Don't Fear Man

Jesus healed a woman who had been suffering for twelve years with an issue of blood. Before coming to Jesus she spent all of her money on doctors, but none of them could heal her. She heard about Jesus and she knew in her heart He was the answer she had been looking for. But in order for her to get to Jesus she would have to do something that would be frowned upon by the people of her community. In fact, the religious law of that day said a woman in her condition was unclean, not allowed in public, and certainly not allowed to touch someone like Jesus. But knowing that the punishment for such a "crime" was possible death, it was still exactly what she intended to do. She believed if she could only get close enough to touch Him, even the border of His garment, she would be healed. So she did it.

And as soon as she did, Jesus stopped in His tracks because He felt power go out of His body. ”Who touched me?” he said. The woman came forth finally and admitted what she had done. Jesus pronounced her well, and said it was her faith that made her well.
The woman received a supernatural touch from the King of Kings. By the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through Him she immediately received her miracle. But what if she hadn't gone through with it? What if on the day of her great plan to press through the crowd and touch this great healer she heard about, she hesitated just long enough to start thinking about the consequences her actions might bring? “What if someone recognizes me...what are people gonna think... what are they gonna say...what are they gonna do?” It might have been all it would have taken to prevent her from going through with it. If she had thought about it too much, if she had started letting doubt come into her mind, she may have missed out on this beautiful blessing of God. As it turned out she didn't let doubt interfere with her plans. And people did talk. They continue to talk about her nearly 2000 years later. How against all odds, this brave woman risked her dignity, her reputation, indeed even her life, just for an opportunity to touch the Messiah everyone was talking about.

It really paid off for that woman, and you know what? The same opportunity is still available for you and me today. Jesus may not be walking through your town today in the natural, but the Bible teaches us that He is more readily available today than He was back then. Now we can have Him one on one all the time. His promise is once we receive Him as Lord and Savior; He will never leave us or forsake us.

Many of us believe that God can do anything, but we have trouble believing He will do it for us. Oh we like to say we believe, but deep down in our hearts there is always that fear. Our thoughts might go something like this:

"What will people think, what will they say if I begin to confess healing over my body in the name of Jesus? Many of the people in my church think that miracles don't happen anymore. Some of our friends have serious medical issues and are under a doctor’s care. And then of course there are those who have lost loved ones to illness. How am I to face them if I begin saying that God wants us well, that sickness is never from God, and it is never His will for us to die from illness. Besides, I don't want to be known as one of those crazy Holy Rollers. Maybe it's better if I just leave well enough alone. We have done pretty well up to now. I think I will call tomorrow and make a doctors appointment."

Beloved brothers and sisters please hear me. I have dealt with all of those same excuses, and still struggle with some of them. As a matter of fact, all of those objections are still very real for most of the people in my little portion of the world. But they are not reality. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He said he only did those things He saw His Father do, so we know that it is God's will to heal, to provide, to encourage, to love...and it always will be. But one thing that can keep you from receiving all that God has for you is the fear of man. You may say, "I am not afraid of anyone." But the truth is that if we truly believe, but hesitate to press in to God (unlike the woman with the issue of blood) we are demonstrating some sort of fear of man. Jesus tells us that without faith no one can please God, but do not stop reading the scripture there. Let's look at the whole scripture, including the promise that comes next.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.~ Hebrews 11:6 

This problem of being more afraid of what man thinks, than what God says is nothing new. Jeremiah had this same problem, and God told him not to be afraid of their faces. He meant don’t worry about what people think. And one thing we can be sure of, if God tells us not to be afraid of something it is because if we listen to Him, He will protect us from whatever He has told us not to be afraid of. When you try to live by faith, you will have opposition. Much of it will come from those who know you the best. Again, this is nothing new. Jesus had the same problem. Make the decision today to trust God. Believe Him to provide for the needs in your life, and do not worry about what people think. This will make Him very happy, and it will cause you to receive the results you are looking for.

Only Believe

   A man named Jairus came to Jesus once asking Him to come to his house. He was very distraught because his twelve year old daughter was sick and dying. Jesus went with him. While walking they were slowed by the crowd, and Jesus also healed a sick woman on the way. Before they could make it to Jairus' home the little girl died. Someone from Jairus' home brought the news, but it didn't faze Jesus. He continued on to the house, telling the sad dad, "don't be afraid, just believe, and she will be healed." Jesus only allowed Peter, James, and John (in that order) to follow Him inside when they arrived at the house. There were lots of people wailing and playing flutes (religious custom of the time –a kind of ritualistic mourning). Jesus told them to stop because the little girl was not dead but only sleeping. They laughed at Him, because they knew she was dead. Jesus put them all outside except Peter, James, and John, and the girl's parents. He grabbed the girl by the hand and told her to get up. Her spirit went back into her body; she got up, and had something to eat.

    Just moments before, everyone thought Jesus was too late. Well not everyone, because Jesus did not put everyone out of the room. Peter, James, and John - in that order - were allowed to follow...and the child's parents were also allowed to stay with Jesus, and then there was the little girl. That left just the seven of them, leaving no unbelief in the room. Jesus was not affected by time, even though many seemed to think so. Even when everything in the natural looked like it was too late to save the little girl; Jesus was not moved by what He saw or what people said. But the one thing He was, or should I say would have been hindered by, was unbelief. That is why he was quick to put all those laughing, doubting, scoffers out of the presence of the girl, leaving only those who were about to witness her being raised from the dead.

Yes the God of all life was on the seen, and He was there to call life back into the body of that little girl, and the only thing that could hinder that prayer of faith, was unbelief. Just like a rope in a game of tug-o-war being pulled in both directions, so it is with faith and unbelief. Faith can move mountains, but unbelief can hinder the manifestation of the answered prayer. One time for that very reason Jesus was unable to perform many miracles in his own home town. The people were carnal; they only saw Jesus as the boy they had known growing up in that town. So He left the town only having done a couple of small healings.

   Dear friend, today you may have something in your life that seems dead, looking as if there is no hope of resurrection. It may be a marriage, a job, a ministry, or a relationship with a friend, a child, or a loved one. It might be in your financial situation. You may not know where you are going to be living tomorrow in the natural. They may have told you that your home is being foreclosed on, that the company you work for is going out of business, or that your mother is on her death bed. You may have a child that has nothing to do with you because of the terrible way you use to live before you knew God. Let me tell you, God is not moved by time or appearance. It does not matter what the situation looks like, or what anyone says about it. God has the final say.
 
   Look at this message Jesus was sending to you in the shadows even when he was going about resurrecting this little girl almost 2000 yrs. ago. Do you remember me pointing out that Jesus only allowed Peter, James, & John to follow him (in that order)? Remember nothing is in the Bible by chance. God is a God of order and detail. Look at the meaning of the names that followed Jesus: Peter (stone), James (same as Jacob - Supplant: to take the place of and serve as a substitute for especially by reason of superior excellence or power), John (God is gracious). Let me say it like this; when Jesus came the stone (or the law), was supplanted (replaced) by the grace of god. And the grace of God knows no bounds. Because of what Jesus Christ has done on the cross we now have the resurrection power of God at our disposal.

    If you are a born again Christian you have that power living on the inside of you. So no matter what your situation looks like today, you need only believe. Believe and do not doubt that Jesus is ready, willing, and able to breathe resurrection life into every apparently dead situation in your life. Do not settle for less than complete resurrection life, complete restoration, and complete victory regarding everything the devil has tried to stake a claim to. Speak life over your situation today in the name of Jesus. Don't stop short of the manifestation of your victory. Jesus is right there with you. Put all doubt and doubters out of your life, or at least do not give them access to these delicate areas of your life. Do not allow them to influence you. Do not give way to unbelief. It is not too late for God. The answer to your prayer is not affected by time, but it can be affected by unbelief. Trust God and you will not be made ashamed.

Jesus Is Approaching The Shore Of Your Graveyard Home

 Having calmed the fierce storm encountered that night on the sea, Jesus stepped off the boat. Right away he was met by a crazy man living in the tombs...naked, homeless, violent...possessed by demons. He cried out to Jesus asking "what do you want", and begging him not to torture him. But wait...it wasn't him at all...it was the demons living inside the man compelling him to speak out - thousands of them (a Legion-being somewhere between 3000 and 6000). They recognized Jesus as the Son of God, and though they had no part with him as Savior (having given up their home in heaven) they still knew him as judge. They were terrified of his power. But Jesus was not interested in the demons. He knew their time was coming. He would eventually throw Satan and all of his messengers into the Abyss (Rev. Ch.'s 9 & 20), but this was not the time. No, Jesus was after something else. He was there for the man. This man who was tormented, destitute, and ragged... Jesus was there for him. This was not the man that God had created him to be, and Jesus intended to set him free. The demons begged to be sent into a herd of pigs and Jesus allowed it. He didn't care about them, but he was not going to allow them to torture this man he loved any longer. Once Jesus gave the command, the man was freed from the demonic oppression. He was so grateful he wanted to go with Jesus, but he was not allowed. He was sent home to tell his loved ones and others in the town what God had done for him, and he did just that.

Many of us can identify with the man living in the tombs. Maybe never tormented to that extent, but even so, we have known rejection, anger, and poverty. Many of us even while living in a relatively comfortable environment have really been living in the tombs of our past. Tormented by depression, regret, fear, bitterness ...well, you get the point. Let me say this - If that is the case with you, Jesus is approaching the shore of your graveyard home. He loves you, and just as he contended with a violent storm on the sea to get to the man of the Geresenes almost 2000 yrs. ago, he will never stop short of rescuing you from your oppression - if you want him to. Jesus came so that we could live the abundant life we were created for.

The abundant life does not mean having anything we want in this world, although God is not against us having things - as long as we have proper perspective, putting him first in all things and using what we obtain to further his kingdom and bring him glory. The abundant life means living the life of an over-comer, free from the oppression of the devil and his messengers. When we are free of all the bitterness, unforgiveness, anger, lust and other baggage that weighs us down, then we will live a live of peace, love, and joy...the abundant life.

 When Jesus sets us free we are free indeed. And, just like the man from the tombs, we will want to tell everyone about God's goodness and his redeeming power. Yes, once you have a real encounter with Jesus it automatically makes you an evangelist, eager to share the good news with others. But you know what; it gets even more exciting than that. Only continue reading if you want all that God has for you.

When Jesus went away he promised to send the Holy Spirit, as one who comes along side of us, (a Parakleet) teaching and guiding us, and empowering us to do the will of the Father, just as He did. Yes, Jesus said those of us who believe in him will do greater things than He did. And what did He do? Well let's see what Peter said about it...Acts 10:38 "...God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and Power, and he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.".  Brothers and sisters, when Jesus comes to live in us, he wants to continue the ministry he began 2000 yrs. ago. He wants to continue it through us:

Read this confession out loud, then we will pray. - “I believe that Jesus wants to use me to continue his ministry in the earth. He was the first of many brethren, of which I am one. I am an ambassador of Christ here in this fallen world. Jesus saved me, therefore he lives in me; therefore it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. He loves people. It is my responsibility as a child of the most high God to allow Christ in me, by the power of the Holy Spirit - to heal the sick, through me - to set the captives free, through me - to feed the hungry, through me - to preach the gospel, through me - to bind up the broken, through me. I purpose in my heart that by the faith of Christ, the Grace of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit, that I choose to allow him to make me into the person he created me to be, and to do all the things he predestined me to do. I acknowledge that apart from Jesus Christ I can do nothing, but I also acknowledge that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I give all glory to God, so I expect and allow him to do all the work through me."

Prayer: "Father I believe this to be your desire and so it is mine too. Let me not be in error, neither to the left nor to the right, but keep my feet squarely planted on the Rock, my Lord Jesus Christ.  If there is anything lacking in me, show me, so I can ask you to fill that space. In Jesus name I pray, Amen."

Awesome! Do you see the progression of God's plan of salvation for your life?
1. First you must be saved and set free.
2. That will enable and empower you to share the good news with others.
3. Then learn to walk by the power of the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus did, able by the faith of Christ, to unleash the power of God, his love, and grace into every situation.

It's as simple as 1, 2, 3 (just kidding about the simple part). Actually it is impossible, apart from The Holy Spirit, to live the Christian life, but with him it is made simple - so don't ever get ahead of him, but don't get left behind. Stay close to Jesus and enjoy the adventure.

Faithful In The Storm

In the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke we find a story of the disciples being in a boat with Jesus. A great storm came up suddenly and the wind and the waves threatened to sink the boat. All the while Jesus was in the back of the boat sleeping. The gospel of Mark (4:38) reveals a really bad heart condition among the disciples. They ask the Lord if he even cares if they drown. He got up, rebuked the wind and the waves, and all was calm. In all three accounts, when Jesus addresses the disciples regarding the matter, he makes note that it is a faith issue; their lack of faith, to be more specific. They assumed that just because Jesus was sleeping he did not care. They let their natural minds go wild and they assumed all the worst. They thought they would be overcome by the storm and die. They believed there was nothing that could be done, and they believed that their master did not care.

We can take many lessons from the disciples. That is one of the reasons these accounts were written. Their hearts were hardened concerning the miracles they had already seen Jesus perform. They acted on what they were seeing right then instead of trusting in the faithfulness of God. Once they let fear take hold of them, they allowed it to manifest in spoken words of doubt and unbelief. If Jesus had not saved them they probably would have died, but he did save them. They had forgotten that before they left on the boat trip Jesus had said "let's go over to the other side", not”let's go out to the middle and drown". If Jesus would have spoken something that was not true, the entire universe - which is held together by his words - would have come unwound!

Let's learn from the disciples. When you are enduring terrible storms in this life, or even little squalls, don't panic. Our storms may be natural, like a great hurricane or tornado, or they may be the storms of life which can cause terrible pain and anxiety, if we let our emotions get the best of us. Remember that we are not to use the beautiful imagination that God has given us for worry. It never helps our tomorrows, it only saps our today(s) of their joy. You see, although the disciples were with Jesus in the flesh, they did not know him like we do. That's right; the disciples were still in the dark concerning many things about the Lord, unlike us today. We have the history of his ministry and purpose for our lives in his word. Not only that, but Jesus said it was better that he went away, so he could send a counselor, the Holy Spirit to be with us.

The Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Truth) is now in us- if we are born again- and he teaches us all things, and reminds us of all the things Jesus has said to us. So instead of Jesus just being in one place at a time, all of us born again Christians have our own personal Jesus living in us. Awesome! It is time we acknowledge that truth as truth, and quit acting like he is so far away, and that he may or may not show up for us, because he may or may not care what happens to us. Instead of magnifying the problems in our life, we are to magnify the Lord. Acknowledge that he is right here with us, that he loves us, that he cares for us, and that he is faithful. 

 Begin to praise him, meditate on his word, be thankful for the things he has already done and will do, and pray in the Holy Spirit. We need to use the authority he has given us by speaking to the storms of life ourselves, in the name of Jesus. Before long the problems of today will only be memories with a happy ending of how the Lord was once again faithful to bring us through.