Therefore, [continue to] accept and welcome one another, just as Christ has accepted and welcomed us to the glory of [our great] God. - Romans 15:7 (AMP)
Showing posts with label healing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healing. Show all posts
20 February 2024
31 March 2022
Choose Life
From Dutch Sheets:
Yesterday I spoke with you about offenses and forgiveness. The New Testament word for an offense is actually the part of an animal trap upon which a piece of raw meat was placed. When an animal reached for the meat the trap was sprung and they were captured. It is very interesting that the word for an offense basically means to “take the bait.” This is also why it is called “picking up” an offense.
Regarding forgiveness, in yesterday's post (Don’t Take the Bait), we mentioned that the word means “to release.” In Luke 6:37 Jesus said, “Release, and you will be released.” When we release the person who has offended or wounded us, we can then be released from the bruises and pain they caused us. We also said yesterday that forgiveness is a choice - a decision - not a feeling.
When I was 17 years old, my family went through a very difficult time. The Board of Directors of the church my father was pastoring fired him and kicked us out of the home where we were living. The house had been given to us, but put in the church’s name. We were left homeless and penniless. Shortly thereafter, my father divorced my mother and married another woman. Mom was devastated - her circumstances had gone from bad to catastrophic. I remember holding her in my arms as she wept, saying she did not want to go on living.
I did not know how to process all of the pain I was experiencing. I didn’t want to blame God or my father, so I blamed all of this on the chairman of that church board. I focused all of my anger upon him, an anger that soon became a bitter hatred. I said on several occasions that I could not kill this man, but I would rejoice if someone else did.
I also became bitter at the church, in general. I associated my pain and my family’s disintegration with religion and swore I would never darken the door of another church. I became very rebellious and turned to drugs and alcohol.
God was incredibly patient. He protected me and for two years waited patiently for me to come to a point where I could respond to Him again. I returned to Him and have enjoyed a wonderful walk with God since that time.
Around six months into my renewed walk with the Lord, He began dealing with me about my hatred for the man I had blamed for all of our problems. I heard Holy Spirit very clearly telling me I would have to forgive him. I did not angrily resist the Lord, but I did not believe I could ever truly do so. What I had against this man was so deep in me I had no confidence whatsoever that I would be able to forgive him, and I told the Lord this. It’s comical sometimes when we act as though the Lord doesn’t know what we’re thinking.
Holy Spirit was very gentle with me. He was not pushing, His promptings always came as a gentle nudge deep in my heart. He was, however, insistent and persistent. “You will have to do this if you want My best for you and to truly be free from all of the pain this caused you,” He said. When my heart softened to the point that I was willing, Holy Spirit began teaching me how to do it. Some of what He taught me I shared in yesterday's post.
He revealed to me that I could have feelings of anger, hurt, etc., toward this man in my mind and emotions, but still choose to forgive from my heart allowing that to overrule my emotions. “You don’t like to get up early some days and go to work but you do it anyway because it’s right, and it’s your responsibility,” he said. “You don’t like certain aspects of exercise but you do it anyway because you know you need to,” He said again. Then came the winning blow, “Jesus did not want to go to the Cross, but He did so anyway, for the joy He knew it would produce later,” (Hebrews 12:2). “Choose to do this because it’s right, even though you don’t want to and you don’t feel like it. If you will make this choice and maintain the decision daily, I will release you from all the pain, resentment, and hatred. Your responsibility is to let go; it’s my responsibility to heal your emotions and release you from every effect of this. Choose life!”
Somehow this clicked in my thinking. I realized I didn’t have to have any positive feelings about this man, whatsoever. I simply needed to release him to God and trust Him to deal with what had happened. I did so daily, saying something along these lines (it’s important to say it), “I choose to release David (not his real name) from all he did to hurt my family.” Every time he came to mind and unpleasant feelings began rising up inside of me, I would say it again, “I choose to release David from all he did to hurt my family.” Some days I had to do this multiple times. After a couple of weeks, he was rarely coming to my mind, and when he did, I felt less and less emotion. But I would say it again. A week or two after that, I thought of him and I realized I felt no pain or anger, whatsoever. I was shocked. I knew God had released me from all the effects of what had occurred two years earlier.
However, Holy Spirit wanted to show me that I was truly healed. One night my mom and I were returning home from a Sunday night service, and stopped at a local restaurant to grab a bite to eat. There were no tables available and we were waiting for one, when I noticed this particular man and his wife seated across the room. He noticed us at the same time. I also noticed that he and his wife were seated at a table for four people, and two of the chairs were empty. He jumped to his feet and headed in our direction. Well, I thought to myself, I’m about to find out if this is real. He wanted to do more than just say hello. “Would the two of you like to join us at our table,” he asked.
“Sure,” said my mother, “that’s very kind of you.”
I kept waiting for that horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach that I used to feel when I thought of him. I waited for at least a mix of negative emotions. But there were none. I realized I was not having to feign being nice to him while burying my anger and hatred. It was very easy - actually, it felt normal - to treat him with kindness. And I felt no pain whatsoever. All I could do was thank the Lord for delivering me from my chains of bitterness. This man did not become my friend, but he was no longer my enemy.
Friends, no matter what your situation is, who hurt you, or how long ago it occurred, He can do this for you. Let’s pray.
Pray with me:
Father, it is impossible to go through life and not have numerous opportunities to forgive. You said offenses will come. You did not tell us to forgive only if we felt like doing so; You said we must do it. You never ask us to do anything You will not enable us to do. So we choose this day to honor Your word and obey it from our hearts, our spirits, regardless of how our emotions feel. As we do what You say, our emotions and feelings must come into alignment with the Word-based decision we make. They must…and they will. As we release, we will be released.
And now, Father, we ask for a release of tremendous grace to everyone praying this prayer with us now. Give them grace to forgive and release. Let a process of healing begin now for people who have been abandoned, abused, rejected, betrayed, and harmed in any way. Cause the revelation that forgiveness is a choice we can all make to become strong in them. May today mark a new beginning for all who need one, and all of the negative results of what they have suffered be reversed. Let this begin today.
Heal bodies through this. Mend hurting hearts and minds. Tear down the walls we’ve built to protect our emotions. Cause victims to be victimized no longer. Let the abused go free. Release captives, mend broken hearts, and restore hope. We ask that this truly be a new beginning. And we ask it all in the name of the great healer, Jesus. Amen.
Our decree:
We declare that we will walk in forgiveness to all.
Yesterday I spoke with you about offenses and forgiveness. The New Testament word for an offense is actually the part of an animal trap upon which a piece of raw meat was placed. When an animal reached for the meat the trap was sprung and they were captured. It is very interesting that the word for an offense basically means to “take the bait.” This is also why it is called “picking up” an offense.
Regarding forgiveness, in yesterday's post (Don’t Take the Bait), we mentioned that the word means “to release.” In Luke 6:37 Jesus said, “Release, and you will be released.” When we release the person who has offended or wounded us, we can then be released from the bruises and pain they caused us. We also said yesterday that forgiveness is a choice - a decision - not a feeling.
When I was 17 years old, my family went through a very difficult time. The Board of Directors of the church my father was pastoring fired him and kicked us out of the home where we were living. The house had been given to us, but put in the church’s name. We were left homeless and penniless. Shortly thereafter, my father divorced my mother and married another woman. Mom was devastated - her circumstances had gone from bad to catastrophic. I remember holding her in my arms as she wept, saying she did not want to go on living.
I did not know how to process all of the pain I was experiencing. I didn’t want to blame God or my father, so I blamed all of this on the chairman of that church board. I focused all of my anger upon him, an anger that soon became a bitter hatred. I said on several occasions that I could not kill this man, but I would rejoice if someone else did.
I also became bitter at the church, in general. I associated my pain and my family’s disintegration with religion and swore I would never darken the door of another church. I became very rebellious and turned to drugs and alcohol.
God was incredibly patient. He protected me and for two years waited patiently for me to come to a point where I could respond to Him again. I returned to Him and have enjoyed a wonderful walk with God since that time.
Around six months into my renewed walk with the Lord, He began dealing with me about my hatred for the man I had blamed for all of our problems. I heard Holy Spirit very clearly telling me I would have to forgive him. I did not angrily resist the Lord, but I did not believe I could ever truly do so. What I had against this man was so deep in me I had no confidence whatsoever that I would be able to forgive him, and I told the Lord this. It’s comical sometimes when we act as though the Lord doesn’t know what we’re thinking.
Holy Spirit was very gentle with me. He was not pushing, His promptings always came as a gentle nudge deep in my heart. He was, however, insistent and persistent. “You will have to do this if you want My best for you and to truly be free from all of the pain this caused you,” He said. When my heart softened to the point that I was willing, Holy Spirit began teaching me how to do it. Some of what He taught me I shared in yesterday's post.
He revealed to me that I could have feelings of anger, hurt, etc., toward this man in my mind and emotions, but still choose to forgive from my heart allowing that to overrule my emotions. “You don’t like to get up early some days and go to work but you do it anyway because it’s right, and it’s your responsibility,” he said. “You don’t like certain aspects of exercise but you do it anyway because you know you need to,” He said again. Then came the winning blow, “Jesus did not want to go to the Cross, but He did so anyway, for the joy He knew it would produce later,” (Hebrews 12:2). “Choose to do this because it’s right, even though you don’t want to and you don’t feel like it. If you will make this choice and maintain the decision daily, I will release you from all the pain, resentment, and hatred. Your responsibility is to let go; it’s my responsibility to heal your emotions and release you from every effect of this. Choose life!”
Somehow this clicked in my thinking. I realized I didn’t have to have any positive feelings about this man, whatsoever. I simply needed to release him to God and trust Him to deal with what had happened. I did so daily, saying something along these lines (it’s important to say it), “I choose to release David (not his real name) from all he did to hurt my family.” Every time he came to mind and unpleasant feelings began rising up inside of me, I would say it again, “I choose to release David from all he did to hurt my family.” Some days I had to do this multiple times. After a couple of weeks, he was rarely coming to my mind, and when he did, I felt less and less emotion. But I would say it again. A week or two after that, I thought of him and I realized I felt no pain or anger, whatsoever. I was shocked. I knew God had released me from all the effects of what had occurred two years earlier.
However, Holy Spirit wanted to show me that I was truly healed. One night my mom and I were returning home from a Sunday night service, and stopped at a local restaurant to grab a bite to eat. There were no tables available and we were waiting for one, when I noticed this particular man and his wife seated across the room. He noticed us at the same time. I also noticed that he and his wife were seated at a table for four people, and two of the chairs were empty. He jumped to his feet and headed in our direction. Well, I thought to myself, I’m about to find out if this is real. He wanted to do more than just say hello. “Would the two of you like to join us at our table,” he asked.
“Sure,” said my mother, “that’s very kind of you.”
I kept waiting for that horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach that I used to feel when I thought of him. I waited for at least a mix of negative emotions. But there were none. I realized I was not having to feign being nice to him while burying my anger and hatred. It was very easy - actually, it felt normal - to treat him with kindness. And I felt no pain whatsoever. All I could do was thank the Lord for delivering me from my chains of bitterness. This man did not become my friend, but he was no longer my enemy.
Friends, no matter what your situation is, who hurt you, or how long ago it occurred, He can do this for you. Let’s pray.
Pray with me:
Father, it is impossible to go through life and not have numerous opportunities to forgive. You said offenses will come. You did not tell us to forgive only if we felt like doing so; You said we must do it. You never ask us to do anything You will not enable us to do. So we choose this day to honor Your word and obey it from our hearts, our spirits, regardless of how our emotions feel. As we do what You say, our emotions and feelings must come into alignment with the Word-based decision we make. They must…and they will. As we release, we will be released.
And now, Father, we ask for a release of tremendous grace to everyone praying this prayer with us now. Give them grace to forgive and release. Let a process of healing begin now for people who have been abandoned, abused, rejected, betrayed, and harmed in any way. Cause the revelation that forgiveness is a choice we can all make to become strong in them. May today mark a new beginning for all who need one, and all of the negative results of what they have suffered be reversed. Let this begin today.
Heal bodies through this. Mend hurting hearts and minds. Tear down the walls we’ve built to protect our emotions. Cause victims to be victimized no longer. Let the abused go free. Release captives, mend broken hearts, and restore hope. We ask that this truly be a new beginning. And we ask it all in the name of the great healer, Jesus. Amen.
Our decree:
We declare that we will walk in forgiveness to all.
Copyright © 2022 Dutch Sheets Ministries, All rights reserved.
21 February 2022
What Is Causing So Much Disease and Death?
From Dutch Sheets:
Some subjects are too broad in scope to address in a short article or teaching. The overall topic of human suffering - sickness, disease, hunger, death, etc. - is certainly one of them. Attempting to give brief explanations of complex subjects often creates confusion and misunderstanding.I will not do that here. Also, I want to state from the beginning that there are aspects of what I’m addressing today which I don’t fully understand. I still believe, however, that I should address it.
I have never before seen the amount of sickness, disease, and death that I’ve witnessed in this season. Obviously, there have been times in history where plagues and pandemics caused more deaths than humans are currently experiencing. But I have never personally observed the level I have been seeing. And I’m not referring only to Covid. Numerous other forms of sickness and disease seem to be running rampant. Never have I had as many individuals within my personal circle of acquaintances stricken with disease and death. Many of them are/were in ministry. Two more died this past week. Thankfully, some who have been extremely ill have survived. Overall, however, the onslaught has been horrific. If death or suffering has touched your circle, as well, I am deeply sorry for your pain and loss.
I have thought and prayed about this for several days. It seems to me that something has been supernaturally unleashed on the earth, spiritual in nature, that is producing this unprecedented level of death and disease. Let me be clear in saying, I do NOT believe all sickness is directly caused by demonic activity. NOR do I believe that all sickness is caused by sin in a person's life. I do believe, in a general sense, that all sickness originates from the curse of sin and resulting satanic activity. In that regard, satan is the source of all sickness and disease, even if caused by poor health habits, unforgiveness, and other sins. Jesus clearly demonstrated God‘s attitude toward sickness - He healed all who came to Him for healing and treated sickness as an enemy. Acts 10:38 says of Christ’s ministry: “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”
While I do not believe all sickness is directly caused by demonic spirits, it is clear from scripture that some is. Jesus healed a person who was bent over with a crooked spine, caused by a spirit of infirmity (Luke 13:10-11). He healed a boy who was deaf and couldn’t speak, which was caused by a spirit (Mark 9:17-27). And there are other biblical examples we could mention.
I don’t know how demons cause diseases such as these, nor do I know all that gives them access or permission to do so. Clearly, certain actions open the door to demonic activity. In other cases, however, it does not appear that the person suffering from evil spirits committed any act that would open the door to it. One possible explanation is a person’s genetics which can make them vulnerable. The medical world knows that many diseases are caused by inherited susceptibility to them. It seems logical that demons somehow prey on this. Just how they are able to do this, I don’t pretend to understand. When Jesus healed individuals of diseases caused by spirits, He didn’t explain how it occurred. He simply delivered and healed them.
I do not pretend to know how spiritual forces can at times release more sickness into the earth. But biblically, I know it’s possible; and I feel that is occurring.
The scriptures teach that at times satan becomes more wrathful and aggressive in his activities. Revelation 12:12 makes this clear: “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” The verse in no way suggests this as the only time such activity will occur in history. And I am not suggesting that it is happening at this time because Jesus is about to return. I don’t pretend to know when that will occur; no one does. I am simply pointing out that satan’s wrath and activities fluctuate.
Regarding this verse in Revelation my spiritual dad, Jim Hodges, says: “Escalated satanic activity does not take place only before Christ’s final return, but has occurred periodically in history. Satan is not omniscient, but he can observe when the Ekklesia is maturing at certain junctures in history, and thus his rage goes to another level. Revelation is a book that addresses history past and present, as well as the future.”
The murdering of babies during the time when Moses was born; the season surrounding Christ’s birth when Herod had children killed; the martyrdom of many believers when the church was born; these would all be examples. The holocaust is a contemporary example. Obviously, throughout history there have been seasons when violent, destructive activity from satan increased on the earth.
I feel we are currently in one of those times. The maturity of the Ekklesia and the eminent, unprecedented worldwide harvest has infuriated satan. In order to stop these things, I believe he has launched a counterattack, a campaign, to bring death and destruction. At his command, spirits that cause infirmity have been unleashed.
We can stop some of this. Certainly, we cannot stop all death and destruction. But I do believe we can “bind” the demonic activity causing some of the current sickness and death, especially that which is being leveled against the body of Christ. I am NOT suggesting we should be compassionate toward and pray only for believers. We want all suffering to end. But when individuals are under the blood of Jesus and in covenant with Him, it becomes easier to stop satan’s attacks - he has no authority over them. Healing is the children’s bread (Mark 7:27). Let’s pray against this onslaught.
Pray with me:
Father, we come to You now in the powerful name of Jesus. We state our faith in His sacrifice and redeeming work. He delivered us from the authority of darkness and translated us into His kingdom (Colossians 1:13). He also gave us His authority to stop the works of satan against us (Matthew 16:18-19).
As a prayer army here in America and in other nations, as well, we join our hearts and faith together. We do so to oppose the onslaught of sickness and death which demonic spirits are releasing in the earth. We bind this. We declare our faith that the blood of Jesus covers and shields us from these attacks. We bind spirits causing Covid, cancer, other diseases, and death. We declare Psalm 91, 1 Peter 2:24, and Romans 8:37 over our brothers and sisters and, especially right now, over leaders in the body of Christ. We declare in the powerful name of Jesus that this assault against leaders in the church will now be pushed back and rendered powerless. We break it’s effectiveness.
And Father, we certainly love those who do not know You. We pray for them, as well. We ask for their protection from these evil diseases. Please heal them. Turn back this horrible tide of destruction. And we pray for their salvation. Reveal Jesus to them! We ask all these things in Christ’s name. Amen.
Our decree:
We decree that the spirit of death and disease attacking people in this season is being overcome by the blood of the lamb and the authority of Christ.
Copyright © 2022 Dutch Sheets Ministries, All rights reserved.
03 November 2021
Allow Him to Heal Us
Psalm 139: 1-14, 23-24 (TPT):
“Lord, You know everything there is to know about me.
You perceive every movement of my heart and soul,
and You understand my every thought before it even enters my mind.
You are so intimately aware of me, Lord.
You read my heart like an open book
and You know all the words I’m about to speak
before I even start a sentence!
You know every step I will take before my journey even begins.
You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way,
and in kindness You follow behind me
to spare me from the harm of my past.
You have laid Your hand on me!
This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible!
Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.
Where could I go from Your Spirit?
Where could I run and hide from Your face?
If I go up to heaven, You’re there!
If I go down to the realm of the dead, You’re there too!
If I fly with wings into the shining dawn, You’re there!
If I fly into the radiant sunset, You’re there waiting!
Wherever I go, Your hand will guide me;
Your strength will empower me.
It’s impossible to disappear from You
or to ask the darkness to hide me,
for Your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night.
There is no such thing as darkness with You.
The night, to You, is as bright as the day;
there’s no difference between the two.
You formed my innermost being, shaping my delicate inside
and my intricate outside,
and wove them all together in my mother’s womb.
I thank You, God, for making me so mysteriously complex!
Everything You do is marvelously breathtaking.
It simply amazes me to think about it!
How thoroughly You know me, Lord!
God, I invite Your searching gaze into my heart.
Examine me through and through;
find out everything that may be hidden within me.
Put me to the test and sift through all my anxious cares.
See if there is any path of pain I’m walking on,
and lead me back to your glorious, everlasting way—
the path that brings me back to You.”
You perceive every movement of my heart and soul,
and You understand my every thought before it even enters my mind.
You are so intimately aware of me, Lord.
You read my heart like an open book
and You know all the words I’m about to speak
before I even start a sentence!
You know every step I will take before my journey even begins.
You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way,
and in kindness You follow behind me
to spare me from the harm of my past.
You have laid Your hand on me!
This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible!
Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.
Where could I go from Your Spirit?
Where could I run and hide from Your face?
If I go up to heaven, You’re there!
If I go down to the realm of the dead, You’re there too!
If I fly with wings into the shining dawn, You’re there!
If I fly into the radiant sunset, You’re there waiting!
Wherever I go, Your hand will guide me;
Your strength will empower me.
It’s impossible to disappear from You
or to ask the darkness to hide me,
for Your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night.
There is no such thing as darkness with You.
The night, to You, is as bright as the day;
there’s no difference between the two.
You formed my innermost being, shaping my delicate inside
and my intricate outside,
and wove them all together in my mother’s womb.
I thank You, God, for making me so mysteriously complex!
Everything You do is marvelously breathtaking.
It simply amazes me to think about it!
How thoroughly You know me, Lord!
God, I invite Your searching gaze into my heart.
Examine me through and through;
find out everything that may be hidden within me.
Put me to the test and sift through all my anxious cares.
See if there is any path of pain I’m walking on,
and lead me back to your glorious, everlasting way—
the path that brings me back to You.”
I was challenged recently to search my heart and see if I had a critical spirit toward another movement in the body of Christ, inappropriately judging their actions, teachings, and motives. Yesterday’s post dealt with the need for all of us to do so. It can be difficult at times to point out what we deem to be harmful beliefs, doctrines, and actions without crossing into inappropriate criticism. And frankly, some errors are propagated with pure motives, while others are to further ambitions and personal kingdom building. There is an appropriate time, place, and biblical protocol for confronting these self-serving activities.
Appropriately challenging wrong beliefs and actions is not my purpose. My intent is to again challenge each of us to allow Holy Spirit’s exposure of any inappropriate criticism of fellow believers, especially other leaders. In this 139th Psalm, Holy Spirit clearly states that none of us fully know what is in our own hearts; only God knows what is truly there. We must all willingly allow Him to expose what is motivating us, then confront what He reveals as inappropriate. I have accepted this challenge. How can I encourage others to do what I am unwilling to do?
The point of today’s post, however, is not to share what is being revealed to me, for I am not yet through that process. I don’t believe it typically happens in a day or two. Sometimes it takes a while for Holy Spirit to peel back the layers of our hearts and minds to show us what is really there. My purpose, again, is to encourage all of us to allow this process to occur.
“According to the Associated Press, on a windy day in March 1997, a father and his son came to Valley Forge National Historical Park, where George Washington stationed the Revolutionary Army during the difficult winter of 1777-1778. The father and son had something much less historic in mind: they wanted to launch a model rocket. At first, they tried using electric ignition wires to light the fuse, but to no avail. So they tried lighting the fuse with a common sparkler, the kind seen on the Fourth of July.
“That’s when the trouble began. Sparks ignited a grass fire, and the winds quickly spread the blaze, burning one field where Revolutionary War soldiers had trained, and coming within a half-mile of George Washington’s headquarters. Thirty units from twelve fire departments fought the blaze for an hour before bringing it under control. In the end, over thirty acres were charred. The man with the sparkler was charged with the destruction of government property and use of fireworks.”(1)
Like the sparkler, a critical spirit never seems as dangerous as it really is.
We are moving into an incredible season. The future will record of this season that it was one of the most significant in history. Our hearts - not just our gifts - will determine much of the role we play in it:
Appropriately challenging wrong beliefs and actions is not my purpose. My intent is to again challenge each of us to allow Holy Spirit’s exposure of any inappropriate criticism of fellow believers, especially other leaders. In this 139th Psalm, Holy Spirit clearly states that none of us fully know what is in our own hearts; only God knows what is truly there. We must all willingly allow Him to expose what is motivating us, then confront what He reveals as inappropriate. I have accepted this challenge. How can I encourage others to do what I am unwilling to do?
The point of today’s post, however, is not to share what is being revealed to me, for I am not yet through that process. I don’t believe it typically happens in a day or two. Sometimes it takes a while for Holy Spirit to peel back the layers of our hearts and minds to show us what is really there. My purpose, again, is to encourage all of us to allow this process to occur.
“According to the Associated Press, on a windy day in March 1997, a father and his son came to Valley Forge National Historical Park, where George Washington stationed the Revolutionary Army during the difficult winter of 1777-1778. The father and son had something much less historic in mind: they wanted to launch a model rocket. At first, they tried using electric ignition wires to light the fuse, but to no avail. So they tried lighting the fuse with a common sparkler, the kind seen on the Fourth of July.
“That’s when the trouble began. Sparks ignited a grass fire, and the winds quickly spread the blaze, burning one field where Revolutionary War soldiers had trained, and coming within a half-mile of George Washington’s headquarters. Thirty units from twelve fire departments fought the blaze for an hour before bringing it under control. In the end, over thirty acres were charred. The man with the sparkler was charged with the destruction of government property and use of fireworks.”(1)
Like the sparkler, a critical spirit never seems as dangerous as it really is.
We are moving into an incredible season. The future will record of this season that it was one of the most significant in history. Our hearts - not just our gifts - will determine much of the role we play in it:
- Were our wineskins flexible enough to adapt to new ideas, ways and methods? Were we able to accept new scriptural interpretations/theological beliefs, or have we decided - consciously or unconsciously - that all of our beliefs and opinions are completely right?
- Did traditions outweigh truth?
- Were we humble enough to lay our “need to be right” on the altar?
- Did our theological beliefs trump the importance of love and unity?
- Did we drift too far in either direction from the fine line of judging content (prophecies, messages, doctrines, etc) and judging others’ hearts?
- Did we break free from our ambition, comfort, and personal desires adequately enough to selflessly strive for the cause of Christ and His kingdom?
- Were we passionate history “makers” or dispassionate observers?
- Were we bold in the face of tremendous opposition or fearful passivists?
There are more questions to be answered, of course, but I believe the point is made. This is a season to allow Holy Spirit to probe a little deeper, showing us areas He wants to work on. If we allow Him, He will do so - not with a condemning voice - but with a surgeon’s scalpel. His desire is never to hurt us, but to help and heal us. When He points out a weakness, His heart is to shape us for destiny, not sentence us to destruction.
Let Him have a look.
Pray with me:
Thank You, Father, for Your grace toward us. Thank You for not casting us aside when we make mistakes or errors. Thank You for demonstrating a merciful heart toward us, not a critical spirit. In Your perfection, You could easily belittle others, yet You are patient and gracious - good all the time.
We ask for Your heart to be released to the church in this hour. May we find ourselves falling in love more and more with our brothers and sisters. Even those we disagree with. May we err on the side of love, not criticism. Give us hearts to always be looking for ways to bless, not curse. Make us more like You.
We choose this day to align ourselves with the Redeemer of the brethren, not with “the accuser of the brethren.” We will live in Psalm 133, where the brothers dwell together in unity. We take the keys of the kingdom and bind the influence of the accuser off of us, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
Our decree:
We decree that the Ekklesia, the bride of Christ, is coming together in the unity of the faith.
Craig Brian Larson, Choice Contemporary Stories and Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers, and Writers (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1998), p. 104.
Copyright © 2021 Dutch Sheets Ministries, All rights reserved.
Let Him have a look.
Pray with me:
Thank You, Father, for Your grace toward us. Thank You for not casting us aside when we make mistakes or errors. Thank You for demonstrating a merciful heart toward us, not a critical spirit. In Your perfection, You could easily belittle others, yet You are patient and gracious - good all the time.
We ask for Your heart to be released to the church in this hour. May we find ourselves falling in love more and more with our brothers and sisters. Even those we disagree with. May we err on the side of love, not criticism. Give us hearts to always be looking for ways to bless, not curse. Make us more like You.
We choose this day to align ourselves with the Redeemer of the brethren, not with “the accuser of the brethren.” We will live in Psalm 133, where the brothers dwell together in unity. We take the keys of the kingdom and bind the influence of the accuser off of us, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
Our decree:
We decree that the Ekklesia, the bride of Christ, is coming together in the unity of the faith.
Craig Brian Larson, Choice Contemporary Stories and Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers, and Writers (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1998), p. 104.
Copyright © 2021 Dutch Sheets Ministries, All rights reserved.
03 September 2021
Quote of the Day
“When this is over, we will remember only one thing: It won’t be the pain or the agony. It will be the fight in our spirit. Did we leave it all on the field? Did we fight with a nasty junkyard-dog-rage and fire to the very end? Did we seethe with holy zeal? Was our blood burning? Did the devil feel our total rage and defiance? Vicious victory in our soul is all that matters!! Symptoms be damned!!! Amen!”
11 April 2021
Sunday's Word - 11 APR 21
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
1 Peter 2:24 (King James Version)
He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.
02 October 2020
Prayer For Our President
Father God, we lift up our President to You, and ask You to hold him up. Please strengthen him, bolster him, and renew his energy for the many tasks ahead.
Heal him in any way he needs, and protect him from the effects of the exposure to the virus. Let him not forget how many of us are standing together in faith, believing that You appointed him for this task, at such a time as this.
Lord, You are our Healer, and we believe You and Your Word. Father, please shut the mouths of the oppressors and those who preach gloom and doom. Don't let us forget that this nation was dedicated to You from of old, and make us worthy of the calling.
We give You the praise, honor and glory, and ask these things in Jesus' mighty name.
Amen!
For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. (Nehemiah 6:9)
22 May 2020
God's Word for Friday, 5/22/2020
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 103:2-5 KJV
O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing!
He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.
23 February 2020
Wifely Update: Prayer Works
On January 20th, my wife suffered two strokes. She immediately lost the ability to read, or even recognize words and letters. Her short-term memory was also affected.
We prayed. Friends prayed. Pastor and church family prayed. All y'all prayed.
She's been assessed by multiple doctors and specialists, wherein a recurring theme has developed.
"Remarkable progress" was used by every single physician, nurse, AN-P, and MA.
They're responding as men and women of science. But they didn't figure our God into their calculations.
This past Tuesday, she went back to work, and is doing pretty well. There's still some recovery ahead, but she begins working full-time tomorrow.
Praise to our Father God may now commence. :)
We prayed. Friends prayed. Pastor and church family prayed. All y'all prayed.
She's been assessed by multiple doctors and specialists, wherein a recurring theme has developed.
"Remarkable progress" was used by every single physician, nurse, AN-P, and MA.
They're responding as men and women of science. But they didn't figure our God into their calculations.
This past Tuesday, she went back to work, and is doing pretty well. There's still some recovery ahead, but she begins working full-time tomorrow.
Praise to our Father God may now commence. :)
17 August 2017
Are You Broken?
A friend asked me to write about the question, “What if I stopped trying so hard to hide my brokenness? What if we all did?”
Good questions, both. Why are they good?
Let me ask, why are you trying so hard? Is it a shame to be broken by life, by hardship, by circumstances?
Here’s an answer you won’t expect: “Yes, it is.” We’re not called to be under the circumstances. We are more than conquerors in (and through, and because of) Christ Jesus! (Romans 8:37) We supposed to be ABOVE the circumstances!
But of course we’re broken, because humanity is broken! That’s why we need Jesus so badly. God’s love, given so freely through our acceptance of Him as our savior, is available. He Himself will fix our brokenness.
What does the Bible say about it? I’m glad you asked:
So why do we try to cover our brokenness? Why do we pretend to each other that we’re okay? Because we’re ashamed or embarrassed that we can’t control all the circumstances of our lives?
Who can?
God the Father, and His Son, Jesus – that’s who. Our brokenness is proof positive that we need Him. Let His healing of you, both inside and outside, be proof that we don’t need to be broken … and proof that we don’t need to pretend to each other.
Good questions, both. Why are they good?
Let me ask, why are you trying so hard? Is it a shame to be broken by life, by hardship, by circumstances?
Here’s an answer you won’t expect: “Yes, it is.” We’re not called to be under the circumstances. We are more than conquerors in (and through, and because of) Christ Jesus! (Romans 8:37) We supposed to be ABOVE the circumstances!
But of course we’re broken, because humanity is broken! That’s why we need Jesus so badly. God’s love, given so freely through our acceptance of Him as our savior, is available. He Himself will fix our brokenness.
What does the Bible say about it? I’m glad you asked:
"Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out.
"Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn’t rain, and it didn’t—not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again. (James 5:13-18, MSG)
So why do we try to cover our brokenness? Why do we pretend to each other that we’re okay? Because we’re ashamed or embarrassed that we can’t control all the circumstances of our lives?
Who can?
God the Father, and His Son, Jesus – that’s who. Our brokenness is proof positive that we need Him. Let His healing of you, both inside and outside, be proof that we don’t need to be broken … and proof that we don’t need to pretend to each other.
21 November 2016
A Prayer of Thanksgiving & for the President-elect
Many of you are aware that Christians in the United States, as well as our Israeli friends in their country, have been praying very hard.
We knew that the future of the U.S. depended entirely on the outcome of the Presidential election. We prayed as we have rarely prayed before, that His choice for leadership would be elected, and evil would be turned away.
In the words of King Solomon in 2 Chronicles 6:10, "And now you see the promise completed. God has done what he said he would do."
So now what?
Now, it's still up to us. We cannot stop praying now. President-elect Trump has asked for prayer for wisdom, to steer this floundering ship of state away from the rocks, and back onto the path the Lord laid out for us.
We pray:
Father God, we humble ourselves before Your throne, and ask You to continue showing us mercy, for we are Your children. We do not behave as You commanded, but we want to. We as a nation have not been obedient for many years, and have allowed evil to sweep across this land. We ask You to forgive us for our lack of faith, our lack of sincerity, and our lack of trust.
But Father, we know this country was dedicated to You, and we want to return to that covenant with You. We repent for the sins of the United States, and ask You to forgive it once more, and heal this land.
Father, You are faithful, and we are wholly dependent on Your grace for everything we do. Let us be always mindful of You and Your commandments. Let us dwell in Your shadow, in that safe hiding place, and seek Your face as never before.
Father, we thank You for exposing the evil and laying bare the fraudulent activities which might have stolen the election. We thank You for seeing Mr. Trump through to victory.
Now, Lord, we ask You to guide and protect Donald Trump, and let him be Your instrument as the head of state. Let the nation remember Your goodness, and return to You.
We ask You to restore that which has been lost or abandoned, and make the United States of American a shining beacon of the strength and goodness which flows from Your throne when the people are obedient to You.
And we ask this in Jesus' most wonderful Name. Amen.
We knew that the future of the U.S. depended entirely on the outcome of the Presidential election. We prayed as we have rarely prayed before, that His choice for leadership would be elected, and evil would be turned away.
In the words of King Solomon in 2 Chronicles 6:10, "And now you see the promise completed. God has done what he said he would do."
So now what?
Now, it's still up to us. We cannot stop praying now. President-elect Trump has asked for prayer for wisdom, to steer this floundering ship of state away from the rocks, and back onto the path the Lord laid out for us.
We pray:
Father God, we humble ourselves before Your throne, and ask You to continue showing us mercy, for we are Your children. We do not behave as You commanded, but we want to. We as a nation have not been obedient for many years, and have allowed evil to sweep across this land. We ask You to forgive us for our lack of faith, our lack of sincerity, and our lack of trust.
But Father, we know this country was dedicated to You, and we want to return to that covenant with You. We repent for the sins of the United States, and ask You to forgive it once more, and heal this land.
Father, You are faithful, and we are wholly dependent on Your grace for everything we do. Let us be always mindful of You and Your commandments. Let us dwell in Your shadow, in that safe hiding place, and seek Your face as never before.
Father, we thank You for exposing the evil and laying bare the fraudulent activities which might have stolen the election. We thank You for seeing Mr. Trump through to victory.
Now, Lord, we ask You to guide and protect Donald Trump, and let him be Your instrument as the head of state. Let the nation remember Your goodness, and return to You.
We ask You to restore that which has been lost or abandoned, and make the United States of American a shining beacon of the strength and goodness which flows from Your throne when the people are obedient to You.
And we ask this in Jesus' most wonderful Name. Amen.
11 September 2015
25 October 2013
Wounded Warriors Find Path to Healing in Alaska
PORT ALSWORTH, Alaska -- American troops have been fighting almost non-stop for more than a decade. Casualties from these wars include both our service members and their families.
Now, a new program is bringing wounded warriors from all over the country to Alaska for peace and healing.Parched, Wounded MarriagesTheir journey begins in a plane -- the main source of transportation to Port Alsworth, a remote Alaskan village located about 150 miles southwest of Anchorage. Wounded warriors and their spouses follow a breathtaking path in their search for healing of their bodies, minds, and marriages.
Landing on a dirt runway begins a week unlike any other. As they exit, they receive a hero's welcome from Port Alsworth residents and the staff and volunteers of Samaritan Lodge Alaska."They come off the plane crying because they did not get that type of welcome when they came home when they were wounded because they just came home by themselves," Sandy Lang, the facilities manager of Samaritan Lodge Alaska, told CBN News."There was no big parade or anything, and most of them will say, 'I can't believe you did that for me,'" she said. "And it's just the most heart warming thing. They just feel so loved."The cozy retreat center is an oasis for veterans and spouses parched by war. The humanitarian organization, Samaritan's Purse, runs the program known as Operation Heal Our Patriots."We want these couples to experience healing -- God's healing in their lives," Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse, said. "And I'm not talking just about the physical healing. That's important, but I'm talking about the spiritual and the emotional healing, and also the healing of their marriages."
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