Spiritual Gift of Healing: Who does God heal?

I believe what the healing scriptures in the Bible say, no matter what I see with my eyes in this world. I believe God heals EVERYONE, not just some and that the work is already done (Hebrews 3 and 4). I think the problem lies with the receivers (you and me) not the transmitter (God).

As soon as Jesus hit the pavement in ministry, He made it quite clear that He did not pick and choose who would be healed and who would not based on religion, ethnic background, sinfulness or otherwise. If you think you are too sinful or have too painful a past to come to God asking for His healing, meditate on the following scripture.

23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. 25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. (NIV from Biblegateway)

What this tells me is that no disease is too serious and no one is excluded. We know that Jesus was able to do this, because God lived within Him. When you accepted Jesus as your savior, didn't you invite God to live within you? I did. That spirit is growing within true believers and, if allowed to fully develop, will do the same through us as He did through Jesus.

Follow this series of posts on spiritual healing to learn more.

Spiritual Healing Series: Walking In Christ

Walking In Christ is the fifth post in the Spiritual Healing Series. In the first post I pointed out that Jesus was authoritative and strong, and that we have the same spiritual gifts that he had. The second post points out that Jesus did not earn his gifts through legalism or religion, but through a relationship with God. The third post depicts Jesus and God as one. Jesus had spent ample time in direct training through his relationship with God. The word of God grew within Him until it manifested in His physical life. The fourth post explains one of the reasons why the spiritual gifts of Christ are not manifesting in our lives.

Since Spiritual Gifts are what we're after in this series, I will conclude with this post and this bold statement from Ephesians, Chapter 4: This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart... And, this from chapter 5: Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. The word imitators can also be translated as followers.

Notice that we are no longer to walk in the futility of our own minds. How can we do that?

It's clear that following comes before walking. Aren't we getting it backwards? Aren't we trying to walk without following? Thus, we fail. Our gifts remain hidden deep within us and churches are closing their doors. Non believers are choosing to stay that way, because we aren't offering them anything better than what the world has to offer; the futility of our own minds.

The spiritual healing we seek will come from seeking God and following God, allowing the knowledge that ONLY He has to offer replace the futility of our minds and soften our hearts. Then, we can walk as Christ walked; with all the spiritual gifts in Christ.

I am going to conclude this spiritual healing series with this huge statement: Be a God chaser. You can learn more about following in our Easter Story bible study, starting with Healing Words..

Spiritual Healing Series: Where are my spiritual gifts?

This is my fourth post in the Spiritual Healing Series. In my first post I pointed out that Jesus was authoritative and strong, and that we have the same spiritual gifts that he had. The second post very briefly points out that Jesus did not earn his gift of healing through legalism or religion, but through a relationship with God. The third post depicts Jesus and God as one. Jesus had spent ample time in direct training through his relationship with God. The word of God grew within Him until it manifested in His physical life.

Again, the Bible clearly points out that we have all the spiritual gifts in Christ, so why aren't they manifesting in our lives? Even those of us who study God's word, are struggling with this question. Jesus said that his followers would do greater things than He, yet it's not happening. Jesus also said "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish , and it shall be done for you." What? Is that happening in your life?

Even though Jesus was authoritative and strong, He was also humble. He humbled Himself and gave up His own desires allowing God to work through Him. When He preached the gospel, thousands were healed physically and spiritually.

There are many who believe they have already done this. They live in the mission field, giving up most of their physical desires, working daily to spread the Gospel. Yet, something is missing and I believe the answer is found in Hebrews chapter 3 and 4. It's a place called God's rest.

Jesus considered Himself "In God." He also considered God to be "In Him." In order for us to be "In God," we have to take our seat "In Christ." This is the only way we will be allowed to enter God's rest.

The act of including each and every believer "In Christ" is already done. All who believe are already there. Yet, they spend their Sundays trying to earn their way in. It can't be earned. It is only a matter of opening your hands, opening your hearts and receiving the gift of grace.

For most, this isn't as easy as it sounds as there is one more requirement. Forget everything you know (or think you know) about God. Forget the legalism, religion and theology. Start all over with a direct relationship with God and take no man's word over His.

Forget what you see with your eyes, forget what you've felt with your hands. Forget what is right and what is wrong. Forget what you have been taught about yourself! Forget the past and forget the future; no more crystal ball. Live in a second by second "nucleus" so to speak in direct communication with your Father God.

It will definitely require that humble spirit that Christ so obviously had.

Spiritual Healing Series: How did Jesus get it?

This is my third post in Spiritual Healing Series. In my first post I pointed out that Jesus was authoritative and strong, and that we have the same spiritual gifts that he had. The second post very briefly points out that Jesus did not earn this gift through legalism or religion, but through a relationship with God. Since this is the most important factor in this mini series on spiritual healing and/or spiritual gifts of healing, I want to visit that point again.

Luke 5:15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. NIV

Jesus was a God chaser. I believe that when the time was right, after Jesus had spent many years seeking, praying and studying God's word, he became full and complete: perfect - lacking nothing. God was actually living through Him because of this perfection. He had given over his life, so that God could live way before His actual crucifixion. The impact was this: An explosion of love, mercy, grace and healing literally coming through his pores.

You can read more on this topic here.

Spiritual Healing Series: Was Jesus Really Perfect?

This is my second post in this spiritual healing series, or mini series as you could call it, addressing what made Jesus so perfect. He was perfect because of one simple fact: John 17:20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you..." It was simply this: "...you are in me and I am in you."

We know from scripture that Jesus did not uphold all of the legalistic rules of the law. He even made the statement that he "ate and drank" meaning he did things the Jews were not allowed to do. Yet, he was made perfect. It doesn't make sense, unless you really look at the definition of the word perfect.

It is whole and complete. There was absolutely nothing missing. Now, Jesus had to develop and grow, just as we all do. When all was said and done, He was so full of God's word that it manifested in His flesh. The results were peace, joy, love, patience, kindness, spiritual gifts of healing...

It is time we stop holding ourselves accountable to the law and become whole and complete. Religion and legalism are out and relationship is in.

Verse 23: I in them and you in me. It is then and only then, that we will obtain the gifts we so desperately need in order to free the oppressed! Therefore, rather than seeking a spiritual gift of healing, life IN Christ is what we must seek!

Spiritual Healing Series

Spiritual Healing Series from the Bible:

In the four Gospels, the authors point out that the people were amazed at Jesus' authority. This tells us that he wasn't the quite, subdued, rather wimpy guy that many artists have portrayed him to be. He was strong, authoritative and probably very quick on his feet. He was a real man with human flesh and all that that implies. Yet, He was our example; the author of our faith. Why not take a closer look at His gifts and how He obtained them.

Spiritual Health Source is doing that for two reasons. One: Ephesians 1: 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. We know we already have the same gifts, and we aren't using them.

Two: One of the owners is sick. It's time to exercise our authority.

My next post in this spiritual healing series of articles will be about His humanity and His perfection. How exactly did this man become perfect?

Go Nuts for Potassium

If you don't want to go bananas, go nuts.

Most nuts are loaded with potassium and minerals (including calcium). Eaten alone or with legumes, they provide a good source of protein.

Nuts and seeds are also a good source of folate, or folic acid (helps prevent neurological birth defects) and iron.

These little gems provide Vitamin E, and many B vitamins.

Instead of chips and a soda, try going nuts. Kids love them with a simple glass of lemonade! (Oh, and peanuts are actually legumes, but you don't have to tell your kids.)

Tomatoes Bring High Energy

It's no secret that tomatoes are high in antioxidants. They are actually called cancer fighters by many nutritionist. But, tomatoes bring more than that. Pick up a glass of tomato juice or add a few cherry tomatoes to your afternoon snack and see what else it brings. Energy!

One glass of juice can get you through the afternoon siesta blues. It may not taste as good as a chocolate bar, but the energy lasts!

My dad swears by a glass a day and he is 83 and running circles around me! (He grows them, picks them, cooks them, juices them and cans them.)

Other Important Benefits: Helps combat heart disease by thinning blood, defends against some cancers and slows down the damage to human cells caused by aging.

The benefit comes from the skin of red tomatoes and from the jelly like substance inside. I prefer to eat them like an apple, but there are many other ways to get plenty of benefits from tomatoes; tomato paste being one of the best.

When your kids (or husband) turn up their noses, you can honestly tell them tomatoes are not vegetables. "Have some cancer fighting, heart disease preventing, anti aging berries."

The Easter Story - Three Steps to Freedom

We are currently working on a three-step program called The Easter Story. The study is based on the book of Ephesians and a compilation of Watchman Nee's teachings from Ephesians, called Sit-Walk-Stand.

The book of Ephesians is packed full of the truth about the freedom we obtained when Christ died on the cross. In summary - it's already done!

The first two steps, sit and walk, are uploaded at Spiritual Health Source.

This Easter, go a step beyond the Easter bonnet and new shoes. Go deep into a study that will bring freedom from addiction, oppression and victory into your life. It's free!

Positive Self Talk

Where does positive self talk come from? God's word. These are God's words about your relationship with Jesus:

Words about Christ: Eph 1:20-23 ...which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Words about You: Eph 2:5-6 ...even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

Focus on these words. Pay close attention to the fact the He said "when we were dead in our transgressions..." That means we didn't earn it. Also, notice that it is all in past tense. That means it's already done.

It's time to stop putting yourself down, and realize that you are already up. Exercise the power of the cross in your thinking and positive self talk. That means your old thoughts are already put to death on the cross, and you are already fresh and new. Just believe what God says.

Salmon with a Twist - Recipes by V

Salmon with a Twist of Lemon, rich in protein and omega 3 fatty acids. Just like mom always said, it's brain food!

Purchase fresh salmon fillets, preferably not farmed. Check carefully for bones.

Squeeze 1/2 fresh lemon or lime over the fillets.

Sprinkle with fresh Rosemary, Dill, and course sea salt (to taste).


Let fillets set out until they reach room temperature before frying.

Heat oil in frying pan to 110 degrees and brown on both sides, turning once. Cook for approximately 20 minutes on each side. When fish gets flaky it is done! You can also grill or broil!

Sides shown here: Roasted potatoes in Lite Zesty Italian Dressing and our Easy Spinach Salad.

Meal is rich in protein, iron, anti-oxidants, vitamin C and more. You can't beat it and my husband loves it!

Stress Management and Prayer

Stress Management and Prayer are one and the same for me.

I agree wholeheartedly with Celeste, author of Little Known Food Facts, in her article about stress and the body. (Everything I need to Know About Stress, I learned From My Body.) Stress does cause trembling, numbness and skin disorders. But don't forget about the IBS, back pain, knee aches, reflux disease. I have had all of the above, along with the spells of not eating for days at a time.

If you find yourself in this position, you will probably find that you don't want to eat anything at all and when you do eat, it's something from a fast food place that takes no energy to fix. (You are too tired to cook, right?)

Get a grip. Make a choice based on your common sense, not your emotions. Decide to make a change in your life today, but start small.

Try a simple glass of nice cold milk. Let it sooth your body and give you a bit of energy. Now that you feel a little better, start talking to God. Tell Him what is stressing you and let Him have it. Lay it at His feet and don't pick it back up for the rest of the day.

Drink lots of milk and water and tap into some spiritual milk in your Bible. (Like so many, you may not feel worthy to talk to God. Ask for forgiveness and receive it fully. Then, look Him right in the eye and cry out for help.)

Do it again tomorrow. Stress Management and Prayer will become one and the same for you as well. Now that you've got more energy and your stomach isn't tied in knots, move on to the healthy foods Celeste writes about and move on to spiritual veggies as well!

Beat the Winter Blues

This is the best way to beat the winter blues:

The gray skies of winter never fail to bring me down. It's only January, and we have many weeks of winter left to endure.

Yet, this morning I took a walk around our courtyard and found new strength. Already, life is beginning to peak out from the darkness where it sleeps. The bare branches of our Bradford Pear tree show signs of the next season of beauty.

Once again, I found God's promise that this dark time shall pass. Something new and beautiful is just around the bend. Patience, my friend, patience.



Beat the winter blues by meditating on this today!

Isa 58:8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy reward.

A Blueberry Breakfast

A Blueberry Breakfast is a quick, healthy breakfast for those on the go.

3 Heaping Tablespoons of Plain Yogurt
1/2 cup of you favorite multi grain cerial with nuts or fruit (I chose Kroger Blueberry Almond Crisp - Crispy and Delicious)
Sprinkle a few blueberries on top


It's delicious. If you are not crazy about plain yogurt, sweeten it lightly or try vanilla. This is a good source of anti-oxidants, fiber and calcium. Also, active yogurt aids in the digestive process and is easier to digest than milk for some people; helps prevent yeast infections as well.

Blueberries are considered to be very healthy food for the brain. Some researchers say that strawberries, blueberries and spinach may actually reverse the effects that aging has on the brain, including motor skills. Don't pass up our easy spinach salad recipes!

Water is Vital

Everyone knows that water is vital to our existence. Our bodies are made of it. How many times have you been told to drink 8-8oz glasses of it per day? All your life, right? Obviously, there is a reason for that. If you are feeling tired, I highly recommend water. Believe it or not, it is a major source of energy.

As water is vital to the physical body, so it is to the spirit. If you are not familiar with the story of the Woman at the Well, read John, Chapter 4. Don't just skim through it, read it closely. Use the Bible Gateway search form and type in John 4. Use the back button in your browser to return here.

There is much to say about this chapter, and you can learn more about it in The Life Cycle. For this post, the most important point I want to make is that when the Samaritan woman finally asked Jesus for the Living Water He had to offer, He did not give her to drink of the well. He gave her the truth about herself first, and then He gave the truth about Himself.

The truth about her: Having had five husbands in the past and now living with a man she wasn't married to, obviously, she wasn't living a righteous lifestyle. The truth about Him: He already knew all about her! He sat down and had a drink with her anyway. He offered her the same Living Water that He offered to the righteous ones anyway. He used her to do God's will anyway. He loves, He heals, He gives anyway.

Truth is Living Water and since water is vital, drink 8-8oz. glasses of the truth from God's word every day!

Easy Spinach Salad

For a really quick and easy spinach salad:

Mix fresh baby spinach in a salad bowl with some fresh strawberries and green onions. Top with a healthy strawberry dressing, preferably made with olive oil. Try adding pine nuts or sunflower seeds for protein.

Make sure you wash your vegetables thoroughly. Toss just before serving to avoid wilting the spinach.

This delicious salad is rich in anti-oxidants and is a good source of iron and Vitamin C.

If you don't like the onions, try the Little Known Food Facts variation. It looks yummy.

Foods that Heal Depression

Foods that Heal Depression: My mother is suffering from Lewy Body Dementia and, as you may already know, I have suffered in the past from depression. Therefore, I did some research on foods that are good for the brain. I used the keywords "foods that raise endorphins" and found this site from Honolulu Community College. I can't tell who the author is, so feel free to browse the site. It is straight-to-the-point and very interesting. Yes they are students, but comparing their research to that of others, they seem to be right on track.

Look for these foods in your market and start protecting and even improving your brain power. We'll be posting recipes and tips on these in the very near future.

• Intake plenty of anti-oxidant foods such as
• Blueberries
  
• prunes
• raisins
• blackberries
• garlic
• cooked kale
• cranberries
• strawberries
• raw spinach
• raspberries

• Omega-3 fish oil (seems to be good for just about everything including your skin, ladies! If you are like me and do not eat fish, try cod-liver-oil or an Omega 3 Fish Oil supplement.*)
• Salmon
  
• mackerel
• sardines

• What to drink?
  
• Regular tea (one Lipton tea bag will do perfectly)
• Green tea (but not powdered or bottled)

• What to Avoid?
• saturated animal fats
• polyunsaturated vegetable oil
• trans-fatty acids

• Last but not least
• Chocolate - Yes, it raises endorphins, but of course, use it moderately. Hey, how about a strawberry dipped in chocolate? Yum!!
  

*Some researchers warn against these types of supplements. If you are concerned, consult a nutritionist.

Come back! We'll be posting more on these foods that heal each week.

Foods that Heal Has a New Author

Foods that Heal proudly welcomes the author from Little Known Food Facts. This new author comes from a background in weight loss management and provides very helpful tips on the affects of certain foods and spices on our body. Watch for her posts each week.

She'll tell you in her own special way what to eat and what not to eat and she'll tell you exactly why! She's very knowledgeable and straight to the point. I don't know about you, but I have little time for fluff. If you agree, she's your expert.