I am encouraged. A case of Bibles!

I am encouraged.  I am encouraged by many things.  I am especially encouraged by Jesus and when the actions of others reflect a love for Jesus.  Yesterday, a friend gave me a case of Bibles.  I am encouraged. 

I wonder what I will do with a case of Bibles.  I was in jail once.  I asked for a Bible. The jailer said they didn’t have a Bible.  I could send the case of Bibles to the jail for the next person. 

A Facebook friend suggested I start a bathroom reader movement.  Funny to use the word bathroom and movement in the same sentence with a thought about Bibles.  The idea would be to place a Bible on the back of the toilet for people to pick up and read as they take care of business.  I like that idea.

I've thought of creating labels to stick on the Bible.  It might say, "The Gideons were not here, but steal the Bible anyway."

Periodically, God will place someone in my path that needs a Bible and I will give it to them.  The last time that happened, I gave my own Bible to a new friend I met at Starbucks.  I have not seen him since, but I pray for him daily.

I am goal oriented.  Maybe I should not be.  Maybe I should just go with the flow and see where each Bible lands according to God’s will and purpose.  I like that.  I don’t have to worry about failing to meet goals or expectations of myself. 

I will just obediently let each Bible land where God sets up circumstance for another to receive.  I hope, God willing, to post God Spots surrounding the Bibles as they find homes…

God bless you and yours!

archie

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

I Keep Getting Hit in the Face..

My dog Spot.

I buy 62 cent bags of hot dogs for my dog Spot. Every night I sit and tear a hot dog in pieces and toss the chunks to my dog Spot. Every night my dog Spot gets hit in the face about ten times with hot dog chunks.

A couple nights ago, he caught his first piece of hot dog, mid flight  in the air. My dog Spot wonders why I keep throwing hot dogs at him..

I am much like my dog Spot. God keeps throwing hot dogs in my face. I keep wondering why. Every once in a while, I catch one. Mostly by accident, but God keeps trying.

I hope this next year, I will catch more hot dogs...

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It is a couple days before Christmas.  It is time to slow down and appreciate as best we can the sacrifice God the Father made when He allowed His Son to die on the cross for you and I.  Three days later He beat death and came back to life.  Likely in the previous three days, He experienced pure hell and is proof enough it is God's love and grace we desire.

Today, as I pulled up in front of my house there was a beat up car pulling out of my drive area.  It was worn out many years prior and for a moment I was a bit miffed at him hanging in front of my house.  I walked on down the drive to see what was going on and was met by an old man who was severely handicapped.  He talked poorly.  He could scarcely walk without stumbling and his hands shook badly.  I figured him a drunk.

We got to talking and he gave thanks that God had spared his life.  He had been in a tractor-trailer rig accident that left him paralyzed as a quadriplegic.  In God's grace, he had recovered enough to pull weeds and mow grass to buy food.  He had stopped at my house to ask if he could do yard work.   Needless to say, he didn't leave empty handed and we were blessed to cross paths.

As we chatted about the love God shared with us, he quickly invited me to his church.  I am always a bit amused and blessed when someone beats me to extending an invitation for anything.  I am especially blessed when someone who appears to have much less than I, is quicker to wanting to give it away.

I committed to pray for Arredondo when God brings him to my mind.  It truly is a blessed season and a Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all my friends who follow my posts.  I love you all and wish you the richest of blessings for you and yours.  

archie

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"..behold, the kingdom of God is within you."~Jesus

Archie Rhines

There is a power beyond understanding found in the Kingdom of God. That power can be manifested in your life and in the lives of others when operating within the Kingdom of God and in the will of the Father.

"..behold, the kingdom of God is within you."~Jesus 

Even though Kingdom truth can be difficult to understand, it can be simply acquired and manifested in your life. You must first seek the Kingdom...

God bless and Merry Christmas!

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The Generous Cure at Grace Point Church by Pastor Jeff Harris

I am worshipping at Grace Point Church and enjoying the opportunity to blog real-time via their wifi connection.  The Pastor is speaking on the generosity of God and how His character of generosity impacts the life of a believer. Contentment in what we have, influences our ability to be generous.  As Jesus is the picture of contentment, he is also the picture of generosity.  1 Timothy 6: 11-16.

Focus is a determinant marker of giving versus generous giving.  Generous giving comes from a heart tied to unlimited resources.  God is the owner of unlimited resources.  Speaking of giving love is marginalized by our lack of resources.  God gives to those that love generously and pass it on to others.  It is in our focus on Jesus.. God gives to us generously and we are pleased to be generous to give to others...

Trust in God who provides.  1 Timothy 6:17

Timothy says....

• Fight the good fight
• Keep eyes focused on Christ
• Act! Give Generously.

Andrew Murray is an encourager and early teacher of our faith.

Act on what you know... after you focus on God and trust in Him.  Unless you have consciously chosen to take steps in preparation to ACT, you will have a difficult time being generous in giving.  This is true in all areas of life.  Prepare to give in love, time, resources, self and all else.  

Then, ACT according God's will on your life.

Test your heart.  Test God.

Passage Malachi 3:8-10:

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.  Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Pastor Jeff Harris

 

 

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"I am not a demon chaser, but that does not make them any less real."~archie

I was pondering with a friend today about the existence of demons or not.  I don't spend much time thinking about it, but almost daily I pray protection around my family. I know my mother and father prayed protection over their children for a lifetime.  It is a matter of safety and I think God honors my prayer even if I am unsure of the workings of the evil one. 

I believe there have been times in my life when I allowed evil ones to get their claws in me.  I seem to have the scars to prove it.  I believe they were unable to possess me as I am a child of the king.  Being a child of the King does not prevent evil ones from raising hell in and about your life, they just can't have victory in the chaos unless you let them.

I know everyone has a different slant on this evil versus good thing, but I believe what I believe as much out of experience as revelation.  Evil and its manifestations are bad, even when they look good.  God always wins over evil, because He is the creator.  The truth of victory over evil is as simple as a creation or lessor being can not by definition have victory over or rule its creator.  It is pretty simple. 

As a word of advice... if you see your life going to hell in a hand basket, it is likely your fault.  That is rude, right?  But it is true.  If your life is a snowball rolling down the mountainside gaining momentum and size, it is likely you started the ball rolling and evil ones are having a ball keeping it rolling.  You might even prefer to have the company of the evil ones because then at least you are not alone.  Am i right?

One of two outcomes are inevitable.  You are either going to crash and burn or you will turn to the Father.  It is your choice.  Most prefer the crash and burn and then claim ignorance in the carnage of destruction.  You get to say... if i had only known... But you do know.  You know that Jesus is the only way, you just choose to take what seems the only reasonable way, which is your way.

So I have a word for you or rather i have The Word for you.  From the depths of the hell you are living... get a new testament copy of The Message and start reading from page one.  Only take a break to do the things you must do to exist, then begin reading again.  It will take you less than 30 days to read the inspired Word of God in the Message version.  

Somewhere in the midst of the read, you will experience life changes.. they will be small at first much like the snow ball of evil rolling down the hill once was.  Keep reading.  When you finish the book the first time, pick it up and again and start all over.  Read page one and go to page two.  You don't even have to understand.  Just read and ask God to reveal whatever He wants.  Don't you pick.  Let God pick.  He's smarter than you, remember.

So you say, "I could never do that." and I say, "I am sorry.  It is unlikely you will ever experience the God I know."  It is that simple.  Read or die.  It seems like a simple choice to me.  What will your choice be? Do you prefer being the evil ones playground.  Maybe so or maybe you will read. Maybe you will find a love for the Word. Maybe your new snowball rolling down the hill becoming larger everyday will be righteous and you will discover Jesus abiding in you.

I don't know.  It is your choice.  It is your snowball... It is your fault.

God loves you and so do i.  Read...

archie

 

 

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

There is a world waiting outside the Fraggle's Rock.

Traveling Matt was a Fraggle by creation and lived underground in the Rock with his many Fraggle friends.  The Fraggles were a hard working bunch.  They had a deep understanding of life within their Rock and never had a reason or occasion to travel outside the Rock.  The Rock was safe.  If was predictable.  Life in the Rock was controllable.  Life was good.  Excuse me.  Did I just describe a Fraggle's life or was that your life I just described?  

One day Traveling Matt got the wild idea to travel outside the Rock.  He wanted to explore the world in Outer Space.  The very thought of travel to Outer Space created great fear in his friends and family.  It made no sense to leave the comforts and predictability of living safe within the Rock.  Against all known reason and known sanity, Traveling Matt left to explore the far reaches of Outer Space and sends a series a postcards back home, describing his encounters.

There is much in common with Traveling Matt and us in this world known as Outer Space.  The commonality is found in consuming versus just reading the inspired Words of God.  Many of us have read the Words of God for a life time.  We have read commentaries and studied books written about the Bible and can debate Biblical issues with the best of them.  

We, like the rest of the Fraggles are quite content where we are and enjoy the safety experienced while living in the Rock.  But every once in a long while, someone peers from within the Rock and sees a world so much larger than life.  It is a world waiting to be explored. It is a world that can only be seen through hungrily consuming the very Word of God with the appetite of a lion having been locked in a cage far too long.  

I peered out from within the Rock because I knew I would die within the Rock never to experience the life God had planned for me.  Sure, I had made my run for Wall Street with an unquenchable appetite to launch an IPO.  I had accumulated millions of dollars in real estate and lost the same.  I had married good and enjoyed a wonderful family.  I had been a "Believer" for almost 50 years, but to my surprise I woke up one day to find my cup empty.  There had to be more.  

Out of a desire to survive and a belief the Word had to be key to my future, I began reading the Message version of the Word aggressively.  Every minute of free time, I read more of the Word.  I got up early and went to bed late purposed to read the Word.  I discovered my unquenchable hunger to feed on the Words of God out of a necessity to survive, developed into a voracious appetite to consume the Word out of a new found love for God.  

Eating the Word drew me back into His presence every time I broke bread with the Father.  His presence was predictable and the freshness of His Spirit poured out on my heart was undeniable.  I could not get enough.  I read the Bible multiple times in a manner of a few months.  It was one of the most awesome benchmark experiences of my life.  I became a different person.  

It is as if I was "born again" even in recognition of my childhood experience of "accepting Christ".  The challenge for me today is to somehow communicate to my friends who honestly ask themselves the question, "Is that all there is?" that there is so much more.  I missed so much for the first 50 years of my life as a Christian.  The so much more is found in the consuming of the Word.  Such a simple concept... but missed by most.  How about you?  Will you take a peek outside the Rock?  

Will you take the chance and venture out to discover what you have been missing?  I don't know, but I pray so.

 

 

 

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

The God Spots Keep Coming!

"With men, it is impossible; but with God, all things are possible!" 

Early this morning and after Bible reading and prayer, I posted on Facebook... "I am waiting for a phone call."  It was an impression from God.  I had no idea who the phone call would be from. I had no idea what the call would be about. I just knew I was waiting for it.  

Later in mid-afternoon, God called me to prayer again.  I went to my knees and eventually to my face and prayed.  I prayed for the craziness of God pressing it on someone's heart to stumble across me and call me.  I prayed that this might be a baseline of work for me, so my family's needs would be abundantly cared for.  In the midst of this... the phone rang.

It was a call from a gentlemen who I didn't know and he didn't know me. He had stumbled across me on the internet in the social networking world.  We talked at length about our careers and service to the Father.  We talked about God's call on his life and God's call on my life.  Our callings are a perfect match.  The meeting was God ordained.

I believe God has a plan that will be fulfilled over the next few years.  The journey began with a calling on each of our lives.  Ours paths were brought together with the thought... "I am waiting for a phone call".  

Thank you, Jesus.

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

This story of Being a bit Different was given me by my Bride as an encouragement. Enjoy!

A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.

His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bob's wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob.

Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.

Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined to make one - a storybook! Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there. 

The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer_ and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.

In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either. 

Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry.  "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas." 

The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.  

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

"Being like Jesus might not be so tough after-all..."~archie

"The Son of man came eating and drinking and they say he is a glutton, a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners." 

Websites built.. http://www.isrv.org ... info@isrv.org Thanks! archie

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Some of the Most Courageous People in the World Live in the Hospital.

This could be your story....

I was doing pretty good for myself and the wife.  We had a good house and great pickup truck.  The kids had grown and lived their own lives.  We had money for vacations and pretty much did what we wanted.  Now I'm woke up every 4 hours at the local Mercy Hospital for the Infirmed.  Life stinks!

Yeah, I know that sounds a bit rude. But have you ever woke up with a four inch needle going a place even angels fear to tread.  I want to tell you it is not fun and neither is it fair.  I think the doctors are just part of a system that thrives on hurting others and then grin as it fills their bank accounts.  

I've got to write quick, because they just gave me another shot for who knows what and likely I'll pass out shortly.  I still don't get it.  I did so much good for the big guy and now this.  What is the deal?  What is he thinking?  Doesn't he know I'm hurting?  Doesn't he know I need help?  Big guy where are you.......? Sigh.

Just about the time I am ready to black out, this guy appears in the room.  Doesn't he know it's not visiting hours.  Just a guy in blue jeans and t-shirt with some message on it about saving the whales.  He says, 'Hello Mike'.  How does he know my name?  Must have read the chart?  "How are you doing?" he says.

I'm thinking, what an idiot!  How does it look like I'm doing?  But I say, "I'm ok."  Looking in his eyes, I see deep pain mixed with unfathomable love.  I don't understand.  How can you see pain and love both from a person's eyes.  They say the eyes are the window to the soul.  I never really cared about a person much less their eyes.  But, this guy was different.

It's as if I had a million questions to ask and yet no voice to communicate.  I stared into his deep seemingly passionate eyes with an empty grin as I drifted off to some deeply medicated place.  Did I just see a blue jeaned guy out of place in my room or was it just part of the drug induced stupor coming on?  I'll probably never know, but someday I hope to have answers....

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Which train are you about to catch?

Seen through the eyes of another, having spent way too much time in the hospital...

Have you ever eaten applesauce with a fork?  When you have been in a hospital for as long as I, you begin to appreciate the little amusements of life.  Such as, eating applesause with a fork.  Oh, I have a spoon.  But if I eat with a spoon, the meal will be done and then what will I do?  I'm not getting drugged silly as often now, so I have a lot of time to kill.  Interesting word to use in a hospital, right?  But, I've been thinking about death.

No.  I'm not thinking about killing myself, although sometimes I think it might be an easy way out.  I'm thinking about all the good I've done and hoping the big guy noticed.  You remember when I yelled at him because of this health thing going on?  I had been doing all the right things and he whacked me anyway!  

Well, I'm trying to be more understanding of him and wondering if I've done enough good to offset the bad I've done.  I'd hate it if when I find myself standing or laying at the pearly gates (depending if I'm out of the hospital yet) and the big guy looks at me and says, "Which train are you about to catch?"  I mean if he doesn't know, I could be in trouble.

It got me thinking.  How can anyone know for sure which train to catch?  I suppose it depends on what ticket you buy.  

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Beware the Clean Restroom Sign

I had been on the corner for some time and my bladder was about to burst.  I thought that would be cool because the 'heeling tint' was still in town and I knew where I could go get fixed up.  But, instead I went to the local sinagog and spotted a 'Clean Restroom' sign.

Now you know what that means.  It's like when someone says, 'Trust me' or 'To the tell the truth' translated means watch your wallet.  Anyway, I went in this 'Clean Restroom'.  It met my expectations.  What a mess. I took care of business quick and got out of there.

I respectfully took my assigned seat in the pew upfront.  I think it important for others to see me.  They might want a blessing or something.  What I couldn't figure was why everyone was laughing as I walked down the isle.  Then I spotted the tissue paper trailing behind me from my saintly sandal.  

How embarrassing.  It totally blew my persona, but certainly confirmed my idea of what a ''Clean Restroom" sign really meant.  It means just what it says.  The proprietor wants YOU to CLEAN the RESTROOM!

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Ever Smuggled a Eucharist?

"Webster Cook says he smuggled a Eucharist, a small bread wafer that to Catholics symbolic of the Body of Christ after a priest blesses it, out of mass, didn’t eat it as he was supposed to do, but instead walked with it.

Catholics worldwide became furious".   Fox Orlando

Now I'm not Catholic so it is a bit hard for me to appreciate the seriousness of the crime.  But if I stole a piece of cracker from my church, I don't think anyone would mind.  I probably better check next time.

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What Mark do you Wear?

I listened as he went on to address the executioners: "Follow him through the city and kill. Feel sorry for no one. Show no compassion. Kill old men and women, young men and women, mothers and children. But don't lay a hand on anyone with the mark. Start at my Temple." Ezekiel

The Word says that in the "end times" losers will get a mark of the beast on their forehead.  Now, I don't know about you but likely that's not a good thing.  

I was wondering what the mark of Christ might look like on your forehead.  I figure it could be a bruise or callous made from falling on your face before God.  I think I'll start checking foreheads......

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

3Toes Profits Go to Help the Needy.

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I Have Much to be Thankful For. Being a Slave Rocks!

I am impressed to be a slave of Jesus Christ.  How incredible my master is that to be a slave to Jesus creates a quality of life immeasurably better than anything I could do alone.  Think about it.  Be a slave and have a better life.  It is just like God to flip things upside down on its logic head and create good out of bad.

I am sad for those that lose out on life because of their minds designed rich in logic.  Our salvation experience makes not sense viewed through the logical mind of mind and yet makes all the sense in the world when viewed through the lens of our master dying on the cross.  

Logically our master died for threatening the stability of the Roman government.  Illogically, our master kicked satan in the teeth and rose again three days later, defying death.  I am confident, satan had a really bad day back then and continues to have equally bad days as the future rolls on.  

Thank you, Jesus!

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FREE Download - Bus Ride Across America - Collecting God Spots

Hi friends.  

I have an early Christmas gift for you.  I have pulled a chapter out of my upcoming book titled God Spots.  This chapter is built around blog entries from my trip across America by Greyhound bus in search of God Spots. I know you will enjoy the adventure.  I have it available for download here or simply click on the hour glass God Spot below. 

I will ask a favor.  Please let me know what you think about the chapter and if you have interest in the book, God Spots.  

Thank you for taking the time to read a chapter from my life.  

archie rhines

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

A Pharisee enjoys the smugness of seemingly being blessed.

There are some who will say they were once a Pharisee and voice it as if vinegar is on the tip of their tongue.  Immediately one searches the heart in contemplation of salvation status, considering the authenticity of the believer's prayer uttered as a child.  

There is a journey to be made and the 23rd Psalm comes to mind.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.." 

I think it is possible to wear the robe of a Pharisee and believe in all Jesus did, while having one's salvation totally secure.  It is an illusion of Godliness that many will buy into.  The illusive role is a comfortable role.  A role where one has many friends and supporters.  There is seemingly no motivation to seek any other role.  It appears God is blessing.  It is an easy life and a life quite controllable.  

Smugness comes to mind while looking down your nose at those less deserving.

I think a collision between faith and the role of Pharisee is inevitable.  It may be that God loves you so much He is unwilling to allow you to live the lie regardless of how innocent you feel.  It is in this collision, you will find yourself in the very "valley of the shadow of death".  It is a dark place in the absence of light.  It is an ugly place.  It is a place of death.  There is but one way out.  Jesus.

The light of Jesus gives direction and meaning.  It strips off the grave clothes and wraps one with fresh white linens of purity.  As evil as the darkness is... "I will fear no evil: for thou are with me."  This is an incredible promise.  Without Jesus, you will find no hope for tomorrow. 

If you have not found yourself in the "valley of the shadow of death", beware.  Check the robe you wear.  Write David's Psalm 23 in your memory.  You will need it.  It is likely your journey will lead to the valley of the shadow of death.  

There is but one way out.  The path leads to Jesus.

God bless you in your journey.

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

Babies in the Faith with an Awesome Mission

And Jesus said..."..preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick. Cleanse the lepers. Raise the dead. Cast out devils. Freely ye have received, freely give." That's what I'm talking about...

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"Jesus called together His twelve disciples and gave them power to cast out unclean spirits and to heal all manner of sickness and disease." It seems to me... one has all one needs if Jesus abides in you.  I am no authority.  I just know I had a killer migraine headache for over a year as a preparatory school.  One day I said... Jesus.  My head hurts.  If you abide in me, your head must hurt like hell.  Possibly, you can do something about it.  I think He grinned.  My head was healed a few days later.  Like I said, I'm no authority.  I just know what Jesus did. Amen.

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There is a Big Disconnect

The Word says as a believer... Jesus abides in me and I in Him.  "He healed every kind of sickness and disease among the people." We reserve the opportunity to heal someone for the guy/gal with "The Gift".  Did I get an impotent Jesus?  No healing for you, Archie.  Just like the soup nazi in Seinfeld? No soup for you!

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream