jesus into my life, He became ruler over my life and came into my heart. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. I don’t believe that the two could reside together in my body. Come on!
Matthew 12:29 “ “Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.”
I am listing these things not to brag on me, but to brag on the Lord. He was the One who chose to use me this week. I include these to encourage you to be obedient when He asks you to do something. I Cor. 1:31 “Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
You see, on Monday the Lord allowed me to minister to a homeless woman, and gave her a word from the Lord – I knew it was right on because she began crying right then and there. On that same Monday, went to a meeting with the senior pastor and elders of our new church, witnessed to them with my testimony and got prayed for for healing, and they (and we) also began praying that the Lord would show Joe and I what our part is at our new church.
On Tuesday, same homeless woman, now says something that lets me know she is a Believer! Wednesday the Lord allowed me to pray with a clerk in one of the local stores after she told me her dog was ill and in critical condition, and may not make it. I asked her if I could pray for her. Praise God, when I talked to her today, the dog is doing better! On Wednesday I also got an invite to a new group in Snohomish County of Christian legal professionals!!
Thursday, I was in the doctor's office getting checked in for my MRI, and the woman checking me in begins having a heart attack. They immediately called 911, and then I immediately called my 911. Jesus Christ! I asked her if I could come around and pray for her. She let me, and I felt the Lord totally move. There were many people in that office today (15-20), and the Lord did a work! I believe through that witness of Jesus people will come to know the Lord. By the time the paramedics got there her pain had diminished almost completely. Also, my step-daughter had been witnessing to a young man about Jesus, and he was at youth group Thursday night!
Today (Friday), the local clerk tells me that now she and her husband are now praying! Dog is still holding on, but not fully better yet. Praise the Lord! I told her I would continue to pray for little Susie the dog.
Don’t tell me I’m demon possessed because here’s the thing, the Lord is using me. If I was demon possessed the Lord would not use me the way He has chosen to this last week after my spiritual breakthrough. The Pharisees of that day said that Jesus was demon possessed, so I am encouraged that I am more like Jesus now. The devil meant to use this comment as a tool to discourage and stop me. I am using it to propel me!
No, my body is not cooperating in complete healing just yet, but here’s the thing, I wouldn’t have been at that doctor’s office if my body was completely healed now would I? Paul had a thorn in his flesh (God says “my grace is sufficient for you”). Jesus was crucified (God’s will). John the Baptist was beheaded. Paul was eventually beheaded, after being shipwrecked, imprisoned, etc. Peter was crucified (and here’s the thing with THAT, he (Peter) knew that he would be crucified because Jesus told him – also God’s will)!
Don’t ever discount anything that you do for the Lord because it is a seed that is planted, and the Lord is the one who waters it. And don’t let anyone discourage you or stop you from moving forward into all that God has for you or wants you to do.
When I heard that comment I was upset to say the least, and it started to make me want to draw back because my thought was “what if I am demon possessed, I don’t want to get that on someone else.” Then the Lord started showing me these things. So, thank you Jesus for using me this week – I give YOU all the glory forever and ever amen!
Oh, so why am I telling you this? I’ll tell ya, because the same thing may happen to you someday and I want you to be encouraged, and not give up on Jesus because He says He will never leave us nor forsake us. As to the person who said this, I have forgiven, I still love them, and want to thank them! Why? Because I have now grown about a foot more in the Lord this week! So I pray the Lord blesses the person who is saying this about me because I believe they just know not what they do.
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” My life is so FULL today!
http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-demon-possessed.html -- or another good one http://www.letusreason.org/Pent24.htm for more information on whether a Christian can be demon possessed. What do you think? Can we? Or can't we? My vote is no.
Psalms 119:32 "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free."
I am so excited. As many of you know, Joe and I made a change in our lives and one of them was leaving our home church. We knew the Lord wanted us to leave, but just didn't know where He wanted us to go. Well, we finally jumped ship, stepped out in faith and went to the church we believe that He wanted us at.
He is now beginning to open doors like I have never seen before in my life alone. It has been absolutely amazing. More ministering to the homeless. Hearing of a man who had received one of my water bottles, and he told our new pastor. Our new pastor did not know who it was that gave it to him. The man told the pastor that I told him I would pray for him, and he said "and I knew she would." That so encouraged me.
On Sunday I had one of the worst headaches ever, but I knew the Lord wanted us at church on Sunday. I didn't want to go to the ER, so we prayed, and I got up and moved around continuing to pray in the spirit. The Lord did a change in my mind and my heart about whatever this illness is that is attacking my body. I am no longer going to be a victim to it, but I am going to be victorious in Christ Jesus!
Even though my body still hurts, and at times I just have to rest, and I still don't know what it is, I have a different mind set thanks to the Lord. Even though I felt like crap that morning, I went out and bought more water bottles, granola bars, and fixings to make my family breakfast and dinner AND we got to church. At the end when they prayed for everyone, I felt the Lord move during that time and do more healing in my heart. It was awesome and amazing.
On Monday, the senior pastor invited Joe and I to come to the pastors/elders prayer meeting so they could pray for us, and they wanted us to share. We were so honored. They let me share what was going on in my life, and whatever else I wanted to share. It was awesome to be able to share my testimony again, and the new additions that the Lord has added.
I also set up a facebook site because I had joined a knitting group at my new church, and she had information on her facebook. Well, that opened up a whole new opportunity. All these people that I had gone to school with in high school are all connecting with me. It is absolutely the coolest thing ever!
I don't know what is next, but I know that the Lord is with me every step of the way. His word says He will never leave us nor forsake us, and I am holding tight to that. I continue to pray for healing, but am embracing this journey in my life and excited about who and what He wants to bring next. May Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Psalms 16:8 “I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
When you've done all that you know to do, and there is nothing else to do, stand. I've spent countless hours in prayer asking the Lord for forgiveness, confessing my sins, etc, because I have read and heard that sin can cause illness in our lives. I try to make a point of confessing often anyways, or immediately after I sin, but I like to spend extra time with the Lord and ask Him to reveal to me those things that He wants me to confess -- to create in me a clean heart.
I've gone through and made inventories of all that I've done or not done, then confessed after that. I am to the point now that all I can do is stand. The Lord gave me these two scriptures this morning, and I believe He has healed my body and continue to confess that belief. I also see a greater purpose for this trial I am in, and that is touching those who may not come to church and getting to witness to them about the Lord's goodness in spite of how I may be feeling at the moment.
Honestly, I'd felt like a failure as a Christian when I went to the doctor many months ago, and asked for help. I'd needed help for well over 2 years, but refused to get the help because I'd felt like if I did that I was a failure as a Christian or that I didn't have enough faith that the Lord would heal me, or that I wasn't praying hard enough, etc. All of that stuff. When I was living by myself it was easy to hide how I was feeling because if I felt crappy, I could just go away for a while until it passed, but when I got married, I could no longer hide it. I needed medication to help balance out my body. There -- I admitted it. I've been taking this anti-depressant now for over 8 months. I'm not 100% yet, but am also dealing with all this pain in my body -- which is something I've dealt with for over 4 years -- but has just gotten worse over the last year.
When I had to get the medication, the Lord reminded me of a time that a woman came to me in CR and told me she was struggling with depression, and how she knew that the Lord had healed her, but she still felt bad. In looking back on that I don't think I was as compassionate as I should have been. Sometimes I wonder if I'm going through all of this sickness for an even greater purpose. I know one good thing that has come from it is that I have grown to have an even greater compassion for those who are sick.
Over the last 4 years, I have had such GREAT victory over so many things -- alcohol, codependence, sex addiction, love addiction, financial recovery, etc., that I think it is possible that I started to get prideful and would wonder why when people were struggling why they wouldn't have immediate victory -- and would think that they need to pray more, or whatever. Being sick this long with no victory in this area has helped me to see that sometimes it doesn't happen immediately, and it doesn't mean that you're doing something wrong.
In 2006, the Lord told me in a dream that He was taking away His protection of me much like He did with Job. I found that journal recently, and in my dream I was screaming "NO." The Lord also told me in 2007 that it would get worse before it got better. I even got confirmation of this from my husband after the Lord told me. I didn't like that, but told the Lord that I trusted Him and His plan and purposes for my life.
Sometimes when you've done all that you know and can do, sometimes you just have to stand.
