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.

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.

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!