Can You Hear Me Now?

  • April 27, 2009 11:32 am

The Purpose of the Prophetic Voice
 

Hearing God’s voice is critical.  It is the key component in our success, safety, and effectiveness in life.  As we develop a relationship with the voice of the Spirit of God we are able to speak as His prophetic ”mouthpiece” in the earth, bringing His love and life to others. 

 
What is the purpose of the prophetic voice?  The prophetic voice does more than bring restoration or revival to people, it brings new life… it ”births” abundant life… it is able to move people to a place they have never been before.  The prophetic voice brings the God-kind-of-life on the scene and replaces, removes and destroys the works of darkness that have hindered and held people back. 
 

Through the prophetic voice, God wants to bring vibrant, over-flowing life (not just apply bandages) to His people.  To accomplish this…

  • He chooses mercy over judgement (James 2:13)
  • He brings abundant life (John 10:10)
  • He leads people to repentance by His goodness (Romans 2:4)
  • He builds up His church by edification (1 Cor 14:4)
  • He strengthens people through exhortation (1 Cor 14:3)
  •  He speaks words of care & tenderness for our comfort (1 Cor 14:3)
  • He convinces and convicts us  (1 Cor 14:24-25)
  • He reveals His heart & mind  (1 Cor 14:31)
  • He makes spiritual impartation  (1 Timothy 4:15)
  • He reveals Jesus: The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10)

The scriptures reveal to us many ways that God can (and does) speak. They include:

  • Audible voice (John 12:28-29, Matthew 3:17)
  • Inner voice/Inner witness (John 14:26, 1 Kings 19:12)
  • The written word/bible (Prov. 6:23, Ps. 19:8, Heb 1:1-3)
  • Angelic appearances (Acts 27:23, Genesis 16:7-11, Luke 1:13-19, Acts 8:26, Matthew 28:5)
  • Dreams (Acts 2:17, Job 33:14-18, Daniel 1:17, Daniel 5:12, Matthew 1:18-24, Matthew 2:13-15 )
  • Dream interpretation (Daniel 7:1-12, Proverbs 25:2)
  • Visions (Acts 16:8-9, Acts 9:3-6, Joel 2:28)
  • People/Prophets (Acts 11:27-28, Acts 21:10-11)
  • Animals (Numbers 22:28-30)
  • Prophetic acts — sometimes God asks His prophets to do unusual things or actions to make a prophetic statement.  For example, Isaiah was asked by God to walk around barefoot and naked for 3 years (Isaiah 20), and Ezekiel did not always prophesy to people, but to things like the wind or bones (Ezekiel 37).

Are you really listening?  This week, take time, give your attention and your complete concentration to God’s words, His heart and emotions over the various situations and people around you.  As you do this, little by little, you will begin to hear the voice of His Spirit with more and more clarity.  Remember, the Spirit is your helper and your guide.  He is waiting to lead you!

John 16:13 — Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.

Have a blessed week!
Dr. Greenwood

 

Lori Greenwood, ThD — Associate Pastor 

Visit my website at http://www.lorigreenwood.org  

Are You Thinking About Fasting?

  • April 23, 2009 9:20 am

Are you thinking about fasting?
 
Right now, we are in a window of time that directly coincides with Moses original 40-day fast as recorded in the book of Exodus chapter 34. That “window” is open between April 19 and May 28.
 
Be asking the Lord about join us in some capacity during this season of fasting
 

 
How Scriptural is Fasting?

 

Lori GreenwoodThere are nearly 70 references to fasting in the Bible.  Each week, I’ll share a few verses with you.  Searching the bible will help you discover more about fasting for yourself. 

 

Last week we looked at Leviticus 23:14 and Mark 9:29

 

Here are a few more scriptures:

 
Numbers 6:3-4 — The Law of the Nazarite: “He shall separate [himself] from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried. All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.”

Luke 4:1-2 – Jesus Fasted 40 Days in the Wilderness: “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.”

 
 
 

 

Q&A on Fasting

Q: Can I fast if I am on medication? 

 
A: If you must take medication and intend to fast, then drinking juice while abstaining from food may work best for you.  I would strongly encourage you to consult a physician regarding the effect of fasting combined with your specific medication.  Many people are able to successfully fast while on medication.  Some come off their medication due to the healing they experience during the fast — and never go back! Frankly, it is hard to separate the power of fasting and the power of God.  Supernatural things happen when you fast.  It is wise to get medical advice, but earnestly consult God.  Pray and ask God to reveal His plan for you. We serve a supernatural God and He may have something in store for you in the form of a miraculous touch.  So pray, seek medical advice, use wisdom and proceed in peace with whatever works in your situation. 

 
  

 Do you have a question on fasting?  Email it to info@lorigreenwood.org

 

fasting  Interested in learning more about fasting?  Click here.

 

 
Lori Signature
 
Lori Greenwood, ThD

 

Blessings,

Peter’s Public Restoration

  • April 21, 2009 10:29 am
John 21:1-17
Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there-Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.  Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.”  “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.  At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied.  Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.  Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them-fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.  ”Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.  “Now come and have some breakfast!”  Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.  Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.   After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” ”Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”  ”Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.  Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”  ”Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.  A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”  Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”  Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”
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This story always blesses me!  Jesus, after His resurrection, made a point of taking care of a few things before He ascended to the Father.  Here, in this passage, He wanted us to know that no mistake is more powerful that God’s forgiveness, nor God’s call and anointing on someone’s life!  Peter, no doubt still reeling from having denied the Lord three times, now receives a public restoration directly from Jesus.  
 
For those who study biblical numerology, there is another important key here… the number 17.  17 is a biblical number (or pattern) for restoration and vindication.  Add the sum of 1 to 17, and you will get the number 153.  153 large fish was the first key that Peter was on his way to a turn-around!
 
Here, Jesus cancels out Peter’s 3 denials by giving Him 3 charges to return to ministry: “Feed My Sheep.”  While Peter’s denial happened in somewhat of a private manner (with only a few witnesses), Jesus openly and publicly vindicates Peter and restores him to his call in front of his colleagues, the other disciples. 
 
The bottom line… God sees beyond your mistake.  He sees you fulfilling the purpose He created you to fulfill (even if you tripped along the way).  Allow the love and restoration of the Lord to vindicate you from the situations and trials you have faced!  If you love Him, feed His sheep…
Have a blessed week!
Dr. Greenwood
 
Lori Greenwood, ThD
 

The Pre-Fast Preparation

  • April 17, 2009 8:45 am

PRE-FAST PREPARATION — If you remember from last week’s fasting blog, I mentioned that some may be contemplating entering a fast to coincide with Moses original 40-day fast as recorded in the book of Exodus chapter 34. (April 19 to May 28, 2009) If this sort of endurance fasting is new to you, you may be wondering if 40 days is something that is within your reach, or not? 

 

When I was still pretty green in ministry, I was encouraged by Pastor Bob Rogers to begin to develop myself in fasting.  Little did I know where I was headed!  Dr. Rogers is the pastor of Evangel Prayer Center in Louisville, Kentucky, and has trained-up a large church of fasters. His church engages in something they call the Pre-Fast Diet when they’re getting geared up to enter long fasts.  While fasting brings you closer to God and is a scriptural way to humble yourself, there are also physical benefits to fasting, like weight loss.  Fasting should not be confused with dieting, howbeit, altering your dietary habits heading into a fast can really help you go the distance.  With that in mind, I’d like to share Dr. Rogers pre-fasting menu with you!  Read on –
 
Below is a pre-fasting diet which will help you prepare your body for a long fast. It not only cleanses the body from toxins, but stimulates metabolism of your body. You will probably lose seven to twelve pounds in one week, depending on your present body weight.

 

Cabbage Vegetable Soup — 6 large green onions, 2 green peppers, 1 or 2 large cans of tomatoes, 1 bunch of celery, 1 large head of cabbage, 1 pkg of Lipton Onion Soup Mix. Season with salt, pepper, curry, parsley, etc., if desired, or 6 bouillon cubes. (Note: Half of this recipe was made and used according to following instructions by two people for four days. We kept it continually hot in a crock pot.) Cut vegetables in small to medium pieces and cover with water. Boil fast for ten minutes. Reduce to simmer and continue cooking until vegetables are tender. This can be eaten anytime you are hungry. Eat as much as you want, whenever you want at any time of the day. This soup will not add calories; the more you eat, the more you lose. If eaten alone for indefinite periods, you would suffer malnutrition. Fill a thermos in the morning if you will be away during day.

Day One 

All fruits except bananas. Your first day should consist of all the fruit you want, except bananas. Cantaloupes and watermelons are lower in calories than most fruits. Eat only your soup and fruits the first day. For drinks – unsweetened tea, cranberry juice, or water. Day Two 

All vegetables. Eat until you are stuffed with all the fresh, raw, or cooked vegetables of your choice. Try to eat green, leafy vegetables and stay away from dry beans, peas, and corn. Eat all the vegetables you want along with your soup. At dinner time on this day, reward yourself with a big baked potato and butter. Eat all the soup you want this day, but don’t eat fruits. Day Three 

Mix day one and day two. Eat all the soup, fruit, and vegetables you want. You CAN’T have a baked potato this day. IF YOU HAVE EATEN AS ABOVE FOR THREE DAYS AND HAVE NOT CHEATED, YOU WILL FIND THAT YOU WILL HAVE LOST FIVE TO SEVEN POUNDS.

To read Day Four and more, click here.
 
How Scriptural is Fasting?

 

Lori GreenwoodThere are nearly 70 references to fasting in the Bible.  Each week, I’ll share a few verses with you.  Searching the bible will help you discover more about fasting for yourself. 

 

Last week we looked at Leviticus 16:29-31 and Luke 2:37

 

Here are a few more scriptures:

 
Leviticus 23:14 — Fasting occurred before the wave offering was made: “And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: [it shall be] a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.”

Mark 9:29 – Fasting brings deliverance power: “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”

 
 
 

 

 

Q&A on Fasting

This week’s question comes from Pastor Robinson in Nigeria, who asks:

 

Q: I want to know the hours of fasting, if one takes a fast from 6am to 12pm, 6am to 3pm, 6am to 6pm — can you tell me is this the proper way of fasting?

 

A: The bible outlines a few different times and lengths of fasts.  I’ll cover them here in order from shortest to longest. 

 

Half Day — In the Old Testament, the Jewish nation had a habit of observing a half-day fast where they abstained from taking any food from the time they awoke until 3:00 PM in the afternoon. 

 

1 Day — A 24-hour fast occurred on the Day of Atonement.  Jeremiah 36:6 

 

3 Day — There are fasts of 3-day duration recorded in Esther Ch. 4 & Mat.15:32. 

 

7 Day — A 7-day fast broke a curse off of a nation in 1 Samuel 31:13 

 

14 Day — The Apostle Paul and the crew of the ship he was on endured a 14-day fast as recorded in Acts 27:33. 

 

21 Day — Daniel fasted for 21 days.  Read Daniel 10:3 

 

40 Day — Moses, Elijah and Jesus all fasted for 40-day durations. Exodus 24:18, 1 Kings 19:7-8, Matthew 4:1-2.

 
 

 Do you have a question on fasting?  Email it to info@lorigreenwood.org

fasting  Interested in learning more about fasting?  Click here.

 

Blessings,

Lori Greenwood, ThD

Don’t Be Faithless — Believe!

  • April 13, 2009 9:21 am
That evening of the very first Easter, the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord!  Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”  Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
 
One of the twelve disciples, Thomas, was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!”  But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”   
 
Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”   ”My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.  Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.  (John 20:19-32)

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If there was ever a circumstance or situation that appeared utterly devastating, certainly the crucifixion of Jesus must have looked that way to His close followers.  But listen to Jesus’ words: “Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
 
No matter what we face — sin, sickness, persecution, conflict, financial challenges, emotional pain, disappointment, injustice, ANYTHING — no matter what we face… Jesus has conquered it!  Don’t be faithless any longer.  Believe that God is able to lead you in to victory in every situation you face.  Believe!
 
Romans Chapter 8 
vs 37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.    vs 38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,    vs 39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Have a blessed week!

Dr. Greenwood

 

Lori Greenwood, ThD

Do You Know What Time It Is?

  • April 9, 2009 1:25 pm

April 10, 2009                                                                       

 

Do you know what time it is?  Are you aware of the season of God that we are standing in?  We have just entered Pesach, or Passover.  You might be wondering, “Well, what does that have to do with fasting?” 
 
At the very first Passover, the children of God began their exodus from Egypt.  For ten days they trekked out into the wilderness following the pillar of fire, until they came to Mount Sinai. There, the Jewish nation set-up camp at the base of the mountain while Moses spent the next 40-days up on the mountain with God.  Moses fasted for the entire 40-day time period.  On our calendar, that would fall from April 19 all the way to Shavout (or Pentecost) which starts at sunset on May 27, 2009
 
As in years past, God has been speaking to me about fasting in this season. Maybe God is talking to you about fasting in some capacity as well? 
 
When it comes to fasting, coaching people can be a funny thing.  While we all want to think about fasting as a spiritual discipline (which it is) the most complicated part about getting others to embrace this form of intercession has a lot to do with training the flesh to cooperate!  With that in mind, I’m going to be sharing information with you over this fasting season that not only contains spiritual truth, but has coaching keys to help you “manage your body” through the process.  (I’ll try to cover everything from weight loss and skin break-outs to bodily elimination and fatigue. Doesn’t that all sound fun?!)  As always, I’ll continue to share scripture and field your questions as well.  So, be looking for more information to come over the next few weeks!
How Scriptural is Fasting?

 

Lori GreenwoodThere are nearly 70 references to fasting in the Bible.  Each week, I’ll share a few verses with you.  Searching the bible will help you discover more about fasting for yourself. 

 

Last week we looked at Exodus 34:28 and Psalm 69:9-10

 

Here are a few more scriptures:

 
Leviticus 16:29-31 — On the Day of Atonement:  

 

On the appointed day in early autumn,you must spend the day fasting and not do any work. This is a permanent law for you, and it applies to those who are Israelites by birth, as well as to the foreigners living among you.

   On this day, atonement will be made for you, and you will be cleansed from all your sins in the Lord‘s presence.
   It will be a Sabbath day of total rest, and you will spend the day in fasting. This is a permanent law for you.

 

Luke 2:37 — The prophetess Anna fasted:  

And she [was] a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served [God] with fastings and prayers night and day.

Q&A on Fasting

Q: I’m less than 48 hours into a fast and everything hurts.  I have a headache, my stomach hurts, and I feel really run-down.  Is this dangerous or a sign that I should eat something?

 

A: Headaches, slight nausea, bad breath, and run down feelings are signs that the fast is working. When you fast, your body purifies itself by feeding off of toxins in your system. After about three days the headaches and hunger pains cease.  You may also experience unusual things like bleeding gums, a coated tongue, shaky leg muscles, eye pain — all of these things can be signs that toxins are being cleared out of your system.  Everything you are feeling (while uncomfortable) is a strong sign that your body is “taking out the trash,” and you’re on your way to a healthier you!

 
Do you have a question on fasting?  Email it to info@lorigreenwood.org

fasting  Interested in learning more about fasting?  Click here.
 
 
Read a fasting article here.

 

Blessings,

 
Lori Signature
 
Lori Greenwood, ThD
 

Walking With His Presence

  • April 7, 2009 10:08 am

 

 
EASTER SUNDAY is April 12, 2009 

     

Late in the afternoon, that first Easter Sunday, two of Jesus’ disciples, Cleopas and another man, were walking along the road to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles (11 km) from Jerusalem. All day they had been walking, talking and mourning all the traumatic things that had occurred in Jerusalem that weekend.
Suddenly, Jesus was there with them, but they did not recognize Him. “What are you talking about as you walk along?” He asked. The two disciples looked sad. Cleopas asked, “Are you the only one in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have happened there in the last few days?” “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a great prophet before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed Him over to be crucified. We had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides, it is now the third day since all of this happened. And now, some women of our group amazed us. They went to His tomb early this morning, but they did not find His body there. They came back and told us that they had seen angels there who said He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women said, but they did not see Jesus.”
 
Then Jesus said to them, “Oh you are so foolish, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for Christ to suffer those things and enter into His glory?”

As they came near the village of Emmaus, the two disciples said to Jesus, “Stay with us, because it is late and the day is now nearly over.” So Jesus went in to stay with them. As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it and broke it, and gave it to them. Suddenly they recognized Him as Jesus, but He vanished from their sight.
 
Even though night was falling, the two disciples quickly began their return to Jerusalem, where they found the apostles and some of Jesus’ other followers gathered together. Then the two disciples told everything that had happened on the road to Emmaus.
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I pray, that as you walk through the challenges of your own life, your eyes would be open to the presence of the Risen Savior — Who is walking alongside of you.  May His presence in your life excite and encourage you to face anything and everything that comes!  He is risen… He is risen indeed!

 

Have a blessed Easter week!
Dr. Greenwood
Lori Greenwood, ThD
visit me online at http://www.lorigreenwood.org

Does Fasting Cause Malnutrition?

  • April 6, 2009 9:14 am

As you consider whether or not fasting is right for you, I hope that Fasting Facts will provide some answers, information and encouragement! 
Q&A on Fasting

Q: Doesn’t fasting cause malnutrition?  What’s the difference?

A: Fasting is certainly different than malnutrition. If I consumed a poor quality diet for a month it could result in malnutrition.  I would experience a lowered quality of life, feeling tired, irritable and possibly ill. Fasting for a month, on the other hand, would give my body the opportunity to ”clean house” and heal. When free from daily digestion, the body’s ability for self-restoration and detoxification is heightened. 

How Scriptural is Fasting?

 

Lori GreenwoodThere are nearly 70 references to fasting in the Bible.  Each week, I’ll share a few verses with you.  Searching the bible will help you discover more about fasting for yourself. 

 

Last week we looked at Genesis 24:33, Psalm 35:13 and Daniel 9:3. 

 

Here are a few more scriptures:

 
Exodus 34:28 KJV – Moses’ first 40-day fast while at Mt. Sinai:  ”And Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.”
 
Psalm 69:9-10 Message – When David fasted others treated him with contempt:  I love you Lord more than I can say. Because I’m madly in love with you, They blame me for everything they dislike about you. When I poured myself out in prayer and fasting, all it got me was more contempt.
Ready to start fasting?  Read the book: http://www.lorigreenwood.org/wilderness.html
 

Hosanna!

  • April 2, 2009 2:10 pm

 

Hosanna!  Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord

 
PALM SUNDAY is this week — April 5th, 2009 

     

In fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 62:11 & Zechariah 9:9), Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds lined the street shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 118:25-26) Welcoming Him into the city, they placed palm branches and cloaks in front of Jesus. This was particularly disturbing to the religious leaders who were jealous of Jesus. These religious leaders demanded that Jesus silence the crowd, but He responded by explaining that if the crowd were silent, even the rocks would cry out.
 
The events of the next week would forever change the world. While Jesus entered Jerusalem as a king, by the end of the week the people were demanding his death. His followers abandoned him in fear. It is possible that none of his close friends really understood the events of Palm Sunday and the Holy Week until after Jesus arose. They had all expected Him to be an earthly king, but God had given them something so much better – an open door into a Kingdom that would never end.
 
Did you know…
Did you know that Hosanna means: Show your salvation now? 
“Show Your Salvation Now!”
 
The people that lined the streets of Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday, had come because they had heard of the marvelous works of God that Jesus displayed.  They all needed to be saved from something… sickness, fear, lack… others hoped Jesus would save them from the oppression of the government.  People today are not all that different, and Jesus is still able to save them from every situation — both on earth and eternally.  Hosanna!

 
Have a blessed day!
Dr. Greenwood
Lori Greenwood, ThD

Sick & Tired?

  • April 1, 2009 12:47 pm
Sick & Tired? About 7 years ago, I was struggling with a mountain of health problems. I had been to see a number of doctors, specials, therapists and neurosurgeons. I had been through a range of tests to attempt to uncover the source of the conflicts within my body. I had been tested for Congestive Heart Failure, Diabetes, Anemia, Cancer, and Chrone’s Disease, among others. In addition, I had struggled with a variety of strange neurological problems that had far reaching effects, from the lost of the use of my left hand and arm, to significant loss of vision, loss of memory, and unbearable nerve pain.
I remember, one day, I sat down to re-evaluate some ministry goals that I had hoped to accomplish over the coming year, when I came to the stark realization that I probably wasn’t going to be alive in one year’s time.

Even in light of the fact that I had taught for several years on the topic of healing, straight out of the Bible, I was not seeing the manifestation of health. When the thought first came to me, “You won’t be here in a year,” I was tempted to rebuke the devil – but somehow I knew it was the small still voice of God warning me. In all honesty, I accepted it as a warning from the Lord. I sat down with my husband, and we talked candidly about what it would take for him to raise two little girls on his own. We made some changes to my life insurance policy, and “covered the bases.” Then, I went to the Lord and repented.

At that time, I had a pattern of fasting one, 24-hour period, once every week. I had continued that pattern for nearly three years and had extended it slightly to include a few three-day fasts, and a few seven-day fasts. Yet, over the last year of extensive health problems, the Lord had continually dropped a number into my spirit… 21. I had known for that entire year that the Lord was asking me to go on a full 21-day fast. Every time I prayed and asked the Lord to heal my body, He would give me that number… 21. Yet, in all that time, I had refused to do what the Lord was saying. (I just didn’t think I could.) But when you find yourself out of options, you are willing to do just about anything. So, I repented. I told the Lord that I would take an earnest look at what it would take to accomplish what He was asking. I asked myself one question, “Lori, are you willing to trade your time to train your flesh?”

The next day, I entered “flesh training.” I took it seriously. I hired a nutritionist and health expert. I spent time talking to a medical doctor. I began to read. I began to change my diet and my dietary choices. Within about 3 months of training time, I entered into a 21-day fast. Three weeks later, I emerged a new person.

While it is still inconclusive as to what, exactly was wrong with me, it appeared that I had Autotoxemia – a form of blood poisoning caused by toxins in the body. Systematically, by divine design, my body, once freed from the routine of daily digestion, set about to “problem-solve” throughout my system. The body corrected itself, rid itself of toxins, and renewed and restored itself to a quality of life that I had not experienced for many years.

There are many reasons I wound up in this state. There were many mistakes made, pains suffered, and lessons learned – the hard way. Throughout the journey, there were many valuable experiences and discoveries, many of which I share in this book, A Walk in the Wilderness.

We are three-dimensional constructions of a marvelous Creator. We are spirit, soul and body – all intricately intertwined. Health and healing are the products of understanding with a greater fullness that we are three-dimensional persons.

 

 

DISCOVER THE POWER OF FASTING in my book, A Walk in the Wilderness.  http://www.xulonpress.com/book_detail.php?id=1187

Restore Your Health… Revive Your Soul… Ignite Your Spirit…Discover the POWER of fasting — body, soul and spirit!  

Fasting is a powerful force.  It is a weapon against demonic forces.  It is a method to restore health, slow the aging process, and maintain the body.  It is one of the most overlooked and underutilized tools available to every believer!
· Fasting frees us from our own negative words. (Isaiah 58:6)
· Fasting causes healing to spring forth speedily.  (Isaiah 58:8)
· Fasting will lift spiritual yokes of oppression.  (Isaiah 58:9)
· Fasting will break generational curses, bringing spiritual growth and life.  (Is. 58:11-12)
· Fasting is a method to delight yourself in the Lord; bringing you the desires of your heart.  (Isaiah 58:14)