The Sword of the Spirit
History knows the Roman short sword as the “sword that conquered the world.” One of the most easily recognized swords of any era is a Roman short sword. The sword was known for its short, double-edged 20” blade with a diamond–point tip. The Bible distinguishes the Roman double-edged sword, for its awesome powerfulness as a weapon, by using it, as an example, of the Word of God in Hebrews 4:12. This sword is also a critical part of the Biblical description of the “Full Armor of God.”
They tell great stories of Roman soldiers’ fierce bravery in battle (never retreating). Nevertheless, historians have shown there was a strategic fighting advantage behind this resolve. In the midst of combat, your sword and shield were vital. The first person to turn and retreat had his backside unprotected and the Roman short sword was the perfect weapon to deliver a fatal quick forward thrust.
In speaking, to us about the Armor of God, Paul instructs us to “take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”: (Eph. 6:17 KJV). Of all the parts of the Armor of God, the sword of the Spirit is the only weapon that we have. All of the other parts are for protection but the sword is the weapon for us to use in attacking the enemy or to fight back with.
The writer of Hebrews gives us a brief description of how powerful the Word of God is. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb 4:12 KJV)
He speaks of the Word of God being quick or alive. The Apostle Peter tells us that we are born again by the word of God which is alive and is eternal (1 Peter 1:23). The Hebrew writer also gives us another reason to use the sword of the Spirit and that is it is powerful!
When I hear the word “powerful” I think of something that is strong or forceful. However, as I began to study the word “powerful,” I also found it to have the following meanings. It is to be active, effectual and able. It means to be powerful in action. The word, “powerful,” comes from the Greek word “energes” which is where our word energy comes from. The word “work” comes from the same root word.
So, when the writer of Hebrews is describing the Word of God as powerful, he is telling us that it is “full of power and is able to achieve results.” In other words, if I use the word of God in Spiritual battle, it is going to accomplish what needs to be done.
Another term used to describe the Word of God is it is “sharper than any two-edged-sword.” He is speaking of it being sharp enough to cut in a single stroke rather than hacking away at it.
Several years ago a man attended a Church I pastored. This man worked in a chicken plant, for more than twenty years then, as a knife sharpener. I have never, before or since, seen a knife as sharp as this man could get them. He also made knives and sold them. We would bring our pocket knives or kitchen knives to him and he would sharpen them for us. My boys and I had a saying that a knife wasn’t sharp unless it was “Staley Sharp.” Staley was his last name. A kitchen knife that was “Staley Sharp” would cut through a thick piece of meat as if it were nothing.
The Word of God will slice through the problem no matter how difficult it seems. The writer of Hebrews tells us that it is so sharp it can separate the soul and spirit. It can divide the joint from the marrow of the bone. It can tell the difference between the thought and the intent of the heart. In other words, the things that we can’t separate, the Word of God can separate. Those things that we have trouble defining. The Word of God will define. Where a fine line needs cut. The Word of God will cut it.
Why is this important? Is this going to make a difference or help in my life? Will this enable me to be an over comer in battle? Yes! How often have I needed an answer, it seemed there were no answers at all, only to have the Word of God give clarity to the situation? The question of right and wrong comes up and there’s a “fine line” between the two. However, the Word of God makes a distinction and I know which way to go.
I remember an incident several years ago. God had been dealing with my heart to do something that I really did not want to do. I had a tremendous burden that I had carried for several years and many dreams that had yet to occur. If I did what I felt God was telling me to do, it would affect my family, my church and many others. I knew I would face great opposition and questions that I couldn’t answer, if I followed the direction I felt God leading me.
After much prayer and seeking clarity for this directive from God I came across a passage of scripture. I don’t know if it would ever speak to someone else the way it spoke to me but as I read it I knew what I had to do. The Word of God cut away all of the confusion and doubt in the situation.
In the summer of 1990 I was sitting in a Sunday School class while on vacation. They had diagnosed my father with Parkinson’s disease about a year prior to this time and I was dealing with a lot of confusion in my mind. Dad was a great man of faith. He was sixty years old and just now thinking of retirement. He wanted to travel some and be a blessing to Churches with teaching and preaching. Dad and Mom planned to enjoy spending time with their grandchildren. However, now all of those plans had changed. He was now dealing with a life debilitating disease. My confusion came because of these different changes. I also had questions because, as I said, Dad was a man of great faith. I had seen him pray for people and God instantly healed them. Yet, we had prayed for him several times and nothing had changed. As I sat there that day and the Pastor taught a Bible lesson, we read a passage from the Bible as part of the lesson. Although the lesson had nothing to do with the questions that I was dealing with, this passage cut right to the heart of my questions. The answer was made clear to me in an instant. Through the following years I held onto the Word I had received from God.
In talking about the Full Armor of God, we have referred to the enemy attacking with the spirit of fear. We have established how the different pieces of armor are effective in protecting us from these attacks of the enemy. One thing that we must realize is we cannot remain on the defense all of the time. The shield of faith, the breastplate of righteousness and the other parts of the armor are all defensive in their protection. Yet, if we are on the defense too long, we will become weary and will eventually fall.
I like to listen to football games on the radio. It isn’t something I do often, but a couple of Saturdays during the season I will listen to my favorite college team play. Often, during a game, I have heard the announcers say, “They have got to get the defense off the field because they are wearing out!” I have yet to ever hear them say, “They have got to get the offense off the field they are wearing out!” Why is this? Because, when you are on offensive, and you are scoring points, you are in control of the game. When you are on defense you are trying to anticipate the opponent’s next move and react accordingly. You are trying to resist and push back against the thrust of the opponent.
The same is true in spiritual warfare. If you remain on the defense, you will wear out! You are constantly trying to anticipate the next move of the enemy. You are pushing back against his advances, constantly resisting him. This is why the sword of the Spirit is so important to us. It gives us the ability to attack the enemy! We can go on the offensive and take control of the battle and we will be victorious.
The sword is also used as a defensive tool. It can block a blow by the enemy and deliver a blow. We see this happening in the account of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. Twice, Satan approached Jesus and tempted Him with the temptation of turning stones to bread and casting Himself off the pinnacle of the temple. Both times, Jesus used the Word of God to block the attack of the enemy. The third temptation Satan tempted Jesus with possessions if He would bow and worship him. This time Jesus attacked by saying, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matt 4:10 KJV) In other word’s Jesus said, “Get out of here! The scripture says that you must worship the Lord your God. Worship only Him.” You will also notice that Satan left Jesus then.
Paul tells us in Romans 10:17 that our faith comes by hearing the Word of God. I have found it to be very effective to read or quote scriptures aloud when I am in warfare. As I read or quote the passage I am hearing it, which in turn builds my faith. Take your Bible in your hand and begin to read scripture that builds your faith to deal with your situation! Have victory and be an overcomer.
Personalize the scripture as you are reading it. For example, as passage that means a lot to me and has helped me in many battles is Psalms 149:4-9. Which reads:
“For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;
7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;
8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;
9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.” (Ps 149:4-9 KJV)
When I am in battle I like to read this way:
For the LORD taketh pleasure in ME: he will beautify ME with salvation.
5 SO I WILL be joyful in glory: I WILL sing aloud upon MY bed.
6 The high praises of God be in MY mouth, and a twoedged sword in MY hand;
7 To execute vengeance AND punishments upon MY ENEMY;
8 To bind the PRINCIPALITIES, POWERS AND RULERS OF DARKNESS with chains, and with fetters of iron;
9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour I have AS his saint. I WILL Praise the LORD! Ps 149:4-9 KJV (NOTE: All of the capitalized words are added or changed by me to make it personal).
I can be victorious and have an overcoming life! That is the will and plan of God for me, as a child of God. This leads us to the last of our resources, which is prayer.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Our Helmet of Salvation
The Helmet of Salvation
The Roman soldiers used several types of helmets worn. Most of the helmets consisted of bronze. They designed them to cover the back of the neck and having metal cheek guards to protect the sides of the face. The helmet had a reinforced ridge along the forehead to protect against downward slashes.
Paul tells us, in Ephesians 6:17, to, “take the helmet of salvation . . .” I find it interesting that Paul links salvation with the helmet. The helmet’s design and purpose were to protect the head of the soldier. Salvation is to protect the head or mind of the Child of God.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds ;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Cor. 10:3-5 KJV)
The battle or warfare of the Christian soldier takes place in the mind. Satan, the enemy of our soul, will wage war upon us by attacking our mind. The control center of the body is the head or the brain, the mind. The same is true spiritually in that our spiritual control center is our mind. Our thoughts and our thought process determine who we are and how we respond in all situations. If our enemy can attack our minds and gain control of them, he is then able to disable us. In fact, he will eventually destroy us.
Paul tells us that our spiritual weapons are powerful, through God, to the pulling down of strong holds. Strong holds would be fortresses or castles that the enemy has control of. Paul speaks of them, spiritually, as imaginations or those things that exalt themselves against our knowledge of God. He goes on to call our thoughts controlled by Christ.
The word imagination, used here, is speaking of reasoning of evil intent. It is the contemplation of actions because of the verdict of the conscience. In other words it is reasoning that is hostile to our Christian faith or teachings. It is thinking about things that are contrary to the Word of God. Our conscience says it is all right to do, what we are thinking about, so we go ahead and do it.
The helmet of our salvation is our protection against those evil thoughts. Let’s take a few moments and try to break this down a bit more. Salvation speaks to us of deliverance, safety, security, refuge and sanctuary. When we think of our being saved, we think of a defender or deliverer. In fact, we could actually use the word savior in place of the word deliverer. We also know that in Luke 2:11 the angel of the Lord told the shepherds in the field that Christ the Lord was their Savior. The angel told Joseph that the baby, Mary would have, would be named Jesus, because He would save His people from their sins. Of course many more scriptures confirm that our Lord Jesus Christ is our glorious Savior.
Paul says to the Church of Ephesis, “Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” (Eph. 5:23 KJV) As the head and as my Savior or salvation he is protecting me. When I allow Christ to be my head or the authority of my life I bring myself into His protection. With Christ in authority I now have the advantage when in battle. Those strong holds of my mind will crumble before Him. The thoughts, which are ungodly and destructive, will be brought into captivity to Christ. I can live victoriously!
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV)
The wildebeest is the most fierce of all hoofed animals. Even a lion will not attack a healthy adult wildebeest. However, every animal has its nemesis or their adversary. The nemesis of the wildebeest is a fly. The information that they gave me says this fly will crawl down into the ear canal of the wildebeest and lay its eggs. When the eggs hatch, the maggots crawl even farther into the ear canal. They begin to eat the brain of the animal from the inside. It isn’t long until this causes the animal to be in intense pain.
What will happen next is sad, but try and picture it. The wildebeest will be eating and suddenly the pain in its head becomes so intense it is like the animal goes crazy. Trying to get rid of the pain they will suddenly jump straight up in the air and then spin around in circles. They are trying to get rid of the pain in their heads. After a few moments they will resume their eating. Until this all, happens repeatedly. It becomes more frequent as the fly’s progress farther and farther into the brain.
Lions are predators and will lie around the herd of wildebeest. They remain just on the fringe waiting and watching. Because of the fierceness of the wildebeest, the lion will not attack a healthy alert one. So they wait for one that has become ill and weakened by the attack of the flies on their brain. When they have spotted an animal that repeatedly goes into frenzy, they creep as close as possible, watching and waiting. Eventually the wildebeest will come out of his frenzied spinning totally confused, bewildered and even dizzy. This is the moment his enemy has been waiting for and with a roar the lion launches himself through the air in attack. The wildebeest is bewildered and befuddled. He is having a hard time standing. His world is spinning around. There is a loud confusing noise, a roar, but where is it coming from? He doesn’t know and then it is too late.
Let’s consider a couple of interesting things we can learn from this. We all know we have an enemy or adversary who is Peter likened to a roaring lion, (1 Peter 5:9). Beelzebub is a Bible name for Satan. In fact, Matthew 12:25 calls Beelzebub Prince of devils. In Luke 11:15 called Satan the chief of devils. The word, according to the dictionary, is a Latin word taken from a Hebrew word and means “Lord of the Flies.” In the Greek Beelzebub means the “dung-god.” It was actually the name of an Old Testament idol that Israel often worshiped, (2 Kings 1:2-3,6,16) In John 8:44 Jesus called Satan the father of all liars.
Now think of this. Beelzebub, the Lord of the Flies, comes to us and whispers in our ears. He tells us lies, whispering those little “flies” into our ears. God doesn’t love us or we would be experiencing so much pain. God doesn’t care what happens to us, He could change things if he wanted to. Go ahead and sin a little, it won’t hurt. God deserves it if you sin, He hasn’t treated you right. You can’t make it! You are a failure! You are a loser! Look at all the mistakes you have made! You aren’t worthy of God’s love! Do I need to go on? Do I need to say more? Lies that come from “The Lord of the Flies” and attack our minds. Little flies that land and creep farther and farther into our minds. They lay their eggs in our minds.
These eggs lay there and eventually hatch. They begin to eat away at our minds. The lies grow and destroy. It destroys us of our spirituality, our faith, our hope and finally our life. It is just as Jesus said, the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. That is just what Beelzebub is trying to do. The pain becomes intense, to the point it is unbearable. We find ourselves bewildered. We become confused. We become disillusioned with everything. We are dizzy, dazed and befuddled! Then in the midst of this, the devil roars “like” a lion. We don’t know where the roar is coming from and we give up to his attack.
The helmet of salvation is to protect our minds against such attacks. It is the knowledge and understanding of God that will keep and protect us during the attack on our minds or our thinking. The attacks will be focused on exalting the enemy against the knowledge of Christ. This is what Paul spoke about in 2 Corinthians 10:5.
The prophet Hosea wrote that Israel was destroyed because of a lack of knowledge. They had rejected the Word of God and God rejected them. (Hosea 4:5) They had forgotten the Law of God and God forgot them. The wise man of Proverbs warns us to:
“Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.” (Prov. 23:12 KJV)
A few verses later he stresses that we pay the price for truth and refuse to sell it. Along with truth we should get wisdom, instruction and understanding.
“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” (Prov. 23:23 KJV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom. With wisdom we need to get understanding. Understanding is going to help us to overcome the attacks of the enemy.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Prov. 9:10 KJV)
“And this is what he says to all humanity: 'The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.' " (Job 28:28 NLT)
When I use the helmet of salvation, I am trusting in the wisdom, knowledge and understanding that I have received from God. I am protecting myself against the lies of the enemy that would have me to doubt God. My mind is protected, because of my awesome respect for God. My knowledge and understanding of Him guard my mind against the lies of the enemy. I recognize what the enemy says as lies and reject them, before they can harm me. Before the enemy can build a stronghold in my mind, I can tear it down and destroy it.
It is vital that I constantly reaffirm what I have already learned of God. I need to strengthen it by constantly adding to that knowledge. I also need to seek the face of God and ask Him to help me to increase in knowledge, wisdom and understanding.
The Roman soldiers used several types of helmets worn. Most of the helmets consisted of bronze. They designed them to cover the back of the neck and having metal cheek guards to protect the sides of the face. The helmet had a reinforced ridge along the forehead to protect against downward slashes.
Paul tells us, in Ephesians 6:17, to, “take the helmet of salvation . . .” I find it interesting that Paul links salvation with the helmet. The helmet’s design and purpose were to protect the head of the soldier. Salvation is to protect the head or mind of the Child of God.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds ;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Cor. 10:3-5 KJV)
The battle or warfare of the Christian soldier takes place in the mind. Satan, the enemy of our soul, will wage war upon us by attacking our mind. The control center of the body is the head or the brain, the mind. The same is true spiritually in that our spiritual control center is our mind. Our thoughts and our thought process determine who we are and how we respond in all situations. If our enemy can attack our minds and gain control of them, he is then able to disable us. In fact, he will eventually destroy us.
Paul tells us that our spiritual weapons are powerful, through God, to the pulling down of strong holds. Strong holds would be fortresses or castles that the enemy has control of. Paul speaks of them, spiritually, as imaginations or those things that exalt themselves against our knowledge of God. He goes on to call our thoughts controlled by Christ.
The word imagination, used here, is speaking of reasoning of evil intent. It is the contemplation of actions because of the verdict of the conscience. In other words it is reasoning that is hostile to our Christian faith or teachings. It is thinking about things that are contrary to the Word of God. Our conscience says it is all right to do, what we are thinking about, so we go ahead and do it.
The helmet of our salvation is our protection against those evil thoughts. Let’s take a few moments and try to break this down a bit more. Salvation speaks to us of deliverance, safety, security, refuge and sanctuary. When we think of our being saved, we think of a defender or deliverer. In fact, we could actually use the word savior in place of the word deliverer. We also know that in Luke 2:11 the angel of the Lord told the shepherds in the field that Christ the Lord was their Savior. The angel told Joseph that the baby, Mary would have, would be named Jesus, because He would save His people from their sins. Of course many more scriptures confirm that our Lord Jesus Christ is our glorious Savior.
Paul says to the Church of Ephesis, “Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” (Eph. 5:23 KJV) As the head and as my Savior or salvation he is protecting me. When I allow Christ to be my head or the authority of my life I bring myself into His protection. With Christ in authority I now have the advantage when in battle. Those strong holds of my mind will crumble before Him. The thoughts, which are ungodly and destructive, will be brought into captivity to Christ. I can live victoriously!
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV)
The wildebeest is the most fierce of all hoofed animals. Even a lion will not attack a healthy adult wildebeest. However, every animal has its nemesis or their adversary. The nemesis of the wildebeest is a fly. The information that they gave me says this fly will crawl down into the ear canal of the wildebeest and lay its eggs. When the eggs hatch, the maggots crawl even farther into the ear canal. They begin to eat the brain of the animal from the inside. It isn’t long until this causes the animal to be in intense pain.
What will happen next is sad, but try and picture it. The wildebeest will be eating and suddenly the pain in its head becomes so intense it is like the animal goes crazy. Trying to get rid of the pain they will suddenly jump straight up in the air and then spin around in circles. They are trying to get rid of the pain in their heads. After a few moments they will resume their eating. Until this all, happens repeatedly. It becomes more frequent as the fly’s progress farther and farther into the brain.
Lions are predators and will lie around the herd of wildebeest. They remain just on the fringe waiting and watching. Because of the fierceness of the wildebeest, the lion will not attack a healthy alert one. So they wait for one that has become ill and weakened by the attack of the flies on their brain. When they have spotted an animal that repeatedly goes into frenzy, they creep as close as possible, watching and waiting. Eventually the wildebeest will come out of his frenzied spinning totally confused, bewildered and even dizzy. This is the moment his enemy has been waiting for and with a roar the lion launches himself through the air in attack. The wildebeest is bewildered and befuddled. He is having a hard time standing. His world is spinning around. There is a loud confusing noise, a roar, but where is it coming from? He doesn’t know and then it is too late.
Let’s consider a couple of interesting things we can learn from this. We all know we have an enemy or adversary who is Peter likened to a roaring lion, (1 Peter 5:9). Beelzebub is a Bible name for Satan. In fact, Matthew 12:25 calls Beelzebub Prince of devils. In Luke 11:15 called Satan the chief of devils. The word, according to the dictionary, is a Latin word taken from a Hebrew word and means “Lord of the Flies.” In the Greek Beelzebub means the “dung-god.” It was actually the name of an Old Testament idol that Israel often worshiped, (2 Kings 1:2-3,6,16) In John 8:44 Jesus called Satan the father of all liars.
Now think of this. Beelzebub, the Lord of the Flies, comes to us and whispers in our ears. He tells us lies, whispering those little “flies” into our ears. God doesn’t love us or we would be experiencing so much pain. God doesn’t care what happens to us, He could change things if he wanted to. Go ahead and sin a little, it won’t hurt. God deserves it if you sin, He hasn’t treated you right. You can’t make it! You are a failure! You are a loser! Look at all the mistakes you have made! You aren’t worthy of God’s love! Do I need to go on? Do I need to say more? Lies that come from “The Lord of the Flies” and attack our minds. Little flies that land and creep farther and farther into our minds. They lay their eggs in our minds.
These eggs lay there and eventually hatch. They begin to eat away at our minds. The lies grow and destroy. It destroys us of our spirituality, our faith, our hope and finally our life. It is just as Jesus said, the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. That is just what Beelzebub is trying to do. The pain becomes intense, to the point it is unbearable. We find ourselves bewildered. We become confused. We become disillusioned with everything. We are dizzy, dazed and befuddled! Then in the midst of this, the devil roars “like” a lion. We don’t know where the roar is coming from and we give up to his attack.
The helmet of salvation is to protect our minds against such attacks. It is the knowledge and understanding of God that will keep and protect us during the attack on our minds or our thinking. The attacks will be focused on exalting the enemy against the knowledge of Christ. This is what Paul spoke about in 2 Corinthians 10:5.
The prophet Hosea wrote that Israel was destroyed because of a lack of knowledge. They had rejected the Word of God and God rejected them. (Hosea 4:5) They had forgotten the Law of God and God forgot them. The wise man of Proverbs warns us to:
“Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.” (Prov. 23:12 KJV)
A few verses later he stresses that we pay the price for truth and refuse to sell it. Along with truth we should get wisdom, instruction and understanding.
“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” (Prov. 23:23 KJV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom. With wisdom we need to get understanding. Understanding is going to help us to overcome the attacks of the enemy.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Prov. 9:10 KJV)
“And this is what he says to all humanity: 'The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.' " (Job 28:28 NLT)
When I use the helmet of salvation, I am trusting in the wisdom, knowledge and understanding that I have received from God. I am protecting myself against the lies of the enemy that would have me to doubt God. My mind is protected, because of my awesome respect for God. My knowledge and understanding of Him guard my mind against the lies of the enemy. I recognize what the enemy says as lies and reject them, before they can harm me. Before the enemy can build a stronghold in my mind, I can tear it down and destroy it.
It is vital that I constantly reaffirm what I have already learned of God. I need to strengthen it by constantly adding to that knowledge. I also need to seek the face of God and ask Him to help me to increase in knowledge, wisdom and understanding.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Everyone Watched My Leg Grow!
This is the testimony of Natalie Dixon, who experienced a miracle healing in her life on January 14, 2012 at New Life in Osceola, Arkansas. Let her tell you about it...
Well, where do I start? From the time I was a baby I had a growth problem with my leg... When I was very young I started wearing a brace to hopefully stretch my ligaments to help me walk a little better. Although the stretching of the ligament was not going to grow my bones, it would help my leg some where I wouldn’t walk on my tiptoes. Which the length needed to grow too. But doctors cannot grow bones so they worked on the tendon.
Well my mom had to exercise my foot all the time and I had to wear a brace to school. The brace went up to my knees ...so it was very noticeable! So as a child I got all the jokes I could stand. Which we are human and we carry a lot of the bad comments into our adult life and after awhile you believe them.
After some time, I don’t remember my age.. My mother just got tired of the braces and exercising my foot so she just quit! So I’m a young child that is growing up walking on my tip toe and not to mention the length wasn’t the same.. So I really got the looks ridicule from all the people in high school.
I adjusted as life went on ... But my infirmity never stopped me from trying to live life to the fullest! I would run jump play anything I could! To make a long story short.. I have done a lot of things with this infirmity... I went to college, got married, became a mom...
When I got in church and God filled me with the Holy Ghost in on April 20 th, 1997!! Wow! How amazing! God loved me despite all the harsh words I had heard from people in my life!!! How that I was crippled and made fun of but inspite of all that the God of Heaven still loved me!!!
I really enjoyed church! I loved soul-winning and was on fire for God! The infirmity that I had in my leg never stopped me from witnessing! I was going to win people to God walking straight or not!! Now through life I always got prayer for my leg and my foot! Don’t get me wrong… I did! I did not make an issue about it.. just would always go get prayer. If God healed me… “Wonderful” and if God didn’t heal me,” Wonderful!” My infirmity never stopped my walk with the Lord!
On January 14, 2012 , like any other day , I got up getting ready to start my day. I knew that Bro. Doran’s in Osceola was having revival! I just felt an overwhelming desire to go, which I love to go to church anyways but this was like overwhelming! So , I went to church that night! I knew God must have something special and amazing in this service so I was on my way! I never dreamed that I would be the miracle that was so profound that night!
After the preaching, there was an alter call , so I went! I always go try to give things to God and to cleanse myself from the message being taught that night! People prayed for a while in the alter and God was moving greatly! Bro. Brandon Houseworth asked , “Is there a person here that has a problem with their right leg?” Well, I just raised my hands and said, “I do!” He asked, “What’s wrong with your leg? “ I said, well, my right leg is shorter than the left leg.” I think Bro. Houseworth said, Well, that’s a good problem.. lol.. or something to that nature. So, prayer began and then Bro. Houseworth wanted me to sit in a chair, so I did! Well, a lady laid her hands on my feet and prayer began again! I was enjoying just the presence of God , when all of the sudden, I here a “ahhhhhh” and people praising God! I was like that has got to be good!!! Are you ready? EVERYONE WATCHED MY LEG GROW IN FRONT OF THEIR EYES!!!! IT GREW 2 INCHES OR MORE! I was like such in shock to the miracle it never really came into my spirit till the next morning. I woke up and both feet hit the floor. NO MORE TIPTOEING! I tried to walk like I used to and when I did my right leg would raise up too high!!!There was no need to do that because God gave me new bones! I now walk flat-footed! My bones in my hip do not hurt!! It is truly amazing! Im still in awe!! I DON’T WALK LIKE I USED TO WALK..HE MADE THE DIFFERENCE!!!!
I was chatting with a friend.. she said , that the man that was at the pool of Bethesda was there for 38 years! Well, I am 39! A baby usually starts walking good after the first year! So, I was healed of an infirmity that I had for 38 years!! My story goes along so much with this story! When God healed the man , the Lord healed him “wholly” which is his body , spirit and soul!! Every since I have received this miracle, I feel like I have been healed entirely, “wholly” . All the pain from the past and years of emotional abuse from having an infirmity feel erased from my mind! Because humans are cruel and after years of hearing comments when I was young , you really feel like you are not good enough!! Or that you will never be good enough! But praise be to God, I’m healed body soul and spirit now!! God is amazing! I love Him!
Note: A little information about Natalie Dixon: I'm a blessed beyond measure! I have a wonderful husband! I have 3 wonderful children that I love with all my heart. I have the greastest church family. Im involved with the work of God as much as possible. I love Him , I love Him, I love Him!!!!!
I work with the deaf at our church. Christian Life Center in Brookland, Arkansas. Besides I think sign language is beautiful ..just another wonderful way to glorify God! Thanks for your goodness Lord!
Im just a good apostolic lady who loves serving God and being in His Kingdom! Anything to help His kingdom florish that is my desire! Im pretty easy going , love people , love soul-winning! Never meet a stranger.
Well, where do I start? From the time I was a baby I had a growth problem with my leg... When I was very young I started wearing a brace to hopefully stretch my ligaments to help me walk a little better. Although the stretching of the ligament was not going to grow my bones, it would help my leg some where I wouldn’t walk on my tiptoes. Which the length needed to grow too. But doctors cannot grow bones so they worked on the tendon.
Well my mom had to exercise my foot all the time and I had to wear a brace to school. The brace went up to my knees ...so it was very noticeable! So as a child I got all the jokes I could stand. Which we are human and we carry a lot of the bad comments into our adult life and after awhile you believe them.
After some time, I don’t remember my age.. My mother just got tired of the braces and exercising my foot so she just quit! So I’m a young child that is growing up walking on my tip toe and not to mention the length wasn’t the same.. So I really got the looks ridicule from all the people in high school.
I adjusted as life went on ... But my infirmity never stopped me from trying to live life to the fullest! I would run jump play anything I could! To make a long story short.. I have done a lot of things with this infirmity... I went to college, got married, became a mom...
When I got in church and God filled me with the Holy Ghost in on April 20 th, 1997!! Wow! How amazing! God loved me despite all the harsh words I had heard from people in my life!!! How that I was crippled and made fun of but inspite of all that the God of Heaven still loved me!!!
I really enjoyed church! I loved soul-winning and was on fire for God! The infirmity that I had in my leg never stopped me from witnessing! I was going to win people to God walking straight or not!! Now through life I always got prayer for my leg and my foot! Don’t get me wrong… I did! I did not make an issue about it.. just would always go get prayer. If God healed me… “Wonderful” and if God didn’t heal me,” Wonderful!” My infirmity never stopped my walk with the Lord!
On January 14, 2012 , like any other day , I got up getting ready to start my day. I knew that Bro. Doran’s in Osceola was having revival! I just felt an overwhelming desire to go, which I love to go to church anyways but this was like overwhelming! So , I went to church that night! I knew God must have something special and amazing in this service so I was on my way! I never dreamed that I would be the miracle that was so profound that night!
After the preaching, there was an alter call , so I went! I always go try to give things to God and to cleanse myself from the message being taught that night! People prayed for a while in the alter and God was moving greatly! Bro. Brandon Houseworth asked , “Is there a person here that has a problem with their right leg?” Well, I just raised my hands and said, “I do!” He asked, “What’s wrong with your leg? “ I said, well, my right leg is shorter than the left leg.” I think Bro. Houseworth said, Well, that’s a good problem.. lol.. or something to that nature. So, prayer began and then Bro. Houseworth wanted me to sit in a chair, so I did! Well, a lady laid her hands on my feet and prayer began again! I was enjoying just the presence of God , when all of the sudden, I here a “ahhhhhh” and people praising God! I was like that has got to be good!!! Are you ready? EVERYONE WATCHED MY LEG GROW IN FRONT OF THEIR EYES!!!! IT GREW 2 INCHES OR MORE! I was like such in shock to the miracle it never really came into my spirit till the next morning. I woke up and both feet hit the floor. NO MORE TIPTOEING! I tried to walk like I used to and when I did my right leg would raise up too high!!!There was no need to do that because God gave me new bones! I now walk flat-footed! My bones in my hip do not hurt!! It is truly amazing! Im still in awe!! I DON’T WALK LIKE I USED TO WALK..HE MADE THE DIFFERENCE!!!!
I was chatting with a friend.. she said , that the man that was at the pool of Bethesda was there for 38 years! Well, I am 39! A baby usually starts walking good after the first year! So, I was healed of an infirmity that I had for 38 years!! My story goes along so much with this story! When God healed the man , the Lord healed him “wholly” which is his body , spirit and soul!! Every since I have received this miracle, I feel like I have been healed entirely, “wholly” . All the pain from the past and years of emotional abuse from having an infirmity feel erased from my mind! Because humans are cruel and after years of hearing comments when I was young , you really feel like you are not good enough!! Or that you will never be good enough! But praise be to God, I’m healed body soul and spirit now!! God is amazing! I love Him!
Note: A little information about Natalie Dixon: I'm a blessed beyond measure! I have a wonderful husband! I have 3 wonderful children that I love with all my heart. I have the greastest church family. Im involved with the work of God as much as possible. I love Him , I love Him, I love Him!!!!!
I work with the deaf at our church. Christian Life Center in Brookland, Arkansas. Besides I think sign language is beautiful ..just another wonderful way to glorify God! Thanks for your goodness Lord!
Im just a good apostolic lady who loves serving God and being in His Kingdom! Anything to help His kingdom florish that is my desire! Im pretty easy going , love people , love soul-winning! Never meet a stranger.
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