Job 1:8 (NIV) says, "Then the Lord said to Satan, '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.'"
Our Confession:
My heavenly Father is very proud of me. I am special to Him and he holds me dear to His heart. I am unique among all of His creation. There is none like me in all of the earth.
It pleases Him greatly that I have chosen to trust Him, shun evil, and live blamelessly and upright before Him all the days of my life.
In this modern day world, where we seek to "find ourselves," may we remember that He already knows us, and He created us to be who we are. Through Christ's work at the cross, we are able to live blameless and upright on earth. We just have to choose to accept this truth and walk in it.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Those Fickle Emotions!
Our emotions are so fickle. When we allow our emotions to rule our lives, we have entered a trap. When we learn how to rule our emotions, we are no longer trapped by a deceptive enemy, but walking in a freedom that knows no boundaries!
I’ve lived both ways, and I’ll gladly take this life of freedom that I am so blessed to now lead!
I used to listen to my emotions before the truth of the Word, making serious life decisions based on how I “felt.” It was a poisonous mistake, and I paid dearly for that mistake. The truth of God’s Word, when listened to, acted upon, and seen as the ultimate decision maker, will change your life, I guarantee it. God’s Word works EVERY time. Letting our emotions run us, and putting them before God’s Word, WON’T. Let me explain what I mean by this principle.
Several years ago I was struggling with some very personal issues, and one was a fear of submission to my husband. Although we got along, I truly desired a pre-conceived idea of romance between he and I. I constantly asked for “signs” of his love or commitment to me, such as gifts, dates, and words of romance. He, being the strong, and slightly stubborn man that he is, didn’t budge. The point is, that whatever he was doing right in our marriage, like providing well for the kids and I, I held in lesser importance to my “need” for unrealistic attention. My dissatisfaction with him grew, and as my emotions became disgust, I didn’t even realize how deeply my mind had transformed. I had gone from a mostly happy wife of almost ten years, to actually despising him, and seeing only the negative about him. As I fed my disappointed emotions with other’s biased opinions, and no time invested in God’s Word, I gave myself license to see the “D” word as an option.
Long story short, we did end up in a very painful divorce, wreaking havoc on ourselves, our health, and our children. I lost my best friend, my lover, my covering, and my future – and for what? For what?
Funny how reality, in all its cruelty, can give us a new take on life. Things got really, really horrible, really, really quickly and I regretted giving up on our marriage. My ex-husband, however, wasn’t necessarily ready to make up and make out. Now I was experiencing some really ugly emotions as I dealt with rejection, betrayal, and tremendous confusion. And for what? Jewelry that I never received on my birthdays? The flowers I never got? Sure, to be fair, there were more issues than that between us. Enough to split up this family? Issues big enough to cause damage to ourselves, our children and their future? I don’t think so, especially looking back from now.
Hindsight really is twenty-twenty, and I am so grateful to a very BIG God, Who saw fit to redeem this marriage, this family, and this anointing that the enemy did not want in action. Since those years ago, my husband and I are remarried, we are excited about our future, and we live a healthy, prosperous life. Jesus gave us then, and gives us now, the power to do so. We both rule over our emotions for the most part – of course we have our “old man” moments! The reality is now, that the man I had once grown to despise, is once again my best friend, my lover and my partner in parenthood and life, through every event, decision and trial. Through the good times, and the bad. My emotions sometimes spill over with affection and love for the same one that I had once allowed myself to hate.
But it takes more than a big God to turn around a failed marriage, or a failed career, or a delayed life due to disease, addiction or unbelief. It takes us deciding! Deciding to take full responsibility for ourselves, and for our own shortcomings. It takes a decision from us to forgive – to forgive others, and to forgive ourselves by the power of the Holy Spirit. It takes a complete renewing of our minds, which can only be done through the power of the Word and owning every truth it reveals! It’s a process, and it’s worth every minute, every tear, and every heartbreak. Most of all, it takes us bringing those rogue emotions and flesh thoughts into captivity. Jesus gives us the power to do that. All you have to do is ask Him.
I’ve lived both ways, and I’ll gladly take this life of freedom that I am so blessed to now lead!
I used to listen to my emotions before the truth of the Word, making serious life decisions based on how I “felt.” It was a poisonous mistake, and I paid dearly for that mistake. The truth of God’s Word, when listened to, acted upon, and seen as the ultimate decision maker, will change your life, I guarantee it. God’s Word works EVERY time. Letting our emotions run us, and putting them before God’s Word, WON’T. Let me explain what I mean by this principle.
Several years ago I was struggling with some very personal issues, and one was a fear of submission to my husband. Although we got along, I truly desired a pre-conceived idea of romance between he and I. I constantly asked for “signs” of his love or commitment to me, such as gifts, dates, and words of romance. He, being the strong, and slightly stubborn man that he is, didn’t budge. The point is, that whatever he was doing right in our marriage, like providing well for the kids and I, I held in lesser importance to my “need” for unrealistic attention. My dissatisfaction with him grew, and as my emotions became disgust, I didn’t even realize how deeply my mind had transformed. I had gone from a mostly happy wife of almost ten years, to actually despising him, and seeing only the negative about him. As I fed my disappointed emotions with other’s biased opinions, and no time invested in God’s Word, I gave myself license to see the “D” word as an option.
Long story short, we did end up in a very painful divorce, wreaking havoc on ourselves, our health, and our children. I lost my best friend, my lover, my covering, and my future – and for what? For what?
Funny how reality, in all its cruelty, can give us a new take on life. Things got really, really horrible, really, really quickly and I regretted giving up on our marriage. My ex-husband, however, wasn’t necessarily ready to make up and make out. Now I was experiencing some really ugly emotions as I dealt with rejection, betrayal, and tremendous confusion. And for what? Jewelry that I never received on my birthdays? The flowers I never got? Sure, to be fair, there were more issues than that between us. Enough to split up this family? Issues big enough to cause damage to ourselves, our children and their future? I don’t think so, especially looking back from now.
Hindsight really is twenty-twenty, and I am so grateful to a very BIG God, Who saw fit to redeem this marriage, this family, and this anointing that the enemy did not want in action. Since those years ago, my husband and I are remarried, we are excited about our future, and we live a healthy, prosperous life. Jesus gave us then, and gives us now, the power to do so. We both rule over our emotions for the most part – of course we have our “old man” moments! The reality is now, that the man I had once grown to despise, is once again my best friend, my lover and my partner in parenthood and life, through every event, decision and trial. Through the good times, and the bad. My emotions sometimes spill over with affection and love for the same one that I had once allowed myself to hate.
But it takes more than a big God to turn around a failed marriage, or a failed career, or a delayed life due to disease, addiction or unbelief. It takes us deciding! Deciding to take full responsibility for ourselves, and for our own shortcomings. It takes a decision from us to forgive – to forgive others, and to forgive ourselves by the power of the Holy Spirit. It takes a complete renewing of our minds, which can only be done through the power of the Word and owning every truth it reveals! It’s a process, and it’s worth every minute, every tear, and every heartbreak. Most of all, it takes us bringing those rogue emotions and flesh thoughts into captivity. Jesus gives us the power to do that. All you have to do is ask Him.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Listening - Oh What an Art!
Most of us have at least one good friend in our lives, some of us more than one. If we’ve been blessed, that person has stood by our side through the years, unconditionally and with the best of intentions. When we think back over the years together, we remember the fun times, the crazy times, and maybe even the hard times. We mull over the conversations we’ve had…how much we have shared with this friend. Wait a minute…how often have we really listened to that friend? When was the last time we dedicated a few moments to hear their heart? Are our memories those of the circumstances surrounding just OUR lives, or our friends’ as well?
It is truly a learned skill to listen, and to listen thoroughly, without an agenda. Most of us have not mastered this skill! Have you ever caught yourself thinking up your response or piece of advice while the person you are “listening to” is still speaking? I do, all the time, and I have to train my mind to slow down, and give that person my truly full attention.
I really want to become a better listener. By becoming better listeners, we would eliminate a large amount of misunderstandings between ourselves and other people. For instance, in Proverbs 18:13 it says, “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and a shame to him.” If we are not hearing that person’s “heart” or true intentions, and we translate what they are saying in our own perspective, we have are again made a “fool” of ourselves!
People are fickle beings, and we must remember that misunderstanding is one of the enemy’s strong hold in the Body of Christ. If we are not genuinely caring of the next person, it shows. If we do not listen with our Spirit, and instead with our impatient, half tuned out flesh, it shows! We need to realize that listening is an important mission for us, as we work to eliminate offense and confusion in the ranks of God’s army! Proverbs 18:19 reminds us that “A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city.”
Proverbs 17:27-28 says, “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.” My Grandma Bev, who moved in to heaven in 2008, left the greatest impression on me of how to listen to someone. She was a wonderful listener, as she never had a differing opinion to promote about whatever I was confiding in her. She would listen for lengths of time, nodding as she truly “heard my heart,” never in a hurry for me to finish. We would take long walks in my teen years, and she always had time for my emotional gut-spilling! Her acceptance of me and who I was filled my struggling heart with peace, and I have never forgotten what it feels like to be fully listened to.
What do you think? Who has been a memorable listener in your life? Share it with me!
It is truly a learned skill to listen, and to listen thoroughly, without an agenda. Most of us have not mastered this skill! Have you ever caught yourself thinking up your response or piece of advice while the person you are “listening to” is still speaking? I do, all the time, and I have to train my mind to slow down, and give that person my truly full attention.
I really want to become a better listener. By becoming better listeners, we would eliminate a large amount of misunderstandings between ourselves and other people. For instance, in Proverbs 18:13 it says, “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and a shame to him.” If we are not hearing that person’s “heart” or true intentions, and we translate what they are saying in our own perspective, we have are again made a “fool” of ourselves!
People are fickle beings, and we must remember that misunderstanding is one of the enemy’s strong hold in the Body of Christ. If we are not genuinely caring of the next person, it shows. If we do not listen with our Spirit, and instead with our impatient, half tuned out flesh, it shows! We need to realize that listening is an important mission for us, as we work to eliminate offense and confusion in the ranks of God’s army! Proverbs 18:19 reminds us that “A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city.”
Proverbs 17:27-28 says, “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.” My Grandma Bev, who moved in to heaven in 2008, left the greatest impression on me of how to listen to someone. She was a wonderful listener, as she never had a differing opinion to promote about whatever I was confiding in her. She would listen for lengths of time, nodding as she truly “heard my heart,” never in a hurry for me to finish. We would take long walks in my teen years, and she always had time for my emotional gut-spilling! Her acceptance of me and who I was filled my struggling heart with peace, and I have never forgotten what it feels like to be fully listened to.
What do you think? Who has been a memorable listener in your life? Share it with me!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Healing - My Story
One of the most powerful areas of God’s Power being real in our lives through the Holy Spirit is in the area of physical healing. Healing. A word used sometimes in a nonchalant way, but power-packed for those of us who have experienced it firsthand! Healing is a physical manifestation in our minds and bodies of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross! In other words, when we have struggled for some time with a malady, we are good and ready to be rid of the infliction. Say for instance, you’ve had massive migraine headaches a couple of times a week for a month now. These headaches are debilitating, grounding you to your dark, silent room and disabling you from your life as you normally know it. Your children are fending for themselves, the house is a mess, and you are miserable. This sickness has you in its grasp…or so you thought!
Let me tell you a story, a story of disaster and disease, rejection and abandonment, but ultimately, of hope and grace and HEALING in our Savior!
Through a series of events in which I made some wrong choices, my husband Juan and I divorced in December of 2006 after almost ten years of marriage, three young children, and oh, incidently, we were Christians. We separated in September of that year, and I began to walk further and further away from a lifelong, deep relationship with God. I was making confused decisions out of rejection, guilt, and shame. Meanwhile, I was working several jobs to make ends meet and living in sin and rebellion, which resulted in the breaking down of my body and mind.
Weakened, both physically and in soul, I believe I “opened a door” to Satan, allowing him to have total access to my heart and health. God is clear about the “curse” of forsaking Him as our God and choosing instead to live in sin and disobedience to Him and His Word. (Deuteronomy 28:20-) The three key things that the curse brings to our lives is 1. Poverty, 2. Sickness/Disease and 3. Spiritual Death. As I look back on that time in my life, I can see that I was clearly walking in disobedience to God, especially since I grew up knowing Him and had served him my whole life. Hence, the open door to Satan, who of course, jumped on that opportunity!
Consequently, I began struggling with a terrible nervous disorder in January of 2007 which left me jobless, homebound (I couldn’t drive due to the possibility of seizures), and practically without family and friends for a long while. Blessedly, there was no physical pain associated with this illness, but the emotional and spiritual toll it took on me was so awful, I can’t even begin to describe it in words. My young children were terrified of both my weird behavior and the seizures that were occuring, I was hallucinating on the medication, and my ex-husband (at the time!) couldn’t bear to be around me. So he took legal action and had my children removed from me and my house. Subsequently, I slipped even deeper into anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. My children had become the only reason I had to live, and now I couldn’t even see them.
At this time, I began to seek God again, but I experienced no answer immediately. I know now that he couldn’t reach me until I repented, and I was still clinging to my sin out of desperation and loneliness. However, I could increasingly feel my physical heart breaking into little pieces, pulling at the muscles and nerves inside my chest cavity. My heart was literally breaking, and I had never, ever felt such sadness and hopelessness as I did at that time in my life.
One day, alone on my couch, depressed and desperate for a change in my life, I cried out to Him like never before. I had finally used up any strength I though I had on my own, and I repented, needing Him in my life just to keep breathing! At that moment, He spoke to me, and my mind, body, and Spirit were instantly flooded with comfort and acceptance! I realized He had never left me, he just can’t commune with sin, so our relationship, just like my marriage, was broken. Communication had been stopped due to my blatant rebellion. Now, though, I was starting again. I felt like a new Christian, and I dove enthusiastically into the Bible, daily prayer and church again.
The seizures and brain disorder though, continued with a vengeance. Soon, in early summer of that year, I realized I was pregnant – out of wedlock, and I wasn’t even in a relationship with the baby’s father any longer. So now my body was not the only one being harmed by this cruel disorder.
Unknown to me however, God was working in my ex-husband’s heart around the same time, softening it and readying it for His will! Juan began to invite me to stay for dinner when I would drop the kids off from their short visit with me, and I humbly agreed, desperate for any extra time with my children. I remember one time, looking across his dining table at his handsome face, eating roasted chicken with rice with him and the kids, and feeling like the luckiest girl in the world! You see, by then I was completely broke, homeless, staying with “adopted family” and still jobless due to my disorder. I had been completely broken in a spiritual sense as well, but the humility came easy for me and with joy, as I was so grateful for the little things. Life had become about surviving, and time was a gift.
By the end of summer, Juan and I were back together again, and I was no longer homeless! I had so much time with my children, my belly was big with a healthy baby girl, and I was slowly recovering my self-esteem and faith walk. I had lost a good reputation, along with all my “friends” over the divorce and sickness. God’s restoration though, is beyond earthly standards, and over time, He restored all that was lost and more!
God was strategically placing the right people in my life, those that spoke life over me (Deut. 30:19-20 my life theme!) and taught me about faith and fear, life and death, curses and blessings…
AnaSophia, my symbol of God’s grace (Ana means grace), was born prematurely three days after Christmas in 2007. She was placed in NICU at four pounds some ounces, having difficulty breathing and eating. The beyond-grand mal seizure hit me a few days later, sending me into the worst experience yet, four days of coma in the ICU, with more days of recovery in the “crazy people ward” after that! I was getting real tired of this disease by now, as it was so debilitating to me and my family. They needed me even more now than ever before, as we were recovering as a family unit from the drama and pain of the last year and a half’s events.
The baby was released a few days after I was, and we tried to start family life again. Two months later, I seized violently in the shower, waking up from that coma/recovery with a broken foot! One day at home, my adopted mom finally spoke out loud over my sickness, “That is enough, it’s just enough.” Instantly, something inside of me lept (I believe it was desperate faith!) and I began to mentally fight against the disorder and my previous acceptance of it as “punishment” from God.
Sometime in March 2008, while I was in church, the leaders anointed me with oil, and prayed over me for healing. One of them spoke up and said that God showed them I was harboring unforgiveness towards someone in my life. Faces flashed before me, as I remembered all the people who turned on me during the divorce, or bailed on me in the time I needed people the most. All of my family members had either turned their backs or directly fought against me for the past couple of years. I began to weep, as a desire to forgive them and truly move on began to come over me.
The next morning at home, I had a session with the best Counselor one could have, the Holy Spirit! I was praying intensely, prostrate on my office floor, about these recent things God was showing me. I heard the Spirit speak audibly, and he told me to get a piece of paper and write the names of those who had hurt or abandoned me, and pray individually over those names for total forgiveness from God for them. I could barely read some of the names, as I was crying so hard, feeling purified and fresh afterwards. Now I was ready for my healing!
The next week at church, the elders laid hands on me again, anointed me and prayed earnestly. The Pastor’s wife said “There is someone you haven’t forgiven – yourself.” At that moment, I broke completely before the Lord, and wept, realizing she was right. As the Pastor prayed over me out loud, he suddenly commanded a spirit to leave in Jesus Name, and I felt a large burden lift immediately, even as the Pastor said “There – It’s gone!!!” It was almost like a puff cloud of heaviness, and it went, poof! And was gone. I was healed, and I knew it. I began confessing the Word of God over myself, and over the previous stronghold of the sickness. I confessed Galatians 3:13, Psalm 103:2-5, Isaiah 53:4-5… There are so many!
In the following days, and then months, when I would feel a symptom coming on, I would say out loud, “Oh, no, Satan, don’t even think about it! I am healed, delivered and excited about it!!! You can’t touch this!” Then I would quote a Scripture to back it up! I even began to testify to others of my healing, especially when the fear of a seizure would try to return. I was on a journey to complete health, as I didn’t even get off the medication immediately. God was building my tender faith, honoring my naivette and carrying me through!
I am so beyond grateful to my Lord and Savior for the way he has touched me. I truly believe that His healing is for everyone, He says so in His Word. I tell this deeply personal story to encourage you in your faith walk! You are on your own journey with Him, and He cares deeply for you. To experience this incredible love that I get to experience daily, all you have to do is cry out to Him, ask Him to come near you!
What about your journey, do you have a powerful testimony of what he has done in your life? I would love to hear it! Do you have any questions about healing and what the Bible has to say about it? Feel free to share them with me, I love to talk about God’s Word! All the answers can be found there!
God bless you today.
Let me tell you a story, a story of disaster and disease, rejection and abandonment, but ultimately, of hope and grace and HEALING in our Savior!
Through a series of events in which I made some wrong choices, my husband Juan and I divorced in December of 2006 after almost ten years of marriage, three young children, and oh, incidently, we were Christians. We separated in September of that year, and I began to walk further and further away from a lifelong, deep relationship with God. I was making confused decisions out of rejection, guilt, and shame. Meanwhile, I was working several jobs to make ends meet and living in sin and rebellion, which resulted in the breaking down of my body and mind.
Weakened, both physically and in soul, I believe I “opened a door” to Satan, allowing him to have total access to my heart and health. God is clear about the “curse” of forsaking Him as our God and choosing instead to live in sin and disobedience to Him and His Word. (Deuteronomy 28:20-) The three key things that the curse brings to our lives is 1. Poverty, 2. Sickness/Disease and 3. Spiritual Death. As I look back on that time in my life, I can see that I was clearly walking in disobedience to God, especially since I grew up knowing Him and had served him my whole life. Hence, the open door to Satan, who of course, jumped on that opportunity!
Consequently, I began struggling with a terrible nervous disorder in January of 2007 which left me jobless, homebound (I couldn’t drive due to the possibility of seizures), and practically without family and friends for a long while. Blessedly, there was no physical pain associated with this illness, but the emotional and spiritual toll it took on me was so awful, I can’t even begin to describe it in words. My young children were terrified of both my weird behavior and the seizures that were occuring, I was hallucinating on the medication, and my ex-husband (at the time!) couldn’t bear to be around me. So he took legal action and had my children removed from me and my house. Subsequently, I slipped even deeper into anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. My children had become the only reason I had to live, and now I couldn’t even see them.
At this time, I began to seek God again, but I experienced no answer immediately. I know now that he couldn’t reach me until I repented, and I was still clinging to my sin out of desperation and loneliness. However, I could increasingly feel my physical heart breaking into little pieces, pulling at the muscles and nerves inside my chest cavity. My heart was literally breaking, and I had never, ever felt such sadness and hopelessness as I did at that time in my life.
One day, alone on my couch, depressed and desperate for a change in my life, I cried out to Him like never before. I had finally used up any strength I though I had on my own, and I repented, needing Him in my life just to keep breathing! At that moment, He spoke to me, and my mind, body, and Spirit were instantly flooded with comfort and acceptance! I realized He had never left me, he just can’t commune with sin, so our relationship, just like my marriage, was broken. Communication had been stopped due to my blatant rebellion. Now, though, I was starting again. I felt like a new Christian, and I dove enthusiastically into the Bible, daily prayer and church again.
The seizures and brain disorder though, continued with a vengeance. Soon, in early summer of that year, I realized I was pregnant – out of wedlock, and I wasn’t even in a relationship with the baby’s father any longer. So now my body was not the only one being harmed by this cruel disorder.
Unknown to me however, God was working in my ex-husband’s heart around the same time, softening it and readying it for His will! Juan began to invite me to stay for dinner when I would drop the kids off from their short visit with me, and I humbly agreed, desperate for any extra time with my children. I remember one time, looking across his dining table at his handsome face, eating roasted chicken with rice with him and the kids, and feeling like the luckiest girl in the world! You see, by then I was completely broke, homeless, staying with “adopted family” and still jobless due to my disorder. I had been completely broken in a spiritual sense as well, but the humility came easy for me and with joy, as I was so grateful for the little things. Life had become about surviving, and time was a gift.
By the end of summer, Juan and I were back together again, and I was no longer homeless! I had so much time with my children, my belly was big with a healthy baby girl, and I was slowly recovering my self-esteem and faith walk. I had lost a good reputation, along with all my “friends” over the divorce and sickness. God’s restoration though, is beyond earthly standards, and over time, He restored all that was lost and more!
God was strategically placing the right people in my life, those that spoke life over me (Deut. 30:19-20 my life theme!) and taught me about faith and fear, life and death, curses and blessings…
AnaSophia, my symbol of God’s grace (Ana means grace), was born prematurely three days after Christmas in 2007. She was placed in NICU at four pounds some ounces, having difficulty breathing and eating. The beyond-grand mal seizure hit me a few days later, sending me into the worst experience yet, four days of coma in the ICU, with more days of recovery in the “crazy people ward” after that! I was getting real tired of this disease by now, as it was so debilitating to me and my family. They needed me even more now than ever before, as we were recovering as a family unit from the drama and pain of the last year and a half’s events.
The baby was released a few days after I was, and we tried to start family life again. Two months later, I seized violently in the shower, waking up from that coma/recovery with a broken foot! One day at home, my adopted mom finally spoke out loud over my sickness, “That is enough, it’s just enough.” Instantly, something inside of me lept (I believe it was desperate faith!) and I began to mentally fight against the disorder and my previous acceptance of it as “punishment” from God.
Sometime in March 2008, while I was in church, the leaders anointed me with oil, and prayed over me for healing. One of them spoke up and said that God showed them I was harboring unforgiveness towards someone in my life. Faces flashed before me, as I remembered all the people who turned on me during the divorce, or bailed on me in the time I needed people the most. All of my family members had either turned their backs or directly fought against me for the past couple of years. I began to weep, as a desire to forgive them and truly move on began to come over me.
The next morning at home, I had a session with the best Counselor one could have, the Holy Spirit! I was praying intensely, prostrate on my office floor, about these recent things God was showing me. I heard the Spirit speak audibly, and he told me to get a piece of paper and write the names of those who had hurt or abandoned me, and pray individually over those names for total forgiveness from God for them. I could barely read some of the names, as I was crying so hard, feeling purified and fresh afterwards. Now I was ready for my healing!
The next week at church, the elders laid hands on me again, anointed me and prayed earnestly. The Pastor’s wife said “There is someone you haven’t forgiven – yourself.” At that moment, I broke completely before the Lord, and wept, realizing she was right. As the Pastor prayed over me out loud, he suddenly commanded a spirit to leave in Jesus Name, and I felt a large burden lift immediately, even as the Pastor said “There – It’s gone!!!” It was almost like a puff cloud of heaviness, and it went, poof! And was gone. I was healed, and I knew it. I began confessing the Word of God over myself, and over the previous stronghold of the sickness. I confessed Galatians 3:13, Psalm 103:2-5, Isaiah 53:4-5… There are so many!
In the following days, and then months, when I would feel a symptom coming on, I would say out loud, “Oh, no, Satan, don’t even think about it! I am healed, delivered and excited about it!!! You can’t touch this!” Then I would quote a Scripture to back it up! I even began to testify to others of my healing, especially when the fear of a seizure would try to return. I was on a journey to complete health, as I didn’t even get off the medication immediately. God was building my tender faith, honoring my naivette and carrying me through!
I am so beyond grateful to my Lord and Savior for the way he has touched me. I truly believe that His healing is for everyone, He says so in His Word. I tell this deeply personal story to encourage you in your faith walk! You are on your own journey with Him, and He cares deeply for you. To experience this incredible love that I get to experience daily, all you have to do is cry out to Him, ask Him to come near you!
What about your journey, do you have a powerful testimony of what he has done in your life? I would love to hear it! Do you have any questions about healing and what the Bible has to say about it? Feel free to share them with me, I love to talk about God’s Word! All the answers can be found there!
God bless you today.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Hearing from God...So Powerful!
Sometimes I feel like what I imagine a Spiritual Leader must feel like when the Lord puts something different than their “planned” sermon or speech on their heart to share. I have been starting numerous posts for this site, and every time, I feel stopped, or stalled. I save the draft and leave it there safely in my computer, hidden away from translation. I was getting a little stressed about the fact that I haven’t posted anything in a while, and needed to “get something posted.” I take so seriously, however, my responsibility to the Lord for what I put on here. I am to be a witness, a living testimony to Him.
So, two nights ago I was awoken about five-thirty in the morning, and was literally writing in my sleep! This post! I hope this is an encouragement, an edifying article for whomever God is talking to! He was putting on my heart to write about how to hear from Him. Me, Bess! I’m being taught, after most of a lifetime of communicating with my best friend, Jesus, how to stop talking, and start listening to Him.
God speaks to us all of the time, we just don’t always hear Him, because we aren’t listening. A lot of times, we aren’t listening because we have found ourselves and our lives to be more important at that given time. Then, a lot of times when we do finally hear Him, we don’t do what he is gently prodding us to do, and He won’t yell at us to do it! He’s given us our own will, he wants us to serve Him and love Him on our OWN! He doesn’t want a forced relationship, he wants our full surrender. He only wants that because of how much HE LOVES US, not to control us! OK, sorry for wandering off on that rabbit trail!
So, how does he communicate with us? One way is through His Word, our Bibles! This is a fail proof way to hear from the Lord. If your desire is to hear from God, you will EVERY TIME you open His Word! John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them through your truth: your Word is truth.” In John 8:31-32, he assures us, “Then said Jesus…if you continue in my Word, then you are my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Not so well known is this powerful Scripture; Psalms 33:4 “For the Word of the Lord is right; and all His works are done in truth.”
The more you search His Word for answers, comfort, knowledge, direction, reassurance, (I could go on!) the more you will find. It is full of wisdom, and does not lack explanation. I’ve heard people say before, “Well, the Bible doesn’t cover some subjects relevant to today’s world!” Nothing could be further from the truth. Every situation, problem and question you could have about God and what He desires of us in life can be found in the Word. It would take me far too long to cover all of those here, so we’ll cover them little by little as Confessions of the Word grows! Besides, that’s the whole idea – search YOUR Bible for answers from YOUR God!!! You will fall deeper in love with our merciful, loving, kind (again, could go on!)…Father!
Another way we hear from our Lord is through the Holy Spirit’s prompting. I am going to try to put into words the awesome thing that happens when I hear from my Savior through His mighty Spirit! Usually, what happens is that a “prompting” or urge happens in my heart/gut area. I’ll be reminded of a Bible verse that applies to whatever the situation is, or I’ll instantly have a testimonial thought, like something that is undeniably “truth” from experience, whether mine or someone else’s. Whenever that “urging” takes place, it is either to edify someone else in the faith, reminding them of God’s goodness, or just for myself, to strengthen my growth and bond with God. It is undeniably the Holy Spirit, meaning that it feels “right” in every meaning of that word, or it feels like reassurance. Ok, I knew this would be a hard one to put into words! So let me illustrate: let’s say I am worried about a certain body ailment, that it would affect my family, my future, my finances…I begin to pray for the Lord’s will to be done and I praise and thank Him for His guaranteed promises, etc…soon after I feel a reassurance in my gut, in my Spirit, and am reminded of James 5:15 “…And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up…” It happens kind of like that! It is so powerful!
The Lord also speaks through His people. There are many, many Biblical examples of this in our history. God wants to utilize His imperfect vessels, us! The Holy Spirit is available to us to equip us to the work of the Lord, or “Kingdom business,” as my Pastor likes to say! We are all given gifts, some of us, prophecy, some teaching, some ministry of helps (love servants), etc. We are to serve each other, and the unsaved, with these gifts, not with false pride, but with humility and our whole hearts.
As you can see, He talks to us! He loves to walk and talk with us! Did you know, He can talk to you directly? His Word speaks of many incidents where He spoke out loud to those who would listen. Well, if He is the same then and now, and He is, then he’ll talk to you, too. It is a thrill to hear from God! Usually, when he talks to us, the message is for us! Sometimes he entrusts us with a message for someone else, but be sure and run it through the Holy Spirit first. You’ll know whether it’s to be shared or not. If you have an agenda for that person that is not God’s, it’s probably better to hold back on that Word!!! God is big enough to speak to that person too!
One more thing to apply to this idea, look for confirmation anytime you are wrestling with a big question. For instance, if you feel the Lord is telling you to jump into a ministry of some type because your good friend from church told you that God told them that you would….well, it’s good to ask the Lord for confirmation or denial of that claim. Search the Scripture, be in regular prayer, give it a little time. God works through process, usually not instantly! He’ll let you know what to do!
Do you have a testimony (or two) of hearing from God, and the impact it had on your life? Please send it to me and share it here! I want to know what you think of this subject! Have you read a powerful Scripture on this subject? Please share! God bless you as you walk with Him!
James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
So, two nights ago I was awoken about five-thirty in the morning, and was literally writing in my sleep! This post! I hope this is an encouragement, an edifying article for whomever God is talking to! He was putting on my heart to write about how to hear from Him. Me, Bess! I’m being taught, after most of a lifetime of communicating with my best friend, Jesus, how to stop talking, and start listening to Him.
God speaks to us all of the time, we just don’t always hear Him, because we aren’t listening. A lot of times, we aren’t listening because we have found ourselves and our lives to be more important at that given time. Then, a lot of times when we do finally hear Him, we don’t do what he is gently prodding us to do, and He won’t yell at us to do it! He’s given us our own will, he wants us to serve Him and love Him on our OWN! He doesn’t want a forced relationship, he wants our full surrender. He only wants that because of how much HE LOVES US, not to control us! OK, sorry for wandering off on that rabbit trail!
So, how does he communicate with us? One way is through His Word, our Bibles! This is a fail proof way to hear from the Lord. If your desire is to hear from God, you will EVERY TIME you open His Word! John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them through your truth: your Word is truth.” In John 8:31-32, he assures us, “Then said Jesus…if you continue in my Word, then you are my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Not so well known is this powerful Scripture; Psalms 33:4 “For the Word of the Lord is right; and all His works are done in truth.”
The more you search His Word for answers, comfort, knowledge, direction, reassurance, (I could go on!) the more you will find. It is full of wisdom, and does not lack explanation. I’ve heard people say before, “Well, the Bible doesn’t cover some subjects relevant to today’s world!” Nothing could be further from the truth. Every situation, problem and question you could have about God and what He desires of us in life can be found in the Word. It would take me far too long to cover all of those here, so we’ll cover them little by little as Confessions of the Word grows! Besides, that’s the whole idea – search YOUR Bible for answers from YOUR God!!! You will fall deeper in love with our merciful, loving, kind (again, could go on!)…Father!
Another way we hear from our Lord is through the Holy Spirit’s prompting. I am going to try to put into words the awesome thing that happens when I hear from my Savior through His mighty Spirit! Usually, what happens is that a “prompting” or urge happens in my heart/gut area. I’ll be reminded of a Bible verse that applies to whatever the situation is, or I’ll instantly have a testimonial thought, like something that is undeniably “truth” from experience, whether mine or someone else’s. Whenever that “urging” takes place, it is either to edify someone else in the faith, reminding them of God’s goodness, or just for myself, to strengthen my growth and bond with God. It is undeniably the Holy Spirit, meaning that it feels “right” in every meaning of that word, or it feels like reassurance. Ok, I knew this would be a hard one to put into words! So let me illustrate: let’s say I am worried about a certain body ailment, that it would affect my family, my future, my finances…I begin to pray for the Lord’s will to be done and I praise and thank Him for His guaranteed promises, etc…soon after I feel a reassurance in my gut, in my Spirit, and am reminded of James 5:15 “…And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up…” It happens kind of like that! It is so powerful!
The Lord also speaks through His people. There are many, many Biblical examples of this in our history. God wants to utilize His imperfect vessels, us! The Holy Spirit is available to us to equip us to the work of the Lord, or “Kingdom business,” as my Pastor likes to say! We are all given gifts, some of us, prophecy, some teaching, some ministry of helps (love servants), etc. We are to serve each other, and the unsaved, with these gifts, not with false pride, but with humility and our whole hearts.
As you can see, He talks to us! He loves to walk and talk with us! Did you know, He can talk to you directly? His Word speaks of many incidents where He spoke out loud to those who would listen. Well, if He is the same then and now, and He is, then he’ll talk to you, too. It is a thrill to hear from God! Usually, when he talks to us, the message is for us! Sometimes he entrusts us with a message for someone else, but be sure and run it through the Holy Spirit first. You’ll know whether it’s to be shared or not. If you have an agenda for that person that is not God’s, it’s probably better to hold back on that Word!!! God is big enough to speak to that person too!
One more thing to apply to this idea, look for confirmation anytime you are wrestling with a big question. For instance, if you feel the Lord is telling you to jump into a ministry of some type because your good friend from church told you that God told them that you would….well, it’s good to ask the Lord for confirmation or denial of that claim. Search the Scripture, be in regular prayer, give it a little time. God works through process, usually not instantly! He’ll let you know what to do!
Do you have a testimony (or two) of hearing from God, and the impact it had on your life? Please send it to me and share it here! I want to know what you think of this subject! Have you read a powerful Scripture on this subject? Please share! God bless you as you walk with Him!
James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Submission in Marriage - What does the Bible say?
There’s a lot out there in the Christian realm on “submission,” and exactly what Paul the Apostle was talking about when he wrote his Holy Spirit-inspired version of submission. I personally have always had a tendency to shy away from any teaching on submission, as in my past it has always involved some form of “sexist control” from whomever the teaching came. It seemed to me that a majority of Christians in my life were using the common passage of Colossians 3:18 “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as fitting to the Lord,” for their own agendas of controlling strong women, and their “worldly desires.” However, I love the Word of God, for not only does it always confirm itself on every subject, but it explains in fullness why a certain principle will work!
There are many, many passages Bible wide on submission, and I have yet to find one where the encouragement to submit is directed only at women. Every time submission is taught, it is pointed to all people; men, women, children, slaves, etc. There is a Holy order in place for all mankind that is designed to bring forth peace and harmony in relationships. In my study on submission (which I was challenged to by a well-respected leader in my church a few weeks ago) I found that submission is not a command, but rather suggests a voluntary relinquishment of one’s rights to another. In The Woman’s Study Bible (NKJV), it states; “the Greek word for ‘to submit’ is hupotasso, which literally means ‘to line up under.’ The concept suggests mutual submission and intimacy, promoting a union ordained by God with love as the binding agent. Love characterizes the servant leadership of the husband, which in turn awakens the submissive cooperation of the wife. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can a woman truly relinquish her desires and line up under her husband’s leadership.” This I found so much more believable and doable!
I have been very blessed with a husband who does love me deeply and draws my desire to submit from me. Frankly, I feel safe and calm when I do “line up under” him. We weren’t always at this point, trust me, but after thirteen years and many experiences, we have a grasp of a handle on this submission thing. Do I feel that he is always in submission to what the Lord is calling him to? No, of course not! Just as I am not day in, day out constantly at rest with God or Juan’s desire for me or my walk! We are, however, listening and responding. To God. To each other. We might not always like what we hear, but we’re listening, and learning. I truly feel that is the key to achieving true submission. Listening. Our response then, after hearing, needs to be obedience to what is Biblical.
I Peter 3:1-7 covers the subject pertaining to marriage in great detail, “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands,…do not let your adornment be merely outward…rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. ..Husbands, likewise, dwell with them [wives] with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” NKJV (Emphasis added by author.)
I did some passionate word study on this passage of Scripture, and I was excited as to what I found. First of all, when this Scripture talks to women, we are to be submitted to our husbands out of obedience, even when we don’t agree with them, as in the case of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 20:1-18. (I’ll get more into this story on my next posting.) However, when it comes to men, they are to be in submission to the Lord the way we are to be in submission to them, and our children to us… It was designed by God as a safekeeping method for us as a people. Christ modeled this principle by walking in constant submission to His Heavenly Father (Hebrews 10:7). For Him, it certainly could not have been easy.
Some of the study notes on this subject in The Women’s Study Bible explain that submission by definition is “an attitude of the will,” it is also “more than obedience,” another is “resting, leaning, trusting, and abandoning yourself to the Lord.” Last but not least, it is “void of stubbornness.” Biblical examples of these definitions would be Mary, mother of Jesus (Luke 1:38), Esther (Esther 4:16) and Sarah, as mentioned before.
In the reference Scripture above (I Peter 3:1-7), it refers to true submission being completely attractive in a woman, more even than her physical appearance or adornment. She is gracious, quiet, gentle… That reference also speaks of the husbands living with their wives in understanding, which in Greek means “according to knowledge.” This speaks of a considerate attitude in the husband for the wife, and knowledge of God’s plan for marriage as well as an understanding of their own respective wife’s desires, needs and feelings. “Honor” in this passage literally means “precious” and obviously alludes to respecting and esteeming the wife. Treating her as precious!
This study could go on and on, far too deep for just one post. I treasure the principle of submission to my God and my husband now, after battling with this teaching for years. Being submitted is being in a safety net, and the more we seek the Lord’s will for our lives, we fall more into his strong arms of love, and surrender our own way! That’s true freedom.
There are many, many passages Bible wide on submission, and I have yet to find one where the encouragement to submit is directed only at women. Every time submission is taught, it is pointed to all people; men, women, children, slaves, etc. There is a Holy order in place for all mankind that is designed to bring forth peace and harmony in relationships. In my study on submission (which I was challenged to by a well-respected leader in my church a few weeks ago) I found that submission is not a command, but rather suggests a voluntary relinquishment of one’s rights to another. In The Woman’s Study Bible (NKJV), it states; “the Greek word for ‘to submit’ is hupotasso, which literally means ‘to line up under.’ The concept suggests mutual submission and intimacy, promoting a union ordained by God with love as the binding agent. Love characterizes the servant leadership of the husband, which in turn awakens the submissive cooperation of the wife. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can a woman truly relinquish her desires and line up under her husband’s leadership.” This I found so much more believable and doable!
I have been very blessed with a husband who does love me deeply and draws my desire to submit from me. Frankly, I feel safe and calm when I do “line up under” him. We weren’t always at this point, trust me, but after thirteen years and many experiences, we have a grasp of a handle on this submission thing. Do I feel that he is always in submission to what the Lord is calling him to? No, of course not! Just as I am not day in, day out constantly at rest with God or Juan’s desire for me or my walk! We are, however, listening and responding. To God. To each other. We might not always like what we hear, but we’re listening, and learning. I truly feel that is the key to achieving true submission. Listening. Our response then, after hearing, needs to be obedience to what is Biblical.
I Peter 3:1-7 covers the subject pertaining to marriage in great detail, “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands,…do not let your adornment be merely outward…rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. ..Husbands, likewise, dwell with them [wives] with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” NKJV (Emphasis added by author.)
I did some passionate word study on this passage of Scripture, and I was excited as to what I found. First of all, when this Scripture talks to women, we are to be submitted to our husbands out of obedience, even when we don’t agree with them, as in the case of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 20:1-18. (I’ll get more into this story on my next posting.) However, when it comes to men, they are to be in submission to the Lord the way we are to be in submission to them, and our children to us… It was designed by God as a safekeeping method for us as a people. Christ modeled this principle by walking in constant submission to His Heavenly Father (Hebrews 10:7). For Him, it certainly could not have been easy.
Some of the study notes on this subject in The Women’s Study Bible explain that submission by definition is “an attitude of the will,” it is also “more than obedience,” another is “resting, leaning, trusting, and abandoning yourself to the Lord.” Last but not least, it is “void of stubbornness.” Biblical examples of these definitions would be Mary, mother of Jesus (Luke 1:38), Esther (Esther 4:16) and Sarah, as mentioned before.
In the reference Scripture above (I Peter 3:1-7), it refers to true submission being completely attractive in a woman, more even than her physical appearance or adornment. She is gracious, quiet, gentle… That reference also speaks of the husbands living with their wives in understanding, which in Greek means “according to knowledge.” This speaks of a considerate attitude in the husband for the wife, and knowledge of God’s plan for marriage as well as an understanding of their own respective wife’s desires, needs and feelings. “Honor” in this passage literally means “precious” and obviously alludes to respecting and esteeming the wife. Treating her as precious!
This study could go on and on, far too deep for just one post. I treasure the principle of submission to my God and my husband now, after battling with this teaching for years. Being submitted is being in a safety net, and the more we seek the Lord’s will for our lives, we fall more into his strong arms of love, and surrender our own way! That’s true freedom.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Galilean Gazette - Simon's Story Part 1
“Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, ’What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out. And the report about Him went out into every place in the surrounding region.’” - Luke 4:36-37 (NKJV)
Imagine for a moment that Simon the fisherman is featured in the Galilean Gazette for that history-making catch of fish last week. In fact, there have been many interesting changes in Simon’s life since he met that man they call Jesus. Simon, who is well known in the local area as a prolific fisherman, seems to be a different man. He’s not as “rough around the edges” as he used to be, and people want to follow him now. So, the Gazette was excited to grab an interview with this influential man, to find out more about his friend, this sensational figure they call Jesus, the man who is stirring up some excitement in this sleepy little coastal town. Here’s the exclusive interview:
Gazette: How many fish did you catch last week? The whole town’s talking about it! I guess things were pretty dry before that happened.
Simon: OK, man, let me tell you, things weren’t just dry; we were at a standstill for production before last week. And nothing “just happened,” Jesus made it happen! I know He did, cuz one minute He was speaking to this crowd of folks on the shore, and then He was telling us to hit the water again and put our nets down. Now, I thought he was a little crazy, cuz He is not a fisherman, and we all know the reputation I have…anyway, I told Him that there was nothing out there! I mean, me and the boys had been out all night, and we hadn’t caught a thing! But as tired as I was, I believed Him, cuz He’s the kind of guy that you want to listen to. Let me tell you, there’s something about this guy…I’m sure you’ve heard about my mother-in-law, she was so sick last week, my wife thought it might be her time. Well, He came in and just touched her, and not only was she instantly better, she got up and made dinner! He is amazing…
Gazette: So wait, was that before the record-breaking catch?
Simon: Yeah, yeah it was oohhh, a couple of days before that. You know, this guy doesn’t stop though. After that, he was healing our neighbors and friends, cuz people were telling them what he had just done with my mother-in-law! You know the goat farmer down the street from me? Well, he was healed of his broken ankle! Amazing!
Gazette: Back to the day of the big catch…
Simon: Right. So He tells us to take the rig back out. We did, half asleep! We were awake in no time, though, cuz we almost lost our net, that load of fish was so thick! There was probably two week’s worth of fish in that net! We had to have James and John bring their vessel over, just so we wouldn’t sink from the weight of too many fish! Everybody was hollering and whooping, I have never seen that amount in one catch before! We thought we were in awe until we saw the drop-jaws of everybody who had been watching from shore!
Gazette: Wow, what a story! Did He want any payment from you for the tip?
Simon: (laughing) No, man, He’s not like that, he won’t take any payment. Not even from the sick people he has been touching and healing. He did eat some fish, and seemed to enjoy it, though!
Gazette: People around here are talking about how you’ve seemed different recently. Do you think this man has had an impact on your life, besides, of course, the huge catch!
Simon: Let me just tell you, I am a changed man. Not just because my income changed on that day, either. I am in awe of Jesus and what He’s done and is doing around here! And I don’t just want to be a spectator. I told Him the day of the catch to “Don’t come near me, Lord, cuz I’ve done some bad stuff!” And you know what he said to me? “Not to be afraid. From now on you will fish men.” I don’t how to put it into just words, but I knew this Man was different! After that, my brother and I dropped our business, and we are following Him now. We get to help Him in His work, and He is teaching us to do the work He does.
Gazette: So obviously this man called Jesus has impacted your life in a major way! What are your plans for the future?
Simon: Man, I’m done making my own plans, I can’t explain what it is about Him, but I’ll be following Him from now on.
Luke 4 & 5 – Story reference
Imagine for a moment that Simon the fisherman is featured in the Galilean Gazette for that history-making catch of fish last week. In fact, there have been many interesting changes in Simon’s life since he met that man they call Jesus. Simon, who is well known in the local area as a prolific fisherman, seems to be a different man. He’s not as “rough around the edges” as he used to be, and people want to follow him now. So, the Gazette was excited to grab an interview with this influential man, to find out more about his friend, this sensational figure they call Jesus, the man who is stirring up some excitement in this sleepy little coastal town. Here’s the exclusive interview:
Gazette: How many fish did you catch last week? The whole town’s talking about it! I guess things were pretty dry before that happened.
Simon: OK, man, let me tell you, things weren’t just dry; we were at a standstill for production before last week. And nothing “just happened,” Jesus made it happen! I know He did, cuz one minute He was speaking to this crowd of folks on the shore, and then He was telling us to hit the water again and put our nets down. Now, I thought he was a little crazy, cuz He is not a fisherman, and we all know the reputation I have…anyway, I told Him that there was nothing out there! I mean, me and the boys had been out all night, and we hadn’t caught a thing! But as tired as I was, I believed Him, cuz He’s the kind of guy that you want to listen to. Let me tell you, there’s something about this guy…I’m sure you’ve heard about my mother-in-law, she was so sick last week, my wife thought it might be her time. Well, He came in and just touched her, and not only was she instantly better, she got up and made dinner! He is amazing…
Gazette: So wait, was that before the record-breaking catch?
Simon: Yeah, yeah it was oohhh, a couple of days before that. You know, this guy doesn’t stop though. After that, he was healing our neighbors and friends, cuz people were telling them what he had just done with my mother-in-law! You know the goat farmer down the street from me? Well, he was healed of his broken ankle! Amazing!
Gazette: Back to the day of the big catch…
Simon: Right. So He tells us to take the rig back out. We did, half asleep! We were awake in no time, though, cuz we almost lost our net, that load of fish was so thick! There was probably two week’s worth of fish in that net! We had to have James and John bring their vessel over, just so we wouldn’t sink from the weight of too many fish! Everybody was hollering and whooping, I have never seen that amount in one catch before! We thought we were in awe until we saw the drop-jaws of everybody who had been watching from shore!
Gazette: Wow, what a story! Did He want any payment from you for the tip?
Simon: (laughing) No, man, He’s not like that, he won’t take any payment. Not even from the sick people he has been touching and healing. He did eat some fish, and seemed to enjoy it, though!
Gazette: People around here are talking about how you’ve seemed different recently. Do you think this man has had an impact on your life, besides, of course, the huge catch!
Simon: Let me just tell you, I am a changed man. Not just because my income changed on that day, either. I am in awe of Jesus and what He’s done and is doing around here! And I don’t just want to be a spectator. I told Him the day of the catch to “Don’t come near me, Lord, cuz I’ve done some bad stuff!” And you know what he said to me? “Not to be afraid. From now on you will fish men.” I don’t how to put it into just words, but I knew this Man was different! After that, my brother and I dropped our business, and we are following Him now. We get to help Him in His work, and He is teaching us to do the work He does.
Gazette: So obviously this man called Jesus has impacted your life in a major way! What are your plans for the future?
Simon: Man, I’m done making my own plans, I can’t explain what it is about Him, but I’ll be following Him from now on.
Luke 4 & 5 – Story reference
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)