We have to understand the Power, the impact, that is in the Gospel we preach. That’s why Paul said, “I’m not ashamed of this Gospel!” If I weren’t living in the Power of this Gospel, if I weren’t preaching it and demonstrating it, I would be ashamed! How can you preach about something unless you really believe in it?
God promises from Scripture that He would give us health and healing. How wonderful it is to be healed, but the bigger miracle is to enjoy health. In 2002, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. God said to me, ‘David, you’ve got a mountain in your life that you’ve got to move, and that mountain is to get that cancer out from your lung. If you can believe that without an operation you can be completely healed, then nothing will be impossible from there on.’
We all need the healing power of Jesus; it doesn’t matter who we are, we all experience powerful storms in our lives. One of the interesting aspects of the coronavirus is how it has affected and infected people of all wealth and social position: whether Prime Minister, heir to the Throne, or isolated pensioner. In Luke 7&8, there are three different people who come to Jesus in their desperation: Roman Centurion, religious leader, and an unnamed woman. For the centurion, no amount of military power can solve his problem; for Jairus, religion and ceremony couldn’t prevent his crises; and for the unnamed woman, she spent all her money on doctors, but had only gotten worse. Each were drawn to Jesus by their need – and each received the miracle they so desperately desired. Jesus says to you, as He said to them, “Fear not, only believe!” Come to Jesus. It is the only way to be set free and experience the release you so desperately desire.
We all have problems we need Jesus to resolve; healing, deliverance, forgiveness… stop struggling and come into His open arms. So many have secret problems, too deep, too hurtful, you cannot open up. Talk to Jesus. It is the only way to be set free and experience the release you so desperately desire. We all need to be loved: God so loved you that He gave His only Son. – Receive these words deep within your heart: you are loved by God. Jesus promises: “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Do we recognise the Power and Authority of Jesus? In Matthew 8 we have an incredible contrast in how people viewed Him. The chapter opens with the story of the Roman Centurion who comes to Jesus on behalf of his servant, and then it closes with Jesus calming the storm. The Centurion says to Jesus, “I recognise the authority You have; if You speak the word, my servant will be healed.” Jesus then commends the man by saying, “I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith!” Whereas later, in the midst of a storm, the disciples who had followed Jesus, seen His miracles said, “What kind of Man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!”
What a challenge to us! Do we recognise the Power and Authority of Jesus? Do we trust Him in the midst of our storms? Are we trusting Him now during this pandemic? Are we going to be bold in our faith, like the Centurion was, and declare, “Jesus, You have the authority”? Or will we shrink back in fear like the disciples?
'Holy You are Lord' used by kind permission www.vinesong.com
In Luke 8:45, a woman in great distress because of an incurable sickness came to Jesus. Jesus KNEW she had reached out to Him, because He felt virtue pass to her. Like her, you are not able to physically touch Jesus, but you can reach out to Him through prayer and worship. Whatever your problem: whether it is sickness, financial or other distress, come to Jesus. And like with that woman, He will turn around and say, "Child of Mine, go in peace, your faith has healed you."
'Another Touch' used by kind permission of www.vinesong.com
You can’t have miracles without first having problems: twice God has healed me of cancer; He’s released me from a communist prison. Suppose I never had these problems, that God spared me the pain, I would not have the ministry I have today. God doesn’t send the sickness, but He will use it to test and refine us; ultimately all things DO work together for good. Jesus said, “This happened so that the works of God might be displayed” (John 9.3). Lessons from 70 years of ministry: 'For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance.' (Part 9)
'Psalm 23' used by kind permission of www.vinesong.com
I believe in prayer and in a God of miracles. But in 2002 I was faced with a challenge: do I really believe God or not? Diagnosed with lung cancer, my only hope was Jesus. I didn't go to a healing evangelist, I went to the Word of God and He completely healed me - no operation, no treatment - I only had God and the Bible, and that's all I needed to confound the doctors. They were shocked, they didn't believe God. But I do! I believe in a God of power and of miracles. Healing, deliverance, forgiveness are yours to receive in the Name of Jesus... stop struggling and come into His arms! Talk to Jesus. He's listening. Ask Him to forgive your sin and to heal you. He loves you; He'll answer! Lessons from 70 years of ministry: 'For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance.' (Part 8)
'You Answered Me' used by kind permission www.vinesong.com
God desires for you to live in health: to live a full satisfying life. Sickness is from the devil. Jesus said, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). I want you to receive those words deep in your spirit: to be settled on the truth of God's Word. And until the day when your healing has fully manifested, know that His grace is sufficient, that He is all you need: His strength is made perfect in weakness. The Word says, 'I am the Lord who heals you!' Lessons from 70 years of ministry: 'For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance.' (Part 7)
'God Answers Prayer' used by kind permission of www.vinesong.com
It is only through testings and trials that we learn who God is and what He can do; if we never had a problem, we would never know what faith in God could do. We all pray more when we are in distress; it is how we learn to trust God, to believe for miracles. God will use every difficulty to refine us, so that we become the person He can use for His Glory. The Bible says we are to be truly glad, to rejoice in our trials, because the testing of our faith, which is more precious than gold, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7). Lessons from 70 years of ministry: 'For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance.' (Part 6)
'It is well with my soul' used by kind permission of www.vinesong.com
