God promises to NEVER leave us, nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5b)…
(And for what it’s worth, Jeanette, I promise you also that I will never leave you nor forsake you either, not ever!)
Acts 3:16 tells us a story about a crippled man that was healed…
“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know has been made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has given him this complete healing in your presence.”
3:1 It was 3:00 p.m. when Peter and John went up together to the temple in Jerusalem.
As mentioned previously, the early Jewish Christians continued to attend the temple services for some time after the church was formed.
This was a period of adjustment and transition, and the break with Judaism was not made instantaneously.
Believers today would not be justified in following their example in this, since we have the full revelation of the NT and are told to “go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach” (Heb. 13:13. See also 2 Cor. 6:17, 18).
3:2 As they approached the temple, they saw men carrying a crippled beggar to his customary spot at the gate … called Beautiful.
The helpless condition of this man, lame since birth, is in marked contrast to the beauty of the architecture of the temple.
It reminds us of the poverty and ignorance which abound in the very shadow of great cathedrals, and of the helplessness of mighty ecclesiastical systems to assist those who are physical and spiritual cripples.
3:3 The lame man had obviously given up hope of ever being cured, so he contented himself to ask for a handout.
3:4 Instead of looking on this man as a helpless wretch, Peter saw him as one in whom the mighty power of God might be demonstrated!
“If we are led by the Spirit, we will fix our eyes on those whom God intends to bless, instead of firing blank cartridges and beating the air” (Selected).
Peter’s command, “Look at us,” was not intended to attract publicity to John and himself, but merely to insure the undivided attention of the beggar.
3:5, 6 Still expecting nothing more than financial help, the cripple gave them his attention.
Then he heard an announcement that was both disappointing and thrilling to him.
As far as a handout was concerned, Peter had nothing to give.
But he had something better to give.
By the authority of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, he commanded the lame man to rise up and walk.
A witty old preacher said, “The crippled beggar asked for alms and he got legs.”
It is said that Thomas Aquinas visited the pope at a time when large sums of money were being counted.
The pope boasted, “We need no longer say with Peter, ‘Silver and gold I do not have!’ ”
Aquinas replied, “Neither can you say with Peter, ‘Rise up and walk!’ ”
3:7 As Peter helped the man to his feet, strength flowed into the hitherto useless feet and ankle bones.
Here we are reminded again that in the spiritual life, there is a curious mingling of the divine and the human.
Peter helps the man to his feet; then God performs the cure.
We must do what we can do; then God will do what we cannot do.
Amen to that!
3:8 The miracle of healing was immediate, not gradual.
Notice how the Spirit of God multiplies words of action and movement: leaping up, stood … walked and entered … walking, leaping.
When we remember the slow, painful process an infant goes through in learning to walk, we realize how wonderful it was for this man to walk and leap right away, for the first time in his life.
This miracle, performed in the Name of Jesus, was a further testimony to the people of Israel that the One they had crucified was alive and was willing to be their Healer and Savior.
The Bible clearly tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever; and as Jesus told the man with the epileptic son after coming down off the Mount of Transfiguration, for those who believe on Him, in faith, nothing is impossible.
And the desperate father said “I believe Lord, please help my unbelief.”
And the Bible says that immediately his son was healed and delivered!
We should always give room in our prayer life for God to do the unexpected.
Our part is to believe and stand in faith upon His Word, and God’s part is to do the impossible — what we call miracles; and He does them in His way and in His timing.
We never give up in this hope and in due season it will happen!
Romans 5 talks about this and it’s called learning to persevere against all odds, in spite of all contradictory feelings and circumstances, God is ALWAYS faithful to His Word.
When contending for our healing and remaining in divine health, we often can feel like we’re on a roller coaster ride.
One day you’re feeling strong and ready for the fight, the next day you feel a symptom, still haven’t received what you’re believing for, and you’re tempted to give up.
Can you relate?
The key to our success lies in consistency.
Consistency in what we say, what we believe and how we stand.
To help keep us on the narrow path (the one that leads to victory), let’s begin each day with the Word of God.
Here are 10 healing confessions, based on scriptures from the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, for every day to help get you started:
1. I am convinced and sure that He who began a good work in me will continue until the day of Jesus Christ, developing and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in me. (Philippians 1:6).
2. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. You came, Lord, that I may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (John 10:10).
3. You, Lord, have taken my griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses and distresses) and carried my sorrows and pains.
You were wounded for my transgressions, bruised for my guilt and iniquities; the chastisement needed for my peace and well-being was upon You, Jesus, and by Your stripes I am healed and made whole. (Isaiah 53:4-5)
4. I gratefully praise You, Lord and do not forget all Your benefits.
You forgive all my iniquities and heal all my diseases.
You redeem my life from the pit and corruption.
You beautify, dignify, and crown me with lovingkindness and tender mercy.
You satisfy my mouth with good things, so my youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:2-5).
5. I attend to God’s Word and submit to His sayings.
I will keep them in my sight, and in the center of my heart.
They are life to me, and healing to my whole body. (Proverbs 4:20-22).
6. Because I have made You, Lord, my refuge, and the Most High my dwelling place, there shall no evil befall me, nor any plague or calamity come near my house.
Because I have set my love on You, Lord, therefore You deliver me.
You set me securely on high, because I have known Your Name.
I call upon You, Lord, and You answer me.
You, Father, are with me in trouble.
You deliver and honor me. With long life
You will satisfy me and show me Your salvation. (Psalm 91:9-10, 14-16).
7. God has not given me a spirit of timidity and fear.
He has given me a spirit of POWER and of LOVE and of a calm and well-balanced mind, discipline and self-control.(2 Timothy 1:7)
8. You give power to me when I am faint and weary.
In my weakness, You increase strength in me.
I wait for You [expect, look for, and hope in You] and You renew my strength and power.
I will lift up with wings of strength and rise as an eagle.
I shall run and not be weary, I shall walk and not faint or become tired. (Isaiah 40:29, 31).
9. Even though I have a physical body, I will not carry on warfare according to the flesh, using mere human weapons.
The weapons of my warfare are not physical (weapons of flesh and blood), they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds.
I refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the true knowledge of God; and I lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
10. I will not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make my requests known to God.
God’s peace, which transcends all understanding, shall garrison and mount guard over my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:6-7).
When you consistently speak the Word of God, you will stay on the right road—the one that leads to healing! Keep speaking.
Keep believing. Keep standing.
Your healing (and continual divine health) is here.
Live in it, walk in it and enjoy it.
Most of all—TAKE IT AND KEEP IT!
In Jesus’ name. Amen
___
So you know Jeanette, I honestly have been praying for you everyday since the first day I met you.
I have also loved you everyday since then too.
I’m totally committed with you, in this battle, and I’m NEVER giving up; and truly would lay my life down for you in a second!
You are never ever a burden to me!
There’s nothing I wouldn’t want to do for you.
All you have to do is ask and I would move Heaven and Earth to at least try.
You are VERY IMPORTANT to me Sweetheart, and I honestly love you ALWAYS, and I mean that with all my heart.
You are in my heart and prayers all the time!
Next to Jesus, you are always my priority and truly my door is always open to you 24/7 365.
I mean this, you can call me anytime day or night, for whatever reason.
For me anyway, you are the best and the most wonderful and beautiful woman I’ve ever known; and when I tell you I will love you forever, I mean exactly that!
Forever yours,
Skip 🫶
SB SALT AND LIGHT MINISTRIES 