Faith - When I Pray for Healing

I use my faith in positive and intentional ways.

I may consider my faith to be weak or strong. While my faith is strengthened through prayer and attention, I must also make certain that my faith is rightly directed.

I use my faith when I pray for healing, yet I am also using faith when I worry about a loved one. My intention in prayer is to experience a positive result, so I choose to recognize the feelings from which I pray.

I release any anxious feelings and pray with a sense of peace and positive faith. I become still and imagine only the best possible results. I believe that these outcomes will come to pass. As I use intentional faith, my mind and heart are at ease and my trust in God grows ever stronger.

Jesus said, "Go; let it be done for you according to your faith." And the servant was healed in that hour.--Matthew 8:13

Source:http://www.dailyword.com

Easter - a Time of Transformation

ionNew Creation

The power of God transforms my life.

I may associate darkness with fear or sadness. Yet darkness may also mark a new beginning, a time of transformation. Out of what was, something new emerges. The chick emerges from the egg; the butterfly emerges from the cocoon. Time in the darkness is an important and essential part of the process of life.
Jesus knew that the darkness of the tomb held the promise of eternal life. In faith I move through times of challenge, even of sorrow, expecting good to be revealed through the activity of Spirit. In the midst of what may appear to be darkness, I open myself to new wisdom. With each experience, I emerge a new creation of Spirit.

Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy.--John 16:20

Source:http://DailyWord.com

Think on Purpose...

Joyce Meyer quote from her series about  Battlefield of the Mind:

"You dont have to just think about whatever comes to your mind...Think on purpose...cast down that thought...and if you know the word of God then you can Think instead on purpose...


Don't  make yourself upset by your thoughts...
Now when I wake up in the morning I choose to say:


Thank you Lord for this day, Thank you God that I can enjoy this day, thank you for my family,  my ministry and show me some ways that I can be a blessing to someone.  My  happiness is not dependent on happenings but on the Joy of the Lord..."

Can You Make Candy?

Norman Vincent Peale relates a story about meeting a lady in Mississippi who told him: "I thought my husband would provide for me so that when he died I would'nt worry.  But his estate was eaten up, and I've got to go to work or go on relief."

Norman didn't know how to answer, so he prayed: "Lord, gives us an insight for Miss Lou."...at the end of the prayer he asked Miss Lou, "Can you make candy?.  She answered, "Now that is something I can do."  Norman then asked her to make a pound of candy and send it to him.

Later Norman received a two-pound package of candy and replied to Miss Lou, to "Get busy merchandising that candy."

In his story, Norman suggested that when in Edwards, Mississippi to find a shop there called "The Sweetest Spot."

My searches for "The Sweetest Spot" were never successful until today.  There is a postcard (postmarked May 1952) being sold on eBay that shows the actual spot where Miss Lou built her candy store.  The sign shows the real name, Lou's Candy Kitchen and is located on the "sweetest spot on highway 80"!!!

Norman concluded:  "Miss Lou found that by thinking creatively she could change her life...and by serving others, she became a great influence for good in the area where she lives."

May we be willing to ask the Lord to help us in a time of need and think creatively on how WE may serve others...

I Choose Positive Words Today

Positive Words

I choose positive words and experience positive results.The thoughts I think and the words I speak have tremendous power. They can influence my life in either positive or negative ways, for they affect the expectations I hold in my heart and the outcomes I experience in my life. Today I choose to use positive words. I make a conscious effort to think positive thoughts and to act in positive ways. By doing so, I open my life and the lives of those I pray for to the ever-present abundance of God.

If I am anxious about a particular situation or event, I change my thoughts about it. I approach it with new eyes--spiritual eyes. By expressing my faith in God and holding positive thoughts, my expectations are elevated to a higher level and the outcomes I envision are revealed in wonderful ways.

The kingdom of God is within you.--Luke 17:21 (KJV)
Source: http://DailyWord.com

Are You Getting Better?

I recently heard from subscriber James Hady, of Arlington Heights, IL, and felt his inspiring story was a great way to kick off the first issue of 2010.

"I read your article in Health & Healing discussing the affirmation, Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better. So I began repeating it to myself regularly. It worked great. I could actually feel the impact on a daily basis. I have experienced positive things in every aspect of my life. I'm 68 years young, and I am indeed getting better and better every day. I now work out and play over-50 softball, racquetball, and golf. I used to have some chronic pain, but it's disappeared. Even my eyesight has improved. I'm really impressed that something so little makes such a big difference. Thank you for that advice. It has been extremely helpful."

James isn't the only one who has benefited from this practice. We provide every patient at the Whitaker Wellness Institute with wristbands imprinted with this statement to help them get into the habit of repeating it as often as possible throughout the day. Do not underestimate the power of affirmations. They work! Try it right now. First, bring up a problem in your life. Then, in a focused manner, say, Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better. Patiently repeat this 10 times. Now, note how you feel about your problem. You may feel silly when you first start doing this, but that is your subconscious mind battling for control. Those feelings will pass over time. As you make your New Year's resolutions, use this affirmation to help you achieve your goals. With daily repetition, you'll find that everything really will get better and better

                        Dr. Julian Whitaker, MD

                                Health & Healing, January 2010

...and Fulfill All Your Plans

Fulfilled

God is the source of all that fulfills me.

I take a moment in quiet meditation to consider what truly fulfills me. In this ease, I breathe deeply and fully. Gently, a thought comes to mind. Perhaps it's about something I have postponed or resisted. Have I been holding on to a limiting thought of I can't...? Am I willing to transform my I can't into an I can?
No matter what I want to accomplish, I never go through it alone. The spirit of God goes with me.
Knowing this, I put my God-given intelligence and strength to use and do what is mine to do.
Regardless of what is required mentally, physically or spiritually, I can accomplish it. I can because God, my constant companion and guide, is the source of all that fulfills me.

May he grant you your heart's desire, and fulfill all your plans.--Psalm 20:4

Source: http://DailyWord.com

Visit Grandfather Mountain!

Enthusiasm - enTheos

Enthusiasm

I am enthusiastic about life!

My enthusiasm grows as I focus on God's presence within me and within others. As my appreciation of the sacredness of all expands, I not only dare to dream and set goals, but also to pursue them.

I bring enthusiasm and creativity to all I do. I actively engage in my relationships with family and friends. I find joy wherever I invest my time. Spirit within guides me in everyday tasks as well as in exciting new adventures.

This day and every day, I set my course on a journey of discovery. The goodness of God is constantly being revealed to me. I find great satisfaction in being an expression of divine goodness toward others.

Brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble.--2 Peter 1:10

Source: http://DailyWord.com

Look for Things to be Grateful for...

Daily Word — Friday, November 6, 2009

Prosperity

I am blessed by the goodness of God.

Prosperity manifests in my life in myriad ways--not only as money. As I count my blessings, I realize that God's goodness is everywhere. I give thanks for my food, shelter, friends, family and livelihood. I focus on my blessings rather than dwelling on any perception of lack.

The more I look for things to be grateful for, the more blessings I find. By noticing these blessings and giving thanks, I am positive, productive and prepared for good.

The more good I perceive, the more I receive. As I appreciate all of God's blessings and dwell in abundance and contentment, even more goodness comes my way.

I choose to live in God's abundance, accepting all the blessings life has to offer.

I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given.--Luke 19:26

Source: http://DailyWord.com

Contribute to Others

Daily Word — Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Contribution

I am love in action, contributing to the well-being of others.

God's love expresses through me to bless others. I perceive the people with whom I interact as the children of God they truly are. I look for opportunities to be of help, to appreciate and to make a positive contribution.

I find many opportunities to give from my heart. I extend a wave and a warm smile to a neighbor, call or e-mail a friend or relative, or give time and attention to someone in need.

I look beyond the outer persona of those who seem unfriendly or impolite and behold their true essence. For all those I meet or think of today, I say a silent blessing: I behold the Christ in you. I visualize you whole, happy, prosperous and peaceful.

"Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God."--1 John 4:7

Source: http://Dailyword.com

A Dynamic, Living and Demonstrable Reality...

Today let's return on our earlier study of Emily Gardiner Neals' God Can Heal You Now and consider some of her early thoughts after she began to travel extensively about the US and witnessing wonderful healings.

To bring us all on the same page, recall the Emily Gardiner Neal was a magazine feature writer specilizing in medical scientific subjects. From the beginning she claimed to be a staunch agnostic,

"and the claim that healings of supposedly incurable disease were the result of the direct intervention of the Holy Spirit seemed to be fantastically childish nonsense at best."

Now we jump two years into her travels and witnessing "wonderful healings" and she concludes:

"The phenomenon is no longer new to me, but my sense of excitement and awe has not diminished...Today more clearly than ever before, I see in the healing Church, the unchallengeable anwser to the agnostic belief that Christianity is mere legend, born of Man's need; or only a philosophy, a way of life; or solely an historical event which occurred and finished two thousand years ago, to be interpreted or misinterpreted ever since."


"To know the healing Christ is to see Christianity transformed into what is is meant to be: a dynamic, living and demonstrable reality."

God Can Heal You Now...p.148


We will explore in our next post how Emily faced her first incredibly uncomfortable situation. This was when desperate Parents asked her to pray for their dying child. I don't know how many times I have personally read this, but it's always a spine tingling experience.

MikeR

Within that awful volume lies...

Famous quote from Sir Walter Scott's,
Monastery, Volume 1, Chapter XII

"Within that awful volume lies
The mystery of mysteries!
Happiest they of human race,
To whom God has granted grace
To read, to fear, to hope, to pray,
To lift the latch, and force the way;
And better had they ne'er been born,
Who read, to doubt, or read to scorn."
======================================================

I need to study and get serious about this...

Got Unborn Promises?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Sing, O childless woman, you who have never given birth"
(Isaiah 54:1, NLT)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Sometimes, when we don't see our dreams and desires coming to pass, we can feel empty and barren like a woman who is unable to have children. But look at what this verse is saying: if you've got unborn promises, don't just sit around in defeat. Don't just give up and say, "Too bad for me." No, God says when you're barren, the first thing you need to do is sing a song of praise. You might think, "Well, Joel, I'm kind of depressed today. I'll sing after I have my 'baby.'" No, this passage wasn't written to people who were holding their baby and had seen their dreams come to pass. It was written to empty-armed people; people who didn't have what they were believing for. Do you know why? When you're giving God praise, do you know what you are doing? You are activating your faith and putting yourself into position to give birth to that promise. You are setting yourself up for God to move on your behalf.

Why don't you get into position today by singing a song of praise? All throughout the day, thank Him for what He is doing in your life and watch those dreams and desires come to pass.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, I surrender all my questions, all my doubts, all my fears to You today. I know that You have a plan to fulfill every dream and desire in my heart. I choose to sing praises to You this day and thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Source: http://JoelOsteen.com

Overdue Bills? Try This...

Overdue by Jan Week
Years ago I was living from paycheck to paycheck, and my teacher’s salary never seemed to cover my debts. I put off paying my bills as long as I possibly could. Worrying about all of those bills seemed less daunting than actually facing them.Then my sister sent me some inspirational tapes. I listened to them, and dug out my dog-eared copy of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s book The Power of Positive Thinking.

The tapes and the book talked about appreciating life, and about the blessings we take for granted.They made me realize just how blessed I really was. In fact, it was my gratitude that was really overdue. So instead of dreading my bills, I began to bless them!As I wrote out the check for the utility bill I said, “Bless all of you who work to keep me warm and illuminated.”

The telephone bill? “Thank you for making it easy for me to stay in touch with all the people I love.”Within a few months, I noticed that even though my paycheck didn’t increase, my debts seemed more manageable. Actually, they decreased.I really was able to pay my bills; I just needed a little encouragement to think positively.

The above article originally appeared in Guideposts magazine. Visit the recently updated guidepostsmag.com today.

Pain, Sunshine, Rain, Calm

 I am back from vacations and inspired to restart my posts:

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,
There will always be sunshine, after the rain
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall
But God is always ready, to answer your call.

He knows every heartache, sees every tear
A word from His lips, can calm every fear

 Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night
But suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light
The Savior is waiting, somewhere above
To give you His grace, and embrace you
... in His everlasting LOVE.

~ Author: Unknown ~

Try This for a Week...

The way to happiness: keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry.  Live simply, expect little, give much.  Fill your life with love.  Scatter sunshine.  Forget self, think of others.  Do as you would be done by.  Try this for a week and you will be surprised.

Share Your Plans with God and...

Today I will dedicate myself to God and ponder on the miracle of Easter...and this wonderful promise.

Source:Positive Thinking for Every Day of the Year
Norman Vincent Peale

Capture God's Joy Today

Inexpressible and Glorious Joy
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.
(I Peter 1:8, NIV).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Do you need more joy in your life? This verse tells us that when we choose to believe in God, we are filled with His joy. And not just any kind of joy, inexpressible and glorious joy! Have you ever seen someone filled with inexpressible joy over something? Their face is beaming, their heart is pounding. They can hardly contain themselves. They are so excited they can't think of anything else. They have so much confidence over what they know that nothing can take away their joy. As believers, that's how we should be. We should be confident in the goodness of God and filled with His inexpressible and glorious joy!

I encourage you today to be bold and believe God. Get to know Him better by knowing His Word. Hold His promises close to your heart so that you can be filled with His confidence and joy all the days of your life.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your joy unspeakable and full of glory. I choose to believe You and trust in Your goodness. I invite you to search my heart and remove anything that would keep me from all You have in store. In Jesus's Name. Amen

Source: http://JoelOsteen.com

Stability in an Unstable World

Just a short detour from our healing survey of Emily Gardiner Neal.

This is a letter from Annette Capps, who I believe is the daughter of Charles Capps. In order to balance as much of the negativity currently in the news cycle as possible, I thought this letter is a way to a positive, resourceful path amidst the apparent chaos.

Thanks Annette!

The WORD is Stable!

Unstable markets, unstable world economy…Let’s focus on something that is stable…the Word of God and not fixate on the fear that surrounds us.

My Dad tells the story of how during a dry year when he was farming, he prayed for rain for his cotton crop. One particular field had no means of irrigation. As he was driving and praying for rain, he noticed that one spot in the field looked greener than the rest. God spoke to him and said, “Would it be OK if I just caused the moisture to come up under your crop rather than rain from above?” Of course my Dad replied, “Whatever you want to do is fine with me!”

That year the cotton made 1 bale per acre on that field where other farmers only made ∏ bale or less.

Sometimes we become so fixated on the problem or what we believe the solution is that we are not open to alternatives. God is not limited to our ideas of how to fix things. The real issue for Charles Capps was not rain; it was a good cotton crop.

Our real issue today is not the stock market or the credit crisis. The real issue is how we can prosper and succeed in spite of world crisis. God’s Word has not changed. God’s laws have not changed. The same laws of giving and receiving, sowing and reaping, seedtime and harvest still work in October 2008 as well as October 2007.

The spiritual principles that enabled you to pay your house payment, buy your gas and feed your family still apply no matter what the economy. God’s Word drives your economy! Choose kingdom principles to dominate your finances!

I encourage you to continue in faith, not being moved by what you see, hear or feel but what you believe…God’s Word. You are the seed of Abraham through Jesus Christ and His blessing rests on you.

The immoveable, unchangeable Word will work for you as you speak it and stand fast in faith.

God Bless You Richly,

Annette Capps

Spiritual healing not for the sick alone...

The title of this post is taken directly from Emily's , "God Can Heal You Now", How to Stay Well chapter that deals with healings when we are not at the end of our ropes and seeking the "ministry of desperation".  Emily sites several examples of wellness resulting in people's lives when they are involved in a healing ministry.  Here are two examples:

"A Presbyterian attorney who became interested in the healing ministry two years ago, voices the experience of unnumerable people when he says: "I had all my life been subject to severe colds, throat infections, and sinus trouble during winter months.  I am convinced that it is more than coincidence that during the past two years  I have not been indisposed, even for a day"

"The experience of a mother with three youngsters is also typical. "For years I have been nervous and tired," she says, "and also terribly apprehensive about the children's health.  But not any more.  Through the healing ministry I have an entirely different concept of God.  I know now that He wants them to be well, and that if they do get sick, He will heal them.  The result has been that they have turned into the healthiest youngsters on our block, practically never have even colds..."

Emily concludes this section by making these remarks:

"There are very few of us who will not find ourselves recipients of the fringe benefits of the Christian faith -- health and joy -- if we follow the simple prescription consisting of two ingredients: daily devotions, and, if possible, weekly attendance at a healing service. For the Church, which is the Body of Christ and the extension of the Incarnation, is as indispensable as your private devotions."

Source: God Can Heal You Now, pp212-213