This is not a test. I'm just wondering where I missed it, so I'm asking for someone to show me.
Where in the Bible does God say healing and death are the same thing? Where does it say, "And Jesus healed them by letting them die?"
I keep hearing folks say of people who died of different things, "God healed them, just not the way you wanted." No. The body dies on its own. It is the natural process of the human body to die. Healing indicates a different course of action--that the sickness has been removed and health restored. Otherwise, how do we know when Jesus healed those crowds of people it wasn't a mass killing/healing experience?
I'm not trying to split hairs. I'm not trying to judge. I haven't found where dying and healing go together, but I don't have the Bible memorized, so someone help me out. Where did I miss God's promise of healing by letting folks die?
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
40 Days before the Election
Tomorrow, September 25th, marks 40 days until the election for our new president and vice president. I strongly encourage you to ask the Lord if He would have you fast those 40 days and if so, what He wants you to fast.
Before you quit reading, let's talk about the purpose of a fast and the many forms it can take.
A fast has on primary purpose--to focus you on God. Period. Fasts tend to do two things for you: 1) Kills off false idols such as food, tv, computers, telephone, etc.
2) Makes you look to God to be filled. The escapes collapse, so your needs are laid bare. You have no way to avoid them, and the only place to take them is God. Your focus becomes God, not everything else.
Fasting isn't complicated. A person gives up something so that he/she can spend the time usually given to whatever to the Lord in prayer and study. It's that simple. You are giving up something so you can spend that time focusing on the Lord.
While most people associate fasting with only food, I encourage to think beyond that to things that might be even harder.
When I wake up in the morning, my first thought isn't food. It's email. When I want to relax because of a stressful day, my thoughts aren't food. They are TV or movies. Lisa Whelchel fasted all literature except the Bible for 40 days one time. Maybe it's fishing or scrapbooking. Frankly, it's pointless for me to fast lunch when I'm at the table talking to my children, BUT my thirty minutes of reading in the afternoon is uninterupted. Perhaps the Lord will ask for that. There are a myriad of things we use to fill our days.
Ask God what He wants you to offer to Him so that you can have time together. Then do it.
Don't try to rationalize or make excuses. If it isn't something you would just think to offer, then it is probably Him, so just obey.
Some of you may be wondering what to pray for or about. Here are a few thoughts:
Our leaderstheir marriages
their children
wisdom
compassion
salvation
encouragement--call forth some folks to bless them. Maybe the Lord will pick you.
intercessors for our leaders
intercessors for different levels of government
think all levels of government
think about what you would want folks to pray about if they were praying for your family--I guarantee you others want the same for their families as you do.
pray for our leaders to be people of vision
pray for specific issues--foreign policy, insurance for folks, economy
I could go on, but you get the idea, and if none of those things appeal to you at the moment, stop and ask, "Lord, what do you want me to pray? I want to be in agreement with you about my leaders and nation. What is your heart?" And then, go to town.
If you have questions or comments, feel free to post them. They will not appear without approval, but I will check them daily.
Be blessed!
Before you quit reading, let's talk about the purpose of a fast and the many forms it can take.
A fast has on primary purpose--to focus you on God. Period. Fasts tend to do two things for you: 1) Kills off false idols such as food, tv, computers, telephone, etc.
2) Makes you look to God to be filled. The escapes collapse, so your needs are laid bare. You have no way to avoid them, and the only place to take them is God. Your focus becomes God, not everything else.
Fasting isn't complicated. A person gives up something so that he/she can spend the time usually given to whatever to the Lord in prayer and study. It's that simple. You are giving up something so you can spend that time focusing on the Lord.
While most people associate fasting with only food, I encourage to think beyond that to things that might be even harder.
When I wake up in the morning, my first thought isn't food. It's email. When I want to relax because of a stressful day, my thoughts aren't food. They are TV or movies. Lisa Whelchel fasted all literature except the Bible for 40 days one time. Maybe it's fishing or scrapbooking. Frankly, it's pointless for me to fast lunch when I'm at the table talking to my children, BUT my thirty minutes of reading in the afternoon is uninterupted. Perhaps the Lord will ask for that. There are a myriad of things we use to fill our days.
Ask God what He wants you to offer to Him so that you can have time together. Then do it.
Don't try to rationalize or make excuses. If it isn't something you would just think to offer, then it is probably Him, so just obey.
Some of you may be wondering what to pray for or about. Here are a few thoughts:
Our leaderstheir marriages
their children
wisdom
compassion
salvation
encouragement--call forth some folks to bless them. Maybe the Lord will pick you.
intercessors for our leaders
intercessors for different levels of government
think all levels of government
think about what you would want folks to pray about if they were praying for your family--I guarantee you others want the same for their families as you do.
pray for our leaders to be people of vision
pray for specific issues--foreign policy, insurance for folks, economy
I could go on, but you get the idea, and if none of those things appeal to you at the moment, stop and ask, "Lord, what do you want me to pray? I want to be in agreement with you about my leaders and nation. What is your heart?" And then, go to town.
If you have questions or comments, feel free to post them. They will not appear without approval, but I will check them daily.
Be blessed!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Fast Computers and Dead Power Packs
Last week the Lord told me to turn off my computer and phone for a week, so I did. Within two days, the peace in the house was obvious. The peace in my heart, moreso. As the end of the week drew near, I found myself getting antsy. Not only did I enjoy the quietness, I enjoyed how loudly God seemed to speak, or maybe, it was simply so quiet, I could hear Him more clearly. In either case, I didn't want to give that up, but the Lord had only said seven days.
Friday I came home from a writer's conference, and I pulled up my email. The battery icon kept flickering on and off--mostly on (which translates to a blinking icon with a big red X screaming it's going to die soon if major resucitation isn't done). When I jiggled the cord to my power pack, I heard a sizzle. This is great on a cool morning when bacon is in the skillet, but not good around 10:00 pm when your trying to talk nice to a computer.
A nuisance but not a real issue. We'd simply by another one in our instomatic, whatever-you-need-right-now world. Except, my power pack is an older model. It has to be special ordered. It should be in--when? Yep. In about seven days.
Amazing how God makes you want to laugh and cry in the very same moment.
And so beloved ones, I am typing away today on my husband's computer, so I can let you know where I am and give a glimpse of what God is doing--although there is TONS more to tell when there is time and a charged battery to do that.
You can still email me and comment on any of the blogs. However, I might not see any of it until Friday, so don't feel I'm ignoring you. On the contrary, I praise the Lord for you.
Blessings of hearing His voice clearly be yours as well...There's nothing that gives life like He does.
Friday I came home from a writer's conference, and I pulled up my email. The battery icon kept flickering on and off--mostly on (which translates to a blinking icon with a big red X screaming it's going to die soon if major resucitation isn't done). When I jiggled the cord to my power pack, I heard a sizzle. This is great on a cool morning when bacon is in the skillet, but not good around 10:00 pm when your trying to talk nice to a computer.
A nuisance but not a real issue. We'd simply by another one in our instomatic, whatever-you-need-right-now world. Except, my power pack is an older model. It has to be special ordered. It should be in--when? Yep. In about seven days.
Amazing how God makes you want to laugh and cry in the very same moment.
And so beloved ones, I am typing away today on my husband's computer, so I can let you know where I am and give a glimpse of what God is doing--although there is TONS more to tell when there is time and a charged battery to do that.
You can still email me and comment on any of the blogs. However, I might not see any of it until Friday, so don't feel I'm ignoring you. On the contrary, I praise the Lord for you.
Blessings of hearing His voice clearly be yours as well...There's nothing that gives life like He does.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Something New
I have twelve minutes before our lunch break for school is over. I have chosen to use it to share some of what the LORD is doing and speaking--and the revelation of both.
There are a few key phrases that continue to be spoken into my heart and spirit:
1. It is time to take the land.
2. Do not be afraid or discouraged because I AM with you.
3. I'm doing a new thing. Don't expect it to look like anything else you've seen, and don't expect others to understand.
I have thoughts on those three things:
1. The first is thrilling.
2. The second a bit unnerving.
3. The third is like being pregnant when you are thrilled at the prospect of a new baby but remember all too well the labor pains from the last time around. It's worth it, but getting that baby here is painful and hard, and while others may be along for the ride, it's all about you and God.
There are two significant chapters the Lord has given me (besides Joshua 1 that I referenced earlier this year). I want to share them with you for your to ponder. I printed them out and have put them in my journal to pray over, meditate on, and seek the Lord for. If you have thoughts, insight, or revelation, feel free to share. Your new thing may be different than mine, but I'm smart enough to know labor hurts for everyone, and having someone to tell you to breathe sure can help.
Isaiah 43
Israel's Only Savior
1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give men in exchange for you,
and people in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north, 'Give them up!'
and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.'
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth-
7 everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made."
8 Lead out those who have eyes but are blind,
who have ears but are deaf.
9 All the nations gather together
and the peoples assemble.
Which of them foretold this
and proclaimed to us the former things?
Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right,
so that others may hear and say, "It is true."
10 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD,
"and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
11 I, even I, am the LORD,
and apart from me there is no savior.
12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
I, and not some foreign god among you.
You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "that I am God.
13 Yes, and from ancient days I am he.
No one can deliver out of my hand.
When I act, who can reverse it?"
God's Mercy and Israel's Unfaithfulness
14 This is what the LORD says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"For your sake I will send to Babylon
and bring down as fugitives all the Babylonians,
in the ships in which they took pride.
15 I am the LORD, your Holy One,
Israel's Creator, your King."
16 This is what the LORD says—
he who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,
17 who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
18 "Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.
20 The wild animals honor me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the desert
and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21 the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise.
Isaiah 42
The Servant of the Lord
1 "Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him
and he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
3 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
4 he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his law the islands will put their hope."
5 This is what God the LORD says—
he who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:
6 "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,
7 to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
8 "I am the LORD; that is my name!
I will not give my glory to another
or my praise to idols.
9 See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you."
Song of Praise to the Lord
10Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise from the ends of the earth,
you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it,
you islands, and all who live in them.
11 Let the desert and its towns raise their voices;
let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice.
Let the people of Sela sing for joy;
let them shout from the mountaintops.
12 Let them give glory to the LORD
and proclaim his praise in the islands.
13 The LORD will march out like a mighty man,
like a warrior he will stir up his zeal;
with a shout he will raise the battle cry
and will triumph over his enemies.
14 "For a long time I have kept silent,
I have been quiet and held myself back.
But now, like a woman in childbirth,
I cry out, I gasp and pant.
15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills
and dry up all their vegetation;
I will turn rivers into islands
and dry up the pools.
16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.
17 But those who trust in idols,
who say to images, 'You are our gods,'
will be turned back in utter shame.
There are a few key phrases that continue to be spoken into my heart and spirit:
1. It is time to take the land.
2. Do not be afraid or discouraged because I AM with you.
3. I'm doing a new thing. Don't expect it to look like anything else you've seen, and don't expect others to understand.
I have thoughts on those three things:
1. The first is thrilling.
2. The second a bit unnerving.
3. The third is like being pregnant when you are thrilled at the prospect of a new baby but remember all too well the labor pains from the last time around. It's worth it, but getting that baby here is painful and hard, and while others may be along for the ride, it's all about you and God.
There are two significant chapters the Lord has given me (besides Joshua 1 that I referenced earlier this year). I want to share them with you for your to ponder. I printed them out and have put them in my journal to pray over, meditate on, and seek the Lord for. If you have thoughts, insight, or revelation, feel free to share. Your new thing may be different than mine, but I'm smart enough to know labor hurts for everyone, and having someone to tell you to breathe sure can help.
Isaiah 43
Israel's Only Savior
1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give men in exchange for you,
and people in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north, 'Give them up!'
and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.'
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth-
7 everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made."
8 Lead out those who have eyes but are blind,
who have ears but are deaf.
9 All the nations gather together
and the peoples assemble.
Which of them foretold this
and proclaimed to us the former things?
Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right,
so that others may hear and say, "It is true."
10 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD,
"and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
11 I, even I, am the LORD,
and apart from me there is no savior.
12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
I, and not some foreign god among you.
You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "that I am God.
13 Yes, and from ancient days I am he.
No one can deliver out of my hand.
When I act, who can reverse it?"
God's Mercy and Israel's Unfaithfulness
14 This is what the LORD says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"For your sake I will send to Babylon
and bring down as fugitives all the Babylonians,
in the ships in which they took pride.
15 I am the LORD, your Holy One,
Israel's Creator, your King."
16 This is what the LORD says—
he who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,
17 who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
18 "Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.
20 The wild animals honor me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the desert
and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21 the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise.
Isaiah 42
The Servant of the Lord
1 "Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him
and he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
3 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
4 he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his law the islands will put their hope."
5 This is what God the LORD says—
he who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:
6 "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,
7 to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
8 "I am the LORD; that is my name!
I will not give my glory to another
or my praise to idols.
9 See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you."
Song of Praise to the Lord
10Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise from the ends of the earth,
you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it,
you islands, and all who live in them.
11 Let the desert and its towns raise their voices;
let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice.
Let the people of Sela sing for joy;
let them shout from the mountaintops.
12 Let them give glory to the LORD
and proclaim his praise in the islands.
13 The LORD will march out like a mighty man,
like a warrior he will stir up his zeal;
with a shout he will raise the battle cry
and will triumph over his enemies.
14 "For a long time I have kept silent,
I have been quiet and held myself back.
But now, like a woman in childbirth,
I cry out, I gasp and pant.
15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills
and dry up all their vegetation;
I will turn rivers into islands
and dry up the pools.
16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.
17 But those who trust in idols,
who say to images, 'You are our gods,'
will be turned back in utter shame.
New Blog
Hello!
I want to invite you to visit a new blog the Lord has led me to create. The blog is Blessings Sarah Palin. On it you will find prayers, blessings, and prophetic words for Sarah, her family, and America.
This blog will remain my personal blog, so don't stop visiting here. I know I've been absent, and I apologize for that. I believe good things are coming from the wilderness. I believe the Lord is placing in my heart and spirit more to share with you that will bless and encourage you.
Thank you for your prayers and patience.
Blessings of His presence and revelation be given to all of you,
Jerri
I want to invite you to visit a new blog the Lord has led me to create. The blog is Blessings Sarah Palin. On it you will find prayers, blessings, and prophetic words for Sarah, her family, and America.
This blog will remain my personal blog, so don't stop visiting here. I know I've been absent, and I apologize for that. I believe good things are coming from the wilderness. I believe the Lord is placing in my heart and spirit more to share with you that will bless and encourage you.
Thank you for your prayers and patience.
Blessings of His presence and revelation be given to all of you,
Jerri
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