At work today I was on my way to the washroom and a co-worker was walking the opposite way of myself. She was waddling toward me. She is pregnant. I think this is #3. I said to her, "You look like you are about ready to push that thing out." She said she has some time still. I honestly forget how much, maybe 2 more months to go. But she mentioned how her back was really getting sore. She is a believer. The first child she had, I had thought the Lord gave me a word of knowledge for her about postpartum depression. I asked her about it at that time and found out then that she was a Christian too. She let me pray. Anyway, after she told me about the back pain I said, "Oh, let me pray." She said ok and started to come closer to me but I didn't put my hand on her, I just stretched out my left hand and commanded the pain to go in Jesus' name. I asked her how it was. She said "Right when you said that I could feel all the tension go." The pain was completely gone. Thank You, Jesus. You are so good to us. Then I continued on my way to the washroom.
Grace, peace and love in Jesus Christ!
Monday, December 12, 2016
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Today in Jesus - In Jesus - 07-21-2016
So, I was walking through the building I work in on my way outside for my first break this AM and there was a ton of people with walkers, canes, etc, Wow, I am amazed how many people get on the trains who are dealing with health issues. Good place to hit up if you are looking to share the gospel of the kingdom. Transportation hubs. Not sure if you'd get kicked out or not though, haha. I don't usually approach too many in big crowds like that. Sometimes, but not usually. But I was walking out the door and ahead of me was these two Native men. I got beside one of them as we exited and he was holding out his left arm flexing his hand and wrist and said "Wow". I noticed and said to him "Do you have pain in your arm?" He says, "Ya, my left arm." I said "Can I show you something?" as I put out my hand as if to grab his arm and he just moves his left arm toward me so willingly, not even saying yes or no, haha. I put my hand around his forearm and just said "Pain go, right now." I took my hand off and said "Ok, check it out. It's gone, isn't it?" He moves his hand and wrist and says the swear word for feces (You know it, haha) and asks what I did. The other guy with him just laughs. I told them "That was Jesus. He lives inside of me and He just healed you." And told them "He did that to show you that He is real, that if you would repent and believe in Him, you know turn from your sins and follow Him, you would be saved. He would come and live inside of you by His Spirit. He wants to have relationship with you and He wants you to be restored to God" They were walking away from me while I was telling them this so I just left it at that. The guy who got healed said thank you and we continued on our respective ways.
I then approached another man who was hobbling along the bridge, and looked like he had hip pain, but he didn't even acknowledge I was there as I said hello to him. It was as if I was invisible.
At lunchtime while walking near the cathedral I met up with a woman named Yvette who seemed to have a little bit of a limp. I asked if she had pain in her body and followed up her response with a question about what level it was at. She said she had just had surgery on her knee and the pain was about a 4 out of 10. I told her I pray for people and Jesus heals them and asked if it was ok to pray for her, which she was ok with, and then asked if I could put my hand on her knee, in which she was also ok with. That's when I found out her name and gave her mine and shook her hand. I figure if I am going to be so intimate with someone as to put my hand on their knee they should at least know my name, haha, kidding. :) I put my hand on her knee for about 5 seconds saying "Knee be healed right now in the name of Jesus, pain go." and then asked her to check for the pain while I started walking slowly forward expecting she would follow and see. She did, and after a few steps she says "It seems pretty good." with a smile on her face. I asked "Ya? No pain at all?" She said "No." I asked her if she knew Jesus and she said she did. A lot of the time I'll ask people who say they know Him if they have the Holy Spirit, if they believe they have been born again. So I did that with her. She said "No, I wouldn't says so, or go that far." I shared with her about how Jesus said that no one enters the kingdom unless they are born again and explained a little about what receiving His Spirit was, who He was and why He was sent. I was on lunch so really I am quite limited in the amount of time I can spend with people. I just left it up to her to pursue, or for the Lord to bring it all about. She thanked me and I asked about the pain again as she seemed to limp a little still, but she said it was still gone. And I headed back to work. I cut short my walk a little so I could spent the time with her that I did.
On my afternoon break I met another woman by the bridge who had said she had pain in her foot from a stress fracture, but after I told her I pray for people and Jesus heals them, to which she initially said yes to my request to pray for her, but then when confirming which foot it was she says, "Actually, you know what? My sister does that too. So really, no, that's ok." And then put her hand up toward me like a big red stop sign and turned and walked away.
I headed back into work after that last break and spoke with a fellow I work with who has a wheelchair right now. He was away for a couple months as he was dealing with diabetes issues. Previously had to get part of his foot amputated and this last time was dealing with pain in his knee and not being able to walk well because of that. I had seen him the first day he was back and prayed for him really quickly and he mentioned the next day that it was better. Then today seemed to be bad again. I prayed again (Just lightly touching his knee and commanding his knee to be healed in Jesus' name and the diabetes to go) and then talked with him a little more about the gospel. As he sat there next to my desk in his wheelchair and I spoke of forgiveness of sins and receiving God's righteousness through faith in Jesus and Him taking our sin nature away, and encouraging him about how Jesus can even cause his foot to grow back, he said it was getting better as we spoke and he was also feeling better himself as a whole. I have been believing for him to be healed from the diabetes from before he had to get the front of his foot amputated (grrrr!). Would love you to join me in that too. He thanked me and I got back to work.
On my walk home I approached a man who rejected me because he said he had just seen his physician and had his acupuncture and his issue was healing well. I told him that Jesus is better at that than acupuncture is and he said "Oh ya?" but clearly didn't want any of what I was offering. I wished him a good day and carried on home.
Glory to King Jesus!!!
Grace, peace and love in Jesus Christ!
I then approached another man who was hobbling along the bridge, and looked like he had hip pain, but he didn't even acknowledge I was there as I said hello to him. It was as if I was invisible.
At lunchtime while walking near the cathedral I met up with a woman named Yvette who seemed to have a little bit of a limp. I asked if she had pain in her body and followed up her response with a question about what level it was at. She said she had just had surgery on her knee and the pain was about a 4 out of 10. I told her I pray for people and Jesus heals them and asked if it was ok to pray for her, which she was ok with, and then asked if I could put my hand on her knee, in which she was also ok with. That's when I found out her name and gave her mine and shook her hand. I figure if I am going to be so intimate with someone as to put my hand on their knee they should at least know my name, haha, kidding. :) I put my hand on her knee for about 5 seconds saying "Knee be healed right now in the name of Jesus, pain go." and then asked her to check for the pain while I started walking slowly forward expecting she would follow and see. She did, and after a few steps she says "It seems pretty good." with a smile on her face. I asked "Ya? No pain at all?" She said "No." I asked her if she knew Jesus and she said she did. A lot of the time I'll ask people who say they know Him if they have the Holy Spirit, if they believe they have been born again. So I did that with her. She said "No, I wouldn't says so, or go that far." I shared with her about how Jesus said that no one enters the kingdom unless they are born again and explained a little about what receiving His Spirit was, who He was and why He was sent. I was on lunch so really I am quite limited in the amount of time I can spend with people. I just left it up to her to pursue, or for the Lord to bring it all about. She thanked me and I asked about the pain again as she seemed to limp a little still, but she said it was still gone. And I headed back to work. I cut short my walk a little so I could spent the time with her that I did.
On my afternoon break I met another woman by the bridge who had said she had pain in her foot from a stress fracture, but after I told her I pray for people and Jesus heals them, to which she initially said yes to my request to pray for her, but then when confirming which foot it was she says, "Actually, you know what? My sister does that too. So really, no, that's ok." And then put her hand up toward me like a big red stop sign and turned and walked away.
I headed back into work after that last break and spoke with a fellow I work with who has a wheelchair right now. He was away for a couple months as he was dealing with diabetes issues. Previously had to get part of his foot amputated and this last time was dealing with pain in his knee and not being able to walk well because of that. I had seen him the first day he was back and prayed for him really quickly and he mentioned the next day that it was better. Then today seemed to be bad again. I prayed again (Just lightly touching his knee and commanding his knee to be healed in Jesus' name and the diabetes to go) and then talked with him a little more about the gospel. As he sat there next to my desk in his wheelchair and I spoke of forgiveness of sins and receiving God's righteousness through faith in Jesus and Him taking our sin nature away, and encouraging him about how Jesus can even cause his foot to grow back, he said it was getting better as we spoke and he was also feeling better himself as a whole. I have been believing for him to be healed from the diabetes from before he had to get the front of his foot amputated (grrrr!). Would love you to join me in that too. He thanked me and I got back to work.
On my walk home I approached a man who rejected me because he said he had just seen his physician and had his acupuncture and his issue was healing well. I told him that Jesus is better at that than acupuncture is and he said "Oh ya?" but clearly didn't want any of what I was offering. I wished him a good day and carried on home.
Glory to King Jesus!!!
Grace, peace and love in Jesus Christ!
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Demonstrations of Spirit and Power - In Jesus - 04-22-2016
I guess I can share this here too. Glory to the King of Kings!
A brother in Christ and I went out to seek those the Lord wanted to touch while on a short road trip into the United States. This was a very short testimony I shared on Instagram. But I deleted that commie site, and now I am posting them to gabTV.
He will do this and more through you too. Just believe and do.
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9
Grace, peace, and love in Jesus Christ!
A brother in Christ and I went out to seek those the Lord wanted to touch while on a short road trip into the United States. This was a very short testimony I shared on Instagram. But I deleted that commie site, and now I am posting them to gabTV.
Deanna (a Christian) at the Walmart, 8/10 pain in feet leaves instantly. Bill (a Christian as well), her son I think, got healing in his back and felt heat, and his foot grew out 1/8 of an inch. Madhu had a fever that left and heard the gospel. She was of Hindu background. #healing #gospel #roadtrip
He will do this and more through you too. Just believe and do.
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9
Grace, peace, and love in Jesus Christ!
Friday, April 15, 2016
The Bible Secret to Divine Health - Gordon Lindsay
The Bible Secret to Divine Health - Gordon Lindsay
CHAPTER ONE
The Bible Secret of Divine Health
Having more than thirty years of experience in divine healing ministry, I have observed one circumstance which I believe is the main hindrance to receiving permanent deliverance from sickness. Christians, even those who believe in divine healing, tend to accept occasional sickness and getting healed as normal—as God's order for life. But it has been made clear in the Word of God that it is not divine healing but divine health which is God's intended plan for His children.
A careful study of both the Old and New Testaments reveals that divine healing is more or less an emergency measure provided by the Lord for believers when they, through neglect of health laws or for some other reason, become ill. In this case, deliverance may be obtained from the Great Physician, Who is always "the LORD who heals you" (Ex. 15:26). But repeated illnesses should not be the norm for the New Testament believer. The will of God for him is clearly expressed by the Apostle John:
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers (3 John 1:2).
It is obvious from the above Scripture that health is not an unconditional blessing. It is inseparably associated with wellness of the soul, as indicated by the words "just as your soul prospers."
Divine health is God's plan; healing is God's second best for His people. As long as we think sickness is inevitable, it will continue to harass us unless we take dominion and refuse to tolerate it. We must recognize sickness as a curse, the work of Satan and something to be banished from our lives, or we will succumb to it.
CHAPTER TWO
Divine Health in the Garden of Eden
God's will that the human race be healthy was revealed in the Garden of Eden. Man was made in the image of God, possessing a perfect physical body that was free from sickness. "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die" (Gen. 2:17). If Adam and Eve had obeyed God's command not to eat the forbidden fruit, they would have lived indefinitely in the Garden, enjoying the gracious bounty without sickness, disease, pain or death.
Though man was created mortal, God intended that he should ultimately be immortal. The Tree of Life was planted in the midst of the Garden. If our first parents had resisted the temptation to disobey God's command, eventually they would have partaken of the Tree of Life and, as a result, lived forever. In fact, after they sinned, they were banned from the Garden to guard against that possibility.
Until the fall, Adam and Eve had enjoyed the glory and vigor of Edenic youth, without worry or care. But afterwards, life changed. There was generation after generation of sorrow, sickness and suffering. Man eventually turned back into dust from which he came. And, in the process, he experienced pain and suffering, incapacitating disease, the physical deterioration of old age and finally death.
FACT ONE: Adam and Eve experienced divine health in the Garden of Eden before their fall. Sickness came as a result of sin. We are redeemed not only from sin, but also from sickness— the curse that follows sin—a double cure for a double curse.
CHAPTER THREE
The Covenant of Health
If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you (Ex. 15:26).
Before the covenant of healing was given, divine healing was mentioned only once in the Bible: the healing of Abimelech and his family (Gen. 20). God had made provision for healing before the law was given. Apparently there never has been a time when God in His mercy has been unwilling to heal those who call upon Him.
The first thing God did after redeeming Israel through the offering of the Paschal Lamb was give them the covenant of healing. Actually, it was more than a covenant of healing; it was a covenant of health! It was a promise that none of the diseases which had come upon the Egyptians would come upon the Israelites if they were obedient to the Lord. Let us carefully study this covenant of health, for it is of paramount importance.
To prepare the children of Israel to receive that covenant, God deliberately led them into a burning desert, a parched wasteland. Soon they were out of water. It was terrifying to be lost in the desert without an adequate water supply. These two million people who had escaped from Pharaoh found themselves up against the stark possibility of death.
But water had been sighted at Marah! The great congregation was encouraged by the prospect of cool drinks from the springs. However, they discovered that the water was bitter and probably alkaline. Fear began to grip the hearts of the people. Without a miracle, they would soon die of thirst. The burden of this tremendous responsibility fell upon Moses, who heard the ominous murmurings of people frightened by their predicament. It is little wonder that Moses cried out to the Lord (Ex. 15:25).
This is important. If you are in desperate need of deliverance, do not hesitate to cry to the Lord. He hears those who wholeheartedly search for Him:
Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart (Jer. 29:12,13).
Many people do not receive deliverance because they are too casual in seeking God. God wants the believer to seek Him with all his heart. When Moses cried to the Lord, the Lord answered him.
HEALING AND HEALTH IN THE ATONEMENT
We have already noted that Adam and Eve enjoyed perfect health in the Garden. But as a result of sin, they and their descendants became prey to sickness and disease. On the night the children of Israel left Egypt, God revealed His great redemptive plan to save man from the curse. God required that a lamb be killed for each household and its blood sprinkled over the doorway of the home. This was a foreshadow of the atonement through Christ for sin.
The atonement also provides healing and health for the physical body. When Moses called upon the Lord during the crisis of bitter water at the springs of Marah, God showed him a "tree," which he was to cast into the waters to make them sweet. Most evangelical expositors agree that this tree is a type of the cross of Christ.
Although this passage was written 1,500 years before Christ, it teaches that the truths of divine healing and divine health are associated with the atonement.
Here is a tremendous truth: Just as Christ bore our sins, He also bore our sicknesses. This is made very clear by Matthew:
When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses" (Matt. 8:16,17).
If Christ paid for our sins, then we do not need to carry them. If He paid for our sicknesses, then we do not have to be sick. The Lord did not allow Israel to drink the bitter waters. A miracle took place and the waters became sweet.
FACT TWO: Divine healing and divine health are associated with the atonement of Christ. He paid for our sins and sicknesses, therefore we do not need to carry them.
CHAPTER FOUR
The Covenant of Healing and Health
With every divine promise there are of necessity certain conditions. Some covenants and promises in the Bible are unconditional, such as the Davidic Covenant, but most are conditional. The covenant of healing and health is conditional. In Exodus 15:26 God lays down four conditions:
1. Listen carefully to the voice of the Lord.
2. Do what is right in God's eyes.
3. Pay attention to God's commandments.
4. Keep all God's decrees.
These conditions are clear. Many people are ignorant of the will of God—some because they make little effort to find it. The best way to attain knowledge of God's will is to regularly read the Scriptures. "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding" (Prov. 2:6).
Some people fear that the will of God will be unacceptable to them. Like Jonah, they run away from the Lord. Many people who do not obtain their healing are failing to obey some obvious Scriptural requirement.
One condition to divine health is to do what is right in God's sight. The Bible declares: "There is a way that seems right to a man but its end is the way of death" (Prov. 16:25). It is remarkable how many people there are who openly dispute direct commands of the Scriptures simply because they are distasteful to them. The chaotic period of the Judges, marked by extreme lawlessness and indifference to divine Law, was the result of every man doing "what was right in his own eyes" (Judg. 21:25). To have divine health, one must do things which are pleasing in the sight of the Lord. "And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight" (1 John 3:22).
For emphasis, the Lord not only says, "Give ear to His commandments," but He adds, "and keep all His statutes." God obviously is wanting to communicate something very important:
Divine health and healing are only obtainable through commitment to His will.
Unfortunately, many seek healing on their own terms rather than God's. This is a great mistake! The consecration of such people is open to serious question. This attitude may prevent them from receiving the deliverance from their afflictions they so desperately need.
DIVINE HEALTH—GOD’S PLAN!
Now we come to the crucial truth of God's promise of healing and health. It is here that many people read Scripture incorrectly. They suppose that the covenant of healing was given to assure them of deliverance when they become ill—a sort of "sickness insurance." True, the promise includes healing if that becomes necessary. But if we read the passage in Exodus 15 carefully, we can see it teaches more: It implies that those who are obedient to the Lord will not experience sickness in the first place! And people who are not sick do not need healing!
The promise of divine health is a serious matter for every Christian to consider. Is it possible that looking to the Lord for healing every time we become sick is the wrong approach? Have we failed to take the promise of divine health seriously?
A new Christian who frequently backslides finds it much harder every time he tries to make a new start. Likewise, he who habitually allows himself to be a victim of his feelings and symptoms may find it much more difficult to obtain deliverance the next time. Divine health is God's plan for the Christian. A fresh emphasis on this truth is necessary if we are to solve the problem of sickness as it exists in the Church today.
FACT THREE: God has given us a strong promise that if we will obey His commandments, He will put (permit) none of the diseases to come on us that He brought (permitted to be brought) on the Egyptians.
CHAPTER FIVE
The Promise of Divine Health in Exodus 23:25
So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you (Ex. 23:25).
When the Lord desires to get across an important truth, He often repeats it in slightly different words. It is as if He were saying, "Now if you are not sure I mean what I say, or if you are not absolutely certain that My promise is true, then I will say it again." And so God repeats His promise of divine health again and again.
God tells the people He will go with them in their journey to the Promised Land. He will send His angel before them (vs. 20), and He will give them victory over the inhabitants of the land (vs. 23). He then pictures them settled in the land, serving Him with His blessing upon their bread and upon their water. As a crowning blessing, they will be free from the curse of sickness and disease that they had known in Egypt. "I will take sickness away from the midst of you."
FACT FOUR: God promises that if we truly serve Him, He will send His angel before us. He will bless our bread and our water, and take sickness from our midst.
CHAPTER SIX
God Repeats the Promise for the Third Time
The Lord repeats His great promise of divine health a third time. In the book of Deuteronomy, God sums up the divine law that He has given Israel. And in that summary He again includes His promise of deliverance from sickness:
And the LORD will take away from you all sickness, and will afflict you with none of the terrible diseases of Egypt which you have known, but will lay them on all those who hate you (Deut. 7:15).
HEALTH IS A BLESSING, SICKNESS IS A CURSE
This verse clearly teaches that divine healing is a blessing. It also teaches that sickness is a curse. This is in direct opposition to the idea that the Lord sends sickness as a blessing in disguise —a teaching that aptly illustrates how the traditions of men can become substitutes for the Word of God.
Just as clearly as the Word of God shows that healing and health are blessings of the Lord, so sickness and disease are shown to be curses. In Deuteronomy 28 God lists various diseases that will come upon the Israelites if they do not obey the voice of the LORD. It is not difficult to recognize many of them as those we see inflicting people today:
1. Blindness (vs. 28)
2. Boils (vs. 27)
3. Consumption (vs. 22)
4. Tumors (vs. 27)
5. Severe burning fever (vs. 22)
6. Fever (vs. 22)
7. Inflammation (vs. 22)
8. Itch (vs. 27)
9. Madness (vs. 28)
10. Scab (vs. 27)
11. Plague (vs. 24)
12. Confusion of heart (vs. 28)
Were these diseases to come upon Israel as a blessing in disguise? Or were they to come as an act of the mysterious will of God? No! God said they would come as a result of disobedience. The list in Deuteronomy 28:22 did not include all the sicknesses that were to come on the disobedient. In verses 60 and 61 God makes it plain that if they were disobedient, He would send all kinds of diseases and epidemics upon them until they were obliterated.
Moreover He will bring back on you all the diseases of Egypt, of which you were afraid, and they shall cling to you. Also every sickness and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, will the LORD bring upon you until you are destroyed (Deut. 28:60,61).
These statements are so plain and solemn, how could anyone dare to alter their meaning? But the pride of man is deceitful. Unable to admit any fault, people talk themselves into believing that "the good Lord" is in some way getting glory out of their sickness. But dare we alter the clear teachings of the Bible?
Sickness is not always an indication of willful disobedience on the part of the believer. In some cases, heredity can be the cause of a predisposition to a certain disease. Failure to properly care for the body may indicate a violation of the physical, rather than of the moral law.
Some contend that the promise of healing in the Old Testament was only available in Old Testament days. They concede that sickness was spoken of as a curse then, but since today we are under a different covenant, the situation concerning sickness and healing is reversed. In essence, they are saying that today healing is a curse, and sickness is a blessing!
Such an interpretation violates the very laws of language. If the above were true, then God today is doing what the devil used to do and the devil is doing what God used to do. How ridiculous! The New Testament teaches divine health for the believer just as the Old Testament does. "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 1:2).
FACT FIVE: The Bible teaches that sickness is a curse for disobedience, and healing and health are blessings from the Lord. Let us not be misled into making "of no effect” (Matt. 15:6) the plain statements of the Word of God.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Does the Biblical Promise of Divine Healing and Health Work?
It is one thing to rejoice in a great Bible promise, but another, in light of human frailty, to prove it is workable in everyday life. God gave these wonderful promises of divine health to the children of Israel. Did they actually work?
There was none feeble among His tribes (Psa. 105:37).
Here is the clear uncompromising answer. We are told that at this point in time there was not one feeble person among all the twelve tribes of Israel. They had no need of hospitals or pharmacies. There was no one on crutches or in a wheel chair. No one was dying with tuberculosis, no cases of cancer, no epidemics of smallpox or bubonic plague. The children did not have diseases such as measles, mumps or chicken pox.
At a later time, Israel did suffer all these evil afflictions and more. But that was not until they decided to go their own way and departed from the Law. Then sickness, disease and other terrors came upon them, just as God declared would happen if they were disobedient. But until that time, the children of Israel enjoyed immunity from sickness as promised under the covenant of healing and health.
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF DIVINE HEALTH
The Bible demonstrates how the promise of divine health worked by recording Caleb's remarkable physical preservation at the age of 85:
So Moses swore on that day, saying, "Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children's forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God” And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as I was on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in (Josh. 14:9-11).
There are two very important points concerning this testimony of Caleb. First, Caleb was one of the spies who brought back a good report. Time and again, we read that the Lord is displeased with people who murmur against Him— which, in effect, is accusing Him of dealing unfairly. The ten spies who brought back an evil report and made the people afraid to go into the land of Canaan, died in the wilderness. But Caleb and Joshua, who declared their faith in God by reporting that Israel was well able to go up and take the country, in due time entered the land and received their inheritance.
Caleb also experienced a remarkable physical blessing. He evidently enjoyed divine health all those years. He declared that at 85, he was as strong to go to war as he was the day Moses sent him to spy out the land. "As my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in" (Josh. 9:11).
Divine health is certainly God's plan. It is not His will for people to deteriorate mentally or become physically incapacitated as they grow older. Many Christians suffer physical and mental impairment later in life.
It is certainly God's will that we retain our faculties throughout life. Although we may lose the resilience of youth, certainly it is not God's plan that we decline physically and mentally when our wisdom has matured and our usefulness has reached its zenith. If we could be at 85 like Caleb was, how much richer our lives would be and how much greater our opportunity to accomplish God's vision. God's promise to those who believe is, "With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation" (Psa. 91:16).
WHAT GOD DID FOR MOSES
The life of Moses illustrates in an even greater way that physical preservation is possible to those who live close to God. Moses lived at a time when the average life span was about 70 years. However, he lived an additional 50 years—to the age of 120! At such an advanced age, he could have weakened or become incapacitated mentally and physically. But he retained the virility of his youth until the day he died.
Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor abated (Deut. 34:7).
Not only was Moses' health still in tact at this age, but his eyesight, one of the first senses to decline, remained undimmed. This is surely something more than divine healing or divine health—it is divine life! Moses had lived near God. He had witnessed His glory when he was on the mountain. When he came down his face shone with celestial glory (Ex. 34:28-33). That was beyond the norm. It does, in fact, hint at some of the ultimate possibilities that may be enjoyed by those who have reached out and "tasted the good Word of God and the powers of the age to come" (Heb. 6:5).
God's promise of health and healing is for all who enter in, not for special favorites. The whole nation of Israel not only experienced divine healing, but moved together into the realm of divine health. And "there was none feeble among His tribes" (Psa. 105:37).
"YOUR YOUTH IS RENEWED LIKE THE EAGLE’S"
Psalm 103 is a favorite Scripture of many. Here the Spirit of God reminds us to bless the Lord and forget not all His benefits. God knew that many people would do that very thing— appropriate some of His benefits and forget others.
First, the psalmist mentions salvation: "Who forgives all your iniquities" (vs. 3). Salvation is appropriately the first thing to remember.
Secondly, we are to remember the benefit of divine healing: "Who heals all your diseases" (vs. 3). Too many forget that blessing, to their own sorrow and loss.
There are other things to remember, such as protection from danger. "Who redeems your life from destruction" (vs. 4). The Christian life is not supposed to be a poor, meager existence. It is to be crowned "with lovingkindness and tender mercies" (vs. 4). In other words, it is to be abundant life. Jesus said, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).
The psalmist closes his review of the great benefits of the Lord by saying, "Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's" (vs. 5). Although many sermons have been preached on this text, often the truth is missed. The way God renews our youth is different than using implants or cosmetic surgery. Restoring our youth cannot be realized through earthly means. Only God has the secret of youth, and He gives it to His "eagle" saints. Many of God's people would be in their graves today if they had not looked to God to fulfill His promise to renew their lives like the eagle.
There are two important things to note about this promise. First, to have our youth renewed we must satisfy ourselves with the "good things" of God. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). Physical bread will fail, but the Word of God is life indeed.
Divine health is for those who feast daily on the "good things" of God's Word.
Second, the eagle soars high above the ground. So the Christian must live above the things of this life. He must sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus and receive from God. The renewal of youth is for "eagle" Christians like Caleb and Moses.
FACT SIX: God has not only promised salvation and healing. He also renews our youth. But this experience is only for "eagle” Christians who choose to live above the perishable things of this life, and who are satisfied with the "good things” of God.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Does the New Testament Teach Divine Health?
We see that both the Old and New Testaments teach divine healing. We have also seen that the Old Testament goes beyond teaching healing to divine health. Does the New Testament teach this also?
It is significant that not one leading character in the New Testament was sick. There was sickness in the New Testament Church, of course, but it was not praised. In fact, Paul considered it an indication of something seriously wrong.
For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep (1 Cor. 11:29,30).
Here Paul explains why members of the Church are sick. He in no way suggests that sickness is a blessing, but rather that it comes because of serious neglect.
In this passage, Paul was talking to the Corinthians about communion. Most believers agree the cup represents the blood of Christ, shed for their sins. However, they are less knowledgeable about the bread—Christ's body which was broken for our body. Many Christians, even those who believe in healing, have not discerned the Lord's body—that He already bore their sickness in His body. Paul says "many are weak and sick" and "many sleep" because they have not discerned the Lord's body.
FACT SEVEN: It is important during communion that each believer not only discern the cup as representing the blood of Christ, shed for the remission of his sins, but also that the bread is a token of the body of Christ, broken for His body.
CHAPTER NINE
Christians Are Members of the Spiritual Body of Christ
1 Corinthians 11:29,30 teaches something more. There is a physical and spiritual body of Christ. All Christians are members of the spiritual body. Paul goes on to say, "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it" (1 Cor. 12:26).
He makes a comparison between Christ's spiritual body and the human body. A schism between members of the body of Christ can result in sickness. Therefore believers should maintain Christ-like relations with other members of the Church. The inference is that believers at odds with each another could fail to be healed. Such was the case in the Corinthian church. There was division, and members were not reconciled to one another.
Christ is the head and we are members of His body. Is it the will of God then that sickness defile His body? No one would dare suggest that Christ suffered sickness while on earth. Surely it is not God's will that His body be sick now.
Since we are members of the body of Christ, we can understand why Paul prayed that our bodies, as well as our souls and spirits, should be sanctified completely.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thes. 5:23).
FACT EIGHT: Believers are members of the mystical body of Christ. We should take care of one another or we will suffer ourselves. Christ's body never had sickness while on earth. Since we are now members of His body, we should not be sick.
CHAPTER TEN
God's Will for the Believer—Health and Prosperity
The New Testament verse that best expresses the will of God for the Christian's success and health is, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 1:2). The Apostle John desired above all that God's people should be healthy and successful. Surely the Apostle John, who had leaned on Jesus' breast and had an understanding of spiritual things, knew what was God's will and prayed accordingly.
John knew that sickness was a curse and health a blessing. Undoubtedly he had heard Jesus teach that disease was the work of the devil (Lk. 13:16; Acts 10:38). He knew Christ came to destroy the works of the devil. He had personally witnessed Jesus' earthly ministry. He knew that He had devoted much of His time to eradicating disease and delivering people from suffering. Understanding all these things, it was only natural that he would pray that the people of God would enjoy health and prosperity.
It should be observed, however, that John makes it clear that divine health and economic well-being are not for the careless, the disobedient or those who seek blessings for selfish purposes. These blessings are for Christians who prosper in their souls. A sick soul invites a sick body.
Some may have inherited strong constitutions and are naturally healthy; but those who are not so fortunate must look to God for healing and health. Healing and health may be expected on the basis of the status of one's soul.
FACT NINE: Both the Old Testament and the New Testament teach divine healing and health. The Apostle John desired above all things for believers to prosper and be healthy, but only as their souls prosper. Failure to nurture and discipline the soul could well jeopardize the health of the body.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Was the Apostle Paul Sick?
Before we go further, it is essential to settle the question of Paul's "thorn in the flesh." It is so often a refuge for those who see sickness and disease as a blessing. Some claim that the Apostle Paul suffered from an eye disease, and that this disease was Paul's "thorn in the flesh." They reason that if a great apostle like Paul was afflicted with such a serious disease, ordinary believers can scarcely hope for anything better. This reasoning would be valid—if it were true that Paul suffered from the above-mentioned affliction. However, the supposition has no Scriptural foundation.
1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY A "THORN IN THE FLESH" IS?
The phrase "thorn in the flesh" evidently refers to a figurative and not a literal "thorn." In the Scriptures, the term "thorn in the flesh" is used to indicate persecution by wicked persons, not diseases. Moses said:
But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell. (Num. 33:55).
Later, Joshua used the term in the same way: "They shall be snares and traps to you, and scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes" (Josh. 23:13).
Again in Judges 2:3, the Lord speaks of the Canaanites as "thorns in your side." Therefore, according to Scripture a "thorn in the flesh" is not a disease, but people whom the devil uses to annoy or persecute the children of God. Allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture settles the matter of what Paul meant by a "thorn in the flesh."
2. DID PAUL INFER IN ANY WAY THAT HIS "THORN IN THE FLESH" WAS BLINDNESS OR SOME KIND OF DISEASE?
In the passage where Paul speaks of his "thorn in the flesh," he says:
Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me,
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor. 12:8-10).
3. WHY DO SOME INSIST THAT PAUL’S INFIRMITY WAS BLINDNESS?
It is purely the tradition of men! Actually, to say that Paul was blind is a direct denial of Scripture. It is true Paul was blinded on the Damascus road. However, we are told that after this Paul spent three days and nights in prayer and fasting. Then Ananias came and laid his hands on Paul that he might receive the Holy Spirit and his sight, which he did (Acts 9:18). Consequently, to hold to a tradition that Paul was nearly blind is to go directly against Scripture.
4. DID PAUL CONSIDER HIS INFIRMITY A BLESSING OR A CURSE?
Paul implies that his infirmities were a blessing in disguise. Paul was blinded by the light from heaven that shone round him as he approached Damascus, threatening to slaughter Christians living there. But after his proud heart had been subdued, he regained his sight. Had God sent blindness to Paul as a blessing? The Old Testament declared that blindness was a curse that would come on the disobedient (Deut. 28:28).
Paul knew blindness was a curse. When the false prophet, Bar-Jesus, sought to prevent Paul preaching the Gospel in Paphos, the apostle turned to the sorcerer and said:
"O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time." And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand (Acts 13:10,11).
5. DID PAUL EVER TEACH THAT SICKNESS WAS A BLESSING?
Paul did as Jesus did: He taught and preached healing of the body and soul, and great miracles took place as a result. Paul did not teach that people were to regard sickness as some special providence from God. He taught that sickness came upon Christians because they either did not judge themselves or because they did not discern the Lord's body.
For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged (1 Cor. 11:29-31).
6. IS THERE ANY EVIDENCE THAT PAUL BELIEVED THE LORD SENT SICKNESS ON HIM AS A "THORN IN THE FLESH"?
As long as Paul lived, he trusted in Christ as his Healer. His faith in God for healing never diminished, even in his last years. In the final chapter of Acts (28), after Paul had escaped from the shipwreck and reached land, he was bitten by a poisonous viper. The natives thought he would fall down dead. But Paul trusted in the Great Physician and was not harmed. As long as Paul lived, he trusted the Lord for healing and health.
7. DID PAUL ACT LIKE A SICK MAN?
Paul suffered many infirmities and deprivations, but he was able to endure them because he had a strong body. Only a well person could evangelize the nations as Paul did. His testimony was, "I labored more abundantly than they all" (1 Cor. 15:10). That is not the testimony of a sick man.
FACT TEN: Paul's thorn in the flesh was not sickness; the apostle enjoyed divine health. Paul suffered from infirmities such as weariness, trials and persecutions. We may suffer from the same infirmities, but we need not suffer from disease since Christ already carried that on the cross.
CONCLUSION
There was one godly man in the New Testament who was sick and almost died. Why did he become so ill?
He was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him... for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me (Phil. 2:26,27,30).
It appears that the Philippian church had failed to properly support Paul while he was serving them. Epaphroditus saw the need and worked beyond his strength to make up for the lack. But it was too much for him. He broke down physically and almost died. God spared him, but it was not a matter of being healed from a disease. Epaphroditus apparently required an extended period to recover his strength.
Many ministers and Christian workers keep working though their strength is depleted. When people go beyond their strength, it sometimes takes months or even years to recuperate.
Few godly biblical characters were afflicted with sickness. This indicates that disease is something outside the divine plan. Disease is a curse and not a blessing. The principle exception is Job. (The problem of Job is fully considered in the book Why Do the Righteous Suffer?)
Job himself disclosed the main reason for his sickness. The spirit of fear had taken hold of him. And fear is a shortcut to sickness and disease (Job 3:25,26). It was the devil, not God who put the boils on him (Job 2:7). But it was God who healed him and he prospered more than before. After he was healed, Job evidently enjoyed divine health. He lived for another 140 years after his illness!
BE BLESSED!!!
CHAPTER ONE
The Bible Secret of Divine Health
Having more than thirty years of experience in divine healing ministry, I have observed one circumstance which I believe is the main hindrance to receiving permanent deliverance from sickness. Christians, even those who believe in divine healing, tend to accept occasional sickness and getting healed as normal—as God's order for life. But it has been made clear in the Word of God that it is not divine healing but divine health which is God's intended plan for His children.
A careful study of both the Old and New Testaments reveals that divine healing is more or less an emergency measure provided by the Lord for believers when they, through neglect of health laws or for some other reason, become ill. In this case, deliverance may be obtained from the Great Physician, Who is always "the LORD who heals you" (Ex. 15:26). But repeated illnesses should not be the norm for the New Testament believer. The will of God for him is clearly expressed by the Apostle John:
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers (3 John 1:2).
It is obvious from the above Scripture that health is not an unconditional blessing. It is inseparably associated with wellness of the soul, as indicated by the words "just as your soul prospers."
Divine health is God's plan; healing is God's second best for His people. As long as we think sickness is inevitable, it will continue to harass us unless we take dominion and refuse to tolerate it. We must recognize sickness as a curse, the work of Satan and something to be banished from our lives, or we will succumb to it.
CHAPTER TWO
Divine Health in the Garden of Eden
God's will that the human race be healthy was revealed in the Garden of Eden. Man was made in the image of God, possessing a perfect physical body that was free from sickness. "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die" (Gen. 2:17). If Adam and Eve had obeyed God's command not to eat the forbidden fruit, they would have lived indefinitely in the Garden, enjoying the gracious bounty without sickness, disease, pain or death.
Though man was created mortal, God intended that he should ultimately be immortal. The Tree of Life was planted in the midst of the Garden. If our first parents had resisted the temptation to disobey God's command, eventually they would have partaken of the Tree of Life and, as a result, lived forever. In fact, after they sinned, they were banned from the Garden to guard against that possibility.
Until the fall, Adam and Eve had enjoyed the glory and vigor of Edenic youth, without worry or care. But afterwards, life changed. There was generation after generation of sorrow, sickness and suffering. Man eventually turned back into dust from which he came. And, in the process, he experienced pain and suffering, incapacitating disease, the physical deterioration of old age and finally death.
FACT ONE: Adam and Eve experienced divine health in the Garden of Eden before their fall. Sickness came as a result of sin. We are redeemed not only from sin, but also from sickness— the curse that follows sin—a double cure for a double curse.
CHAPTER THREE
The Covenant of Health
If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you (Ex. 15:26).
Before the covenant of healing was given, divine healing was mentioned only once in the Bible: the healing of Abimelech and his family (Gen. 20). God had made provision for healing before the law was given. Apparently there never has been a time when God in His mercy has been unwilling to heal those who call upon Him.
The first thing God did after redeeming Israel through the offering of the Paschal Lamb was give them the covenant of healing. Actually, it was more than a covenant of healing; it was a covenant of health! It was a promise that none of the diseases which had come upon the Egyptians would come upon the Israelites if they were obedient to the Lord. Let us carefully study this covenant of health, for it is of paramount importance.
To prepare the children of Israel to receive that covenant, God deliberately led them into a burning desert, a parched wasteland. Soon they were out of water. It was terrifying to be lost in the desert without an adequate water supply. These two million people who had escaped from Pharaoh found themselves up against the stark possibility of death.
But water had been sighted at Marah! The great congregation was encouraged by the prospect of cool drinks from the springs. However, they discovered that the water was bitter and probably alkaline. Fear began to grip the hearts of the people. Without a miracle, they would soon die of thirst. The burden of this tremendous responsibility fell upon Moses, who heard the ominous murmurings of people frightened by their predicament. It is little wonder that Moses cried out to the Lord (Ex. 15:25).
This is important. If you are in desperate need of deliverance, do not hesitate to cry to the Lord. He hears those who wholeheartedly search for Him:
Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart (Jer. 29:12,13).
Many people do not receive deliverance because they are too casual in seeking God. God wants the believer to seek Him with all his heart. When Moses cried to the Lord, the Lord answered him.
HEALING AND HEALTH IN THE ATONEMENT
We have already noted that Adam and Eve enjoyed perfect health in the Garden. But as a result of sin, they and their descendants became prey to sickness and disease. On the night the children of Israel left Egypt, God revealed His great redemptive plan to save man from the curse. God required that a lamb be killed for each household and its blood sprinkled over the doorway of the home. This was a foreshadow of the atonement through Christ for sin.
The atonement also provides healing and health for the physical body. When Moses called upon the Lord during the crisis of bitter water at the springs of Marah, God showed him a "tree," which he was to cast into the waters to make them sweet. Most evangelical expositors agree that this tree is a type of the cross of Christ.
Although this passage was written 1,500 years before Christ, it teaches that the truths of divine healing and divine health are associated with the atonement.
Here is a tremendous truth: Just as Christ bore our sins, He also bore our sicknesses. This is made very clear by Matthew:
When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses" (Matt. 8:16,17).
If Christ paid for our sins, then we do not need to carry them. If He paid for our sicknesses, then we do not have to be sick. The Lord did not allow Israel to drink the bitter waters. A miracle took place and the waters became sweet.
FACT TWO: Divine healing and divine health are associated with the atonement of Christ. He paid for our sins and sicknesses, therefore we do not need to carry them.
CHAPTER FOUR
The Covenant of Healing and Health
With every divine promise there are of necessity certain conditions. Some covenants and promises in the Bible are unconditional, such as the Davidic Covenant, but most are conditional. The covenant of healing and health is conditional. In Exodus 15:26 God lays down four conditions:
1. Listen carefully to the voice of the Lord.
2. Do what is right in God's eyes.
3. Pay attention to God's commandments.
4. Keep all God's decrees.
These conditions are clear. Many people are ignorant of the will of God—some because they make little effort to find it. The best way to attain knowledge of God's will is to regularly read the Scriptures. "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding" (Prov. 2:6).
Some people fear that the will of God will be unacceptable to them. Like Jonah, they run away from the Lord. Many people who do not obtain their healing are failing to obey some obvious Scriptural requirement.
One condition to divine health is to do what is right in God's sight. The Bible declares: "There is a way that seems right to a man but its end is the way of death" (Prov. 16:25). It is remarkable how many people there are who openly dispute direct commands of the Scriptures simply because they are distasteful to them. The chaotic period of the Judges, marked by extreme lawlessness and indifference to divine Law, was the result of every man doing "what was right in his own eyes" (Judg. 21:25). To have divine health, one must do things which are pleasing in the sight of the Lord. "And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight" (1 John 3:22).
For emphasis, the Lord not only says, "Give ear to His commandments," but He adds, "and keep all His statutes." God obviously is wanting to communicate something very important:
Divine health and healing are only obtainable through commitment to His will.
Unfortunately, many seek healing on their own terms rather than God's. This is a great mistake! The consecration of such people is open to serious question. This attitude may prevent them from receiving the deliverance from their afflictions they so desperately need.
DIVINE HEALTH—GOD’S PLAN!
Now we come to the crucial truth of God's promise of healing and health. It is here that many people read Scripture incorrectly. They suppose that the covenant of healing was given to assure them of deliverance when they become ill—a sort of "sickness insurance." True, the promise includes healing if that becomes necessary. But if we read the passage in Exodus 15 carefully, we can see it teaches more: It implies that those who are obedient to the Lord will not experience sickness in the first place! And people who are not sick do not need healing!
The promise of divine health is a serious matter for every Christian to consider. Is it possible that looking to the Lord for healing every time we become sick is the wrong approach? Have we failed to take the promise of divine health seriously?
A new Christian who frequently backslides finds it much harder every time he tries to make a new start. Likewise, he who habitually allows himself to be a victim of his feelings and symptoms may find it much more difficult to obtain deliverance the next time. Divine health is God's plan for the Christian. A fresh emphasis on this truth is necessary if we are to solve the problem of sickness as it exists in the Church today.
FACT THREE: God has given us a strong promise that if we will obey His commandments, He will put (permit) none of the diseases to come on us that He brought (permitted to be brought) on the Egyptians.
CHAPTER FIVE
The Promise of Divine Health in Exodus 23:25
So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you (Ex. 23:25).
When the Lord desires to get across an important truth, He often repeats it in slightly different words. It is as if He were saying, "Now if you are not sure I mean what I say, or if you are not absolutely certain that My promise is true, then I will say it again." And so God repeats His promise of divine health again and again.
God tells the people He will go with them in their journey to the Promised Land. He will send His angel before them (vs. 20), and He will give them victory over the inhabitants of the land (vs. 23). He then pictures them settled in the land, serving Him with His blessing upon their bread and upon their water. As a crowning blessing, they will be free from the curse of sickness and disease that they had known in Egypt. "I will take sickness away from the midst of you."
FACT FOUR: God promises that if we truly serve Him, He will send His angel before us. He will bless our bread and our water, and take sickness from our midst.
CHAPTER SIX
God Repeats the Promise for the Third Time
The Lord repeats His great promise of divine health a third time. In the book of Deuteronomy, God sums up the divine law that He has given Israel. And in that summary He again includes His promise of deliverance from sickness:
And the LORD will take away from you all sickness, and will afflict you with none of the terrible diseases of Egypt which you have known, but will lay them on all those who hate you (Deut. 7:15).
HEALTH IS A BLESSING, SICKNESS IS A CURSE
This verse clearly teaches that divine healing is a blessing. It also teaches that sickness is a curse. This is in direct opposition to the idea that the Lord sends sickness as a blessing in disguise —a teaching that aptly illustrates how the traditions of men can become substitutes for the Word of God.
Just as clearly as the Word of God shows that healing and health are blessings of the Lord, so sickness and disease are shown to be curses. In Deuteronomy 28 God lists various diseases that will come upon the Israelites if they do not obey the voice of the LORD. It is not difficult to recognize many of them as those we see inflicting people today:
1. Blindness (vs. 28)
2. Boils (vs. 27)
3. Consumption (vs. 22)
4. Tumors (vs. 27)
5. Severe burning fever (vs. 22)
6. Fever (vs. 22)
7. Inflammation (vs. 22)
8. Itch (vs. 27)
9. Madness (vs. 28)
10. Scab (vs. 27)
11. Plague (vs. 24)
12. Confusion of heart (vs. 28)
Were these diseases to come upon Israel as a blessing in disguise? Or were they to come as an act of the mysterious will of God? No! God said they would come as a result of disobedience. The list in Deuteronomy 28:22 did not include all the sicknesses that were to come on the disobedient. In verses 60 and 61 God makes it plain that if they were disobedient, He would send all kinds of diseases and epidemics upon them until they were obliterated.
Moreover He will bring back on you all the diseases of Egypt, of which you were afraid, and they shall cling to you. Also every sickness and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, will the LORD bring upon you until you are destroyed (Deut. 28:60,61).
These statements are so plain and solemn, how could anyone dare to alter their meaning? But the pride of man is deceitful. Unable to admit any fault, people talk themselves into believing that "the good Lord" is in some way getting glory out of their sickness. But dare we alter the clear teachings of the Bible?
Sickness is not always an indication of willful disobedience on the part of the believer. In some cases, heredity can be the cause of a predisposition to a certain disease. Failure to properly care for the body may indicate a violation of the physical, rather than of the moral law.
Some contend that the promise of healing in the Old Testament was only available in Old Testament days. They concede that sickness was spoken of as a curse then, but since today we are under a different covenant, the situation concerning sickness and healing is reversed. In essence, they are saying that today healing is a curse, and sickness is a blessing!
Such an interpretation violates the very laws of language. If the above were true, then God today is doing what the devil used to do and the devil is doing what God used to do. How ridiculous! The New Testament teaches divine health for the believer just as the Old Testament does. "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 1:2).
FACT FIVE: The Bible teaches that sickness is a curse for disobedience, and healing and health are blessings from the Lord. Let us not be misled into making "of no effect” (Matt. 15:6) the plain statements of the Word of God.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Does the Biblical Promise of Divine Healing and Health Work?
It is one thing to rejoice in a great Bible promise, but another, in light of human frailty, to prove it is workable in everyday life. God gave these wonderful promises of divine health to the children of Israel. Did they actually work?
There was none feeble among His tribes (Psa. 105:37).
Here is the clear uncompromising answer. We are told that at this point in time there was not one feeble person among all the twelve tribes of Israel. They had no need of hospitals or pharmacies. There was no one on crutches or in a wheel chair. No one was dying with tuberculosis, no cases of cancer, no epidemics of smallpox or bubonic plague. The children did not have diseases such as measles, mumps or chicken pox.
At a later time, Israel did suffer all these evil afflictions and more. But that was not until they decided to go their own way and departed from the Law. Then sickness, disease and other terrors came upon them, just as God declared would happen if they were disobedient. But until that time, the children of Israel enjoyed immunity from sickness as promised under the covenant of healing and health.
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF DIVINE HEALTH
The Bible demonstrates how the promise of divine health worked by recording Caleb's remarkable physical preservation at the age of 85:
So Moses swore on that day, saying, "Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children's forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God” And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as I was on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in (Josh. 14:9-11).
There are two very important points concerning this testimony of Caleb. First, Caleb was one of the spies who brought back a good report. Time and again, we read that the Lord is displeased with people who murmur against Him— which, in effect, is accusing Him of dealing unfairly. The ten spies who brought back an evil report and made the people afraid to go into the land of Canaan, died in the wilderness. But Caleb and Joshua, who declared their faith in God by reporting that Israel was well able to go up and take the country, in due time entered the land and received their inheritance.
Caleb also experienced a remarkable physical blessing. He evidently enjoyed divine health all those years. He declared that at 85, he was as strong to go to war as he was the day Moses sent him to spy out the land. "As my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in" (Josh. 9:11).
Divine health is certainly God's plan. It is not His will for people to deteriorate mentally or become physically incapacitated as they grow older. Many Christians suffer physical and mental impairment later in life.
It is certainly God's will that we retain our faculties throughout life. Although we may lose the resilience of youth, certainly it is not God's plan that we decline physically and mentally when our wisdom has matured and our usefulness has reached its zenith. If we could be at 85 like Caleb was, how much richer our lives would be and how much greater our opportunity to accomplish God's vision. God's promise to those who believe is, "With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation" (Psa. 91:16).
WHAT GOD DID FOR MOSES
The life of Moses illustrates in an even greater way that physical preservation is possible to those who live close to God. Moses lived at a time when the average life span was about 70 years. However, he lived an additional 50 years—to the age of 120! At such an advanced age, he could have weakened or become incapacitated mentally and physically. But he retained the virility of his youth until the day he died.
Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor abated (Deut. 34:7).
Not only was Moses' health still in tact at this age, but his eyesight, one of the first senses to decline, remained undimmed. This is surely something more than divine healing or divine health—it is divine life! Moses had lived near God. He had witnessed His glory when he was on the mountain. When he came down his face shone with celestial glory (Ex. 34:28-33). That was beyond the norm. It does, in fact, hint at some of the ultimate possibilities that may be enjoyed by those who have reached out and "tasted the good Word of God and the powers of the age to come" (Heb. 6:5).
God's promise of health and healing is for all who enter in, not for special favorites. The whole nation of Israel not only experienced divine healing, but moved together into the realm of divine health. And "there was none feeble among His tribes" (Psa. 105:37).
"YOUR YOUTH IS RENEWED LIKE THE EAGLE’S"
Psalm 103 is a favorite Scripture of many. Here the Spirit of God reminds us to bless the Lord and forget not all His benefits. God knew that many people would do that very thing— appropriate some of His benefits and forget others.
First, the psalmist mentions salvation: "Who forgives all your iniquities" (vs. 3). Salvation is appropriately the first thing to remember.
Secondly, we are to remember the benefit of divine healing: "Who heals all your diseases" (vs. 3). Too many forget that blessing, to their own sorrow and loss.
There are other things to remember, such as protection from danger. "Who redeems your life from destruction" (vs. 4). The Christian life is not supposed to be a poor, meager existence. It is to be crowned "with lovingkindness and tender mercies" (vs. 4). In other words, it is to be abundant life. Jesus said, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).
The psalmist closes his review of the great benefits of the Lord by saying, "Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's" (vs. 5). Although many sermons have been preached on this text, often the truth is missed. The way God renews our youth is different than using implants or cosmetic surgery. Restoring our youth cannot be realized through earthly means. Only God has the secret of youth, and He gives it to His "eagle" saints. Many of God's people would be in their graves today if they had not looked to God to fulfill His promise to renew their lives like the eagle.
There are two important things to note about this promise. First, to have our youth renewed we must satisfy ourselves with the "good things" of God. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). Physical bread will fail, but the Word of God is life indeed.
Divine health is for those who feast daily on the "good things" of God's Word.
Second, the eagle soars high above the ground. So the Christian must live above the things of this life. He must sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus and receive from God. The renewal of youth is for "eagle" Christians like Caleb and Moses.
FACT SIX: God has not only promised salvation and healing. He also renews our youth. But this experience is only for "eagle” Christians who choose to live above the perishable things of this life, and who are satisfied with the "good things” of God.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Does the New Testament Teach Divine Health?
We see that both the Old and New Testaments teach divine healing. We have also seen that the Old Testament goes beyond teaching healing to divine health. Does the New Testament teach this also?
It is significant that not one leading character in the New Testament was sick. There was sickness in the New Testament Church, of course, but it was not praised. In fact, Paul considered it an indication of something seriously wrong.
For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep (1 Cor. 11:29,30).
Here Paul explains why members of the Church are sick. He in no way suggests that sickness is a blessing, but rather that it comes because of serious neglect.
In this passage, Paul was talking to the Corinthians about communion. Most believers agree the cup represents the blood of Christ, shed for their sins. However, they are less knowledgeable about the bread—Christ's body which was broken for our body. Many Christians, even those who believe in healing, have not discerned the Lord's body—that He already bore their sickness in His body. Paul says "many are weak and sick" and "many sleep" because they have not discerned the Lord's body.
FACT SEVEN: It is important during communion that each believer not only discern the cup as representing the blood of Christ, shed for the remission of his sins, but also that the bread is a token of the body of Christ, broken for His body.
CHAPTER NINE
Christians Are Members of the Spiritual Body of Christ
1 Corinthians 11:29,30 teaches something more. There is a physical and spiritual body of Christ. All Christians are members of the spiritual body. Paul goes on to say, "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it" (1 Cor. 12:26).
He makes a comparison between Christ's spiritual body and the human body. A schism between members of the body of Christ can result in sickness. Therefore believers should maintain Christ-like relations with other members of the Church. The inference is that believers at odds with each another could fail to be healed. Such was the case in the Corinthian church. There was division, and members were not reconciled to one another.
Christ is the head and we are members of His body. Is it the will of God then that sickness defile His body? No one would dare suggest that Christ suffered sickness while on earth. Surely it is not God's will that His body be sick now.
Since we are members of the body of Christ, we can understand why Paul prayed that our bodies, as well as our souls and spirits, should be sanctified completely.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thes. 5:23).
FACT EIGHT: Believers are members of the mystical body of Christ. We should take care of one another or we will suffer ourselves. Christ's body never had sickness while on earth. Since we are now members of His body, we should not be sick.
CHAPTER TEN
God's Will for the Believer—Health and Prosperity
The New Testament verse that best expresses the will of God for the Christian's success and health is, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 1:2). The Apostle John desired above all that God's people should be healthy and successful. Surely the Apostle John, who had leaned on Jesus' breast and had an understanding of spiritual things, knew what was God's will and prayed accordingly.
John knew that sickness was a curse and health a blessing. Undoubtedly he had heard Jesus teach that disease was the work of the devil (Lk. 13:16; Acts 10:38). He knew Christ came to destroy the works of the devil. He had personally witnessed Jesus' earthly ministry. He knew that He had devoted much of His time to eradicating disease and delivering people from suffering. Understanding all these things, it was only natural that he would pray that the people of God would enjoy health and prosperity.
It should be observed, however, that John makes it clear that divine health and economic well-being are not for the careless, the disobedient or those who seek blessings for selfish purposes. These blessings are for Christians who prosper in their souls. A sick soul invites a sick body.
Some may have inherited strong constitutions and are naturally healthy; but those who are not so fortunate must look to God for healing and health. Healing and health may be expected on the basis of the status of one's soul.
FACT NINE: Both the Old Testament and the New Testament teach divine healing and health. The Apostle John desired above all things for believers to prosper and be healthy, but only as their souls prosper. Failure to nurture and discipline the soul could well jeopardize the health of the body.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Was the Apostle Paul Sick?
Before we go further, it is essential to settle the question of Paul's "thorn in the flesh." It is so often a refuge for those who see sickness and disease as a blessing. Some claim that the Apostle Paul suffered from an eye disease, and that this disease was Paul's "thorn in the flesh." They reason that if a great apostle like Paul was afflicted with such a serious disease, ordinary believers can scarcely hope for anything better. This reasoning would be valid—if it were true that Paul suffered from the above-mentioned affliction. However, the supposition has no Scriptural foundation.
1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY A "THORN IN THE FLESH" IS?
The phrase "thorn in the flesh" evidently refers to a figurative and not a literal "thorn." In the Scriptures, the term "thorn in the flesh" is used to indicate persecution by wicked persons, not diseases. Moses said:
But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell. (Num. 33:55).
Later, Joshua used the term in the same way: "They shall be snares and traps to you, and scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes" (Josh. 23:13).
Again in Judges 2:3, the Lord speaks of the Canaanites as "thorns in your side." Therefore, according to Scripture a "thorn in the flesh" is not a disease, but people whom the devil uses to annoy or persecute the children of God. Allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture settles the matter of what Paul meant by a "thorn in the flesh."
2. DID PAUL INFER IN ANY WAY THAT HIS "THORN IN THE FLESH" WAS BLINDNESS OR SOME KIND OF DISEASE?
In the passage where Paul speaks of his "thorn in the flesh," he says:
Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me,
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor. 12:8-10).
3. WHY DO SOME INSIST THAT PAUL’S INFIRMITY WAS BLINDNESS?
It is purely the tradition of men! Actually, to say that Paul was blind is a direct denial of Scripture. It is true Paul was blinded on the Damascus road. However, we are told that after this Paul spent three days and nights in prayer and fasting. Then Ananias came and laid his hands on Paul that he might receive the Holy Spirit and his sight, which he did (Acts 9:18). Consequently, to hold to a tradition that Paul was nearly blind is to go directly against Scripture.
4. DID PAUL CONSIDER HIS INFIRMITY A BLESSING OR A CURSE?
Paul implies that his infirmities were a blessing in disguise. Paul was blinded by the light from heaven that shone round him as he approached Damascus, threatening to slaughter Christians living there. But after his proud heart had been subdued, he regained his sight. Had God sent blindness to Paul as a blessing? The Old Testament declared that blindness was a curse that would come on the disobedient (Deut. 28:28).
Paul knew blindness was a curse. When the false prophet, Bar-Jesus, sought to prevent Paul preaching the Gospel in Paphos, the apostle turned to the sorcerer and said:
"O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time." And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand (Acts 13:10,11).
5. DID PAUL EVER TEACH THAT SICKNESS WAS A BLESSING?
Paul did as Jesus did: He taught and preached healing of the body and soul, and great miracles took place as a result. Paul did not teach that people were to regard sickness as some special providence from God. He taught that sickness came upon Christians because they either did not judge themselves or because they did not discern the Lord's body.
For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged (1 Cor. 11:29-31).
6. IS THERE ANY EVIDENCE THAT PAUL BELIEVED THE LORD SENT SICKNESS ON HIM AS A "THORN IN THE FLESH"?
As long as Paul lived, he trusted in Christ as his Healer. His faith in God for healing never diminished, even in his last years. In the final chapter of Acts (28), after Paul had escaped from the shipwreck and reached land, he was bitten by a poisonous viper. The natives thought he would fall down dead. But Paul trusted in the Great Physician and was not harmed. As long as Paul lived, he trusted the Lord for healing and health.
7. DID PAUL ACT LIKE A SICK MAN?
Paul suffered many infirmities and deprivations, but he was able to endure them because he had a strong body. Only a well person could evangelize the nations as Paul did. His testimony was, "I labored more abundantly than they all" (1 Cor. 15:10). That is not the testimony of a sick man.
FACT TEN: Paul's thorn in the flesh was not sickness; the apostle enjoyed divine health. Paul suffered from infirmities such as weariness, trials and persecutions. We may suffer from the same infirmities, but we need not suffer from disease since Christ already carried that on the cross.
CONCLUSION
There was one godly man in the New Testament who was sick and almost died. Why did he become so ill?
He was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him... for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me (Phil. 2:26,27,30).
It appears that the Philippian church had failed to properly support Paul while he was serving them. Epaphroditus saw the need and worked beyond his strength to make up for the lack. But it was too much for him. He broke down physically and almost died. God spared him, but it was not a matter of being healed from a disease. Epaphroditus apparently required an extended period to recover his strength.
Many ministers and Christian workers keep working though their strength is depleted. When people go beyond their strength, it sometimes takes months or even years to recuperate.
Few godly biblical characters were afflicted with sickness. This indicates that disease is something outside the divine plan. Disease is a curse and not a blessing. The principle exception is Job. (The problem of Job is fully considered in the book Why Do the Righteous Suffer?)
Job himself disclosed the main reason for his sickness. The spirit of fear had taken hold of him. And fear is a shortcut to sickness and disease (Job 3:25,26). It was the devil, not God who put the boils on him (Job 2:7). But it was God who healed him and he prospered more than before. After he was healed, Job evidently enjoyed divine health. He lived for another 140 years after his illness!
BE BLESSED!!!
Wednesday, April 06, 2016
Thomas' Emotional Pain - In Jesus - 04-06-2016
Thomas was a young man I met on my lunch break walk today. I thought I had a word of knowledge for him as I started to get pain in my right knee just as he was walking toward me. I waved to him and he took off his headphones and I asked him about having pain in his right knee. He said that he did not have any and also confirmed that he didn't have any other physical issues. When he said that he didn't have any physical issues I could tell he was sort of alluding to other things going on. So I asked him about any emotional pain that he might be having. He explained to me that he has had it really rough lately. He recently lost his sister, she passed on, and his mother was also not helping things out very much. I asked him if he had ever heard about Jesus and if he had known what Jesus had done for him. He said yes, and that he had actually been baptized as a young boy. Immediately I felt the presence of God and His compassion and love for this young man. I explained to him about how I felt the Lord felt toward him. I shared that Jesus said "come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." As soon as I said that he started to look away. You could tell he was really choked up, and almost started to cry. I shared with him about how Jesus has love and hope, life and peace and joy for him. I shared a little bit about what he could do to follow Him and to come into a relationship with Him. I encouraged him to talk to Jesus and He will speak back. He said he believed that. He explained to me that he had actually attended a church this past Easter and that it has been many years since he had done so. He mentioned that they spoke of Easter as being about a new beginning. He explained that he feels like he's on a journey to find what he's really looking for. I told him that Jesus was the One that had all that he needed. I found out that he didn't have a Bible so I shared with him a little New Testament I had in my pocket. He said he was going to read it and eat his bagel, and thanked me for stopping to talk with him. As I walked away I felt that there was much more that I could have shared about. But God is able. The Father is revealing His Son to those whom He has given to Him. And the Son will save them and raise them up in the last day. He will not lose any of those that the Father has given Him. (John 6:37-40, John 6:44-47) Thank You, Lord. Use me more, amen.
Grace, peace and love in Jesus Christ!
Grace, peace and love in Jesus Christ!
Monday, April 04, 2016
Wrist Pain Goes - In Jesus - 04-04-2016
After leaving the mall today I walked out and saw a man and a woman walking towards the entrance. The woman had a brace on her right wrist. I approached them and asked if she had any pain there. She said that there was some. So I asked if I could pray for her and said that I see Jesus heal people all the time. She said we're kind of in a rush. But I said it'll only be a few seconds and what have you got to lose. She let me put my hand on her right wrist and then I commanded the pain to leave in the name of Jesus. I took my hand away and ask her how it felt. It was a 4 out of 10 before I prayed and then after I prayed she said it was 0. I asked if anything like that had ever happened to her before. She said no. They were both looking at me kind of dumbfounded. It seemed very uncomfortable for them and as if they didn't know how to process what just happened. I simply told them that Jesus really was the Son of God, He really did die on the cross and rise from the dead and He's really coming back for those who love Him and follow Him. I told them that if they believe in Him and follow Him they too will have the Holy Spirit in them who Jesus does the miracles through in the believer. I said that Jesus came to give us forgiveness of sins through faith in Him, that He made the way for us to be restored to God. The lady said that's true to a few of the statements that I said, so she seemed to know the truth. I thanked them for letting me pray and wished them a good evening.
Thank You Jesus. I love seeing You heal people, whether they accept You or not. But I pray that You would bring the harvest in through me, Lord, use me to bring Your children home, in Jesus name.
Grace, peace and love to you all in Jesus Christ!
Thank You Jesus. I love seeing You heal people, whether they accept You or not. But I pray that You would bring the harvest in through me, Lord, use me to bring Your children home, in Jesus name.
Grace, peace and love to you all in Jesus Christ!
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Broken ankle pain goes away - In Jesus - 03-28-2016
Earlier at the park tonight, the boys got out of the car to go to the washroom and as they did they pointed out a girl who was being pushed in a wheelchair toward a car. I nodded to Trevor sort of to suggest he go, and paused for a moment because of the wheel chair and even thought to myself, 'I'm not going over there.' I shouldn't have, but I did. As the boys disappeared, I looked over again and the girl had been helped up from the chair and had partially hopped by herself into what seemed to be her boyfriend's passenger side of his SUV. I changed my mind at this point and hopped out of my car to quickly go ask what happened and see if I could pray. Truthfully, I saw she was more mobile so I felt more confident to do so. Again, I shouldn't have, but I did. He (the boyfriend) was in the process of folding up the chair and putting it into the back of the SUV and she had her door open. As I walked toward them, I was about 15 or 20 feet away and yelled out, "What happened, did you break it?" I saw the black colored plaster cast by this time. She said "Yes." I continued toward her and said, "Do you feel any pain in it?" She said "Yes." I added, "I pray for people and see Jesus heal them. Can I pray for you?" I was right beside the car at this time. I looked back at him and he was gazing through the back of the SUV with a smile on his face while still putting the chair away. She started to smile too and said "Absolutely." I asked about the level of pain she felt right now. She said "Because it is a little cold out now, probably a 5 out of 10." I told her I would like to pray right then and explained how the bible says that believers lay hands on the sick and they recover so I like to do that too by putting my hand on the person's shoulder or wherever and pointed at her leg. She was a little leery it seemed but played along. I told her my name, and put out my hand to shake her's, and she told me her's was Ali. He had come to the side of the car to watch at this point and I looked over at him and said hi and asked his name. His was Ryan. I turned back to her and asked what it was, the ankle or the ... and she quickly said yes. I said "Ok, I'll just put my hand on here and ..." I just did it, placed my hand on her cast at the ankle, and said "All pain go, ankle be healed in the name of Jesus." I pulled back and asked her how it was. She seemed a little surprised and said "It actually feels pretty good." So I followed up, "Do you feel any pain at all? Or it's all gone?" She said, "No, it actually feels good." I asked her if she had ever had anything like that happen before. She said "Well, it was nice to have anyone say something nice at all, or to say something nice over it, whether a prayer or not." I said, "No, I mean have you ever experienced that, like someone praying for you and being healed or the pain going away like that before?" She thought a moment and said "Yes." I asked if she knew Jesus as Lord. She said that she respected him as Lord. I explained to the both of them a little bit about why Jesus did miracles when He walked the earth and why He still does them today. She nodded and Ryan listened. I quoted John 14:6 and she said "Yes, He is definitely one of the ways.", as she looked at Ryan. I asked Ryan how he was doing and if he had anything going on in his body. He said he was doing good, no issues. And started to get into the car. I addressed Ali's last comment and said "I know you said He was one of the ways. But Jesus was very exclusive. He said 'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one comes to the Father but through Him.' He was saying He was THE way." and I gave her an analogy of if I wanted to give her a way to get a hold of me and I gave her my number, she would have to call my number, not some other number to get to me. She said she appreciated the analogy and thanked me. I thanked them for letting me pray and suggested to think about what Jesus said when they process all of what just happened. She said she would do that. I let them go as they seemed to want to.
Grace, peace and love in Jesus Christ!
Grace, peace and love in Jesus Christ!
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