Faith is the bridge that takes us from here to HOPE.

Faith with Doubt

In Mark, chapter 9, Jesus is confronted by a boy with an evil spirit and a father who has a lack of faith, faith mingled with doubt about Jesus’s power to heal. But just before this event, Jesus had been on the mountaintop with Peter, James and John and had been transfigured before them in dazzling, white clothes talking to Moses and Elijah. God spoke and declared Jesus as His Son and told the disciples to listen to Jesus.  Then suddenly, everything was back to normal and Jesus told them to speak of this to no one.

As Jesus, Peter, James and John go down the mountain to meet the other disciples, they see a crowd of people and teachers of the law gathered around the disciples arguing. Sure enough, as soon as you come off a mountaintop experience with the Lord, you are immediately put back on the battlefield.  

“As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. ‘What are you arguing with them about? he asked.” Mark 9:15-16 NIV

It is interesting to note, Jesus spoke this question directly to the disciples, clearly marveling at why they would be defending their position.  Before they could answer, a man in the crowd, the father of the son with the evil spirit speaks up. He begins to tell Jesus he had brought his son to Jesus for healing, but not finding Him there, asked his disciples to drive out the spirit, yet they were unsuccessful, even though they had cast out demons before. The father goes on to explain that the spirit has made his son mute, epileptic and demon-possessed often throwing the child into the fire or water to kill him. Jesus in his frustration for their unbelief then speaks out, He tells the father to bring his son to Him.

The demon in the boy makes one last display of his power by throwing the boy on the ground in a convulsion, rolling him around and foaming at the mouth.  Don’t you wonder what Jesus was thinking? The demon knew his power was pathetic and nonexistent in the presence of Jesus and yet Jesus allowed it for the glory that God would be given. Then Jesus asks the father how long this behavior has been going on. Jesus already knew of course, since He is Omniscient, and yet he for the sake of the father allowed him to speak out the truth, almost as a confession for all the others to hear. And then the father adds,

“But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Mark 9:22b NIV

Here is the little boy’s father, desperate for a miracle for his only child, his faith having already been tested when he failed to see a miracle through the disciples attempts to help, now is concerned that maybe even Jesus can’t bring about a miracle. Isn’t that so much like us?  We see the failed attempts of the church to help us and if they are the representation of Christ, well then… But Jesus, confident in the power of God in Him, repeats back to the father, “If you can?” (Mark 9:23 NIV). Isn’t this what we ask of Jesus every time we doubt what He can do? Jesus asks this question rhetorically to make the father think about his own level of faith in believing in a miracle for his son. What’s your level of faith in Jesus’s ability to come through for you in whatever you’ve asked or He has asked of you? Our level of belief is paramount to what we will be a witness to or in our own ability to carry out what the Father has asked of us. He then tells the father, something we all need to hear in our minds and never question.  “Everything is possible for him who believes.” (Mark 9:23 NIV). Not just a few things, not just the big things, small things, ordinary things or even extraordinary things. Everything! Immediately, the boy’s loving father exclaims, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV) Jesus did not only have to deal with the boy, but also with the father. Much of the father’s own suffering came from his lack of belief.

“When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. ‘You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “ I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.’ The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, ‘He’s dead.’ But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.’ Mark 9:25-27 NIV

Jesus never needed a crowd to produce a miracle. In fact, not all of Jesus’s miracles were with a crowd.  But certainly all who saw it, their faith was increased and God received much glory for what was done. In fact, in the same parable in Luke, it says the crowd was amazed at the greatness of God. When God’s power is exhibited through us, the message must always be clear, that it is for His glory and not our recognition.

Also note the way Jesus commanded the demon to leave the child and never come back in him again. In imitating Him we should do likewise in boldness and authority. and follow his example if ever confronted with this same situation. Granted, it wasn’t a quiet scene when the demon came out and for some of us, that would be quite scary, but we have nothing to fear when Jesus is in control. When others ask for our help, we need to trust that God will come through when we step out in faith. Isn’t that what He asked of the child’s father, just believe, that He will help all who believe?

“After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’ He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer (and fasting).’ Mark 9:28-29 NIV

Some manuscripts have prayer and fasting, and I agree that some healings require both.  I also believe, God will direct you if and when you are confronted with a situation as to what to do.  Remember, Jesus said in Matthew 6:16 “when you fast” knowing there would be times when we would need it to gain spiritual strength.

“They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples.” Mark 9:30-31

Don’t you just love the Lord!  We often think the disciples just had to catch everything on the fly, listening along with all the others and catching as much as they could, only having a few moments when they could ask Him some tough questions. Jesus knew this situation with the boy had rocked their faith.  They had attempted to step out and help the father and the boy only to be embarrassed and harassed. They were still feeling the sting of Jesus’s rebuke concerning their faith. And He knew just what to do about it. Jesus knows when we need times alone just with Him, no crowds and no distractions.  Times when we can sit at His feet and just soak up His Presence and all He wants to show and teach us. Those times are absolutely necessary in walking on the kingdom road. If you can’t remember when you’ve had one or if ever, then set aside some time like Mary. Don’t be concerned with the things of this world for they will all pass away. Let Him strengthen your faith and show you things in His word.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 KJV

#Faith #Doubt #Miracles #Jesus #Demons #Healed #Disciples #Teaching #Belief #RightBelieving #Devotions

22

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

                         Lamentations 3:22-23

Happy Valentine's Day

 I love you. I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb, before your very days were numbered, seeing them all from beginning to end. My abounding love for you is gracious and compassionate, I am slow to anger, forgiving and my love is unfailing toward you. I will satisfy your thirst and fill your hunger with good things. I am with you and mighty to save you from whatever befalls you.Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed. Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for my love is as strong as death…Many waters cannot quench my love; rivers cannot wash it away. I lavishly love you as my children, knowing the very number of hairs on your head and your name is engraved on the palms of my hands. I take great delight in you, quieting you with my love and rejoicing over you in song. You are precious in My eyes, and honored. My love for you is fierce and I will not let your foot be moved that I do not know about it. In keeping watch over you, I never sleep.  In all things, you are more than a conqueror, because nothing can separate you from my love, not death nor life, not angels or rulers, not things present nor things to come, not powers, height, or depth, nor anything else in all of creation will EVER be able to separate you from my love. My faithful love to you never ends and my mercy towards you is new every morning.  So rejoice my beloved Valentine!  You are infinitely and marvelously loved beyond your wildest dreams!!

We love you more than you can ever fathom!

Your forever love,

God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit

Scriptures:
Isa. 54:10,49:16, Luke 12:7,1John 3:1,Neh. 9:17, Psa. 107:8-9, Zep. 3:17, Isa. 143:4-5, Psa. 121:1-3, Rom. 8:37-39, Jer. 1:5

© GraceAnointedMinistriesLLC 

Life as We Know it

How many of us, our everyday lives are driven by fear?  Instead of being proactive we are reactive in every situation.  We do things out of fear of getting in trouble, losing our job or so that others might be pleased with us.  Instead of being on the offense we are living on the defense.  No wonder we are so stressed and burned out.  Exhausted and unfulfilled.  Who are we really living for, others, ourselves?  Are we finding any pleasure in anything?  And for most of us, the only place we find pleasure is in having a satisfying meal.  What a pitiful existence called life.

Have you ever felt this way?  Wondered why there wasn't more meaning in everyday life?  The real question is who are you living for?  Yourself, someone else or maybe you've been so busy, you haven't had much time to think about it.  In John 10:10b Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and the they may have it more abundantly." And in John 5:40 Jesus says, "But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life."  So if coming to Jesus gives us life, what are we living without Him?  Our own attempt at what we think is life?  I think a lot of us think of life and eternal life as two different things.  We believe that what we are born into is just dictated by things that happen to us and things that we encounter.  While eternal life is something that Jesus Christ offers to those who want to live a good life here and then go on to live with Him in heaven. What I'm here to tell you today is that you are not really living until you are living the good life in Christ.  He turns what is ordinary into extraordinary.  When you ask Him to come into your life and give Him your heart, you then begin to live eternal life with Him now, not just after you die.  He has plans for you now as it says in Jeremiah 29:11.  Don't you want to know what those are?  Not knowing what is in the future for me, it would definitely be to my advantage to follow God's plans and thereby avoid many pitfalls that might take me down the wrong path.  How much easier is that to follow the One who knows my future and my desires and has laid out a good life for me.  So why keep guessing at what to do next?  Trust Jesus today and start living.

The results of the election Tuesday in America were not the result of any one particular group of people, but the results of many prayers spoken to the Father concerning His will for us.  Many of us participated in Franklin Graham's call for the Christians to meet at the capital in each of their states, the Reset Prayer meeting in Washington in July of this year as well as many, many local and corporate gatherings for our country.

Unlike 9/11, where people believed that would be a wakeup call for America to humble ourselves, once the fear, the threat of further destruction, had subsided, the people went back to their normal everyday lives.  In the case of the election this week of President Elect Trump, people don't know what to expect, don't know what is coming and have heard Trump's words about the drastic measures he feels need to be taken concerning our country.  The people who did not vote for Trump feel real  fear because what they had hoped would happen with Hillary as President, they feel will not be honored by Trump.  The bottom line is we cannot be more concerned about ourselves than we are the good of the country.  This will require sacrifices and work to make changes that will be needed for long term greatness and this is never easy.  Especially when we live in a society that is all about meeting our own needs.

I pray that this wakeup call will bring lasting change in the hearts of all of us.  May we recognize that the office of the President is not held by one person, but is in essence all of us working together for the common good of all Americans.  May we continue to humble ourselves and pray for our country and trust God to lead us.

#prayer, #God healing our land, #Election, #"if my people", #9/11

Hidden Answers to Prayer

Six days before Thanksgiving, something was discovered in my home that was completely hidden from us.  My husband and I were totally unaware of it until I found it when I decided to cook some vegetable soup.  Putting away the crockpot, I noticed the shelf paper had slid in the cabinet where I store it.  In my effort to adjust the paper, I discovered mildew growing underneath it as well as water sitting on the surface.  The strangest thing was this was a floor kitchen cabinet.  Because we live in a home that was built in 1977, the cabinet was wood and a hole was in this particular one, where a wire for an outlet was running through.  Not sure what I was dealing with, I left everything as it was, until Thomas, my husband, could check it out.  When he looked at it, he thought it was definitely odd too, for how did water puddle up in the cabinet.  Looking through the door of the crawl space under the house, no water was seen and it looked as if everything was in order.  So I called a builder I had heard about, who just so happened to work for a fire and water restoration company on the side.  He came out and was perplexed too, but was not able to crawl under the house that day.  Four days later, we were hit with the surprising news that our hot water heater, which unfortunately had the pressure valve vented underneath the house, had been releasing pressure and now water damage to the floors was extensive and it looked as if the kitchen cabinets and the hardwood floors would need to be replaced.  Until it all dried out, we wouldn't fully know the extent of the damage.  The most frightening news is, the water heater could have blown up or caught on fire.  We were blessed and protected to say the least!!!

A few hours later, it hit me that this could be an answer to a prayer. For two years we had wondered why finding a final home at the beach to move all of our earthly belongings in had not worked out Why we had ended up with this home being our only choice when we knew renovations would be involved to totally make it work for us.  After 9 corporate moves and 5 additional personal moves in 28 years of marriage, building homes and renovating them, we were tired and just ready to be settled in a finished home.  Knowing God knows the desires of our heart, I just could not understand why our desire didn't come to pass so that we would have more time to focus on serving Him rather than being caught up in fixing up another earthly dwelling. It seemed like the perfect plan, I just could not understand why God didn't think so.  It was so depressing that every time I thought about renovating, I found comfort in eating as a way to get some want fulfilled.  Instead, that satisfaction was temporal and the results of weight gain made me feel worse.  Until last week, I just could not justify why the Lord would have me spend money on a house I would live in for just 10 years.  And yet, selling, closing and moving costs for yet another move, could be as much as a possible renovation.  My vision for something can be quite large and the vision for this home ran into estimations that could far exceed resell value.  As my hopes were dashed and I began to rethink about what the Lord was saying, I began to have vision as I looked around at how to renovate in a less expensive way.  I was in the process of seeing this vision when the damage the hot water heater had done was discovered.  I began to wonder if the Lord confirming that indeed a renovation would take place and He knew what needed to be done.  I felt as if I had been pounding on heaven's door and indeed my request had been answered.  Several times since I have been in this home, I have heard from the Lord concerning this house, but wasn't quite sure what He meant.  Once I was told that I would have to do one more renovation and another time I heard it would be an offering to this community.  And more importantly, before I left my last home, I heard that I could not live outside of my community and my home had to be bigger than I desired because people were coming to my house.  Of course, I thought I must have misunderstood, since none of those things made any sense in light of what I sensed I wanted to do for God and our financial desire to downsize. Our best intentions can block the flow of God's anointing in our lives. Total surrender, which I had been focused on for the last few months,  intentionally must come before He can do through us what He had intended all along.  The gifts God has given me are never wasted and one of them is to prepare homes for those to follow me or for redemption for those who had lived in them.  I have seen the fruits of that gift and truly they are God stories of His amazing plans. Another gift is hospitality and providing a place and atmosphere for God to do great things in the hearts of His people.  Being in this home at this time is important to His kingdom agenda.  Being fully surrendered to His purposes is my part for its fulfillment.


Ann Wallace (c) 2015