believer

Miracle at the grocery store

/ Patty Morris / 4 Comments

A routine trip to the grocery store turned out to be anything but routine for me one day years ago.  I had been fighting a lot of fear during that season of my life, especially that day.  I knew I needed to go to the grocery store to buy food for our family.  But I was feeling swamped by fear and doubt.  As a young Christian, I was totally sold out to Jesus. I aspired to be a strong woman of faith, but I was unsure how to do it.

Pray first

Calling my Sunday school teacher for advice, he encouraged me to go out and minister to someone else.  Pray first.  Then go for it.  Even though I did not feel strong enough that day to help myself, much less anyone else, I prayed and asked God to make me a blessing to someone in need.   Whoever that might be.  Whatever their need might be.  So I prayed and left it up to God.  He did not disappoint.

I drove to the supermarket and began to shop.  I placed my order at the deli counter for sliced meat and cheese.  Moments later there was a flurry of alarm, as my server had cut her hand severely on the big slicing machine behind the counter.  Another server quickly went to her aid, backing her away from the machine, squeezing her hand tightly, trying unsuccessfully to stop the bleeding.  The wounded server was suffering extreme pain and appeared faint.  The department manager offered to take my order for me.  But I ignored her offer.  For this emergency, I knew that God’s help was needed.

Compassion rose up in me.  Faith came alive.  The Holy Spirit literally took over the situation.   I boldly proclaimed, “I am a Christian.  Bring her to me.  I will pray for her and God will stop the bleeding, take away all her pain and heal her hand!”

Radical faith

The three women looked at me with surprise.  The injured worker appeared that she might pass out at any moment.  I did not know if she could even walk the several steps over to me where I stood.  But she tearfully made it to the counter.  With God-given compassion, I told her to give me her hand, I would not touch the cut.  Gently, I touched her injured hand.  I prayed a simple prayer asking God to take away the pain, stop the bleeding  and heal her hand.  And no infection to be allowed.  In Jesus’ Name. 

Miraculously, her hand was healed immediately before our eyes.  All pain ceased.  All bleeding stopped.  Her flesh was knitted back together as if nothing had happened.  All three workers were amazed!  I just expected God would do it.  We all thanked God for His healing power. I was too stunned to say more.

Then as I walked away to continue my shopping, the deli department manager hurried after me. “I have a cold,” she said.  “Will you pray for me?”  Gratefully, gladly, I prayed for her as well.  She returned to work, praising the Lord for both healings.

Step up.  Speak out.

No one was more surprised than me at the pair of healings which the Lord gave through me that day.  I was super blessed beyond words.  God had answered my prayer to bless someone that day—twice over.   I was so honored to be His chosen vessel to help these women in need.  I had not been feeling strong or gifted that day.  Quite the opposite.  But God does not wait until we are feeling strong and anointed to use us.  He loves it when we are feeling weak, totally dependent on Him to empower us.  He knew my heart was to heal.  And He answered with LOVE and grace.

            As He is, so are we now in this world.

                                                                        1 John 4:17

Since that day I have prayed for many people in many places.  It is the joy of my life.  I have been privileged to see Jesus heal many—some instantly, some over time. Some people need to forgive themselves first before they can receive healing.  Some need to stop worrying and turn their problems over to Jesus.   Whatever the need, He always supplies.

But I am not unique or special to participate in God’s healing miracles.  The Lord invites all believers to join with Him in His healing ministry.  The Lord invites YOU to heal the sick.

And these signs shall follow those who believe…they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

                                                           Mark 16:17-18

Don’t wait until you are feeling strong and holy.  Step out today—no matter how you are feeling.  Pray first.  Ask God for the opportunity to bless someone.  Ask the Holy Spirit to be in charge.  Then step up and speak out in faith.  God will use you in miraculous ways.  Glory to God!

Christ in you—the hope of glory.

                                                            Colossians 1:27

God chose those whom the world considers foolish to shame those who think they are wise, and God chose the puny and powerless to shame the high and mighty. He chose the lowly, the laughable in the world’s eyes—nobodies—so that he would shame the somebodies.  For he chose what is regarded as insignificant in order to supersede what is regarded as prominent, so that there would be no prideful boasting in God’s presence.

                                                            1 Corinthians 1:27-29 

Are you feeling weak, forgotten or rejected by the world today?  God does not choose the strong but the weak, the foolish, the rejected.  God chooses you!

Pray first.  Then step out!

Share your story

Do you have an experience of God’s breakthrough in your own life or someone else’s which you wish to share?  A miraculous healing or escape from peril?  Go to the comment page and share with other readers.  To God be the glory!

Angels seen and unseen

/ Patty Morris / 2 Comments

An American businessman I know was returning to his hotel in a foreign city one night. Exiting his taxi, Paul (not his real name) was suddenly confronted by a menacing gang of some eight young toughs. They came at him out of the shadows brandishing metal pipes and knives. Looking for a quick escape, Paul glanced behind him and saw a dark giant looming over him. Suddenly the gang saw the same fearsome being! They panicked, dropped their weapons, and fled in terror!

Paul turned back to thank the stranger who had saved his life. But he saw no one there. A huge angel had miraculously appeared out of the dark to his rescue and then just as quickly vanished from sight. God had briefly revealed the angel’s powerful presence in order to scare away the bad guys.

Shaken but secure, Paul thanked God for his divine rescue. God was answering his prayers, and those of his family, for his protection.

When your enemies appear to be coming at you with overwhelming force, remember the Lord God Almighty is with you. Seen or unseen, Jesus is Lord of heaven’s armies. He is mighty to save. His giant warring angels are ready to rescue you. Be prayed up each day before you venture out. Take time to call on the Lord, and He will sustain you. Whatever your situation, He will never leave you nor forsake you.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress,

My God.  In Him I will trust.”

                                                      Psalm 91:1-2 (NKJV)

Seeing through eyes of faith

The Bible relates many dramatic stories of angels seen and unseen coming to the aid of God’s people. The prophet Elisha woke up one morning to find his city surrounded by an enemy army seeking to kill him (2 Kings 6:14-17) . His servant was in a panic. But not Elisha. He was a man of prayer, who lived close to God. Elisha saw through eyes of faith. He trusted in God’s protection.

“Do not fear, for more are those who are with us than those are with them.” Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, that he may see.” God lifted the veil to the spiritual realm, revealing a much larger force of angels, horses and chariots of fire appearing on the mountains above them. No physical battle was necessary. The angels threw the enemy army into such confusion that they went home peacefully and never again bothered Elisha or his people.

2020 vision—truth revealed

Looking around us in this new year 2020, we see dangers threatening us on many fronts. The evil forces against us, our families, our leaders, our nation and our God–can appear enormous. But as God’s precious children, we must look beyond what others see, beyond what the media are reporting. Looking through eyes of faith, we see our God is more than enough for every battle. We are victorious in Him. That is God’s truth.

We don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen.

For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal.

                                                                2 Corinthians 4:18 (TPT)

We are never alone. God surrounds us with His glorious presence to strengthen and protect us. Jesus is Lord of heaven’s armies. He is mighty to save.

When you see yourself as small, weak and defenseless, the enemy will see you that way too. Time to put on your God-given lenses. See the situation accurately from God’s perspective. Remember Whose you are. You are not alone. You and God make up a mighty majority, which no enemy can withstand. Enemies of danger, violence, fear and doubt, sickness and lack, quake at the Name of Jesus.

Submit yourself to God and the evil one must flee, for we resist him in the Name of Jesus. Tell the enemy to go. See him flee in terror. He is so afraid of you.

    Safe and secure

    Put on your 2020 vision glasses. And see things clearly now. There is more going on here than we can see with our natural eyes. The Lord Jesus and His angels are everywhere protecting America, protecting God’s children. Together you and God are more than enough to win.

    Share your own story of breakthrough…

    Do you have a dramatic story of heavenly intervention in your own life? Have you experienced supernatural grace that rescued you from peril? Perhaps God healed you from an incurable disease. He warned you to miss a plane that later crashed. Or he chased a burglar out of your house. Whatever your story, we invite you to share it with our readers, to inspire others with 2020 vision and raise our expectations to see God’s glory in our own lives. Go to the Comment page to share your story. And thanks! We look forward to hearing from you.

    Launch time

    / Patty Morris / Leave a comment

    Are you in a hurry to launch out into your destiny? You may feel you are ready. But sometimes God says wait. While delays and setbacks can be frustrating, they can actually work to your advantage. They give us time to prepare, to get ready for the next step, the promotion to come. Learning to wait patiently with a good attitude is evidence of our perseverance and maturity. God is positioning you for success.

    God’s timetable

    Most of the time, God is not in a hurry.  He is more interested in shaping your character than your success. 

    God’s timing is like a launch pad sequence.  There is a God-ordained series of events and character-shaping trials which must take place before He can launch us into our destinies.  We must pass every test and make every necessary connection before it is safe for God to launch us into power.  If we are promoted too soon, we may attribute our success to our own efforts.  Soon our own arrogance will cause us to trip and fall. The launch will fry and fizzle.

    Sometimes failure is part of God’s plan.  To humble you and get you ready for promotion later.  To help you learn patience and forgiveness.

    When you make mistakes or when you are going through an extended season of waiting, do not think God has rejected you.  God does not reject His children.  He LOVES His children as a tender LOVING Father embraces His little ones. He LOVES you just as much when you are successful as when you fail. He LOVES you just as much in the setbacks as in the exciting lift-offs.

    You do not forfeit your future just because you made some mistakes.  Your future is not forfeited—it is fortified by the power and grace of God.

    God is all about relationship, not religion.  He wants to be your Father, your best friend, your provider, your healer, your savior in every situation.  He wants to be your partner in success, the author of your success.  Lean on Him.  Rely on His wisdom and strength.  His timing.  Follow His lead.  Do it His way—not yours.  Take time to learn from Him. He is your perfect Father.  Study your Bible. Listen for His voice.  Wait for the go-ahead from Him.  He will supply all you need at just the right time. The Lord never fails. See your setback as a setup for a comeback.

    Suddenly

    History is full of divine “suddenly” promotions. Moments of divine intervention when God suddenly—after many years of preparation–launched the world’s so-called losers into positions of power and authority.  Remember the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50), who was wrongfully enslaved and imprisoned for many years in Egypt–until God suddenly supernaturally lifted him out of the dungeon to become prime minister!  As pharaoh’s right hand man, Joseph became God’s instrument to save His people from starvation in time of famine.  What had looked like a lifetime sentence of hopeless imprisonment for Joseph was suddenly revealed as part of God’s divinely orchestrated master plan of salvation for His people!

    Think of Moses, who as a young man ran ahead of God’s timing and took it upon himself to kill an abusive Egyptian soldier.  Realizing he had been seen, Prince Moses fled in fear to the desert.  He spent the next forty years hiding there, tending sheep, condemned to apparent obscurity forever. Until one day, at just the right time, the Lord showed up miraculously in a burning bush, calling Moses to lead His people to freedom. In spite of Moses’ objections trying to disqualify himself, the Lord quickly transformed this leader of sheep into a liberator, leading millions of people out of slavery into freedom.

    Never give up

    During World War I, a young and daring Winston Churchill suffered disgrace as First Lord of the Admiralty, famously leading the British Navy to disaster in the battle at Gallipoli. Receiving blame for this defeat, fairly or unfairly, Churchill resigned and was demoted to commanding a small army battalion in Scotland.  It appeared that Churchill’s government career was over.  Yet, in fact, it had barely begun.  God used that defeat to strengthen Churchill and teach him the value of perseverance.  It was part of his preparation to become Britain’s prime minister.  God was not punishing Churchill but setting him up for promotion at just the right time.  The disgraced and rejected Churchill overcame historic defeat to lead his people to historic triumph. By the grace of God, against overwhelming odds, Churchill rose up to lead Britain and the free world to victory over Hitler and Nazi Germany in World War II.  Rallying and inspiring his people with soaring rhetoric, Churchill became one of the great leaders in world history.

    “Never give in.  Never give in.  Never never never never—in nothing great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense….

    “Do not let us speak of darker days; let us speak rather of sterner days.  These are not dark days; these are great days—the greatest days our country has ever lived; and we must all thank God that we have been allowed, each of us according to our stations, to play a part in making these days memorable in the history of our race.”

                          Winston Churchill, October 29, 1941, at Harrow School

    Joseph, Moses, Churchill–to the world these men looked for many years like losers, rejected by both God and man. Definitely not politically correct, not leadership material. Then suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, God launched these humbled men into positions of high authority and great success.  Of course, behind the scenes, God had been at work in their lives all the time—in good times and bad–secretly preparing His chosen ones, shaping their character, teaching them patience, perseverance and obedience.  So that when they were promoted, they would give glory to God, realizing their dependence on the Almighty One.

    Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.      (Galatians 6:9)

    Since God in His mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. (2 Corinthians 4:1)

    Destiny awaits

    God is an exceedingly generous and wise Father. He is, in fact, the perfect Father. He wants the best for us, His beloved children. But He recognizes when we are not yet mature enough to handle the extravagant goodness and promotion which He plans to provide. He knows that too much too soon could ruin us.

    So be patient. God has a great destiny planned for you. Wait on the Lord’s timing. Agree with Churchill. Never never never never give up!

    The countdown to launch you has begun. Take your position on the launch pad. Your destiny awaits. The best is yet to come! To God be the glory!

    When God speaks

    / Patty Morris / Leave a comment

    Ask the Lord to speak to you. And He will respond. A soft whisper in your heart. Or a blazing fire in the desert. It is God’s heart desire to communicate with you, His favorite child. His words are pregnant with meaning for you. New hope Fresh perspective. Encouragement. Direction. And lots of LOVE.

    Read what God has already written in your Bible. Ask Him specifically where you should read. The Holy Spirit will highlight verses that come alive to you off the pages.

    Sometimes you will hear His quiet voice speaking deep in your spirit in prayer. The Lord may speak to you through dreams and visions, signs and wonders. Or all of the above. He may speak to you through a friend or teacher. Do not limit God. He is full of surprises. He spoke to Moses through a fire!

    Ask in faith believing you will hear from Him. There will be times of silence, but that’s just another test designed for you to pass. Wait quietly, patiently, knowing an outpouring of His LOVE and grace is on the way.

    Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character. (Psalm 105:19)

    Keep your spiritual eyes and ears open.

    Write it down. Whatever the Lord tells you, write it down. Every word of God is precious and worthy of remembrance. Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom to understand and apply the word to your life. His supernatural insights and encouragement are just what you need to get you through the days ahead.

    Of course, there are many voices out there. Make sure the voice you hear is of God. Ask the spirit if Jesus Christ of Nazareth is his Lord. If he can agree, you will know that voice is from God. If not, silence that voice in Jesus’ name. Do not listen anymore.

    Ask God for dreams and visions, signs and songs, inventions and creative ideas. He will give them to you. Write them down. And as you do, ask Him for interpretations of these dreams, visions, signs, songs, and ideas. His ways are higher than our ways. He often speaks in metaphors and parables. Their meaning may be profound. What seems clear to us at first may only be a shadow of what the Holy Spirit is really trying to communicate. So ask Him to interpret what He shows you–from His point of view. How can you apply that to your life? And write that down as well.

    Open my eyes, Lord, to see the miracle-wonders hidden in Your word. (Psalm 119:18)

    Stop and take a closer look. Take time away from your daily activities to hear the word of God. Do not be too busy to hear what God is saying. Moses had to turn away from shepherding his flock to investigate an amazing burning bush in the wilderness. Out of that fire, the Lord called Moses to his destiny–to deliver God’s people from bondage in Egypt. Moses had to give the burning bush more than a quick glance from afar. He had to take time away from his work, drawing near to the Lord to hear what He was saying. The Lord did not speak until Moses moved toward Him.

    When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. (Exodus 3:4)

    Follow. Whatever the Lord shows you to do, do it. Keep the faith. Trust in His timing, guided by His grace. God’s promise for the future may not come as quickly as you would like. But it will happen, just as the Lord has spoken to you–if you continue to believe and say so. Say, “I’m a believer, not a doubter.”

    Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you would only believe, you would see the glory of God.” (John 11:40)

    Thank God for His message to you. Take it to heart and do what He says to do. Be full of joyful expectation.

    Ask for more. There is always more in God. More is coming. Ask and you will receive. Stoke the fire by reading your Bible. Pray in your Holy Spirit-inspired prayer language to elevate the discourse. God answers prayer. He responds to an open heart eagerly seeking to know Him better.

    Love is the answer

    / Patty Morris / Leave a comment

    How is your love life?

    Relationships can be messy.  Conflicts are inevitable.  With all the division, quarreling and misunderstandings going on today, there seems to be only one real remedy–love.

    Love your friends.  Love your family and your supporters.  But don’t forget to love those who disagree with you.  And love your enemies–those who persecute you, criticize you and lie about you.  Pray for them.  Love them.  Especially those who disagree with you–even if they are wrong.

    Pray and ask the Lord for wisdom and patience.  He will show you how best to handle each situation.  If there is abuse involved, remove yourself from that situation.  If you need help, get it.

    But if a person is merely annoying you, making you angry, cover that person in prayer.  The Lord may give you insight as to why they are being so disagreeable.  God may tell you to bind the evil spirits that are deceiving that person.  Bind them in Jesus’ mighty Name.  Then ask God to send that person witnesses to the truth, witnesses to whom they will listen.  Declare by faith a spirit of love over your irritant.

    ” Receive this truth:  Whatever you forbid on earth shall be considered to be forbidden in heaven. and whatever you release on earth will be considered to be released in heaven.”                                                                             Matthew 18:18  (TPT)

    Many times the Lord will choose not to deliver us from trouble immediately but rather uphold us through that trial.  His goal is to develop our strength of character and endurance.  Our character is more important to God than our comfort level.

    Endurance means patience, perseverance.  Patience can be defined as love on trial, love refined and pure, selfishness conquered.  This trial of love could be painful, but the fruit of it is worth it  Let patience have its perfect work.

    Let’s see what our love life should look like. This is what God says He is working to develop in us.

    Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s LOVE in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything without weakening! Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].                                                                              1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (AMPC)

    Unconditional love that is patient and kind, not self-centered–that kind of love never fails!  God says so.  And He is always right.  He is LOVE Himself.

    So agree with God.  Stop complaining about that person who irritates you.  They may be just the sandpaper you need to smooth out your own rough edges.  Start calling yourself and your irritant patient and kind with each other.  Say that you are ever ready to believe the best about each other.  Be not touchy, fretful or resentful.  Take no offense with each other.  Instead, be quick to forgive.  Say these powerful words from the Bible out loud each day, and watch your relationships change.  God-given words spoken by a believer have great power and authority.  They have healed many a relationship, many a marriage.

    And in the meantime, if someone refuses to love you back–even after all your patience and kindness–just bless them and get on with your life.  Give them grace–not what they deserve.  No resentment.  No bitterness from you.  You go free from any burden of hatred or offense.

    How is it possible to love the unlovable? Only by the Spirit of God.  If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, His Spirit lives inside you.  Let Him have free rein in your life.  Let Him love the people through you.  Be His love letter.  Ask Him to help you.  Love is really the only answer.