When the Devil Comes to Steal Your Blessing and Testimony

Have you noticed that when things are going good, the devil comes along and tries to steal your blessing? Some may say it is just self-doubt, but I truly believe it is the devil just wispering lies into our minds.  He wants to steal your blessing, your joy, your courage, and your faith.  Do not let him get a way with it!  Claim the promise that God gave you and thow it back at the devil.  God promises he will flee when confronted.  

But He gives greater grace. Therefore it says, 
“God opposes the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.” 
So submit to God. 
But resist the devil and he will flee from you. - James 4:6-7 (NET)

Last week, I was blessed with a healing.  This week several times when I was out on my daily walk, I might feel a weakness, tiredness, or small twitch in my shoulder.  Immediately the devil would try to tell me the pain was going to come back and I was not really healed.  So I shut him up quickly by saying "Yes, Jesus healed my shoulder completely.  I feel no pain.  I know He healed me and so do you. So shut up and move along, you are wrong.  I am healed and I know it."  Maybe it does not sound humble, but I would instantly feel better and the nudging to deny my healing would be gone.  We have to keep our faith by claiming the truth.  The devil does not like truth and he will run the other way to avoid it.  

Lift Your Arms - A Healing Testimony of Praise

I am a healthy person, especially good for my age.  Most of you readers do not know this, I have been dealing with right shoulder pain since mid-April.  I am one of those people who often thinks their aches and pains are stressed or pulled muscle and it will go away in a week or so with ice or a heating pad.  Well, this time it did not, instead the pain got worse and the area around my back shoulder blade was noticeably mree swollen than the other side.  After a few more days of ice instead of heat and ibuprofen making no difference in pain and very little with swelling, I called to get into the doctor.  His next open appointment was over two weeks away but they would let me switch that with my spouse, who was scheduled for the next day and he could come on the later date. This was a small blessing.  The doctor recommended more frequent ice sessions, a short regimen of theraphy, and larger doses of ibuprofen to see if it fixed the problem since I still had good range of motion.  I was praying and expecting a quick healing, instead the pain only seemed to get worse!  However the swelling did finally go down.

O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. - Psalm 30:2 (ESV)

Since therapy did not work, I was sent for an MRI in May, which showed two muscles tears above the shoulder blade and inflammation in the shoulder joint.  I was referred to the Orthopedist that did my shoulder surgery several years before.  It would be almost two months before I could an appointment with the specialist! I made the appointment and asked to be put on a wait-list in case of a cancellation. By now, my spouse had to drive me everywhere because I could barely lift my arm.  I was wondering why God was not giving me a quick solution, which I was continually praying for.  A few days later, the Orthopedist receptionist called me to see if I was willing to go out-of-town for an appointment in mid-June. Another small blessing that we willingly took!  The Orthopdic surgeon said the old surgery still looked good so he gave me shots in the shoulder to relieve that, plus scheduled therapy to start the following week, and a perscription for a few pain pills.  The shots made me dizzy and nauseous.   So after being returned to in a seat in the waiting area and drinking half a can of soda, I was ok enough to walk to car with my son and spouse helping.  I took a nap after each therapy session once I finished an icing session because the pain pills made me sleepy.  Over the next few weeks, the pain got somewhat better and after about two months I could finally drive myself again.  I kept praying to be strong and healthy again.  Thank the Lord, I had the support I needed during this time [unlike poor Job with his friends and family].

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, 

for you are my praise. - Jeremiah 17:14 (ESV)

However, there was still occasional bad pain.  When I went for my yearly physical at the beginning of this month, my doctor asked about the shoulder.  I said it was better, although I still had pain off and on, as well as  limitations in what I could lift.  Since it was no longer excruciating and keeping me from doing most things, I said it was something I could just live with [like Paul's thorn in the flesh].  

And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” - Luke 8:48 (ESV)

About seven months after all this started on Sunday (November 10, 2024) at church, we had a movement of God for healing and help with other needs.  While we were praying for people, I got an impression that I should lift my arm as high as I could.  So I relied on God, lifted my right arm to a typically comfortable level, and continued to pray in the spirit as God led me.  As I prayed I could sense my arm going higher.  By the time we finished praying and praising God, I had no pain!  Praise Jesus!  It may seem like a small thing to some, but to me it was a miracle!  I felt like the woman who touched the hem of Jesus garment.  I feel it is a testimony that although we may go through things and not understand why, with God all things are possible and everything that happens has a purpose.  We may not understand the why yet, but someday we will.

Miracle Power of Our Wonderful God

Below are 4+ minutes of lyrics of "Miracle Power" song by the Christian group We The Kingdom in a sing-along video.  This song reflects on what a wonderful God we have and how much He loves us.   In these uncertain times, knowing God is there for us can reduce  any fears and anxiety we may face.  

"Thou art the God that doest wonders: 
thou hast declared thy strength among the people." - Psalm 77:14 (KJV)

I think it would be a great song for us to listen to anytime we are feeling lost or lonely.  It is an uplifting  and hopeful song with a moderate beat.  The words reminds us that we serve a mircale-working God that will provide what we need.

Nothing Can Stop An Unstoppable God!

Our help in difficult times comes directly from God - the Unstoppable God!  The God who makes all things possible and is never deterred by what seems like impossible odds to mankind.  Amazingly true song lyrics are sung by Sanctus Real in their song Unstoppable God (CD or MP3 available on Amazon #ad) in official "groovy graphics" video with lyrics below.  Miracles do still happen! Victory is still His!  God always conquers, yes, God wins!

"Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power

 and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:"  -  Jeremiah 32:17 (KJV)

All Things Are Possible with God

With all that is happening on the earth, you may be asking "Who can save us?"   You see people who are afraid, some are concerned, and others who are haughty over a particular situation.  Jesus Christ assures His followers, when things seem impossible for man to change - God is still in control!  God is on your side, if you are a Christian living a righteous life.

"For humans this is impossible, but for God all things are possible." - Matthew 19:26 (ISV) 

As you wonder, given the circumstances, can people still be saved?  You must remember that Jesus can save anyone, although they must want His salvation for Him to act.  Prayer and repentance has to proceed salvation.  Pray for His guidance and direction in your life.  Stand strong in your faith.

So the correct question should be: do you/they want to be saved?  Are you/they willing to give-up the life you/they now have to follow Jesus?  Are you/they willing to abandon selfish desires for whatever is God's will?  If the answers are YES, then God can do anything and will control events for His faithful followers.

"There are some things that people cannot do, but God can do anything." - Mark 10:27 (CEV)

When things seem impossible turn to God for empowerment and miracles.  He can turn your: fear into strength, pain into health, defeat into triumph, poverty into blessings, sorrow into joy. God is the real source of everything relevant to this life and eternity that you could ever need.  Live for Jesus, love others like Jesus, and He will love you for it.  His love saves you,  His love saves others too.  

"What is humanly impossible is possible for God." - Luke 18:27 (GNT)

When God provides His protection and comes through for you, be sure to give Him the glory.  For it is with God and through Him that all are saved.  The power to accomplish the perceived impossibility can only a come from God.  So give Him all the praise.  Do not risk your salvation by being prideful and claiming victory through yourself or another human.  

Bottom line, be humble, submit to God's will, and trust that He will provide the best way for you.

Nine Spiritual Gifts of Manifestation

The spiritual gifts of manifestations may be the most well known in the Church as these show the power of God to His people.  These gifts are supernatural in nature, so many Christians feel they are unworthy of receiving these gifts or that the gifts were for the start of Christianity and not for today.  However, scripture clearly says these gifts of special and spiritual abilities are for each of us, that means everyone and even now.  The manifestation gifts are to help others and share information, as well as  provide personal spiritual growth.

If you have or desire one of these spiritual gifts, it is important to remember they are for God's purpose through you.  You should not take credit for anything the Holy Spirit does though you.  Give God the glory always.  

 "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; 

to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 

To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits;

to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, 

dividing to every man severally as he will." - 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (KJV)   

Below is a summary for the nine spiritual gifts of manifestation, divided into three supernatural purpose  categories: 

  POWER GIFTS DO SHOW GOD'S POWER 

• Faith is the ability to believe and trust God in all circumstances to provide extraordinary results.  It is more than the faith of salvations as it requires spiritual maturity and a close relationship with God.  This spiritual gift is confidence in God to overcome obstacles and produce miraculous outcomes.  People with this gift know God is good, expect Him to answer prayers, and put their lives completely in His hands.
• Healing is faith in supernatural restoration of the body, mind, and emotions manifested in hurting people through fervent prayer and the sovereign will of God.  It shows the compassion of God for mankind and that He cares about their suffering,   People will this gift mirror God's compassion for the sick, are concerned for the spiritual well-being of the afflicted, are strong intercessors for others, and willing prayer partners.
• Miracles indicate there is no limit to what God can do and that He can perform might deeds.  People with this gift believe anything is possible with God and that He will supernaturally intervene to make His will and power known.  They know manifested miracles strengthen the faith of Christians and draw more people to God.

  REVELATION GIFTS REVEAL GOD's INTENTIONS/DESIRES

• Discerning (aka Discernment, Distinguishing Spirits) is supernatural insight on whether a situation, person, place, or event is good/right/true/heavenly or evil/wrong/false/demonic.  The ability to distinguish evil is  protects Christians and Churches from being lead in the wrong direction.  People with this spiritual gift can  recognize in specific situations the difference between the influence of God versus the devil, worldly view, and flesh-driven activities.  This allows them to warn others of the danger and keep them from false teaching that may lead them astray.
• Knowledge is the ability to understand facts and information revealed by from God to apply the truth and purpose of His Word.  It is used  to protect or warn though spiritually and mentally revealing God;s direction in a situation in order to teach, warn, or guide others in the Church.  People with this gift enjoy studying and memorizing the scriptures, have a deep understanding of the Holy Bible, and focus on God's will and ways. 
• Wisdom is the ability to make good decisions from a righteous perspective, avoid actions harmful to the Church, and advise or guide others through a supernatural understanding of God's truth.   People with this gift see through turbulence, provide practical ideas, and steer things in the direction of God's will  and His Holy Word.  They can help individuals and groups obtain 

  UTTERANCE GIFTS SPEAK GOD'S MESSAGE 

• Interpretation is the ability to understand and explain a message given in tongues so that God is glorified and the Church is edified.  People with this spiritual gift communicate the meaning of a message in tongues to those who need to understand it so that God; people are encouraged and blessed.  They seek to serve God effectively and deeply love Him.
• Tongues (aka Unknown Language, Prayer Language) is a sign from God to get the attention of Christians and unbelievers in a language that is unknown to the speaker.  This spiritual gift should be interpreted if given in a group so that all present may understand God's message.  The purpose of tongues in is to glorify God and draw people to Him. People with this gift have a willing and obedient heart that is open to God using them for the edification of His Church.  Some may use the utterance gift in their private prayer time when interceding for others and situations, alternatively it may be an uplifting praise to God. 
• Prophecy is an inspired message with the purpose of confirming His Word, building up  and directing the Church.  The message typically helps the Church understand the desires of God.  This is also an important motivational gift for and ministry in the Church.

The supernatural working of the spiritual gifts of manifestation will strengthen the Church body and individuals.  These gifts are as relevant and available today as they were in New Testament times of the early Church. 

Ask God to give you a manifestation spiritual gift in order to grow your in your relationship with Him and help others to see His power.  If you really desire to be an instrument of God, you will receive the gift He intends for you.  In sharing your gift with the Church body, you allow God to work through you.  This will bring joy and blessings into your live, the lives of others, and your Church.