Our Mission To love all people at all times and lead them into a new life in Christ.
Our Vision To be a church that will be multicultural and generational, having a lasting impact on the people to whom we minister.
To see the gospel extend beyond the walls of our church through various outreaches.
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“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1(NKJV)
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”(NKJV)
What’s in a name? I am sure that we have all heard that statement. The truth is that there is much in a name. It identifies a person for who he is and personalizes the character of the individual.
At one time there were five Jerrys here at New Life. If someone said, “Hey, Jerry” all of us responded, but add our surname and you personalized us. It narrowed us down to one. Have you realized each one of us has a special name given to him by God that only He and you know.
His name for you means much more than the one our parents or grandparents gave us. God has special names for us all. Some of the names are “Saint” “Saved” “Redeemed” “Child of God” “Friend” and “King” and other more personal ones between Him and you.
But, the name of Jesus is above every name and at that name every knee shall bow. Everything in heaven and on earth and under the earth shall bow before the name of the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Why is all this possible? Because God said so! We didn’t earn it. We didn’t buy it. We didn’t work for it. He just gave it. It is a gift from God for us to use and enjoy to the fullest.
I am thankful to God for His free heavenly gift. I know it came from a heart of love and I receive it with a heart of love. And furthermore, who can separate us from the love of God! He who has ears to hear let him hear!!
“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Eph. 4:7(NKJV)
What is a gift? Isn’t it something that is given to someone? Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birthday and the main emphasis is giving gifts. How many people ever make the connection?
The Scriptures have some interesting things to say about gifts. Many sermons have been preached about the Gifts of the Spirit with all kinds of ideas involved. Some of the ideas come from trying to make the Bible say what they want it to say. Why don’t we just take what it says and not try to interpret it saying something else?
For instance I cannot find any clear scripture that even implies that spiritual gifts were to pass away before Jesus’ return. There is no teaching in scripture that healing was to stop with the last apostle.
Why do people insist on believing things they cannot support without scripture twisting? This is usually done in order to make scripture agree with their experience. The problem with that is experiences change but scriptures do not.
Scripture is always true no matter what we may experience. If I am broke, it doesn’t change the fact that God wants His people to prosper. If I have physical symptoms of illness, it doesn’t change the fact that God heals the believer.
All of God’s gifts have one thing in common, they are all “gifts” and should be treated as such. No one earns a gift; it is freely given. As a recipient of a gift all we can do is be thankful and use the gift as it is intended.
As recipients of Christ’s gift we should be thankful and use it the way it should be used. Oh, by the way, we didn’t earn any of it by our works.
“O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge—by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.” I Timothy 6:20-21(NKJV)
Although the early church started out in one accord with what they preached, over the years to follow there would be great diversity in the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The apostles weren’t all dead before error crept into the message of the Gospel causing divisions in the Church to rise up. For the next two thousand years many conflicting doctrines have weaved their way into the preaching of the Gospel. Few of these came about as deliberate attempts to start a heresy. Most “leaders” in every new doctrine thought that they were right in what they preached.
Among all the variation of the Gospel that is preached there is only one truth. All of the others are false. It is critical in some areas that one believes and teaches the truth because it involves doctrine that means the difference between being lost or saved, heaven or hell, good or evil.
This fact is why Paul admonished Timothy to make sure he continues in what he was taught. It is sad to say that most people believe only what they have been told all their lives. Much of this problem comes from preachers that are preaching error. They repeat what they have learned from those who came before them.
People interpret much Scripture on the basis of their attitude. People view the Bible by the way they see the character of God. Hearing of God’s grace and love or hearing “hellfire and brimstone” can influence our understanding about God. It is important to know what God is like.
The Bible is the truth about God, life, sin, and all else; our ideas or opinions don’t count for much. Today the Bible is not given its place. Men have judged it rather than letting it judge them. Some believe some things but not others. I have heard men say that Paul’s writings should not even be in the Bible. Why? It must be because they don’t want to believe it. It conflicts with their doctrine. It is sad when we can see the truth in scripture and reject it because it does not agree with our view. We do not intend to change doctrine.
Here at New Life we desire that the truth be the truth even if we have to change what we believe to make it so. I do not claim to be right about everything I believe. But, one thing I do, I press toward the mark of truth that God has given us. I believe what I preach, not because I heard someone else preach it, but because I have studied the Scriptures to see if it be true. You all should do the same.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17(NKJV)
In case you haven’t paying attention lately, Christians in parts of the world are paying a high price for not being ashamed of the “gospel of Christ.” We in this country have some of our rights being challenged as our Christian voice is trying to be silenced. We may moan and groan about our rights being taken away, but we know nothing of what it is like in countries where you can lose your life just because you are a Christian and have a Bible.
In the middle of today’s chaos you will find God’s people, the Jews. Even though they were the source of Jesus’ trouble and finally His death, He has not abandoned them. Paul says above that the gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation for the Jew first then us who are Gentile. When it is all said and done, it was mankind that took Jesus’ life. It was through the Jewish people that God raised a Messiah to deliver them from their sins.
God made promises to the Jewish people that He intends to keep. The hatred shown toward Israel today is clear indication of man’s rejection of the Lordship of Jesus. Man rejects God’s way because he is not willing to repent and allow Jesus to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in his life.
Man has always thought his way is better than God’s. He cannot understand how salvation is possible without his help. No one has ever been saved by anything he did for himself. It has always been the power of God and belief in Jesus’ sacrifice for the remission of our sins. Under the Old Covenant nobody was saved by keeping the law. They were forgiven their sins because of the annual blood sacrifice on the Day of Atonement. This celebration was a “faith look” forward to the time when Messiah would come and give them peace and freedom. It has always been, “The just shall live by faith.”
“ The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7(NKJV) “Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good tidings, who proclaims peace.” Nahum 1:15(NKJV)
These statements are awesome reminders of God’s love and grace. Paul even quotes one of them in Romans 10:15 in the midst of his expose` on faith and salvation. As always it pays to put the verses within the context of Scripture where they are used. It is interesting to me that they are in the prophecies of Nahum directed at rebellion against God and a declaration of destruction on the city of Nineveh. If you read the contents of Nahum, it will chill your blood at what God declares will happen to His enemies.
Yet, it is clear that God does not take pleasure in the destruction of His enemies as He says in Ezekiel 18:23. In the middle of divine wrath God holds out hope for those who are willing to turn to Him. In the midst of declared destruction He offers the people peace. God’s desire to save and protect far outweighs His desire to judge and destroy.
Hellfire and brimstone are real, but they are not the main message of the Gospel. But so many preachers only have that kind of message. John 3:16 is often referred to as “the Gospel in a nut shell.” If so, then what does it say? Is it hellfire and brimstone or is it the love of God for His creation.
The Bible says it is not God’s will that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Repentance is turning away from sin and toward God. Some preachers seem to take pleasure in preaching sinners into hell, they would even hold the door open for them if they could. Can you imagine Jesus ever saying of a sinner, “Hell is too good for him.” The nature of God is not to destroy but to save. I was once told by a well know preacher, “If you tell someone that they are going to hell, do it with tears in your eyes.” It seems that too many people do it with pleasure and enjoy it. The love of God constrains me. How about you?
“You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” Gal. 5:4(NKJV)
During the many years I have been involved in the church and ministry I have heard many sermons preached and many references to this verse of scripture by many preachers and teachers. The problem is that most of them were not preaching what the verse says.
So many times it was said that this verse is talking about falling from grace back into a life of sin. This is in no way what Paul was talking about and it is clear if you read the context of this portion of scripture. The subject is about being justified by the keeping of the law.
A group of Jewish Christians had come to Galatia and were teaching the gentile believers that they must be circumcised to be saved. Paul wrote this epistle to address the problem this was causing the gentile believers. He was trying to get the Gentiles to understand that it is by believing in Christ and that alone that they were saved. It is never Christ plus anything including keeping the law.
The Gospel of Christ teaches that grace is the highest level of relationship with God. Grace is what sent Jesus to the cross to die for our sins. Paul is saying that trying to be right with God by keeping the law is futile. If you add any conditions other than grace to give you salvation,Paul says “you have fallen from grace.”
Salvation is not a mixture of grace and the law. It is by grace alone. “For by grace you saved have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast.” Eph. 2:8-9(NKJV) Christian salvation is not found in embracing a doctrine but by loving a person, Jesus Christ and accepting the fact that He died for your sins so you could have His righteousness.
So, do not lower yourselves by trying to add the law to grace. It is by grace and grace alone that you are saved. The life you live afterwards is not a “free-for-all” without accountability for disobedience. Paul says “Shall we sin that grace may abound?” “God forbid!” When one really has a saving experience with Jesus Christ, his “want to” will change. He will not follow after sin because his new nature is not at peace doing so. One can never live a life of perfect performance no matter how hard he tries. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin and makes us righteous. Check this out-Romans 6:14. Quit trying so hard and rest in His peace.
“Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin” Rom. 6:6(NKJV)
“For he who has died has been freed from sin.” Rom. 6:7(NKJV)
That seems simple enough. If you are dead, you are no longer under the influence of sin. That isn’t exactly what Paul was talking about and that is something that can make a big difference in your earthly life. Paul is talking about being dead while you yet live. “Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom 6:11(NKJV) The life that we have in our newly created spirit is not under the dominion of sin like our fleshly life was. (I Cor. 5:17) It is important that we believe that sin has no power over us now. Since we are no longer under the law, we are no longer slaves to sin. Sin no longer is present in our new spirits which are only alive to God.
“For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” The only strength of sin is the law. Paul says in Romans 7:8 that apart from the law sin was dead. That is why we cannot depend on following the law to give us favor with God. The law tells us what is sin but it has no power to help us overcome sin. On the other hand, grace is the power of God to overcome sin and not just the forgiveness of sin. The faith of Jesus Christ in us is the source of our dominion over sin.
Believe it or not.
“And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” II Tim. 4:18(NKJV)
Are you confident enough in your God to make the same declaration as Paul does in the verse above? To me, this statement is one of the most powerful in the entire Bible. There is no evil work that can keep the apostle down. He is sure that the Lord will never leave him nor forsake him. His God will never let him down.
There is no “if it be His will” in this statement, there is no speculation, and there seems to be no doubt by Paul. It isn’t “wishin’ and a hopin’’ or wondering whether it will be done. To be like Paul you have to know that you know “the Lord will DELIVER me from every evil.”
Paul also makes another very powerful and important confession that the Lord will preserve him for His heavenly kingdom. Paul isn’t hoping he makes it, hoping he can hold on, or wondering if he will. He is solidly assured and confessing that the “Lord” will do the preserving for the rest of his life. He can safely rest in the Lord’s hands to get him home.
Home is where the heart is. Where is your heart? Is it fixed on the things of this world or is it set on the Lord and His heavenly kingdom? Choose ye this day life or death.
Meditate On
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I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.
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Psalm 139:14
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You Are God’s Masterpiece
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The Bible says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, a marvelous work of God. Do you believe that? Or are you saying, “I wish I were taller. I wish I were slimmer. I wish I had a smaller nose…then I will find success”?
My friend, don’t base your self-worth and ability to succeed on your looks or people’s negative comments. Don’t compare yourself with others—the models in fashion magazines and others in the public eye that seem to have it all together because of their looks. I’m certainly not advocating shabbiness, but whatever your height, weight or nose size, you are what God says you are—His masterpiece, fearfully and wonderfully made!
Begin to see your true self and worth in the mirror of His Word, and praise Him for it daily. It will cause you to treat your body well and give you such an inner beauty and strength that people can’t help but want to treat you favorably! Joseph Prince
David: A Man After God’s Own Heart
When you think of David, what is your first thought? Do you remember the story of the triumph over the giant Goliath? Do you remember David as the man who committed adultery with Bathsheba? Do you remember his failures as a father? Do you remember Him as a humble shepherd? Do you remember David as the “Sweet Singer of Israel?”
Have you ever thought how God remembers David? In the Acts 13:22, Paul quotes God and tells us that God looked at David as “a man after His own heart!” God remembers David as a man who cared about the things that He cared about, and whose heart beat in time with His. This aspect of David’s character is revealed in the desire of David’s heart.
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that I will seek after , that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord , and to enquire in His temple. Psalms 27:4
Those of us who grew up in church remember the stories of David. Many Sunday school lessons and sermons have been written on the life of David. As inspiring and encouraging they are many of them are written during times of trouble, loneliness, isolation and fear.
The house David dwelt in most of his life was not a building. There were no stain glass windows or carpeted floors, air conditioner or heat. His altar was a barren rock, his bed the grass under his back and the songs that he sung were not from a hymn book but came from his heart.
There were three things David said that he desired and would seek after: to dwell in the house of the Lord, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
David a man after Gods own heart…..
IT IS TIME TO LIVE AGAIN (Ezekiel 37:1-14)
There was a prophet in the Bible named, Ezekiel. The hand of the Lord was upon him, and the Lord brought him out in the Spirit and set him down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. And He caused him to pass round about among them, and behold, there were very many [human bones] in the open valley or plain, and behold, they were very dry. And the Lord said to Ezekiel, Son of man, can these bones live? And Ezekiel answered, O Lord God, You know!
Ezekiel was brought by God’s Spirit to a valley full of dry bones. As we can see, it is a scene of desolation and death. These bones represented the nation of Israel, carried off to Babylon in captivity. It is an image of sin and despair, and yes, a reminder of defeat.
How many times have we gone and revisited a place in our lives where we have been hurt in some way. We have allowed that one thing to determine the entire course of our lives. And now all we see are dead bones. For each one of us it can be something different. Maybe it was a failed marriage, a failed ministry, a child that did not go in the direction they were raised to go, wrong choices when we were younger.
I have always said nothing can be healed till it is revealed. If we don’t deal with the brokenness in our lives, sooner or later it will deal with us. It comes out in many different ways. Sometimes it is with drugs, illegal or prescription, excessive spending, overeating, anger. You may not know why but you know something is not quite right.
We want God to change the external aspects of our lives, our circumstances, but we don’t want to change on the inside. Helaing comes from the inside out. God is not about the band aid fix. He wants you to look at it for what it is. Ezekiel was brought to the valley of bones and passed among them. He saw they were very dry. He saw them without life-dead.
But Glory to God death does not have the final word at the end of our life or now in our everyday living. God is sovereign over death. Hope has the final word and as long as you have got breath in your body, you have a living hope for things to be better.
It may seem as if it is too late. But I have good news for you today-today is the first day of the rest of your life!!
Restoration in 2015
“But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.” Luke 5:38-39
There are many things that are common to all mankind. One of them is that most everyone has a fear of new things. New places, new ideas, new methods, and new experiences tend to bring out caution in people. Boarding a train was a thrilling experience for first-time riders in the early 1800’s because it was a new thing. Riding in a car was a thrill to one who had never rode anything but a horse. And, heaven knows the thrill and even fear that accompanies a first airplane ride. People do not like change even if the new is a much better idea than the old.
The main things that break down the fear or skepticism of the “new” are information and experience. Information provides one with facts about things we fear because we do not understand them. God’s word provides information about spiritual things that may be new to us. We learn about healing, for instance, from reading and believing the Bible. It contains information about healing. On the other hand, experience, can be the source of our enlightenment. Knowing nothing about healing, one may be in a place where people are being healed and be healed of an infirmity himself.
Even as the above verses imply it is very hard for people to accept new things to replace something they may be comfortable with. This is especially true of religious beliefs. When you consider the law and grace it is often hard to come to an accurate understanding of their relationship. It is important that we “search the Scriptures” as the Bereans did in Acts 17.
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:13-14
Are there any regrets as you look back over this year of 2014? If you could go back in time is there anything you would change? We know that this is not possible but as Paul says in verses above we must forget the past and look forward to the future. This year is about to end but a new one is about to begin. What can you do about it? You can forget about 2014 and focus to make 2015 the best year you have ever had.
You now have another chance at getting it right. Use the past to learn how to frame the future. You cannot build a good future on the ruins and regrets of the past. Regardless of what you have done or not done in the past God is more concerned about your future. God doesn’t remember your past He is only interested in the future.
Paul reflects on the past by implying that he knows that he did not do everything right. Yet he is not going to let that stop him from embracing the future with the attitude “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” You can not look at past “failures” and be discouraged about future success. A new year is at hand and it can be successful if you believe in God’s promise that “all things are possible to him who believes.” Do not sink into the regrets of the past but walk by faith in the promises of the Lord. think to “For I know the toughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, that I may give you hope and a future.” Jer. 29:11
Believe in your future and God will give it to you. He is for you and always will be. If you press on you will not disappoint Him. You can only disappoint yourself if you choose not to believe and press on. What will you do?
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
We are in the Holiday season and most people in “our” society are at least having thoughts about Christmas. There are many different opinions regarding this holiday season. Some people are excited about giving gifts and family gatherings. Food, fun, and fellowship are the expectations of many. There are also many who event. Then there is that small percentage of people who want the holiday celebration but without the mention of the Christ.
Take away Jesus but leave the celebration intact and let there be fun for all. Without Jesus there is no reason to keep the holiday. There is no meaning left in the holiday event if He is removed. It is true that “Jesus is the reason for the season” in our modern course of thinking.
There is no Biblical evidence regarding the exact time of Jesus’ birth. At least three church scholars tried to calculate the exact day Jesus was born. The exact year is still debated but it was definitely not AD 1. The three scholars mentioned arrived at different days. The birth dates were March 28, November 18, and September 11 and none have been proved to be correct.
Church authorities in the fourth century knew that Jesus was not born on December 25, but it was declared to be that day in order to incorporate it in a major pagan holiday, Saturnalia. Saturnalia is an extremely immoral celebration from December 17 thru December 25. In order to get the attention of celebrants the church leaders proclaimed December 25 as Jesus’ birthday. This in effect linked the pagan holiday with Christianity and enticed pagans to convert to Christianity without changing their pagan practices.
The celebration of Christmas was so in question that it was made illegal by the Puritans from 1659 to 1681. Most Christians then and now continued to celebrate the holiday. The question is not so much about keeping Christ in Christmas but rather keeping Christ in our hearts. If Christmas was outlawed, how much would things change? The only group of people to ever outlaw Christmas was Christians recognize that this holiday is formed around the birth of Jesus, and Christmas is a celebration of that (The Puritans). This is historical information, and we must decide where we stand. What is important and what is not?
I celebrate Christmas and enjoy the season but my relationship with Jesus does not rest in Christmas observance. Christmas or no Christmas my spiritual relationship with God won’t change. This Holiday has always combined Christian and pagan and I guess that will never change. But I must be aware, “What motivates me and why?”
VALUE CHRIST HIGHER THAN SELF
Matthew 28:9 “And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.”
MATTHEW 28:9
Self-denial is embraced by much of Christianity today. Historically, self-denial has always been a big part of false religion. Most religions of the world teach an abasement of self, but they do it as penitence in order to obtain salvation. This is not the denying of self that the Bible advocates.
True self-denial as the scriptures promote is not self hatred or masochism, but rather an enthroning of Christ above self. We have a new identity in Christ that replaces the old self. We don’t deny self in order to obtain salvation, but it is a love response to what Christ has already done for us. He gave His all for us and we willingly give our all back to Him.
Denying self in an attempt to earn salvation is most always motivated by guilt and characterized by rigid rules. True Christianity, on the other hand, is not the observance of rituals, but a relationship that produces holiness as a fruit and not the root of salvation.
Holiness doesn’t come from the outside and work its way inside. When we are born again we become righteous, and we work that holiness out into our physical lives.
Trying to destroy the power of self through harsh laws actually arouses and strengthens sin. Christians must not let life become a set of rules, but rather a response to a loving relationship with Jesus Christ.
from Andrew Wommack devotional
“Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make Him stand.” Romans 14:4(NKJV)
“Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.” Phil. 4:1(NKJV)
There are many Scriptures admonishing us to take a stand for what is right in life. Whether it is conviction of belief or physical threat to our lives, we are encouraged to stand fast in the Lord and in the power of His might. This puts a terrific burden on the one being required to stand because he does not feel capable to do so under his own strength.
The glorious truth is that we do not have to stand in our own strength, but God provides the strength we need. The first verse above says that “God is able to make Him stand.” A small boy might not be able to stand against a wolf, but if “Dad” is there, the boy knows dad will protect him to the uttermost. He gains a new sense of strength knowing dad will take care of him. We need to trust God that way. The Scripture in I John says perfect love casts out fear. This means that if we understand God’s perfect love towards us we will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. God has promised He will not leave us or forsake us. He promised to be with us all the days of our lives.
It is not about whether we are stronger than our adversary but that God is stronger than our adversary. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. When David faced the giant, he had a testimony and he gave it.
“Then David said to the Philistine, ‘you come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike and take your head from you…….. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.” I Sam. 17:45-49(NKJV) NOW, THAT IS A TESTIMONY!!!
WHAT IS A MIRACLE?
Luke 23:8 “And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.”
LUKE 23:8
Herod desired to see Jesus perform some kind of miracle, and some of the questions he asked Jesus made this desire obvious. However, Jesus did not use His faith to do any miracles for Herod.
Miracles are God’s way of meeting the needs of those who seek Him in faith. Miracles will sometimes be used to demonstrate God’s ability so that people may believe (Mk. 2:10-11), but they will not happen to skeptics who are tempting God (Lk. 4:9-12).
A miracle is a supernatural intervention of God’s power over natural law.
Healings occur within the boundaries of natural law while miracles are not limited to natural law. A person with a high fever who receives prayer and then begins to recover is experiencing a healing. The Lord intervened but in natural ways. The virus, infection, or whatever was rebuked left the body (Lk. 4:39) and then the natural healing process that the Lord built into all of us took over. When something totally supernatural happens, that’s a miracle. When Jesus reattached the servant’s ear and it was instantly whole after Peter cut it off (Lk. 22:51), demonstrated a miracle. It was also a healing, but it was a miraculous healing.
Feeding the five thousand (Mt. 14:19-20), walking on the water (Mt. 14:25), translating a ship and all aboard to the other side of the sea (Jn. 6:21) – all these are miracles. Miracles are usually instantaneous whereas healings are sometimes gradual.
The Lord has never had anyone who was qualified working for Him. It’s by God’s grace that He uses any of us. Anyone who claims to be used of God because of his great holiness is either deceived or a deceiver. It’s our faith in the grace of God that allows miracles to flow through us.
from Andrew Wommack Devotional
“Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.’ And they launched out.” Lk 8:22(NKJV)
“And a great storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.” Mk. 4:37(NKJV)
“And He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ Then He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” Mk 4:38-39(NKJV)
“But He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’ And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, ‘Who can this be? For He commands even the wind and water, and they obey Him.” Lk 8:25-26(NKJV)
The above Scriptures tell us about an incident experienced by Jesus and His disciples. On a routine day they encounter “the perfect storm” on the Sea of Galilee. It was so severe the disciples thought they were going to die. When you fear for your life you get moving. They panicked and rushed to wake Jesus and tell Him they were about to die. They were not asking Jesus to save them they were just informing Him they were going to die and thought He needed to know and get ready.
Jesus awoke and took charge of the situation because He knew who He was and what He could do. Jesus told them in the beginning that they were going to the other side, not out on the sea to drown. The Words of Jesus are always obeyed. If He says we are going to the other side then we are going to the other side. It does not matter what happens on the way there.
When He asked the disciples “Where is your faith” He was really asking them “What is wrong with you? Did you not believe Me, that we are going to the other side?” How do I know this is what He meant? The answer is in the story. The disciples were so surprised by what Jesus did they wondered who He was and how He could do such a thing. This indicates that they did not wake Jesus for Him to save them. They had no idea He could. We have the word of God in our hand and heart. If God said it, He means it. God’s word is forever settled, it is up to us to believe. There is a big difference between going to the other side and drowning in the middle of the sea. Live by the Word of God, not by the condition of the circumstances around you.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trails, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4(NKJV)
How many of us enjoy the trials we face as a human on this planet? They can be anything from oppression by people to bodily illness, mental and emotional stress, financial problems, or demonic attack. The question is how can you count it all joy? Is it, “Wow, I get to go through another trying situation.” James is not telling us to be happy about what is happening to us but that we should be positive in our attitude about it. Trials will either defeat you or make you stronger depending on how you react.
We do not have to go around looking for trials but when they come they are a test of our faith. Faith is not limited to keeping us out of trials but getting us through them as well. Trials are a type of resistance and resistance is the means of developing strength. All physical exercise works because it involves resistance. Lifting weights produces bigger and stronger muscles by the principle of resistance. It requires effort that brings pain to increase our strength. That principle works in all areas of life. Spiritual strength, mental toughness, and emotional stability come from overcoming trials (resistance) we encounter.
You can count it all joy by believing you will come through the trial a more determined person with stronger faith. Do not let trials defeat you and cause you to question the quality of your spiritual experience. Persevere and continue pressing on until you are lacking nothing. God said it and that means it will work if we do not lose heart.
The proper attitude is not an emotional reaction but a
deliberate intelligent appraisal of the situation from God’s perspective. Testing carries the idea of proving genuineness.
Trials serve as a discipline to purge faith of dross, stripping
away what is false. Patience is not a passive resignation to adverse circumstances, but a positive steadfastness that bravely endures. If you enjoy trials there is something wrong with you but if you believe you can endure you are reaching spiritual maturity. Choose wisely how you react.
“Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me O Lord; let your loving kindness and your truth continually preserve me.” Psalm 40:11(NKJV)
This is a hard time for us here at New Life, especially for the Harvey family as we deal with the passing of our dear sister, Rita. Although the Bible says that the death of God’s saints is precious in His eyes, we are left with an empty place in the family here as Sister Rita has joined the eternal hosts in God’s presence. She fought a good fight, she finished the course, and she kept the faith. She has gone to her reward and all of us as children of God will sooner or later join her.
Now we must deal with our loss here by keeping our faith in God and trusting His tender mercies and loving kindness to sustain us day by day. We are preserved by the truth that all who live and believe in Him shall never die. To a child of God death is no longer “death” but is a passage from mortality to immortality, from the temporal to the eternal. Our mortal self is experiencing sorrow, pain, and separation but our immortal spirit rests in the hope of eternal life in Christ. That is the truth that preserves us in our hour of sorrow and loss.
The Holy Spirit is our Comforter that soothes our soul and dries our tears. We feel the pain but rest in the hope found in Jesus Christ that we will live forever. When we close our eyes in death here, we open them in the bright light of eternity. We are not without hope as those in the world but are assured that we are forever in the hands of a loving Father who will not let us go. Rita cannot come to us but we can all go to be with her. Comfort one another with these words.
Psalm 42:11 “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”
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