The Situation: My mind does what it wants, when it wants, the way it wants. I listen to the news and my mind decides if I should be depressed, cynical or joyful. I build theology with my mind. I test my heart's impressions with my mind. How else would one live? This is what the Bible teaches, right? We're supposed to test all things and hold fast to what is good, aren’t we?
Question: I believe God doesn’t always want to heal us because Paul had a sickness which God did not heal. What about the thorn in his side? "Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself!" (2 Cor. 12:7)
Wow! The Kingdom is distinguished by the emotions of peace and joy! And I was taught to shy away from emotions as being unreliable! The kingdom of God is...righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 14:17) I wonder if I need to reevaluate how important and healing emotions can be?
Question: Isn’t a simple prayer, “Lord, heal me" enough? Do I really need all these different ways of praying?
You gave me a 7 step model for receiving a miracle, then 7 more steps for ministering a vast assortment of “gifts of healings.” Then there is the 7 step model for “prayers that heal the heart” and a 7 step model for praying words of faith.” Wow. That is 28 prayers! I want just one, please!
Mark, I hate writing, and I essentially don’t write. Is there any chance of sending me a paragraph on what you spoke about yesterday on the phone about breaking off any lies, fears of writing, fears of English and resentments toward school teachers, so I could pray through these things and get into two-way journaling? Thanks, Noel
All who live in democratic nations have the privilege, duty and honor to cast their vote for leaders who stand for truth and justice. Our children will live under some kind of government, and we can help ensure it is righteous government. That sure is a better gift to give them than unrighteous government.
I'm pleased to have another guest post today from my daughter, Charity.
I appreciate her key insight, which really comes down to the issue of focus and the extraordinary importance of where we choose to give our time and attention, what we decide to pay attention to.
Enjoy this word and be encouraged as you continue pressing on in the spirit!
I have seen pictures on the internet of plants withering when fed microwaved water, and I wanted to know for myself, so I offered to pay each of my three grandchildren $1 if they would do an experiment for me. Their mom, Charla Virkler, oversaw the experiment and she shares the results below.
The journaling below is from Chaekyoung Jacquelyn Ban, a Doctoral student in Christian Leadership University and a Korean minister living in North Carolina. Her two-way journaling has been translated from Korean.
I recently watched one of the most inspiring movies of my life, Father of Lights. It's about taking God to the people. It's about miracles and healings taking place right before your eyes, on the streets. Kind of reminds you of the Gospels, doesn't it?
You will see a Hindu being led by God through a dream to go the following day to a specific location and a person would be there to teach him important truths. The next day, he met the man whom he was shown in his dream and he heard the Gospel message which he gladly received and went back to his village to share Jesus. All this is captured live on camera in powerful, moving drama. Visit filmmaker Darren Wilson's website and get a copy to see for yourself!
