Why signs and wonders?

 This post was sent to me having to do with the age old Christian question of “why signs and wonders?”

He stated:

Jerrold, who said anything about “signs and wonders” being necessary for a Christian today to be a good witness and testimony for Jesus Christ?

My motivation for my answer: I’ll start with and stay in Scripture.

My answer:

Isaiah 8:18

18 Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.

2 Timothy 4:2

King James Version

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

1 Corinthians 4:20

“For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.”

1 Corinthians 2:4-5

4 And my speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

5 that your faith should not stand on the wisdom of man, but on the power of God.

James 2:17-18

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 

John 14:12, KJV: 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

It’s obvious that the works spoken about are the manifestations of God (miraculously), or God working through man using compassion.

Finally if you have a “good witness and  testimony” signs and wonders will follow:

Mark 16:15-20

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Vs 20

Here’s that Word again “Working” then “working with them” and “confirming the Word” (preached) with “signs following. AMEN!

Normally at this point I would say “case dismissed!” 

Sir: the Holy Spirit is part of the “anointing” of being “saved.” Scripture says be saved and be baptized. “And they (Christians) received power from on high when that the Holy Spirit came upon them.” 

God had Scripture “wrote by men led of the Spirit” so no one could say that anything written was not “for all who would believe” or up for “personal opinions.”

Romans 3:4

“Let God be True and all men liars.”

I have set before you “God’s Word” for proof of the necessity of “signs and wonders” to follow the True preaching of the Gospel. Open your heart to the “Truth that sets free” and “Glorify your Father in heaven,” not forsaking your “good witness and testimony” that “none may perish but all have eternal life.

God bless and keep in His ever increasing grace and Unconditional Love that is ours in Christ Jesus!

Love

Jerrold Cavasin

Another Miracle

 ANOTHER MIRACLE:

If we are not sensitive to the Holy Spirit during our prayer time we could miss His guidance in our prayer time. Most of the time we pray what’s on our hearts and minds, and that’s good but we should not be so adherent to our hearts and minds as to forget He “who prays with groans and utterances that cannot be spoken” for us. We should “pray with our conscience and we should pray with our spirit”. Our spirit is the prayer that we want to offer because that’s where the Holy Spirit excels with the supernatural answers and miracles to us ward.  

Kinda works like this: your having a conversation with God, (many times just a monologue as God isn’t allowed to comment through ignorance), telling Him what all you need to tell or ask HIm. All the while the Holy Spirit is off to the side praying what really need to be prayed. You sort of hear Him but your not sure and don’t want to be distracted because no one has ever explained it to you. Needless to say, (admit it or not), its in Scripture where all Spirit led instructions are gleaned from but the catch is that you have to “read” them in order to “know” them.

Ok then now about the miracle that happened to me just after breakfast this morning:

It started several weeks ago in prayer. As you would so would I; I was going through my prayers but keen to the Spirit of God so that we could have a “monologue” if I was invited to do so. I was and this is the result of “praying in the, with the, Holy Spirit as the Spirit gave utterance.

He showed me to start praying for something that’s really important. Something I never even thought of until now: and that was “praying that each and everyone of you would receive your own non arguable personal miracle of your own, so that you would be forever convinced that God has proven His presence and Love, and your value to Him in such a way that you cannot shake it.” Yes a miracle so powerful that religious training, church doctrine or teaching could not make you see otherwise! After 40 years of being born again this is the first time this was made known to me.

Why?

Revelations 12:11

“And they have conquered him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony,”

Many people have never seen the power of what they have been told about in Jesus Christ manifest in their own life, so they helplessly follow a “religion” hoping for it to be true but never sure or fully convinced. Well when you delve into this receiving of miracles personally through prayer in Jesus name all of a sudden a “Light goes on in your soul” and you can see clearly now. 

Now the actual miracle that happened this morning:

I made and ate breakfast with Elise the usual time. Slightly thereafter a grave 

Illness started to manifest its self in my body (His temple). I knew that this was significant because of the way it came upon me and how out of sorts I felt. 

Body sweats, cloudy ness of thought, very sharp pains in my torso, weakness over all my body, an awareness of something unnatural trying to take over, and shortness of breath. I walked around praying and claiming the will of God for healing as my body is the “temple of the Living God” but I just got worse. Almost toe the point of passing out. So the first thought that came to mind was to text my son (son in law but I Love him like a son) Kristian and petition him for prayer. Absolutely was his answer. Right after that I fell into a deep sleep. I woke up several hours later completely healed, feeling good as gold. Reading these few words might not seem like much to you as to call it a miracle but I went from a “shut down” sickness to a complete healing in 2 hours. Praise God for His Love and mercy shown to His people.

This is the kind of power I pray would become evident in your own lives so that you might “know beyond a shadow of doubt” that you are His and He, the God of creation cares about you so much so as to “manifest” His (very real) glory in your life.

“Pray without ceasing for this is the will of God concerning you in Christ Jesus.”

Love 

Jerry and Elise

God, Elise, a second brain tumor and more miracles

 What's been happening the last couple of months at the Luray, Tn. Cavasin's house?

Nothing as we haven't been here instead we have been at the Mayo Clinic and Kristian's and Sarah's house following the second "resection" of the brain tumor that had aggressively returned.

I feel at sorts to recount what happened but it's been since Sunday that we returned and the craziness of restructuring life has kept us a little a-skewed. So right now I am pushing myself to elaborate on the past happenstance as much as strength of both spirit and body allow. That being said I will begin.

Elise's symptoms that seemed to be at bay through prayer and fasting by both Children, Family, and participating Friends came back with a vengeance and we rescheduled a date for the operation. Yes the second one. At the Mayo on 3-29 getting ready for the MRI so that the operation could be done on 4-1.

The same Doctor Meyers was to do this operation also. Looking at the latest MRI he was very concerned at the size that the tumor had grown in such a little time and had no encouraging comments to say except that "I'll do my best." Last time he was very positive with percentile recuperation percentages and probability of 100% recovery over time. All his predictions came to pass (last time) miraculously and within 50 days we were home with Elise well on her way to normal. Strength was the only thing lacking to "making it happen", normal that is.

This time not so. The first words we heard from Doctor Meyers was "all I can say is I'll do my best, no promises." He predicted that the operation would take 10+ hours with no promises. Sarah and I sat in the waiting room for the update texts, and at 3.5 hours we get one that they are "closing her up." What!!!!! 7 hours supposed to be left and they are closing now????? Several hours later we were put in the consultation room for the overview, (Sarah can polish up the mistakes if I have made some.) Backing up a bit before she went into the operation room we laid hands Elise and prayed that God would make the tumor "slough off" the brain. We were praying in the spirit and that's what came out. I thought it quiet strange but that's what it was.

Back to the room!

The door was ajar and Sarah could see out into the hallway and I couldn't. She looked out the door and making a puzzling look she exclaimed that she thought she saw Dr. Meyers "skipping" in the hallway. Yes skipping!

He came in with a look of surprise and Sarah had to get the conversation going by sayiing "what happened?" Why did a 10+ hour operation end in 3.5 hours? He began to explain how that he had never seen an operation go that way in his careers. He said that the tumor "was very soft" and he was able to get it all 100% even the part that was left from the last operation. Memory bands were clean and recovery will be complete over time. First answer to prayer (yours and ours) and first miracle.

Before it took 5+ days for her to be able to communicate but this time 2 days out of Neuro ICU she had one slurred word and then full sentences softly but clearly. Second Miracle.

Entered into there're acute rehab within a few days, third miracle, then out of that in about 21 days. Fourth miracle.

Small seizure 14 days after surgery with another miracle recovery following it.

Released 4-28, home on Sunday 5-2 to Sarah's for R+R 2 wks then home to Tn. 5-15 last Sunday. Another miracle. Since then setting up appointments and getting settled back in. On Friday 5-7 God gave me a "Word/vision" that Elise would start walking without the walker by Saturday next week. Another miracle she was. $130 new walker with low miles for sale! She started Therapy's last Monday and was already performing beyond expectation.

Prayer is still needed en-masse for the pain in her side (not me), and that the monitoring of the tumor cavity does not allow the tumor to start coming back. Next miracle to come.

Life is good when God/Jesus/Holy Spirit is your Father/Savior, Brother/Counselor, Comforter in the most intimate form by Faith, prayer, and Love of all three.

All who have participated you have witnessed an incredible miracle through your participation in prayers and Love. This is her second deep brain operation, second! Recovery is taking place at a miraculous rate and to all that have witnessed this an undeniable proof that God is the miracle working God of today as of yesterday.

Sarah chime in when you want as I cannot remember everything.

Now we are somewhat caught up.

Thanks you all again.

Love

Jerry and Elise

Like

Comment

Share

Elise and Faith

I'm sure many are wondering what's going on with Elise, and our quest for healing for this obstinate tumor. 

For those who know us we have "walked by faith not by sight" since 1981 when Jesus became Lord of our lives. From that moment on we have been exposed to an "Acts" like experience on almost every level. 

For all others that have just recently "joined in" a new, our relationship with you might be a little strained because of our Faith in Christ and our Love for one another. We don't treat "religion" as a secondary thought but (religion being to us Faith in Christ by profession and practice), the only thing that we order our lives by and everything else in life is inclusive. For more about our walk of faith you can read more on: jerroldcavasin.blogspot.com

Scripture is the final definitive and unchanging Word period. It has the answer to all questions, sets precedence in all matters of morality, and sheds a dispelling light into all manner of darkness both spiritual and carnal. There is no wisdom loftier, knowledge more attainable, or life justifiable then what is "unchangingly" set in His Word. Follow His Word and partake of life "more abundantly" for "He whom the Son sets free is free indeed." 

The issue that always "comes to the forefront" in matters of "unreconciled" issues such as healing can only be one: Faith! Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things unseen." Faith is a "substance" and an "evidence", the very reality of "hope" and "things unseen." It is impossible to understand this with the carnal mind for it is the most fundamental basis to begin and maintain a relationship with God. Without faith we cannot know Him, acknowledge Him, experience Him, hear His voice, or receive direction from His Holy Spirit. Shortly put "without faith it is impossible to please Him" the very thing that we were "created" (in His image and likeness) for. Even though faith is the means to Divine access it is also one of the most difficult hurtles to master to get there. Why? because we have been walking this vale "in the flesh" so long accepting what we see as being the only things that exist that we have become spiritually "blind" to what "really exists" in the heavenly's. Therefor what we can't see has less precedence over what we can see. This is at best a demonic lie which most all of mankind (through "religion" not faith) has adopted as "the norm." Because of this "lack of True faith in God" and the practice and Biblical exposition/experience of it, most church's don't even attempt to illuminate/preach on the subject let alone encourage the participation in it. "My people perish for lack of vision", most of Gods children have lost this "vision" and stumble around "blind" ignorantly trying to lead other "blind". The Scriptures affirm that both will fall into the pit.

Every evening we stand on the threshold of a new day and every sunrise we arise to "mercy's" that are new every morning. A renewed time to "fill our hearts" with joyful thanksgiving and praise so we can face the day receiving "grace through faith" to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to "know" and "do" God's will for that day. It says in Hebrews "today is the day if you hear My voice harden not your hearts", opening both a promise and a warning to the wakening believer to "choose" over the promise of God's verbal promptings or to harden your heart and proceed on your own. Know that, just like through the example of salvation: "you are saved by grace through faith" all things Scriptural that can be received is because of grace and comes only through faith. Without faith (as already said) it is impossible to please God, again the very thing that we were created to do. Regardless how "hard" Scripture seems to accomplish, faith makes all things possible for "nothing is impossible for God." God designed it this way so that the "True" believer can accomplish "walking by faith, hearing God's voice, and have power to "glorify His name". 

Nothing has changed concerning this "faith" challenge and ability to accomplish throughout the millennia of creation. God has set faith in His Word to be eternal as He is eternal, and a necessity for a relationship with Him. He has put in His Word every manner of impossible challenge as a norm for "His people" to practice and accomplish (daily) but only by faith. Throughout Scripture God reveals His simple answer to satisfy all the demands of faith: read, hear, and know the Word, recognize that it is the very "Word of God", (who it is that gives it authority), then simply without question, turn and walk away with your spirit set that it's going to happen just as stated. In fact every miracle that took place in Scripture happened that way. The fish and the loaves vs the 5000, Jesus took the limited number of fish and loaves then commanded that His disciples to feed all the people. It doesn't talk about how, it just said "do it". The disciples took and acted "on the Word of God" (the Word being Jesus). Hear and obey, like a little child, "unless you become as one of these little children you cannot enter the Kingdom of God." It takes faith to believe the Word of God, to hear, then having received the command walk away with the surety that "it is finished" according to the command/promise given. When God's Word demands "obedience" to a command it also "promises" that He will perform it and thereby prove and glorify His name to those who witness it. It's the same for "all" miracles, in Scripture and those that are brought forward for performance today. Nothing has changed as God never changes nor can His Word,  (the Lord Jesus Christ) so does nothing that "is written." God has attached His Word to Jesus because He (Jesus) is the propitiation for our sins and thus the promise of our "salvation". If any command or promise set in Scripture can fail, then because it comes through His Word, (Jesus), so can the promise of eternal life fail. Now we know that "the blood of the Lamb" cannot fail so we also know that all His promises and commands cannot fail. Salvation is "broad spectrum" in God's promises. In other words the Word "Salvation" has to do with more than just "eternal life through faith". It has to include every single gift, promise, command, position, and anointing that comes with "being in Christ." Again this is all by "child like faith", hear, read, receiving as a child being instructed by a parent. 

Christ never changes! God never changes! He Holy Spirit never changes! So when did "things change?" It looks like all things "Spirit" has (eternally) stayed the same as they are "God" related, so where did the "change" come in. In a nutshell on the "carnal side". God cannot change so man decided to take matters into their own hands. Due to existing "heart conditions" of the spirit man started to "lack" in the spirit realm. First to go was several of the ministries, apostles, real "thus saith the Lord" prophets, for many churches those who speak in tongues, interpreters of tongues. Then gifts of the spirit next: healing, raising the dead, signs and wonders, immune to poisons, snake bites, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, ect. all removed by dispensationalism. God took second string to mans knowledge and logic His Word became void and there came a "famine in the land of Gods Word." Prideful preachers touted themselves "worthy" of all the gifts, so being that they "received not" then they just don't exist at all based on their own assumption. Hundreds of years brought us to where we are now: "my people perish for lack of vision", and my friends we are perishing! We now teach what "doesn't offend" or set True Scriptural doctrine, so now we reap what we sow. Faithlessness having a form of religion denying the power thereof. We claim Christ's salvation but deny all the rest that comes with it. We hold on to what we can't see "Eternal Life" and cast aside what we can see of miracles, healings, signs and wonders, the very things that God promised to follow True preaching of the Word to bare witness that it is from God! The majority of the Body of Christ has lepersy and the "body parts falling off" are the gifts, ministries, and anointing's of the Holy Spirit. All given to strengthen, empower, and prove that we are a "royal priesthood", and a peculiar people. I can go on but why? It's all in the Bible to read, believe then act upon. Go to it yourselves.

So for Elise and I:

We believe just what the written Word says, exactly how it says it. No if ands or buts about it. We don't "judge the Word of God" by whether or not we receive what it says. We know that God is all knowing and wise. He is also Loving and compassionate. He has His best in play for Elise and I. Over the years in the faith we have learned a good number of things about the workings of faith. The first 28 years of "walking by faith" with all the children we were blessed to receive into this life, we had no use for the medical profession at all. Once convinced of that (through growing in faith), Elise discontinued using doctors for birthing and went back to home births with a midwife. We homeschooled before it was "sanctioned" by the authorities. We prayed for the sick (our own and others) and they were healed. 3 times the dead was raised through prayer. Men on the jobs that I worked on were healed, people in comas came out of them, some with even a prophetic word. One man who was put into a vegetative state from a wreck was made instantly and "every whit" whole in Jesus name. Food at our table was multiplied, money also right before our eyes. These are just a few of the "manifestations" that became common place in our lives by faith. We read the Scriptures, believed what we read, the walked away as if commanded by Christ standing there in the flesh, and He manifested His Truth by allowing signs and wonders to follow. Note: His Word is eternal and designed to function the same for every person that will ever exist. That means you! 

The above post is what I call "SOP", standard operating procedure for every one who professes Christ as their Savior. Yes, seeing and experiencing all the "signs and wonders" listed in the Scriptures is just common place by God's design. Yes common place! Scripture commands us all (all mankind) to be "born again" then to be "baptized in the Holy Spirit" and endued with power from on high. Notice that both salvation and the baptism (not water) are free gifts from God through Jesus Christ only for the sincere asking. There is no mention of being saved and not following that up with Holy Spirit baptism (as many practice) for the Scriptures "commands" to "be saved and be baptized", there is no room for opinions here. You can "be saved" and not seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit but then that is only being obedient to part of the command! Jesus said "if you love me you will obey my commands and my commands are not grievous." Some say that you are "baptized with the Holy Spirit" at the time of salvation by faith but Scripture says there will be "the evidence" of that baptism when it happens. So yes you can be Baptized in the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation but whether or not it happens then the "evidence" is still the same, including tongues and "these signs shall follow." Some churches wrest what Scripture says in this matter but church, preacher, teacher, or any orator of Scripture, is no excuse to ignore what the "Truth" says about the matter. You are alone responsible to know Scripture and show your love for Christ by obeying His commands, all of them. Therein is another reason for the baptism as His commands are set in the spirit real but manifested in the realm of the flesh, and it's only the Holy Spirit that can "make them manifest" through you His vessel. So if you desire to "work the works of God" as He has promised them then you have to let the Holy Spirit work through you to do so. Thereby the Scripture that "you shall receive power from on High" when you are obedient to "tarry" and seek the baptism. Like I previously said "standard operating procedure." 

So back to Elise and I: We have put into practice every Scriptural means mentioned to release her from this tumor. We have fasted several types of fast over the last 18 month including the intermittent water fast being done now. Nothing seemed to be effective as shown by MRI's until we changed the way we are applying our faith. God is compassionate, all Loving and "He has His best in design for us" for our care and continuance. Sometimes I thought that we were relying more on "the process" of the fast to work over the "faith of the fast" to humble and seek His manifestation. In other words the fast became the intended deliverer instead of His Word and promises of healing. The cart was before the horse in our application sort of saying. As soon as the matter was put in the right order her symptoms started to diminish. God first, supplication by fasting second, results to follow. No matter what way God decides to work it we know that His Glory is what will be the end result. We just want to be there to see it. Needless to say that all who have been following this situation and all involved whether by prayer or mere curiosity, (or maybe those who just want to say I am wrong), will see the will and Glory of God made manifest. Right now our part is to "believe by faith" our petitions of God for healing in the name of Jesus Christ, laying on of hands, and binding this destructive organism in the spirit realm so that we can see the results in the physical realm. So far we have seen, using these methods, a reduction in the symptoms and better all round physical ability then she has had in the past. Faith is the key whether it's seen or not. Sooner or later it will make His will known.

Some day I hope to cover the Biblical subject of "Divine Healing" in greater detail and all the ways healing takes place. But for now we will continue to "walk our part through faith" believing that God's Word "will not come back void but produce that which it was sent to do."

Love

Jerry and Elise

Today seems to be a day that's rife with doubt, emotion, concern and everything that goes against what God promises victory over. In the comforting sometimes words just fall short of getting the job done. But the "Word" cannot fail because the Word is Truth and only the Truth can set you free. Nothing can be added to the Word to make it more effective.

But compassion is the other "hand" that Jesus gives us to help others receive the Truth. It's the "presentation platform" on which Truth is made real to the carnal side of comfort.

So, today, for all you out there who are drowning under the waves of adversity, loss, pain, doubt, hopelessness, fear, and weariness, here is my/our measure of compassion offered to you:

This picture representing God's beauty, grace, abundant life, Unconditional Love, hope for a full completion of development, and satisfying of every promise He has for you through His Word in Christ Jesus.

"Let those who are weary come into Me and I will give you rest".

And:

"Cast all your cares upon me for I care for you".

Be healed in the powerful name of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Right now in Jesus name, I command healing to go forth into the hearts, spirits, minds, bodies, and lives of all those who are reading this, to the glory of God the Father.

"And they defeated the devil by the "blood of the Lamb" and the "Word of their testimony".

What is the Word of their testimony? It's what can be assuredly spoken about of what God has intimated in your life. Causing others that hear to glorify God in their hearts for His power and mercy that has been preformed in your life.

His blood has already defeated the devil at the cross, he only need to add our testimony to complete this Scriptural formula.

May your testimony, from this day forward increase until the "day of Christ Jesus" having His blood as the ground on which we have victory in this battle.

Love

Jerry and Elise

2Frank Sharpy and Shelly Addison

1 Share

Like

Comment

Share

Follow up to Healing through Word of Knowledge

It's been since 5-10-19 that God through the 700 Club gave a Word of knowledge about someones knees were being healed. As I said I claimed that Word. This is the follow up to that:
Since this miracle happened my knees have been great. The effort needed to walk (especially uphill) is almost negligent, and stairs are getting better everyday. I have noticed that my knees are fine on every wise but it's my legs/muscles that are weak from lack of exercise. I have prayed over them and began exercising them and the improvement is quickly gained.
I have several backpack sprayers that are 4 gal. and in the past (before the healing) if I went down to the ground with one on I could not get back up without crawling to a solid means of something to pull myself up on. The other day I walked the property spraying weeds and insects having filled the sprayers several times and didn't notice till I was done that all the walking was effortless. Because of the lack of resistance (do to the healing) I wasn't as exhausted and could thereby do more. I have not known this much freedom of movement since I was in my 30's.
Praise God for His unspeakable gifts!
Love
Jerry and Elise

Update on Elise 10-21-18

Greetings Family, Prayer Partners, Friends and all who have been interceding in behalf of my wife Elise:
Thank you for your prayers and intercessions throughout this time of trial for us.
I would like to start with asking your forgiveness for not keeping up with these updates especially at the close of the most crucial part. There is no excuse on my part and I let my own weariness overcome my sense of duty to keep everyone informed. I found myself falling asleep every time I sat down with little energy to do anything else but "try to catch up" on rest. I would have never imagined that I would drop the ball like that. This is a new experience for me and my discovering how aging sometimes is selfish and somewhat irresponsible.
Please forgive my weakness of the flesh when so many have spent so much time faithfully to turn there hearts towards heaven in fervent prayer that certainly made the difference in the outcome. 

Now let me catch you all up:
Elise was supposed to be released on Wed. next week 10-24. Because of your prayers and Gods mighty intervention they changed that date to 10-21. We were approached by the discharge nurse of the change and asked if we could make that work. We said yes but then the Doctor that we had told us that there would be no therapy for Saturday and Sunday because there was a waiting list to get in and the new patients would get the therapy over us because we were in good enough shape to discharge now. We asked if we could discharge on Friday night and they said yes and that it would actually help them out, so we did.
All the therapists said that Elise had done great and was ready, and that staying wouldn't gain to much more, again so we opted to be discharged.
Gain:
3 weeks ago Elise couldn't move her right arm and right leg at all after the surgery. On Thursday night around 3 am I noticed her fussing in her bed and she said her leg was hurting. I got up and went to her bed and she had her leg pulled up with her ankle to her butt leg folded. I asked her if she did that herself and she said yes. Glory to God she could move it back and forth for the first time since the operation. When she would move before this all she could do is drag that leg, within 24 hours she was walking full strides. Within 30 hours she was walking 400' trips 3 times that day. Her leg was miraculously healed. The very next day the same thing happened to her right arm but this time at 1 am. Within 24 hrs she had movement up to her elbow then within 30 hours she had it up to her shoulder. Soon she was lifting it over her head, all she needed was to build strength exactly what the therapy was meant to do. Praise God another miracle so mighty and quick the Doctor in charge of the therapies called Elise his "miracle woman". That coming from a German Phyc Doctor (named Schmidt) was rather incredible. He was the one that had the say on whether or not Elise could get into the Acute Rehab there. Up until that time he said "no" and wanted her to "find another place' as she didn't qualify. But God had other plans!
Now:
She has finished what they considered to be "more than enough" healing to be released so the recommendation was to let her go.
A note:
Every therapist that worked with her fell in love with her "don't give up attitude" and when asked if she wanted a rest she would almost without fail say "lets keep going". That brought her to her first 1000' walk rather quickly then she went into the 4 hours of divided therapy without hesitation. The hand of God and your prayers got her there successfully. If I may boast I will boast in the Lord and your endless, passionate prayers. Now that's being part of something big, something miraculous. A heart felt thanks again. When it was time to leave there were plenty of hugs and tears all around.
Sarah has arranged to meet us in Chicago on our return flight Thursday and Rachael is going to drive here to help us pack and get on the plane to leave. Soon we will be at outpatient rehab at Sarah's when we will finish up our strengthening and safety rehab 2-3 days a week near her house. Then home to Tn.
We will have follow up MRI's every 3 months until they are convinced that the last chapter has been written on a recurrence so prayers are still needed there. Also there will be a follow up with a Neurologist to see how long she has to take the seizure meds. She suffered a small clot in her right leg during the time it was dormant so now she is on shots (2 x a day) for the next 70 days to make sure that doesn't move and dissolves. There is no follow up on this because it's a prescribed treatment for a set period of time. We need this to also be kept in prayer as we have no Rx insurance.
Discharge:
We discharged on Friday evening and came back to the hotel room. First a private shower, then a celebratory meal at the local Saints on 2nd restaurant next door, then for the first nights real sleep we have had in the last 30 days at least. Finally a dark, quite, undisturbed room for a almost perfect sleep. Together at last. Now that's a miracle too. Then Saturday a late wake up call and a home (hotel room) cooked meal of fried eggs, sausage, toast and coffee with my wife a benefit that we haven't had since we left Sarah's to come here. Once breakfast was over there was exercises to do mostly walking. So we walked the halls and rode the elevator, visited the exercise room for a little workout on the cycle and the elliptical. That kind of effort was rewarded with Elise getting a very sore back and me getting cramps in my calves. Easy does it is the word on that stuff. Saturday night was JJ's Gargantuan sandwich split between the two of us and a very welcome bag of Lay's chips for a side. Delightful. Sunday breakfast was Elise's favorite homemade egg burrito's with coffee and a cherry turn over. God is God all the time. We slept in late today and then took a needed nap to get up to speed for the rest of the day. Lol.
Time to wrap this up, more for later as it comes to mind.
God bless and keep.
Again thanks for your prayers.
Love in Christ
Jerry and Elise     
 

Update on Elise #1

On the previous post we asked for prayer for my wife and we gratefully thank all who participated.
We are seeing and learning what is going on both in God's will and in her body. An MRI revealed a rather large brain tumor deep in the center of her brain. About the size of a lemon. I has been growing there for the last 20 to 30 yrs as the surgeon said it's a slow growing cell. Because of that he is sure it's not cancerous, but it is getting to the size that it is rubbing the right and left lobe (as it is in the middle of the two), and causing some motor skill effects in her walking and strength.
The choices are: operate to remove it (which could have some bad side effects because of how deep it is), live life until either a natural demise or such from the tumor, or (what we chose to do) measure it on the MRI and recheck in 3 months for speed of growth. If growth has been negligible and symptoms haven't increased then do nothing and check again in 6 months.
We believe that by faith God will manifest His glory regardless of "the hands of man", medicine, or any other hope that might be employed.
We have found that when she is fed, hydrated, and rested her life is almost back to normal, but when anyone of these are missing the side effects of the tumor are obvious: walking off to the left or right, leaning in either of those two directions , can't stop herself once she starts moving, headache, restless limbs, ect.
A secondary part of the problem (related or not to the tumor I don't know) high blood pressure and slightly low potassium. She was given a low dose BP pill and a potassium chloride pill and that's about all her meds. We are supplementing her diet with high potassium fruits and veggies in the form of juices and produce praying that God will "cause these things to help as He designed them".
Our only hope is in His Unconditional Love for us now and forever more, and His unfailing precious promises that we have in His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
More to come as God "divinely intervenes".
Pray without ceasing, giving thanks in all situations.
Praise His Holy Name!
Love
J&E in Tn

Authority over evil both written or spoken.

I never understood why Christians give into argument and debate about how to handle the whims of the evil one. Here is our True Biblical example:

Jude vs 9:

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

Therein is the answer: "The Lord rebuke thee"!

Satan is involved in all wickedness including liberal agenda's that proliferate lies and concupiscence, lasciviousness, and immorality, When your rebuke leaves the Word of God for structure and expletives then you leave yourselves wide open to be cut down, and rightfully so.

Romans 12:19

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Leviticus 14:13

Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will shew to you to day:

Don't argue with evil as the unlearned would do but put it in God's hands to settle by rebuking it the way angels are commanded to in the "name of the Lord!". Then it will be given it's rightful rebuke.

You have no power or authority outside the "name of the Lord" trust in Him for your defence.

Love

J&E in Tn

A word of encouragement about Scripture

It's hard to start this post because it goes against what many believe or practice being believers. At times, in the flesh, I struggle with whether or not I should post such material. Rest be assured that I only post what I know to be by the Spirit and that I am convinced that this is for others also. 

Still a struggle exists within my heart that the rudiments of Western Christianity, for many have lost it's passion and have been taken over by complacency once the "golden ticket" home has been gained through faith in Jesus Christ. 

When a believer looses the passion of "the Gift of God" complacency becomes simulated by excuse, lies, wrested Scripture, doctrines of man, or just plain laziness. 

What is the "Gift of God"?

A lack of Spirit lead understanding/revelation here, (sealed with the Holy Spirit at salvation but not receiving the "Baptism in the Holy Spirit"), disconnects believers from the "full" meaning of what the "Gift of God" is.

A greater revelation of the Gift of God is all these factors intertwined as one:

Jesus Christ is "the Gift of God" and in Him are all things that God the Father gave to man.

Jesus Christ is the Word of God, both written and spoken, that became flesh and dwelt among us for a while as a man, who existed before creation with God, to be the vessel for salvation and every precious promise that God mandated for man to receive. He (God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, one Spirit being), always existed and eternally will exist, they (one) called creation into being from nothing, the very creation that we now "live and move and have our being" in.

God's written Word is Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life/Light, so all things set in Him cannot change, (He changeth not), and His Word is infallible. Upon these Truths rest all the power of promise in Scripture. In His Word, that means in all it's forms, Words, flesh, and written, which are "one representation" of His Authority, dominion, and power in the Godhead. These Truth's cannot be ignored, censored, or changed, and the implications of them are the "manifestations" proving that our God is the only True and Living God of whom His Word cannot be ignored, period!

Part of the "revelation of Jesus Christ" is an experiencing of the Mastery of His Name. How so?

Jesus Christ is the "Name above all Names", whether on the earth (creation), in the earth (creation), or above the earth (creation).

Jesus Christ is the Name that sustains all things.

Jesus Christ is the Name through which all things were created and nothing was created that was created without Him.

Jesus Christ is the only Name wherein man can be saved.

Jesus Christ is the Name wherein all power is given.

Jesus Christ is the only Name wherein all manifestations of the Father are shown through.

Jesus Christ is the only Name by which we "Glorify our Father in Heaven."

Jesus Christ gives power to His disciples to: heal the sick, raise the dead, give sight to the blind, makes the lame to walk, makes the dumb to speak, and heals all matters of body afflictions.

Jesus Christ shows us the Father.

Jesus Christ is "Lord" of all. Everything that we had or have or will have be it flesh and blood, mechanical, and all invention.

Jesus Christ "gives" us freely of His Holy Spirit. The comforter, empower, instructor, and counselor.

The Holy Spirit represents Jesus Christ's will so that we can continue to "Glorify our Father", that faith in Him, shown through the gifts and manifestations proves that God is the only True God.

God gave us these promises and manifestations to "show us separate" from other god's. No other god is likened unto our God. The Holy Spirit of "promise" anoints us to be different and sets us aside for His use empowered, and proof that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only True gospel.

The Scripture's are full of promises, manifestations, gifts, and blessings just waiting for someone to "believe" (have faith), as they command so that the Holy Spirit can confer them on us. 

The recipient of these promises are said to "have the anointing" and it seems to be completely effortless on their part. So it is in Scripture, Peters shadow fell on the afflicted and they were healed, effortless. 70 disciples preached the "Kingdom.of God is neigh" healing the sick ect., effortless. "Those that are saved and baptized will speak with new tongues, heal the sick, ect., effortless. 

Just to make this clear the situation that these took place in involved effort but the actual miracles were as natural as breathing. Not of man but of God. He being the giver we being the "chosen" vessel to "transmit" through. 

So if salvation, anointing, power, and manifestation are gifts from God and our part effortless what then is the problem?

Herein is where I labor in prayer and seeking how to participate in these promises being that they should be effortless. Again effortless on our side of participation does not mean that there is no curriculum to accomplish in the way of faith and obedience, but a natural existence in faith and obedience that brings this about. 

I know and have seen more times then needed that most believers don't even "care" to go there, I mean the seeking to manifest God's glory His way, by the hand and anointing of the Holy Spirit. Many wonder why passion in the faith wains when they deny or refuse to except the very promises that God has given them in order to "keep them excited" about the faith. 

Christianity "IS AN EXPERIENCE" that comes through faith in God's Word, Jesus Christ. It is written so then it is. Not maybe, not possibly, but "Surely" as the Lord liveth. If you believe that Jesus saves you then how can you not believe that the rest of His Word would fail. If God's Word has failed at any point then how can salvation not? God's Word is True and cannot fail.

God has also provided all things for those who believe because He Loves us. If we are to emanate His Love to others then these gifts through the Holy Spirit are the way to do it. He Loves us and we "prove" His Love and existence to others by "meeting their needs" as He has done for our own. Proof of Love through a compassionate, ministering to needs relationship.

We all have the ability to participate in "the faith" at whatever level we find to fit us, but to many times that participation isn't fully Scriptural. We pick and choose what we want to "believe" out of Scripture because of comfort or "fear" that the results might embarrass us if "our will" isn't done. If we pray for others needs we should pray in faith only desiring that God's will would be done. He knows all things and if we trust that His will is done according to His Word then we can operate with compassion not thinking about the outcome. You won't know if you don't pray!

When believers don't participate in the Scriptural mandates (commands) then they hang on to salvation (by faith) but won't get involved in the promises and commands so that they can be helpful to others. They can hope for themselves but the experience of faith for others is forgotten because that has the chance of "not working" for them.

Now I know all this and still fail to see it work as Scripture shows all the time. We pray for the sick, the dead to be raised, limbs to be made complete, ect. and understand it's God's will to manifest His glory, but I haven't had consistently the "effortlessness" of  the manifestation. I am sure that any failure is on my part as He cannot fail. So realizing that Scripture is True I continue to seek on my end for the "Truth that will set free" to be shown me.

When we began this journey the working of  the Holy Spirit was so incredible that I couldn't wait for the dawning of the new day just to see how God would glorify Himself. I still have the same excitement daily but not seeing the same consistency in those manifestations. The point being that whether or not the manifestations are as active as in the past that doesn't stop us from seeking, praying, and ministering the same. We have to "encourage ourselves in the Lord" daily as He is not the one that changes. 

If you are a believer that has become "slack" in the participation of faith as expressed in God's Holy Word, and thereby lost passion about what God will do, then get back into His Word, read the promises made for you, show your Love for Him by "obeying" His commands, and start reaching out in prayer to others so that they can experience the faith that Jesus Christ brings.

Remember that when you confessed faith in Christ you confessed faith in all His written Word (which is Christ) not just a convenient "some of it."

I have been a Christian for 37 yrs now and have never failed to believe all that the Scriptures say or command to do. That doesn't mean that I haven't sinned in the journey or got side tracked at times but always confessed that God's Word is True and all men liars.

God bless and keep as we travel this "way." 

Love

J&E in Tn