God Wants You Well

"For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord" (Jeremiah 30:17)

God wants you well! He wants you healthy and strong in every single area of your life.

He wants you to be spiritually strong. Strong in faith. Strong in the Word. Strong in redemption. Strong in the love of God.

He wants you to be well in your mind, to be strong and stable emotionally.

He wants you to have a healthy will, a will that's aligned with His will.

He wants your body to be well. He wants you free from the bondages of pain, sickness, and care. Free from the worries and woes of this earthly life.

A Mother Called Wisdom

Written by Jack Hayford

Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; for I give you good doctrine: do not forsake my law. When I was my father’s son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, he also taught me, and said to me:

“Let your heart retain my words; keep my commands, and live. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you.”

Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life. - Proverbs 4:1-13

Discipleship Versus Evangelism

Most Christians believe that the primary purpose of salvation is to avoid hell. That may have been what you were taught, but it’s not what the Bible teaches. In fact, that kind of thinking serves to inoculate people from the truth of the Gospel concerning salvation.

If we simply ceased to exist at death and if there was no hell, I still believe that Jesus would have come to earth and died for us. Why? Because salvation is about having a relationship with God. God’s main reason for sending Jesus was to restore fellowship. It just so happens that as we restore our relationship with God through salvation, one of the perks—one of the great benefits—is that we miss hell and gain heaven.

Nowhere in the Scripture did Jesus tell us to go and make converts. Let’s look at what is commonly referred to as the Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:18-20. It says this:

Why Did Jesus Teach in Parables?

Alfred Edersheim

Compared to His earlier teaching during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus's turn to parables might seem odd. He'd used clear instruction to teach His followers how to live and about the Kingdom of God, and He'd exhibited the Kingdom in a tangible way through His miracles. 

But suddenly, when the crowds come to hear Him, He hops into a boat and speaks in parables, stories about sowing seeds and gathering wheat (Matthew 13).

When the disciples ask Him why, since they obviously noticed the change, His answer may seem even more astonishing: "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it has not been granted" (Matthew 13:11). 

In other words, the parables are meant to divide the crowd. While this may seem as if Jesus denied some people access, the difference He means is not in the message—but in the response.

Journey into Wholeness

by Idelette McVicker

“Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.”  Psalm 54:2

Once, after walking the streets of the most destitute area in our city, I asked a friend who lives there as a missionary about taking a person through the process of coming into freedom. As a couple, my missionary friends have spent their lives working with people who want to grow whole in Christ.

Knowing my own healing journey, I could hardly imagine the time and commitment required for someone who has suffered deep trauma and beyond.

He said that once, while in prayer, his wife felt God saying that the hours and hours they put in for someone to be set free is so they would appreciate when Freedom comes in an instant.

I look forward to the day when we can all be healed and well in an instant. In the meantime, I look forward to appreciating the miracle as we put in the work and the love.

Thank you, Jesus, for taking us through the process of life. We long for your healing and your renewal of all your people, however you choose to pour it out on us. May your Kingdom come. We love you, Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:

http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/03/18/im_journey-into-wholeness/

 

Never to Late to Get Back on Track

Written by Barbara Alpert

Take today’s next step: Not sure what it means to rely on the Holy Spirit? Read this

“[L]et us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

Multitudes of people make a resolution to change at the beginning of the year. Most have every good intention to correct the problem, but many give up by February, if not sooner.  Here we are in March. Think back on your own resolutions, are any of them still going strong?

As followers of Christ, often we too set out to renounce particular habits and behaviors, along with solemn promises to embark a more dedicated walk with the Lord. We might pledge to read our Bibles and pray on a daily basis, to faithfully attend church and tithe or to serve in an outreach. However, just like the majority of people who break their New Year’s resolutions, we too may have fallen off track, abandoning our commitment and forfeiting the victory we earnestly desired.

American Idol

Written by Chante Truscott

Take today’s next step: Make The Life commitment and put Jesus right at the center of your life.  

“You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)

The nation has been taken over by the phenomenon that is known as American Idol. This competition places singers one against another to achieve a great prize at the end. The uniqueness of this competition is that the public is able to vote for their favorite contestant. So, the winner may not necessarily be the best singer but the person who is most liked by the voters.

When God gave the children of Israel the Ten Commandments, He was giving them direct laws about how to live their lives in order to honor Him. These laws are ingrained in the Christian faith today. The first thing that God outlined to them was that they should not have any other gods before Him.

Sex Symbols Who Speak in Tongues?

MICHAEL BROWN

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Megan Fox says she prays in tongues. Should we judge that utterance? (Facebook)

I was at the grocery store the other day when I was unexpectedly confronted with an adult-oriented magazine located right next to the vitamin section. I immediately had to look away from the front cover, which featured a scantily clad, seductively posed, sex symbol. Yet it was only a few weeks ago that I read an article about how this same sex symbol loves to speak in tongues and has to restrain herself from outbursts in tongues while attending church services. What?

This is actually a perfect illustration of American charismatic Christianity, where you can say you love Jesus (like the rapper “The Game” claims to do) and still frequent strip clubs (as “The Game” still does), or where you can flow in the gifts of the Spirit and become a made-for-TV preaching sensation, only to announce that God told you that you married the wrong woman, leading to a quick divorce and remarriage.

On Your Knees

He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. — Hebrews 11:6

This verse does not say that God rewards casual acquaintances or with those who know something about Him. It says God rewards those who diligently seek Him. "Knowing God" means to have an intimate relationship with Him. Jesus rejects lukewarm relationships (Revelation 3:15-16). He desires all your love, all your passion, and all your commitment.

If you are in a trial where the devil has stopped you in your tracks, don't become bitter or talk about it. That will only compound the problem. Find yourself a closet. Climb up the mountain of God. Like Jacob, declare, "Lord, I will not let thee go unless thou bless me" (Genesis 32:26).

Nuggets of Wisdom for Successful Living

Written by Dave Meyer

God wants you to know that if you will do what you can do, He will do what you can't do.

The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army: He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!(Hab. 3:19) 

• A position of power can be obtained in a Christian's life when he has learned to be encouraged in a discouraging situation.
• Are you living on the ragged edge or the cutting edge?
• Visions never start with completion; they do start with commitment.
• Extended inactivity is disguised procrastination.
• Obedience delayed is disobedience!

Your mouth is the doorway to the expression of your soul.

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature, exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.
(Heb. 4:12)

WIFEY WEDNESDAY: CAN CHRISTIANS USE SEX TOYS?

By Sheila

It’s Wednesday, the day when we talk marriage! I introduce a topic, and then you follow up either by commenting or by writing your own post and then linking up!

Today I want to tackle a rather controversial subject. Except “want” is really not the right word. I’d love to run as far away from this one as possible. But I keep being asked about sex toys, and so I thought it was necessary.

I want to make it clear from the outset, though, that I am giving my opinion. I do not claim to speak for God. When I was researching The Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex, I had to think about this and give my opinion, and I did. So what I have to say has been the conclusion that I have come to after speaking at marriage conferences, reading, and praying. So here goes.

Baptism and Children: Is it Time to Get Wet?

by Caroline Bergeron

Family ministry specialist Caroline Bergeron 

gives her take on how, why, and 

when a child should be baptized.

What is baptism? 

The practice of baptism didn’t start with the prophet John. It was a common practice in the first century for religious teachers to baptize their followers. By agreeing to be baptized, the follower expressed his commitment to learn, practice and pass on the teachings of his master. The act of immersion in water was a public declaration that one was taking his relationship to the next level: from simply being a follower to becoming a dedicated student, or disciple, of a religious master. 

Our entire relationship consists of text messages. Is this normal?

by Rosie Einhorn, L.C.S.W. and Sherry Zimmerman, J.D., M.Sc

Dear Rosie & Sherry,

I live in New York and have been tele-dating a guy from the Midwest. We met once for three days. He's very much into texts and does not call that often. He told me he would be ready to discuss “moving forward” for my birthday this past July, but now he says he’s not ready to talk.

The Case for Letting Your Partner’s Eye Wander

By MEREDITH MELNICK |

Just ask Eve. There’s nothing so desirable as the one thing you’re not allowed to have. Which is why a new study suggests that if your partner’s got a wandering eye, you might be better off letting him (or her) enjoy it. 

Research on romance has consistently shown that men and women who don’t notice attractive strangers tend to be more satisfied in their own relationships and are more likely to stay with their partners long term. Of course, that blindness has to come naturally. When a person is forced to divert his attention from that cute bartender — by, say, a jealous partner’s opprobrium — it could result in a sort of “backlash” effect, which may end up reducing his level of relationship commitment.

That’s the finding of a new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, which tests the “forbidden fruit” hypothesis in a series of experiments on college students who were involved in romantic relationships. Write the researchers:

Giving God Everything

Jennie Allen discusses the story of a young Christ-follower leading a risky, uncomfortable life, which led her to question her own faith. 

Watch as Allen shares how she and her husband were led to give God everything and pledge to do anything He leads them to do. 

This article was featured in our free email publication, SpiritLed Woman e-Magazine, sign up here.

Spiritled Woman

http://www.charismamag.com/life/women/15583-giving-god-everything

God Wants To Do A New Thing In Your Life

Wayne Searls

Isaiah 43:18,19

TEXT: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

PROPOSITION: To motivate the hearer to seek a new vision and a new in-terest in the things of God.

INTRODUCTION: Isaiah’s writings to the children of Israel came at a bleak period of their history. They are in captivity, they have lost everything they thought they would keep forever, and they were home sick for the land and the blessing God had promised them.

The 1st step to embracing the new thing what God wants to do in your life is to
I. CHANGE YOUR FOCUS -- QUIT LOOKING BEHIND START LOOKING HEAD v.18
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

LIVE EACH DAY AS YOUR LAST

[God] comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:4

On that fateful Sunday morning in January 1996, Joy Dimerin’s beloved fiancé, Severino Bagtasos, was killed when a lone gunman stormed into the church that he pastored and shot him twice. Severino was killed on the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, in the predominantly Muslim town of Alat on Jolo Island, in southern Philippines. He had a zeal in reaching Muslims for Christ. Joy and Severino were supposed to get married in May 1997.

“By the grace of God, I am doing well and still enjoying the ministry,” testifies Joy. She admits that feelings of loneliness and emptiness were the most difficult things she faced after her beloved Severino died. “I was afraid that I wouldn’t find a godly man like him again,” confides Joy. “I learned to see God’s purpose in my life,” Joy added. “I learned to accept whatever circumstances come my way and look at them as God’s instruments in molding me and in making me a better person. Through [Severino’s] life I learned commitment to the ministry and to prayer. Through his death, I learned to always be prepared to face the Author and Finisher of my faith. Through this tragedy, I learned to live each day as though it were my last.”

Are you looking around for an unused basin?

Word from Scotland: 

In John Chapter 13, where Jesus has stooped so low to wash the disciple’s feet we have that profound conversation between Jesus and Peter, where Jesus explains to Peter that what he wants is not necessary. Peter does not need to be washed from head to toe, but that desire and longing too has its significance. Peter wanted to be totally committed to Jesus Christ.

Jesus explains further. As I wash you in this way, you will be clean, but Peter, there is somebody else here who is not clean and he is so dirty that washing his feet will not do much good. Not only are his feet dirty Peter, but unlike you, his hands are dirty and his head is dirty. Judas had already agreed to sell Christ.

Jesus wants to come and wash us – clean our hearts and thoughts and minds – so that what we say and do will be worthy in His presence and sight. We need to know that deep within our hearts and minds and we also need to be reminded of it frequently.

Pastor Ed Young Warns Society Is on 'Thin Ice' After Obama's Gay Marriage Endorsement

By Stoyan Zaimov , Christian Post Reporter

Pastor Ed Young of Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, stated that society is treading on "thin ice" after President Barack Obama declared his support for same-sex marriage.

Christian leaders across the nation have voiced their opinions on the president's comments, emphasizing that the Bible defines marriage as between one man and one woman. Pastor Young made his views known Thursday by calling in to Dr. Drew Pinsky's "On Call" show on HLN.

"I totally disagree with our president. I believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman, in this commitment and covenant ordained by God. So, I disagree with what he says," Young began.

Value the Kindness of God

R.T. Kendall Daily Devotionals - By Love Transformed

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. —Titus 3:4-5

Gratitude may be defined simply as showing that one values the kindness of God. It is a feeling, but it is more than a feeling. Gratitude is also demonstrated by what we do; it may be a sacrifice in that we don't have an overwhelming feeling. Sometimes we feel grateful; sometimes we do not. But we must always be grateful, whether or not we feel like it. We must do it, that is, demonstrate gratitude not only by words but also by deeds.

Gratitude shows that we set a value on God's kindness. "In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:7).

Sanctification is thus the process by which we are made holy. It is both a process and an experience. It is used in the New Testament, however, in more than one way. Sanctification is something that happens to every Christian.