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Mountain of a Man
“He’s a mountain of a man!”
That phrase has been around almost as long as the mountains. Whenever I hear those words, I think of someone like Grizzly Adams. Others may think of Jed Clampett, Daniel Boone, or even Adam Pontipee from the movie “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”, played by Howard Keel.
But what is really meant when someone is referred to as a mountain man; or, when someone says, “He’s a mountain of a man”?
Stop and think with me a moment. Are all mountains the same? No? If all mountains are not the same, what are some major differences? And if there are some major differences in mountains, what about the man?
People use the “mountain man” phrase primarily to describe a man who’s big physically and/or has a lot of social or financial influence in a town, region, or some designated area. While physical size, high social standing, and financial well being are things to behold, do they really make someone big enough to be compared with a mountain? If so, which mountain?
I think we agree that all mountains were not created equal. There are HUGE mountains, medium sized mountains, and even bluffs (mountain wannabes). There are mountains that are full of timber, while others have no vegetation whatsoever. Some mountains stand alone. Most are part of a range.
Mountains have not only been used to describe people, but also kingdoms, protection and refuge. Mount Zion can refer to the Church or the City of David. Mountains describe future glory, but also help travelers maintain a constant direction.
Within many mountains one can find precious metals and minerals. Some mountains are alive, as deep within them pressure constantly rises until it finally blows its top off.
Okay. Now a big question for all of the mountain men and women. (If you can take a moment to reply in the comment section, I’d love to hear your thoughts.)
The question is: “What kind of mountain are you?”
How about “THE BLUFF” – not as big as they like to think or let on. They are approachable, fairly easy to access, but they allow them self to be walked on more than they like. They don’t blow up, but they also haven’t had the pressure within to force them to grow. So, they’re just existing. Bigger than some but not as big as they could have been.
Next we have “THE PEAK” – so grand and picturesque, every side is their “good side”. They allow people to climb up and down them, day in and day out. They’re not afraid of anything (except lightning and matches). They are popular, known throughout the world, and people travel far and wide just to have their picture taken with them. They’re not exactly accessible, as people have to go through some degree of difficulty just to see things from THE PEAK’S perspective. But if people cooperate with them on their terrain, they will finally begin to see the world as THE PEAK sees it.
How about “THE VOLCANO”? Pretty easy to spot this one. They’re known to blow their lid with little notice. They usually are rumbling all the time about something, so you can’t be sure exactly when or if they will explode on you. Typically with Volcanos, they have few close friends. People just feel safer keeping their distance.
There are few in this world who have the dubious distinction of being called “THE MOST HIGH”, and even fewer can measure up to such prominence. Now, you may wonder if I’m referring to God or His “specially chosen ones”. No, I’m referring to those who consider themselves to be so far above all others. In fact, normal people can’t even breathe the same air THE MOST HIGH breathe. To approach them you must have special gear, plenty of time to wait out any sudden storms, climb at just the right season, and risk your life trying to get to the first camp. They are beautiful to photograph, but impossible to know. They stand gloriously alone; unequaled, yet alone.
Finally, I’ll mention my favorite. This is the kind of mountain I want to be. I call it “THE ENCOURAGER”. Tall enough to give you a good view, yet easy to access with little effort. No special gear needed, you can breathe the same air as the “ENCOURAGER”, and you can explore to your hearts content. This is the mountain that offers year round beauty, fellowship, and fresh perspective each time you address it.
Five kinds of mountains:
THE BLUFF, THE PEAK, THE VOLCANO, THE MOST HIGH, or THE ENCOURAGER.
“He’s a mountain of a man!” But what kind of mountain?
WHAT KIND ARE YOU?
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Israel, You Are Not Forsaken
Israel, you are not forsaken…
Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. I will be patient as the Lord punishes me, for I have sinned against him. But after that, he will take up my case and give me justice for all I have suffered from my enemies.
The Lord will bring me into the light, and I will see his righteousness. Then my enemies will see that the Lord is on my side. They will be ashamed that they taunted me, saying, “So where is the Lord – that God of yours?” With my own eyes I will see their downfall; they will be trampled like mud in the streets.
In that day, Israel, your cities will be rebuilt, and your borders will be extended.
People from many lands will come and honor you – from Assyria all the way to the towns of Egypt, from Egypt all the way to the Euphrates River, and from distant seas and mountains. But the land will become empty and desolate because of the wickedness of those who live there.
O Lord , protect your people with your shepherd’s staff; lead your flock, your special possession. Though they live alone in a thicket on the heights of Mount Carmel, let them graze in the fertile pastures of Bashan and Gilead as they did long ago.
“Yes,” says the Lord , “I will do mighty miracles for you, like those I did when I rescued you from slavery in Egypt.” All the nations of the world will stand amazed at what the Lord will do for you. They will be embarrassed at their feeble power.
They will cover their mouths in silent awe, deaf to everything around them. Like snakes crawling from their holes, they will come out to meet the Lord our God. They will fear him greatly, trembling in terror at his presence.
Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!
You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago. (Micah 7:8-20 NLT)
Because I love Zion, I will not keep still. Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch.
The nations will see your righteousness. World leaders will be blinded by your glory. And you will be given a new name by the Lord ’s own mouth. The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see – a splendid crown in the hand of God.
Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City” or “The Desolate Land.” Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight” and “The Bride of God,” for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride.
Your children will commit themselves to you, O Jerusalem, just as a young man commits himself to his bride. (Isaiah 62:1 – 62:5 NLT)
Then God will rejoice over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.
O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray day and night, continually. Take no rest, all you who pray to the Lord . Give the Lord no rest until he completes his work, until he makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth.
The Lord has sworn to Jerusalem by his own strength: “I will never again hand you over to your enemies. Never again will foreign warriors come and take away your grain and new wine. You raised the grain, and you will eat it, praising the Lord . Within the courtyards of the Temple, you yourselves will drink the wine you have pressed.”
Go out through the gates! Prepare the highway for my people to return! Smooth out the road; pull out the boulders; raise a flag for all the nations to see. The Lord has sent this message to every land:
“Tell the people of Israel, ‘Look, your Savior is coming. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.’”They will be called “The Holy People” and “The People Redeemed by the Lord .” And Jerusalem will be known as “The Desirable Place” and “The City No Longer Forsaken (Isaiah 62 NLT)
Israel is always in the news. And though much of the world is totally against this tiny nation (geographically speaking), The Lord God has not forgotten the Covenant He made with Abraham many years ago.
Israel, the Name hated by the world but loved by their Creator. After all, it was Abraham’s God Who changed Jacob’s name to Israel. Israel, one who has fought with God and with man, and prevailed. (Genesis 32)
Israel, the nation God used to bless the world! The word He spoke to Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3 NLT)
Israel. Though nations are trying to pick it apart, as one would pick chicken off a bone, their trouble will last for a brief moment longer. As Ezekiel has said, over and over in his prophetic writings, “then shall they know I am The Lord God.” When? After The Lord has miraculously delivered them from their enemies.
Israel, the apple of God’s eye. And though His eye has cried over the condition of His beloved: the rejection, rebellion, and ruin throughout the years; He has kept Israel in the deepest place of His heart.
Israel, as certain as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, you are The Nation of The Covenant. You are “Bethel” (house of bread) to the world. The Grace and Truth God poured into you, and through you, has eternally affected millions of people.
Israel. Some would say you are separated, divorced, from your God. Some would say your sins have declared you unfit for the Holy God. But you will find His compassions fail not; they are new every morning. You will discover His faithfulness far greater than your transgressions.
Israel. You will soon witness the saving power of The Lord, your Maker. You will recognize Him as He comes to you with healing in His wings. You will stand firm, as His everlasting arms support you. You will come to know the Name of Abraham’s Ram that was caught in the thicket; the One that was slain in Isaac’s stead. And you will cry out, “the Lord, my Provider!”
Israel, your Banner and Shield is covering you once again. He is your Shepherd and will see you through to the end.
Israel, rejoice! For the end will be your beginning!
Israel, you are not forsaken.
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Who’s Turn Is It To Move?
Almost any time a group of people sit down to play a game, regardless of the game, there’s one phrase that is probably repeated more than any other. “Who’s turn is it to move?”
Years ago when my wife’s granddad was alive, the three of us got together a number of times to play Dominos. Not the game where you place them on their edge, line them up and knock them down. No, we actually played the version that entails adding the spots, trying to place a domino that would make the count on the table a multiple of 5, and continue playing until someone reached 500 points.
Sometimes my mind works faster than other times. But it seemed like it was a “slow mind day” every time we’d play Granddad. I’d sit at the table, dominos in front of me, trying to figure out my next move. Pretty soon I’d hear him say, “Play one, look at the rest.” Of course that really meant, “It’s your turn to move, so hurry up.” This was funny to my wife and I, because Granddad always took longer than anyone else when it was his turn.
I got to thinking about this today when my mind wandered over to thoughts about the Kingdom of God, and then the Move of God. I realize neither the Kingdom or the Move is a game, but, sorry, my mind sometimes works this way.
In my mind, I began remembering the different ways God has “moved” throughout history. I’ll share, briefly, a few “for instances” to help explain my point.
The first “move” to discuss was when the children of Israel were in the desert, on their way to the promised land. Remember the story? God’s people were led by the Pillar of Cloud by day, and the Pillar of Cloud by night. The Pillar moved, then the congregation, under Moses’ leadership, moved.
Another time, in Numbers 13 and 14, the Lord moved when the 12 spies returned. The movement began when Joshua and Caleb said, “the land is just like God said; so let’s rise up and take it because we are well able.” It then became the congregation’s turn to move. However, they forfeited their move through doubt and unbelief. Later, they decided to “try it” anyway, not realizing it wasn’t their move any longer. That move cost them about 30 lives…
God “moved” upon David’s heart, after he was installed as the new king, to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. It was David’s turn to move, but, according to 2 Samuel 6, David didn’t move according to God’s plan and it cost the life of Uzzah. Later, though, God moved again upon David and, this time, David followed God’s instruction. As a result, a greater move took place as the Lord watched over Jerusalem from His place between the cherubim.
Fast forward several hundred years to another “move” planned by the Lord. The Angel appeared to Mary, giving her news from the very Throne of God. I can’t imagine what went through her head as she listened. The Lord was preparing another “move”, a move that would change the world and the universe! So, God took His turn to move as the Angel spoke His plans.
Now it was Mary’s turn. And move she did. She said, “Be it unto me according to Thy Word.” Her move was to believe and receive the Word of the Lord.
Down through the centuries, in various ways, places, and times, God has “moved” upon a group of people to begin to carry out His plans and purposes for His Kingdom. I believe we’re fast approaching another “move”, maybe the final “move” for this age as we know it.
But who’s turn is it to move? What if we’re all sitting around the table, dominos in front of us, waiting for the Lord to take His turn, when, in fact, it’s really our turn to move? What if we’re waiting for a huge cosmic sign from Heaven, a lightning bolt, a prophetic word, an itch on the bottom of our foot; whatever else someone might take as a sign, to declare to us it’s now our turn?
I will simply say, “play one, look at the rest.” It’s our turn to move! We have His Word telling us to go. He’s even told us where to go, “into all the world”, and how to go, “in My Name”. If we wait, we could end up forfeiting our turn, which, as we have seen, can be very costly!
Yes, God has times and seasons in which He does specific things. But the specific thing He is really focused on right now, today, 2013, is reaching someone else with Life. He’s taken His turn by sending His Son and raising Him from the dead. He then sent the Spirit of God to lead us and empower us.
IT IS OUR TURN TO MOVE!!!
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Call the Contractor
Suppose you need a roof fixed, house painted, or sidewalk repaired? What do you do?
Well, you probably call a friend, ask the computer, or ask the audience…oops, that’s a game show. Sorry.
Back to the call a friend. You call someone you trust who has had sort of the same experience. Or, if that doesn’t work, you look in the phone book and check out the ads. Another possible idea would be to visit a business and pick up some literature, such as a brochure or business card, describing the work the company does.
Of course, you’ll be very interested in the warranties and guarantees. You’ll probably look for the little triple B icon, indicating membership to the Better Business Bureau.
That’s all fine and dandy, and a good place to start. It can help you decide your next step in getting your work completed.
But all the warranties and guarantees won’t get your house painted. Having good friends that point you to a reputable contractor won’t fix the roof! And just because the company is the largest in the state won’t repair your sidewalks!
No, there’s one more thing to do before any repair or restoration can take place.
You have to ask the contractor to come to your house! Until he starts doing the work the promises, warranties and guarantees mean nothing.
You’ll also discover, after the contractor begins his work, that a new relationship is forming. He used to be someone only others talked about. Now he’s someone you know. His promises used to seem too good to be true. Now you know they’re both good and true. You may have thought that because your house wasn’t as bad as someone else’s, the contractor couldn’t possibly have time for your project.
Or maybe you really didn’t think the roof needed repair. But now…
Once you call him, everything starts changing. With each visit you see evidence that your house can really be just what the designer intended it to be. Every time the contractor unloads the tools from his truck, you have an assurance deep within that everything is gonna be alright. Blessed assurance!
And to think, all you had to do was ask.
When you finally realize you’re broken, call your friend, visit a church, read about the warranties and guarantees. But don’t stop there.
Call the Contractor and give Him the job. Repair and Restoration is His specialty.
His phone number is JER 33:03 “Call unto Me and I will answer you; and show you great and mighty things which you don’t know.”
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The Power of Encouragement
“What if the spirit of encouragement ran rampant throughout the church?”
These are the words I heard The Lord speak to me one evening last June. That question has stirred the heart of my wife and I over and over ever since. The incident, the scripture, that stirred “the question” that night is the subject of this blog. It also was the catalyst The Lord used to lead me to writing a book, “the Power of Encouragement”, published in October by Westbow Press.
I had been reading in the Word about the Apostle Paul, at the time he was just getting saved, Acts, chapter 9. He had an encounter with Jesus that literally rocked his world! He never looked at things the same after that experience.
Saul began his walk with Jesus as a New Creation in Christ. As with all of us, he started his walk as a baby Christian. Babies are so cute! But they also can be very demanding, touchy, and convinced the whole world revolves around them. Every believer goes through the baby stage; but unfortunately, some never outgrow it.
Anyway, Saul began preaching Jesus all over the town. Please, please, please understand this truth: preaching does not equate with spiritual maturity! Baby Saul was trying to introduce Damascus to Jesus! Some of the people were excited to meet Him, but enough others only wanted to shut Saul’s mouth; permanently. So his friends sent him to Jerusalem, by dark of night.
When he arrived, he tried to get a face to face meeting with the church leaders. But when they saw Saul’s name on their caller id, all they could think of was the old Saul, the persecutor of the church. So they stayed clear. But a prophet/teacher by the name of Barnabas had heard about Saul’s conversion and his preaching experience in Damascus, and welcomed him; introducing Saul to his circle of friends.
Saul started preaching again! I think he figured his reputation alone could draw a good sized crowd. He was right! Problem was, they weren’t there for a revival. They were there for a funeral. Saul’s! So, once again, he packed up and moved; back home.
This is what grabbed my heart in studying this part of scripture. I’d never seen it, or heard it preached like this. The thing The Lord showed me was Saul went back home to Tarsus! He didn’t go to plant a church, lead a cell group, or anything else but just go home.
Nothing wrong with going home. Nothing wrong with taking a break. But Saul was there for quite some time. I’m convinced he would have stayed there had it not been for Barnabas who went to Tarsus to find him.
Barnabas, the Encourager! See how powerful encouragement can be. It is strong enough to handle the burdens of others, enduring enough to make a long journey for a friend. It’s passionate about seeing people walk in and fulfill their calling, and stubborn enough to not take no for an answer.
So what if the Church was to be overrun by Barnabas’? What if the spirit of encouragement ran rampant in our fellowships? What if each of us set aside our own agendas, preferences, prejudices, and whatever else that gets in the way; what if we just decided to help encourage others regardless of the personal cost?
Well, what would the Church look like today if, 2000 years ago, someone named Barnabas had decided he really didn’t have the time or resources to encourage some fairly new Christian named Saul?
How many “Saul’s” are right now sitting at home, discouraged and disillusioned about church, ministry, or life in general?
Too many…
Throughout my book I look at different ways to help stir up the spirit of encouragement in the church, starting with you and I. There is also a section to help the reader learn how to encourage themselves.
The book is available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other book distributors. Any bookstore can order it for you, as well. It is also available in eBook format.
The whole reason for the book and this post is to ask the question again and again: “what if the spirit of encouragement ran rampant throughout the church?”
My prayer is, “Lord, may we find out!”
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Actions Speak Louder
Light Picture by FB Friend Connie Anderson. Used with permission There’s a saying I like and it goes like this: “Your walk talks and your talk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.” In other words, “Actions speak louder than words.”
Do you find that to be true?
How do you respond when you hear someone say, “I love you”, but their actions seem to contradict their words? How does it make you feel? How much can you trust someone who says one thing but does another?
I remember a time in my life, about 20 years ago. Because of my self-indulgent behavior, wandering eyes, lustful heart and uncontrolled thoughts, I brought hellish confusion and destruction into my family and those who were connected with my life. My family was blown apart! My wife and I split up and, for a while, it seemed as though there was no hope of reconciliation. My son didn’t know what to think, my wife couldn’t think, and I acted like a mad man!
I resigned from the church my wife and I had planted 10 years prior. But I was so out of control, it didn’t matter. I was so focused on feeding the cravings of my flesh, no one knew me. I remember our marriage counselor saying to me one day, “Jan, with your attitude, you’re headed back to the streets; back to the gutter.” For an hour or two that statement bothered me. But it didn’t take long until I was trying to satisfy the lusts within that were screaming for attention.
After a few months, lots of people praying, several counseling sessions, heated discussions, and saying, “I’m sorry” countless times, we began the process of rebuilding. Of course, our marriage was just part of the picture that needed rebuilt. Our individual lives had been blown apart because the one thing that held us together had been violated, over and over.
Trust.
Regardless of how many times I said I was sorry (and meant it!), my words could not erase what had happened. My words alone could not make the healing and restoration process any shorter.
What a long process! So many hurts to heal, tears to dry, and bridges to rebuild. I soon discovered it was a lot harder rebuilding trust than building it initially. Just like building a house, it’s easier to build a new house than to rebuild an old one. With a new house there isn’t any old debris to clean up first. You can begin building right away, once the lot is prepared. But with a rebuild, all the old has to be removed before anything else can be done. When trust has been violated, part of what was built is demolished and lies on the ground in a heap. That heap has to be dealt with first.
So rebuilding can only begin with an action, not a word, that supports the building of trust, a trust relationship. Such as accountability, tenderness, and listening to the pain and hurts of the one violated. Standing over someone with your hands on your hips, shouting, “I said I’m sorry; why don’t you believe me?” doesn’t speed up the process. It only lengthens it.
I went to see a counselor quite a bit during those weeks and months of the restoration process. God used him to help me see who I really was, not who I thought I was, or was trying to be. One day, after I had been seeing him for almost a year, my wife and I planned a trip to see her family. It was to be the first trip back home since I had brought such havoc into our lives. Of course, I was very apprehensive about seeing her parents and siblings. I was truly sorry for what I had done, was working very hard to rebuild and regain what I had thrown away; and I wanted my in-laws to know how much I had changed.
A day or two before we left on our trip I had a session with my counselor. I told him of our planned trip and mentioned my apprehension. As he listened to me explain how I really wanted people to know I was a new guy, that I’d changed and would never treat my wife in such a way ever again, he calmly leaned forward and made a statement that I’ve kept with me ever since.
He said, “Jan, you don’t have to say a word. As a matter of fact, it would be better if you kept quiet about how you’ve changed. Just show them. They won’t believe your words, but eventually they will believe your actions if you are consistent.”
He was definitely right. Actions speak louder than words!
It was several years after the bomb exploded in my life, after we began the process of rebuilding, that my wife said something to me that I’ll never forget. She told me that she trusted me more than she ever had! That was such a powerful word to me. It was a word that had been proven by more than mere words, but by actions.
By the way, we just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary! Hallelujah!
Whether you are trying to convey your love for someone, your care and compassion; or maybe you’re trying to get your friends or family to believe God loves them; let’s face it. Words can help at times. But at other times, especially when people have been hurt, not by God, but by His people, words will only get in the way.
God didn’t sit on His throne in Heaven and give us a shout, “I LOVE YOU!” He didn’t just send a prophet or an angel to earth with a coded message declaring His love for mankind. No, the scriptures reveal “that God SHOWED His love for us – while we were still sinners (completely at odds with Him and His Holiness).” Yes, God’s walk talks, and His talk talks, but His walk talks louder than His talk talks!
That’s how we know He really loves us. Because He SHOWED us. His actions supported His Words.
They still do. He still does. Do you? Will you?
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Creative Genius
MacGyver, what a genius!He could do anything with practically nothing. He’d use his Swiss Army Knife, a paper clip, a little water and soda, ammonia, gum, baling wire, rope, duct tape and anything else he could find to use to get out of all sorts of scrapes. Plus, save the day for other people!
MacGyver, the hero of the good and nemesis of the bad. You could tell a lot about people’s character by listening to their opinion of the man, MacGyver.
I’ve seen the tee shirts out there…”What would MacGyver do?”, “Don’t just fix it, MacGyver it!”, “I saw this on MacGyver once”, and, “I’m kind of like the Anti-MacGyver. I can take any perfectly working object and turn it into unusable junk.”
MacGyver, the man, the legend, the genius!
Not to take anything away from the genius, but I have to mention Someone else; a friend of mine, actually, Who is REALLY a creative genius! In fact, He’s so good at creativity, He was able to make a universe out of a dream and a word! How awesome is that?
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. He also restored the earth when it was covered with water and darkness. No duct tape, no paper clip, no gum. His heart full of dreams and His creative power-filled words was all it took.
Think about the imagination God must have!
Look around and see variety in every living thing. Look into a microscope and witness His creative imagination in such minute detail. Gaze into the heavens with a telescope and view the creative imagination of God on such a scale that staggers the imagination.
And to think the Lord said, “Let us make man in Our image; after Our likeness.”
Just ponder this thought…where did man get his ability to dream, to imagine, to create…?
Where did MacGyver get his?
Where did you get yours?
Certainly not from a monkey!
Scriptures teach that, “Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God…and through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see – such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:15,16 (NLT)
There isn’t anything broken the Lord can’t fix. Nothing is beyond His ability to repair. He is not limited by our lack of answers, ability, imagination or even inspiration. We cannot limit God just because we aren’t as big or powerful as He is. The only way we can ever limit God is… choosing to not believe Him and trusting in our own ability instead. (Psalm 78:41; Mark 6:6)
Our own ability – as imaginative, resourceful, and creative as it is, still falls far short of what God has done through Jesus Christ. For our earthly life and the eternal life to come.
It’s nice to see people like MacGyver in the world. It’s great to know people that can do just about anything, and do it well.
But I like to imagine the One Who loved me and gave Himself for me – I like to picture Him as the One Who is the Creative Genius, the Master Builder, the One Who’s more than enough for each and every situation in my life.
He not only saved my day, He has saved my life; for all eternity!
Now that’s creative genius!
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Why I Believe Jesus Is The Healer
There are many viewpoints regarding the subject of healing, specifically pertaining to these questions: “Does God heal?”, “Does He heal today?”, “Is healing a ‘new age’ subject?”, “Does God give people cancer?”, “Is there such a thing as ‘faith healing’?”. On and on the questions flow, accompanied by answers that sometime bring more confusion and doubt than anything else.I understand my viewpoint is simply what it is; my opinion. While I like to think my study, background, experience, and faith give credibility to my opinion, I know that I can’t convince anyone of the truth. It will take Someone much greater than I to bring that about. Therefore, my intention for this post is not to convince anyone to embrace my opinion as the ultimate, complete truth on the matter. My aim is simply to explain why I believe Jesus is the same today as He was 2000 years ago; and because He’s the same, He is doing the same things He did then. Such as, healing the sick.
This post may end up in your mind as just another one of many opinions. But to me, this is life! (Scriptures are listed at end of post for those desiring more research.)
So here goes:Why I believe Jesus is the Healer
(and Father God still heals today):
1. God created us – every part of us. He knows how to fix us
2. He created everything by His Word and faith
3. His Word is Life and Health
4. He sent His Word to heal
5. His Word runs swiftly
6. When sickness touched the Israeli camp, the Lord showed them a tree
7. God Himself is the Tree of Life
8. He referred to Himself as The Lord That Heals
9. God has declared that He forgives all iniquity and heals all diseases
10. Under the Old Covenant there was provision for healing. New Covenant is better!
11. Even after sin and rebellion, The Lord made healing provision
12. When the children of Israel left Egypt, there was not one feeble among them
13. God has answered the prayers of multitudes and has promised to answer ours
14. The Lord promised to restore health and heal wounds
15. Jesus, the Suffering Servant, Savior, bore our sins and carried our diseases
16. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever
17. Jesus: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me…”to preach, heal, proclaim and open
18. Multitudes sought to touch Him and He didn’t try to outrun them!
19. Whoever touched Him was made whole
20. He never denied healing to anyone who came to Him believing
21. Jesus receives all who come to Him…this includes coming to Him for healing
22. People came to Jesus desperately seeking His touch, and got it!
23. The early church was given the same mission as Jesus
24. Paul wrote that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation
25. When a crippled man heard Paul preach, he had faith to be healed and walked
26. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil
27. Jesus went about doing good, and healing
28. Jesus believed that sickness is of the devil; the devil is the author of disease
29. Jesus told the leper that healing was His will
30. Jesus told the Gentile woman that healing was the children’s bread
31. John prayed for the church to prosper and be in health
32. The peace of God that passes understanding is wholeness for the complete man
33. Paul prayed that our whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved…
34. James:Sick?Then call for the elders to pray the prayer of faith and heal the sick
35. Even sinners (so as to include ALL mankind) can find healing and forgiveness
36. Jesus doesn’t send sickness and disease to teach His people
37. Jesus said, “If you’ve seen Me, you’ve seen the Father.”
38. His grace (His willingness to use His ability) is sufficient for our every need
39. Whatever things you ask for in prayer, they shall be granted you
40. The law of the Spirit of life in Jesus set us free from the law of sin and death
41. The Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in me, giving life to my body
42. God loves me and delights in my prayers
43. His promises are Yes! and Amen! in Christ
44. If two or three will agree on earth…
45. “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done; as in Heaven, so on earth
46. Not one word has ever failed
47. Forever His Word is settled in Heaven
48. Jesus is the Word of God
49. Nothing is impossible with God
50. With God, ALL THINGS are possible
51. The only time Jesus didn’t heal much was when the people wouldn’t believe
52. Without faith it’s impossible to please God…but with it…
53. His Name is above every name, including that of sickness and disease
54. Jesus means salvation
55. No good thing will He withhold from them who walk uprightly
56. Every good and perfect gift… Healing is a gift, a good gift
57. Jesus is God AlmightyJust some reasons why I believe Jesus is the Healer and healing is God’s will. But don’t take my word for it. God’s Word is life to those who find it and health to all their flesh. And…
faith still comes, grows and changes things.
Healing Scriptures: Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 139; Hebrews1:1-3; 11:1-6; Psalm 107:20; 103:3; 147:15; Numbers 21; Exodus 15:22-26; Psalm 105:37; Proverbs 15:9,29; Matthew 7:7; Mark 11:22-24; Jeremiah 17:14; 30:17; Isaiah 53:4-6; 61:1-3; Luke 4:18; Hebrews 13:8; Matthew 4:23-25; Luke 5:15; 6:17; Mark 5; 16:15-20; Romans 1:16; 10:9,10,17; Acts 14:7-10; 1 John 3:8; Acts 10:38; Luke 13; Matthew 8:1-3; 15:26; 3 John 2; Philippians 4:6-8; James 5:15-16; John 14-16; John 6; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 12:7-10; Romans 8:1,2,11-14; Luke 11:5-13; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Matthew 18:19; 1 Kings 8:56; Psalm 119:89; John 1:1-4; Luke 1:37; 18:27; Mark 3:1-6; 6:1-6; Psalm 84:11,12; Philippians 2:9-11; Matthew 1:21; James 1:17; John 10:30
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Take Off That Red Cape!
Clark Kent, that mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet, was quite a man. He could do all the things Superman could do (because that’s who he really was), but didn’t do anything unless he was wearing his big “S” and long red cape.
Wonder what the deal was. I mean, when he learned of trouble, especially if Lois was involved, he’d find a closet or phone booth, take off his glasses, remove his suit, and voila! He’s Superman!
But why couldn’t he fly, hit people, lift buildings, and dazzle Lois while wearing his “reporter” clothes? He was the same guy, he just looked different. Was it that people wouldn’t receive his help if he didn’t look like a superhero? Would people say, “who does he think he is? Why, we know his parents and they aren’t anything special!”
I don’t really know, but maybe it had something to do with public perception and expectations. Everyone had their idea of how a superhero should look, dress, talk and act. Maybe the adoration and praise from his adoring fans helped give him the super powers he demonstrated. And maybe, just maybe, he longed for the worship of others; he needed the worship and praise of others to help him get through life.
Pastoring, preaching, ministering is usually non-eventful. Most preachers DO NOT ” ring the bell” with every message they preach! Most weeks, even the busy ones, can be mundane and repetitious. Make phone calls, hospital calls, study, pray, visit Sister Ima Complainer and Brother Noah Good, mow the lawn, clean the church…week in and week out. So tempting to look for something, anything, that will put some “wow” into the ministry and get a larger audience (I mean, adherents). Never mind that the work they’re doing IS making a difference; no, they want others to know how super they really are.
Have you noticed how the churches in America are so competitive? Who are they competing with? Their brothers and sisters in Christ. For what? More people. Sound like a great thing? Keep in mind most “church growth” is really saints moving from church to church. Why do most move? They’re looking for the guy in the red cape that can put on the best show in town!
I suppose that’s a natural thing, eh? But the Apostle Paul didn’t think it was a commendable trait to act “naturally” or “carnally” (1 Cor. 3). He told the Corinthians to quit putting one person above the other and, instead, look to Christ. He said believers should be “spiritual” people.
Regardless whether or not people expect to see me in a red cape, I must remember who I am with or without the cape. God didn’t call and anoint me to put on a show, win people’s approval, sell the most tickets, or even leap tall buildings in a single bound. Now, He may have me do it now and then; but you can be assured He won’t have me changing in a phone booth before I do! He won’t have me pasting on a special smile for the cameras, practicing my “anointed gyrations”, or anything else just to make the next “show” more exciting than the last.
I am who I am in Him. And He made you who you are in Him! He is our strength and power. He’s all we need! So take off the red cape and comb your hair! Get rid of the cute little curl; that one that makes you look like that certain super guy.
Maybe when the American church decides to quit idolizing the ministers, and the ministers stop seeking and feeding on the praise and worship of the people, God will really "put on a show" that will change lives for eternity!
May we see Him demonstrate His speed, power, and ability…amen.
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Yes, Shepherds!
God summoned His angels one day to explain His next installment of the Plan of the Ages. “And you are going to appear to a group of shepherds, as they are watching over their flocks. You’ll find them just outside the town of Bethlehem”, He said.
“Shepherds?”, one of them incredulously asked. “We’ve watched those kind of guys for years! Haven’t noticed much use for holy things among ’em, for sure. Why, you ought to hear the way some of them talk!”
“I’ve been around when some were even smoking and drinking!”, another angel chimed in. “By the time I left, I had to get something to spray on my clothes to cover that awful smell.”
One by one, on and on, they voiced their concerns to the Almighty. “After all”, they argued, “we’ve even witnessed them cussing! You just can’t trust what may come out of their mouths! Shepherds? Really? Are You sure?”
“Yes, shepherds!”, the Master Planner responded. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll continue.”
As they quietly watched and listened, He continued with the Plan. “Shepherds, though maybe a little rough and worldly, are just the kind of people I can reach. They aren’t pretentious or preoccupied with their own importance.”
Remember David? He was quite a young man when he caught My eye and captured My heart as he worshipped. He was a shepherd, remember? But he was faithful, and humble.
These shepherds I’m sending you to will repeat exactly what you tell them. My story, My plan, will be safe with them. They have no hidden agenda. They will simply respond as reporters; they’ll report and the rest of the world will decide.”
As the angels got ready to meet with the shepherds that first Christmas morning, I’m sure there was a sense of awe among them as they reflected on the words of their Master. To think that the God of the universe would choose people like shepherds to reveal Himself, His plan, and His Provision to; remarkable.
By the way, nothing has changed in this regard. The “high and mighty” never do well with an announcement such as the shepherds received. For “the humble receive from Him, but the rich go away empty.” In other words, when people think they have it all together, they don’t feel the need for something better. Folks that are full of themselves don’t make very good witnesses and reporters. Even preachers…uh, sorry. Better stick with my story.
Shepherds…probably not a clean one in the lot. But God saw them as the perfect ones to proclaim what they saw and heard; “The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.”(Luke 2:11 – 20 NLT)
Shepherds. Not saints, but, yes, good enough for God.
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
