It Is God’s Will that ALL are Healed
Healing is for you, right now.
Whether or not you’re a Christian, Jesus Christ loves you and desires to see you healed. It’s not a matter of what church you go to now or whether or not you go to church at all. It’s also not a matter of the things you have done in your past. The simple fact is that Jesus Christ loves you now. The issue of whether or not you are on the path of going to heaven is something we can talk about later. Right now I just want you to realize that healing, through Jesus Christ, is available to everyone He loves—and He loves everyone!
Your Vision: You Shall Be Perfect
I’ve occasionally found myself behind a car with the bumper sticker that smirks, “Next time you think you’re perfect, try walking on water!” I understand the intent of the message, even if it does smack of chastisement. But I have news for these well-meaning placard-wielding, motto espousing, Christians: I just might walk on water at any time. It has nothing to do with my perfection, but the inherited perfection of He who lives in me!
Do you know anyone who is perfect? Viewed from worldly, natural perception, none of us has ever met a perfect person. We meet people all the time that think they’re perfect, but we all know better. In this world, it is impossible for a human to be perfect. There are just too many mistakes, failures, and wrong ways of thinking that easily destroy perfection.
And really, what is perfection anyway? Who gets to decide the standard by which perfection is measured? Certainly not me, not you, not the church you attend, not your pastor, and not the government.. . . . Continue reading
Christians, halloween, and the satanic kingdom
It’s once again time for the church to “come out from among them and be separate,” not that there has ever been, or ever will be a time when it isn’t supposed to. But halloween is upon us again and the season for increased dark-spiritual activity has arrived. It is an unfortunate fact that many Christians love to dabble in the satanic realm, especially on halloween. Most really don’t consider their dabbling as an encounter with the lord of darkness, but they partake willfully none-the-less. It’s a fascination, a draw, a weakness for the things that glorify satan (and in spite of my spell-checker insisting I’ve done wrong, I will never capitalize any of the names for satan—he in no way deserves such respect). So I want to start off by stating this very clearly: A Christian has absolutely no business participating in halloween (I ain’t capitalizing the name for the celebration either). Neither should they have “alternative” costume events, nor sponsor “safe” trick-or-treat activities at church. . . . Continue reading
Your Vision: Your Relationship with Christ in the Light of Kingdom Reality
My heart burns for the coming and present moves of God. It’s imminently upon us—right now—sweeping across the face of the earth like a tidal wave of glorious light! It’s tearing down strongholds, breaking apart resistance, healing the sick, raising the dead, and delivering the captive. It’s a superior reality, directly opposed to the tormented reality of the world currently held under the sway of the dominating kosmokratoras (rulers of darkness who manipulate and control willing human agents). God’s reality is the supernatural Kingdom of unequivocal, unrelenting, ever-pursuing love of a Father-son relationship. It’s this reality in which we must exist if we are to survive the fervent hostility of demonic entities lurking behind governments, organizations, political parties, institutions, social circles, cities, states, nations, and, yes, even religious institutions—perhaps even your church.
No longer do we have time to play—to “get ready to do something” in the Kingdom. The time of “waiting for the right moment” is passing presently by. It has become a matter of supreme importance that we comprehend the reality in which we are supposed to walk—supernatural; other worldly, and Kingdom-focused. While the satanic order may have largely orchestrated your life up to now, its influence, rule, and stranglehold must be broken and conquered. It’s only in the Kingdom reality that you can walk in the supernatural and defeat the opposing forces of darkness hell-bent on keeping you in their anguished dimension. . . . Continue reading
Your Vision: You Will Do Greater Works
Supernatural miracle working power is not set aside for a select few, super-anointed men and women. It is required of all of us—it’s built into the nature of our walk. Are you prepared to heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons, calm storms, speak prophetic words, and live in an atmosphere of open heaven where signs and wonders abound in your life? If you “believe” as Jesus said you must, then these same supernatural works will become a normal part of your Christian walk.
Jesus did no miracles under His own power. While He walked this earth, He had no ability of His own to heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons, or turn water into wine. People get the wrong idea that He performed miracles using His powers as God. But He instead laid down His divinity and performed His mighty works as a man filled with the Holy Spirit and operating in right relationship with the Father. He said about Himself that “the Son can do nothing of Himself” (John 5:19). When Jesus walked this earth, He walked under the self-imposed restrictions of human flesh, not as God. His earthly life was laid out as a model for us to follow—to know what the NORMAL Christian walk looks like. . . . Continue reading
Your Vision: You Are Endued with Power From On High
The desire to wield power is built into the nature of the human race. The fact is that when presented with an opportunity to exercise control over others, even in small, momentary ways, most humans will not shun the chance. Now I know that many learned scholars will counter with their theories and reasoning that an understanding of the psychology of power is not yet fully resolved—that the “will to power” may be more learned conditioning than natural instinctive behavior. But the wisdom of their scholarship is foolishness to God. In the supernatural world in which we also exist, the will to power is a general force underlying all reality. Collectively the entire world seeks power. From family relationships, to school cliques, to local school boards, to politics at all levels, to nations, I believe that most people seek some measure of power and control over others. Unfortunately, the power that is arrogated by the world is intimately intertwined with the satanic kingdom.
1 John 5:19
19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
Sorry, but the wisdom of man to explain the psychology of power is simply futile. Such can save much time and energy by admitting that all worldly power struggle stems from the powers of evil—period. . . . Continue reading
Your Vision: You are a King and a Lord
What kind of life does a king live? Think for a moment of the great monarchies throughout history and the prodigious opulence in which they lived. Imagine a life filled with abundance, glory, splendor, riches, and more than enough provisions for you and your family. Picture opening your royal court each day to men and women of great wisdom who advise and guide your every decision. Envision having your security safeguarded by a mighty army, willing to wage aggressive warfare against any enemy who threatened your borders.
Most of us in the western world don’t really understand this kind of royalty because it’s not part of our culture. But God has much to say about the order of dominion and rule in the universe. The Bible frequently uses terminology associated with the “kingdom” form of government, giving numerous examples of kings and queens throughout early history. During most of the Old Testament period, God’s people were living under some form of kingdom government. So it seems as though God has repeatedly called to our attention kingdom rule and dominion. In fact, He tells us that we are to live in a heavenly kingdom for eternity, complete with thrones, royal courts, a royal city, and the continual praising of the King.
So the history of God’s people is filled with kingdoms; and our eternity is to live in the eternal Kingdom. But where does that leave us now? Well, this is the interesting part: God tells us that we are currently living in a kingdom, but with a glorious twist: you and I are now kings and lords! . . . Continue reading
Your Vision: You are a Citizen of Heaven
Forgive me if you can for making this claim: a Christian is a different kind of creature from the rest of the world. I’m not saying we’re better because we’re not. We have, however, been reborn and transmuted from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God. That makes us an entirely new creation and places us firmly in a system that is vastly different than the systems of the world.
I can guess what you might be thinking right now, “So how come so many Christians live the same kind of lives as the rest of the world? How come so many Christians are hateful, vengeful, envious, lustful, and suffer the same calamities as the rest of the world?” . . . Continue reading
Your Vision: Everything You Touch Shall Be Blessed
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people wanted to be around you because you brought harmony, peace, love, prosperity and abundance everywhere you went? The radiance of your blessings would cause people to flock, attracted by your aura and spiritual atmosphere. When they come into your presence, they start to pick it up, and blessings begin to flow into them—even if only for a moment.
Can you say that your life is prosperous? I don’t just mean financially, but in every area—your relationships, your home life, your career and business ventures, your health, your joy, and your peace. True prosperity in the Kingdom of God is like this. In fact, a person walking in God’s abundance is a carrier of blessings—it follows them wherever they go.
I hear so much today about “the law of attraction” and many self-improvement courses focus on this as a mystical universal law. Well, it is—sort of. But there’s only one way in the universe to possess the true law of attraction and that’s to do it God’s way—with Kingdom blessings. All other ways are a counterfeit and are based on a curse. . . . Continue reading
Your Vision: You Have a Powerful Advocate
You are hereby accused of . . . gossiping, lying, hating your brother, lusting, envy . . .and then there are all of the really terrible things you’ve done. The devil has carefully observed your acts and has dutifully recorded them in a book of charges against you. Every single indiscretion results in one more indictment. And now satan stands accusing you before the Father.
Sin is a terrible, destructive, and deadly act. It gives the devil the opportunity to move against you, bringing a full array of penalties, curses, and perhaps, even death.
If that were not enough, you have another adversary. The world in general is against you—it may even hate you. It doesn’t care if you make it or not—you’re just one more sorry sap among the billions of people taking up space, needing services at someone else’s expense, polluting “mother earth,” voting for the wrong guy/party/cause/initiative, and further burdening the overstretched health care system. The world is randomly unfair. It will “randomly” choose some to succeed and prosper, and others to suffer unimaginable destruction. Almost all will agonize a little under the world system, even if it’s “just” high blood pressure, allergies, addictions, financial troubles, legal entanglements, and numerous estranged relationships.
Who can possibly help your plight? Who can stand before God and cancel the penalties you should be paying for your corrupt ways? Who can be your trusted deliverer guiding you out of the worldly mess you’ve made for yourself? Who can free you from your sicknesses, diseases, poverty, lack, and oppression? . . . Continue reading
Your Vision: You are Created to Live from Glory to Glory
Should we live for the glory of the Lord, in the glory of the Lord, or as the glory of the Lord? It certainly seems appropriate to live and do everything for God’s glory. But what about living in and as His glory? This may seem like a small distinction—that I’m thinly slicing a few tiny words, but the difference will have an enormous effect on your life. This may be the key factor in how you see yourself in the Kingdom of God. It may also determine the level of blessings and abundance you establish in this lifetime. God indeed reveals that He intends for us to experience a transformation into His glory.
So what is the glory of God? Well, not to be confused with worldly glory bestowed upon you by other created beings, this Kingdom glory is granted by the Creator of the universe. It is the very pinnacle of glory—being the same glory granted by God the Father to Jesus Christ.
So let’s jump right in by looking at a verse that talks about our transformation into this realm of glory. . . . Continue reading
Your Vision: Seeing Yourself as God Sees You
Is your self-image perverted by the deception and condemnation of the devil? Have other people and the flawed standards of the world given you a defining image of yourself?
How exactly do you see yourself? Do you see yourself as a perfected, unblemished, child of the most high God or someone that needs a lot of work?
These are not easy questions to answer, but most people have some sense inside as to what kind of person they are. Some people see themselves as essentially good, with perhaps a few flaws. Others seem to focus only on their flaws and throughout life suffer under poor self-esteem. Then there are those who seem to portray a sense that they are perfect and have no room for improvement (although inside may be tremendous turmoil and doubt).
For most people these images are based on the standards set by the world and its flawed systems. But they are all distorted images compared to how God sees us. Almost no one sees themselves in the image of God, but that is what He said we are!
God’s system for abundance calls for seeing yourself through His eyes. But how in the world can you find out what God thinks about you? . . . Continue reading
Your Identity in the Kingdom of God – Introduction to the “Your Vision” Series
This is the introductory post in a new series that will explore our identity in the Kingdom of God. The focus is on clarifying, understanding, and possessing the identity God has appointed for us. I say “possessing” because that is the ultimate goal: to possess in the totality of our existence (as body, soul, and spirit) the reality of God’s vision for our lives. This represents the very essence of the three part struggle of life: To somehow transform into a spirit with a soul and body instead of a body and soul with a spirit (sort of the default condition of mankind); to somehow transcend the temporal reality of this world and achieve the vision of God for our lives; And to finish well, having run a “good race,” as Paul describes in I Corinthians 9 and 2 Timothy 4. . . . Continue reading
Survival When All Seems Hopeless – Worship
These past several months have been months of many personal trials and tribulations. Most of which have revealed masks and faces of me into whose eyes I would rather not have stared. It is obvious to me that I still have much to overcome in moving from my “old self” into victory and abundance. I have never lost my vision for what the grace of God is all about. I have no uncertainty that God can and will deliver me into a new self as He promises in His Word. What I struggle with is my own walk and ability to just let Him do His work.
You see, I never cease to amaze myself in my efforts to be contrary to God. I know that the struggles we all face in life are the result of our original fallen natures and the world in which we live. But sometimes I look at the lives of even the unsaved of the world and wonder why they seem so well adjusted and at relative peace with the world when my life seems to be filled with a personal war against my wretched self.
I am at the point where the walls that I must overcome are of such magnitude that only God can deal the victory. I require a momentous miracle in my life. Nothing I can do in the natural world can save me. . . . Continue reading
Is God the Healer or the Afflicter?
What if the God that you think you know isn’t the God of the Bible?
Most people spend a considerable portion of their Christian walk wondering about the true nature of God. I’ve been a Christian for 40 years and allowed myself to be dragged through a roller coaster ride of doctrines and ministries. Each one has attempted to reveal to me the persona and nature of God. But these “revelations” were all over the map—some telling me that God tests us, others telling me that He doesn’t; some telling me that God heals people today, others telling me He doesn’t; some telling me that signs and wonders and miracles ceased after the New Testament was written, others telling me about the powerful operation of God’s power in our world today. These different doctrines preached to me over the years kept me mostly in limbo about the truth. But in spite of living a life of worldly worship, pride, willful sin, and belief in my own power, I managed to spend enough time reading and studying the Bible to see, at least partly, who He is. In fact, Jesus told us who God is when He answered one of His disciples who wanted Jesus to show God the Father to them: . . . Continue reading
When You’re All Alone, There is Someone!
When the darkest night is closing in and the slightest glimmer escapes;
When despair and heartache are familiar companions;
And your heart of stone is unwelcome—for no heart at all would be better than the pain you’re feeling;
When you’re touching “can’t care anymore” because numbness has overtaken your dying emotions;
And hope caught the last train out of your emptiness;
When you’ve tried so many times but end up worse;
And you simply want to go back; A time, a place that was simpler; better;
When you’re all alone, a life desolate; There is Someone!
When you’ve given up on living on the other side; The impassable canyon between your reality and where you thought you’d be;
You have been overtaken by circumstances, trials, tribulations, entanglements, and hopelessness; You’re captured; Taken;
When the fruit of your life lies as lifeless pits on the barren ground;
And your faith is dazed; It’s not really faith anymore;
Does God even want to help? How can God fix what you’ve wrought?
Did you misunderstand God? Did He misunderstand you? Is He nowhere?
When you’re all alone, a life relinquished; There is Someone! . . . Continue reading
Placing Your Hope and Care in Jesus Christ
I recently had the experience of getting somewhat involved in politics. I must say that the venture taught me not a few lessons about politics and Christianity and how they generally do not mix. Now before I get too far into this, I want to stress that I in no way feel that any political party has God on their side. There is no political party that is “right with God.” And I won’t begin to try to argue the merits of one candidate over another in terms of their spirituality. However, several months ago I was drawn to Herman Cain, one of the recent candidates vying for the Republican nomination for president. I believed that he had fresh ideas that would benefit our country and possibly restore some of the viability and vigor of our economy. I was also drawn to him, to a certain degree, because he seems to be a man of strong faith. I was certainly hopeful that his faith would influence his decisions as leader of this nation.
But things quickly changed. . . . Continue reading
But God!
We sometimes wonder where God is in our time of trouble. We tend to look at the circumstances as they appear to our worldly eyes instead of what the word of God says they really are. We take a negative view of those circumstances and see them as proof that God is off somewhere else, probably ministering to Benny Hinn or Joel Osteen. But God has promised He’ll never leave nor forsake us but deliver us out of defeat. He’s done it four countless others and He will do it for you because He’s no respecter of persons. What He will do for one, He will do for the other. He will dwell on the inside of any person who seeks Him by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
He doesn’t want you to see your circumstance the way it is. He wants you to look at it through His covenant promises of joy, peace, health, wholeness, blessings, and abundance. Where do we find the truth about our circumstance? We go to the Word and find out what God really wants for our lives. . . . Continue reading
Living the Supernatural Lifestyle
When was the last time you raised someone from the dead? How about the last time you laid hands on someone with terminal cancer and had their cancer completely wiped away? When was the last time you cast demons out of someone? How about prophesying and speaking in tongues? Have you recently calmed a storm?
Now I’m not trying to be judgmental or flippant here. But as you will see, these are all things that should mark the life of a “normal,” every day, run of the mill Christian. It is sad that the vast majority of Christians would have a difficult time answering any of these questions in the affirmative. In fact most churches would never even think of teaching their congregations about doing any of these things.
So what makes me think that a Christian should perform any of these miraculous acts? . . . Continue reading
Just One Touch!
Just one touch from Jesus Christ changes everything! No matter where in life you are now, and no matter where you have been, God will not turn His back on you. God will not reject you and turn you away. Jesus went to the cross to pay the price necessary for your freedom. No problem is too big or too small. Jesus has already overcome all of them. Jesus says at the end of the book of John:
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NKJV)
Pay particular attention to the very last part of this verse. Jesus says that He has “overcome the world.” He overcame the world so that you too can overcome the world. You see, His death on the cross was not just a symbolic event. His death and resurrection changed the entire structure and functioning of the relationship between God and man. That means everything in the world that tries to defeat you in this life, has already been crushed by the Power of Jesus Christ. Every sickness, disease, lack, poverty, stress, strife, depression, trouble, and turmoil that the world throws at you was defeated when Jesus died on the cross and rose again three days later. Nothing in this world is more powerful than Jesus Christ. Therefore, when you become part of the Kingdom of God, you are given the exact same rights and authority as Jesus. So you too have already overcome the world.
If it doesn’t feel like you have–if you are not seeing the peace, joy, wholeness, and abundance of God in your life right now, hold on tight. You will learn more in this blog about how to make the reality of Jesus Christ a reality in your life.
Perhaps, you just need His touch. Just a single touch from the King changes everything in your life. Just one touch and you will be whole again (Mark 5:28)
The woman with a lifelong illness in Mark 5, thought to herself that she only needed “Just one touch…Just one touch and I will be whole again.”
And she was! And so will you!
See “Just One Touch from the King” by Godfrey Birtill for the really amazing worship song that gave me some of the inspiration to start this blog.
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Copyright of blog post (c) 2011, Craig Tanner (except for the video and song provided by the link)
Just One Touch From the King 
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