Jani Norman's Blog

May 14, 2013

Jesus: The Only Way to Heaven

Read | John 10:1-11

 

 

While there are many religions, there is only one way to heaven. Jesus clearly states that “no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). He used several picturesque descriptions to emphasize this point—He called Himself the way (14:6), the door (10:9), the living bread (6:51), and the good shepherd (10:11).

God does not expect you to follow some kind of ritual to make Jesus the Lord of your life—you can use any words that you like. However, some biblical elements are essential when beginning a relationship with Him:

• Confess your sin and admit your need  for a Savior (1 John 1:9). • Place your trust in Jesus Christ as the only possible Savior, acknowledging that He died for your sins, was buried, and rose again three days later (John 3:16; 1 Cor. 15:3-4). • Believe that your sins are forgiven and your name is written in the Lamb’s Book  of Life (1 John 5:11-13).

Every person has a choice to make. Death is inevitable, but we can decide whether, on exiting this world, we will enter eternal torment or the everlasting beauty of God’s presence. Let me make this very clear: What a person believes about heaven and hell won’t influence God in the slightest. People will be judged not by their attitudes but by the truth of His Word.

Scripture declares there is but one way to heaven—through faith in Jesus Christ. His gospel is a straight path from the pit of sin to the glory of heaven, with the promise of an abundant life in between. What we must do is go through the Door and follow the Way; then the Living Bread will sustain us.

Here are four fundamental things to do to manifest money using the law of attraction.
1. Think more thoughts in a day of abundance than of lack of money.

2. Be happy now, without the money.

3. Be truly grateful for everything you have now.

4. Give the best of yourself to others.

Four easy steps.

You can do them if you want it enough.

A Lifetime of Holiness

Read | Romans 12:1-3

By placing faith in Jesus Christ, a new believer is sanctified—that is, he is set apart for God’s purpose. Unlike salvation, which takes place in a single moment, sanctification is a lifelong process. We who have trusted in Christ as Savior and allow His Holy Spirit to control our lives are currently being sanctified, no matter what we may feel or how our actions appear to others. We are progressively maturing in our faith.

If we are progressing, then we must be working our way toward something. The apostle Paul explained the Christian’s mission this way: “For those whom [God] foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29). The character, conduct, and conversation of a believer are to reflect Christ, who lives within through His Spirit.

On our own, we would place too much emphasis on conduct and get caught up following rules and rituals that look Christian but do not actually reflect Christ. God, however, has given each believer His Spirit as a teacher and guide. The Holy Spirit’s work is to transform our minds and hearts so our character is markedly different from that of our unsaved peers. Only when we are under the Spirit’s control can we speak and act according to who we truly are: God’s sons and daughters.

Our heavenly Father wants His children to be living examples and reflections of who He is. He doesn’t expect perfection from us—He knows that we cannot be totally sinless as long as we remain in our human body. Rather, He shows us how to think and act so we may “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which [we] have been called” (Eph. 4:1).

 

A Time for Courage

Read Judges 6 and 7   

1.Sometimes fear is related to sin. 

Sometimes we feel discontent or anxious because of sin in our lives The sins of worry, impurity, greed, unforgiveness, and many others can open the door to fear. Although believers in Jesus are always indwelt by the Holy Spirit, clearing our conscience of known sins enables us to walk in His power in a fresh, new way.

2. Our lack of courage can enable us to operate in God’s strength.

The Lord works through people who allow Him to use their weaknesses for His glory.

3. Discovering God’s will is an important part of overcoming fear.

The angel of the Lord told Gideon that he had been chosen to lead the people in battle against Midian and that God would give him victory (vv. 14, 16). However, Gideon wanted to make sure this was indeed the Lord talking to him. Gideon overcame his fear, in part because he asked for signs that God was indeed speaking to him.  But the leader’s approach described in verses 36-40 is not recommended anywhere else in Scripture.   While no one should stipulate how the Father is to confirm His promises, we certainly can ask Him to make His will clear to us. 

4. Humanly speaking, God’s path to peace may not make sense at first. The world--and sometimes fellow believers--won’t always understand why we obey the Lord even when His commands defy common wisdom.

5. When we obey God despite our fears, He will fight our battles for us.

 Our Prayer: Father, thank You for the promise that I don’t have to be afraid. You are always with me. I pray that I would learn to magnify You and let my fears fall into perspective. Help me keep a clean conscience and meditate on Your marvelous promises instead of giving in to anxiety. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

 

Note: If you are suffering debilitating fears that prevent you from carrying out everyday tasks or result in panic attacks, you may want to seek professional help from a pastor or Christian counselor.

 

April  2013

Faith vs. Reason

Read | 1 Corinthians 1:18-29

Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Another way of saying that is “knowing that God will honor His Word.”

Reason can be the enemy of faith, because it attempts to “trump” trust in God by encouraging us to rely on human intellect. This kind of logical thinking places confidence in man, but since we are not all-knowing or all-powerful, it leads to insecurity and worry.

All the while, God waits patiently for man to acknowledge his need of a Savior and then respond in faith. Reason says, “I can do it.” Faith says, “With God, all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26). Reason says, “Hurry and get yours before it’s gone.” Faith responds, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). Reason wrings its hands and says, “There has to be a better way!” Faith looks at Jesus and hears Him whisper, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

God’s Word states that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. It makes no sense whatsoever to them because Satan has blinded their eyes to the truth. But to us who are being saved, the Gospel is the very power of God (1 Cor. 1:18).

In 1 Corinthians 1:19, God says, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.” Those who are of the world may seem to have the upper hand now, but a time will come when they will wither like grass. Only those belonging to Christ possess eternity. We need to lovingly share this truth with others.

 

 

Apr 10, 2013

Our Choices Matter

Read | Galatians 5:13-16

Most people who choose to walk through the wide gate don’t stop to consider the pros and cons of taking the path leading to destruction. Instead, they drift onto that roadway without thinking of the consequences. The narrow gate is different—we must deliberately choose to pass through it and take the sparsely populated way to heaven.

Walking on the narrow road requires faith, discipline, and determination. We must be reading the Bible daily and main- taining an active prayer connection to God. By surrendering our lives to Christ, we keep our hearts on a path of righteousness.

Truthfully, we all have desires—that is, fleshly appetites—that find the easier pathway more attractive. In other words, we are each tempted to sin. As we choose to give in to temptation, our feet may remain on the narrow road, but our hearts return to the broad way. The more we choose to participate in sinful actions and attitudes, the deeper our heart becomes embedded in the worldly way.

We may try to tell ourselves that we are achieving freedom and that it is our right to do what we want. However, the truth is that we are grasping at false contentment while the “genuine article” awaits us if we simply return to obeying God.

And we are not the only ones injured by our rebellion. Fellow travelers on the broad way are watching us. When we act just like them, they make a judgment: “Hypocrite!” In that way, we can easily lose our testimony.

The narrow way may be hard to follow, but God promises constant aid and great reward—salvation and joy now; heaven later. Have you chosen the narrow gate?

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Margaret Thatcher Dies at 87

  Margaret Thatcher, the first woman to ever serve as prime minister of the United Kingdom, has died at the age of 87. A spokesperson announced that she had a stroke, though she had been in poor health in recent years and was reportedly suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

A family statement (via the BBC) said "It is with great sadness that Mark and Carol Thatcher announced that their mother Baroness Thatcher died peacefully following a stroke this morning." 

 

Apr 07, 2013

 

 

Is God in Every Circumstance?

Read | Genesis 50:15-21

 

 

The Christian life is to be characterized by growth, which becomes evident as a believer progresses from spiritual milk to solid food. Once we absorb the elementary truths of our faith, we should  then begin to chew on more “meaty” ones. The question of whether God is in every circumstance falls into this latter category, because the answer conflicts with human thinking. You see, God is in the tragedies as well as the triumphs of life: He either sends or permits them to happen.

When we ponder the deeper teachings of Scripture, it’s important to start with the Lord’s character and promises. For example, in meditating on the fact that He does allow some extremely hard times, it is critical that we remember:

• God is good (Ps. 145:9), as are His purposes and everything He does.

• God is sovereign (Ps. 103:19), so there’s nothing that is outside of His control.

• God promises believers that He will work all things together for their good (Rom. 8:28).

• God keeps His promises (2 Cor. 1:20). These facts form a filter through which we can seek to understand the Lord’s presence in every situation.

Consider Joseph, who was betrayed by his brothers, falsely accused by the wife of his employer, and imprisoned unjustly. This young man was powerless and in many ways forgotten. But he refused to be swayed by circumstances—he grasped the deeper truth that God had orchestrated it all for good.

Whether the Lord sends a trial or permits one to occur, He has said He will use it as part of His plan for our good. Do you believe Him?

Apr 06, 2013

Expressions of God's Goodness

Read | Psalm 103

We often think of God’s goodness in terms of our tangible blessings and upbeat events. While these surely are expressions of divine goodness, we should not interpret God’s love only by how He demonstrates it in positive circumstances. We often experience His goodness best in our darkest hours—in those situations, He shows Himself to be good in deeper ways, as He alone can (2 Cor. 12:9).

One way the Lord expresses goodness is through His mercy—the tender-hearted compassion He has for us. In the Bible, mercy is usually mentioned in the context of God’s concern for people who are needy or suffering. We constantly see Jesus filled with compassion and ministering because of this mercy (Mark 1:41). He healed many people who cried out to Him for mercy because they recognized their neediness  (Matt. 9:27-29).

Remember, it wasn’t the self-righteous Pharisee who was blessed, but the sinful tax collector who realized that he didn’t deserve God’s favor and begged for mercy (Luke 18:9-14). In response to our distress, God offers comfort, not because we’ve earned it, but because He is good. Also keep in mind that through Jesus’ worthiness and sacrifice, all who trust Him as Savior have great worth in God’s eyes(2 Cor. 5:21).

Another expression of our heavenly Father’s goodness is grace. A just God cannot overlook sin, yet because of His infinite goodness and love, He chose to pay our penalty for us. We have access to God’s grace only through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ. Every day, we should

 

A Psalm] of David.]] Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name.
	Psa 103:2	Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
	Psa 103:3	Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
	Psa 103:4	Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
	Psa 103:5	Who satisfieth thy mouth with good [things; so that] thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
	Psa 103:6	The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
	Psa 103:7	He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
	Psa 103:8	The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
	Psa 103:9	He will not always chide: neither will he keep [his anger] for ever.
	Psa 103:10	He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
	Psa 103:11	For as the heaven is high above the earth, [so] great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
	Psa 103:12	As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
	Psa 103:13	Like as a father pitieth [his] children, [so] the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
	Psa 103:14	For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we [are] dust.
	Psa 103:15	[As for] man, his days [are] as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
	Psa 103:16	For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
	Psa 103:17	But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
	Psa 103:18	To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
	Psa 103:19	The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
	Psa 103:20	Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
	Psa 103:21	Bless ye the LORD, all [ye] his hosts; [ye] ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
	Psa 103:22	Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

Apr 05, 2013

Trusting God in All Situations

Read | Romans 8:28-29

Psalm 34:7 promises that every believer is encircled with God’s presence. We are also assured that even the hardest parts of life will be woven into His plan and nothing can touch us without His permission. That’s good news.

The idea that God is present in everything often brings up a lot of questions in the Christian’s mind. For example:

• Does the Lord cause people to sin? God never initiates sin, nor does He lure us to transgress. His purposes are to rescue us from sin’s power (Col. 1:13) and transform us into Jesus’ likeness (Rom. 8:29).

• How can the Lord use our sin for good? Through the times we fail, He will reveal to us our true nature—that is, our weaknesses, faults, and pride. His Spirit will convict us of wrongdoing and lead us to true repentance (John 16:8). Furthermore, He will teach us the consequences of disobedience and the wonders of His forgiving nature.

• Is God present in the lives of those who are not in His family? The Lord is involved with unbelievers, but in a different way: He continually extends His love in order to convict them of sin and their need for a Savior. However, He does not ignore their rebellion (Rom. 1:18; 2:2).

Now consider the life of Jesus Christ. Though our Savior was without sin, He suffered in many ways during His earthly life because of others’ spiritual rebellion, ignorance, and failures. But notice how the heavenly Father used His Son’s suffering for our good and His glory.

The Holy Spirit is willing to teach us more about this important topic. So request His guidance. Whenever you open the Bible, come with an open mind, and be ready to align your thinking with God’s truth.

God's Presence in Hard Times

Read | Genesis 37:12-36

There are points in life when we are hurting, the situation is clearly outside our control,  and we can’t detect so much as a glimmer of relief for the future. At times  like that, what can we be sure of?

• God is with us in our troubles. Our heavenly Father  comforts us through His Holy Spirit. Because He knows each of His children intimately, He provides whatever is needed in a given situation. The  Lord wants us to be mindful of His constant  presence so we’ll know we are never alone. And awareness of His love and strength  will undergird us with a sense of security. God understands what it is like to  suffer, to be rejected, or to lose a loved one. He comprehends the temptations  and obstacles we face. He has assigned Himself the task of carrying  His children’s burdens (Ps. 68:1-9) and offers peace for our hurting hearts.  The God who walks with us can’t be hindered or limited by anything, so we need  not be afraid (Matt. 19:26).

• God has a purpose for allowing trials. This is clearly seen  in the story of Joseph, whose brothers sold him into slavery. God, however, had  planned that those years would prepare the young man to become Egypt’s prime  minister. Joseph could not see God’s purpose—and neither will we, most of the  time—but he knew the Lord’s character and trusted Him.  Joseph’s faith was rewarded when he was able to rescue his family  (Gen. 45:1-8).

We are called to live a life of faith. That means we’re to  believe God’s promises even when our circumstances confound us. When troubles surround you, remember what is true. God will never leave you  nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5), and His good purposes  will always be carried out (Prov. 19:21).

 

"And yes I live and believe all that I post, for he has been good to me". I've had to cry sometimes, and the sun has not always shined when I needed it to, but when I was unable to carry myself, I know who has my back.......

God Gives Health - Bible Promises

(Genesis 20:17) So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants. Then they bore children;

(Exodus 15:26) and said, "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."

(Deuteronomy 32:39) 'Now see that I, even I, am He, And there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand.

(2 Kings 20:5) "Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD.

(Job 5:17-18) "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. {18} For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole.

(Job 33:25-26) His flesh shall be young like a child's, He shall return to the days of his youth. {26} He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see His face with joy, For He restores to man His righteousness.

(Psalms 30:1-3) I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up, And have not let my foes rejoice over me. {2} O LORD my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me. {3} O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

(Psalms 43:5) Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

(Psalms 103:2-6) Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: {3} Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, {4} Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, {5} Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. {6} The LORD executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed.

(Psalms 107:17-21) Fools, because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted. {18} Their soul abhorred all manner of food, And they drew near to the gates of death. {19} Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. {20} He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. {21} Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

(Proverbs 3:5-8) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; {6} In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. {7} Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. {8} It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.

(Proverbs 4:20-27) My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. {21} Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; {22} For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. {23} Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. {24} Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you. {25} Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. {26} Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. {27} Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.

(Proverbs 12:18) There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

(Proverbs 16:23-24) The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips. {24} Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

(Isaiah 38:16-17) O LORD, by these things men live; And in all these things is the life of my spirit; So You will restore me and make me live. {17} Indeed it was for my own peace That I had great bitterness; But You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption, For You have cast all my sins behind Your back.

(Isaiah 53:4-6) Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. {5} But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. {6} All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

(Isaiah 57:17-19) For the iniquity of his covetousness I was angry and struck him; I hid and was angry, And he went on backsliding in the way of his heart. {18} I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will also lead him, And restore comforts to him And to his mourners. {19} "I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near," Says the LORD, "And I will heal him."

(Isaiah 58:6-11) "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? {7} Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? {8} Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. {9} Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' "If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, {10} If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday. {11} The LORD will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

(Isaiah 61:1-2) "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; {2} To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn,

(Jeremiah 17:14) Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, For You are my praise.

(Jeremiah 30:17) For I will restore health to you And heal you of your wounds,' says the LORD, 'Because they called you an outcast saying: "This is Zion; No one seeks her."'

(Jeremiah 33:6) 'Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.

(Hosea 6:1-3) Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up. {2} After two days He will revive us; On the third day He will raise us up, That we may live in His sight. {3} Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth.

(Hosea 11:3-4) "I taught Ephraim to walk, Taking them by their arms; But they did not know that I healed them. {4} I drew them with gentle cords, With bands of love, And I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them.

(Malachi 4:2) But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.

(Matthew 4:23-24) And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. {24} Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.

(Matthew 8:2-3) And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." {3} Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

(Matthew 8:7) And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."

(Matthew 8:14-17) Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. {15} So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them. {16} 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, {17} that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses."

(Matthew 9:35-36) Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. {36} But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

(Matthew 10:1) And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.

(Matthew 10:7-8) "And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' {8} "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

(Matthew 12:15) But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all.

(Matthew 12:22) Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw.

(Matthew 14:14) And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.

(Matthew 14:35-36) And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, {36} and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.

(Matthew 15:28-31) Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour. {29} Jesus departed from there, skirted the Sea of Galilee, and went up on the mountain and sat down there. {30} Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus' feet, and He healed them. {31} So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.

(Matthew 21:14-16) Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. {15} But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant {16} and said to Him, "Do You hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise'?"

(Mark 1:34) Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.

(Mark 3:10-11) For He healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about Him to touch Him. {11} And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw Him, fell down before Him and cried out, saying, "You are the Son of God."

(Mark 3:14-15) Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, {15} and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:

(Mark 5:34) And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction."

(Luke 4:18) "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the Gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

(Luke 4:40-41) When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. {41} And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, "You are the Christ, the Son of God!" And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ.

(Luke 5:15) However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities.

(Luke 6:18-19) as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. {19} And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.

(Luke 9:11) But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.

(Luke 10:8-9) "Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. {9} "And heal the sick there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'

(Acts 5:16) Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

(1 Corinthians 12:7-9) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: {8} for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, {9} to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,

(James 5:14-16) Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. {15} And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. {16} Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

(3 John 1:2) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

 To Rick

The Hope Within

Stop looking outside of yourself for the strength  to carry on. Turn to the indwelling presence of Christ

By Charles F. Stanley

 

For many years, my Christian life resembled a roller coaster—up one minute and down the next. Instead of making progress,    I went through life experiencing more failure than success. I was locked into a relationship with Christ that I didn’t even enjoy. Each struggle to follow Him made me feel as if I never quite measured up to His expectations. But all that changed when I began to comprehend one simple truth: Christ lives in me.

Many believers think the Christian life is something they merely do—like going to church, reading the Bible, praying, and serving. They picture God far away in heaven, hearing their prayers and sending down the strength they need in times of trouble. This may sound good, but it’s not what the Bible teaches. The power we need to live the Christian life isn’t dispensed from “above”—but is released from within the life of every believer through Christ’s indwelling presence.

Just before He was crucified, Jesus Christ gave His disciples an illustration of their relationship with Him. He described Himself as the vine and His followers as the branches who abide in Him (John 15:4). According to the metaphor, they would bear fruit as a result of the Lord’s life flowing in and through them, not by means of human effort. You’ll never see a branch on a grape vine sweating and grunting as it pumps out the fruit. It simply lets the sap flow through it and displays the grapes that the vine produces. And so it is with those who follow Jesus: He is the source    of our nourishment and growth. This amazing experience begins at the moment we accept the Lord’s offer of a saving relationship with Him.

Is it really possible?

Perhaps you’re wondering how Jesus can be inside you and in heaven at the same time. The explanation is found in John 14:16-20—before returning to His Father, Jesus explained to His disciples that He was leaving them but would send the Holy Spirit as a Helper who would abide in them forever. Now, we need to be aware that there’s a great mystery in this and our ability to understand as human beings is limited. Yet Scripture is  clear that, while Jesus is presently seated at the Father’s right hand, He also dwells within us through the Holy Spirit.

In a way we cannot comprehend, the persons of the Trinity are distinct from    one another. But we need to remember that they’re also perfectly one God.    This communion shared by Father, Son, and Holy Spirit can’t be broken, and if    one Person of the Godhead lives within us, we have fellowship with all three. So when    the Holy Spirit comes to live within us, Christ also enters in.

The Lord knows that our human    frailties and limited strength make us inadequate to live the Christian life. His purpose is to accomplish through us    what He knows we cannot do with self-effort or natural abilities. Although Jesus’ disciples walked with Him for three years, they needed more than a side-by-side  relationship in order to carry out His will—and so do we. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live Christ’s life as we die to ourselves and learn to truly live.

Jesus lives in us for another purpose as well: to glorify Himself and carry out His kingdom work. Since He is no longer here in physical form, His indwelling presence enables and empowers us to do what  He once did on earth—proclaim the gospel, make disciples, teach His Word, and care for people. You may not feel qualified for the job, but that should never be the deciding factor. The Lord promises to make you adequate for whatever He’s called you    to do (1 Thess. 5:24). Our union with Him goes both ways. We abide in Christ, and    He abides in us. This relationship is His way to qualify you for life in heaven and also His means of preparing you to live a fruitful and obedient life on earth.

How does Jesus’ indwelling presence affect us?

Christ’s union with us is one of the Bible’s most profound truths—that the sovereign, transcendent Creator, who spoke the    universe into existence, would condescend to live within the spirit of mortal humans. It’s beyond our comprehension, and the implications are far-reaching.

Transformation: Jesus’ indwelling presence enables each believer to become the person that God intends for him or her to be. Even though you may feel as if you’re far from this    goal, as long as you keep learning and applying the truths of Scripture, you will increasingly become more like Jesus. Spiritual transformation and growth are achieved not by trying harder but by    submitting to Christ and allowing Him  to express Himself through you.

Christ in you is your hope of glory    (Col. 1:27). Although we receive glimpses    in Scripture of what awaits us in heaven, we’ll be amazed when we step across    the threshold and see our Savior face to face. As children of God, we are fellow heirs with Him (Rom. 8:16-17) and will enjoy the honor and rewards He will give us for obedience and faithful service.

Sufficiency: Because Jesus lives in us, we also have the assurance that He will make us sufficient in    every circumstance. His riches are available  for all areas of our lives, regardless of the need. If you require understanding and guidance, the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ (Col. 2:3). If you’re struggling financially, all the wealth of the world is His (Ps. 24:1). When a task is beyond your ability or a trial seems unbearable, He is your strength (2 Cor. 12:9-10). The Lord knows exactly what you should do and is willing to guide you in every situation.

Intimacy: Perhaps the greatest benefit of our union with Christ is the privilege of living moment by moment in an intimate relationship with Him. Anytime day or night we can enter into a private conversation with Him. Jesus is an ever-present friend who knows us more intimately than any human being ever could. Nothing can separate us from Him, because He has taken up permanent residence within us.

A “Christ in you” lifestyle

It’s not enough just to acknowledge that Jesus is in us. This glorious truth is not meant to be an academic concept. It’s intended to transform the way we live. Instead of trying so hard to improve ourselves and act like Jesus, we simply need to let Him flow through us like a stream. We can never pump out godliness, because nothing good dwells in us apart from Him. Only as we yield our lives to the One who resides within will we experience the fullness of His life in us.

A commitment is required if we want  to turn this truth into a lifestyle. We must acknowledge that Jesus Christ is our life and then act upon this confession. We  can’t keep it as simply a doctrinal truth; we need to experience it daily. Begin each morning by reminding yourself that Christ is your life. Then throughout the day, whenever you encounter temptation or a difficult situation, reaffirm it: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me  and gave Himself up for me” (Gal. 2:20, emphasis added).

The reason so many believers feel weak and inadequate in their walk with Christ    is because they rely on their feelings instead of the truth of God’s Word. Feelings fluctuate, but faith anchors our soul and reminds us that Christ is our life no  matter what challenge we’re facing or how we have failed. The key to fruitful Christianity is living out what you believe. Then Christ’s character and power will surface and become a part of your life.

If you are caught on a roller coaster of self-effort, it’s time to get off and start enjoying your relationship with Christ. You don’t have to try to live up to His expectations; you just have to believe He is your life, submit to His leadership, rely on His strength, and watch His life flow through you.