A Gentile, a widow, and a prostitute… No, this is not the beginning of a bad joke but a reminder of the power of Jesus – the power that lives within you. The Gentile – despised by Israel. A good Jewish Rabbi would never consider entering the house of a Gentile; yet Jesus was willing to go. And then Jesus had the audacity to praise the Gentile’s faith. “I have...
Bullies – You are on Notice
I hate bullies. Cancer is a bully. Mental Illness is a bully. Chronic health issues – bully. Systematic poverty – bully. Racism – bully. They are bullies because they have ravaged and destroyed so many lives that we begin to think there is nothing that can be done about it. We become intimidated when we hear their name. King Hezekiah faced a bully. The King of Assyria had destroyed many...
Greater Works
Greater works He emphatically promised. We, those who believe He is Savior, can heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper. We, ordinary people – teachers, cashiers, game designers, graphic artist, housewives, engineers – get to represent Him extraordinarily in this world. I’m standing on this promise today. I’m trusting His promises are yes and amen. I’m believing I will see greater works. I will lay hands on the...
Do You Wish To Be Healed?
It was a simple question, “Do you wish to be well?” But this yes or no question was answered with an excuse and self-pity. “I have been laying here for a long time. I have no one to help me. Others are faster than I am. Life is not fair. Woe is me.” But Jesus did not respond to the excuse. Jesus spoke a word and 38 years of excuses...
Jehova Rapha
“I am the Lord who heals.” God led the people into the desert. They were thirsty, exhausted. Finally they came to Mariah where there was water but the water was undrinkable. Thirsty, tired, frustrated, they did what we do. They complained. They murmured against their leader. God gave Moses a word of wisdom, he threw a tree in the water and the water was healed. It was in this moment...
Is it Time for A Divorce?
Eighteen years is a long time! 18 years of oppression. 18 years of suffering. 18 years of thinking God is angry with you. After 18 years, one begins to identify with their affliction. But then suddenly….Jesus appears. And just like that, pain is gone, oppression is gone, hopelessness is gone. Healing has come. Freedom has been granted. A new identity issued. We are all familiar with the story of the...
Be The One Who Believes
Jesus said, “All things are possible for the one who believes.” Believes what? Jesus and three of his disciples had gone on a retreat. While away, a man in desperation for his son came to his disciples for healing. Jesus returns and begins a discourse with the man. “I asked your disciples to cast it out and they could not do it,” the man reported. Jesus said bring the boy...
Heal My Nation
Jarius had a decision to make. His daughter, his only daughter lay sick. She was dying. The doctors could not help. Friends had already gathered and begun mourning. Jarius was desperate. His only hope was this Man name Jesus. He had seen Jesus heal on a Sabbath. He had heard how he had supposedly forgiven sins. But Jesus was an outcast in his circle. His colleagues were plotting to kill...
No Benchwarmers
We all all get to participate! Too often in this Christian life, we relegate healing, prophesying, preaching, evangelizing, teaching to a select special few. We operate from an Old Testament model. But in this New Day, God has promised to pour out his Spirit on ALL – young and old, male and female. His Spirit levels the playing field. We all get to participate. So what is stopping you from...
The Challenge – Week 10 Day 2
I heard a story the other day about a young man diagnosed with cancer. Apparently, his prayer was not that God would heal him but that he would glorify God in the sickness. God honored his prayer. He was able to share the love of God with many people during his illness, including the hospice worker. At his funeral 15 people were saved. I rejoice for all who were touched...