REPENTANCE AND COOPERATION

This is long but it is my testimony of God’s Healing Power…Yes, my healing was paid for 2,000 years ago; Yes, He did the work; But I have to tap into His Healing Power by asking and cooperating…

3 years ago, I went to Camp Unity very sick with a mandate from my doctor to take control of my health or else.  Everyone else was worshiping but I was fervently praying for God to heal me when He spoke these words to my spirit, “Susan, you might as well stop praying if you are going to continue to undo all of the healing I perform in you by continuing your unhealthy lifestyle.”

Then my friend, Wayne Holmes, one of the day speakers, during his teaching, simply said, “Faith is me cooperating with God.”   BOOOM!!!  It hit me…I needed to cooperate with God.

I began to put healthy foods into my body and slowly started exercising. As I continued, by Christmas, 4 months later, I was no longer taking 2 Prilosec a day and using an inhaler nightly.  By the end of January, I had weaned off of blood pressure medicine, a Tylenol PM and Benadryl every night and the hacky cough had disappeared. 9 months later, I felt healthy and had lost 75 lbs.  No fad diets, no pills, no diet drinks, no injections and no starving…just Cooperating With God, moving, putting healthy things in and letting my body work as God had designed it….

THEN LAST YEAR I STOPPED!!!!  I STOPPED COOPERATING WITH GOD!?!

By January 2018, I was sick and I ached, had no energy and could not walk without pain…Oreos became my best friend.  I knew what was wrong with me but I sought help from doctors and therapy, hoping they could do what I was not willing to fix through discipline and cooperation with God.

In July, I repented and once again began to Cooperate with God by putting healthy foods into my body.  My cough disappeared and the Prilose was put back on the shelf but I was still in excruciating pain and had a difficult time walking, standing and sleeping without taking Advil or other pain relievers.  I was doing all the stretches and going to Physical Therapy for heat treatments, ultrasound and manual massage and exercises but it wasn’t easing the pain in my back.

Then it was time for Camp Unity, I dreaded going…my clothes didn’t fit, I felt horrible and I dreaded what the 7 hour drive would do to my all ready hurting lower back.  I made it and armed with my bottle of Advil got through Sunday, Monday and all day Tuesday.  During Tuesday evening’s service, I could not even stand for praise and worship.  I sat down berating myself for not taking a couple of Advil before church.  The speaker got up and said, “Someone is in pain, there is a bone or a muscle problem and they need to step out and come up here if they want a miracle.” 

Now anyone that knows me, understands I don’t do that…I pray for others but I don’t like to broadcast all my problems, illnesses, aches and pains…but this night, God spoke to my heart and said, “If you want a miracle, step out otherwise, keep hurting.” (Somehow God’s words always sound like something my dad would have said.)

I stepped out, was prayed for and the pain was gone.  The next day, when tightness started, I rebuked it and refused to accept it in the Name of Jesus.  I made the 7 hour trip home on Thursday, cleaned out the RV, did 3 loads of laundry and slept like a baby in my own bed.  I cancelled therapy, put the Advil on the shelf and 3 weeks later I’m still healed BUT I believe if I had not repented and began cooperating with God before the night of my healing, it would not have happened.

What changes do you need in your life?   Health, Finances, Marriage, Children, Family?  Whatever the situation, if you need God to move and change the outcome, the same solution applies…START COOPERATING WITH GOD. 

Examine the things you are doing…

Are you eating healthy foods or grabbing a burger, fries and donut?

Are you living within your means and giving to the work of God as a good steward or are you spending recklessly and using God’s money to finish out the week?

Are you honoring your husband or wife as commanded in the Word of God or is their disrespect, derision and selfishness in your marriage?

Is your home Christ-centered with prayer being the first thought rather than a last resort are you an Godly example to your children or a “don’t do what I do” parent?

Do you pray for your family or dwell on only the dysfunction?

START COOPERATING WITH GOD AND WATCH GOD DO A WORK IN YOUR SITUATION!

SPIRITUAL THERAPY

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

THE PROCESS THAT LEADS TO HEALING CAN BE SO PAINFUL THAT MANY CHOOSE TO STAY WOUNDED.

For several years, I have had a nagging problem with my lower back.  Sometimes it hurt a little more than other times, but it didn’t prevent movement or hinder me from accomplishing whatever I desired; it was just always there…until February when it became a full blown problem.

I have been going to Physical Therapy to avoid surgery and believe me IT IS A PAINFUL PROCESS.  

The stretching, the manipulation, the deep heat, the electrodes and practically jumping off the table when the tenderest spots are touched…then, the sore muscles; the aching body that barely dulls your screaming back enough to sleep. 

THEN, SUDDENLY, you notice you are walking straighter, bending over without thought; you can maneuver up the stairs without dread and there were actually moments during the day when you forgot the pain.

So it is with our Spiritual Wounds.  We put up with them for so long; modifying our “walk” as they become incorporated into our daily lives.

UNTIL ONE DAY…

It becomes a full blown problem that hinders our Spiritual Walk.  We are no longer able to go through the motions or accomplish the simplest tasks of our Call.  It is time for some Spiritual PT. 

You will be stretched.   When the Holy Spirit begins to touch the most tender spots, you will cry out in pain.  Your raw and wounded heart may cause you some restless, sleepless nights as you continue to deal with the deep rooted hurts.

THEN…SUDDENLY, you notice that you are walking a little straighter; mercy and forgiveness have replaced the bitterness and vengeance; and you are focused on the plan God always intended just for you.

PREPARE FOR THE BATTLE

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.  

The enemy advances and the General prepares his troops for war.  They have drilled faithfully, their boots are shining, their weapons oiled and loaded; even the tanks have been washed and waxed.  The men and women stand at attention, hands saluting, waiting for orders as the General approaches.  A half-smile of satisfaction forms; the troops look perfect, everything is in place, ready for battle except for one vital detail…he forgot to formulate a strategic plan of attack.

OF COURSE THIS WOULDN’T HAPPEN IN THE MILITARY….BUT WHAT ABOUT IN THE SPIRITUAL?

The enemy advances and we prepare for war….but where is our strategic plan?  The enemy is not concerned with how beautiful and majestic our church buildings appears.  It doesn’t matter to him if the pews are filled with warm bodies every service; how beautiful everyone looks in their Sunday best or whether we sing hymns or the top 20 praise and worship.  He doesn’t notice our slate of programs or even pay much attention to the eloquent sermon…No all Satan and his minions are concerned with is infiltrating and distracting us from formulating a strategic plan of attack.

We have been concentrating on the trivial matters while the most important detail lies neglected and unfinished.

Do you have your armor ready?  Is your lamp clean and bright?  Have you been on your knees receiving the orders from our Leader?  Have you formed a strategic plan based on His Word?

The Weapons of our Warfare will become just beautiful artifacts if we don’t learn to use them; put on your helmet and armor, get the feel of the sword; pull on the boots and go through a few drills.  Check your lamp today; before the battle.  Has the oil level dropped?  Get back to the source and allow the Holy Spirit to overflow your vessel.  Spend the time listening, receiving and studying the strategic plan…NOW YOU ARE READY FOR BATTLE!!!

“You better look out Satan; look out.”

NO LONGER A BUZZARD

Revelation 2:17 He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a NEW NAME which no one knows except him who receives it.”

Sunday morning, sitting on a fence, by the side of the road, sat a huge bird.  “A BUZZARD,” said Steve and a chill went down my spine.  A beautiful Hawk; a majestic Eagle and my reaction would have been totally different.  I would have pulled over just to view it and tried to capture its beauty by taking a picture, but this was a Buzzard.

It really isn’t that the bird looks so horrible that I draw back in horror; no, it is because of its Nature. A Buzzard doesn’t catch the wind and soar majestically to the heights; a buzzard flies low and rides on thermals.  A Buzzard doesn’t have the sweet voice of the song bird or even the tweet of the Robin, welcoming the day; instead it only vocalizes grunts and hisses.  Buzzards lurk, fly low, looking for dead and decaying things on which to feed. ITS NATURE is to desire smelly, rotten flesh…IT IS A BUZZARD.

1 Samuel 4:21 Then she named the child, Ichabod, saying “The glory has departed from Israel!”

In 1 Samuel 4, we read that Israel went to battle and carried the Ark of the Covenant into battle with them, against the plan of God.  The Ark was captured by the Philistines and the two sons of the Eli, the Priest were killed.  When Eli’s pregnant daughter in law heard that her husband was dead and the Ark had been captured, she went into labor.  She was so overcome with grief, that when her son was born, she would have nothing to do with him and named him “The glory has departed from Israel: ICHABOD.” 

Can you imagine, an innocent child, forever bearing and proclaiming the shame of Israel, each time he heard his name.  I have often wondered, what kind of childhood did he have?  Was he teased and ridiculed?  Did his nature come to reflect his name?  Did he resent his Mother for making him the symbol of one of the darkest days in Israel’s history, just because of his name?

WHAT IF YOUR NAME REFLECTED THE PERSON YOU ARE DEEP DOWN; YOUR NATURE? 

Would you want to be called by the “Nature” you portray to the world around you?  Yes it would be horrible to be called by our nature; to be known around town by the name of your worst deeds. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

GOOD NEWS….You are not “stuck” with the name ICHABOD…You are no longer a BUZZARD, feeding on the dead and decaying carrion of this world…You do not have to be known eternally as ICHABOD…Jesus made a way. 

When you come to Jesus Christ; when you have been baptized and received His Holy Spirit, you take on HIS NAME and HIS NATURE.  The stain of ICHABOD, “the glory has departed,” is removed and JESUS, the Glory of God is applied…

YOU ARE A NEW CREATION….WITH A NEW NAME!

Wear His Name proudly; proclaim your New Name and let your New Nature reflect who you are in Christ Jesus!

WHEN GOD ASKS THE HARD THING

John 6:60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying, who can understand it?”

“I want a Word from the Lord.” Deep inside all of us is a hunger to hear God “speak.”  We need to hear Him for guidance, direction, revelation or just to know that He is still there…We need a Word from the Lord.

God still speaks through Prophets; men and women that have a special call and through much communication with God have trained their ears and heart to hear His voice.  There are actual “schools” that “teach” you to hear from God and they all sit around just waiting for God to speak to them.  Many of these “Prophets” have a following of people that just hang around those waiting so they can hear a second-hand account of what God is speaking.

Now before you get all outraged and self-righteous, let me assure you I believe in Prophets and I believe that there are times God speaks a Word of encouragement, edification and even correction through called Men and Women.  BUT…I also believe that God speaks His Word to every Spirit-filled Man and Woman who is seeking His Presence.

When a trusted brother or sister comes with a Word from the Lord especially for us, we rejoice and our heart is filled with gladness when that Word assures us of God’s love, that we are exactly where God wants us to be and that He has “great plans” for us.  We love to hear promises of “we have a hope and a future,” “we are the head and not the tail,” and “we are about to be blessed in the city and in the field, BUT…what about the times that God asks the “HARD THING?” What about the times God doesn’t have a word that feeds our flesh because He is more concerned with feeding our spirit?

Matthew 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Matthew gives us the account of a rich young ruler that came seeking a “Word” from Jesus.  His question, “What good thing can I do to inherit eternal life?”  Jesus began to speak; the flesh of the young man rejoiced and his head expanded as he mentally checked the things Jesus was saying, off his list.  Keep the commandments…CHECK.  don’t murder…CHECK; don’t commit adultery…CHECK; don’t bear false witness…CHECK; honor your father and mother…CHECK; love your neighbor as yourself…CHECK AND CHECK!  “Feeling good, Jesus, I’ve done all that since my youth.” 

Then Jesus asks the “HARD THING”… “Sell all you have, give it to the poor and come follow me.”  WHOA….WAIT JUST A MINUTE!!!  What about the nice vacation I had planned?  Surely you didn’t mean my kid’s college fund.  I worked hard for this beautiful home and the car, well it is the envy of the neighborhood.  I’ve kept all the law, “religiously,” isn’t that enough?  The Bible tells us that when Jesus asked the “HARD THING,” the young man went away sorrowfully.

Are you still sure you want to hear a “WORD FROM THE LORD?”  Are you prepared to hear the “HARD THING” that God may ask of you?  It will not feed your flesh and sometimes may actually hurt your pride.  It will not elevate you in the eyes of man but it will bring Glory to God.  There WILL BE sacrifice and the reward may not be exactly what you expected…

But your spirit will soar as you reap the harvest God has sown through you.  Your faith will expand exponentially because the “HARD THINGS” will prove that “GOD IS ENOUGH.”  The anointing realized through the “HARD THINGS” will take you places you never envisioned.  You will speak words that are not of your own thinking and you will accomplish Kingdom work that only you could accomplish for Him.

When God asks the “HARD THING,” I want to submit…I want to trust….I want to say, “Here am I, send me.”  I desire a Word from the Lord.

GO ON A LITTLE FARTHER

Genesis 22:5 Stay here with the donkey, Abraham told the servants.  “The boy and I will travel A LITTLE FARTHER.  We will worship there, then we will come right back. (NLT)

Early this morning, I had a dream.  I cannot remember all the details of the dream but the words, “GO A LITTLE FARTHER,” were dropped into my spirit. 

Genesis 22 relays the story of Abraham’s trek up the mountain, with his son Isaac, to offer sacrifice.  It wasn’t unusual for Abraham to offer sacrifice; he was a man of great faith and worshipped often.  But this time it was different, the sacrifice was to be his “only” son, the son of promise.

How heavy his heart must have felt. Every step became more laborious than the next because every step brought him closer to obeying God’s command.  His thoughts were going crazy…“God I can’t do this.” “Not my will but yours.” “What will I tell Isaac?”  “Nevertheless, I will trust in You.”

Then Isaac asks the question…

Genesis 22:7 But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am my son.”  Then he said, “Look the fire and the wood, but WHERE IS THE LAMB for a burnt offering?” (NKJV)

There it was, the hard question…Abraham could have stopped right there and said, “You’re right, let’s go hunting.” But no, his next statement is not only prophetic but it was at that point Abraham PASSED THE TEST; it was at that point he WENT ON A LITTLE FARTHER.

Genesis 22:8 And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.(NKJV)

God has asked you to do some of the “hard things.”  You’ve said, “Yes, Lord, here I am” but now you’ve come to the mountain.  You look around as you prepare to climb…Here’s the wood, you are carrying the fire, the knife is sharp and the sacrifice…The sacrifice…God really asks that of me?  Your thoughts run wild as you try to make sense of it all.  The mountain is tall and your legs are already weary. The tears flow as you take the first step.

How many times have we come to the “mountain” and we stop…the climb is too hard and the cost is too great. But this time, God says, “GO ON A LITTLE FARTHER.  It may seem that it is just you and Isaac climbing up this mountain but I am leading you into your promise.”  God knows you have what it takes to obey, now He wants to show you His Greatness; His faithfulness, but you have to “GO A LITTLE FARTHER.”

Don’t give up, yes the mountain is high; yes the task is great but GO ON A LITTLE FARTHER, God has a “lamb caught in the thicket.”

I'M WORN OUT

Daniel 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the Most High and shall WEAR OUT THE SAINTS of the Most High and think to change times and laws…

“I am so tired.” “I have no energy.” “Sometimes, life is such a struggle.”  “I just can’t face people today.”  Have you ever felt like this; ever said these words?  I have.  Sometimes life can be exhausting.

We returned home after a weekend conference, to which I wavered back and forth in even making the decision to go…I was tired, depressed….exhausted.  Of course, I am so thankful that I chose to go because the best antidote to exhaustion is spending time in the Presence of the Lord, hearing the Word of the Lord and fellowshipping with God’s people.

In the course of Friday night’s sermon, the preacher said, “he’s wearing out the saints.”  It spoke to my spirit, “You are not really exhausted, Satan is messing with your mind, your world and everything in it to WEAR YOU OUT! “

WE ARE IN A SPIRITUAL BATTLE LIKE NEVER BEFORE AND THE SAINTS ARE GROWING WEARY.

Remembering back to church as a child, I know life wasn’t easy for some of the people in the congregation but I felt their joy; I felt their faith.  I remember Old Brother Johnson, from Sweden.  He would stand to testify and usually it was the same testimony, in fact 50 years later, I can quote some of it.  As his heavily accented voice spoke, tears would run down his cheeks in gratitude to his Savior….I FELT HIS FAITH.

We didn’t have a Praise and Worship Team, we had Sister Frieda.  As her rich voice lead the church in a selection from the hymnal, the Spirit would fall.  I can still see her hands raised toward Heaven, her head thrown back, as she laughed for joy in the Spirit.  We didn’t need a band or lights or graphics on the screen, we had Sister Frieda and I FELT HER FAITH.

Today, we drag ourselves out of bed and into church because it is Sunday.  We sing a song or two, give an offering, hear a brief sermon and leave the same way we came, WORN OUT!  We are praying there is enough “gas in the tank” to last until the next Sunday because the reserves were depleted long ago. 

We had the latest Praise and Worship song on the screen, the music was just right, I paid my tithes, I heard some words, I checked this weekly obligation of my list, BUT….NO ONE FELT MY FAITH…because…I AM WORN OUT.

I NEED REVIVAL!!!  WHAT IS THE ANSWER?

Isaiah 28:11-12 For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people.  To whom He said, “THIS IS THE REST with which you may cause the weary to rest,” and THIS IS THE REFRESHING;” yet they would not hear.

LISTEN TO THE WORD OF THE LORD…THE ANSWER….THE SOLUTION TO YOUR DEPLETED RESERVES…THE REST YOU NEED IS A FILL UP OF THE HOLY GHOST.

The only way to fight spiritually is to use Spiritual Weapons…and the only way to keep your Spiritual Weapons in “fighting shape” is to spend time allowing the Holy Spirit to clean and sharpen them.

Take time today, RIGHT NOW, your spiritual life depends on it…spend the necessary time in the Presence of the Lord.  Let the Holy Spirit wash over you and fill you until it is overflowing into the reserves.  Don’t wait until Sunday, let the tears flow; throw back your head and let the joy spring forth in holy laughter. 

Take a 5 day dose of the Holy Ghost and I guarantee you that come Sunday Morning, the whole church will FEEL YOUR FAITH!!!