Divine Healing: Understanding God's Heart for Our Health

In a world where sickness and disease are all too common, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to approach health from a spiritual perspective. Yet, as we delve into Scripture and examine God's heart for His people, we find a powerful message of hope and healing that can transform our understanding of sickness and divine health.

At the core of this message is a fundamental truth: sickness is an enemy. It was not part of God's original design for creation, but rather entered the world as a consequence of sin. This doesn't mean that every instance of sickness is directly caused by personal sin, but it does mean that sickness, as a whole, is not something we should passively accept as "just part of life."

Consider the story in John 9:1-3, where Jesus encounters a man blind from birth. His disciples ask, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus' response is enlightening: "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him." This passage teaches us two crucial lessons. First, not all sickness or disability is a direct result of personal sin. Second, even conditions present from birth can be opportunities for God to display His healing power.

This brings us to a critical point: the church's proper response to sickness should always begin with prayer for healing. We serve a God who describes Himself as Yahweh Rapha - the Lord who heals. When we encounter sickness, our first instinct should be to turn to Him in faith, believing that He has the power and the desire to make us whole.

However, it's important to note that seeking divine healing doesn't negate the use of practical wisdom or medical intervention. The Bible doesn't forbid the use of doctors or medicine. In fact, we see examples in Scripture of natural remedies being used (like figs for Hezekiah's boil) and even the apostle Luke was referred to as "the beloved physician." God often works through these means to bring about healing.

At the same time, we must be discerning. Not everything that appears to be a "condition" or "disorder" truly is. Our modern society has a tendency to over-diagnose and over-medicate, sometimes labeling as disorders what may simply be variations in personality or development. The story of Albert Einstein, a late talker who went on to become one of history's greatest minds, serves as a poignant reminder that we shouldn't be too quick to pathologize differences.

This doesn't mean we should dismiss all diagnoses or avoid seeking medical help. There are certainly cases where medical intervention is crucial - like a boy whose behavioral issues turned out to be caused by a brain tumor. The key is to seek God's wisdom and guidance in each situation, asking Him to direct our steps and reveal any spiritual roots that may be contributing to the problem.

Indeed, while not all sickness is caused by sin, we must acknowledge that sometimes there can be a spiritual component to our physical ailments. Unforgiveness, bitterness, or unrepented sin can sometimes open the door to sickness. In such cases, no amount of medication will fully resolve the issue until the spiritual root is addressed. This is why it's so important to bring our whole selves before God, asking Him to search our hearts and reveal anything that needs to be dealt with.

As we navigate these complex issues of health and healing, it's crucial to remember that God's desire is always for our wholeness. Whether we're dealing with a physical ailment, a mental health struggle, or a condition present from birth, we can confidently approach God, believing that He is able and willing to heal.

The story of the mother who prayed for her autistic child illustrates this beautifully. Rather than accepting the diagnosis as an unchangeable reality, she sought God's guidance. The result was a dramatic improvement in her child's behavior, to the point where doctors were amazed at the progress. This serves as a powerful reminder that nothing is beyond God's ability to heal or make whole, even conditions that are often considered permanent.

As we wrap up this reflection on divine healing, let's remember a few key points:

1. Sickness is an enemy, not something we should passively accept.
2. Not all sickness is caused by personal sin, but original sin and sickness are related.
3. Our first response to sickness should be prayer for healing.
4. We can use both spiritual and practical (including medical) means in pursuing health.
5. We need discernment to distinguish between true health issues and natural variations in human development.
6. Sometimes sickness can have spiritual roots that need to be addressed.
7. God is able and willing to heal, even conditions present from birth.

Let these truths sink deep into your heart. Allow them to shape your perspective on health and healing. Most importantly, let them draw you closer to Yahweh Rapha - the God who heals. He is not distant or unconcerned with our physical wellbeing. On the contrary, He cares deeply about every aspect of our health and invites us to bring our needs before Him in faith.

As you go about your week, consider how these principles might apply to your own life or the lives of those around you. Are there areas where you've been passively accepting sickness instead of actively seeking healing? Are there situations where you need to seek God's wisdom about the best course of action? Whatever your circumstances, remember that you serve a God who is both willing and able to bring healing and wholeness to every area of your life.

May you walk in divine health, experiencing the fullness of life that God intends for you. And may your faith be strengthened as you witness the manifestation of God's healing power in your life and in the lives of those around you!

Listen to the full sermon here.

Understanding Doubt in Prayer
When we approach God, it's not uncommon to be bogged down by feelings of defeat, unworthiness, or failure. These feelings can create a mindset of doubt, subtly infiltrating our prayers with a "just in case" attitude, as if we're bracing for disappointment. James 1:6 warns against such doubt, comparing a doubter to a wave tossed by the wind, highlighting the instability it brings to our spiritual lives.

The Faith-Doubt Dichotomy
The phenomenon of praying with doubt, as described in James 1:6-8, reveals a dual mindset where faith and doubt coexist, leading to a lack of expectation in God's response. This "double-minded" state, where belief in God's existence is overshadowed by skepticism about His willingness to respond, undermines the essence of prayer, which Hebrews 11:6 states is to believe not only that God exists but that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Asking in Faith
James calls us to ask in faith, without doubting (James 1:5-8). To ask in faith is to be fully persuaded of God's ability and willingness to respond. It implies an expectation of receiving, grounded not in our worthiness but in His gracious nature. This expectation should be the same whether we seek wisdom, as James specifically mentions, or any other good thing within God's will.

The Right Expectation
While it's true that not all requests are granted as we envision, James encourages us to approach God with the expectation that He gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5). This doesn't mean every specific request will be answered as we wish; rather, it underscores the importance of the disposition with which we ask, knowing that He will answer, and that His answer will always be with an expression of His goodness toward us, even when it looks different than we would have wanted. Asking in faith means trusting in God's good character and His ultimate goodness towards us, even when His answers differ from the specifics of our expectations.

The Role of Persistence in Prayer
Jesus emphasizes persistence in prayer (Matthew 7:7-8), encouraging us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking. This persistence, coupled with faith, underlines the belief that God is not only capable of responding but also inclined to respond favorably to His children.  In other words, who gets to decide when God has "not answered" your prayer?  What's the cuttoff?  The woman with the issue of blood waited 12 years (Luke 8:43-48).  The man at the pool of Bethesda was disabled for 38 years when Jesus healed him (John 5:1-18).  What if instead of resigning ourselves to a mentality of "the circumstances will never change", God instead wants you to keep praying until you receive the answer you were asking for?  Don't stop short of a breakthrough simply because you haven't seen it yet!  

Realigning Our Perspective
Our approach to prayer should not be marred by doubt or a defeatist attitude. Instead, it should reflect a deep-seated confidence in God's goodness and faithfulness. This means adjusting our perspective from one of skepticism to one of hopeful expectation. When we understand that our Heavenly Father desires to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:9-11), our prayers can transcend doubt and be imbued with genuine faith.

Practical Steps Towards Faith-Filled Prayer

1. Recognize and Address Doubt: Confront doubts and ask God to help you overcome unbelief (Mark 9:24).
2. Persist in Prayer: Don't let discouragement stop you. Keep asking, trusting that God hears and responds (Matthew 7:7-8).
3. Reflect on God's Faithfulness: Remind yourself of past answered prayers and God's goodness in your life (2 Corinthians 1:10).
4. Understand God's Fatherly Character: Let the Holy Spirit correct any distorted views of God, aligning your understanding with His true nature of love and provision. (Matthew 7:11).

Conclusion
Asking in faith is not about coercing God into fulfilling our desires but aligning our requests with His will and trusting in His response. It requires shedding the layers of doubt that cloud our prayers and embracing a posture of confident expectation. As we grow in understanding and experiencing God's faithfulness, our prayers can become a powerful expression of our trust in Him, shaped by the certainty that He is both able and willing to respond generously to those who seek Him earnestly.

Deep Dives into Repentance, Baptism, and Divine Unity

In the second part of our exploration of Matthew 3, we delve deeper into themes of repentance, baptism, divine unity, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. This passage offers profound insights into the nature of true repentance, the significance of baptism, and the indissoluble unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Let's unpack these themes, guided by the scriptures, to understand how they can saturate our lives with divine truth and transformation.

The Call to Genuine Repentance and Fruitfulness

• Gentile Inclusion (Matthew 3:9-10): The admonition to not rely on ancestral lineage for favor with God serves as a reminder that divine kinship is about faith and obedience, not ethnicity. This inclusivity extends an invitation to all, regardless of background or past failures, emphasizing that what matters is our current trajectory towards God.
• Repentance and Fruit-bearing: Repentance is not just a one-time act but a continual posture of the heart towards God. It involves turning from sin and bearing fruit in alignment with God's kingdom (Matthew 3:8). This is a clear call to live lives that reflect our transformation and commitment to God's will.

The Baptism of Water and Spirit

• John's Humility and Jesus's Supremacy (Matthew 3:11): John the Baptist exemplifies humility, recognizing his role as the forerunner to Jesus, the true baptizer with the Holy Spirit and fire. This distinction underscores Jesus's divine authority and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit baptism that believers are invited to experience.
• Holy Spirit and Fire (Matthew 3:11-12): The baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire symbolizes purification and empowerment for believers. The Holy Spirit refines us, burning away impurities and igniting us with passion for God's mission. However, this process also involves judgment for those who reject God's call, emphasizing the need for sincere repentance and surrender to God.

The Unity of the Trinity

• Divine Harmony (Matthew 3:11, 16-17): The Trinity's unified work in salvation and sanctification is beautifully illustrated in Jesus's baptism. The Father's voice, the Son's obedience, and the Spirit's anointing highlight the seamless operation of the Godhead. This unity challenges us to avoid creating unnecessary distinctions within the Trinity, encouraging us to embrace the mystery of God's triune nature with reverence and awe.

 
The Coronation of the Beloved Son

• Jesus's Baptism as Coronation (Matthew 3:13-17): Jesus's baptism signifies more than just the initiation of his public ministry; it represents his divine coronation. The heavens opening and the Spirit descending as a dove affirm Jesus's identity as God's beloved Son, the Messiah King, anointed to redeem and reconcile humanity to God.
• The Pleasure of the Father: The Father's declaration of pleasure over Jesus invites us into a relationship where, through Christ, we too become recipients of God's delight. In Christ, we are not viewed through the lens of our failures but are seen as beloved children, fully pleasing to God.

Application for Our Lives
The lessons from Matthew 3 beckon us to embrace a life of genuine repentance, marked by an ongoing transformation that bears fruit in accordance with God's kingdom. We are invited to experience the deep cleansing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, aligning our lives with God's will and purposes.
Moreover, understanding the unity of the Trinity enriches our relationship with God, allowing us to approach Him with confidence and love, knowing that in Christ, we have been made part of God's family. This divine adoption challenges us to live in a manner that reflects our heavenly lineage, pursuing righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
As we reflect on these truths, let us commit to a deeper walk with God, saturated by His presence, guided by His Word, and empowered by His Spirit to impact our world with the gospel's transforming power.

In the spiritual journey of seeking God, it’s essential to understand not just the "why" but also the "how." This year, we're dedicating ourselves to seeking the Lord in a more profound and structured way. Inspired by the examples of Anna in Luke 2 and the early church in Acts 13, our aim is to draw closer to God, seeking His kingdom, His will, and His righteousness. Here's how we can do that, supported by the enduring wisdom of Scripture.

• The Foundations of Our Seeking
  Seeking His Kingdom and Righteousness: At the heart of our seeking is the desire to know God more intimately and to align our lives with His will and character (Matthew 6, John 17:3, 1 Chronicles 28:9). This involves a commitment to obedience and a deep yearning to understand who God is.

• How to Seek the Lord
  1. Through His Word
     Scriptural Engagement (Psalm 119:10, Psalm 119:2): The primary way to know God is through His Word. The Bible is not just a text; it's the living voice of the Lord speaking to us today. Engaging deeply with Scripture is the first step in seeking God, as it reveals His will and character
  2. Through Prayer
     Direct Communication (Deuteronomy 4:7, Psalm 145:18): Prayer is our direct line to God, a way to come near to Him and to express our desires, fears, and joys. Jesus taught us to pray by prioritizing worship, seeking God's kingdom, and then presenting our needs (Luke 11).
  3. Through Fasting
     Spiritual Intensification: Fasting, accompanied by prayer, is a powerful spiritual discipline. It's not about self-punishment but about expressing our deep hunger for God over even our most basic physical needs. Fasting can be a time of worship, seeking God's will, and empowerment for spiritual warfare.  Please note, mourning is one of the most basic reasons for fasting, and because Jesus is risen, the default mode of the church is not mourning, which is why you will not see fasting listed as a command in the New Testament.  It has a valuable place in the New Testament, as an act of volitional worship and seeking God's will, and is not meant to be perpetual or for the sake of asceticism or "proving" to yourself that you're especially spiritual or worthy! 

• Practical Steps in Seeking
  • Engage with the Word Daily: Make reading and meditating on Scripture a daily habit. Let it be the first voice you hear each day.
  • Pray Continuously: Incorporate prayer into your daily life, not just in moments of need but as a continuous conversation with God.
  • Consider a Fasting Journey: From January 8-28, consider joining a communal fast. Whether it's an absolute fast, a liquid-only fast, or a partial fast, choose what's safe and meaningful for you.

• Tips for Effective Fasting
  • Intentionality is Key: Fasting should be more than just skipping meals; it's a dedicated time of seeking God's presence and will.
  • Be Prepared for Temptation: Just as Jesus faced temptation, expect challenges but use them as opportunities to deepen your reliance on God.
  • Adapt to Your Needs: Fasting looks different for everyone. Adjust your approach based on your health and circumstances.
  • Incorporate Community: Join others in prayer and fasting. Community support can be incredibly enriching and motivating.

Conclusion:
As we embark on this journey of seeking God in 2024, let's approach it with hearts full of expectation. By delving into His Word, communicating through prayer, and fasting, we open ourselves up to a deeper relationship with God, to understand His will more clearly, and to align our lives with His kingdom. This is not just a pursuit for the start of the year but a foundation for our daily lives. Let's seek Him with all that we are, confident in His promise that when we seek Him wholeheartedly, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

As we welcome another year, it's customary for us to gather, reflect on the past, and set our sights on the horizon of what's to come. Traditionally, this has been a time for announcing our annual theme, a beacon to guide our collective journey through the New Year. This year, however, we've decided to approach things a bit differently. Instead of launching straight into our activities and initiatives on January 1, we're dedicating the entire month of January to simply seek the Lord. This shift in tradition stems from a realization that December, often filled with preparations and celebrations, leaves little room for rest or spiritual recalibration.

Why the Change?

• December as a Time to Feast: In December, we feast - we rest, rejoice in celebrating the Lord, and enjoy time with our families.
• January as a Time to Fast and Seek: January becomes a period to fast and seek the Lord. This strategic separation of feasting and fasting allows for a more focused and meaningful engagement with our spiritual pursuits.
• Announcing the Theme in Alignment: As we conclude January, having spent time seeking the Lord, we will announce the theme for 2024. This process ensures that our hearts are in one accord, fully immersed in the flow of the Holy Spirit, without the need for a ramp-up period.

What Are We Seeking For?
Our pursuit is twofold, deeply rooted in the scriptures:

1. The Kingdom of God and His Righteousness (Matthew 6:31-33): We seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all our needs will be met as a result. This priority aligns our desires with the Lord's, ensuring our pursuits are not merely for earthly gains but for spiritual enrichment and alignment with God's will.
2. The Lord's Provision for Our Needs (Matthew 7:7-11): We seek the Lord's provision, believing that He is a generous Father who gives good gifts to His children. This act of seeking goes beyond worldly desires, focusing instead on the fulfillment that comes from God's provision and presence.

The Importance of Seeking

• Seeking as an Act of Worship: In Hebrew, the act of seeking is synonymous with worship. It is an external expression of an inner longing, a testament to what we value and prioritize. What we seek is a clear indicator of the direction, focus, and orientation of our lives.
• The Dangers of Misplaced Desires: Pursuing invalid desires or placing them above God can lead to spiritual slumber and idolatry. When we seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, our priorities and affections are realigned, dethroning any idolatrous desires.
• The Blessings of Rightful Seeking: As we align our desires with the Kingdom, we open ourselves to the blessings intended for us. Seeking the Lord first ensures that our valid desires, such as purpose, belonging, provision, safety, and relationship, are met in a manner that glorifies God and enriches our lives.

The Mechanics of Seeking

• Seek with the Right Order: Our seeking must follow a divine order - first the Kingdom and His righteousness, then our personal needs and desires. This hierarchy ensures that our pursuits are aligned with God's will, leading to a life that is both fulfilled and honoring to Him.
• Seeking as a Continuous Journey: The scriptures encourage us to seek the Lord and His strength, to continually seek His presence (1 Chronicles 16:11, Psalm 14:2, Psalm 119:10, Amos 5:4, Psalm 27:8). This journey of seeking is not a one-time event but a lifelong pursuit.

Conclusion: The Promise of Seeking
As we embark on this journey of seeking in 2024, we are reminded of the promises embedded in God's word. He assures us that those who seek Him will find Him when they seek Him with all their heart (Jeremiah 29:13). This year, let us commit to seeking the Lord wholeheartedly, trusting that in doing so, we will uncover the depth of His love, provision, and guidance for our lives.
May this year of SEEK 2024 be a transformative one, where our collective seeking leads us into deeper waters of faith, community, and divine purpose. Let's embrace this call with open hearts, ready to receive and be led by the Spirit into all that God has prepared for us.

There Is Purpose In The Pain

Psalm 10:17-18
17 O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
18 to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

2 Cor. 4:17
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Rom. 8:28
28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Life is full of difficulties. Hard times come for us all. Whether facing health issues, financial troubles, loss of loved ones, or other struggles, suffering is an inevitable part of the human experience. But if you life belongs to Jesus, there is hope to be found even in the darkest of days, and there is always Purpose in the Pain.  

Here's what you need to know:

God Hears Us, Even When Circumstances Don't Change 
Ps. 10:17 "...you hear the desire of the afflicted"
Sometimes circumstances remain difficult despite prayers for relief, and it can make us feel like God doesn't care.  But nothing could be further from the truth.  God cares deeply about His people even in times of suffering, and He hears every prayer we pray, especially in times of trouble.  

God is not Sadistic, He Is Going To Help You!
Ps. 10:18: "...you will incline your ear to do justice..."
God doesn't enjoy our suffering. And God is not going to leave you without help for the problem you're facing.  The Bible is full of testimonies of God's delivering power for His people.  No matter how bad things get, we should always believe God for miraculous intervention in our situations.  But we should also know...

God's priority is strengthening our hearts, before changing our circumstances.  
Ps. 10:18: "...you will strengthen their heart..."
If the state of our heart is dependent on God changing our situation, our hope and trust is not centered on Him, but on our circumstances. God wants to teach our hearts to trust in Him regardless of the circumstance. This is why God prioritizes ministering to our hearts before changing our circumstances.  Because...

True Peace Is Not The Absence Of Trouble, But the Presence of God.

"Philippians 4:6-7 "...the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
True peace is found in God alone. When our heart is set on Him, our joy will endure regardless of whatever difficulty we face, and we can experience peace that passes understanding.

There is Purpose in Pain
2 Cor. 4:17 "...For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
While we may not always see it, God is working through our trials. It can be hard to accept, and it doesn't mean we won't struggle with how our trials affect our feelings.  But it does mean that there is no pain we experience in life that will be for nothing.  so...

Don’t run from Trouble, but don’t camp in it either.
 Not facing the problem means not finding the blessing God is working out through it.  Focusing on enduring the suffering without believing God for deliverance gives us a twisted view of God's love and care for us.  

Not Everything Comes From God, But God Works Everything Together
...For Our Good:
Rom 8:28 "...we know that God causes all things to work together for the good..."
While not all things come from God, He works through all circumstances for the good of those who love Him. This is why Jesus could endure the horror of the cross; because of the joy of eternal life, freedom, power, and purpose it would bring (Heb. 12:2).

...For His Glory:
Matt 26:39 "...Father not my will yours be done.”
Ultimately, our lives belong to God, and His purpose is greater than our own, and this is much more important than our own personal gain. This means...

Conclusion:
"I do not believe that everything that happens is, by default, what God wanted to happen. There are some situations where people are simply opposing God’s will and need to be confronted with rebuke. There are some situations where enemies are trying to hinder the work of the Kingdom in our life and warfare needs to be made.  But there's another kind of situation, where what looks like an enemy or a problem, is actually God working... even though it feels like a storm, it’s actually the wind of God's Spirit, blowing in the sails of the ship, to bring it to the place it needs to be."

- Pastor Sean Davis