Tag Archives: healing

The Power of Confession

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IMG_1422Since Jesus is my ‘High Priest’ I never really thought about the need to confess my sins to others, except in cases where I wronged someone.

Confession takes humility and trust. Do you have people of integrity in your life you can trust enough to bare your soul? My Pastor often talks about the need to have 4 or more Christian friends in your life. 

If you’ve ever had a confidence betrayed, trust may not come easy for you. I understand. God does too. He doesn’t ask us to confess our sins to each other to shame us. So why does He advise us to do this? For our healing. When we confess our sins to Jesus we are forgiven. Our confession to others has nothing to do with forgiveness, unless of course we are asking someone to forgive us for a sin against them. I remember many times as a teen going to my Dad to tell him I had disobeyed him. It wasn’t because I was afraid he would find out; it was because the guilt I felt was worse than my fear of punishment.

Guilt and shame are a heavy burden to bare alone. God knows how therapeutic it is to share our faults with one another, in an environment of trust. I wonder how many therapists would still be in business if we took James 5:16 to heart. (Not that there is anything wrong with seeing a therapist.)

This scripture also confirms the power of agreement in prayer. “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” -Matthew 18:18-20 (NKJV) If you are struggling with a particular sin you just can’t seem to overcome, it may be time to call in reinforcements. You do not have to suffer alone. 

Another benefit of confession is accountability. When we share our sins with others we make ourselves accountable to them. We are not only asking for prayer support, but in essence we are giving them permission to follow up with us, to make sure we are walking in victory. 

Additionally, God wants to use your story to impact others. Revelation 12:11 tells us, “They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the Word of their testimony.” Your story is powerful! If you allow shame to keep you silent you miss the opportunity to help others. I know from experience the joy of seeing someone moved by the transparency of sharing my testimony. Others need hope that they too can overcome.  

In closing, the power of confession brings healing, deliverance, accountability and influence. Find a trustworthy brother or sister in Christ and begin to build the kind of relationship that fosters authenticity. And remember, to have a friend, you have to be a friend. 

 

 

 

 

 

Generational Blessings

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I find it very comforting to know that God is faithful to His covenant to multiple generations. We often hear about generational curses, but what about generational blessings? IMG_1420

Honestly, I don’t know much about the spiritual condition of my ancestors, beyond my grandparents, but I know I have battled some serious strongholds in my life that I believe were generational curses. Thankfully, my parents and grandparents began a new legacy for our family, one of God’s favor and blessing. One, I hope to pass on to my son and future generations.

Deuteronomy 7:9 brought me great comfort this morning. I have been struggling with depression and negativity the past few days. I’d love to be one of those people who have a natural bend toward positivity and joy, but in all honesty, I am not. I still have a lot of work to do in the “battlefield of the mind.”

It’s times like this I have to make a desision. Am I going to believe my thoughts and negative emotions, or am I going to believe God? It’s a no-brainer. God’s Word IS faithful and true. It is the ultimate measure of truth.

Have you ever dug into God’s Word to discover the promises of a covenant relationship with Him? Trust me … we (and our descendants) get the better end of this deal! Whatever situation you are facing, God’s Word offers a promise and a solution. Not only has He given us eternal life, we have the promise of His constant presence in this life. (Hebrews 13:5)  We have His promise of healing, (Isaiah 53:5) of protection, (Psalm 9:9) of provision, (Luke 12:22-31) of unending, unmerited love, (Jeremiah 31:3) etc., etc., etc. I could go on and on, but that would require a book, rather than a devotional blog. But, I challenge YOU to continue. What blessing of God are you thankful for today? Share the scripture that backs it up in the comments.

PRAY: Father, thank You for Your Faithfulness! Thank You that I am blessed because of the covenant You had with my ancestors, and my descendants will be blessed by Your covenant with me for a thousand generations. I release generational blessings over my family blood line, and I break generational curses. I boldly declare, “As for me and my house, we SHALL serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) Father, when I am weak, You are strong. Remind me when I have my eyes on my circumstances to change my focus to Your Word. 

 

Anointed

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YOU are anointed. It’s true! God wants to use you. His Spirit is upon you to continue the ministry of Jesus, one person at a time. IMG_1405

We live in a very “me” centered culture. Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve others. Your salvation isn’t just about you. It’s also about the lives God wants to touch through you.

Everyone isn’t called to a full-time “career” in ministry, but we are all called to minister. When I was younger I thought this meant going out and preaching to anyone who would listen. Don’t get me wrong, there is a need for evangelism, but people are more likely to listen when you are serving them. Before you try to feed them spiritually, feed their need. Today’s verse gives us four areas of service: 

  1. Proclaim good news to the poor: If you are poor, the good news of salvation is a wonderful message, but it doesn’t fill your belly or put clothes on your kids. People need to know that God isn’t just concerned with the hereafter, He cares about the situation you are in right now! He knew you before you were born, and will know you long after your life on earth is over. We can’t feed/clothe everyone but we can feed/clothe someone. God wants to bless you by allowing you to be a blessing to others. Jesus said whatever we do for others, we do for him. (Matthew 25:40) If you look into the eyes of a hurting man/woman and see Jesus it will change how you view them. His anointing will overwhelm you with compassion and love. 
  2. Proclaim liberty to the captives: I have been blessed to be part of a jail ministry for a couple of years now. While I love the work we are doing, we are very limited. We are not allowed to give the inmates any handouts, books, etc. We are not allowed to have one on one ministry with them, or develop personal relationships with them. This is for our protection, but heartbreaking none the less. We get one hour a month to speak life and truth into them. They are hungry for so much more! They desperately need discipleship, to prepare them for life outside of prison. If God lays it on your heart, contact a local prison chaplain and ask if there is a way for you to write or have one on one visits with an inmate. However, I STRONGLY encourage you to stay away from any misperceptions of a romantic interest. Also, remember, there are many people who are held captive without the constraints of four walls. People can be held prisoner to addiction, abuse, etc. Pray for God to open doors for you mentor those needing intervention. 
  3. Recovery of sight to the blind: Jesus still heals. I believe this with all my heart. He heals physically, emotionally, financially and most important spiritually. Everywhere Jesus went He healed people. Are you sharing this good news with others? There are two kinds of blindness. There is physically blindness, and there is spiritual blindness. My prayer is that God will use us in the recovery of sight for both. 
  4. Liberty to the oppressed: Oppression can be physical or emotional. For example, human trafficking is a real issue that few people want to see or acknowledge. People are still enslaved, even in America. Educate yourself on the civil issues in your area, and get involved in relief efforts. From an emotional standpoint, mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders are rampant in our culture. People often neglect to seek help due to the stigma attached to mental illness or the cost of care. When you see someone struggling emotionally, step in. Do some research and become familiar with the resources available to them. Minister to them on a spiritual level. LOVE them where they are and be an encouragement to them. 

““Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:34-36‬ ‭NLT‬‬

YOU are anointed. It’s true!

 

 

Breaking Generational Curses

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IMG_1370Sin doesn’t just affect the sinner, it affects the entire family. Science calls it genetics. Addictive behaviors, mental illness, and some physical illnesses have a genetic component. They also have a spiritual component. If we want complete healing we have to address both. 

My actions have consequences. It’s heartbreaking to think my sins will be passed on to my child or future grandchildren. It’s equally disheartening to think I am paying for the sins of my ancestors.

When we see a “pattern” among family members, especially with behavioral issues it may very well be a “generational curse”. Jesus became a curse when He hung on the cross. His blood gives us the power to break the generational curses over our lives and our bloodline. 

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”. Galatians 3:13 (NKJV) 

PRAY:
Father, according to this scripture you lavish UNFAILING love to a thousand generations. I thank You for this promise and pray that every member of my bloodline will know You and experience Your unfailing love.

Lord, release the guilt of my sins and the sins of my ancestors, removing the generational curses in past and future generations by applying the precious blood of Jesus to those sins. I claim the physical, emotional and spiritual healing that You purchased for me according to Isaiah 53:5 “But 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.”

Thank You Jesus, for paying a debt I could never pay! Your Word promises in John 8:36, “Whom the SON has set free, is free indeed.” I receive and release that freedom over myself and every member of my bloodline … past, present and future, in the mighty name of Jesus.