December 15, 2010
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for everything you have done in my life. You died on the cross and forgave all my sins. I hope you rise me up to HEAVEN and keep me there forever. I will use my gifts you gave me, and use them every minute of every day, and even use them like you want me to! Thank you for helping me with any (school) test I struggle on and for talking to me today. Thank you for sending an angel to me for protection. Lord, thank you for making me a Child of God, and I love you for Who you are!
Love,
Bella
My nine-year-old daughter wrote this letter after having a very real "experience" with God the night before. She cried out to Him in her need, and He answered her! Then, yesterday, as she was taking a dreaded and feared test at school, she cried out to Him again, and she said He sent an angel to talk to her. I said, "You sure it wasn't God talking to you, baby?"
"No, Mom, it was a girl's voice!"
Praise God that He meets everyone where they are at, nine or ninety!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
5 Basic Principles to Effectively Apply Word Promises to Your Life
Here is an article I recently published on www.ezinearticles.com. Let me know what you think - is it helpful? I would love feedback, positive or constructive criticism, as I am currently writing and publishing more articles on similar subjects.
In my own discovery of life promises found throughout the Bible, I’ve realized that many believers are not aware of the power that lies within having belief in those promises. Some have the book knowledge of what the Bible has to say about prosperity, healing, gifts, and marriages, but are unable to grasp the reality of applying these promises to their daily lives. It takes more than knowing a Biblical passage to see manifestation of God’s goodness at work in our lives. It takes a spiritual understanding of what the Holy Spirit is saying through that passage, and obedience to His Word.
When a deep understanding takes place of what is being promised to us by our Father, and the necessary steps to receive these blessings are applied, change happens. Our families are healed, marriages unified, finances redeemed, and anything else you ask in His Name, fulfilled!
Here are five basic principles lined out in the twelfth chapter of Romans:
1. Present Your Body a Living Sacrifice. Romans 12:1 NASB “Therefore I urge you brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”
This principle is very clear - we must die to our old nature, old desires, old plans. Our flesh never stops trying to maintain the same way of living as before we met our Savior, but that doesn’t mean we give in to it! The first and key step to His blessings is complete and utter surrender to our Father and His will. This step is really about making the decision to serve Him alone, and to no longer serve ourselves.
2. Commit to the Renewal of your Mind. Romans 12:2 NASB “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. “
Obviously, renewing our minds is a Biblical command designed to enable us to do God’s will. This can only be attained, however, by complete submission to our God, and deciding daily to follow His way.
So what is mind renewal? Mind renewal is not a new age statement of some out-of-reach achievement, but rather a gateway to receive God’s blessings on our lives. We have to discontinue our old way of thinking, and to do that, we must go after the things of God. For example, we have to start filtering the input that comes into our minds daily. We must replace the old thoughts and desires with Godly influence, such as the music we listen to, things we read, even the people we allow to influence us.
Have you ever heard the saying, “What goes in must come out!” It is the same for our minds and hearts. We have to learn to guard ourselves, using the Word of God as our strainer. If the influence in question does not “line up” with the Word, it shouldn’t be indulged in!
3. Be in Obedience to His Will. Romans 12:2b-3 NASB “…so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 3For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”
God is faithful to not only show us how to seek His will for us, but He also equips us to know what it is! His will for us is found clearly in the Word, and keep in mind it will be “good and acceptable and perfect.” This Scripture also reminds us that “God has allotted to each [of us] a measure of faith.” In other words, He is not judging us by “how much” faith we have, but rather whether or not we have faith! He desires our whole hearts to be committed to His will for our lives. If we choose to be in obedience to that, we will see the promises of His Word come to life.
4. Join with the Body. Romans 12:4-5 NASB “For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
We influence each other whether we want to admit it or not. As we touch those around us, we should be determined to be instruments of God’s love and ministry. We are the only Jesus some people will ever know. Just as our physical body parts all work together for the common goal of growing, sustaining, and sometimes healing the body, we must decide to act the same in the “Body” of Christ. I have heard some state that it is not necessary to be a part of a church to grow in the Lord. I beg to differ, first because it is taught strongly in Scripture, and second, because I have personally experienced both scenarios. I have lived without the body and I have thrived within the body. How do you not know that you are the skin for that body of believers? Picture a human body with the heart beating, and blood circulating, and blood and innards are squirting everywhere, because there is no skin to protect that body!
5. Everyone is Given Spiritual Gifts, Which are for the Benefit of Everyone. Romans 12:6-8 NASB “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”
We’ve all been blessed with gifts, as different as they are, each one is equally important. As a culture, sometimes we tend to recognize those roles that are more celebrated and public as more important to the body than those who are behind the scenes, even though all roles are equally important to the Father. Each of us have many gifts, and what matters to the Father is that we glorify Him in the use of those gifts. When we do, we fulfill the needs of the body! If we are not in obedience in using our gifts within the body, we should examine our hearts, God has a great purpose for us in serving!
The instructions given to us in the Word are not mysterious or difficult to follow. They are clear, frank and created for our benefit. God has promised us health, fullness of joy, and rich lives filled with every good thing. To enable us to live this life, He asks for our surrender – to Him, His will, and His plan for our life. The question is, are you ready to take Him at His Word?
In my own discovery of life promises found throughout the Bible, I’ve realized that many believers are not aware of the power that lies within having belief in those promises. Some have the book knowledge of what the Bible has to say about prosperity, healing, gifts, and marriages, but are unable to grasp the reality of applying these promises to their daily lives. It takes more than knowing a Biblical passage to see manifestation of God’s goodness at work in our lives. It takes a spiritual understanding of what the Holy Spirit is saying through that passage, and obedience to His Word.
When a deep understanding takes place of what is being promised to us by our Father, and the necessary steps to receive these blessings are applied, change happens. Our families are healed, marriages unified, finances redeemed, and anything else you ask in His Name, fulfilled!
Here are five basic principles lined out in the twelfth chapter of Romans:
1. Present Your Body a Living Sacrifice. Romans 12:1 NASB “Therefore I urge you brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”
This principle is very clear - we must die to our old nature, old desires, old plans. Our flesh never stops trying to maintain the same way of living as before we met our Savior, but that doesn’t mean we give in to it! The first and key step to His blessings is complete and utter surrender to our Father and His will. This step is really about making the decision to serve Him alone, and to no longer serve ourselves.
2. Commit to the Renewal of your Mind. Romans 12:2 NASB “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. “
Obviously, renewing our minds is a Biblical command designed to enable us to do God’s will. This can only be attained, however, by complete submission to our God, and deciding daily to follow His way.
So what is mind renewal? Mind renewal is not a new age statement of some out-of-reach achievement, but rather a gateway to receive God’s blessings on our lives. We have to discontinue our old way of thinking, and to do that, we must go after the things of God. For example, we have to start filtering the input that comes into our minds daily. We must replace the old thoughts and desires with Godly influence, such as the music we listen to, things we read, even the people we allow to influence us.
Have you ever heard the saying, “What goes in must come out!” It is the same for our minds and hearts. We have to learn to guard ourselves, using the Word of God as our strainer. If the influence in question does not “line up” with the Word, it shouldn’t be indulged in!
3. Be in Obedience to His Will. Romans 12:2b-3 NASB “…so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 3For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”
God is faithful to not only show us how to seek His will for us, but He also equips us to know what it is! His will for us is found clearly in the Word, and keep in mind it will be “good and acceptable and perfect.” This Scripture also reminds us that “God has allotted to each [of us] a measure of faith.” In other words, He is not judging us by “how much” faith we have, but rather whether or not we have faith! He desires our whole hearts to be committed to His will for our lives. If we choose to be in obedience to that, we will see the promises of His Word come to life.
4. Join with the Body. Romans 12:4-5 NASB “For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
We influence each other whether we want to admit it or not. As we touch those around us, we should be determined to be instruments of God’s love and ministry. We are the only Jesus some people will ever know. Just as our physical body parts all work together for the common goal of growing, sustaining, and sometimes healing the body, we must decide to act the same in the “Body” of Christ. I have heard some state that it is not necessary to be a part of a church to grow in the Lord. I beg to differ, first because it is taught strongly in Scripture, and second, because I have personally experienced both scenarios. I have lived without the body and I have thrived within the body. How do you not know that you are the skin for that body of believers? Picture a human body with the heart beating, and blood circulating, and blood and innards are squirting everywhere, because there is no skin to protect that body!
5. Everyone is Given Spiritual Gifts, Which are for the Benefit of Everyone. Romans 12:6-8 NASB “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”
We’ve all been blessed with gifts, as different as they are, each one is equally important. As a culture, sometimes we tend to recognize those roles that are more celebrated and public as more important to the body than those who are behind the scenes, even though all roles are equally important to the Father. Each of us have many gifts, and what matters to the Father is that we glorify Him in the use of those gifts. When we do, we fulfill the needs of the body! If we are not in obedience in using our gifts within the body, we should examine our hearts, God has a great purpose for us in serving!
The instructions given to us in the Word are not mysterious or difficult to follow. They are clear, frank and created for our benefit. God has promised us health, fullness of joy, and rich lives filled with every good thing. To enable us to live this life, He asks for our surrender – to Him, His will, and His plan for our life. The question is, are you ready to take Him at His Word?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
When God Plans Strategically - Part One
Back in the Spring of 2008, I had all but given up on myself and the confusing mess I had made out of my life when God brought a dynamic woman of faith across my path, Miss Sue*. Sue was a beautiful, bold, middle-aged Italian woman who had a passion for life and living. Her joy in life was contagious and I remember this strange and wonderful awakening in my spirit that took place when I was around her. She had a way of making me feel valuable, and special. I was very much damaged goods at that time, and desperately needed healing and refreshing inside, I just didn’t know where to look or how to find it.
God, in his incredible wisdom, used this brilliant woman to touch my life in such a way, that I would never be the same. I took to her immediately, and as I questioned her with the "why’s", my circumstances, the pain and suffering I was enduring, she pointed me back to the living Word of God. I listened as she spoke of the truths in the Bible, and as she taught me. Later, on my own, I hungrily began to devour the Holy Scriptures like never before in my life. As they began to literally feed my malnourished soul, my knowledge of His promises and truths grew. I was insatiable for the Word, and then, slowly, my understanding changed.
I found that God wanted me to live free of the pain, suffering, and betrayal. Free of all sin, negative thoughts, and old patterns. I found through the Scriptures HOW to live in freedom, and how to live in the promises currently in my life! His Word, though I had read it and known it since childhood, became alive to me in a time when I knew no life. I was breathing, but I had been dying inside.
Miss Sue began to speak life over me and prophesy over my life, and my future. She called the sickness gone, my pain healed and released, as she prophesied what was to come in my life. I began to thrive under those words of life, and partnered with God’s Word, I began to dream again.
*Name has been changed to respect privacy.
For more of my testimony, see my website www.bessieblanco.com.
This has been a small sneak peak into the upcoming book I am working on!
God, in his incredible wisdom, used this brilliant woman to touch my life in such a way, that I would never be the same. I took to her immediately, and as I questioned her with the "why’s", my circumstances, the pain and suffering I was enduring, she pointed me back to the living Word of God. I listened as she spoke of the truths in the Bible, and as she taught me. Later, on my own, I hungrily began to devour the Holy Scriptures like never before in my life. As they began to literally feed my malnourished soul, my knowledge of His promises and truths grew. I was insatiable for the Word, and then, slowly, my understanding changed.
I found that God wanted me to live free of the pain, suffering, and betrayal. Free of all sin, negative thoughts, and old patterns. I found through the Scriptures HOW to live in freedom, and how to live in the promises currently in my life! His Word, though I had read it and known it since childhood, became alive to me in a time when I knew no life. I was breathing, but I had been dying inside.
Miss Sue began to speak life over me and prophesy over my life, and my future. She called the sickness gone, my pain healed and released, as she prophesied what was to come in my life. I began to thrive under those words of life, and partnered with God’s Word, I began to dream again.
*Name has been changed to respect privacy.
For more of my testimony, see my website www.bessieblanco.com.
This has been a small sneak peak into the upcoming book I am working on!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Where is God in America?
I don't usually like to borrow other people's views to publish on the this blog, but I felt like this one deserved publication - again. Enjoy!
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
My confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Hurricane Katrina). Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'
In light of recent events..... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says 'Thou shalt not kill'; 'Thou shalt not steal,' and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said okay. (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide.)
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not, then just discard it . .. no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
My best regards, honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
My confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Hurricane Katrina). Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'
In light of recent events..... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says 'Thou shalt not kill'; 'Thou shalt not steal,' and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said okay. (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide.)
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not, then just discard it . .. no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
My best regards, honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Nothing Is Impossible With God!
When it seems the odds are against you;
"Nothing is impossible with God." - Luke 1:37
"All glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." - Ephesians 3:20
And as if that wasn't enough to convince us of how big He is:
"God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us." - Hebrews 6:18
Now, no more worrying! He's got it handled - get some much needed rest tonight, friend!
"Nothing is impossible with God." - Luke 1:37
"All glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." - Ephesians 3:20
And as if that wasn't enough to convince us of how big He is:
"God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us." - Hebrews 6:18
Now, no more worrying! He's got it handled - get some much needed rest tonight, friend!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Last Friday I attended the Joyce Meyer conference here in Houston, and was blessed beyond belief! Not because Joyce is awesome, (even though she is!) but because of the power of the Holy Spirit! Only the Holy Spirit can bring unity in the body! Let me explain;
Just a couple of Sundays ago, our Pastor at our local church was speaking on the meaning and value of “feet-washing” and how it was a symbol of humility and a servant-heart. At the end of his sermon, there was a corporate foot washing that took place, ushering in a move of the Holy Spirit as people walked in obedience to Jesus’ example.
The following cell (small group) meeting on Thursday at our house was a follow-up to that teaching, and we discussed further on the principle itself, and what is means to be servants in his kingdom. Then we washed feet in our kitchen, and the move of the Spirit was powerful, bringing healing, restoration, and softening hearts for Him. The Lord began to really speak to me about being a true servant, what it would mean for my life as I know it now, and I began to mull over what all this meant.
That following Sunday, Juan and I flew out to Alabama, on a trip where we were seeking the Lord’s direction in our lives, and in the ministry He is calling us to. While we were there, I visited a Christian bookstore, and came across a sculpture of Jesus washing a disciples’ feet. I broke into tears, realizing that the Lord wasn’t going to let this matter fade from my heart or intentions! I bought the sculpture, and it sits in my office as a daily reminder…
So the week we got home was the Friday at Joyce Meyer’s event. Just guess what she spoke about? That’s right, the principle of being a true servant, of washing other’s feet…
She washed feet right up there in front of us thousands, on her knees, teaching the principle as she acted on it. Guess what I did? Yes, I cried!
I love, love, love the teaching of the Lord!
Just a couple of Sundays ago, our Pastor at our local church was speaking on the meaning and value of “feet-washing” and how it was a symbol of humility and a servant-heart. At the end of his sermon, there was a corporate foot washing that took place, ushering in a move of the Holy Spirit as people walked in obedience to Jesus’ example.
The following cell (small group) meeting on Thursday at our house was a follow-up to that teaching, and we discussed further on the principle itself, and what is means to be servants in his kingdom. Then we washed feet in our kitchen, and the move of the Spirit was powerful, bringing healing, restoration, and softening hearts for Him. The Lord began to really speak to me about being a true servant, what it would mean for my life as I know it now, and I began to mull over what all this meant.
That following Sunday, Juan and I flew out to Alabama, on a trip where we were seeking the Lord’s direction in our lives, and in the ministry He is calling us to. While we were there, I visited a Christian bookstore, and came across a sculpture of Jesus washing a disciples’ feet. I broke into tears, realizing that the Lord wasn’t going to let this matter fade from my heart or intentions! I bought the sculpture, and it sits in my office as a daily reminder…
So the week we got home was the Friday at Joyce Meyer’s event. Just guess what she spoke about? That’s right, the principle of being a true servant, of washing other’s feet…
She washed feet right up there in front of us thousands, on her knees, teaching the principle as she acted on it. Guess what I did? Yes, I cried!
I love, love, love the teaching of the Lord!
Friday, October 1, 2010
I Love It When God Shows Off!!!
I love how God is never just concerned about one individual when he shows off. Rather, He is always concerned about performing goodness for all His kids! I have been walking out a struggle with back pain, which has been “diagnosed” as a congenital defect in my lower back. Most of my family has suffered with this issue to some degree, and I have struggled before with the fear of “ending up” like two of my brothers, who both have had numerous surgeries and take strong painkillers to deal with the intense pain that they live with.
So this week in particular, as I have been dealing with the MRI news, and referral to a surgeon in Houston to explore pain relief options, I have battled the fear. My own words that I have spoken over many, “I am healed by His stripes, etc.” kept flooding back into my mind all week. The confessions work, the Word works! The pain, however, was still there.
I have the most wonderful testimony of our amazing God and what He did for me last night at our cell meeting!!! We were discussing the importance of transparency in a cell setting, and reading out of James 5:13-16, just as Pastor has been asking us to do. We were trying to answer the question, “If we as a cell could be more transparent, what would that do for visitors, and each other?”
We broke out into groups of two for prayer at the end, and I gathered myself for prayer with my dear friend and sister, Yolanda R. She was having a difficult time preparing to pray, as public prayer has been somewhat of a struggle for her to overcome. She was self-conscious, hesitating to begin, when I told her “Look, Sis, you’ve got to pray for me, I need a touch from the Lord tonight. You have the same Holy Spirit in you, and you can do this!”
She began to pray somewhat timidly, then grew bolder in her desire for the Lord to hear her and touch me with healing. At some point just a few moments into her prayer, I received full healing of the pain in my back. The radiating discomfort into my left thigh ended as abruptly. I couldn’t believe it right away, so I didn’t speak up. Besides, Yolanda was praying so earnestly at this point, and her purity towards the Lord as she interceded for me was so apparent, I didn’t want to interrupt her!
Right after she prayed that I would “do somersaults the next day because I was healed,” I couldn’t take it anymore! I lifted my head, and told her, “Yolie, there’s no more pain!”
She couldn’t believe it either. We were grinning, and I said, “Isn’t it just like God to show off, and not only heal me, but use you!”
She had been too timid initially to even pray out loud, and God showed her! He wanted her to know that He was in her, and working through her! I just love how He does that. I believe that is what He means about transparency in His body, so that one part of the body can step in and help the other part when they have needs. He has something even greater in store for you. Do you need healing? Agree with just one more believer that you are healed, and pray earnestly to Him for manifestation. I give all praise, honor, and glory to our Heavenly Father, Amen.
So this week in particular, as I have been dealing with the MRI news, and referral to a surgeon in Houston to explore pain relief options, I have battled the fear. My own words that I have spoken over many, “I am healed by His stripes, etc.” kept flooding back into my mind all week. The confessions work, the Word works! The pain, however, was still there.
I have the most wonderful testimony of our amazing God and what He did for me last night at our cell meeting!!! We were discussing the importance of transparency in a cell setting, and reading out of James 5:13-16, just as Pastor has been asking us to do. We were trying to answer the question, “If we as a cell could be more transparent, what would that do for visitors, and each other?”
We broke out into groups of two for prayer at the end, and I gathered myself for prayer with my dear friend and sister, Yolanda R. She was having a difficult time preparing to pray, as public prayer has been somewhat of a struggle for her to overcome. She was self-conscious, hesitating to begin, when I told her “Look, Sis, you’ve got to pray for me, I need a touch from the Lord tonight. You have the same Holy Spirit in you, and you can do this!”
She began to pray somewhat timidly, then grew bolder in her desire for the Lord to hear her and touch me with healing. At some point just a few moments into her prayer, I received full healing of the pain in my back. The radiating discomfort into my left thigh ended as abruptly. I couldn’t believe it right away, so I didn’t speak up. Besides, Yolanda was praying so earnestly at this point, and her purity towards the Lord as she interceded for me was so apparent, I didn’t want to interrupt her!
Right after she prayed that I would “do somersaults the next day because I was healed,” I couldn’t take it anymore! I lifted my head, and told her, “Yolie, there’s no more pain!”
She couldn’t believe it either. We were grinning, and I said, “Isn’t it just like God to show off, and not only heal me, but use you!”
She had been too timid initially to even pray out loud, and God showed her! He wanted her to know that He was in her, and working through her! I just love how He does that. I believe that is what He means about transparency in His body, so that one part of the body can step in and help the other part when they have needs. He has something even greater in store for you. Do you need healing? Agree with just one more believer that you are healed, and pray earnestly to Him for manifestation. I give all praise, honor, and glory to our Heavenly Father, Amen.
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