Blog Posts

What are you Seeking?

2/5/2022

Matthew 6:33 - "But seek (strive to find) first (before all) the kingdom (royal power, kingship, dominion) of God, and his righteousness (integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting); and all these things (concerns, everyday needs, desires) shall be added unto you."

According to the Strong's Concordance, to seek is to aim at, strive after, or crave. There are many things in our world today of which we seek.

We might seek, aim or crave a spouse, a certain income, or even becoming a parent.

"What are you seeking?" Have you ever asked yourself that question? Those things we seek can be dangerous for our spiritual health. Sometimes, we can also seek or strive after the approval or acceptance of others. So, when an individual doesn't approve or accept us, what happens to our self esteem?

Absolutely, because it was connected to the response of that individual, we struggle with believing in and loving ourselves.

There were times I would often ask myself, "Am I good enough? Am I smart enough? Why am I here? What is my purpose?" Then, one day, I was drawn to Christ! I began to seek him for truth. He began to show me myself through his eyes. He fulfilled that longing for others' acceptance and showed me why I must strive for Him and His path for my life. He has the answers, and we no longer have to seek fulfillment in others, which is temporal. We must seek the living God above all else. We are called to His purpose, to live a pure set apart life for His glory.

Be Blessed,
Hope-in-Christ

Copyright © 2016 by Denise Walker/Project H.O.P.E. Ministries, Inc.
Bible Verses from King James Version were found on Bible Gateway.

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Train Up a Child in the Way...

11/1/2021

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My mother always says we grew up together. She married young, as a college student, and I was born the day before her 20th birthday. She would spread out a blanket with her books and her baby. She tells me I developed my voracious appetite for words by picking up her books, as she studied. I would ask her what the words said and became an independent reader by the age of three. Otherwise, I grew up a typical child of the seventies. We really only had three rules: don’t go past the corner, get home before the streetlight goes out, and be in bed by 8:30 p.m. on a school night.

Mom grew up in a much stricter, devout Christian environment, but she didn’t want to live so restricted anymore. As a result, my sister and I had many freedoms and were encouraged to explore our hearts’ desires. Mom never told us what to do. She disciplined us, when necessary, but mostly gave her encouragement, and sometimes her shoulder, in all the things we had an interest to pursue. She knew she had given us the best example she knew how and had put everything else in the Lord’s hands.

As an adult, I have moved away from my hometown many times. Yet, I choose to stick to Mom’s example of life and have remained close to her. We talk regularly, dress alike without planning it, have worked together, still eat together every chance we get, and even have Bible discussions when it is her turn to teach at church. Seeing how many families are in turmoil these days, I believe she did a wonderful job.

Training up a child does not mean you are treating them like a soldier in the Army, constantly yelling and screaming, or preventing them from ever leaving your sight. It simply means they are watching what you do, and you should be aware of your actions in their presence. They will most likely do what they see you do and say what they hear you say. Even if you provide a great example, they will not always be perfect. You can give them the world and they may still end up as a prodigal child, lost in their ways. But, when they come back begging for any little crumb, welcome them home and continue to show them the grace required to get them back on the path to righteousness. Even a child who turns into a thief on a cross can receive forgiveness and meet the Lord in paradise.

Feel free to use this prayer:

Dear Lord,
I pray that you will help me to see opportunities to teach my child to live in a way that is pleasing in your sight. Lord, give me the correct attitude and the right words to be a good example. Give me patience and strength for the trials that may come and remind me to embrace the joy of the triumphs. Give me wisdom to impart into my child and compassion to provide comfort for any troubles that may arise. Thank you for helping me to give lessons that will provide a path for life and a love for You. I am so glad that You have given me a part in my child being fearfully and wonderfully made!

About the Author
National Bestselling Author and Poet Michelle Lynn Stephens hails from Durham, North Carolina and is an inspirational writer who encourages others to make comebacks out of setbacks as they press to overcome life’s obstacles through faith and perseverance.

In her writing, she sets out to examine the social ills of the world, as seen through the many perspectives she has been exposed to. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing, performing spoken word poetry, and dancing with her toddler.

Visit her website at www.michellelynnstephens.com.

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Never Forget Your First Love - Guest Blogger: Author Shanita Rowsey

3/17/2021

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It is so easy to get caught up in the things that the world loves. Such as your car, your home or your status. Sometimes as believers, we can get caught up in what we do for God or what we need Him to do for us, that we forget Him. I know you may be thinking if I am serving Him at my local church, paying my tithes and there every time the doors open, how can I forget Him?

Truth be told, we are so caught up in religion, we forget the relationship. So when tough times hit, we are unprepared and caught off guard. We are drowning in doubt and walk around as if we have no hope. I want to remind you that your hope should be in God. Having your hope in God is provided by a sure solid foundation. A foundation that is constantly being built upon as you grow in Christ. I want to share with you how you can always remember your first love which is God.

1) Establish Relationship with Him. Just like you get to know people in the natural, it is the same thing with our Heavenly Father. We must recognize that we need a true relationship with God to live a successful life. Spend time with Him every day. Make it your mission to hear from Him and let Him hear from you. Start with 10 mins a day. Read a scripture, pray and spend a few minutes just worshipping God.

2)  Include Him in your everyday life. Most times when it comes to including God in our life, we only include Him when we need a miracle. In order to get the most out of your life, include the Creator, your God in every aspect of your life. Include Him in your route to work, your relationships, the decisions you need to make and how to raise your children. God loves when we remember Him in all things, it shows Him that you value Him in your life.

3)  Stay Humble. Never get to a place that you believe you have arrived. Always give glory and honor to God. He is the reason why you are where you are. Never allow your ego, your possessions and people around you to cause you to forget God.

4)  Accept His Word. Recently, the word “acceptance” was ringing in my spirit. So I began to look up the definition and one definition said “action of consenting to receive”. Now I love this definition because sometimes we read God’s word, but we don’t fully accept it. We quote the word, but we don’t necessarily believe it can happen for us. When we learn to accept the word of God, we activate our faith, which pleases God. A lot of your desired answers to prayers are not happening because you haven’t accepted His word. You don’t believe Him. You don’t believe what His word says about you. When you want to remember the Lord, you have to trust Him.

Remembering your first love means allowing Him to be your Lord. The word says in Psalms 23:1, “The Lord is our shepherd, we shall not want”. This is an indication that when we allow God to lead us and guide us, He provides for all that we need. So, don’t get caught up in chasing things that you forget Him. Remember your first love because in Him you have everything.

Shanita Rowsey is an author, speaker, and coach. Shanita is the CEO of Shanita Rowsey Enterprises. She seeks to help women embrace wholeness.

Grab a copy of Shanita's books below:

30 Days of Power Devotionals:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1731160089/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i3

The Power of You:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1947054589/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

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When God Gives You Signs

1/3/2021

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It was an ordinary summer day. I had been walking in this neighborhood since we sold our house and moved into a townhouse not too far from our old community. It took me some time to get adjusted to this new neighborhood. I missed my old neighbors. After all, my husband and I had raised two children in that old house. We saw the neighborhood grow and change over the years. Leaving it was bittersweet for me.
We had great neighbors. Down the street, Joe would come over every winter with his big red snowplow, plow out our whole driveway, and never asked anything in return. I missed baking Christmas cookies for the couple with two small children who lived across the street. We had developed connections and friendships.

As I walked down the street that summer morning, I saw this chair sitting in the middle of a driveway with a sign that read, Beware of the hornet nest in the tree. I quickly moved to one side and avoided walking under the tree. As I walked past this house, I had to stop and snap this picture. It suddenly dawned on me, this ordinary precautionary sign about a hornet’s nest was more than that; for me, it was a sign that God wanted me to move into a new season of life.

He reminded me of how he watched over our family in our old neighborhood, how he surrounded us with neighbors who lend a helping hand. If you ask Him, he will give you signs that show you when it’s time to move into the new seasons of your life. Our son had gone away to school, and my husband could not keep up with the yard work or the cost of what it takes to keep a house in good repair. This was one of God’s signs that perhaps it was time to move to a new season.

I was thankful that this kind person decided to leave the sign about the hornet’s nest. It was very thoughtful. It’s precisely what God does for his children; he will gently nudge us and tell us that it’s time for a new season. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, God’s word tells us. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. (NIV).

As we embrace this new season that we are all in, we must remember that God’s timing is perfect. His will is always done in good season. Embrace the signs and enjoy your season.

Rovenia Braddy is an author, playwright, the facilitator of B.R.E.A.T.H.E. book club, a wife, and mother.

Visit her website at www.roebraddyproductions.com

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Keep the Faith, Have Hope and Show Love By Pamela Nance Johnson

9/14/2020

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It’s nearly the last quarter of the calendar year for 2020, and some people, Christians included can’t wait for it to be over. It seems that this year has been written off, voided and cancelled. Just like a check written with a mistake, some have decided to act as if this year 2020 never existed. Yes, we’ve had some challenging times, the likes of which we’ve never seen before. Times which have caused some to doubt their faith, lose hope and question the very love of God.

We continue to deal with the full range of issues related to the global COVID-19 pandemic, and there are still disparities regarding social justice issues in America. Issues that everyone deserves equal economic, political, social rights and opportunities. That everyone should be treated fairly under the laws that govern our country regardless of their race, religion, age or gender. These are times when hearts have grown heavy and weary. Some have gotten tired and given up. It is a time when even the modern Church is being called out to acknowledge the racial divide and immorality among its leadership.

It is in times such as these that we must fully rely on our faith. Now more than ever, Christians individually and the Church corporately must rise and be the beacon of hope and source of love for the troubled world. In Hebrews 10:23-25, each Believer is challenged to hold on to our hope, show love and encourage one another.

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.  24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

         This scripture is a call to confess, in a hostile world, the object of our faith, despite a fear of rejection. We may not face the same level of persecution as the early Christians, but we must hold firm to the hope we profess. No, it’s not always easy to follow Christ, when we do, we can expect trials and difficulties. Many of us will be tempted to give up.

         One way we can hold on to hope is through the support of others in the Body of Christ. We are to encourage each other. We need our sisters and brothers to survive. We cannot go through our faith journey alone. Remember, when God saved us, He put us in a community of His children so we could have fellowship with one another. Many ask how we are to fellowship with church buildings closed. Yes, we can still build relationships through other means. Let us remember that an actual phone conversation may lift the spirit of someone who is feeling down. Sending a positive affirmation or scripture can make a difference.

         As Believers we must use this time of quarantine and quiet to carry out the assignments God has given us. We must not back down out of fear or frustration. I believe that if are to tell how God brought us through 2020, we must stay the course. We must stand on Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Let us renew our minds, write the books, tell our testimonies, and revamp ministries. I believe there is a remnant who will confess that God is still in control of every situation. That God is still a Deliverer. That God is still a Healer. That God is still a Provider. That there is indeed nothing too hard for God. That we have victory through Christ, our Lord. I encourage all to stay positive, keep fighting temptation, be courageous and strong in your faith. There are souls assigned to you, and their spiritual lives depend on it. May God bless and keep you today and tomorrow.

Minister Pamela Nance Johnson

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Seeking a Mate Requires Wise Guidance Guest Blogger: Dr. Velma Bagby

7/7/2020

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Throughout God’s Word, He provides us direction to help us live a successful Christian life in Him. God’s direction includes His desire for women, to experience the joy of their mate’s arrival, love and marriage. Dating and seeking a mate requires wise guidance, but some fall short of their own success in discovering their mates because of the absence of wisdom. This happens even though we have access to scripture full of wise guidance and emphasizes the importance of using wisdom to make informed choices.

How does scripture explain the importance of using wisdom? Scripture provides us warnings when wisdom is not used, classifies the person who refuses wisdom or does not listen to it as a fool, warns us about what happens when we do not apply wisdom - people fall and fail without it, and there is disrespect without it. Our plans are established when we apply wise counsel; we are admonished to listen and accept it and warned not to forget its teaching. (Proverbs 12:15, 11:14, 15:22, 13:10 20:18, 1:7, 19:20, 3:1-25 ESV) Given all this and more, we tend to apply wisdom in many aspects of our Christian walk, yet women (and men) forget to apply this wisdom when it relates to dating and marriage.

Let’s examine the words wise and guidance. I love breaking down a word to gain a better understanding. Here are the online bing.com definitions for the words wise and guidance:
Wise - intelligent, learned, knowledgeable, informed, sharp, sensible, prudent, discerning, perceptive, insightful, clear-sighted, well advised, well thought out, smart, rational, sound.
Guidance - advice, counsel, direction, instruction, teaching, intelligence, information, tips, pointers, facts.

Based on the definitions for the word wise, any decision which does to pass this test is not wise, sound or smart, etc. And, the definitions for the word guidance, tells us it is well thought out counsel or instruction. As we put our definitions together, wise guidance is defined as wise, sound or smart counsel and instruction. It is interesting to see the words broken down into smaller pieces or definitions, and it is exciting to rebuild the word using the pieces we discovered. Keep in mind, our definitions point us to scripture. As Christians, the scripture is always our go-to source for direction and wisdom. In a nutshell, wise guidance describes the Word of God!

My last scripture about using wise guidance is one of my favorites for my personal wise guidance and is found in Proverbs 3:6. Proverbs 3:6a (KJV) says, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” The word acknowledge comes from the Hebrew word “yada”, which means “to know, perceive, see, discern, recognize, be acquainted with or recognize” him.  We find duplicates to the Hebrew definitions when looking at the online bing.com dictionary definitions: to recognize, honor, praise, speak highly of, address, accept, grant, allow, connect with. We learn to acknowledge Him is to make sure we see Him in everything concerning our lives.

Part of verse 6 also reads, “in ALL thy ways”, which says this practice of acknowledging, recognizing, seeing, praising, connecting with God in everything, should be natural for us. We are to consider God in everything and not just in hard times, but in our everyday lives; even when deciding about our lifelong mate. God promises to guide us and says, “He shall direct thy path.” But, we must pause to invite Him in every area.

Today, more than ever, it is important that women acknowledge God on their journey to discover their mate. God is not the person to exclude from this process. I believe God already knows who is best for you, just as he knows who He wants for that man of God, who is also prayerfully seeking.  But, when coaching single women, I found an unwillingness to apply or an absence of wisdom in their dating process.  This shows that God is being excluded.  This lack of wisdom reminds me of what Jesus said to Saul on the road to Damascus. Jesus told him in Acts 26:14(KJV) “It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” In the scripture Jesus used the analogy of the prick, the farmer and an ox. The prick was a stick which had a pointed piece of iron on the tip used to poke or puncture the ox when plowing. The farmer used the stick to prick the ox when guiding the ox in a specific direction. If the animal rebelled, it did so by kicking against the prick, which resulted in the prick being driven into its flesh. The more the ox kicked, the more it suffered.  When a Christian kick against the process God has provided to help them discover their mate and refuses to follow direction, the result will be the same was the ox who refused the farmer’s instruction.

Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust the Lord with all thine heart” and ends with a warning, “lean not to thine own understanding” - do not do your own thing or without God’s wise guidance. This verse reminds us that leaning to our own understanding or doing our own thing is rebellious. A Christian who does their own thing, outside of God’s Word, outside of His wise guidance, is in rebellion and this takes us back to the story of the farmer, ox and the prick.

To summarize, we see how a lack of wisdom can cause failure or a fall. It was never God’s plan for women to enter this journey to discover love and marriage by themselves. It was always God’s plan to direct our path, send us assistance, and help us make wise choices. We must acknowledge, know, or discern or invite Him into every aspect of our lives, at all times, every day. This should become a practice in our everyday life.
My question to every single woman: Is the process to getting your lifelong mate, husband, prophet, priest or king important enough to make seeking wise guidance your top priority? My answer is, YES, and I have been married 46 years.

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Guest Blogger - Minister Pamela Nance Johnson

6/9/2020

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What’s a Christian to Do?

As we reach the halfway mark of the year 2020, the sixth month, the world is a much different place that it was in January. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been fear, worry, chaos and uncertainty about our present and future. Our everyday lives have been affected in several ways. During these challenging times, we’ve been given orders from government officials to stay home. We’ve adjusted how we teach our children, how we work and worship. Our social interactions are limited to specified physical distances, and we are advised to wear face coverings.

If that wasn’t enough, there have been peaceful protest marches, rallies and prayer vigils to shine a light on recent acts of social injustice in America. There have been riots, looting, threats of force by military service. Amid all this, it seems the wealth gap gets wider, and those who need services and care are less likely to receive them. The Have’s and Have Nots couldn’t be more apparent. America is indeed in a crisis. That includes the church and Christians as well. However, let us keep in mind this is not the first time. The American Revolutionary War produced the Thomas Paine quote “These are the times that try men’s souls.” This quote is still echoing throughout the nation today.

During these perilous times, what are Christians to do? We can safely assume that prayer is the principle thing. If we look with our spiritual eyes, we can see God is still operating during our crisis. Prayers are being answered. There are more churches than ever using social media platforms to minister to their congregations. I believe that evangelism is going forth to those who have strayed away or stayed away from the traditional church. Ministry has truly gone beyond the walls of the church building. Sometimes God must force us to change.

However, is there more that we can do? Let us remember that times of calamity are not new to us which means they are no surprise to God either. The Bible has many examples. The book of Micah gives us clear guidance on what God requires of the church. The message came forth during a time when Israel and Judah were both so rebellious that Micah called them to repent and turn back to God. The social iniquities of that day were like what we are experiencing now.

Micah 6:8, the "Micah Mandate," holds the answer to today's spiritual and social questions. "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Regardless of your denomination, ethnicity, your title or position, we must all yield to the will of the Lord.
Throughout the Bible, the Hebrew people, and later, Christians, are called to act justly. End oppression. Take care of the poor. Treat foreigners in your land the same as your own people. Provide assistance for widows, orphans and those who need your help.

            We as Christians are to love mercy. We are quick to ask God to show us mercy. Like children, we ask that He not deal with us as we rightfully deserve in times of disobedience. How mindful are we of others to show mercy? In the practical sense, we are to exhibit mercy by being kind. This is a quality that has to do with compassion, forgiveness, and leniency. If convicted of a crime, you might plead for the judge's mercy, meaning a lesser punishment. If you are in a position of authority, remember to show mercy.

Lastly, we are to walk humbly with God, meaning allow Him to lead. If we act justly and love mercy, we will most likely walk humbly with God. If we do those things, it means we surrender our will to God. Without Him we can’t do anything successfully for the Kingdom. We may have a good idea but without his blessing, it’s not a God idea.

            I believe that just as in Micah’s day, we must seek God as our Source, our Strength and our Guide. There must be a direct connection between our faith and social concerns. If we practice the basic principles of Micah 6:8, we will show the world that we are Christians by our love.

Minister Pamela Nance Johnson

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Amazing Grace - Guest Blogger Pamela Nance Johnson

3/10/2020

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Amazing Grace, perhaps one of the most famous hymns in history: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind but now I see. Most of us have heard this song many times, but have never taken the time to research the message and meaning of the words or phrases.

What about the author, John Newton; what was his inspiration? Some people may wonder if the word wretch (a miserable person: one who is profoundly unhappy or in great misfortune, despicable, or vile person) is an overstatement or rather if he was doing too much calling himself that. John Newton didn’t think so and his life speaks to the reasons why. John Newton was born in 1725 and was raised by his Christian mother who taught him the Bible at an early age. (Yes, train up a child…) His mother died of TB when he was 7 years old. He then took on the characteristics of his father and set sail as a slave trader. Even as a teen he would be labeled a troubled child.

Today, he’d likely have been placed in foster care or juvenile detention. His rebellious behavior developed into a pattern that would go on for years While things may have seemed bleak and John destined for hell, things were about to change in his life. In 1747, and on its journey home, Newton’s ship was overtaken by an enormous storm. Newton had been reading a book called The Imitation of Christ and was struck by a line about the "uncertain continuance of life." He also recalled the passage in Proverbs 1:24 (New Living Translation) "I called you so often, but you wouldn't come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.”

John Newton was converted during that storm at sea. After leaving the slave trade, he later held Bible studies in his home in England and was ordained into ministry in 1764. In 1769 Newton began a Thursday evening prayer services. For almost every week’s service he wrote a hymn and out of this effort came Amazing Grace. He was also noted as an Abolitionist spreading the Good news until his death in 1807. After learning more about how the song was birthed out of John Newton’s pain, the words have new meaning and new life. The message is timeless.

We all have a story filled with life experiences with some degree of pain, disappointment and trouble. If not, then keep on living as the adage says. What a blessing to know that no matter how far away we are from God, he’s never far from us. No matter the time or distance, we’re never too old and it’s not too late to repent, accept the gift of salvation and live for God. The free, unmerited favor of God; His Grace, is Amazing!

*Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Minister Pamela Nance Johnson

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Guest Blogger: Susan B Chacha

2/21/2020

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For many years, we have believed lies, science, our norms, traditions, evidence we see in computers (e.g. CT SCANs) and the testimonies of others have completely crippled our faith in God regarding healing.

Do you know healing is the bread of the children of God?
Math15:22 states: “And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.’ But He answered her not a word.”

His disciples came and urged Him saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.”
He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Then, she came and worshiped Him saying, “Lord, help me!” But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” She replied, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs, which fall from their masters’ table.
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.

The enemy lies to us by saying, “It is incurable,” and we fall for it because he shows and gives us evidence (e.g. Symptoms and doctors report).

Some are sick because they think that God is glorified when they endure sickness faithfully, or that God is punishing them for something….

In Hebrews 8, the Bible says, “I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”

God receives glory when His children are healed. See additional scriptures below:

Acts 10:38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with him.
Matthew 8:16 When the evening was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick.

Also:
The leper came and worshipped before Jesus. He asked, “If you are willing, you can make me whole.” Then, Jesus touched him (Jesus didn’t give it some thought or hesitated) and said, “I will. Be healed,” and the leprosy left him (paraphrase).

Jesus is willing even today.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:14

Dangers of believing lies
· Lies harden our hearts and make us unreceptive to the word of God so we can’t see and hear the truth that we were healed.
· Lies stop the Word from working in our lives because there is nothing to produce faith. “Faith comes by hearing the Word of God” (Romans 10:17).
So let’s take the time right now to check up on ourselves and get rid of all wrong believing, replacing them with the truth of the word of God.
Look for materials, testimonies and scriptures that speak the truth about our healing in Christ Jesus.

Remember, even if we are unfaithful, God will still be faithful.

Need prayer, contact Susan at [email protected]

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God is able to Deliver! by Pamela Nance Johnson

1/5/2020

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Song: He’s Done Enough-Beverly Crawford
Scripture reference: Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)

”Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver from your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up”

The words to the song by Beverly Crawford are very simple but so powerful. “If the Lord never does anything for me, He’s done enough”.

The message of the scripture text and the song speak to God’s ability to deliver us from any situation. We must remember that God is in control not matter what we may be dealing with at the time. He is all knowing and all powerful. He can handle anything. If we take an inventory of how many times God has made a way for us, we would probably lose count. If we are really truthful and think of the times of danger we narrowly escaped, the bad decisions that didn’t yield the well-deserved consequences, we would recognize God has done enough to be just that, enough.

The three Hebrew boys, as they are often called, knew the power of their testimony even as they stood before an earthly King. They knew that God, being the Supreme King and Ruler, was able to deliver them from the hand of the enemy. They even went further to say that even if He didn’t deliver them; He was certainly able to do so. Why were they so confident in God’s ability? How could they make such a claim?

It could be that they remembered the stories and accounts from the elders or even more they recalled how God had personally delivered each of them. They didn’t forget God’s faithfulness over the years of their young lives. Going another step further still, they said to the King, that even if God didn’t deliver them, they would not bow down. How powerful is that? Can you say with confidence that God is able to deliver you? What will be your reaction if He doesn’t? Will you stay in the race to fight on another day or will you give up and bow down?

Let the words of Beverly Crawford’s song and the story of the Three Hebrew Boys encourage you.

Minister/Author
Pamela Nance Johnson