H e a v e n s C a l l i n g

Other than Occasional Miracles - Does God Heal Today?

This is a great question. If I can modify it a bit it might be, "If I have a medical need can I really expect God to heal me or even hear me?

Is there some check list we need to go through to qualify; or, are we simply at His mercy?

There is no quick and easy answer; but that is true of most things is it not?

Be patient as you read for I am going to answer your question. That question involves several key issues that must be addressed before knowing that God is hearing us. God will hear our prayer and He will heal. Still, like any result we are seeking there is a starting place.

We know what we think of when we say the word, heal. What does God think of when He thinks of, heal?

A. It is the end result of a wound or break being cured, no longer being wounded or broken.

B. When disease is no longer detected in the body.

All of the above; None of the above? Answer: All of the above.

There was a woman who had no medical benefits; nor, any government support. She had exhausted all her savings in going to doctors and seeking cures.

She had heard of the stories of Jesus and all the reports of people who were healed by Him. She knew it would be difficult to reach Him due to His popularity. He was usually surrounded by huge crowds and she knew she was frail and weak. She would never be able to shout loud enough to get His attention. She knew no one who could help her get to Him. What was she to do?

She knew in her heart if she could just touch Him she would be healed of her sickness. She made up her mind she had to try.

This is an essential FIRST STEP.

In the Bible, the book of Hebrews, we read, "without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."

Did I just say this was essential? Okay, ONE, you are going to have to determine if God exist to you. It’s not important that you have the ability to prove His existence to a sceptic; but, in your heart do you believe?

I have heard "I believe; but please help my unbelief."

Essential STEP TWO.

The book of Romans 10:17 teaches us faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

One, we believe He is. Two, we believe we need more faith.

We must feed ourselves on the Word of God. We must gather the scriptures that teach us as we would specific vitamins for our body and mind.

Put them on an iPod and strap them to your arm, plug them into your ears and listen almost 24/7; think of it as an IV feeding for someone in the hospital.

There is a list of these types of scriptures below.

This woman did not have a leather bound Bible but she replayed over and over in her mind the stories of healings she and heard of and possibly some she had seen herself.

She made the decision that it might not be easy but she had to reach Him somehow.

She pressed through the crowd and it was not easy. But Jesus felt the spiritual connection as she touched Him and turned to look. The crowd was pressed so tight that He could not see her and asked, "Who touched me?"

When she came forward, Jesus said, "Go your way, your faith has made you 'whole.'

The Hebrew (or Jewish) word for whole is SHALOM. It means complete, absolute, nothing missing, nothing broken.

God wants for all of us a complete healing not just a surface healing. He wants to heal our heart, mind, and body.

1 John Chapter 1 verse 2 tells us He wants us to prosper and be in health; even as our soul prospers.

Just like a child that keeps stumbling and falling (some more than others) we love them and do not use their falling as failure to kick them out of the house. And Jesus told His disciples to forgive seventy times seven (70x7=490) times a day.

You and I could not make that many mistakes in one day. It’s all about attitude. As long as we, like Paul said of himself, press toward the mark God see us as Righteous.

It is the attitude of sin that does the damage, If we do not desire to attain to the goal then is when we lose, big time. Let me repeat; the act of sin is not our problem; it is the attitude of the heart.

Attitudes become the roots and vines that make or break us. Jesus said it is not how pretty we paint a Sepulcher inside it is still full of dead mens bones.

Apples don’t make apple trees; apples trees produce apples. Apples are the fruit produced by the tree; and therefore, we can judge the soundness of that tree by its fruit. If the tree produces bad fruit we can deduce the tree has a disease. If there is very little, or no fruit at all, after several attempts to restore the tree it will be removed.

Jesus says it is not what goes into a man that defiles him but rather what comes out of him. When reading this portion of scripture we often miss the point He was making with His disciples was about the washing of hands.

Jesus is pointing out eating with dirty hands will not kill you; but rather, it is what is already growing inside that is either good or bad.

America does not have, nor can we build, enough prisons to remove from society the sick twisted egocentric and self-first attitudes that threaten its citizens. Sin is no longer missing the mark; it is now the twisted aberration that sin is the mark. The original mark is no longer a mark. In our current society we are destroying the concept of sin as quickly as possible.

According to Medvotech.com Healthcare is the number one industry in America today. Violence against one another and medical illness are about to reach epidemic proportions. If there is no God; if there is no sin what is going so wrong?

Humanism, hedonism, and situational ethics are extremely prevalent among those born after 1970 in particular in America. Many historians point to World War II as beginning the decline of family values. Mothers left the home and went to work. Families no longer had a Mom at home to greet the kids, etc.

I doubt we can actually pinpoint the starting point for our lack of morals and integrity. It would be a combination of many factors each being different with every family. However, the common denominator, running through it all is the loss of absolutes.

There has to be constants and points of reference in science in order to measure, calculate and deduce any result that is dependable. Why then do we find it so hard to accept an absolute in the rule and discipline of our individual lives? When we began to loose the correct knowledge of sin (wrongness verses rightness) and what it is - we have lost it all. There is no longer a point of reference for measure or comparison.

Back in 1970 our ethics class at college did a study of a family regarding situational ethics as it might apply in their case.

The wife had become disabled and confined to a wheelchair. Her husband eventually began a relationship with the live-in aide.

One, if the wife still received quality care and had no knowledge of her husband’s infidelity, was she hurt?

Second, if the aide was consenting as an adult, was she was she hurt?

Finally, the husband knew was he was doing and chose to become involved; so was he hurt?

Where do our state and federal laws come from? Who decided it was wrong to kill someone and just take over his or her home, car, and money? Science calls that survival-of-the-fittest. If a monkey hits another monkey in the head and takes his bananas that is good. The strongest make the future offspring stronger.

One would counter that we are humans not animals and we live by morals. What is that? What are morals and who invented them? If conscience is built in and tells us something is right or wrong, where did that come from? What species evolved from survival mentality to I-should-not-steal mentality?

However the truth is that without scruples, conscience, or morals (an awareness of right and wrong) there is no need for rehabilitation for mental, emotional, or addictive problems. How would one determine who was the one who needed "fixing?"

There was an old episode on TV in which plastic surgery was being performed on a female patient. One never saw any of the faces but you heard the doctor announce that this was the final attempt to correct the abnormalities of the client’s face.

They slowly unwrapped the face until you could see her. She was a beautiful lady; every part of her face was perfect. They held up a mirror for her to view the results and she began screaming hysterically. It was a complete failure. The camera pulled back to a wide angle allowing the audience to see the doctor and nurses whose faces resembled the faces of pigs.

What is our standard for right or wrong based upon? When a police officer pulls you over for driving 60 mph in a 30 mph zone why should you pay a fine or be locked up?

If there is no God; no heaven or hell as a final reward or penalty; who cares if I eat, drink, and be merry all I want? If I am driving a safe, responsible, 60 mph why does an officer have the right to impose some law on me determined by a committee that doesn’t even know me? What makes them right and me wrong?"

This is the foundational concept we must accept or throw in the dumpster before we can proceed. If there is no punishment, or ultimately no hell, then I don’t need to be saved from anything. Maybe a protective helmet in a construction zone; but I don’t need a God if there is no super powerful boogy-man who is going to drag me into the Lake-of-Fire.

Without that simple understanding, "being saved," salvation, being justified, are "words and names" without any meaning whatsoever to the mind.

We have become a "fast food" society. That phrase is a rash on our souls. We are ready to sacrifice the quality taste of a home made cake for a "wannabe" cake out of a box all in the name of "me-ism." What’s in it for me.

That what’s-in-it-for-me virus soon invades every area of our lives. Think about our jobs for an example. Individuals are determining at greater numbers each year that their paycheck is just not sufficient for the amount of effort required.

Examine America’s families and even the children. We will vote for a president who promises to force employers to pay exorbitant prices for benefit packages; then wecomplain because they raise their prices on products.

We scream "foul" when an American car companies have lay offs or even shut down. Yet, how many of the workers arrive for work driving a foreign vehicle?

We want the paycheck and the benefits, but we will buy a foreign made vehicle because it is cheaper and more luxurious.

Now back to healing, health, and God. If God is going to require something of me, I am going to un-invent Him. He has now become a rule, a standard, a barrier that prevents me from doing what I want whenever I want.

If we can cure society’s issues with science, we can ignore our need for God. Science is supposed to be pure, unbiased, and completely neutral. However, it is just so hard for the "scientist" to not interpret what he thinks he sees.

What science and you and I choose to believe about the God and His rules can make all the difference It was only a little over 500 years that they argued the earth was flat, and yes one could fall off the edge. The wider our vision the better our understanding and knowledge. It becomes a bit late however when we are standing in line at judgment, nudging the one in front of us and asking, "What’s that glow way up a head?"

We have developed the ability to make birds jealous as we streak pass them with hundreds of passengers at one time. We can live under the sea. The sailfish which has been clocked at 60 to 68 miles per hour (fir 100 yards) has no chance with man. (hummm… didn’t God say in Genesis that man was given dominion over all animals, birds, and fish?)

Man has even walked on the moon. Strangely, we are still dying, crime is still increasing, and at much younger age groups. High-schools have to have metal detector at their enterances. Men marrying men and women marrying women is becoming normal. If one wishes to stand up for a value and against anything that he or she feels is a negative influence to their children and home. That is maybe okay if it is not open expressed; for then he/she is in danger of being arrested and locked up for a "hate crime."

Please someone tell me how we are becoming a more advance world. The Scriptures foretell that in the last days man will travel to and fro; will ever be increasing in knowledge but never able to come to the truth. Daniel 12:4 2 Timothy 3:7

If this earth was a teapot we would be hearing the whistle as the pressure mounts. The Mayan, I Ching, Hopi are just 3 ancient unrelated cultures that predict the end of the world by 2012.

There is but one hope left for us and that is to find healing quick. Psalms 41:4 I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee. 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

God does want to heal; but he wants wholeness; healing from the inside out. We discover that from the understanding of the Hebrew word Shalom. It is not sufficient to simply heal the wound of a corrupt and sick society. The corruption will only re-manifest itself. In order to remove weeds the root must be pulled out. Healing is not complete until the inner man is whole; then the surface wounds become of no real consequence.

This wholeness is available to the individual and to a society or nation. But it is not going to be adequate to repeat a confession with little thought. It is much like the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Outward confessions and wearing of gold crosses around our necks do not make us apart of the body of Christ.

Some of us have very deep scars from wounds that go all the way back to our childhood. In some cases it is a miracle we have even survived to be reading these words. Still, that’s an example of God's love for us, in that He keeps us alive for an opportunity to turn to Him and be made whole - completely healed.

Another area, or portion, of this restoration deals with security and finances. If we read 2 Chronicles 7:14 we find a promise from God that He will heal the land if his people will turn from sin and seek Him. This word for heal is the same as the one used for health in Psalms 41:4. This shows that God is interested in healing our land as well as our bodies.

Shalom is a Hebrew word for peace and encompasses the concept of being whole, complete, nothing missing or broken. That is real peace. To obtain that kind of peace requires healing in every part of ones life.

One should not measure success by who has the most money; but do understand the promise to heal the land is a basic law of financial security. The land was the only means of support during those days and therefore was representative of our financial income as we would see it in our time.

And finally we see It is also applied to the forgiveness of sin. Jeremiah 3:22 Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal(rapha') your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.

Diasozo is used in Luke 7:3 which means to save or to thoroughly heal. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. Several translations use the word as save. Therapeuo is used to describe Jesus’ miracles in 10 verses using the definition of "heal" in the physical sense.

In Matthew 13:15; Luke 5:17; John 12:40; John 4:47 the word Iaomai is used and expresses spiritual healing; also of curing bodily disease.

There are 33 times in the Old Testament the word for healed is also used for purification when one had created a breach in ceremonial law. 2Chronicles 30:20 shows this as King Hezekiah prayed for the nation. In 2Kings 2:21, 22 it is used to purify water that causes a disease.

In Ezekiel 30:21, the word "healed" is rephu'ah to "apply healing medicines." In Isaiah 3:7 it is chabhash literally meaning a "wrapper up" or "bandager."

I might simply summarize that the word for heal is to bring one from a place of ill health, attitudes, or corrupt hearts and souls back to a place of soundness, wholeness and righteousness or purity.

It is demonstrated throughout scriptures that this is the will of God. Jesus often states in the New Testament that He only does what He sees the Father do; also, if you see Me you see the Father.

There is a difference between God's will and "a church's" will. (See a list of specific Bible verses about healing at ChristianAdvocates.com/health.com)

There are so many churches and religions in this world today that it can get crazy. Remember this one thing if nothing else - there is has always been only one Bible. There are some different versions to try and help us understand it better; but its the same Bible. Religion is "man" trying to reach "God." True Spirituality is "God" reaching "man."

The one common thread is that Jesus came to take your and my place in regard to sickness and sin. All "Christian" churches agree on Isaiah 53: 4 & 5: "Surely He has borne our grief and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."

All Bible-Based Churches agree Christ is the Anointed One of God who willingly went to the cross to give his life for our redemption and wholeness.

Let's now look at Proverbs 4:20-22 ..."give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health (or medicine) to all their flesh.

In John 3:17 it says For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He came to save not to condemn. Would God save you and yet leave you broken and dying of a disease? That doesn't seem logical, does it?

I'm sure you remember the woman brought to Jesus who was caught in adultery. There was no doubt she was guilty.

BUT The main point I want you to see in this dramatic situation is found in John 8:10-11. Jesus bent down and wrote in the dust. When He looked up everyone had quietly walked away. He then asked her, "Woman, where are your accusers? has no man condemned you?" She answered, No man, Lord. And Jesus replied, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."

Remember John 3:17? God sent His Son - not to condemn but to save. I hope you were fortunate enough to have a loving father and mother as you grew up; however, in the best of circumstances most of us were conditioned to and trained to evaluate our success by obtainment of goals. That brought criticism for those who fell short and began separating the competitive achievers from the rest of the crowd. Soon only those who could see in their mind that they had a chance would even make an attempt. The majority quickly learned they were not the winners and consoled themselves at being average or maybe a little better than average.

So it is written, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." Our self-esteem is often our greatest battle field. Can you see yourself praying for hours seeking God; convinced He was going to answer at any moment? Can you see Him answering your prayer?

Understand this simple concept. It will change your life. Jesus said, "If you speak to a mountian and say, 'be gone and thrown into the sea,' and believe in your heart and do not doubt, it will be done."

Most of us immediately see a mountain and try to imagine it disappearing. Much like setting in a majic show, looking at a 6000 pound elephant and mentally trying to make it disappear. If you cannot see (anticipate/expect) receiving what you say you obviously are waisting your time even speaking the words in the first place. We wrestle continually with visuality verses faith.

It is easier to believe cancer (which we cannot see) is gone than to believe a wart on our hand is gone. We must believe in our heart regardless of what we see. We can only believe in something if we know the source and have faith in the source.

Example: I know my earthly father has integrity and has always kept his word. I know from experience he would always keep his promises that were in his power to do. Therefore, I would never doubt for one minute that he was going to show up at my home after he told me on the phone he was coming over.

If he did not show up in a reasonable amount of time I would start calling the police or local hospital to see if he was in an accident. My faith in him comes from spending my life with him; seeing how he has responded to other situation in the past gives me understanding and faith in how he will react to a current situation and particularly his promises.

This is exactly what the writer of Hebrews meant when he wrote, "First one must believe that God is; and, that He is a rewarder of them that deligently seek Him."

If you don't believe He is going to reward you for seeking then go home - why are you even praying?

As mentioned earlier we have been conditioned (some more positively than others). The great majority of us have been left with no doubt that we will get as much rain in our lives as sunshine - and we should expect it.

This causes us (being a part of that majority) to doubt - maybe our trouble is a "rain" that should be accepted as normal. Thus, we pray with a hope that the problem will go away; sometimes, if we listen, we can even hear the timitidy in our voice.

James counsels us that we have not because we ask not. That we ask and don't recieve because we ask amiss. That we must be single minded; not doubting, or wavering in our prayer. He writes that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways and should not expect to received anything.

The Lord used a story of the widow who would not give up pounding on the door of the unjust judge until she got her request. He then asked if we who were evil knew how to give good gifts, how much more does your heavenly Father know how to give good gifts to them who ask?

As we just mentioned your level of belief or faith in your earthly father's promises depends on your relationship with him and knowledge of his integrity. The deeper our relationship goes the more we know exactly how he is going to respond.

Our understanding of what God is going to do it directly related to our personal relationship with Him.

Listen, come on, listen to what the Word of God is saying to you right now. God is not a father that condemns. Jesus didn’t even criticize this woman who was pulled from a bed of sin only minutes earlier. He only told her to "sin no more." So what have you done that God is going to condemn you for? Remember Jesus came to reach you - not to make you live up to some standard first - or require you to prove you are worthy.

And remember when Zacchaeus climbed the sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when He passed by? The story is in Luke 19:5-9.

When Jesus walked under the tree He stopped and looked up at him. He told him to come down for He was going to his house. Zacchaeus hurried down and received Him (Jesus) joyfully the scriptures tell us.

And when the locals saw what was happening, they all complained that Jesus had gone to be a guest of a man that was a sinner.

While they were in his home, Zacchaeus stood, and proclaimed; "Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I will restore it to him fourfold. And Jesus responded, "This day is salvation come to this house. . ."

Being a tax collector for the Rome made Zacchaeus a thief to the Jews. He dis-honored the Faith. For anyone to have contact with the Romans [who were considered heathen] defiled the Jewish faith. He was treated as an outcast.

So, it was no small thing to them that Jesus went to his home. Zacchaeus was a hated man. And Jesus was treating Him as a friend.

The scriptures tell us what did happen. Let me now draw your attention to what we do not read in these verses - and I believe is probably just as important to us. Notice: NOWHERE do we read of Jesus condemning Zacchaeus. He could have used the law to point out all his sins and offences. Jesus did not! He did not tell him to quite his job (to stop having contact with the Romans). He did not tell him to give "X" amount of money to the church and after 6 months of faithful attendance he could saved.

Over and over (as we read through the Gospels) we see Jesus came to save from addictions, from diseases and the bondage of sin. He did NOT come to condemn. Criticism and condemnation comes from Man - not God.

John 10:10-11 states: "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep."

Think with me now, WHO would give their life for you - and not want you to be well - whole - prosperous. If they did not care if you were disabled, sick and couldn't even pay your bills, why would they have ever died for you?

Jesus gave everything for you and He is the one calling to you in Matt 11:28 "Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Rest from your struggles, Rest from your stress, Rest from pain and illness.

In Isaiah 55, God opened the door of opportunity to all. The definition of "All" - is you and me! It states: Every one that thirsts, come to the waters, and he that has no money; come, buy, and eat; come, buy wine & milk without money & without price.

God’s desire for us is stated very clearly in 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.

Please get this - as if your soul depended on it - because, it does!!! Jesus is trying to get Life to you. He is not charging one, not one copper penny for anything. It is all FREE. Listen, it is not only FREE (available to get at no cost) - He is trying to give it to you - to hand it out to you. Surely you are not going to keep ignoring Him.

Remember the story of the runaway son? What did you NOT READ in the story?

1. You DID NOT READ that the Father stopped him at the gate and told him he had to take a bath first.

2. You DID NOT READ that the Father told him, "we will have to sit down and talk about this and see if I should let you come home."

He wants you right now, not after you get better. He wants you right NOW!! Dirty, smelly, broken, addicted (to whatever) it doesn't matter He made you and He wants you back.

As we read the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, we see God continually calling His people to come to Him - to forsake all other self-made gods and make Him their one true God.

We read again and again how He promised blessings to those who would devote their entire mind, body, and spirit to Him. Read Deut.28 then Psalms 84:11-12 We see that God is a sun and shield. It teaches the LORD will give grace and glory: That blessed (happy) is the man that trusts in Him. Exodus 15:26 He tells His people, "If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD your God, and will do that which is right in His sight, and will give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon you . . . for I am the LORD that heals you."

So we see even in the days before Jesus came and provide the final blood sacrifice, God wanted to be in a personal relationship with His people. A relationship where He provided their needs and healed their diseases. He promised that no good thing would He withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Again in 2 Chron 7:14 He promised, "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

NOTICE: He will forgive and heal. God doesn’t do only a half job. But do you notice how often people try to blame God for disease and misery. Whatever "HEAL THEIR LAND" means to you... I can assure you of one thing - God is not interested in healing your apple trees while He leaves you setting in a wheelchair unable to even reach one.

God is not in the business of making His children miserable. Even in the Old Testament when they were chastised for disobedience God always made a way of escape. And please note that was always in cases of disobedience. I ask you to read once again Deut 28 then read Numbers 21:8

In Deut 5:29 we hear Him pleading for his childern's devotion and love: O that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!

What did He promise? If we would just hear Him and keep all His commandments, that it would be well with us and our children.

And whenever they did cry out He heard them. Exodus 2:24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

Exod 3:7-8 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people . . . and have heard their cry . . . for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them . . Even after his people turned their backs on Him and fell into bondage we see God responding to their presistent calls for help.

David Praised God for hearing him in, Ps 30:2-3 O LORD my God, I cried unto you, and you have healed me. O LORD, you have brought my soul up from the grave: YOU have kept me alive,

Read about King Hezekiah. He cried to the Lord. God heard and sent forth His word to heal him.

We Read in 2 Kings 20:5-6 "Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people,'Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD. And I will add to your days fifteen years. Why???? Because he cried out from his heart with tears.

God is forever loving and forgiving. The Psalms are FULL of verses declaring that His mercies endure forever.

In Jer 33:6-8 we read: I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.

The Word also teaches us that God is honored and blessed when we are healthy and prosperous.

Jer 33:9 And (this city) shall be to me for a name of joy, for a praise and for a glory, before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them, and shall fear and tremble for all the good and for all the peace that I procure unto it.

He takes no pleasure in our suffering and brokenness. Think about it for a moment. Was the runaways’ father blessed or embarrassed?

Can you imagine over hearing a conversation in which he says to a neighbor, "I am so proud of my youngest son" He is now living in a pig sty; one of the very best in the country. He is maintaining a steady diet of slop and tree bark.

What father is honored by a son or daughter who is broken physically or financially (or both)?

Again imagine a father saying, "Joan has been so good and obedient but I just love watching her trying to walk in those broken shoes. She tripped three times on the way to the store this morning. It keeps her humble you know.

He again declares that our protection and successfulness is very very important to Him.

Read in Isa 54:10-17 where He says: "For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My loving kindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken," says the LORD who has compassion on you.

"O afflicted one, storm-tossed, and uncomforted . . . In righteousness you will be established; you will be far from oppression, [for you will not fear] - and you will be far from terror, [for it will not come near you.] If anyone fiercely assails you it will not be from me. Whoever assails you will fall because of you. NO weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD

Then we hear the words of Jesus himself affirming that all of these promises are still true today.

For in Matt 5:17-18 He says He came to fulfill all the words of these prophets.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Jesus, [Improved,] [enlighten the law] and revealed the truth [behind the rules.]

He did all of that But He said he had NOT come to change even one comma or period. What His Father said in the past was true today.

Example: His Father said "Thou shalt not have any other gods before me. Thou shalt not kill." Jesus said the truth behind the commandments is, Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and you will not break the first four commandants.

Like-wise if you love your neighbor as yourself, you will not kill him, steal from him, tell lies on him, or covet what he has.

Jesus increased and enlightened but He never changed or decreased His Fathers Words through the prophets.

When He stood up to read on the Sabbath, again He did not use His own words but rather He used the prophet Isaiah’s words to announce Himself to the world:

He read from Isa 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me;

1. because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek;

2. he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

3. to proclaim liberty to the captives,

4. and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

5. To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,

6. and the day of vengeance of our God;

7. to comfort all that mourn;

8. To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion,

9. to give unto them beauty for ashes,

10. the oil of joy for mourning,

11. the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;

Later, [when confronted by Jewish leaders on Solomon’s porch] He tells them: The works that I do, I do in my Father’s name that’s in John 10 : 25 Then in John 10:34-35 [regarding the promises and prophecies] He asked, "Is it not written in your law. . ." . and then He says, the scriptures CANNOT be broken.

I suggest that it becomes contradictory to think that God would do more for His people before Jesus came than after.

Jesus taught that He was doing no new thing. John 5:19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.

IF the promises of security and healing in the Old Testament were more abundant and better than today! That would imply that Jesus brought to us a New Covenant that is somehow watered down and weaker than the Covenant with Abraham sealed with the blood of animals rather that the blood of the Son of God.

All the promises of the Old Testament ARE the same for us today, and even more so!!

Paul wrote in Rom 8:2-3 "For what the LAW could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh." What we could not do in ourselves Like an Alcoholic trying to kick his habit in his own strength we are doomed to failure. Jesus (by way of the cross) brought the POWER to make it possible.

Zech 4:6 'Not by your might nor by your power, but by My Spirit,' Says the LORD of hosts.

Jesus brought to you and I the power to do what you and I could never have done by the law.

Moving to Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ IS the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

So right now / right were you are / pause and embrace the entire word of God. Take Him [the WORD] into your life. John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

And Jesus said to them, (in John 6:51) "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

I King 8:56"Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promises, which He promised

And God will not fail you now, John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Then Paul asked you in Romans 8:32, He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with Him freely give us all things? Listen to that again, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things?

Isa 53: 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. LAID ON HIM!!! Not you - Not me - BUT Him!!!

He paid the price - the fine - for you and I to be free. If we remain setting in our jail cell, setting in the darkness of depression. We are in fact counting his work and his gift as nothing.

We CAN believe I Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD

When God cleanses us of all unrighteousness He makes us completely whole. Yes that’s true when Jesus forgave he also healed.

Remember in Mark 2:9-11 He asked his accusers, Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk" But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (he saith to the sick of the palsy), I say unto thee, Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thy house.

Jesus said "that you may know that I have authority to forgive sins I will heal this man.

Jesus made no difference between forgiving sin and making your completely whole. If He has forgiven your sins you are at that moment as pure and righteous as you will ever be.

If you have NOT ask Him into you life it is a simple matter of asking Him into your heart right now, right where you are.

Rev 3:20 He says: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and commune with him, and he with Me. Rom 10:9-10 if you confess with your mouth with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

He will cleanse you right this minute where you are of all unrighteousness and you will be made every bit whole, just like the man with palsy.

Remember Isaiah 53:5 He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Hear what the Word says here!

For your transgression Jesus stepped in and was wounded in your place.

For your iniquities Jesus stepped up and took the bruising in your place!

For you to have peace Jesus stepped up and was Chastised for you!

For you to be free of disease and illness He stepped up and took the stripes upon His back.

God does NOT want us to be trapped in sin, living without peace and our bodies crippled and diseased. And even when troubles come He want to deliver us of them all.

Ps 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.

Ps 91:9-16 Because you have made the LORD, your refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place,

10 No evil shall befall you, no plague [NO plague] shall come near your dwelling;

11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.

12 In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

14 "Because you have set your love upon Me, (says the Lord) therefore I will deliver you; I will set you on high, because you have known My name.

15 You shall call upon Me, and I will answer you; I will be with you in trouble; I will deliver you and honor you.

16 With long life I will satisfy you, and show you My salvation."

Praise GOD!! He says He will:

1 Answer you!

2 be with you in trouble!

3 Will deliver You!

4 Will honor you!

5 Satisfy you with long life!

6 Show you my salvation!

Ps 103:1-5 (NKJ)

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:

3 Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases,

4 Who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Say with me God is a good God! He desires me to be well and prosperous.

In Jer 30:17 For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,' says the LORD... Did you hear that? He says, I WILL.

In Mal 4:2 the very last book in the Old Testament God Promised "But to you who fear, respect, and honor, My name, the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings. . ."

As we move into the New Testament we meet the Living Christ. No longer the prophesied Messiah but the real thing. As the first chapter of John we read "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Once we have received the Word into our lives We have literally received the CREATIVE FORCE of God that spoke worlds into existence. And there is no way that force and power cannot recreate missing body parts and heal every part of your body in the twinkling of an eye.

Throughout the OT we have read and hear God’s desire for His people. Now John is telling us that God’s Word has come in the flesh to show and demonstrate what He has been trying to say for ages through the words of the prophets.

As we start reading in the New Testament we are actually going to see exactly what God would do if He were here walking the earth. For in fact He now was!!

We are going to be privileged to experience a real live demonstration of His wishes and desires. Pay close attention as we read of the attitudes of Jesus toward illness, disease; for that is going to show exactly what God’s feelings are.

Matthew tells us in the 8th chapter verse one that when Jesus was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

Here Jesus responds with the words of Jer 30:17 we read earlier, For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,' says the LORD..., Putting forth his hand Jesus touched him, saying, I WILL; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

There was no hesitation with Jesus, He didn’t ask him what church he attended. Jesus didn’t even ask him if he was going to follow Him from that day on and promise to never sin again.

If Jesus is the very duplication of God Then we see God is willing to make us whole without criticizing, finger pointing, or asking us to sign pledges.

In verse 5 of Matt. 8 As Jesus was entered into Ca per na um, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

Observe the attitude and desire of God once again here through Jesus’s words.

The Centurion was a person who was Not Jewish, he was a heathen to the Jews. More than that - he was not even asking for himself but his servant - Not a member of the upper class. Yet Jesus did NOT hesitate to offer help.

Further note: it was the Centurion NOT Jesus who said I am not worthy.

Now hear this well, whatever you are doing bring your mind and heart to focus on my voice.

JESUS DID NOT TELL THIS ROMAN a gentile, a heathen in the eyes of the Jews THAT HE WAS NOT WORTHY!! NEVER DO WE EVER HEAR JESUS SAY YOU ARE NOT WORTHY OF GODS HEALING POWER!!

Father... I thank you that you are a God who loves us sooo much you would die for us, I ask you now in the name of Jesus who gave Himself for us, for everyone listening to this tape this very moment, bring every negative, accusing, thought into captivity.

Bind the powers that would speak depression, that would speak "its no use, its not for you," to the soul listening to your words right now.

Jesus you said you were the resurrection and the life that whosoever believes in you shall have everlasting life.

After you spoke those words Lord you asked them to roll back the stone of Lazerth’s burial place.

Lord I speak the same words right now for this person receiving your words. To the one hungering right now for a touch from you. ROLL BACK that STONE THAT STANDS BETWEEN THEM AND YOU RIGHT NOW!! LET LIGHT INTO THEIR DARKNESS Whatever IT IS in the name of Jesus!

NOW (listen to me) I SPEAK THE WORDS OF JESUS TO YOU, "COME FORTH!! REACH OUT RIGHT NOW. RISE UP AND LIVE, WALK, SING PRAISE THE LORD. Make a positive move toward Him right now! Speak the words of the Psalmist in 118:17 with me... I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the LORD!! Now shake off the grave clothes of doubt, the rags of I’m not worthy, the bindings of fear and walk in health and wholeness in Jesus name.

Listen to the thoughts of God being expressed through Jesus as He spoke to the multitudes on the mount in Matt 7:9-11

And See Jesus as He looks at the crowds searches for some thoughts to explain this love of God.

He asked them "what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone" Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a snake" If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him"

Remember John 1:1 tells us that the Word came out from God. What is that Word. It is Jesus that came out from God and He is telling us that God wants us Whole.

He is not a respecter of people. Race, Religion, and financial stature means nothing to Him.

He Said "I WILL , BE CLEANSE!" To the out cast Leper without hesitation.

He Said "I will come and Heal him" To a Roman without qualification.

He Said "Neither do I condemn" To a woman caught in the act of adultery.

HE SAYS IF YOU CAN LOVE AND GIVE GOOD GIFTS, AND YOU ARE EVIL,

HOW MUCH MORE WILL GOD GIVE TO YOU IF YOU ASK HIM?

In Matt 4:24 and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.

Luke 4:40-41 When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.

And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, "You are the Christ, the Son of God!" And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ.

Luke 6:17-19 And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits.

And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all. God loves you so much He sent His Son to show you His love in person. In John 14:9 he that hath seen me, Jesus said, hath seen the Father;

And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him of many, crying out and saying, ", the Son of God!" And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ. And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him

Jesus wants you redeemed, wealthy and healthy, right now!!

Jesus never criticized or laid out qualifications. Never created hoops and loops to be healed.

It was always the "Religious" people who were trying to control, and bind up peoples hopes. Only the "Religious" people tried to make the very people Jesus Healed feel unworthy.

The man with the withered hand was not coming on the right day and the right time to be healed.

Or they accused Jesus of making Himself better than them.

They even went so far as to spread rumors that He was working with the devil himself.

Stop for just one moment and think about it. Don’t we hear the same things today.

Someone tells us "It not the right time for you ... God will heal you when He’s ready."

The Word says NOW is the day of Salvation.

Jesus asked, "Is it unlawful to do good even on the Sabbath day?"

Some say, You think you are sooooo spiritual. You think you are too good to suffer and be poor.

The Word says. 3 Jn 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that you

1 may prosper and

2 be in health,

3 even as your soul prospers spiritually.

Did we ever hear the Son of God say "If I healed you, you would become to holy and be going around thinking you were better than others. I’m going to leave you sick, blind and broken.

And Jesus was a teacher, was he not??? Don’t you think if that was a possible problem that He would not have taken the time to make at least one little point of it?

We hear people still say today, stay away from those "Healers" and Spirit Filled people" they are of the devil.

The Word says Luke 9:1-2 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Mark 16:14-18 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

And this very Word was continued to be practiced in the church, The Apostle James wrote to the church in James 5:14 & 15 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.

As Elijah Challenged the children of Isreal ages ago the challenge still stands today. If God be God Serve Him, If God be Not God serve Baal.

You must choose this day what words you will hear and follow the word of religion, people, even words of your family or friends... OR THE WORDS OF GOD?

He loves you . He has compassion for you.

He called you to come unto me and I will give you rest.

And Hebrews teaches that He is the same yesterday today and forever!

His love and compassion has touched you this very day. Take that nail scared hand and rise up to walk with Him.

He promised if you would believe, He would prepare a place for you -- that were He was you would be also

John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

As Jesus spoke one of His last times on earth to His disciples, I remind you of those words now.

Matt 28:18-20 "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Listen to this tape often, writing down the scriptures, Open the Bible daily learning to keep His commandments and living in His will and never forget,

Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. And He is always with you, even to the end of the age.