the knee-d for healing
On Tuesday, I went to the doctor because I could not put any weight on my knee. It would give me pain just to touch it, they stated that I had torn a ligament and that I had tendonitis. He gave me medicine and told me to stay off of it.
The next day Pastor Sarah Marie prayed for my knee, and while she was praying I felt a tingling in my body. When I walked back to the office, I felt something happening and by the time I got to the office I could bend my knee, and it gave me the giggles.
During the last year, I have been doing what I’m being taught by the pastors, and what I am learning in LBI, and my life is just awesome. Last night, when I got home, I realized I was laughing at the devil because he has tried so many ways to come at me and I have been going nope, I gave it to God. He tried again by giving me knee problems, and God healed me and once again the Devil did not get any victory over me. Praise God! He told me a lot of times last night that I was not healed and I would bend my knee and state, “oh yes I am!” This morning, I can still bend it. Because once I’m healed by Jesus, it doesn’t come back! I love you Pastor Sarah Marie.
forgiven
Six months ago, I wanted to get closer to God and asked Him what I needed to do. I kept feeling like I was hitting a wall. He told me what He wanted me to do and that was to forgive. I said no I can’t do that, I struggled all night and the next day. I was saying, I’ll do this, but I can’t do that, and He was nope you have to forgive. I just could not see myself forgiving this person and even said to God, “forget it I’m close enough to you” and started laughing. I went to bed and He began to show me everything He had forgiven me for, and finally I went fine, and got up crying. I then started praying and ended up in peace. Today I can even pray for this person (that is big).
Thanks to the teaching at Life…I’m becoming restored!
a graduate in the making
I decided to go back to college, I figured I should seize the opportunity while being on unemployment to do so. I had visited Baker College and really liked what they had to offer, so I started making plans. I found out that the State of Michigan would put some money toward tuition, $5,000 per year up to two years, totaling $10,000. I had told Baker College that I needed to wait since I was checking out the program that the State had to offer and that I didn’t want to miss the opportunity. In the process Baker College told me that they had awarded me $5,000 grant money from them, as well as $2,040 federal grant money. Everything has been approved and I start college in the fall. All in all, I have received a grand total of $17,040 in monies awarded toward my education and school supplies, everything I need for school is PAID IN FULL. I have told many people my testimony and some have said that it was very rare for that to happen. With God all things are possible!
“back” off
Almost 12 years ago I was hit with degenerative arthritis in both of my hips. For 5 years, I literally suffered 24/7 with such excruciating pain that even after I had taken 6 extra-strength vicoden and 6 synthetic narcotics (on a daily basis), I still suffered. Seven years ago I had double hip replacement surgery, and have not had to take a painkiller since. I marvel and thank God repeatedly.
There was however, a physical side effect to having walked improperly for so long. The vertebrate would slip out of place at any given time, and honestly, after 7 years of this I began to grow weary of simply toughing it out.
We had a healing service at Life Christian Church. I told my wife, I would be going forward to be prayed for. Pastor Sarah Marie’s message not only confirmed what I knew to be true about healing, but it also gave me the confidence that tonight God WAS going to heal me! You see, for almost a year I’d been claiming the Lord’s promise to “Straighten the crooked places” (Isaiah 45:2).
I knew God was present, and He called my attention to a scripture verse. “I have come down now” (Genesis 18). When I went up to the front I was asked to raise my hands, which to me was an act of surrender. The Pastor spoke, “The glory of God will come upon you.” It has been a week now since I was touched by faith. I received the Holy Spirit’s quickening of my mortal flesh. For you see, I have lived pain free for this week. I thank the pastors for their belief in healing ministry. I especially thank and praise my Lord, Jesus the living Christ, for having secured my healing in his obedience to the cross, for “by His stripes I am healed.” And yes, my back even feels straighter.
marriage…God’s way
My husband and I will be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary in May. In our early years of marriage we had problems like most people. Many of our friends were either separated or divorced but we stayed together. It was hard since neither of us discussed our problems or concerns with each other which caused more problems; we just kept them to ourselves. At one point we almost separated but decided to try to talk things out whether it hurt the other person or not, it helped and we stayed together.
We knew something was missing in our lives and started searching for a church to attend. However every church we went to left us still searching. We then heard about a Bible study in a home where Pastor Sarah Marie was talking.
We decided to give it a try. We both accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. During these studies we learned that Jesus wanted us to live our lives in peace and joy, all we had to do was walk in His word. This was about 16 years ago. We then realized that other churches preached, here the Word is taught. Since this time we have walked in peace and joy knowing that the Lord is always with us. We still have trials and tribulations that come our way, but we’ve learned to give them to the Lord and let Him handle them, in return, we get His unending peace and joy, goodness and mercy.
Pastor Sarah Marie said that because we live in this world we will walk through valley’s (key word through) the Lord always provides a way out. Through our 40 years together, we have finally found what we were searching for, a life of peace, joy and a love we never knew was possible, a life with Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We now are closer and happier than we’ve ever been in our marriage. Thank God for Pastor Sarah Marie and Life Christian Church!
Jesus’ health insurance plan
Since Sean will be 20 next year he was no longer eligible to be covered under our health insurance unless we paid for an additional $140.00 for a rider for each child over 19. That would have been an extra $420.00 a month (we have 3 kids over 19) on top of the $980 we pay already if we paid for the same coverage for him. We couldn’t afford that so, he was going to get the young adults coverage that only covered you if you were in a catastrophic accident (which cost $75 a month) then it would have only covered 70% of the bill after $1,000 deductible and $2,500 co-pay, no dental and no office visits, etc.
Well, on Sunday Sean gave me his tithe to put in the basket and I prayed for prosperity for him over it. He wasn’t really aware of the health insurance he would have had to pay starting the first of the year so I knew he would have had to earn more money in order to cover his basic insurance. Well today I found out that he won’t have to pay for his individual health insurance as of January 1, 2011, because ALL dependents will be covered up until the age of 26 with no rider fee!! Wha Hooo!
Not only did he benefit, but our whole family did! Thank you Jesus!! Now he can save more for that car he’s been looking for 
Heroes Series “David” notes & video – Pastor Dan 11/20/11
DAVID – A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART
The theme of messages this fall is on HEROES. Ordinary men and women became extraordinary when they became men and women of faith in God. We concluded that because Jesus and the Holy Spirit of God are in you, there is a HERO inside of you. Our prayer is that your faith is increased to believe it each day.
Who is your Hero?
David – Hero of the Faith (approx 1,000 years Before Christ)
- Prominent Ancestor of Jesus Christ
- Matt 1:1 – The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:
- Greatest King of Israel – united Judah and northern kingdom as one
- Mighty Warrior and Military Commander – Slew Goliath, in the streets the people cheered “Saul slain thousands, David his ten thousands”
- Prophet – coming of Messiah, coming of new system of worship
- Priest – catalyst to shift priesthood from Levi to Judah (praise)
- Master Poet and Songwriter – most of Psalms written by David and protégés – known as Sweet Psalmist of Israel
Hebrews 11:32-34 NIV …And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about (THE HEROES) Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.
Hebrews 11 – note that the HEROES accomplishments were through faith
Hebrews 11:39 – These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised (JESUS COMING). 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Do you believe God has something better planned for us?
Hebrews 11:6 - Without faith it is impossible to please God (heart faith) – know that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Are you ready to become a HERO for God to someone else?
David’s life is an example of how we become HEROES for God. Here are my observations:
- A fervent desire to pursue God, but more specifically, the very heart of God.
- We have full and complete access to the presence of God – a door is open that no man can shut; this is one lock the Key of David opens.
- We are called as ministers of God to live in His presence. Worship, Prayer, and the Word are vital components of this call.
- In His presence, the Holy Spirit anoints us. In the OT the Spirit came on a person, now in Christ, the Holy Spirit is alive within you.
- Live out the anointing to fulfill God’s will by ministering to others.
1982 DAVID – A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART – MUSICAL DRAMA
1. A fervent desire to pursue God, but more specifically, the very heart of God.
David – Man after God’s own heart
Acts 13:22 – “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’
What does this mean?
*We go after what we understand about God’s heart, but that can be misdirected if we don’t understand God’s heart.
What is God’s heart? – goodness, redeem, restore, heal, extend his benefits…
PSALMS
- Psalm 27:13 – I am confident I will see the GOODness of the Lord in the land of the living
- Psalm 23:6 – surely GOODness and mercy (love) will follow me all the days of my life
- Psalm 31:19 – How great is Your GOODness
- Psalm 103 – Forget not all His benefits: He loves, heals, forgives, redeems
- Psalm 107:1 – Give thanks to the Lord for He is GOOD and his mercy (love) is everlasting
2. We have full and complete access to the presence of God – a door is open that no man can shut; this is one lock the Key of David opens.
My Testimony -Worship Leader – spent much of my life leading others to God’s presence
But, how do we get to the place of God’s presence?
What is there for us once we get there?
Psalm 24:3-5 KJV – 3 Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
3.We are called as ministers of God to live in His presence. Worship, Prayer, and the Word are vital components of this call.
Here is how the Psalmist emphasizes it:
Psalm 92:1-2 – It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.
Worship, prayer, Word God had given was picture of David’s life in God
“And the Spirit of the Lord was upon him after this…”
What made David a hero – the consistency and evidence of God’s Presence.
The proof when it was there, the proof when it was not there.
David with Presence – supernatural
David without Presence – Superman in the presence of Kriptonite
4.In His presence, the Holy Spirit anoints us. In the OT the Spirit came on a person, now in Christ, the Holy Spirit is alive within you.
David’s Anointing – HERO preparation included heart development and anointing…as you pursue God and His presence, He anoints you for His plan and purpose.
1 Sam. 16:12-13 – “So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.”
David was anointed to worship and free Saul from torment, to face Goliath, to take on the Philistine army, to lead Israel, to inspire them to follow God. That anointing didn’t end with DAVID…but it also came upon the SON OF DAVID
Jesus – Son of David, Son of God, The Word and Heart of God made flesh
Isaiah 61 – AMPLIFIED
1 THE SPIRIT of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favor] and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
3 To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion–to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit–that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
- Live out the anointing to fulfill God’s will by ministering to others.
WE ARE ANOINTED – David, Jesus – Son of David/Son of God, and now us as Sons and Daughters of God…
DAVID was a HERO because he tapped into the anointing that flows out of worship, prayer, Word…God’s Spirit and presence caused him to walk in the strength of the Lord.
God’s Spirit and presence will cause you to walk in the strength of the Lord!
The Power of God’s Presence…the Spirit of the Lord is in you.
11/20/11 David – Pastor Dan Gardner from Life Christian Naples Campus on Vimeo.
not so “small”…small group miracle
Angela’s group had 6 women. They watched the video of the skit about Authority since that’s what the topic was about, it went really well. The women are really opening up about personal items and encouraging one another to do the Word in each situation. There was a great testimony about Angela’s niece ~ Angela’s niece (10 months old ~ already had a tracheotomy) ~ she had a birth mark on her trachea (throat). They were going to go in and take cartilage from her rib and rebuild her trachea. Angela called one of our Small group leaders and prayed. She was spared a 6 hour surgery and not only that, she was also sent home the same day, and but she won’t have to have surgery at all now and the trachea is coming out within a week!!!
restored to hear
I don’t know if you remember when Pastor Marie prayed for the restoration of my hearing. Tonight (Sunday) while watching the golf skins game my left ear suddenly sounded funny. Everything was clear and very little buzzing. I muted the TV because I wanted to be sure of what I was hearing. For the first time in 30 years, I can hear clearly with my left Ear!!!!!!!! Now my right ear is starting to clear up. The last three months, my wife and I really have had the favor of God. Looking forward to 2012 at Life Christian Church!
the plan taking place
God’s ways are awesome!
You know, I couldn’t figure out why God led me to get a job at a payday advance place that charges people 391% interest on a loan. I wondered if I should have been working there as I recognize this as usury, (don’t know if I’ll be working there much longer either)! I got promoted to full time which is almost unheard of in this business except for managers. Also was told I was getting a .50 raise, also unheard of in this business, most csrs only get like .19 cents after being there a year! Anyway, being there full time I got to know a lot of the customers, their stories are very sad. I started telling them I would pray for them. I’ve talked to some about faith and God. I’ve also been led to pray for the company. One day, I overheard my manager telling a customer she would pray for her! God is working, I got so excited! Our corporate headquarters are in Ohio. Ohio just voted to put into effect a law that limits the interest these places can charge to 28%, it now goes to the senate to be voted on. This will shut down these places in Ohio, they can’t afford to stay in business, GOD? My corporate office is planning on moving out of Ohio. How do I know my prayers make a difference? I see changes for one , I see hope in my customers faces, (one lady with cancer stood at my desk and cried), I see my manager following suit-in praying for the customers, and most of all I have become a target for the enemy! Persecution comes! My hours were suddenly cut to 20 a week-lost half my paycheck and all my benefits! My pay raise is being fought by corporate, I have to work every Saturday-mandatory (that’s what they think ,I just got one off) all kinds of persecution is flying at me, I’m finding out that you know how they say if you have an un-honest person working for you your company will suffer? Well it works the same when its the opposite way! When you have a child of God working in a dark place the enemy is coming down! By being obedient to God and praying and standing He can Move! I am really excited about being persecuted! It confirms for me that God is using me to make a difference! I am excited because I get to see Him move not only in those around me but also in other States! And also, that lady with cancer? She wants info on Life Bible Institute (LBI)! Hope this all makes sense to you guys, I just get so excited. I don’t know if I’ll have a job much longer but I know God has a plan so it doesn’t matter, though the enemy comes at me one way he’ll flee from me seven!
