Have We Missed This?

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God love and power is unquestionable.  But can we do things to hinder its work in our lives?

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Acts 10:38 – How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

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I fully realize that I am treading on what many may say is shaky ground as I address this topic today.  All I ask is that you read this page completely, think about it openly, and consider it in the light of the Word of God.  Take a moment and read our Text for Today a few more times.  I want you to notice closely who it is that Jesus went about healing.  Read it here once again: Jesus “went about doing good, and healing all THAT WERE OPPRESSED OF THE DEVIL.”  Let me state very clearly, JESUS IS OUR HEALER, and He will heal anyone who will come to Him in faith.  It doesn’t make any difference whether or not the reason for the sickness or disease in the person’s body is purely the result of demonic attack, or if it is there because the person in need has continually lived and self-abusive lifestyle.

Once again, allow me to be straightforward.  There is much sickness and disease in the world today that is NOT the result of demonic oppression.  There are people who have lung cancer or emphysema as a result of smoking.  There are people who have diabetes because they abused their body through diet, lack of weight control, and lack of exercise.  There are people who have ulcers because they have literally made themselves sick from worry, anxiety, and fear of things that often never happened.  There are people who suffer from cirrhosis of the liver from use of alcohol.  In no way am I saying that all people who have suffered with these illnesses have done so because of self-abusive behavior.  Many have suffered these diseases who have never done such things as I have named.  Once again, I am simply pointing to the undeniable truth that there is much sickness in the earth today that is NOT the result of demonic oppression.

Will the Lord heal these?  YES!  But for our prayerful consideration, we must consider if we have approached these things in full integrity.  Did Jesus not say to some that He healed that they should sin no more for the possibility that something worse would come on them?  My dear friend, one does not have to commit sin to come under demonic attack of sickness.  But there are sicknesses that are directly related to sin.  When that is the case, it should be addressed, NOT in a manner of condemnation, but in a teaching manner for future prevention.  Bitterness and unforgiveness, for example, can open the way for crippling disease to destroy one’s body.  Such issues need to be addressed.  Let us not overlook them as we minister to people.  It is NOT a matter of looking for such things, but of being sensitive to Holy Spirit that He might lead us into a truly accurate and long-lasting healing ministry to those in need.

Manna for Today – Acts 10; Psalm 107:20; Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:1-3; Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24;      3 John 2; John 5:1-14