Contagious Joy

Even when facing difficulties in life, you can have joy. WOOHOOO!!!™ 

Sent from my iPhone

The State of the United States

While flying from Denver to Atlanta traveling from the family Christmas event in Phoenix, I looked out the plane window and was awed by the geometric shapes of land on the ground. A mishmash of concentric circles, squares and rectangles of land. They sun was  bright and bold. 

As we continued in flight, I noticed a shadow coming over the surface of the earth as going from light to dark: 

We continued flying and the clouds got thicker then thinned out for a bit. 

After this I continued looking and the clouds beneath us got thicker: 

As I sit here in my window seat on our Southwest flight, I'm asking the Lord what this means. Here is what I believe He is saying to me:

The world as you knew it was bright and sunny. Things were moving along well as expected. A change is coming that feels like darkness is overtaking the land (the shadow I saw). It will seem dark for a time and there will be trouble.

Things will look brighter as the trouble thins out for a time (I looked and saw that the clouds were thinning out and sun was getting through). 

Here is what I believe the Lord was saying to me: It will get darker but as you are flying above the clouds now, note that above the clouds and trouble, there is always light that comes from Me. I am your source of strength and endurance in this time. You need not worry. I will sustain and protect those I love and that love Me. You need to rise up above the darkness and remain in the light. 

Like you are now above the clouds, I will keep you secure and safe while the world ignores the signs of the times. Continue to be a light to the world and you will be saved. 

Are you a light in the darkness of this world?

Dealing with Frustration

Good Morning!

I needed to get back to my weak, lame blog since it's the only place that I can call home these days without fear of getting banned or my post not being seen by those that need it. 

I am writing today about frustration. You've felt it. Either at work or at home or even while driving in public.  Maybe it's a boss or your spouse or child. Frustration is common to the human race. It's really part of life. The question, however, is how do you deal with it? What can make things better?

I don't claim to know much and this is one area where I am weak. Currently, I am in a place of utter frustration. It seems that no matter what I do in this situation, nothing is good enough and nothing is right. All of my flaws are amplified. 

One thing that came to me this morning was Isaiah 12:2- "God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid." This spoke volumes to me. 

When you are stuck in a situation that seems impossible and the only way out is to walk away, trust. Trust in the one who is the Savior of your soul. Trust in His provision, His love, His power and, most importantly, His ability to get you through your current circumstance. 

Yep, I'm talking to myself too.

According to Strong's Concordance (which helps you understand Hebrew words in context and their meaning), the Hebrew word for salvation is:

yeshuw`ah

Not surprisingly, that is Jesus' name in Hebrew. Yeshua (in English transliteration). Jesus is your Savior (and mine).  He is always there for you to lean on, trust in and hang onto. 

When we turn to Him, our fears melt away so we can truly shine and be all that God has called us to be. THAT is how you deal with frustration. 

When we lean on Jesus, the frustration takes second fiddle to His power. Trust in Jesus with your frustration and He will deliver. 

What is Prophecy?, Part 2

In my previous video, I intended to cover what prophecy is. A friend pointed out that I discussed what prophecy was FOR and not what it IS.

This writing is to describe to you, according to Scripture, what it is. Thanks for bearing with me.

Prophecy is:

• sharing God's heart for an individual. 
• revealing how God sees a person.
• future plans that God has for a person.

There is more but this is what prophecy is in a nutshell.  It's not complicated, really. If you have questions, please post them below.

Blessings to you all! Stay tuned and remember to submit any prayer requests you have here or email me through the links to the right. 

Until next time, may the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob be with you!

What is Prophecy?

In today's video, I am going to cover a few basics about prophecy. What it is, what it is for and who can do it. Enjoy!

If you have questions, post them here!

The Joshuastation Vlog

The JoshuaStation Vlog

Welcome to the JoshuaStation Blog

Hello and welcome to the Joshuastation blog! My focus here is to help people grow in their faith in Jesus. Be sure to sign up for updates on the right by joining my email list or subscribe to updates to this blog. If you would like personal prayer, I am always available to pray over you and share what I believe the Lord is saying. Just click the 'Email Me' link to the right. I post about many different topics so if you have something you'd like me to cover, let me know! WOOHOOO!!!™ - Joel

What is Prayer?

What is Prayer?

Now I lay me down to sleep.
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray to God my soul to take.
If I should live for other days,
I pray the Lord to guide my ways.

Father, unto thee I pray,
Thou hast guarded me all day;
Safe I am while in thy sight,
Safely let me sleep tonight.
Bless my friends, the whole world bless;
Help me to learn helpfulness;
Keep me every in thy sight;
So to all I say good night.

Most of us have heard that prayer, or part of that prayer, at some point in our lives whether it be from our parents, in a movie or from Sunday School. Prayer can take many forms. It can be a prewritten prayer like this one above. It can be a quick "Lord, help me." It can even be in the form of Scripture being read back to God.

One thing is for sure: Prayer is how we talk to, and hear from, God. Yes. There are ALWAYS two parts: Speaking and Listening. If you are like most people, you have the first part down pat! In fact, I would even venture to say that 90% of people have prayed to God at some point in their lives like this. The real challenge however is the second part.

Listening for an answer is simple yet for many, not easy. Why? It involves being quiet. Not necessarily literally quiet but being quiet in your heart knowing that when you speak to God, He WILL answer you. 

Some of you are doubting that last statement. "I have prayed to God so many times but He NEVER answers!" There are typically three possible reasons for this: 

• You aren't listening.
• You don't like the answer you heard so you dismiss it.
• You stopped praying.

Let's look at each of these...

You aren't listening

Many people don't know how to listen for God's answer. Listening for the Lord to speak is somewhat of an art, although not complicated. One thing you must remember is that as a follower of Jesus, when you pray, God will ALWAYS listen and He will ALWAYS answer.

You're probably thinking "No. I have prayed so many times but He hasn't answered." God can speak in innumerable ways. It can be through someone else, something you read, something you hear on the radio or even through someone you don't know. For me, God often speaks to my conscience. I'll pray about something and 99% of the time, He speaks to my heart immediately. If you make a concentrated effort to hear God's voice, you will, at some point begin to hear Him and trust what you are hearing.

Note that this doesn't mean you will be right all the time. That is where grace and wisdom come in. 

You don't like the answer

This happens more often than you can imagine. I often second guess what I believe I heard God say if the answer isn't what I wanted to hear. (I can see you nodding your head now. You can't fool me. 😆)

Part of following God's will is obeying his answer. Ignoring what you are hearing, truthfully, is simple disobedience. Here's the neat thing: Even though you may not like the answer, following through on that answer is a FANTASTIC way to exercise your faith. Faith isn't moving forward when you know the outcome, it is moving forward into the unknown trusting God with the results.

You stopped praying

When you have a need, it's not enough to pray once and stop. After all, Scripture says in 1 Thessalonians 5:

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 

18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

It's not that you are nagging God but instead putting your needs out there for Him and showing, in my mind at least, what is important to you. Before you say, "Yeah, well isn't that selfish?" No. Here's why: Psalm 37:4 says:

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

When you focus your attention on the Lord, His desires will become your desires. When that happens and you pray, you are letting God know that your desires match His. Is it still possible to pray selfish prayers? Absolutely. This is why it's important to stay grounded in Scripture and abide in His presence. 

In my next post, I'll talk more about hearing God in prayer. If you have questions or comments, feel free to post them below. I love hearing from y'all!

God is SPEAKING!!! Are you listening?

Encouraging Words

Do you need an encouraging word from the Lord? He loves speaking to you. His love is everlasting! I believe God still speaks today and not just through the Bible as some have been led to believe. Yes, the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).

If you listen for His voice, you will hear him.

If you need a word from the Lord, let me know and I'll ask God what He has for you. Blessings and Encouragement are yours!

WOOHOOO!!!™

 Joel

Rockets

Last week, my bride and I visited Capr Canaveral for a tour and launch of the GOES-S weather satellite. It was amazing. Here are a few photos:

Sent from my iPhone

Hope and Change

IThe U.S. Supreme Court made a landmark decision last week that will forever change history. Gay marriage is now legal in all 50 states. Regardless of your stance on the issue, one thing is abundantly clear, Scripture forbids it. Romans 1 reads this way:

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them.

20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse.

21 Because, knowing God, they didn't glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves,

25 who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amein.

26 For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature.

27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error.

28 Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers,

30 backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful;

32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them. I am by no means suggesting any defensive action against anyone but it is clear that homosexuality is a sin, albeit no different than any other sin.  In reality, nothing has changed but everything has changed. Our job as believers is to love everyone and teach the Gospel of Jesus with the love of God. Jesus died on the cross for you, for me, and for everyone else. LGBT included. Scripture makes it clear that these things will happen. In fact, it was prevalent in Biblical times. This is precisely why Paul write what he did to the Roman church. While I am saddened by this decision, it really does not surprise me and it shouldn't surprise you either. Regardless of your stand on the issue, Jesus died for you and loves you with an everlasting love. Our future in Jesus is solid.  I am here to give you encouragement and prayer for I know the plans God has for me and that He desires to give you hope and a future in Him.  Don't be afraid to ask for prayer or a word from God, let me know and I'll see what He has for YOU!! I hope you are blessed. Love you all.

Encouraging Words

Yes, it's that time again. Do you need an encouraging word from the Lord? He loves speaking to you. His love is everlasting!

I believe God still speaks today and not just through His word as some have stated. Yes, the word is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). If you listen for His voice, you will hear him.

This month, if you need a word from the Lord, let me know and I'll ask God what He has for you.

Blessings and Encouragement are yours! WOOHOOO!!!™

Joel

Healing How Jesus Healed

During Jesus' ministry on Earth, He healed many people. In fact, He healed everyone that came to Him according to what is written in Scripture.

Matthew 8:2-3

“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.  And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”

Matthew 8:5-10,13   
“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.  And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.  When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.   And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.” 

Matthew 8:14-17 
” And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.  And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.  When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”

If you notice, in each of these examples, the people came to Him. Why? He had a reputation for healing and miracles. The point here is that Jesus healed as He went about His day. Seeking people out was not His M.O. That's not to say we can't do it but Jesus didn't. At least we are not told He did it that way.  

Let's take a look at each of these instances:

Matthew 8:2-3 - 

     He was asked if He could heal him and Jesus simply declared him clean from leprosy

Matthew 8:14-17 - 

     In this instance Jesus simply laid his hand on the woman and the fever left her.

Matthew 8:5-10,13 - 

     Jesus was willing to go to the Centurion's home to heal his servant but due to his faith, Jesus simply stated that because he believed that Jesus could heal him, that he was declared healed.

In the first two examples, Jesus simply touched them and declared them healed. In the third

example, Jesus simply declared the man healed. In all three, however, there is one common theme: faith.

Hebrews 11:6 comes to mind:  "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Faith is a necessary prerequisite for healing. Yes, God can heal you even if you don't believe He can. Will He, possibly, but if you really want to see God at work in your life, have faith!

In the New King James version, faith is mentioned 243 times. Do you think it's important? Yep!

Let's look briefly at another facet of healing. When did Jesus heal? Did He go with the express intent of healing? I don't think so. Many times in the New Testament, we see that Jesus was traveling from point A to point B and while He was on His way, He healed people.

Matthew 9:35 
“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.”

You see, our mission is to live our lives and in doing so, to bring the good news of the Gospel to others. Yes, some are called to be ministers, but that's not the point here. If I go to the grocery store (which I am about to do), I pray for open doors to minister God's healing power.

"But wait!,"  you ask. "Can I heal like Jesus did?" Yes, you can. Read on...

Matthew 10:1,7-8 
“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.  And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give”

Thankfully, we have, in the words of one of my favorite songs, been given "the very same power that raised Christ from the dead". Jesus commanded us to heal, cleanse, raise and cast out all manner of sickness, disease and demonic presence. Notice what He didn't say here. He didn't say, "Go pray over the sick so that maybe they would be healed". He commanded us to go heal, cleanse, raise, and cast out.

Go heal someone today and share your experience! WOOHOOO!!!™

Forgiveness

Today in Sunday School, we discussed forgiveness: What it is, what it isn't and how it affects us.

May people have the mistaken belief that forgiveness is the same as forgetting. In actuality, forgiveness has nothing to do with forgetting the sins that others have done to you. Below I am going to post 10 rules about forgiveness.

1. Forgiveness is not the approval or minimization of sin. When someone hurts you, Christian forgiveness does not mean that others should minimize your  pain or just pass it off as "Well, it's ok. He's only human. We all sin." This is a very dangerous thing. It can fester and grow inside of you if you take this approach and lead to real pain in the future if not dealt with properly.

2. Forgiveness is not enabling sin. Let me explain this one by example: If someone steals from you, you simply cannot forgive them and then lay a $100 bill on the table trusting that they won't take it. You should be responsible with your money and not enable  someone who has sinned against you.

3. Forgiveness is not denying wrongdoing. Using the above example, it would be wrong for me to state that he didn't do anything wrong thinking "He was just trying to feed his family." While that may be true, stealing is stealing just the same. 

4. Forgiveness is not waiting for an apology.  Some say, "I'll forgive that person when they come and apologize to me for what they've done." That is the farthest thing from true forgiveness. Remember this: You should truly forgive them whether or not they admit fault. Their actions should have no bearing on your forgiveness of them.

5. Forgiveness is not forgetting. If someone steals from me, yes, I should forgive them for what they've done, but I will probably never forget what they have done. These are two different things.

6. Forgiveness is not not feeling pain. When someone hurts you in some way, you will feel pain. This is a natural human emotion and does not mean you have sinned if you still feel pain for what that person has done to you. If someone steals from me, that pain will linger with me for quite a while. This does not mean I haven't forgiven the person.

7. Forgiveness is not a 1-time event. Like #6 above, most likely, I will have to continually forgive that person simply because that pain will continually remind me of what they've done and will have to really work to remember that God has forgiven them and so should I on a daily basis.

8. Forgiveness is not neglecting justice. If a thief steals from me, my forgiveness does not let them off the hook with the authorities no matter what I say. They will still have to face the consequences of their actions.

9. Forgiveness is not trusting. I will tell you this, that person who steals from me will not and should not be put in a place of fiscal responsibility for a long time, if ever. That would be silly. Yes, maybe after a period of time, they should be given the opportunity to prove themselves if they desire to, but do so with caution.

10. Forgiveness is not reconciliation. It is possible that the  person who steals may have done irreparable harm to our relationship. That reconciliation process is completely independent of forgiveness.

Your responsibility when someone hurts you is to forgive the person in love but at the same time being smart and using the Holy Spirit as a guide during the healing process. He is always there for you.

One challenge I have for you is to pray about any unforgiveness that you are harboring and ask God to help you to forgive that person.  You will be amazed at how freeing it is and how God will change your heart through forgiveness. 

Until next time, blessings and abundance in Jesus!

Joel

God and Healing

God and Healing

Do you suffer from a physical ailment? Are you tired often? If so, you need to be healed. The big question you must ask yourself is "Do you desire to be healed or are you content to suffer through it and get attention from others who feel sorry for you?"

That gut check is something we all must do. If you're like me, you are split between the two answers at times. If you are honest with yourself, sometimes you enjoy getting attention from being ill.

Well, I was that way for  years when suffering with migraines. Of course, I would never admit it, but in the back of my mind, there was always that thought.

When you reach the point of being sick and tired of being sick and tired, you need to make up your mind that you are going to get better and you are going to take God at His Word.

Last night, I started reading these Scriptures below out loud so that I could hear them as I read. They are all focused on physical healing. After all, healing is a matter of faith between you and God. Romans 10:17 says:

"Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God"

I challenge you today to do what I did:

  "Joel's faith comes by hearing and Joel's hearing comes by the Word of God"

You see, when you make Scripture personal, it takes on a whole new, more powerful meaning. That verse above is especially important to me because my hearing is my greatest weakness. I have suffered from hearing loss since I was a kid and now wear two hearing aids.

I now realize that God has healed me but I have to believe Him and take Him at His Word. I now understand that I have perfect hearing and that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. Isaiah 53:5 puts it this way:

"But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed."

He died on the cross for for your sins and for your physical well being. 

Please don't get me wrong, though... I'm in no way saying that you will always be free of pain, sickness and suffering. What I am saying is that God desires you to be whole. Chronic illness is not His desire for you and it can be beaten. In fact, it has been.....way back 2,000 years ago on the cross where Jesus died.

Will you read these out loud each day and take Him at His Word? Talk to me...

Exodus 15:25,26

So he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet.
There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them, and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.

Exodus 23:25

So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you.

Psalm 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 30:2

O LORD my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me.

Psalm 103:2,3,5

Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 107:20

He sent His word and healed them,
And delivered them from their destructions.

Proverbs 3:7,8

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones. (NIV)

Proverbs 4:20-22

My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.

Proverbs 16:24

Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. (NLT)

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.

Isaiah 58:8

Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

Jeremiah 17:14

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved,
For You are my praise.

Malachi 4:2

But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. (NLT)

Matthew 4:23,24

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.
Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.

Matthew 8:1-3

When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Matthew 8:5-13

Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”
And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, “Go,’ and he goes; and to another, “Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, “Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.

Matthew 8:14,15

Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them.

Matthew 8:16,17

When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:
“He Himself took our infirmities
And bore our sicknesses.”

Matthew 9:35

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Matthew 12:15

But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all.

Matthew 14:14

And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.

Matthew 15:28

Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Matthew 15:30

Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them.

Mark 5:25-34

Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”
Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”
31But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, “Who touched Me?”‘ And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

Mark 10:46-52

Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.

Luke 4:18

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

Luke 4:38-40

Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. But Simon’s wife’s mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them.
When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.

Luke 6:19

And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.

Luke 8:41-55

And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him.
Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped. And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, “Who touched Me?”‘ But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.”
Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.” But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat.

Luke 9:1,2

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Luke 9:11

But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.

John 5:1-9

After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.
Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.

Acts 3:2-8

And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them–walking, leaping, and praising God.

Acts 5:16

Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

Acts 14:8-10

And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked.

Acts 19:11,12

Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.

II Corinthians 4:7-10

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed–always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

I Thessalonians 5:23

And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). (AMP)

James 5:14-16

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

I Peter 2:24

Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness–by whose stripes you were healed.

III John 2

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. (KJV)

Hearing God for Yourself, Part III

Hearing God's voice is an honor. It is something that we should all look forward to as His children. It is not something to be taken lightly. When He speaks, it is crucial not only to our happiness and guidance, but it is crucial to His kingdom mission. God has chosen to use us to reach those who are in need of His voice, those who are hurting, oppressed and, for whatever reason, unable to hear God for themselves. It is crucial for even YOUR spiritual growth to be able to accurately and clearly discern the voice of God in your life. 

There are two crucial things you must do if you are to hear God's voice:

1. Spend time in God's Word, the Bible. Spend time reading, studying and asking God how to apply His word to your every situation in life. He will show you when you earnestly seek Him.

2. Spend time in prayer. You may have heard people say that in war, you are weakest when you are on your knees. When it comes to God's economy, it is the exact opposite: You are strongest when you are on your knees.

When you are in prayer and listening to God, He imparts wisdom to you. He shares the inner things of the Spirit that can only be shared when you are in a vulnerable state like on your knees. Being vulnerable to God means submitting yourself to His will and to His teaching and training. You will learn and grow so much faster when you submit to His ways. He says in Isaiah 55:

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Often, when we see things through our own eyes, it is colored by our experiences and our ideas. Since God exists outside of time and space, He is able to see things from an eternal perspective that typically don't make sense to our natural mind.

May I encourage you to spend time reading Isaiah 55 this week and pray over how God would use you to reach others for His glory. If you are not ready yet to do this, you are in a perfect place to be used by Him. When we think we lack knowledge or understanding, we tend to rely on Him more which is a good place to be and often leads to you truly hearing what He really wants you to hear. 

Until next month, blessings to you and may God use you to reach others and spread the Word of Truth. Please comment below and share how He is using you or if you have questions.

In Jesus!

Jesus or Adam?

This is a great message from Pastor Ron Beatty at Life Connections Church in Lawrenceville, GA. When God looks at you, does He see Adam or does He see Jesus? Listen in...

The Hearing God series post is coming in a couple of days. Stay tuned!

Hearing God for Yourself, Part 2

Last month's message was very simple: Yes, God does speak and you can hear Him. This month I will dive further into the concept and discuss ways in which He speaks.

Let me start by telling you how I know he still speaks. Joel 2:28 says:

And it shall come to pass afterward,
that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh;
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
your young men shall see visions:

You see, when God pours out His Spirit, you begin to see things the way He does. You feel what He feels. Of course, this means that unbelievers also hear Him. What inevitably happens in this case, though, is often times the recipient responds in an ungodly manner. They apply human responses to a God-given situation. This almost always leads us astray because as God states in Isaiah:

Isaiah 55:9
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

There are several ways God can speak to you:

1. His Word: This is the primary way He speaks. If you aren't studying your Bible, it is often difficult to know what God's will is for a situation.
2. Other People: Sometimes if we just listen to other people and let what they say to us simmer in our spirit for a while, you may hear the Lord telling you to follow that advice.
3. In your spirit: It can be an impression on your mind, an "idea that suddenly pops into your head"

Now one thing to keep in mind is that anytime you follow the latter two sources, you must remember: If it doesn't line up with Scripture, it's not to be followed. As a good friend of mine says, "If it's not in Scripture (the 66 books of the Bible), you are not obligated to believe it.

Spend time in God's Word today and get to know Him better. As you draw closer in that relationship, you will begin to know, understand and appreciate His good and perfect will.

Feel free to write to me below and give me feedback on what you are hearing and how your listening is coming along.

Until next time, blessings and WOOHOOO!!!

Joel

Hearing God for Yourself

One of my passions is to assist others in how to hear God for themselves. It may sound scary or impossible, but it's really quite simple.

You see, God loves each and every one of us. His word states that he is not willing that anyone should perish. The sobering fact is that many will simply because they have ignored Him in His repeated attempts to love on them, tell them how much He loves them and to show them what His plan is for their lives.

The same goes for you. God does love you. You may feel abandoned and that everyone tells you that. Well, it's true. There was a time in my life that I felt God had abandoned me. My friends seemed to turn against me, my girl left me and my parents, as great as they are, they didn't have a clue what I was going through.

Some years after those events, I realized the reason God kept me here on this Earth: He wants me to help those that feel abandoned, mistreated, misunderstood.

If you feel this way, JoshuaStation is a place where you can go. We love you no matter who you are, where you come from or what you believe. God does care about you and wants you to know His Son, Jesus. He died for you so that you can now be forgiven and accepted as His son or daughter. You can be adopted into the family of God.

Please feel free to write me and tell your story. Understand that you are loved. You are unique and that's what makes God so cool. His passion for you is unwavering.

God bless you and until next time, WOOHOOO!!!!

Joel

Words of Encouragement

This is a quick note to inform you all that I have been studying how to give encouraging words to people. If you would like me to give you one, please click the 'Email Me' link at the right and I'll respond.

I believe that God still speaks today. Look for more on hearing God in the coming months.