Do you ever find yourself caught up in the whirlwind of negativity, racing through life at a fast pace without taking a moment to pause and reflect? In our modern world, it’s all too easy to get swept away by the chaos and noise around us, leaving little time for introspection. But what if we took a step back and focused on remembering the deeds of the Lord?
This unique perspective offers a powerful opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and spiritual growth. Testimony is telling the truth about God. It invites Him to do it again and encourages us that since He’s done it before He will do it again. We’ve been through the fire and not been burned and through the floods and not been overwhelmed. Remembering those high points—that looked like low points—helps us to have patient endurance.
May this Negativity Fast Reflection - Remember The Deeds Of The Lord help you to remember to testimony of God and help you remember you will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
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I remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I remember what he’s done in my life. Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He has redeemed my life from the pit and crowned me love and compassion.
What has God done for me on this journey?
Next Steps
Live LIGHT Above the Negativity Course - Move from being easily regularly frustrated, usually feeling busy, often afraid or easily angered to having peace at all times and in every situation. https://revtrev.link/bless
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The Empty Tomb tells us Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! In this enlightening message, we explore the profound significance of the empty tomb, a cornerstone event in Christian theology. Discover why the empty tomb is not just a historical question but a transformative moment that has impacted millions of lives across centuries. We'll discuss the historical, theological, and personal implications of this event, offering insights into how it continues to influence faith, hope, and understanding in our lives today. Whether you're deeply rooted in your faith, seeking answers, or simply curious about the historical contexts and interpretations, this video provides a thoughtful examination of why the empty tomb matters.
The Empty Tomb tells us Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
The Story of the ressurection through the eyes of Luke, Matthew and John
Luke 24:1-8 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 “The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”’ 8 Then they remembered his words.
Matthew 28:8-15 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’ 11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, ‘You are to say, “His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.” 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.
John 20:3-9 3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped round Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)
Luke 24:13-35 13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognising him. 17 He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’ They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’ 19 ‘What things?’ he asked. ‘About Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.’ 25 He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going further. 29 But they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’ 33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognised by them when he broke the bread.
John 20:19-31 19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’ 24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.’ 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ 27 Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’ 28 Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ 29 Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’ 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Can I pray?
I have a question for you that you might not have thought about for some time.
Why does the empty tomb matter?
Before you give your automatic response, I want you to think about a couple things that you might not have thought about before.
1. Crucifixion was common
2. Resurrections happen.
Let me explain.
1. Crucifixion was common
Crucifixion - though horrific - wasn’t that uncommon in the Roman world. From at least the 6th century BC until the 4th century AD when Emperor Constantine abolished it in reverence to Jesus Christ.
Crucifixions were applied for a wide range of offenses, including but not limited to acts of piracy, slave revolts, desertion by soldiers, treason, and other crimes considered serious by the Roman state.
The most notorious mass crucifixion was following the Spartacus rebellion (73-71 BC), where around 6,000 slaves and rebels were crucified along the Appian Way from Capua to Rome as a warning to others.
Given the extensive use of crucifixion for various crimes across different regions of the Roman Empire over nearly a millennium, the total number of crucifixions could be in the tens or even hundreds of thousands.
Jesus was only one of three who where crucified the day he died.
Crucifixion-though horrific-was fairly common.
2. Ressurection happen
Elijah raised the son of the widow in Zarephath. (1 Kings 17)
Elisha raised the son of the Sunammite Women. (2 Kings 4)
A dead man came back to life when we touched the bones of Elisha. (2 Kings 13)
Peter raised Tabitha (Acts 9)
Paul raised Eutychus (Acts 20)
Jesus never came early (Matthew 9:25), just in time (Luke:13-15) or late (John 11:43-44) to a funeral where the person wasn’t raised back to life.
When Jesus died tombs were also opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised and they came out of the tombs after His resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many. Matthew 27:52-53
Resurrections are amazing miracles…but they happened before Jesus and after Jesus. They are still happening today. We don’t start a new religion every time someone comes back from the dead.
Why does the empty tomb matter?
1. The cross proved He is human. The empty grave proved He is God.
Here are 8 Places Jesus Calls Himself the Son of God
1. Matthew 11:27 All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son desires to reveal Him.
2. Mark 14:61-62 But He kept silent and did not answer anything. Again the high priest questioned Him, “Are You the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus, “and all of you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.
3. John 3:16-18 For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.
4. John 5:25 I assure you: An hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.
5. John 9:35-37 When Jesus heard that they had thrown the man out, He found him and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” “Who is He, Sir, that I may believe in Him?” he asked Jesus answered, “You have seen Him; in fact, He is the One speaking with you.”
6 John 10:36 do you say, ‘You are blaspheming’ to the One the Father set apart and sent into the world, because I said: I am the Son of God?
7. John 11:4 When Jesus heard it, He said, “This sickness will not end in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
8. John 17:1 Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said: Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son so that the Son may glorify You,
And Jesus told people the sign He is who He claims to be is the sign of Jonah
Matthew 12:39-40 He answered, ‘A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
To my knowledge; every one else who ever rose again didn’t tell people they would rise again. Everyone I can think of who predicted they would rise again are still in the tomb.
The Jesus of History is the Christ of Faith.
He proved it to Thomas; he’s probably proved it to you in the past. The good news is he can prove it to you whenever you need it.
Will you ask him reveal himself to you? Will you put yourself in a place for greater revelation?
2. The empty tomb provides hope for us.
1 Corinthians 15:1-19 NIV84 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them – yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed. 12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this
Our future hope is with us now. Eternity starts the moment we awaken to the reality of the Eternal.
Remember what Cleopas and the other disciple said when Jesus broke the bread.
Were not our hearts burning within us?
Will you awaken to the hope of the Eternal?
Hope - trust in God of all hope who fills you with peace and joy as you trust in him so that you will overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit.
Start with the prayer of the Father of the boy the disciples couldn’t deliver “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief “. Faith as small as a mustard seed is enough to move mountains.
3. The empty tomb shows us we have a job to do.
Video from NT Wright - New Testament Scholar, Pauline theologian and Anglican Bishop.
You can leave the old life behind…
Why look for the living from among the dead?
Repentance and Forgiveness of sins…
Romans 8:9-14 NIV You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation – but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
You have the same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead in you. His resurrection power is resurrecting you.
Will you keep accounts short with God?
How do you…
Put yourself in a place for greater revelation?
Awaken to hope?
Keep accounts short with God?
Can I make a suggestion to you?
Regularly be in AWE of God.
How do you do that?
That’s a great question.
Rhythm of Awe
Study something that makes your brain hurt. It physically opens up you mind to learn and experience more.
A - Agree to be amazed
Decision - You need to decide to be stretched. You won’t get there without a decision.
What do you want me to see today, Lord?
W - Work what works for you
Action - Is it getting out in nature or reading something in theoretical astrophysics that puts you in a state of awe? Maybe it’s spending time with your children or grandchildren that connects with the Divine? The point is, work what works for you. Make space to be in awe because you enjoy it, not because it works for someone else.
What do you want me to do to be inspired by you, Lord?
E - Enjoy what’s simple and intentional
Emotion - The feeling of emotion is key for all rhythms to work. It’s not a cerebral exercise where I learn something new every day. It’s space for me to be in AWE of my Creator.
What’s the simplest way for me to be in awe today?
Schedule in 15 minutes a day for child-like wonder.
Will you make the time to recognize GOD is with you? Will you align your actions to His will?
The Live LIGHT LOOP celebrates all things Live LIGHT - including the books, and courses, and resources, and community and coaching that can be found on https://livelight.ca/
You were created to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the day. Sin came into the world and you bore the consequences. Jesus came and reversed the curse and took your place and invited you to take His yoke that is easy and burden that is light. You are a child of God creation longs to be revealed. You are a living light. Don’t conform but be transformed, so you can have peace and joy and hope at all times and in every situation.
How Can I HELP?
Live LIGHT Academy has books and courses and resources and community and coaching to help you not conform but be transformed so you can have peace and hope and joy at all times and in every situation. What I create always needs to HELP - Honour, Empower, be Life-giving and Pleasing to God
How do I define myself?
I am a wisdom loving, knowledge sharing, God marvelling, life celebrating, kingdom living, soul healing, Lord seeking, gift imparting, Spirit flowing, grace knowing, irenic follower of the Way. I hold you capable and Holy Spirit trustable to finish the good work He's started in you.
What Am I working on?
Daily Live Casts on Negativity Fast Reflections and working on Live LIGHT with your Whole Heart Course. https://revtrev.link/heart
Negativity Fast Reflections Campaign to promote Live LIGHT Above the Negativity Course http://revtrev.link/bless
ALSO working on Live LIGHT with your Whole Heart Course - Move from giving your problems a place of too much influence to having no fear of bad news even when it comes. If you want to understand and avoid cognitive avoidance, cognitive dissonance and toxic behaviour, you need to check out this course. Discover the 7 things we’re to do with our whole heart and how to practically live wholehearted in the day-to-day of everyday.
Move from being easily regularly frustrated, usually feeling busy, often afraid or easily angered TO having peace at all times and in every situation. https://revtrev.link/bless
Live LIGHT Above the Negativity Reflections and Devotional
Get the Live LIGHT Negativity Fast in Book form today. 47 days of reflections and devotionals to help you take thoughts captive and align with God's will for your life. https://revtrev.link/books
Have you ever wondered how some people seem to exude an unshakable sense of peace, regardless of the chaos and negativity swirling around them? It's as if they possess a secret formula for maintaining tranquility at all times. In a world where stress and anxiety have become the norm, finding inner peace can feel like an elusive dream. But what if I told you that there is a way to access a state of calm and serenity no matter the circumstances?
The God of all hope fills me peace and joy as I trust in Him, so I can overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit. As I trust in Him, He gives me peace and joy so I can be filled with hope at all times and in every situation.
I know when I trusting Him because I have peace and joy and hope. I know I need to trust in the Lord with all my heart. It’s a decision, it’s an action and it’s an emotion. It’s a decision to trust. I say to myself, “Trust in the lord”. It’s an action I do - my trust needs to look like something. The action that shows trust is obedience to what God tells me to do.
One time God told Judah through Isaiah ““In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” Repentance and rest was the action…but they would have none of it. Another time through Jahaziel God told them to “Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem.” and they did it and saw God’s deliverance. The action that shows trust is obedience to what God tells me to do.
Finally when you do anything with your whole heart you feel the emotions of doing it with your whole heart. When you trust Him with your whole heart you feel peace and hope joy. And that’s how you can have peace at all times and in every situation. May this Negativity Fast Reflection - I Have Peace At All Times encourage you to trust God with your whole heart.
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I have peace at all times and in every situation. Peace is proof I trust my Father. I cast my cares on him because I know he cares for me. He keeps me in perfect peace because I trust in him. The God of all hope fills me with peace and joy so I can overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit.
Where has my peace been lately?
Next Steps
Live LIGHT Above the Negativity Course - Move from being easily regularly frustrated, usually feeling busy, often afraid or easily angered to having peace at all times and in every situation. https://revtrev.link/bless
Live LIGHT Tips and Tools to fast from Negativity - Are you looking to make a difference in the attitudes and actions in your everyday world? Get these Tips and Tools to help you Fast from Negativity https://revtrev.link/tips
Live LIGHT Negativity Fast - Move from toxic negativity to life-giving positivity with 47 days of reflections and Devotional and Community. https://revtrev.link/fast
Why is healing throughout the Bible and church history and we think since our experience is different, it's not God's will to heal?
Learn why we it is good theology to believe that it is the Father’s will is to Heal. Find out why we might not always see everyone healed. Learn to STAND -
S - Stop giving God credit for the works of the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy. - John 10:10
T- Treat all hardship as discipline knowing He is a Good Father and is working all things together for good. - Hebrews 12:7-11
A - Agree to cast all my cares upon him, because he cares for me. - 1 Peter 5:7
N- Never forget that the God of all hope fills me with all peace and joy as I trust in him, so that you can overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
D - Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything and thank him in all things, knowing that’s his will for me. - Philippians 4:6-7
Learn 5 ways God Heals, The 5 Step Pray model and how to operate in the gift of Knowledge.
When Pastor Shawn asked me to speak today, I found a training I did in a number of churches, including this one in and around 2008. It began with this phrase…
It’s the Father’s will is to heal.
I taught this before my heart attack, before carcinoma, before losing a range of frequencies in my hearing. It was before AFIB and before I was treated for fibromyalgia. And it was before seeing loved ones age and deteriorate health wise.
My experience has not lined up with the will of God expressed in Scripture.
But years ago I decided that if my experience doesn’t line up with the will of God expressed in Scripture, it wasn’t the Bible that needed to change or be ignored, it was my experience that needed change to line up with Scripture.
It’s my prayer that whatever your experience has been, today you’ll see your absolute need to trust Him again in the area of healing.
Can we pray?
It’ the Father’s will is to heal.
I am certain of this for several reasons:
1. Jesus
Jesus only did what He saw the Father do. John 6:38 John 12:49-50,
For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. John 6:38 New Living Translation (NLT)
I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.” John 12:49-50 New Living Translation (NLT)
And what did Jesus do? Acts 10:38
And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Acts 10:38 (New Living Translation)
2. What Jesus taught
Jesus taught His disciples to heal Matthew 10:7-8
Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! Matthew 10:7-8 (New Living Translation)
And he taught His disciples to make other disciples by teaching them to obey everything He commanded them… so if it’s for them, it’s for us. It’s for you. It’s for me. Why? Because it’s the Father’s will.
Jesus taught healing and miracles were proof of the Kingdom of God Luke 10:9, Luke 11:20
Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’ Luke 10:9 (New Living Translation)
But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you. Luke 11:20 (New International Version)
3. How we see God’s will done perfectly
God’s will is done in heaven… and in Heaven there is no sickness Isaiah 33:24, Revelation 21:3-4
No one living in Zion will say, "I am ill"; and the sins of those who dwell there will be forgiven. Isaiah 33:24 (New International Version)
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:3-4 (New Living Translation)
Many people have said correctly “I’ll be healed in heaven.” But instead of that being a declaration that it’s OK for me to be sick on earth, why don’t I see it as it a window to God’s will.
It’s God’s will for us to see His will done on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10
"Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven Matthew 6:9-10 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
So we have confidence to know it’s always God’s will to heal.
4. How healing is in the atonement
Healing is in the atonement…
The Prophets tell us healing is in the atonement… Isaiah 53:4-5
Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains; but we in turn regarded Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds. Isaiah 53:4-5 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Gospels tell us healing is in the atonement… Matthew 8:16-17
When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick, so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: He Himself took our weaknesses and carried our diseases Matthew 8:16-17 (HCSB)
The epistles tell us healing is in the atonement…1 Peter 2:24
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; you have been healed by His wounds 1 Peter 2:24 (HCSB)
5. How healing and Gods will to heal is good theology
If we want to expand this out to a theology that says it’s God’s will to heal…
Good theology is…
…seen as an embryo in the Hebrew Scriptures…
Exodus 15:26 (HCSB) He said, "If you will carefully listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will not inflict any of the diseases on you that I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you."
It’s declared in the books of poetry…
Psalms 103:2-3 (HCSB) 2 My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits. 3 He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases.
It’s proclaimed in the prophets…
Jeremiah 17:14 (HCSB) Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for You are my praise.
It’s lived out in the life of Christ…
Matthew 8:16-17 (HCSB) When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick, so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: He Himself took our weaknesses and carried our diseases
It’s taught by the Apostles…
James 5:14-15 (HCSB) Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they should pray over him after anointing him with olive oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will restore him to health; if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
It’s experience in the early church…
Justin Martyr (c. 100-165 AD)
"by the name of Jesus Christ, healed suddenly and completely persons from among yourselves, of grievous diseases" (First Apology, Chapter LVI).
Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130-202 AD)
"Against Heresies," affirms the ongoing occurrence of healing within the Christian community. He notes that some people possess the gift of healing by the Spirit, demonstrating that such gifts did not cease with the apostles but continued in the church
Tertullian (c. 155-240 AD)
Tertullian, in his defense of Christianity, mentions the ability of Christians to heal the sick as a sign of God’s power working through them. He challenges skeptics by pointing to the effectiveness of invoking Jesus’ name in healing and exorcism (Apology, Chapter XXIII)
Origen (c. 185-253 AD)
Origen, in "Against Celsus," writes about miracles performed by Christians, including healing the sick and casting out demons, as evidence of the truth of Christianity. He argues that such miracles are not performed by magic but by the power of God and faith in Jesus Christ (Against Celsus, Book III, Chapter 24).
Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)
Augustine, in "The City of God," recounts his skepticism toward miracles in his earlier years but later confirms witnessing healings and other miraculous events in his own time. He specifically mentions the healing of Innocentia from breast cancer and the restoration of sight to a man named Hesychius (The City of God, Book XXII, Chapter 8).
It is good theology to believe that it is the Father’s will is to Heal.
There are very few truths we can trace through scripture and into the early church… and beyond.
If you believe God forgives all your sins it’s no stretch to believe He heals all your diseases. If your experience doesn’t line up with Scripture, it’s your experience that needs to change, not Scripture that needs to change or be ignored.
So why don’t we see everyone healed?
That’s a great question. I wish I had one answer that fit every situation.
I’ve heard terrible answers to that question when I’ve raised it myself.
“If the people I prayed for would only believe, they’d be heal” or “If they had faith to be healed they would be healed.”
I didn’t think Jesus chastised the demon-possessed boy but rather the people praying for him, specifically His disciples, for their lack of faith. Matthew 17:14-20 It was the pray-er not the pray-ee that had the problem.
Another answer was “They obviously have sin in their life.” But the book says he forgives all of sins and heals all our diseases. It says His grace is sufficient.
I had one person tell me, “I’ve seen the dead raised, boy you don’t question me”.
After that encounter I told God that if I had leave my brain at the door to see miracles, I wouldn’t serve a God so small.
There was one guy that rocked my world. His name is Bill Prankard. He’s had a long ministry with signs and wonders. I was listening in when he was asked that question and was blown away when he paused and answered “I don’t know.”
It released me to have a brain and seek our miracle-working God.
If it’s God’s will to heal why don’t we see everyone healed? I don’t know. But I trust Him. And I know the more people I pray to healed, the more people I see healed.
I have learned a few things:
I know His will isn’t always done on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10
I know there is such a thing as the timing of God. Acts 3:1-11
Man at the gate beautiful was healed by Peter and John Acts 3:1-11… but the man was there everyday and we know Jesus was there at least 4 times during his ministry - 2x Cleansing of the Temple: All four Gospels (Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-17, Luke 19:45-46, John 2:13-16) record Jesus cleansing the Temple of money changers and merchants, albeit John places this event at an earlier point in Jesus' ministry. Teaching at the Temple: The Gospels, especially Luke (e.g., Luke 20:1), often mention Jesus teaching at the Temple during His final week. Prediction of the Temple’s Destruction: In the synoptic Gospels (Matthew 24:1-2, Mark 13:1-2, Luke 21:5-6), Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple, which is a significant moment in His ministry.
There is such a thing as the timing of God, but never let that rob your expectancy because His will supersedes his schedule. John 2:3-4 , Matthew 15:21-28
Because I also know His will supersedes his schedule -
Wedding in Canaan - John 2:3-4 He had to obey His mother
the Syrophoenician women Matthew 15:21-28 Her faith
Faith seems to supersede His schedule.
And it can come from anywhere
Lack of faith can limit miracles - Nazareth. Matthew 13:54-60
Faith can come from one person for another The Centurion's Servant (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10)
Faith can come from friends - The Paralytic Lowered Through the Roof (Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26; Matthew 9:1-8)
Faith a lot times comes from parents - Jairus' Daughter (Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56; Matthew 9:18-26) The Syrophoenician Woman's Daughter (Mark 7:24-30; Matthew 15:21-28)
Even a little faith from a father was enough - demon possessed boy “I believe help my unbelief” Mark 9:14-29
There are times when no one showed faith - except Jesus on did what he saw His Father doing - Man at the pool of Bethesda John 5:1-18
I know I need to live in the tension of His will not being done on earth as it is in heaven, and so I need to
STAND
S - Stop giving God credit for the works of the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy. - John 10:10
T- Treat all hardship as discipline knowing He is a Good Father and is working all things together for good. - Hebrews 12:7-11
A - Agree to cast all my cares upon him, because he cares for me. - 1 Peter 5:7
N- Never forget that the God of all hope fills me with all peace and joy as I trust in him, so that you can overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
D - Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything and thank him in all things, knowing that’s his will for me. - Philippians 4:6-7
I do not have all the answers as to why I’m not healed and not everyone is healed.
I do know how to STAND.
This is the difference between cognitive dissonance and faith.
Faith deals with the current reality - however brutal - cognitive dissonance does it’s best to ignore it and makes up an excuse for God and tell God that He can only heal in the way that makes sense to my thinking.
Ignoring the problem is not faith. It’s cognitive dissonance. It opposes real faith.
Now let’s get back to the good stuff.
And I know at least 5 ways God will heal.
Knowing how God heals
5 Ways God Heals
1. God heals through the prayer of faith and anointing with oil James 5:13-16, Mark 6:12-13
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:13-16 (New Living Translation)
They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. Mark 6:12-13
This is one way God has healed many of us. We take the initiative and call for church leaders to pray for us. They anoint us with oil and pray in faith. Many times they contend for the healing. They intercede on our behalf. They show us the Father’s love by praying for us and weeping with us.
We’ll be teaching you how to use the 5 Step Prayer model I learned from Randy Clark.
2. God Heals in His Presence Luke 8:43-44, 6:17-19, Acts 5:15
A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped. Luke 8:43-44 (New Living Translation)
When they came down from the mountain, the disciples stood with Jesus on a large, level area, surrounded by many of his followers and by the crowds. There were people from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from as far north as the seacoasts of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those troubled by evil spirits were healed. Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone. Luke 6:17-19 (New Living Translation)
As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. Acts 5:15 (New Living Translation)
We’ve went to the revival in Florida a couple of times in 2007. What we saw in Florida was the gift of knowledge in operation and the prayer of faith healing many as they were prayed for in the lines or in the audience, or in the parking lots, or in the hotels… But I’d say 65 – 70% of the testimonies were about people getting healed as they soaked in the glory of God.
The Father gave Jesus a name superior to every other. His name is superior to cancer… to parkinsons… to diabetes… to fibro myalgia … it makes sense then that when His name is glorified, sickness cannot stand against it. Sickness flees in the presence of a Holy God.
b. In Communion… 1 Corinthians 11:29-30
For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honouring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself. That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died. 1 Corinthians 11:29-30 (New Living Translation)
Extend healing to others by celebrating communion with them. You are a minister of Christ. It is allowable.
Remember healing is in the atonement. Remember we forgive our brothers and sisters and ask for their forgiveness. If someone can be sick when they don’t honour the body, then it makes sense that when we do honour the body, they can be healed.
It might not work well during a typical morning service, but if communion is being celebrated it may be a good time to go to someone you’ve been praying with and ask if they want to share communion with you.
1. Walk them through forgiveness
2. Remind them of healing being in the atonement
3. Celebrate the work of grace in both your lives
3. God Heals through Deliverance Luke 13:10-16
On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” Luke 13:10-16
“Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.” “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment. Matthew 17:15-18
Not every sickness is caused by a demon. Not every demon causes sickness.
Have you ever prayed for someone and they got worse?
Have you ever prayed for someone and you got their symptoms?
When I started praying for people… I prayed for someone with a cold, and I got a cold. I prayed for someone with a bad back, and I threw my back out. I prayed for someone with bursitis and I busted up my bursa sack. The fourth week someone came up for prayer because she wanted to get pregnant and I head the Father laugh “Trevor, you’re not going to get pregnant.” And I realized the spiritual battle I was in.
It ended well. Her and her husband have 4 kids today.
And what I’ve learned since has really excited me. When you pray for someone and the symptoms get worse, you know you’re dealing with a spirit. You no longer need to pray… you now can command.
The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead is alive in you. Demons are subject to you. Don’t rejoice in that, but get happy about the fact your name is written in the lambs book of life. Jesus didn’t pray against demons, he commanded, and so can you.
It’s actually a lot of fun. We’ll be training you in ways you can minister to the demonized.
4. God Heals Through His Word
a. Spoken Word Acts 14:8-10
While they were at Lystra, Paul and Barnabas came upon a man with crippled feet. He had been that way from birth, so he had never walked. He was sitting and listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed. So Paul called to him in a loud voice, “Stand up!” And the man jumped to his feet and started walking. Acts 14:8-10 (NLT)
There are times when we literally speak the words of life in order for healing to be released. We serve a God who spoke, and the worlds came into being. He calls that which is not, into existence. And we need to partner with Him so that His will is done.
We’ll be teaching on and activating Words of Knowledge later in this session.
b. Written Word Isaiah 53:5, Psalm 103:2-3, Psalm 27:13-14, Exodus 15:26
The Bible is the written (Logos) word of God. And it is sharper than any 2-edged sword. There is something powerful that happens when we fill ourselves with its truth.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (New International Version)
Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. Psalm 103:2-3 (New Living Translation)
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14 (New International Version)
He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you." Exodus 15:26 (New International Version)
This is not willing God to our way of thinking. Instead, it is no longer conforming to the pattern of this world, but transforming our thinking as a spiritual act of worship.
God heals through the written word.
c. Testimony Revelation 19:10
The Bible tells us that testimony is a prophetic act…
At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Revelation 19:10 (New International Version)
When we were down in Tucson, a girl was healed of schizophrenia. When her Dad shared the testimony, three people were healed of mental illnesses.
When we talk about the good things of God, we are inviting the Father to do it again. That’s why testimony is so important.
When we testify, it can tell us that the Father wants to do it again now. Conversely, do you realize sometimes we limit the Father by not talking about the good things He’s doing? Sometimes it’s us declaring what He’s done that starts the next miracle. Don’t let fear stop you from bringing blessing to another.
When you pray with someone and you can speak out a testimony of God healing that condition, it invites the same result to happen again.
If you don’t have your own stories to share, don’t worry use others. We’re all glorifying the same Father.
5. Through Words of Knowledge John 14:11-13
Jesus only did what the Father was doing and only said what the Father was saying (see John 5:17-18; 8:26). This sets a pretty high standard for how to live.
While Jesus is eternally God, He emptied Himself of His divine powers and became a man (see Phil. 2:7). It's vital to note that He did all His miracles as a man, not as God.
How does it apply to healing and miracles?
• It’s an indication that God wishes to heal, usually at the time the Word is given.
• A Word of Knowledge builds faith because we know Jesus only did what He saw the Father do, and a Word of Knowledge tells us what the Father is wanting to do NOW!
Jesus always operated with words of knowledge and he had great success… and it’s for us as well. He said:
Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. John 14:11-13 (New International Version)
Don’t let that verse condemn you any longer. You are going to see what the Father is doing. The greater miracles are for you!
I’ve got two tools for you today and we’re going to take time to activate them as well. The first tool is the 5 step Prayer Model from Randy Clark.
How to Pray for Healing
The Five Step Prayer Model
From Randy Clark – Global Awakening
1. The Interview
2. The Diagnosis
3. The Prayer Selection
4. The Prayer Ministry
5. Post-Prayer Suggestions
1. The Interview
Be attentive and gentle – ask what the physical need is, but don’t go into lengthy detail, for example:
“What is your name?”
“What would you like prayer for?”
“How long have you had this condition?”
“Do you know what the cause is?” “Have you seen a doctor?” “What do they say?”
2. The Diagnosis
Answers the question: What is the root cause of this sickness or infirmity? The purpose is to know How to Pray. If you know the cause, go to step 3.
Possible roots for sickness:
An afflicting spirit
Sickness of the soul, psychosomatic
Natural cause – an accident, break, cut, or other injury
A violation of God’s law for living
If the cause is not known, ask the Holy Spirit for His leading. You may need to ask them some more questions.
3. The Prayer Selection
Petition – “Father, in Jesus’ Name I ask You to heal the inflammation in Joe’s knee and take out the swelling and the pain.
Command – “In the name of Jesus I command the inflammation in Joe’s knee to be healed and all the swelling and pain to leave. “
Use commands when…
…breaking a curse or vow
…casting out an afflicting spirit or other spirit
…you have used petition prayers and the progress has stopped
…you are lead by the Holy Spirit; a word of knowledge or other circumstance indicates that God wants to heal the person immediately
4. The Prayer Ministry
Audibly ask the Holy Spirit to be present with His guidance and healing power.
Ask the person not to pray, but instead to close their eyes and focus on their body. It’s a time for them to receive.
Ask the person you’re praying for to interrupt you and tell you if he or she feels something: heat/electricity/trembling, etc.
If indicated, have the person confess any sin (unforgiveness, anger, etc) and/or pray for the person’s emotional healing before praying for physical healing.
Tips
Keep your eyes open, to see God’s touch.
Follow any leading of the Holy Spirit.
Use your normal tone of voice.
Always pray in the name of Jesus.
Use short, specific prayers.
If a specific prayer brings improvement, keep using it.
Try different kinds of prayers.
Pray for symptoms and cause, if the cause is known.
Be loving! Be persistent!
Periodically ask, “What’s going on?”
Pray where God is working.
Remember; trust the Holy Spirit, not the method.
Don’t preach or give advice.
Thank God for whatever He does.
If pain moves around or increases during prayer, consider casting out an afflicting spirit.
If you’re not making any progress, consider interviewing the person further:
“Do you remember what was happening in your life when this condition started?”
“Did anything traumatic happen to you about the time this condition began, or within a few months prior to it starting?”
“Does any other family members have this condition?
“Do you have a strong fear of anything?”
“Do you know of anyone who is really angry at you?” Has anyone pronounced a curse over you?”
“Have you participated in any kind of satanic or other occult activity?
“Has anyone in your family been a member of the Freemasons?”
Stop praying when…
The person is healed or wants you to stop. The Holy Spirit tells you to stop. You are gaining no ground and receive no other way to pray.
5. Post-Prayer Suggestions
Encourage the person from Scripture. Share appropriate lifestyle changes for maintaining healing and to prevent problems from re-occurring If someone is not healed or is only partially healed, Do Not accuse the person of a lack of faith or of sin in his or her life as a cause. Prepare the person to resist any further attacks after healing.
Practice later…
The second tool we’re going to practice now is Words of Knowledge.
How to Use Words of Knowledge
What is a “Word of Knowledge”?
It’s knowing something you couldn’t know, except through supernatural means.
Seeing someone with a broken leg vs Knowing they broke it falling off a white horse
How does it apply to healing and miracles?
It’s an indication that God wishes to heal, usually at the time the Word is given.
A Word of Knowledge builds faith because we know Jesus only did what He saw the Father do, and a Word of Knowledge tells us what the Father is wanting to do NOW!
Jesus had great success… and it’s for us as well. He said:
Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. John 14:11-13 (New International Version)
Don’t let that verse condemn you any longer. You are going to see what the Father is doing. The greater miracles are for you!
How to Use Words of Knowledge
Have you ever noticed Jesus usually didn’t pray for people… he commanded. When we have a word of Knowledge, we don’t need to petition the Father, we already know what He wants to do – so we command in the name of Jesus.
It’s a lot of fun.
How does the Father give Words of Knowledge?
Some of the more common ways are:
Feel it – feel pain in a part of your body you normally don’t
See it – mental picture
Read it – eg. words on foreheads
Think it – mental impression
Say it – unplanned verbiage
Dream it - while your sleeping
Experience it – dreaming when you’re awake
You can receive a word of Knowledge anytime, anyplace. You may or may not know who its for . The more specific you can be, the greater the faith is built up in person it is for. But, express only what you’ve been given because changes or additions can cause confusion. It can come quickly, and it might be vague and you may be tempted to tune it out. In fact – many of you have words of knowledge often, but you didn’t know what they were, so you’ve learned to ignore them… Tune in! Resist the thought that it’s unimportant. What seems strange to you may shout to the other person. Unpretentious honesty is the best policy
“Thus sayeth the Lord” vs “I’m new to this, does it mean anything to you?”
Don’t let your fear rob you and the person who might have been healed from experiencing God.
Here’s what’s going to happen:
I’m going to pray a prayer of impartation. We’re going to wait. The first 3 people who come up will share their word.
Be as short, specific as possible
Stand if you know it’s you, think it could be you, or feel the Spirit on you.
We’re not looking for courtesy responses… but understand, if you think it could be you and you don’t respond, are you encouraging the person coming up here to “practice”? We’re in this together. Stand up and build their faith.
There could be multiple people stand up for the same word, there could be one person stand up multiple times. Some will be healed when the word is given. Some will be healed when they stand up in faith. Some will be healed as we command – in the name of Jesus – that the Father’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Some will be healed as we pray for them afterwards.
Father, in the name of Jesus, I bless every person here with every spiritual blessing you have poured out on me. I call forth the gifts of knowledge in their lives. Pour out the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon them. Release the gift of the word of knowledge in their lives.
Thank you Father for your covenant in Jesus’ name and the promises of that covenant. Thank you Jesus for dying to enact this covenant and in order that the Holy Spirit and His gifts could be poured out on us today. Thank you Holy Spirit for empowering us with your presence and entrusting us with your gifts.
All powerful God, Lord God Almighty, I ask for the gift of Faith to come upon us, not only appropriate the gift of words of knowledge, but also the activation of the gift of faith and the gifts of healings that are connected to and activated by the gift of words of knowledge. I ask these things and make these declarations in the mighty name of Jesus.
Ministry Time…remember to invite people to use the prayer model to pray for others.
Today's Negativity Fast Reflection. Be encouraged to follow your soul's pursuit of God as a beacon through negativity in this deeply spiritual reflection.
In His presence I find peace and rest, holiness and reverence, transformation and renewal, provision and protection, love and compassion and fullness of joy. Why am I not more constantly seeking His face always? (see Philippians 4:7; Matthew 11:28-29; Psalm 21:6; Exodus 3:5; Hebrews 12:28-29; 2 Corinthians 3:18;Romans 12:1-2; Psalm 31:19-20; Psalm 91:1-2; 1 John 4:16; Psalm 86:15; Psalms 16:11)
I was created to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the day. In heaven—where I’ll walk with Him on the streets made of translucent gold—I’ll have peace and comfort, satisfaction and fulfillment, love and contentment, awe and wonder, and praise and worship of the One. Why wait for heaven for it to start? (See Revelation 21:21; Revelation 21:4; Revelation 19:1;1 Corinthians 13:12-13; Revelation 7:16-17; Psalms 65:8-13)
I hear you say, “Come and walk and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” (Psalm 28:7)
May you be encouraged to do the same with this Negativity Fast Reflection - I Pursue The Presence Of God
Listen to Negativity Fast Reflection - I Pursue The Presence Of God
Read the Negativity Fast Reflection - I Pursue The Presence Of God
I pursue the presence of God. I learn His unforced rhythms of grace. It’s His presence that distinguishes me from all the people of the earth. I know He is in me and around and upon me and before me and behind me. I feel Him all around me and I wait for Him to speak to my spirit.
Have I waited in His presence lately?
Next Steps
Live LIGHT Above the Negativity Course - Move from being easily regularly frustrated, usually feeling busy, often afraid or easily angered to having peace at all times and in every situation. https://revtrev.link/bless
Live LIGHT Tips and Tools to fast from Negativity - Are you looking to make a difference in the attitudes and actions in your everyday world? Get these Tips and Tools to help you Fast from Negativity https://revtrev.link/tips
Live LIGHT Negativity Fast - Move from toxic negativity to life-giving positivity with 47 days of reflections and Devotional and Community. https://revtrev.link/fast
“Let your light shine before people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” This is what Jesus told us near the end of the sermon on the mount. He just finished saying that when we give we shouldn’t let our left hand know what our right hand is doing. When we pray we do it secret, not on the corner so people can see us. Fasting should be done, but don’t make it look like you're fasting.
Does anyone else scratch your head at what He said about doing good works so people may see them?
Motivations matter, I get that. My motivates make the difference in how I respond emotionally to what I do or don’t do. I can’t do it for the dough or for the show or do it worry or the hurry. I get that from the sermon on the mount. But I know it’s so easy to do good works and fool myself to thinking it’s not so I get noticed and praised by others.
I guess that’s why the crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by being praised. (Proverbs 27:21),
When I get praised by others for the good works that they see, self-deflection doesn’t shine back on God. “No, it’s not that good.” The metaphor is I’m like the moon that reflects the to the side of the world that away from the sun. When I self-deflect it’s like a solar eclipse when the moon gets in between the sun and side of the world that facing the sun. Any light the moon reflects back to the sun is negligible and unnoticeable.
Maybe I shouldn’t do good works?
When I make excuses to not do good works it’s like a lunar eclipse where the world gets in between moon and the sun so the moon can’t reflect to sun’s light to the side of the world that’s away from the sun. We are created to shine the light of the sun to side of the world that’s away from the sun.
So what’s the solution?
There is time when the moon is the perfect position to reflect the most light to the side of world that’s away from the sun. In the northern hemisphere it’s in the autumn. It’s a full moon and even sometimes it’s the closest it will be to us in the month and we’ll call it a super moon. More commonly it’s just known as the harvest moon.
When people see us, they see the light of Christ. We can’t hide it. We can’t get in the way of it. Just being the you God create you to be makes a noticeable difference in your every day world. May you be encourage in this Negativity Fast Reflection - My Light Shines Bright.
Listen to Negativity Fast Reflection - My Light Shines Bright
Read the Negativity Fast Reflection - My Light Shines Bright
My light shines bright. I change the atmosphere around me. My smile brightens every room. My demeanour lifts the clouds off of others. It’s not me, but Holy Spirit in me that does the work and spreads the grace. My presence bring his presence and in his presence is fullness of joy.
How have people commented on what I bring into the room lately?
Next Steps
Live LIGHT Above the Negativity Course - Move from being easily regularly frustrated, usually feeling busy, often afraid or easily angered to having peace at all times and in every situation. https://revtrev.link/bless
Live LIGHT Tips and Tools to fast from Negativity - Are you looking to make a difference in the attitudes and actions in your everyday world? Get these Tips and Tools to help you Fast from Negativity https://revtrev.link/tips
Live LIGHT Negativity Fast - Move from toxic negativity to life-giving positivity with 47 days of reflections and Devotional and Community. https://revtrev.link/fast
