Reaffirmation of Baptismal Covenant...WOW!

When I post it is traditionally about healing. Like, the healing ministry or a healing service, or a specific situation where I felt God's calling to be used by Him for His glory bringing about a healing. But today is different. Yet, not. Today at my church we had a service where we reaffirmed our baptismal covenant. Brothers and sisters in Christ...it was AWESOME!

For my fellow UMC readers, it's on page 50 of the UMC Hymnal. For those not of this particular persuasion, it is a liturgy about remembering and revisiting our baptism. You see, many were Christened as infants and do not recall their baptism. Others, as adults, do recall their baptism. But taking the time to reflect and recall those things pertinent to being baptized as a follower of Jesus Christ is oh, so, important.

Today's scripture reading was from Acts 9 where Luke tells of Saul's conversion after seeing a bright light and hearing and speaking to Jesus. But if we catapult to Acts 22: 14-16 we see Paul's personal reflection upon that day when he was baptized. Here is what Paul had to say about that:

¹⁴"Then he said: 'The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. ¹⁵You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. ¹⁶And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'

Therein lies the message for all of us: "...what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name." You see, Paul was still Saul until he was baptized. He was a guy who had this wildly awesome experience, but had not yet committed himself to serving that lord he encountered. It was at baptism that Saul became Paul. When he turned his life over to the risen savior and made his life available for His service. Saul became Paul at baptism...NOT at the Damascus road event that led him to this point. This is important.

Many of us receive a revelation that Christ is, indeed, God. Many of us are overwhelmed by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. But...Big BUT...we're nothing in the kingdom until we "get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name." That is what I'm talking about...getting up and going about God's business.

This service of reaffirmation of our baptismal covenant was so potent...so moving...that it could not happen without someone reporting on it. I am that reporter! Today over half the church came to the alter, refreshed themselves with the baptismal water by dipping their hands in it and letting it evaporate...then going to the alter on bended knees and reaffirming their relationship with God the father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This preacher was humbled, awed, and overwhelmed with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. God touches people when they come with a contrite heart to His throne. That...I repeat...THAT...happened today at our worship service. Over half of our congregation was on bended knee at the alter.

I heard exclamations of "I love you" and "God loves you" and "Jesus loves you" and "Save me Lord from myself". I could not prevent tears from falling from my eyes. It was that moving. The love and passion that comes from following Jesus can rise up in otherwise quiet followers to the point where it must express itself. Today, in my small church, it expressed itself!

To all Christians who have been baptized into the faith I say: Revisit that event; relive that event; reclaim that victory over self and "get up and go" with the assurance that sins are washed away. Proclaim Christ as the redeemer of all the world.

Again, I say that Paul was Saul who had this wild experience. It wasn't until Ananias told him to get up and get baptized then go tell the world that Saul became Paul. What's your name? Is it due for a change?

What to Pray for?

Challenging thoughts run through my head in my service to Our Lord. Challenging. I have a dear member of our church who is in her final days, as prescribed by her doctor, under hospice care. What do I, a minister of healing do? What do I pray for? She has had a 3 year extension of her life through healing prayer. But now, with a failing heart...what do I do? Do I pray for a miracle or pray for acceptance? What a dilemma! I'm torn between praying for healing versus praying for reconciliation. She knows where she's going at the right time, but do I pray to extend that time? Anybody ever been caught in this situation? I would appreciate your thoughts.

Christian Healing is More Prevalent than Most Think

I've been examining my personal recordings of how, when and where God healed in my presence. It's staggering! More importantly, I've been asking of other pastors who have an active healing ministry what they've observed. Again, it's staggering! Of us United Methodists who participate in one form of healing ministry or another, I've observed that there are a lot of UMC chaplaincies withing the Order of St. Luke the Physician. It's an international order of believers in the current, real, and true healings that take place in the name of Jesus Christ. Again, staggering.

I mention this because it is my belief that more and more healing takes place in large and small UMC congregations without being made headline news. I can tell of emphysema, heart and blood disorders, cancer, broken bones and more being positively affected by healing prayer. In some cases, merely being positively affected...in others, being totally healed. It's awesome, yet underreported.

I issue no plea for testimonials...just make the statement that healing is more prevalent...much more prevalent...than regular media would report. God is alive and at work through the power of the Holy Spirit...more than many fear to attest. Fear or not...it's TRUE!

Letting God be God - Amazing!

Last Sunday was our Praise and Worship contemporary Sunday. It was a good service capped off by the message from Mark 10: 46 about blind Bartimaeus receiving his sight. After reading the scripture a man near the front asked that we pray over his back, saying that he just couldn't stand the pain. I told him we would pray over him after the message. When the sermon was over the closing video played..."Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone". The man came to the front pew and I called over 2 prayer warriors to pray with me. We prayed with intensity and confidence. After about 3 minutes of prayer we thanked God for his amazing grace, and finished singing along with the video. As I stepped to front-center of the congregation to give the benediction, the man who we had just prayed over stepped in front of me and exclaimed "The pain is gone...Really, the pain is gone!" We hugged right there in the front of the church with tears welling up in most the eyes I could see through my own tears. Finally the benediction was given and church was over.

Wednesday night bible study rolls around and the same man we prayed over on Sunday came in, saying "The pain is still gone - it hasn't come back" He commenced to tell how he'd been working on a backhoe all day putting in pipe. He says that his back always hurts from working on the backhoe but it didn't hurt that day at all. His testimony created a wonderful atmosphere for our study and when we closed with prayer he testified once again. It was like a child saying he got just the birthday present or Christmas present he wanted...excitement that couldn't be squelched. It is amazing how when we let God be God how he reveals his love, mercy and grace beyond measure. Amazing!

Wow...God Protects and Provides

It was last Thursday when a friend, a minister in the faith, was in a terrible car accident. I got word early in the morning and by 10 am I was there in the emergency room with another pastor from a local church to "be there". But simply "being there" wasn't on the agenda. The power of the Holy Spirit catapulted me there and when I arrived she was in the emergency room with another local pastor. She was telling of how in the accident she felt like she was in a plastic bubble wrap being sheltered from all that was happening...duh...better than air bags...it was the presence of the Holy Spirit encapsulating her from the realities of her situation. The car had rolled numerous times and she managed to climb out and be sitting on the car wondering why nobody had stopped. Unbeknown est to her there were many who had stopped. She was in shock yet upheld by God's presence. When I got to the emergency room she was recanting what had happened. I must admit that on the trip to the hospital I was overwhelmed with the Holy Spirit and could barely drive. When I got to the room all I could do was pray and place my hands upon her. After a brief embrace she said...."let's pray". The prayer was powerful and spirit filled. Another local pastor arrived and we prayed...then I begged forgiveness to leave. It was shared that the local ER had done X-Rays and they were awaiting the results. I got a call later that day that she had been ambulanced to a major city hospital some 2 hours away because they had found signs of fractures in her neck and upper back. That was that.

The next morning as we did our devotional, my wife told me to bring her the phone book so she could look up her father-in-law's number so we could call to get a report. I said..."wait a minute, honey, let me check my emails"...and there it was! An email from our friend who'd been in the accident saying that they came home the night before at 11:30pm...after the doctors said that whatever fracture she had must have been from when she was young as it is an old fracture that had healed years ago. DUH!

God is God...Great always. When He demonstrates His presence in all situations for His believers it is always Awesome. I thank God that He made His presence known in this situation and in all situations where we turn to Him first...not last...and invite Him into our world.

Shalom and peace...in Christ....

Marty

Overwhelmed by prayer requests

Does it ever happen to you? We tell people that if they let us know there is a need we will pray for that need? Well what happens when you wake up and look in your inbox and there are 5 to 20 needs for prayer? Where does one begin?

That's my scenario, as I've signed on to be a prayer partner in many chains. It isn't in me to lift up every prayer concern and I'm finding myself somewhat overwhelmed...like in Bruce Almighty when the character who took on God's powers was overwhelmed with prayers. I shrink back from what I wanted to be to the real, human me. But I cannot withdraw from this one particular chain. I just cannot. So I start each day with a list of people to pray for who I don't know, and will never meet, but can connect through prayer with them. I succumb and I pray.

If that's all we can do to be the heart, hands and feet of Jesus...then let us pray. I've limited myself to one list and I pray fervently for each name lifted up on that list. I ask if you are on such a chain that you limit your ability to pray for those on that list. It isn't easy nor is it fair, but it is reality checking in on our abililty to be about God's business for those we choose to affiliate with...sad...but imposing nonetheless. Pray fervently for those who come your way and don't be diluted by praying away the special prayers you have for those on your list's. Does this make any sense? I'm just hoping that my prayers are answered...and the chorus of prayers is pleasing in God's eye.

The Joy of Being Busy Being Pastor - Long Time No Post

It was June when I last posted about healing. This post is NOT about healing but rather about the joy of being a pastor. In the year and change that I've been what's called "lay supply" meaning a lay person pastoring a church, it's been quite a ride. The people at this appointment welcomed me and I've returned that honor with a commitment to be the best I can be. Sunday worship has about doubled even with some families leaving...maybe because they don't like my ponytail....not sure. Regardless, what a joy it is to be their pastor.

The greatest joy I've had to date came today. FIVE people were baptized! I know that is not a significant number to some big church people, but with attendance from 50 to 60 per week, and having 5 baptized in one day is a mind-boggling event - at least for me! But you know what? While it was a very good affirmation of what God has me doing there...it pales by comparison to what these 5 people felt as they said "Yes....Jesus...I die to the old world and am born to your world" Oh God....I'm so humbled to have been a part of this. Life-changing things are typically personal, private, and nothing to be shared. But no...not baptism. It was a public event for these people, in front of the congregation and family and others, saying..."I'm dead to the old me, and alive for Jesus!"

After the baptism at the local lake, I went back to the church to get my "dry clothes". I intended to very briefly go in and get my clothes and get out. But no...it didn't work that way. The husband of one of the women baptized saw my car outside and came in to say...."My wife wanted to scream ... 'Yoo Hoo' when she came up but she didn't." I told him..."son...she DID". Yes, this new child of God did, indeed, scream "Yoo Hoo" when she came up from her baptism but didn't remember.

What a privilege, honor, and joy to be a part of this life-changing event for others. And you know what? If there's a healing aspect to this it would be: Dead to the old, Alive for the new. In Christ, Jesus, we can die and be born again. If that isn't a healing story...don't know what is. Now that beats anything!

Our Sunday Night Healing Service

There's nothing "Same old same old" about the God we serve.  Last Sunday evening we held a healing service at our church.  Strangly, the people who earlier in the month said they needed healing prayer didn't attend. There were 12 adults and 5 children in attendance.  My initial response to this small number was disappointment, but what a foolish thing that notion turned out to be.  

Throughout the Gospel we have accounts of Jesus healing just one person at a time.  In those individual healings many marvel at the greatness, mercy and grace imparted in those single acts.  What foolishness is it for one to be distraught by small numbers seeking healing when all heaven rejoices over just one person coming to Christ?  

Sunday evening was as powerful as could be imagined.  The power and presence of God was undeniable and verifiable.  Four people (including myself) sat in for others in need of prayer while the prayer team prayed fervently over them.  One came for prayer for liver problems, another for vision issues, another for headaches and stomach pains, another for chronic abdominal pain, another for saving from matters of the flesh, and yet another for stomach pains.  The prayer over each individual was so filled with love, so filled with compassion, so filled with confidence that there was a nearly electric atmosphere in the sanctuary.  Many swooned upon feeling the Holy Spirit flow through their bodies.  One was slain unconscious; another unable to get out of the chair without assistance.  None came seeking signs and wonders, but God demonstrated that He was in control and in our midst.  

I never ask for a report card as to whether anyone felt healing.  Nonetheless, the exuberant expressions on each face gave a testimony.  Within 24 hours here is what has been shared:  One person being prayed over by proxy was at the emergency room awaiting what was thought to be emergency surgery for an apparent abdominal rupture.  After being prayed for the doctors were not able to find anything needing surgery and the pain subsided.  At the end of the prayer time the patient was released from the hospital.  Another person prayed for by proxy was told last week that his pancreatic cancer could not be treated with chemotherapy.  Monday he  saw the doctor and he said that he would schedule him to begin chemo later in the week.  The person asked why he could have chemo now when just last week they said it would do no good.  The doctor said: "Last week it wouldn't have done any good, but now we can treat it."  The brother of the patient called Monday saying "Preacher, I've got a praise report".  We both praised God with our mouths and tears of joy.  

What other reports will we receive?  I don't know.  If the bear hugs and tears of joy weren't testimony enough, I'm sure there will be more to tell as time goes by.  I know this:  God doesn't fit in the box we try to put Him in and it's totally awesome when he shows us the folly of our disbelief.    

To Skeptics and Believers Alike....God Heals

A couple with a child diagnosed with scoliosis came and expressed prayer.  I didn't know what to pray but touched his back and prayed that it is not right for someone in love with the message of Christ should suffer.  I touched his back, and prayed for his healing.  Nothing more...nothing less.

At church Wedenesday night the parents of this child came foreward and acknoweledged that their son is free of this dibilitating disease.  He is free of scoliosis.  What an awesome God we serve!  All praise and honor go to the God we serve.  Praise God!

Amen.

A Season Ends...A New One Begins

It's been since last September that we held a healing service.  This past Sunday 2 members of the congregation were lifted up by others as needing prayer.  At that moment I asked if they wanted to have a healing service and there were many "Yes, yes, yes"'s shouted out.  As May is a very busy month in the life of this rural congregation *(many homecoming/memorial services to attend at other churches), we set the date for the healing service for the first Sunday in June.  Of course, those needing healing prayer before then, were welcome to seek it.  

After Sunday services concluded one of the two people in the congregation lifted up came up and asked for a prayer.  We stood there in the front of the church praying fervishly for her macular degeneration.  When we finished we both exclaimed our love for God and one-another...then walked our separate ways.  

It is so good to see a season of few healing services come to an end and usher in a new season.  Isn't it strange how sometimes our walk goes in seasons rather than being a constant?

"Oh (chuckle chuckle) So YOU Heal People? Ha!

My wife and I attended a banquet where I was to give the invocation last Thursday evening.  Whenever I'm doing anything public in service to Our Lord I wear my Order of St. Luke the Physician pendant.  Often it becomes a conversation starter.  Well, it did that night.  The banquet was held in the family life center (nice, big facility) of a large UMC congregation in the neighboring town.  The banquet was to benefit educators in the public school system and a member of that congregation's spouse is a teacher in the system.  During the social time prior to the banquet this man, we'll call him Tim, looked at the pendant and asked "is that the symbol for the Santa Fe Railroad?"  I said that it did kind of resemble it but no, it's the symbol for a religious order I'm associated with.  I explained that it was a healing order to which he replied:  

"Oh (chuckle chuckle) so YOU heal people?  Ha!"

I briefly replied saying "No, I don't heal anyone, God heals".  He immediately changed the subject and we both moved on to socializing with others.

That church holds monthly healing services the first Sunday evening.  With a congregation of over 400 maybe 20 come to the healing service.  It's essentially the same 20 who come to every Sunday night service.  It's a pity that of those who call themselves Christians so few embrace intercessory prayer for healing.  The majority don't witness the miraculous hand of God at work in these sessions so they fail to see it with their own eyes, hear the testimonies with their own ears, and feel the love within their own lives.  Perhaps it's because of the bad rap that healing gets from the charlatans on TV.  Perhaps it's because they genuinely don't believe it happens.  I don't know.  I do know that the majority is being deprived of the blessing that comes from praying for others in this way.

Frankly, I believe that most mainline Protestant pastors are reluctant to preach on the gift of healing for fear that the congregation will think that they are a whacko.  If they do hold healing services at some other time than Sunday morning, it's often promoted with the same enthusiasm as the announcement that the womens group will meet next Monday night.  We don't want to lift it up much higher than that for fear that we'll get replaced by the majority next year.   We''re afraid that most will think...

..."Oh (chuckle chuckle) so YOU heal people?  Ha!"

The Joy of Healing Prayer

Last night my Sunday night church group accepted an invitation to attend another local UMC for a healing service.  I was one of the two pastors administering healing prayer along with a prayer team of 5 others.  The expressions on the faces of those who came forward for healing changed from drawn and dread to beaming radiance in the course of praying for them.  

One woman who is facing surgery Thursday for scoliosis emerged from the prayer saying that she's ready to go home now if that's God's will - whether she's healed or not she knows that God loves her and would accept her into His glory.  It's all in His hands now.

A man with prostate cancer scheuled for surgery Tuesday rose from the prayer chair with a beaming smile, confident that with God everything will be ok.  The prayer team and the whole church shared his joy.  Likewise with the others who came for prayer.

The healing prayers were administered as follows:  The pastor for the church anointed the prayee with oil making the sign of the cross on the forehead, then on each hand, then led the prayer team in laying upon hands while he prayed for the specific condition.  This lasted 1 to 3 minutes depending upon how he was moved by the spirit to pray.  Once he was finished I closed the prayer by lifting the subject's chin and asking them to look at me while I prayed the Order of St Luke the Physician's prayer for laying upon hands, which is:  "Our Lord Jesus Christ who gave authority to his disciples to lay hands upon the afflicted that they may recover, have mercy on you; give you strength in spirit, strength in soul; strength in body, but most of all give you faith in His power to heal.  By His authority committed unto us we lay hands upon you in the name of Jesus Christ, our lord and savior."  

When the final prayer was given the tears of joy abounded.  By the end of the service the presence of the Holy Spirit was so intense that while the benediction had been given, nobody ran for the door.  All basked in the love that only comes from The Lord.  

God's will is just that.  Whatever healing he brings to those who came forward is what it is.  But in the process of praising Him and interceding with love on behalf of those needing healing, there is a joy that He reserves for special times...times like these when we're all about His business.  That is the joy of healing prayer.

A Praise Report That Blew Me Away

Just as we were beginning to start Sunday School yesterday a member of the class got up -interrupting the class - and gave the following narrative:

"I saw David Pitts Wednesday and I asked him how he was doing.  I hadn't seen him since we buried his father October 30th.  He said he was fine and then told me that his grandson went to the doctor for more tests the day before.  He has a blood problem like hemophelia.  Well, he said that the doctor asked his parents what was going on...this is the best test ever!  The father said that he knew what happened.  When they were at the eating after the funeral the pastor there asked if he could pray for the boy.  He prayed for him and since then he hasn't even had one bruise!  The doctor said that he'll be happy with medicine and miracles wherever they come from.  

Folks, he said that that boy doesn't take to strangers well.  He said that at the visitation he was fascinated with Brother Marty.  He went up to him and wanted to be held by him.  Brother Marty told the proud grandpaw that his little grandson will make a great running back somewhere, someday.  When he said that David told him...that ain't gonna happen with this boy...you see...he was born with a blood disorder.  He can't play like other kids.  He bruises easily and cuts don't heal well at all.  Then the next day after the funeral Brother Marty asked his mom and dad if he could pray over the boy...he told them that it certainly couldn't hurt...so they said okay.  Brothers and sisters...God is not out of the miracle business...and Brother Marty.....what can I say....them folks are moving to the area in about a month and I know where they're going to go to church.  God bless you, Brother Marty."

The very moment he told this to the class (half of the congregation) I was overwhelmed and started trying to stop the tears of joy that were streaming down my face.  All I could do is sit there saying "Praise God, Praise God, Praise God."  A woman from a few pews back came up and gave me a paper towel - with tears flowing down her cheeks.  I looked around and there wasn't a dry eye in the room.  They started with the lesson but I couldn't focus on anything other than praising God...so I left for my office to try to regain my composure for the service that would begin 45 minutes later.  

I get personal praise reports from individual whom I pray for from time to time.  But this one came from right field.  Like it says in the title of this blog, we need to shout it from the highest peaks that God is not out of the miracle business.

Christian Healing: Why Do I Share These Things?

I often resist posting about a healing session because I believe that there are those who believe and those who don't...and nothing I say can change those perspectives.  But the occasional email I get from someone who has a testimony about God's healing power motivates me afresh to share.  To those who don't believe God answers prayers in a powerful way, I must say I disagree.  To those who say that if God uses someone for healing then why don't they go to the local hospital and pray away everything that ails the patients...I must say...you don't understand.  God decides who He will heal including when and where.  Those called to provide healing prayer do so as led by God to do.

I don't put up a sign inviting people to come for healing.  I have in the past - on the church sign - and only a few outsiders came.  It's like the Gospel account of the woman with the issue of blood...she sought out Jesus.  When people seek to find healing in the name of Jesus, they are drawn to people who believe that Jesus will heal them...if only they ask with everything that is in them.  Read through this blog to find examples of what I'm talking about.  If that is too time consuming, then let me tell you about this past weekend.

After a Saturday morning of running around to the hardware stores and Walmart, I came home and checked the phone for messages.  I had two messages at my office and one at home all saying that a church member was in need of Christian counseling.  I went to her house with her brother and she was a mess.  She has cancer in her thorax and was for the first time confronted with fear that she won't survive the treatments.  Fear was gripping her every expression.  I said, "I'm here...do you want me to pray for you?"  She said she wanted prayer...and wanted to have faith again that she will make it.  We prayed.   I put my hand on her head and prayed away the agent of Satan: Fear.  I put my hand on her upper chest and prayed that the cancer cells be washed away by the power of the Holy Spirit.  She, her brother and I were all shaking uncontrollably in the presence of the Holy Spirit filling her body with a washing of everything bad inside of her.  When God said stop, we stopped.  Tears of joy were streaming down her face.  Her brother was crying and I was spent.  I could hardly hold my head up, the drain was so intense.  

She had not been able to get out of bed for the past week as a result of the chemo treatments.  We talked more then I anointed her head and chest with oil then prayed for the staying power of the anoitment.  She got up and walked us to the door.  I had to regain my composure before trying to drive the 20 miles home.  That was Saturday.

Sunday morning, who is in church with her non-churchgoing husband?  She was.  I greeted her and she asked if I was ok.  I asked her why she thought I wouldn't be and she said that whatever had a hold of her left and she hoped that it hadn't got a hold of me!  I assured her that I had prayed away anything that may have come from her to me (which I did before driving home).  We both looked into each other's eyes and smiled.  BUT...it doesn't end there.  That night was the church Christmas program.  Again, she and her husband were there!  

I call that God's healing.  I don't know yet if the cancer is gone (but if it is it wouldn't be the first time) but I do know that Satan's grip on her is gone.  I know that she has no room in her life for fear.  And without that fear she has a renewed vigor.  All I can do is praise God.

This past weekend tells the story of Christian healing.  Like the woman with the issue of blood, she sought Christ's comfort and healing.  When the calls were made to me to come pray with her, I believed that I was the hands and heart of Jesus brought to her.  I certainly didn't plan on it as I had already planned a full day with no healing prayer anywhere on the agenda.  But when God calls I dare not refuse.  

I never ask for money.  If we have a healing service at church we never take an offering.  It isn't about money.  It isn't about ego.  It isn't about religion.  It isn't about anything other than learning to love our God with all our hearts, minds, bodies and souls AND loving our neighbors as ourselves.  If God gives you the tools to build something...Build It!  If He gives you a gift for singing, then sing.  If he gives you a gift for administration, then administer.  And if he gives you a gift for healing...heal.  

What a Wonderful God We Serve

A member of the local United Methodist church where I attended prior to becoming a pastor at another UMC church was suffering from a punctured colon after gastric bypass surgery.  What should have been a routine procedure was anything but.  Last Thursday morning I got word over the phone that she was in critical condition and that the doctors couldn't find the source of the puncture.  They were considering another operation if her condition didn't improve.  That was early Thursday morning.  At work I got the morning deposit together and walked to the bank, a mere half block away.  I stopped in a botique along the way.  It is owned by a fellow church member and in the shop was another member.  We talked about the person in the hospital and as we talked we were drawn to pray for her.  We prayed powerfully and thanked God for the healing He was providing.  That was Thursday.

Sunday I was in Birmingham (Alabama) where the church member had been hospitalized.  I mentioned to my wife that we should stop in and visit the woman who had the problems.  She told me that she had been released last Thursday afternoon.  WOW!  Yesterday I stopped in the botique and the same two women were there.  We spoke briefly when one of them said, "Isn't it awesome how God answers prayers?"  We looked at each other silently for a moment and all said "Praise God".  

I stay constantly awed by the wonders of Our God.  When we turn to Him and pray with boldness, He answers boldly.  May we continually acknowledge His riegn.

More on the Power of Love

I was asked to explain more about the power of love and healing.  I don't know that I have the wisdom to accurately relate how love enters into healing more than I've said in my previous post...but I will try.  I'll try because in the past week I've been brought into some situations where God revealed things to me that I hadn't considered before.  Isn't it marvelous how Our Lord gives us just enough...then when we think we have it He gives just enough more to challenge what we thought we understood?  With that said....

The love that brings about healing isn't the love we have for those in need.  It is God's love, brought into the situation through us.  Let's try that again to make sure it is clear:  It isn't our love...it's God's love, that heals.  Those of us in the healing ministry recognize how love heals, but we often believe that it is OUR love that heals.  No!  It is God's love that heals.  We simply facilitate the actions of God's love.  

With that statement made, let me confess shortcomings of healers' facilitation of God's love.  We're human.  We're who we are with all the baggage that comes with anybody struggling through life.  But in spite of ourselves, we can, at times, be conduits for the love of God to work miraculously where our love falls short.  That's the essence of it all.  Being willing to be used by God.  I'm utterly humbled that God uses me.  I'm a sinner-supreme...while at the same time a servant-supreme.  I take a back stage to what God wants and merely be the mouth, the hands, and the mind of Christ.  When that happens, miracles happen.  Don't get me wrong; I often stand on the sidelines of God's love.  But if my mouth can say what God wants said, and my hands can be the hands of God, I succumb and say..."Lord, use me"!

No ego trip here, rather, a confession that I'm not worthy.  But I'm willing.  In that state of unworthiness God manifests Himself extradorinally time and time again.  Were I to give any advice to someone wanting to see a miraculous healing, I would say, let God work through you.  Let God burn in your heart until you feel the same pain as those to whom you would minister to.  Let God be the one who makes it happen, not you.  Let go...and let God.  

Not an easy notion to entertain, but one that we must not only entertain, but make a reality.  Let God be the fountain of love that enters into a situation, and let go of anything that is about oneself in order to be a channel for the love that is beyond explanation.  Again...I'm not worthy...but willing. Can you be willing to let God work through you?  If there is love in your heart, He will heal.  If, no matter what you feel about the afflicted one, your desire is to be about God's business FIRST...the things of this world, including illness, pain, suffering, and disease, will all go away.  Our Lord wants nothing to stand in the way of us giving Him all our praise.  He will heal!

The Power of Love

Love incarnate.  That is Jesus Christ.  When he told us that we could do all that he did and more through the Holy Spirit, many did not know what that meant or how it could be.  Of late, I've had my eyes opened to what that meant and how it could be.  Live Love.  

Love the terrorists who vie for our demise.

Love the racists who see through hate-filled eyes.

Love the rulers who yield power more that care.

Love the loveless, close to home and everywhere.

When love rules our lives, Christ resides within us, empowering us to be His hands, feet, heart and soul.  But it's so hard to love sometimes...and some people.  In spite of how our "of this world" minds react to negativity, we must force ourselves to look at all that happens through the eyes of love, not the way we would see things.  When that happens, the power of love is revealed.

Laying hands on someone and praying for them is meaningless without a genuine love for the very soul of that person.  When we pray for healing we're actually praying for wholeness such that the love of Christ literally dwells within our midst. When our spirits are no longer at a dis-ease with love, then disease, pain, broken hearts and all that ails us is washed away.  It has happened to me and to those with whom I've prayed.  It has also failed to happen when that deep, Christlike, compassionate love was not mutually felt and embraced.  

I pray that when someone prays for healing that it first stem from a desire to love more; that it comes from a desire to be utterly filled with Christ's love.  In that prayer, in that state, God heals.

Healings all around us

It has been a long while since I last posted.  In that while, there have been numerous healing services.  A woman with problems with back and leg pain has been healed. A woman with back pain has been healed.  One with bone cancer has been healed.  One with blood cancer has been healed. Dear Lord...what a wonderful manifestation of your love has been realized here in our little neck of the woods.  I stand in wonder of your healings.  I stand in wonder of your willingness to minister to our little flock.  I'm in wonder!

Please, Lord, keep on keeping on.  We're ready and willing.  I'm awed by Your Presence and Your willingness to minister to us.   To those who don't have healing services...please do so.  You'll be marvelled by the love of Our Lord.  Awesome!

What of When the Healer Needs Healing?

Sunday night was a wonderful night for me. I have a hip problem and it has plagued me since June. I threw out my hip at Vacation Bible School when I was prompted to participate in a kickball competition. I kicked the ball like there was no tomorrow. I kicked it out of the park a few times and was on top of the world. Since then, my right hip has been giving me sheer hell.

After a few months of waking up in the night screaming in pain, my wife said that I should have the people of the church I pastor to pray for me. It was humbling. I asked for them to pray for me, and lay hands upon me in the name of Christ. The love was overwhelming.

That night and the day after I had no symptoms of the ailment that had afflicted me. The next day, Tuesday, I was in pain. I asked God to take me to that place where the love was so strong and fervent..and the pain went away. It was miraculous. So I continue in that same way, to recapture the love that was shown to me that night, and at every attempt to recapture it...the pain goes away.

How powerful is the love of Christ? We challenge it and refrain from it...but the power of Christ's love is a mountain that cannot be moved. When we go to Him, in humility, He washes away our pains and sufferings, and makes us new creatures in Him. I'm a new creature in Him, today!

Healing Revival Tonight in a Rural Alabama Methodist Church

Tonight was the culmination of a 4 night revival for the church I pastor. I've been there since late May and they've been told via my sermons and prayer meetings that I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, specifically, as it relates to the sign-gift of healing. Sunday through Tuesday was all about the power of the Holy Spirit, specifically, being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Tonight, it was the final night and the Holy Spirit was present....INDEED! Eight people (from an attendance of about 40) came for healing. More powerfully, I asked everyone to close their eyes and be in prayer for everyone there, and I asked who wanted healing prayer without having to come publicly - to receive it where they sat. Three quarters of those there raised their hands. What an awesome God we serve.

First things first...of those who came for healing we prayed for suicidal tendencies, demonic possession, as well as diabetes, arthritis, lung disorder, addiction to alcohol, cancer and other maladies. The expressions of those for whom prayer was administered moved the entire congregation. More specifically, each one prayed for felt the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit. I was so totally drained from the prayer that the prayer team sat me down in the prayer seat and prayed over me until I was able to continue the service. (I didn't realize that it was so obvious that I was drained and depleted...but their prayers worked wonderfully and I continued.) Then came the most challenging, demanding, prayerful experience I've ever had in the healing ministry.

A young husband came to the alter for prayer. He had just recently lost his mother (a week ago) and was in a terribly difficult situation with his step father about everything. He was forbidden to attend his own mother's funeral. He was distraught. When I looked him in the eyes and asked what he wanted prayer for, his eyes became bloodshot and he said...."I want to leave my wife. I want to leave my child to be. I want to leave this world. I don't want anything good." At once I realized that I was talking with a young man who was possessed. Rather than anoint him one time with the sign of the cross with oil, it was put on my heart to anoint him three times. I looked him in the eyes and asked if he wanted deliverance. He shrugged. I asked again...he shrugged. Then I called him by name twice and he said yes.

I've only once before been called upon by Our Lord to cast out demons and I was weak in faith at that time...but I couldn't resist the word of God as it pertained to this young man. I tried to sit him down but he resisted. I tried again and he resisted again. I said..."In the name of Jesus accept His love". He sat down. He looked at me with piercing, bloodshot eyes and I asked him if he was ready for healing prayer. He didn't say anything. I told him I was going to pray for him whether he wanted it or not. I complimented him on beating down the resistance to make his way to the alter. So we prayed. There were 5 prayer warriors plus me praying for him. And we prayed. Without knowing the names of the demons in him (and not wanting to know their names) I prayed over him saying that Jesus knew who was trying to control his life and in the name of Jesus they are to be bound and cast from him. I was moved to bind and cast out 3 different demons in this young man in the name of Jesus Christ.

At once, his bloodshot eyes became clear. He proclaimed Christ as the ruler of his life. His countenance became one of calm and peace. But we didn't stop there. We continued to pray over him for strength and perseverance in Christ for the moments, days and weeks ahead. Oh what a glorious time it was in the service of our risen Lord.

We closed the service by praying for those who lifted their hands earlier that didn't want to be publicly brought into the love of The Lord. My friends, it was a powerful ending to a wonderful 4 nights of revival. Indeed, revival happened in our rural church in Alabama. It happened in ME!

In Christ....