ANYTHING YOU ASK, I WILL DO

Written by Allison Sylvester-Conliffe

As believers in Christ, we are asked to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).  We are mandated to believe for the impossible because nothing is impossible with God!

And Jesus said unto them, For verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Matthew 17:20

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.  Matthew 19:26

This is indeed truth and never to be refuted.  However, how many of us can attest to the fact that we have been praying for a certain outcome to be manifested on our behalf, and yet heaven seems like brass concerning the matter.  It would seem as if God is not hearing our prayers because absolutely nothing is happening to bring the change that we were expecting.

Now I know that all things are to be considered. Sometimes, or rather most times, we have to be persistent and prevailing in prayer before the breakthrough could come.  Yes, I understand that God is also not obligated to answer the prayer of the unrighteous…though at times He does.  These things are indeed factors to be considered when we examine why our prayers are not being answered. However, today we are going to look deeper than that. Look at what Jesus said in John 14:14…

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

This is also the truth that is in God’s Word.  Yet, many of us can subscribe to the fact that we have asked and asked again, but have not received.  Christians get disenchanted by the fact that our prayers are not answered, especially if we believe the Scripture verse in John 14:14.  We may even quote it in our appeal to the Lord, yet there is no manifestation of the answer we are expecting.  Why is this so?  Is it that we have missed something that is key?

Let us back up to verse 13 of John Chapter 14 – which reads –

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

May I highlight part of that verse that I believe is a key which we may have overlooked – that the Father may be glorified ……… This would mean that the thing which we ask for in Jesus’ Name should glorify the Father!

The word glorify means to give praise to – to extol –  to exalt – to worship – to revere – to reverence – to venerate – to pay homage or tribute to – to honour – to adore – to thank –  to bless.

The purpose of what we ask for, according to the scripture in John 14:13, should in essence be to exalt, give praise to, bless….the Father.

When Jesus was speaking these words to His disciples, it was for their instruction as He prepared them for the continuation of His ministry here on the earth.  Their ministry was about to begin as Jesus was about to be crucified and would no longer be with them in the flesh.

Jesus was talking to them with Kingdom business in mind.  In the verses prior to those we have just visited, Jesus was telling the disciples that He only spoke what the Father had spoken through Him.  He told them that He did nothing of Himself but that it was the Father Who did the works through Him.  

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.  John 14:10

Then He encouraged the disciples to believe in Him – meaning that they ought to believe what He said to them – because if they believed Him then they would automatically believe in the Father.  Only then would they be entrusted to continue the work that the Father had to accomplish through them on the earth.

Jesus represented God the Father on the earth, so remember that Jesus was speaking these words to the disciples with Kingdom business in mind.  Therefore, He was saying to them that if they believed in Him, and they were busy on Kingdom business, then they could make a request on behalf of the Kingdom in Jesus’ Name and it shall be done unto them.

Most times we modern day disciples of Jesus Christ ask selfish requests which have nothing to do with the advancement of the Kingdom of God in mind – and we expect the results to be positive for us.  We have to remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 concerning our personal needs … and He is still saying today…

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, our main thrust of prayer should be about the building up of the Kingdom of God while here on earth.

When Jesus was teaching His disciples in John 14, He taught them intimacy with Himself and with the Father.  In verse 9 He said to them, but particularly to Philip who had a question about knowing the Father.

Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

The word “known” in this verse speaks to the disciples of their intimacy with the Father and with Jesus.  It was important that the disciples come to know Jesus in intimacy, since He was the doorway to knowing God the Father intimately.

The same applies to us today if we are disciples of Jesus Christ.  You would agree that when we are intimate with someone then we share personal details about one another.  In the same way, if the disciples were intimate with the Father, especially in Jesus’ physical absence, the Father would readily share with them the intimate things that lie within His heart concerning His Kingdom.  As a result the Father will entrust the disciples to pray those things He would have revealed to them, until its manifestation on the earth.  In that vein, Jesus said to the disciples, “If ye shall ask anything in My Name, I will do it ….. so that the Father may be glorified in the Son!”

To get to the place of knowing God’s heart we must tap into Him by the Spirit.  God is not flesh but He is Spirit.  We must pray in the Holy Spirit in order to connect with Him … meaning that we must ascend to God in our spiritual language which is called the speaking in tongues.  The Scriptures revealed that the Holy Spirit knows the mind and the heart of God, and knows exactly what and when to pray according to the Father’s will.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26

From this position is where we would be praying what God has in His heart, and He will be glorified in the process.

Maybe we have had it wrong all along in our thinking.  Maybe we were busy praying selfish prayers concerning “me, myself and I,” which had nothing to do with God’s Kingdom, and in so doing God was never glorified…and as a result no answer came to us.

What an honour it must be to represent God the Father on the earth … to be His ambassador as Paul and the other Apostles were!  What an honour it must be to avail ourselves to pray concerning what is on God’s heart! There can be no other earthly ambition to compare with the sacrificing of one’s life and all of the earthly pleasures to become the mouthpiece of God on the earth – thus partnering with Him and asking for what is on His heart, praying it through and so glorifying Him in the process!

YOUR FAITH HAS MADE YOU WHOLE

Written by Audrey E. Charles

The doctors had given up on her, her own people spurned her because she had been ceremonially unclean for twelve years. She had no money left. Yet she took a bold step to venture out in the open…

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. – Matthew 9:20-22

At the end of it all she heard the precious words, “Your faith has made you whole.”  Jesus had just given her her life back!

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He sat in his usual place at the roadside begging, depending on the moods of strangers to determine if

he had a good day or not. Most of his days were not good. After all, he was Bartimaeus…the son of Timaeus – the man whose name means foul and defiled – and to top it off he was blind. But when he heard that Voice call to him he threw off his garment – the garment that for so many years had identified him as a blind beggar. In anticipation of his healing he removed it, and the stigma it carried.

And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. Mark 10:50-52

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He had uttered the word ‘unclean’ so often to warn people that he was in their vicinity and to give them a chance to get away from him. But he had cried out to Jesus…he and his nine leper friends. When the Master heard them He simply told them to go and show themselves to the priest. By faith they obeyed and as they went they were healed…no longer unclean – society’s castaways. This leper was different from the others however. He didn’t just rejoice…he returned with a new word on his lips…”Thanks!”

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. Luke 17:15-19

I believe that being made whole is not limited just to the relief from the illness or affliction. I know that if Bartimaeus or the woman or the former leper had anything else wrong with them that Jesus took care of those ailments also. Jesus does not do things partially and that is why He said to them that they were now whole. Wholeness is completeness in every area of your life – your body, your mind, your spirit, your relationships, your giftings, your finances, your future……..everything, with nothing lacking.

Do you need the Lord to make you whole? Can you believe that He will remove all affliction from you? Follow the example of these three people.

1. Take a bold step of faith regardless of what those around you might say to deter you.
2. At the Lord’s leading, throw off that thing that identifies you with the affliction.
3. Make sure that you thank the Lord for your healing.

Be made whole.

IN THE MIDST OF YOUR TROUBLE

 Written by Audrey E. Charles

You’re in the midst of a tumultuous situation and you need relief fast! You pray and pray for God to send an answer to your dilemma so that you could go back to “normal” life. But very often the solution seems to be delayed. The Lord has other plans. His aim is to get you to come after Him first.

The Father is more interested in developing your character in Him than in filling your needs. This does not mean that He is unconcerned about your welfare. He cares about the sparrows that fall, and knows every single hair on your head. However, His purpose for you is to bring you back to your original glory – to be His manifested image here on the earth.

The only way that you can accomplish that is to know the One in whose image you were created; not knowing Him for what He does, but knowing Him for Who He is, how He thinks.

Do not be tempted to pray to God just to relieve you of the stresses that challenge you. This is what the Israelites did under Moses’ leadership in the desert. They felt uncomfortable in their bodies and souls and they cried out for relief. God answered always, but not with Himself. They received the things that He had  – food from heaven, water from rocks and so on – without ever receiving the Person that He is. As a result the children of Israel for the most part never really got to know the God of their salvation. They wandered unnecessarily in the desert, circulating for years and years.

Moses, however, came to know God personally. He had an intimate relationship with the Lord, and spent much time with Him. Scripture tells us that after spending 40 days and nights in the presence of the Lord he returned to his people and his face shone with the glory of God, so much so that he had to put a veil over it.

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tables of the Testimony in his hand, he did not know that the skin of his face shone and sent forth beams by reason of his speaking with the Lord. Exodus 34:29
 
Moses experienced first-hand all the miracles that God did for the Israelites, but he got so much more….he got to know His God!

God will have no other gods before Him, and that includes your challenging situation. Don’t allow your trouble to so consume you that it is the first thing you think about upon awakening, the last thing you think about before falling asleep and it crops up in your mind throughout the day. It could become a god, erecting an altar or worry, fear and unbelief in your mind….and it brings you no closer to the One who is the Answer.

Don’t circulate in your frustration, crying out to the LORD for His acts, while ignoring Him. Lay the challenge aside and go after Him for who He is. Then watch Him show you Himself in all His glory. Watch Him lovingly impart more of Himself to you. Watch Him give you the understanding and the knowledge of how to handle that dilemma you are faced with.

FROM CAPTIVE TO CONQUEROR – PART 4

PURPOSE FULFILLED

Thanks to Allison Sylvester-Conliffe for contributing this series of articles

http://i1361.photobucket.com

Gideon started off as a man full of fear, but God worked through that condition so as to fulfil His purpose for Gideon on the earth.  God built faith in Gideon, and with every step of faith, Gideon displayed increasing boldness.

By the time we get to Judges 7:16-18, we see a transformed Gideon boldly giving instructions to his army of 300 as he was ready to go up to conquer the host of the Midianite army…

Then he divided the three hundred men into three companies, 

and he put a trumpet into every man’s hand, with empty pitchers, 
and torches inside the pitchers. 

And he said to them, “Look at me and do likewise; 

watch, and when I come to the edge of the camp you shall do as I do: 

When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then you also blow the trumpets on every side of the whole camp, and say, 

‘The sword of the LORD and of Gideon!’”

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By Chapter 8 of the Book of Judges, Gideon was challenging the men of Succoth and of Penuel for not co-operating with him by giving his men food.  He eventually brought his own word to pass concerning them – he wiped them out on his return.

When Gideon came to the Jordan, he and the three hundred men who were with him crossed over, exhausted but still in pursuit. Then he said to the men of Succoth, 

“Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me, for they are exhausted, and I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.” 

And the leaders of Succoth said, 

“Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?” So Gideon said, “For this cause, when the LORD has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers!” 

Then he went up from there to Penuel and spoke to them in the same way. 

And the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered. 

So he also spoke to the men of Penuel, saying, 

“When I come back in peace, I will tear down this tower!” – Judges 8:4-9

What a transformation! Gideon fulfilled his calling as a “great man of valour”!  God had seen him in this manner all along, even while he was yet a coward and afraid – while he was threshing wheat in the winepress, hiding from the Midianites.

In the same manner, we too, are seen by God, not in our present frail states, but God sees us as He created us – with His purpose for us in His mind.  Our job is to join with Him and to co-operate with Him, and so step into His Call that He would have ordained for each of our lives. 

It begins with us answering the Call of Salvation and then taking up the responsibility to follow after God’s direction as He guides us by His Spirit and His Word, on this journey called life.

Have you answered His call yet?

FROM CAPTIVE TO CONQUEROR – PART 1

ARE YOU A SLAVE?
 
Thanks to Allison Sylvester-Conliffe for this series of articles.

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

When we fall into habitual sin (going against the will of God), we bring ourselves into captivity….

Then the children of Israel did evil 

in the sight of the LORD. 

So the LORD delivered them 

into the hand of Midian for seven years, 

and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. 
Because of the Midianites, 

the children of Israel made for themselves 

the dens, the caves, 

and the strongholds which are in the mountains. – Judges 6:1-2

While practicing sin we toil in vain, because the Scripture says that God is the One who gives the increase. God cannot tolerate sin and therefore He is unable to bless.  Sin is a stench to His nostrils.  Therefore we keep ourselves from prospering in the things that we put our hands to. According to Judges 6:4, because of the Israelites’ sin, they lost all of their blessings…. 

So it was, whenever Israel had sown, Midianites would come up; 

also Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them. 

Then they would encamp against them and destroy the produce of the earth as far as Gaza, 

and leave no sustenance for Israel, 

neither sheep nor ox nor donkey. – Judges 6:3-4

However, God showed mercy after the Israelites cried unto Him….   

And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried out to the LORD because of the Midianites, that the LORD sent a prophet to the children of Israel. – Judges 6:7-8a

As we read on, we observe that God always seeks to reconcile, and so He woos us into repentance….

I said to you, 

“I am the LORD your God; do not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.” 

But you have not obeyed My voice.’” – Judges 6:10

Is there some unconfessed sin in your life? Have you been experiencing frustration because of it? Have you been feeling guilty? Sad? Out of sorts? Unfulfilled? Anxious?

Just as He did with the Israelites, God is wooing you back to Him. If you call to Him He will answer. If you confess your sin, He is faithful and just to forgive you and to give you a brand new start.

To be continued….

GOD’S MEDICINE

If you go to the doctor and are diagnosed with an illness, you may receive a prescription and instructions to take the medication on a regular basis…maybe three times a day for example. As soon as the medication is ingested it begins to work. Sometimes you may feel the effects almost immediately, and at other times you have to continue to take the medicine regularly as prescribed, but eventually you should begin to see improvement in your condition

Proverbs 4: 20-22 says…
My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings.  Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.

God’s Word is our medicine and the above Scripture tells us its benefits – health and healing to our bodies. 

• We should declare the relevant Scriptures aloud, making them personal (using our names or using the pronouns I or me). 
• We should also meditate often on the Scriptures instead of on the ailment. 
• Taken regularly by faith, God’s supernatural medicine can restore our bodies to health and wholeness. Here are just a few….

HEALING SCRIPTURES

1.    CANCERS

a.    Ps. 118:17 – I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
b.    Matt. 15:13 – Every plant, which my heavenly Father has not planted, shall be rooted up.

2.    HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, HEART

a.    Ps. 27:14 – Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
b.    Prov. 14:30a – A sound heart is the life of the flesh

3.    DEMENTIA

a.    2 Tim. 1:7 – For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
b.    John 14:26 – But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

4.    ARTHRITIS, BONES, JOINT PROBLEMS

a.    Mal. 4:2  – But for you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.
b.    Ps. 145:14 – The LORD upholds all that fall, and raises up all those that are bowed down.

5.    VISION – blindness, cataracts, far sightedness, near sightedness and HEARING problems

a.    Prov. 20:12 – The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The LORD has made them both.
b.    Isa. 29:18 – And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.

6.    ILLNESSES CAUSED BY OUR OWN SIN – neglect, STD’s, addictions

a.    Isa. 53:5 – But He was wounded for our transgressions (rebellion), He (Jesus) was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.
b.    Rom. 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
c.    Joel 3:21 – For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed

7.    BARRENNESS

a.    Ps. 113:9  – He gives the childless woman a family making her a happy mother. Praise the Lord!
b.    Ex. 23:26 – No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.

8.    BROKEN HEART,  DEPRESSION

a.    Ps. 30:11 – You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness
b.    Ps. 42:5 – Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.

9.    GENERAL SCRIPTURES FOR HEALING

a.    Rom. 8:11 – But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
b.    Ps. 103:1-5 – Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

TESTIMONY OF GOD’S HEALING

Thanks to Michaella Frederick

for sharing this powerful testimony

In March of 2012, I noticed a lump on the left of my neck near to my hairline. I was really shocked because I just never expected anything like that to happen to me. Though I never voiced it, thoughts of cancer came to my mind.

From that very day, I reminded myself that I knew that it is always God’s will to heal me. I didn’t share with very many persons, especially not with my family, because I knew that they would panic and all but force me to get medical help, and I knew that I didn’t want that. I also didn’t want their anxiety to affect my faith in God’s commitment through His word to heal me.

Every day I would feel the lump and it kept getting bigger, harder and more pronounced. Every time, I felt doubt creeping in, I would remind myself, in opposition to my feelings at the time, that God said, in His Word,

1. that by His stripes I was healed, 
2. that He sent His Word to heal me, 
3. that He desires that I prosper and be in good health even as my soul prospers, 
4. that healing is the children’s bread.

One Friday night, a few months later, while at a service at my church, I came to the point where I wondered why the lump was still there when I know that it’s God’s will to heal me. I decided that either I will take God at His Word or I won’t. If I take Him at His Word, I can’t worry about it. Thankfully, accepting the grace of God, I chose to trust God to do it…..SO MUCH SO that although physically it was obvious, I forgot about it.

I was SO pleasantly surprised and ecstatic when I was rubbing my neck in early October, seven months later, only to realise……..IT…. WAS….. GONE! Today, I give God all the praise, all the glory and all the thanks that there is not a SINGLE trace of any lump on my neck! His Word alone was my medicine. He IS the great Physician. Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus! Yes! Praise God indeed!

After I was healed, I shared with my family what Jesus had done for me. They were happy but still skeptical, asking me to make sure that it really was gone and wondering if it would come back. At that point, it was clear to me that I needed to share my testimony publicly as a demonstration of faith in what Jesus had done and to give no place to the devil for doubt in my mind. It is finished! I have overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the Word of my testimony. God still heals!

THE MULTIFACETED GOD

Thanks again to 

Allison Sylvester-Conliffe 

for allowing me to post another one of her powerful articles.

God’s aim and purpose is always for restoration of men to Himself.  When he does a miracle or a deliverance for example, it is not solely for the benefit of the person being delivered, but for the greater good of ALL the masses, with the purpose of glorifying Himself and His Kingdom.

The book of Acts records that the apostles were thrown into prison by the high priest of the Sadducees, and God allowed it.   

Miraculously released from prison

Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. – Acts 5:17-20

They came out of the prison, miraculously! The doors remained locked on their exit and they were not seen of the guards.  Surely in the early morning they were seen preaching the gospel to those in the temple.  Their miraculous escape was not only a marvel to the apostles themselves, but to the Sadducees and also the multitude in the temple who heard of the testimony.  This act was done for the greater benefit of all.

Further in the Book of Acts we read that Aeneas was laid up sick of the palsy for eight years.  

Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.  There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed.  And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately.  So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. – Acts 9:32-35

His sickness prevailed until Peter came to him and healed him of his condition.  Again, the greater miracle was that all the people of Lydda and Saron who saw him healed got saved.  With one deliverance we see the Lord bringing a multitude to Himself.

Peter raises Dorcas from the dead

Another example was when Dorcas was raised from the dead in Acts 9:36-42. 

At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.

The greater miracle was that many in the region of Joppa believed on the Lord after hearing Dorcas’ testimony.

The Lord Jesus came to the earth and ministered for three years.  His death and resurrection was for the benefit of the whole of mankind.  His crucifixion and resurrection was purposed for the salvation of whosoever believed on the name of Jesus. 

Look at the woman at the well, when she met with Jesus in John chapter 4.  Her deliverance was not for her benefit only.  

She left her waterpot and told the whole city about Jesus

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His own word. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.” – John 4:39-42

As a result of this singular event God managed to bring almost the entire city of Samaria to Jesus. Again, the occurrence of one event, tailor made for the greater benefit of the multitude.

We can even see this in the Old Testament when God was dealing with the rebellious Jews in the Book of Numbers 16.  Even though the Israelites did not get it, the death of Korah and all those who died with him, served as a testimony to those who were witnesses, so as to bring the fear of God to them and to propel their obedience to God’s Word.  We may view the incident as tragic, but it was an event to bring the greater good.

Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream and is promoted

Joseph’s brothers ill treated him, and he spent time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. However, the Book of Genesis records that he eventually was promoted to second in command to Pharaoh so that his family, the twelve tribes, could be fed in the time of the grievous famine.  This also served to bring restoration of himself and his family.

Your test will bring about your testimony

Similarly, you may be imprisoned at this present time by sin, sickness, poverty, low self esteem, addictions, trouble with children etc. This does not mark the end for you.  The Lord has a greater purpose for you even in your condition.  

If, when you go through your wildernesses, you would persevere with the Lord, you will see the greater good of the testimony when you overcome the very situations.  God does not allow bad events in your life because He wants to punish you or because He is evil.  He has a greater purpose for your testimony.  

 During your trying state keep your focus on the Lord, knowing that His thoughts toward you are always good so as to bring you to an expected end – Jeremiah 29:11.  Remember that God’s intent is always to draw men to Himself.  That is why He sent His Son Jesus.

God’s purpose for your life goes beyond what you can see at present.  When He delivers you, your testimony is designed to deliver others, but you must first be an overcomer. You cannot free anyone if you are bound yourself, and to be an overcomer you must have some things to overcome.  This is God’s method and He will not change.  The key is to stay in love with Jesus and keep your focus on Him in worship with the knowledge that He is always right.  In that place you will keep your peace and your joy, and thus gain the strength to go the distance while the problems exist.  In this way you will ultimately bring glory to the God of the heavens and the earth as He continues to work in and through you.  

 Glory to His Holy Name!

THE KITCHEN ENCOUNTER

As soon as the coast was clear 8 year old Danny slipped quietly from his room and headed downstairs to the kitchen. He dared not turn on any lights for fear that someone might be alerted. Stealthily he felt his way until he reached the refrigerator and opened the door. His eyes widened as he saw the bounty, and he quickly began to pile things into the pillow case he held in his hand. 

The half-eaten roast chicken left over from the night’s dinner went in first – drippings and all, followed by a block of cheese, a six-pack of yogurt, a bag of grapes, some salami slices and the rest of the chocolate cake they’d had for dessert. Danny grabbed a handful of macaroni and cheese from the baking dish and dumped it in with his other loot before closing the refrigerator door and turning to head back upstairs. But sudden light blinded him, preventing him from seeing the figure that blocked his retreat to his room.

“Danny, what are you doing?”

The tiny boy did an about-face and bolted away from the voice, but he slipped on the trail of grease that had oozed from the pillow case onto the kitchen floor. Before he could regain his composure Danny felt two large hands lift him to his feet and he found himself face to face with Greg Townsend.

“Danny, what’s all this? What are you doing?” Greg asked.

“I…I…I gotta have enough for tomorrow!” Danny blurted out, his eyes welling with hot tears as he tried in vain to pick up his spoils that had spilled onto the floor.

“Son, “Greg replied, “you’ll always have enough for tomorrow. You don’t have to hide food in your room. You’re part of this family now, and I’ll always make sure that there’s more than enough for you and for all of us.”

How many of us are like little Danny, worried about having enough for tomorrow, so we hoard supplies – money, food, clothes. The world system endorses this kind of behavior, and they provide numerous ways for you to store away for the future. But hoarding and the worry that accompanies it, are indications that God is not trusted to be the Provider that He is.


Jesus said, “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6: 32, 33

I’VE BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH!

We all need to be encouraged at times. Here’s a powerful song that does just that!

It’s worth the time it may take to load.

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/1ynX36IgZPs?rel=0