Prayer Journal
Monday, May 13, 2002
"And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive our demons; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well". Mark 16:17-18
These words of Jesus concerning those whom are saved are given to us at the end of the gospel of Mark. Reading them, a person should understand that Jesus has equipped us, as believers, with a certain invincibility and limited supernatural power.
There's no wonder in this age of puny Christianity and watered-down theology that most preachers will preach all around this text. When they do, they attempt to explain why such things are not happening today and when and why they stopped. They also reassure church members that the absence of "signs and wonders" in the life of a believer is no reason to worry. Then, there's another approach to this issue.
Some television channels regularly broadcast a new breed of preachers who practice the healing element of this text for personal validation and profit. Receiving money for the privilege of serving Jesus, seems to me to make most of them no different that Simon the magician in Acts 8:9-24.
Wouldn't a true believer with the supernatural power to heal disease, spend substantial time in the hospital? He would most likely walk up and down the hallway of the hospital preaching Jesus and freely healing people in Jesus' Name. He would also avoid publicity; something the average TV healer seeks.
As for the snake and poison part, well.. I must be a weak Christian because I can't stand them. Just seeing them gives me the willies. Picking them up for any reason, I don't think so! There is one thing I know. There are certain things that are to follow those whom are saved. The fruit of the Spirit in us should overflow within us as should a desire to share salvation with a lost person.
Lets deal with what we do know. God has equipped every believer with the means to do what he called them to do: namely, teach, baptize and disciple. So tell me; just how has he equipped you? Forget the snakes and poison. Are you using your gift to his glory?
Just Thinkin'... WebServant
Scripture comes
from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International
Bible Society
Copyright © 1998,2002
James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries - All Rights Reserved
Last Revised on May 13, 2002 9:14 AM
I'll pray today for...
* My spouse
* My children
* Their friends
* My friends
* My employer
* My city
* My country
* Civic leaders
* Schools
* Teachers
* The sick
* The lost
* Those in despair
* The hospitalized
* The grieving
* Widows
* Orphans
* My church
* My pastor
* Church leaders
* Other churches
* Persecuted church
* Missionaries
* Myself
