How's your perseverance???

This morning I have been pondering the word "perserverance".  I do have a particular fascination  regarding the meaning of words. I figure if it is something I am to have and strive after, I had better understand what it is.

Perserverance definition:

5281 hypomonḗ (from 5259 /htpó, "under" and 3306 /ménō, "remain, endure") – properly, remaining under, endurance; steadfastness. A patient, steadfastness, constancy, endurance.

in the N. T. the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings: 

2 Peter 1:3-11 - 3For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises [of inexpressible value], so that by them you may escape from the immoral freedom that is in the world because of disreputable desire, and become sharers of the divine nature. 5For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), 6and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness (Perserverance), godliness, 7and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit]. 8For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9For whoever lacks these qualities is blind--shortsighted [closing his spiritual eyes to the truth], having become oblivious to the fact that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin]; 11for in this way entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided to you.

In my pursuit to understand "Perserverance", I have gotten hung up in these verses in 2nd Peter. I am attempting to pick out main points in these verses to emphasize them, but finding it quite difficult to do so. Every word is essential. I think it wise to ponder these verses and ask yourself, "How am I doing increasing these values in my life? Am I headed to spiritual maturity or, alternatively, am I lacking the qualities listed and I am actually closing my spiritual eyes to the truth and stumbling?

Since it was the word "Perserverance" that started this entire investigation this morning, I will briefly pursue that thought with some questions:

Since Perserverance means endurance and steadfastness and constancy. Unswerving from your loyalty to faith or your loyalty to keeping steady in trusting God in the midst of troubles and suffering. My main question is: How are you doing in regard to that? Are you blind to spiritual things? Are you building on sand or on a solid rock? Are you quickly sinking in the storm by being distracted by the wind and waves? Are you steady with your eyes on Jesus? When trouble hits, are you quickly bailing out on God or are you faithfully Stickin' with Jesus, who is the Truth, the Word of God?

Do you have the knowledge that you are sharers of the divine nature? Do you know that for this very reason, you must apply your diligence [to the divine promises, and make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to develop Perserverance along with all the other attributes to be sharers of His divine nature.

How steady and constant are you in your confidence toward God (faith) when trouble comes? When you evaluate yourself and if you find these qualities lacking, know this: His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, and make every effort to add these characteristics, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, knowledge (insight, self-control, steadfastness (Perserverance), godliness, brotherly affection, and [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit]. 

Know this: if these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, apply diligence and every effort to increase in these characteristics and grow spiritually. Where you are regarding these characteristics reflects where you are in your relationship with Christ and remember...we are headed for an eternal kingdom. This is no small potatoes. Pay attention. Apply diligence.

Counsel for today

This morning I was reading Psalm Chapter 50 from several translations. Some very interesting things caught my attention.

Please read Psalm 50. I will only point out  the things that impacted me the most. I am certain as you ponder the words in these verses, you will see things that I will not be commenting on.

Verse 11: “I know every bird of the mountains....

This reminds me of the song "His eye is on the sparrow". It is very reassuring that since He knows every bird of the mountain, how much more does He know what is going on with me and cares.

Psalm 33:18 - Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,

1 Peter 3:12 - The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil.”

2 Chronicles 16:9 - 
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”

Matthew 10:29-31 - 

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows

Verse 14: “Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High;

Thanksgiving is the sacrifice God desires. How much Thanks do we give God, particularly when things are not going the way we think they should be? Remember, it is a sacrifice!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Psalm 107:20-22 - He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death. Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and sing joyfully about his glorious acts.

Philippians 4:6 - Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Psalm 69:30 - I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.

So, Magnify the Lord today.....with Thanksgiving.

Verse 15: Call on Me in the day of trouble;

I will rescue you, and you shall honor and glorify Me.”

Some valuable instructions....Call on the Lord in the time of trouble!!!

Wonderful Promise....God Himself will rescue me!!!

Our response.....honor and glorify God!

Verse 16 - But, to the wicked God says:   “What right have you to recite My statutes

Or to take My covenant on your lips?

Hmmmm, that verse tells me that the wicked have no right to God's Word or right to speak God's Covenant. But, I am not wicked. I am Righteous before God, as a gift from God. So, I have a right to speak God's Word and speak of the covenant I have with Him. Look at these translations:

Good News Translation
But God says to the wicked, "Why should you recite my commandments? Why should you talk about my covenant?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But God says to wicked people, "How dare you quote my decrees and mouth my promises!

Notice the words: talk, speak, recite, quote, lips.....those words are not there by accident.

Hebrews 8:6 - But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.

So.....what is in my mouth???

Verse 17 -“For you hate instruction and discipline and cast My words behind you [discarding them].

How are we dealing with instruction, discipline from God? What are we doing about God's Word????

Proverbs 7:1- My son, keep my words And treasure my commandments within you [so they are readily available to guide you].

Job 23:12 - I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food.

Proverbs 2:1-8 - My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Verse 23 - "He who offers a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving honors Me;

And to him who orders his way rightly [who follows the way that I show him],

I shall show the salvation of God.”

Salvation definition: deliverance, rescue, salvation, safety, welfare  

Sounds wonderful to me!!! 

Peace, Peace in Times of Trouble

What do you do in Times of Trouble? How do you find Peace, let alone Peace, Peace in the midst of chaos and evil????

Irregardless, what situation we find ourselves in, whether political, physical trauma, disease, financial problems, relational distress....it doesn"t matter the problem, beaten with rocks or with rods, shipwrecked, hunger, shivering in the cold, storms, injustice and left to die ... It Does Not matter what the issue is....How we respond is a thermometer that shows where we are in our relationship with God. 

Now, listen up! Don't get mad, defensive and shut out what I am saying! Look at the vast number of Israelites who so easily and quickly went against God continually after they were delivered from Eqypt by the mighty hand of God and they turned against their leader who had led them out of bondage. Only 2 (Joshua and Caleb) plus Moses stuck with God and His Word. 

The more you know God the easier it gets to hold steady to His Word in terrible times of trouble. The more you spend time with Him and get to know Him, His nature, His character and His Word, the more your confidence (faith) in Him grows.

Through your life experiences you've watched and seen the awesome ways He has worked again and again. Many look only at the negative reports of what has happened when the devil has momentarily gotten the upper hand and even blame God for the trouble, but we must know Who our God really is. We must know that He is a Good God, a Just and Righteous God.  As His children He is For us and Not Against us. He is Mighty on our behalf and does exceedingly, abundantly and above ALL we can Ask or think. Psalm 103:8 tells us that 

The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. God tells us that the wicked will fall by their own devices, be entangled in the nets they themselves have laid and fall into the traps they themselves have out. Their evil deeds will be found out and Justice will prevail. God's Word is true. God Is Not a liar! It is Impossible for Him to Lie! DO NOT CALL HIM A LIAR!!!!! Expect His Word to come to pass. His Word never fails. God IS Faithfull

As you learn and grow in your relationship with God, you trust Him more and have more confidence to hold fast to Him in terrible times, but it still take commitment and FOCUS! 

Isaiah 26:3 says: You keep him in perfect peace (peace, peace) whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Where will your thoughts be if you are really trusting God? Your thoughts will be Stayed, Fixed on, God and His Word. Immovable from the truth. That is how you will remain in Great Peace in the midst of the worst situations and negative reports. You have your report from God. His report outranks and outweighs every other report regardless how it looks, feels or reports to the contrary. We must Know what a Mighty, Powerful and Awesome God we serve!!!! Do Not lose your Awe of God in the midst of the trouble! It goes back to taking charge of your thinking and making your thoughts and words stick to what God says. 2 Corinthians 10:5; Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8. As you meditate on God's Word and Practice being a Doer of His Word not a hearer only. James 1:25, you will get more and more confident that God IS who He says He is and He Will do what He says He will do. You will see awesome things in your life as you watch and see what God will do!!!!!

There is far more going on in the spiritual realm, good and evil, than we can see. We must know that God is working even and especially when we cannot see it and when evil, unrighteousness and all forms of demonic actions, deception and lies and media and negative medical reports are working overtime to take precedent over everything. Know this: if what you are seeing, thinking and feeling stirs you up negatively and makes fear and disruption that depresses you, it is not God. If it is working to steal, kill and destroy, it is NOT God! God works for Peace, Righteousness, Joy, and Justice, Healing and Restoration ....  all things GOOD! He IS at work regardless of how it appears. Don't be a fearful, faithless Israelites who caves in on God in the rough times, thereby missing out on what God is working out. Choose to stick with God. Are you being carnally minded or spiritually minded? Romans 8:6-9. Believe what he says and make yourself be found faithful. God has not turned away. Fight with Him, not against Him. Fighting against Him is only taking your stand with those that are evil. Keep fighting. Hold Fast to God and His Word and watch and see what God will do!

Joshua 4:21-24 Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the LORD your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as he did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over. He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the LORD’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the LORD your God forever.”

Never lose your Awe of God

 For a few days this thought has been rolling around in my mind, "Never lose your Awe of God".

I wondered then, "What does "Awe" mean? You know me, curious, right? I think I have a pretty good idea what the word "Awe" means, but I want to be certain that I really know, you know..... just in case there is more to it than I really know....most of the time there is. It's always exciting to investigate!!!

Awe - OT translated revere, to turn aside from the road, fear

Awe - NT reverence; respect, fear

In a rather quick study of having the Awe of God, I 
saw three things regarding how people respond to the Awe of God.

#1. People see signs and wonders and the are filled with Awe of God and then they praise God

Luke 5:24-26
Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”
And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”

Acts 3:1-10
One day Peter and John were going up to the Temple for the hour of prayer—the ninth hour—and, just then, some men were carrying there one who had been lame from birth, whom they were wont to place every day close to the Beautiful Gate (as it was called) Seeing Peter and John about to go into the Temple, he asked them for alms. Peter fixing his eyes on him, as John did also, said, "Look at us." So he looked and waited, expecting to receive something from them. "I have no silver or gold," Peter said, "but what I have, I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene— walk!" Then taking his hand Peter lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened. Leaping up, he stood upright and began to walk, and went into the Temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God; and recognizing him as the man who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple asking for alms, they were filled with awe and amazement at what had happened to him.

#2. Many references speak of the multitudes of signs and wonders that God did before Pharaoh and for the Israelites. Although they praised God upon seeing and experiencing the marvelous things that God did, their "Awe" of God was quickly lost. They complained, whined and murmured against God and did not remember the miracles he had done. How quickly they forgot the awesomeness of God and His power on their behalf. Read Psalm 78.

Psalm 78:42

They did not remember [the miracles worked by] His [powerful] hand, Nor the day when He redeemed them from the enemy,

Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, and offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship with reverence and awe;

#3. David was an excellent example of how I see we should be. He remained in Awe of God and Praised God in whatever situation he found himself. His reverence and Awe of God preceded the miracles he experienced. We, as children of God, should hold to the Awesomeness of God. We should remember all He has done for us. Must we wait for signs and wonders to be in Awe of God, then quickly complain when things are not going as we think they ought to? Perhaps our continual Awe of God will precede the power of God on our behalf!

Acts 2:43 
A sense of awe was felt by everyone, and many wonders and signs (attesting miracles) were taking place through the apostles.

Read and ponder the following verses and never lose your Awe of God. He is the Great, Mighty and Awesome God forever and always whether we are seeing His power on our behalf at the moment or not!!!!

Malachi 2:5
“The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and that is what I gave them. This required reverence from them, and they greatly revered me and stood in awe of my name.

Job 37:24
No wonder people everywhere fear him. All who are wise show him reverence.”

Message 37:23-24
“Mighty God! Far beyond our reach!
Unsurpassable in power and justice!
It’s unthinkable that he’d treat anyone unfairly.
So bow to him in deep reverence, one and all! If you’re wise, you’ll most certainly worship him.”

Psalm 33:8
Let the whole world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him.

Psalm 119:160-162
The sum of Your word is truth [the full meaning of all Your precepts], And every one of Your righteous ordinances endures forever. Princes persecute me without cause, But my heart stands in [reverent] awe of Your words [so I can expect You to help me]. I rejoice at Your word, As one who finds great treasure.

Revelations 15:4
Who will not stand in awe of you, Lord? Who will refuse to declare your greatness? You alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship you, because your just actions are seen by all."

Be Who YOU Be - 2

"Be Who YOU Be" is a thought far deeper and life-changing than I ever realized when I first"heard" it. I had no idea what would happen from the place I was with the grieving question, "But, Who do I Be?" "I don't KNOW Who I Be!!!! Father, show me Who I Am!"

I AM LOVED By GOD Himself!!! That is WHO I Be!!!!

Well, who doesn't Know that???

There are at least two basic aspects of "Knowing". Of course I knew that, "Jesus Loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so." I mentally have known that from memory as a child in Sunday School.

But, have I "Known" what that really means?Do I comprehend how that knowledge really impacts my life? What level of knowledge of God's Love for me do I really have? It is somewhat like, 'Do you know so and so?" "Sure, isn't she the one with the long blonde hair that works at the front desk at....?" and, "Do you know Duane Krieger?" "Sure, he is my husband. We've been married for, ahhhhh, 38 years. Yes, 38 years! The level of "Knowing" is drastically different.

I suggest that our level of knowledge of God's Love for us drastically affects our understanding of God, consequently, affecting our response to God. I used to respond to God sort of like an abused dog, cowering within myself, thinking God was ready to punish or condemn me at any time for even the slightest fault.

One of the most powerful thoughts I have had regarding this was one day when I was meditating on Matthew Chapter 14 where Peter was walking on the water toward Jesus. Peter saw the wind and became frightened and began to sink. Verse 31 tells us that, "Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him."

Probably most would never have the eye-opening revelation like what I had that day, but we all interpret things according to our past in many ways. I thought, "Jesus didn't hold Peter's head underwater yelling at him, chewing him out about his lacking of faith." NO!!!!! No, No, No!!!!! NEVER! IMMEDIATELY Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed Peter and got him to safety. He Loved Peter so much that He immediately rescued him. Yes, he corrected him, but not by holding his head underwater. 

More and More, as I grow in my "marriage" relationship to God, I am seeing and "knowing" Him more and more accurately. Things I used to think God would do, or heard other people say that God would do, I realize cannot be true, because He LOVES Me.

Ponder the following scriptures and find more that tell you about the Love your Father has for you. Allow the "Truth" to permeate deep within you and pray He will expose the lies you have embraced and see you Father as He is... Deeply devoted to you!

1 John 3:1 - See how very much your Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.

Ephesians 3:17- 19 - And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].

Ephesians 2:4-5 - But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)

Psalm 145:8 - The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion.

Psalm 103:8 - The LORD is merciful and loving, slow to become angry and full  of constant love. 

Psalm 85:13 - for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death. 

Lamentations 3:22 - The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease.

 Ephesians 1:5-6 - For it was always in his perfect plan to adopt us as his delightful children, through our union with Jesus, the Anointed One, so that his tremendous love that cascades over us would glorify his grace—for the same love he has for his Beloved One, Jesus, he has for us. And this unfolding plan brings him great pleasure!

Think about THAT for a while, why don't you!!!!

And....."Be Who YOU Be.....Loved by your Father with the Same Love He has for His Beloved One! " Be Loved because that IS Who YOU Be!!!

Be Who YOU Be

 You have heard me mention this little statement "Be Who You Be" many times in my writings. It ranks in the top of impacting statements that are life changing to me. As I learn, I find out more and more about "Who I Be". The bottom line and the essence of that statement is that "I am who God says I am" and that's the final answer. 

I first heard with my physical ears the statement "Be Who You Be" on a TV program called "JAG". It wasn't the physical hearing with my ears that was the issue, it was the way that statement ricocheted through my entire being then and for days and weeks to follow. I knew God was getting my attention as that statement continued to echo within me. Even now, years later, it still impacts me. I know that it is a statement from God to me. I believe, to the entire world. 

At first it was an exciting statement, but after pondering for awhile, I became concerned as this question, "Who do I Be?"  rattled me. I did not know the answer to "Who am I?" How can I "Be Who I Be" IF I do not know Who I am???? That was a serious problem to me, especially since I know it was God telling me to "Be Who I Be!!!!

Over the years there has been an ongoing flow of answers to that question, far more than the basic, yet profound answer, "I am a child of God"

The first things that really got my attention and began a change in me are these simple truths....Notice, I say, "Truths". That word, "Truth" is key to "Be Who You Be". We believe lots of things, we would say anything we believe is True, because we "believe" it. However, Truth be told, the only "Truth" is what God says. Anything else we call True, is subject to change. God's Word is unchanging, Hebrews 6:18. His Word will never change. His Word is Jesus, the same yesterday, today and forever. If what I think does not agree with what God says it is not the Truth. In fact, if it is not the Truth, it is a lie. Sadly, we believe a lot of lies that we call truth. The devil has effectively deceived us and we have accepted his statements as True to us. We don't even realize it. We are told and replay the lies in our minds and hearts for so long that they can only be exposed by the real and only Truth, The Word of God. John 17:17 "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." The Holy Spirit enlightens our understanding Ephesians 1:17-18, and as we begin to renew our mind to God's way of thinking, The Truth, we are changed more and more into the likeness of Christ. Ephesians 4:23-24.

Ooooops, that was a detour..... a very, very necessary one....back to the first simple "Truths" that changed my life..... I am Accepted by God, Approved of by God and Adopted by God and it is His pleasure to do that. He wanted me so much that He adopted me and Chose me to be His very own. He actually really wants Me....He wants you, too.

Ephesians 1:5-6

For it was always in his perfect plan to adopt us as his delightful children, through our union with Jesus, the Anointed One, so that his tremendous love that cascades over us would glorify his grace—for the same love he has for his Beloved One, Jesus, he has for us. And this unfolding plan brings him great pleasure!

Psalm 119:18 

Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.

Honestly, I didn't even get to what I was planning on sharing today, but it is a good start with lots of life changing "Truths" to ponder on. Perhaps the three aspects along the line of "Be Who YOU BE" that I had intended to share will be three more posts in the upcoming days!!!!

Pay Attention!!!!

 Yesterday I heard from the pulpit a statement that made me frustrated, actually angry. I must address it. I cannot be silent.

This is the statement and I quote, "How does it look for somebody who just really trusts God and now they have a diagnosis with cancer and they don't know if they're going to make it."

Many would respond to that statement and my frustration with a comeback like, "What's wrong with that?"

Here's what is wrong with that statement and you may quote me, "If you really trust God and you get a diagnosis of cancer or any other negative report, your response, IF you Really trust God, will Never, EVER be to wonder IF you are going to make it."

How can you say that???? You say, "I know many, many people who were Christians, loved God  and died of cancer. Yes, and so do I. Why???? 

Many, many people will instantly get on my case and accuse me of putting them under condemnation and accusing them of not having enough faith. Of judging them and being too radical. Go ahead with your arguments and justification for your reasoning. But, at least give me your ear to present my case.

True trust in God does not have an end or a limit of how far it will go.  Trusting God continues and fights all the harder in the face of a diagnosis of cancer or any other negative report. There is nothing greater or more powerful than our God. Nothing is too difficult for Him. Nothing is impossible with God.

"But", many argue, "Maybe God wants to Teach me something through this. Perhaps this is His will for me. God needs another angel....Those arguments are evidence of man's lack of knowledge concerning spiritual things. You give me the scriptures to prove any of those ideas. In the meantime, let me give you God's point of view.

Psalm 34:4-7 - I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.

Exodus 15:26 -  I am the LORD that heals you.

Malachi 3:6 - For I am the LORD, I change not

Jehovah Rapha - The Lord who Heals. 

Jehovah "The Existing One" 

Rapha - 'To Restore" "To Heal"

Jehovah is the great physician who heals the physical and emotional needs of his people.

Isaiah 53:5 - But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

 Peace = well, favor, friend, great, good health, perfect,

shalom, safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace -- X do, familiar, X fare, favour, + friend, X great, (good) health, (X perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, (X all is, be) well, X wholly.

We are healed =  cure, cause to heal, physician, repair, thoroughly, make whole

Or raphah {raw-faw'}; a primitive root; properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure -- cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, X thoroughly, make whole. See raphah

Matthew 8:16-17 - This was to fulfill what was declared by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "It was he who took our illnesses away and removed our diseases."

1 Peter 2:24 - He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Answer me this - how is it that we have no problem believing the first part of Isaiah 53:5

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities" 

and the first part of 1 Peter 2:24 

 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness..

Yet when it comes to the second parts of each verse we believe lies and make up our own doctrines in attempt to comfort ourselves and attempt to explain what we don't understand?

Tell me this ....do you understand how it can be that Jesus paid the price by the shedding of his blood to forgive and cleanse us from our sins. If you were honest, you would answer, "No, I don't understand, I just believe it by faith."

So, why is it any different for the second part. "By his wounds you have been healed."

We make it difficult because we do the very same thing today as the people from Jesus' own hometown where Jesus could do no mighty work because they would not believe. Mark 6:2-5. They couldn't get past what they had seen and knew naturally. He was just a carpenters son, i.e.,the reports show I have cancer. They were not in a position to receive because the would not believe.

 If you had eyes to see, you would see beyond the natural into the Word of God (spiritual) Jeremiah 5:21 and value God's Word more true and powerful than ANY other report to the contrary. You would continue to "Really Trust" God in spite of all other reports and things you visually and physically see and experience. 

Your response identifies whether you are carnal or spiritual  Romans 8:6. Your response to difficulty shows your soil quality. Mark 4:4-9; Matthew 13:3-9

If you are Truly Trusting God, You will fight to stand with God, 1 Timothy 6:12. You will not cave in, not knowing if you will live or die. Hebrews 10:38; Luke 18:1. You will KNOW the Truth and the Truth that you know will make you free!!! You will fight to not let go of The Truth that sets you Free. Joshua 23:8-13, this is extremely applicable to what we are talking about. John 8:31-32. You will KNOW Your God is still the Lord that heals you. You will know He cannot lie. Therefore, it has to be, that the situation must change. I am the Healed for Jesus really did bear my sicknesses and He really did carry my diseases and it IS really true that By His stripes I am healed. This is the faith (the Truly Trusting God), that changes my situation. Then I continue to cast down every thought and argument that opposes the Word of God and make my thoughts come into agreement with what God says. 2 Corinthians 10:5. 

Regardless of how things look naturally. Regardless of how it feels. Regardless of any reports to the contrary. You hold fast to God's Report. His report is true and He is Faithful. He will fulfill His Word to us. Our job, "Only believe" John 7:50; Mark 5:36.

Your Faith (confidence in God, Truly Trusting God) will prove itself to be the Substance that is needed to bring the supernatural into your natural, Hebrews 11:1 thus changing your natural circumstances. You will KNOW beyond a shadow of doubt that you will live and not die. Psalm 117:18

You will KNOW that your situation will change and you will be green and full of sap, full of vitality and fruitful in your old age Psalm 92:14. You will be confident that you will live a long and satisfied life. Psalm 91:16. You will know that the troubles you currently face are Only Temporary. Why? Because your Bible tells you so! He sent His Word and delivered me from all of my troubles. Psalm 107:20.

Warning, Warning! Warning! Pay Attention to the Word of God. Be on guard against things that are taught that sound good, but are actually not in agreement with Who God is and What His Word says. Do not be destroyed because you lack knowledge of the Truth or are not diligent to search the scriptures to be sure what you are being taught/believing us the Truth not doctrines if man, opinion or experiences that do not agree with God.

Ponder these verses...

2 Peter 2:1

1 Timothy 4:16

John 10:10

Read the Gospels and see how Jesus went about teaching, preaching and healing the sick. Remember, He only said what He heard His Father say and He only did what He saw His Father do. Remember, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:7  He never changes. What He did for me He will do for you!!!!

Acts 17:11

Psalm 103:2-5

James 1:2-8

Psalm 54:7

Psalm Chapter 34

Psalm Chapter 18....ponder what lengths God would go through to rescue me, if He needed to

2 Timothy 3:11