Tag Archives: Christianity

Finding Spiritual Renewal Through Prayer

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The prayers shared on your website have deeply touched my heart, creating a ripple effect of blessings in my life. Recently, I experienced a profound spiritual journey during a retreat to Prayer Mountain in New South Wales, Australia. Surrounded by tranquility, I found myself reflecting on my spiritual walk, my sin, and the immeasurable grace of God. This retreat reminded me of how often God calls us to retreat from the chaos of life to hear His still, small voice.

The history of revivalists such as Evan Roberts came to mind. Roberts’ fervent prayers and unwavering faith sparked great awakenings, yet he wasn’t alone. Many others, driven by divine purpose, labored to share God’s truth and ignite revival fires. This realization brought clarity to a truth I had been grappling with: God often works through ordinary people with extraordinary faith. As I pondered this, I felt a surge of inspiration to pursue the vision God had placed in my heart, unfiltered by societal expectations.

God’s refining process became evident during this time of reflection. Like gold being tempered by fire, seasons of struggle and pain forge resilience and deeper trust in Him. The trials I’ve faced—including moments of acute pain and personal failure—have unveiled truths I wouldn’t have grasped otherwise. These encounters with the Lord have been a roadmap to understanding His purposes for my life, even when the path seemed unclear.

The retreat’s teachings also brought to mind stories of missionaries who were inspired to embark on their journeys after reading about figures like Hudson Taylor. Their dedication exemplifies how God can stir our hearts toward His purposes through seemingly small seeds of inspiration. This prompted me to consider how my life and testimony could be a catalyst for others to encounter Him. In surrendering to His will, I’ve begun to see new dreams and purposes unfolding before me.

Revival and Spiritual Renewal

Revival, whether personal or communal, often begins with a heartfelt cry to God. In the past, revivalists understood the importance of unyielding prayer and dependence on the Spirit. This truth resonated deeply with me, particularly as I recalled stories of faithful servants who prayed fervently for their communities. Their sacrifices and reliance on God’s power paved the way for profound spiritual breakthroughs.

As I reflected on their lives, I was reminded of times when I witnessed God’s power firsthand. One moment stood out: a service filled with expectation yet devoid of the Spirit’s manifestation—until, suddenly, a divine shift transformed the atmosphere. Such moments reveal God’s sovereignty and remind us that revival is not manufactured but birthed through humility and obedience.

I also considered the hardships faced by missionaries and believers in hostile environments. Their perseverance amidst opposition, like the experiences of Jonathan Goforth and others, demonstrated unwavering trust in God’s provision and protection. Similarly, my own journey has been marked by moments where, despite overwhelming odds, God’s faithfulness prevailed.

Renewal often involves revisiting foundational truths and rediscovering God’s promises. His words, “Welcome the King of Glory, for He is about to come through you,” spoke to my heart during this season. It’s a call to prepare ourselves for the work He desires to do in and through us, to reclaim spiritual high places, and to partner with Him in advancing His Kingdom.

Restoration and Purpose Unveiled

The journey of faith often leads to seasons of restoration and unveiling. As I embraced God’s refining process, I began to see how He was orchestrating a divine recompense for past losses. Scripture promises that God works all things together for good, a truth I’ve clung to during challenging times.

One poignant example of restoration is the story of a woman who, after years of barrenness, was blessed with six children. Her testimony reminds us that God’s timing and ways often exceed our understanding. Similarly, my own experiences have taught me to trust in His plans, even when they deviate from my expectations.

God’s restoration also extends to our spiritual purpose. As I reflected on the trials I’ve faced, I saw them as tools God used to prepare me for greater works. This perspective shifted my focus from the pain of the past to the possibilities of the future. The promise of “a new door of outpouring, increase, and fruitfulness” resonates with the season I find myself in now.

In embracing accountability and surrendering to God’s will, I’ve witnessed a newfound sense of freedom and purpose. His encouragement to “put on your anointed garment” reminds me of the unique calling He’s placed on my life. As I walk in obedience, I’ve seen opportunities for growth and influence arise in unexpected ways.

This season of restoration and purpose has also brought a renewed understanding of God’s love and grace. Like the prodigal son welcomed home, I’ve experienced the joy of reconciliation and the assurance that His plans for me are good. As I step into this new chapter, I’m filled with hope and anticipation for the blessings yet to come.

God’s Healing: The Power of Faith and Forgiveness

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Chapter 1: The Origin of Sickness

Sickness is not part of God’s original design or His will. In His perfect creation, there was no sickness, disease, or death. Romans 5:11-12 explains how sin entered the world through Adam, bringing death and its manifestations, including sickness. Sin introduced thorns, storms, violence, and decay into a creation that was once flawless. Isaiah 11:6-8 illustrates the restored paradise, where harmony replaces hostility in nature, and death is no more.

God’s plan never included sickness or death. These entered the world as a consequence of sin, and the Bible repeatedly emphasizes their connection. Sin is serious; it brought devastation to humanity and creation. Today, society often diminishes the gravity of sin, reframing it as personal struggles rather than transgressions against God. However, Romans 6:23 reminds us, “The wages of sin is death,” highlighting the cost of disobedience. While forgiveness is available through grace, sin’s consequences are still evident. True repentance involves change, not merely regret.

Blaming God for sickness, wars, and suffering is misguided. God is good, and His creation was perfect before sin distorted it. The brokenness of the world results from humanity’s choices, not God’s will. However, even in this fallen state, God provides opportunities for blessing, healing, and restoration. Believers are called to align with God’s will, choosing faith and obedience amidst a broken world.

Chapter 2: Sickness and Sin’s Consequences

Sickness is a direct result of sin and its effects on the world. Romans 5:12 explains that death entered through sin, spreading to all because all have sinned. Sickness, poverty, and suffering are varying degrees of death—a byproduct of sin’s presence. To claim sickness is God’s will implies that sin, its origin, is also His will, which contradicts His nature.

The Bible highlights sin and sickness. John Alexander Dowie aptly described sickness as “the foul offspring of its father Satan and its mother sin.” This connection underscores the incompatibility of sickness with God’s perfect will. If sin had never entered the world, sickness and death would not exist. Through Christ’s sacrifice, the power of sin has been broken, offering both forgiveness and healing.

James 5:14-15 reinforces this dual provision, where the prayer of faith brings healing and forgiveness. Jesus demonstrated this by healing physical ailments alongside forgiving sins, showing that both stem from the same redemptive work. Believers have the right to claim healing, just as they claim forgiveness, because both are grounded in Christ’s sacrifice. To diminish the significance of healing is to underestimate the full scope of redemption.

Chapter 3: God’s Cure for Sin and Sickness

Christ’s work on the cross provides the ultimate cure for both sin and its consequences, including sickness. Sin brought death, but Jesus’ sacrifice reversed its power. If sin is forgiven, then the effects of sin, such as sickness, can also be healed. This is the foundation of God’s will for healing. James 5:14-15 encapsulates this truth, linking forgiveness and healing in the same prayer.

Jesus exemplified this principle in His ministry. When He healed a paralyzed man, He declared both forgiveness and healing, asking, “Which is easier to say?” The two acts are inseparable because they stem from the same source: Jesus’ atonement. This underscores the comprehensive nature of redemption, which restores wholeness to both spirit and body.

Believers often struggle to fully embrace this truth, doubting God’s will for healing while readily accepting His will for forgiveness. However, the same faith that secures forgiveness should inspire confidence in healing. God’s will has always been life, health, and wholeness, as evidenced in His original creation and His promises for restoration.

God does not desire sickness or suffering for His people. He is a good God who offers protection, healing, and prosperity even in a fallen world. By aligning with His will, believers can experience His blessings and manifest His kingdom on earth, just as it is in heaven. Through faith, obedience, and reliance on Christ’s work, we can live in the fullness of His redemptive plan.

Podcast about Guardian Angels

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The Accident and the Unseen.

This week on the podcast, I want to answer one of my favorite questions: Do we have guardian angels? It’s something we hear about all the time. People make references, they talk about being watched over, but is there truth to it? Do we have angels looking out for us?

John never thought much about angels until the night his life was nearly taken from him. He had been on a football trip to Crystal Brook, a small town north of Adelaide, playing with his local team. On the way back, he accepted a ride from his friend’s father, who had been drinking all day.

John had fallen asleep in the car. It was late, and the soft hum of the road lulled him into unconsciousness. What woke him was not gentle. It was the violent impact of metal and glass. The father had veered into the wrong lane and collided with a semi-trailer.

John should have died that night. The side of the car he was sleeping on was smashed in. The doctors later told him it was a miracle he survived. And as he sat there, dazed but alive, he felt something strange. A calm, peaceful feeling, as if he wasn’t alone.

Some might say it was the shock. But John couldn’t shake the idea that something, or someone, had intervened. Was it luck, or something more? He remembered the words from a podcast he once heard, about how Jesus says in Revelation 1 that He has sent angels to watch over His church.

Could it be? Could there really be guardian angels?

Chapter 2: A Miracle or Just Coincidence?

After the accident, John found himself questioning everything. He had always believed in God, but angels? That seemed far-fetched. Yet, he couldn’t forget the peace he felt after the crash, like someone had been there, watching over him.

He shared his thoughts with Matt, his skeptical friend. “Do you really think you have a guardian angel?” Matt asked with a smirk. “I mean, come on, people get in car accidents every day. Some make it, some don’t. You just got lucky.”

“Maybe,” John replied. “But something about that night felt different. It felt like I wasn’t alone.” He hesitated before adding, “I heard this guy on a podcast once talk about how the Bible says angels watch over us. He quoted Matthew 18:10, where Jesus says, ‘See that you do not despise one of these little ones. I tell you that in heaven, their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.’”

Matt shrugged. “That sounds like a stretch. But if it makes you feel better, who am I to argue?”

John didn’t push the point. He knew Matt would never believe without proof. But as he reflected on the podcast, he remembered the speaker had said something profound: Our hope is not in angels, but in the Lord who sends them.

Chapter 3: The Rich Man and the Reality of Spiritual Things

John’s work often took him to the homes of the wealthy. One of his regular clients was an extremely rich man, whose fortune could buy anything, even a French artist to paint gold leaf on the ceilings of his mansion. But despite all the money, John always sensed an emptiness in the man’s life.

One year, the man was diagnosed with cancer. His children began fighting over his wealth, and the house became a place of tension and anger. John tried to keep his distance, but one day, the man asked him to sit down for a chat.

They sat at the kitchen table, the man smoking a cigarette. “You know,” he said, “the doctors called it a modern-day miracle. They said I wouldn’t make it through last year, but here I am. My cancer’s in remission, and even my kids have calmed down.”

John thought back to the podcast. Do we have guardian angels? the speaker had asked. Could this man’s recovery be part of something larger?

“It’s funny,” John said after a moment, “I was just thinking about how Jesus said angels watch over us. Maybe you had some help you didn’t even know about.”

The man chuckled, but there was a seriousness in his eyes. “Maybe.”

Chapter 4: Signs in Everyday Life

Later that week, John was at the hairdresser’s when the conversation turned to Bill Gates. His hairdresser, a man from Cyprus, began telling him about a local tradition. “Back home, if someone wants to bless you, they’ll take a piece of your hair and nail it to a tree. As the tree grows, you’ll prosper. It’s like having a guardian.”

John smiled. “Like a guardian angel?”

“Exactly,” the hairdresser replied. “We believe the trees watch over us, just like angels might.”

John left the shop, his mind buzzing with connections. Could these old traditions, these stories, all point to something real? Something spiritual, unseen, but present? The testimony of Jesus Christ says He has sent angels to watch over His church, John remembered from the podcast. Was it possible that angels were watching over him, even now?

Chapter 5: Faith and the Unseen

The idea of guardian angels had become more than just a passing thought for John. He was beginning to see signs everywhere. The car accident, the rich man’s recovery, even the hairdresser’s story about trees and blessings. But doubt still lingered.

John found himself in church one Sunday, sitting quietly as the pastor spoke. His mind drifted to something else the podcast had said: When you’re gathered for public worship, you are not just in the presence of God, you are in the presence of the angels that the Lord has sent to watch over His church.

He looked around the room. Could it be true? Could angels really be there, unseen but present? It was a glorious thought, but also unsettling. What if they were real? What if they had been there all along, watching him, protecting him?

As the service ended, John realized that belief in angels wasn’t about proof or evidence. It was about faith. The Bible spoke of angels, not just as symbols, but as real beings sent to guard God’s people.

John walked out of the church, feeling a sense of peace, the same peace he had felt after the accident. Maybe, just maybe, angels were real. But whether they were or not, he knew one thing for sure: His ultimate hope wasn’t in angels. It was in the One who sent them.