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Saturday 22 September 2018

The manual of Emmanuel

When we lived in West Wales my husband was given statins when he went to the doctor's surgery (he had suffered a minor stroke some years previous) .  The statins were causing him to have rather harsh pain in the lower leg.  I knew, from working in care work, that one of the side effects of statins was this pain.  I looked up the side affects of that particular brand and found that all the side effects listed were what my husband was suffering.  It was not just pain in the legs.
He went back to the GP and told him of the severe pain.  Then he was given a different brand of statins. I looked up the side effects of those and found them to have even worse side affects than the previous ones. 
 
I am being shown more and more that it is the Great Physician, our Father God, that I must look to for healing of any kind.  This morning I opened my Bible to read and opened to the page about Lazarus being raised from the dead.  There was a verse that I had underlined some time back, where Jesus was speaking these words to Martha, Lazarus' sister:- ' Did I not tell you that if you would believe, you would see the Glory of God?' 
It is all about believing and having no doubt, as stated by Jesus in Mark ch. 11 vs. 23 - 25:-
 
'Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you , whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours, and when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your trespasses as well.”…

There are two manuals that I can look at when I become ill, and it is down to me which one I choose, as reflected in a poem that I wrote many years ago:-


'The Journal'
I looked into the medical journal 
to see if my sickness was there
scanned pages from start to finish  
my symptoms and pain to compare
I found there all sorts of malignants 
from tumours to non - healing sores
bone fractures, coughs, colds and contagious 
diseases were there in their scores
I didn't feel better for reading 
I have to admit I felt worse
For the words written there spoke no blessing 
only page after page of a curse
So I looked in another great journal 
this too spoke of symptoms and pain
the symptoms were those of rebellion and sin 
but the pain there was all for man's gain
Yes the symptoms were mine and the rest of mankind
they were sorrow and torment and loss
but the pain was my Lord's to redeem many souls
as He hung in our place on that cross
So I'll close the big book that speaks only of strife
inflicted by Satan - the liar
and I'll open the book that brings blessing and life
The one written of Jesus - Messiah

The Bible is the greatest 'manual' (a book giving instructions or information) that I could look to for my healing.

27 comments:

Sandi said...

Brenda,

I have a friend who is a pharmacist. She likes to say every medication has side effects, so the choice is really between the symptoms of the illness or the symptoms of the cure. Which one is less awful? I suppose it's our imperfect way of grasping for healing. Divine healing is better.

Sandi said...

Just realized I used the word cure.

Hmm... do our modern medicines cure? It seems like they only treat the symptoms, like a bandage on a wound, but no one tries to repair the wound or even find the cause of it.

Brenda said...

Hi Sandi,
I believe, and know, that Divine healing is available to us, as God has made available to us the Spiritual gifts,(1 Corinthians ch. 12) and I have experienced both a miraculous healing and other healings We must not forget that what is not possible with man is possible with God.

Laurie Collett said...

Amen, Brenda! Your post is a great encouragement to me today in our dance ministry, as we need to trust in Him alone for power and inspiration to perform six strenuous dances in two shows. As we learned in medical school, all drugs are selective poisons, but in contrast, the Bible teaches us that God's blessings are pure and without sorrows. God bless you.

Brenda said...

Hi Laurie,
I pray that our Lord will give you the power and inspiration to perform your dances today. In Him we trust and I am sure you will say, as I do, 'I will love thee O Lord my strength.'
God bless you and yours Laurie.

Keith said...

It's interesting that most Bible scholars translate the Greek word, Pharmakeia, as witchcraft. Therefore, every time you read witchcraft, in the Bible, it should be read as Pharmacology or Drug Dealer. Pharmekeia means those who use and/or administers drugs. This Greek word implies that Pharmacists, Drug Dealers and Drug Users are in the same boat. Furthermore, Galations 5:19-21 says that these individuals will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Just some food for thought.

Brenda said...

Hi Keith,
I always enjoy eating that kind of 'food', the bread of life.
Thank you for sharing that. So doesn't this say that we should not be taking pharmaceutical drugs?

Keith said...

Hey Brenda, the Greek word used, indicates a mind altering drug, which honestly could mean any painkiller, tranquilizer, etc...anything the alters our perception. However, there are those herbal remedies that do not alter our perception of reality. I honestly think that it's a prohibition against opening ourselves to an alternate reality, such as a doorway leading to demon possession.

Brenda said...

That's right Keith, herbal remedies are totally different, but they are not prescribed by the medical profession.

Brenda said...

Also Keith, those painkillers would not have been around in the days of Aza and the woman who was bleeding for all those years, and yet Aza died because he went to the physician instead of the Lord and the woman got worse because of going to the physician. Doesn't this indicate that the Lord is the only One we must go to for healing, and shouldn't we pray for the gifts to operate in the church as they should?

Keith said...

Hi Brenda. There’s a balance in all things. I have great faith and expect that God will do everything I asked for, as long as it’s within his will. However, I would be lying to tell you that God answers all my prayers of healing. He has plans that are beyond our comprehension. Therefore, he puts things into motion, naturally, without his intervention, to test our faith.

Consider yourself most fortunate that God answers all of your healing prayers, because he doesn’t do that all the time, for everyone. He does allow healing in different forms in order for our faith to grow.

As for the medical industry, there has been many medical advances that glorify God. To ignore those would be to give the glory to Satan. I will do that.

Yes I do believe that the remnant possesses the gifts of the Holy Spirit and uses them correctly.

Yes, I do believe that we need to continually pray and look to God‘s Word for guidance. However, as I have said before, not everyone within the church is part of the remnant. The evidence is clear that some abuse or misuse or misrepresent the gifts to lead people down the path of a false doctrine. A great example is that there are many people that say if you are not healed then you lack the faith, which is totally anti-scriptural. We need to look to, as your post indicates, God manual, the Bible.

As far as drugs not being available to the ancients, I disagree. There is plenty evidence, both written and archaeological, that reveals that the ancients had advanced knowledge in pharmaceuticals. Now, with that said, the modern day pharmaceutical industry have outdone theirselves and have created many new concoctions. As I have stated before, I do not use these pharmaceuticals. However, I do believe that God has made his natural herbs and medicines to assist in pain and for antibiotics. I do believe that pharmaceuticals take your focus off of God and put it onto man.

So, to sum it all up, I believe in the gift of healing. This healing power is God‘sto wield alone, not ours. We do not have total control over these gifts. I also believe that God does not heal all the time, in order to test our faith. If God healed all the time, then what good would faith be, because it wouldn’t be required.

Brenda said...

Hi Keith,
I have to say that where you say:-' As for the medical industry, there has been many medical advances that glorify God. To ignore those would be to give the glory to Satan. I will do that.' I am not sure that I understand what you are saying here.
Where you say that you believe that God does not heal all the time, in order to test our faith:- I would say that we receive the healing from God when we believe without doubt, and I believe I am going through a trial right now as I have had terrific pain in my lower back and could not even turn in bed with it. I have asked the Lord to increase my faith and help me in any area of unbelief, and He has shown me scripture after scripture to encourage me to trust Him,Mark ch. 9 vs. 23-25.
Today I have endeavoured to take every thought captive and bring it into obedience to that Word spoken to me. Jesus is the Word of God and is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and the enemy only has a power when we allow him into our carnal mind, and listen to him instead of listening to God's voice spoken to us through the mind of Christ.
My back is almost completely free from pain and I am determined not to allow the enemy to cause any doubt in my mind.
I have to say that I do believe that it is lack of faith in that Word that causes us not to receive all that God has for us as scripture says that faith is the 'substance' of things hoped for.
This is not meant as an argument Keith,it is just a sharing of my testimony.

Keith said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Keith said...

Hi Brenda. I didn’t think we were arguing. I was just clarifying my position. That’s all.

One of my problems, when I write, is leaving out words. Sometimes I even re-read my writing and actually read the word that is not there. :-) LOL My wife laughs at me for that. I meant to say I will not do that. I will not give glory to Satan for things that benefit man, to the glory of God.

The Word of God does disagree with your statement that God gives us healing when we ask without doubt. Three Biblical examples come to mind, to counter that exclusive position.

1. God doesn’t heal someone so his glory may be revealed in Jesus or other servants.

2. A Sin which requires accountability from multiple generations.

3. A previous sin, which God wants you to remember. This was Paul‘s problem when he referenced a “thorn in his side”, which he asked God to heal many times. Can we say Paul lacked the faith when asking God to heal him? .

Did God heal you? Absolutely! I praise God for your healing and the fact that you give God the glory for it. I praise God for your faithfulness that you will continue to ask God for healing for yourself and others. I think God for your testimony concerning his healing. However, we need to be careful when telling others about God‘s healing because there may be other reasons that God does not heal, as I mentioned above.

Brenda said...

I don't understand the first two examples Keith, and I am not sure where they say that in the Bible. Regarding the third one about Paul the apostle, I believe he did not get healed because he was boasting, and it was to prevent him from being conceited. I do not feel at any time to boast about any healing from God, I only feel to glorify Him and encourage others to seek Him for healing.
I know that the Lord has told me to share my testimonies due to a poem He gave to me many years ago saying that I would, and also speaking to me through the scripture 'And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death'. I believe that where it says that they loved not their lives unto death, it is saying that they will not regard saving their lives any other way than through that Word.

Brenda said...

By the way Keith, I know we are not arguing. I said that in my previous comment so that you would know that what I say in answer to your comments is not 'argumentative'.

Keith said...

1. God doesn’t heal someone so his glory may be revealed in Jesus or other servants.

...and His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:2-3

2.A Sin which requires accountability from multiple generations.

The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and egracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast flove and faithfulness, gkeeping steadfast love for thousands,forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” Exodus 34:6-7

…for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me. Deuteronomy 5:9

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people. Romans 5:12

As for #3, I'll give you the possibility of boasting, leading to conceit. However, that was Paul's speculation, not the fact. If you read 2Cor 12, you'll find that's how it's written. If we consult the Bible, for the answer, then we find Numbers 33:55. Paul used a term, "Thorn in the side.", because his writers understood the reference. It was most likely due to an egregious sin of Pauls, most likely the early persecution of the Remnant. Sure, Paul believe and became an apostle, but required a physical "knock-down", from God, to for him to believe. Paul didn't come to God, without God having to reveal himself to him.

By the way, two other incidences just popped into my mind, to support my overall belief.

In Philippians 2:27 Epaphroditus was sick to the point of death? Also, in 1 Timothy 5:23, Timothy was encouraged to use a little wine for his stomach and frequent ailments. Why didn't God heal these servants or use Paul or other servants to heal? I believe that God used these incidences to increase their faith and the faith of others or test them to rely on God, in all times of trouble.

Good Conversation, Brenda.

Just as you use steel to sharpen steel, one friend sharpens another.

Brenda said...

That's right Keith, I see nothing wrong in natural things, like red wine made from grapes. However, regarding everything that happens in our walk with the Lord, I have always believed (as I may have told you before) that the written Word is a vocabulary and not a book. Just like we do not say 'yes' and 'no' at the same time neither does God. I believe He speaks to us according to where we are at specific times in our lives. He scriptures He has always encouraged me with:-

'Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals ALL your diseases,'

So I have to believe Him.

Brenda said...

Just to add Keith, the Lord has not shown me one scripture where He has told me to go to a physician for healing.

Keith said...

I think we can end our discussion by agreeing with something the Lord tells us within his Word.

When my people do not follow my Word, in its entirety, Satan comes in with his word and leads them astray.

Brenda said...

Hi Keith,
I do not know where that verse is in the Bible, but I agree with the fact that what Satan puts in the carnal mind can cause a believer to stray from the Lord's instruction and teaching.
I love these verses, and will end our discussion with them.

'Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.'
1 Peter ch. 5 vs. 6-11
God bless you Keith.

Jephyr! said...

Hi Brenda, This post is really speaking to me. I KNOW God answers prayer for healing — but too often I've run to Doctors — and as you wrote — there can be complications from surgery and side-effects to medicines and so on. I'm facing a medical procedure sometime before the end of the year and will now be more earnest in taking that to our Lord. I think it was King Asa who sought physicians FIRST rather than seeking God for a severe malady. <I wrote this and then read that you and Keith had discussed this) As for Pharmakeia — many young people have now been put on mind altering drugs from the time they are children. It isn't focused on by the media — but a large number of the people who commit the horrible domestic mass killings have been shown to be on medications for psychological issues for years. Jesus truly is the real cure for what ails us in this world. As Sandi wrote above medicines only treat the condition and without treating the cause. I'm so happy to hear that God is healing your back! God Bless you!

Brenda said...

Hi Jephyr,
what an eye-opening comment from you. It is so sad that this is happening, I do not think that it is coincidence that the medical profession's symbol has a snake on it. I also know that this is not a war with flesh and blood - it is a spiritual battle. Although my trials are very hard sometimes, I am learning more and more to trust in the Lord as He speaks that rhima Word to me, especially since I have had a miraculous healing, and other healings through prayer.

Father,I pray that the Lord will help us all to overcome the tricks of the enemy, that You will increase our faith in You, and that we will take captive every thought and bring it into obedience to the Word of God given to us. I also ask in Jesus' name that God's gifts of healing will go throughout His church and that you will be the source of Jephyr's healing. Amen and thank You Father.

Jephyr! said...

In Jesus Name — Amen! Thank you so much for your prayer! That symbolism you described is like a sign-post for the enemy. It is very sad that so many lives are destroyed by it. I agree so much about the "Spiritual battle" we find ourselves in. I've been very involved in following politics over the last couple of years. That is an area where another spiritual battle rages. God has allowed to understand that it is beyond our human striving. One day I was feeling very low about it all and opened the Bible and God took me to scriptures showing that He appoints Kings and rulers — and that we are not to worry but take every thing to Him in prayer! I still think it's important to be informed — but now look on that for what to pray about. It is good to trust in the Lord! God Bless you!!

Brenda said...

That is right Jephyr,
what comes to my mind regarding politics and the state of the world are that God says to pray for all men everywhere, and 1 Corinthians ch. 15 vs. 24-26 states:-
'Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.'
The battle is Spiritual and is the Lords, and that is the greatest comfort we could have. It takes away all fear, the fact that God loves us and that His thoughts are for our welfare and not to harm us. God bless you too Jephyr, and keep praying for me as I go through my trials. There is only One winner when we put our trust in the Lord.

Laurie Collett said...

Amen, Brenda! Thank you for your encouragement for our dance ministry. The Lord truly was with us for both shows that day and also in the last show on the following day. Truly He is my strength, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness!
God bless,
Laurie

Brenda said...

Hi Laurie,
and thank you too for your encouragement to me in my trials. His strength is definitely made perfect in our weakness. One of my favourite scriptures has always been 'I will love Thee O Lord my strength.
God bless you in all that you do in all that you do as you continue to serve the Lord.