Underneath The Tip of the Iceberg

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A good friend recently summarized two truths:

• Mormonism is supposed to be about seeking truth from all sources. 
• Deep spiritual growth is an individual path that organizations can't do for another and more. 

Over the years, The Perfect Day has cast a spotlight on many truths, sometimes using non-Mormon sources, and mostly scriptural sources and peoples' first-hand experiences, to give us better context of concepts. These truths have included:

Calling and Election Casting Out Evil Commanded Blessings D&C 93:1 Doctrinal Boxes Emptying Your Cup False Prophets and Prophecies Knocking on the Doors of Heaven Love vs Obedience Meditation Mighty Prayer

One Eternal Round Proactive Charity Prodigal Mormons Rending the Veil of Unbelief Sanctification Second Comforter Spiritual AIDS Spiritual Alignment and Ascension Spiritual Creation Superfaith The Gift of Charity

The Gift of Discernment The Gift of Faith The Gift of Healing The Lectures on Faith The Pre-eminence of the Scriptures Third Comforter Traditions of Men True Repentance Visualizing Walking and Talking with God Wisdom Zion

And of course, getting to know The Best Friend You Never Knew, Yeshua HaMashiach.

Which "Sea" Are You?

Yet no matter how edifying learning about these topics may have been, it's still not enough. What good is learning and maybe even knowing the truths of these teachings, if you haven't taught them as well?

“There are two seas in Palestine. One fresh, and fish are in it. Splashes of green adorn its banks. Trees spread their branches over it and stretch out their thirsty roots to sip of its healing waters.

Along its shores the children play, as children played when He was there. He loved it. He could look across its silver surface when He spoke His parables. And on a rolling plain not far away He fed five thousand people.

The river Jordan makes this sea with sparkling water from the hills. So it laughs in the sunshine. And men build their houses near to it, and birds their nests; and every kind of life is happier because it is there.

The river Jordan flows on south into another sea.

Here is no splash of fish, no fluttering leaf, no song of birds, no children's laughter. Travelers choose another route, unless on urgent business. The air hangs heavy above its water, and neither man nor beast nor fowl will drink.

What makes this mighty difference in these neighbor seas? Not the river Jordan. It empties the same good water into both. Not the soil in which they lie; not in the country round about.

This is the difference. The Sea of Galilee receives but does not keep the Jordan. For every drop that flows into it another drop flows out. The giving and receiving go on in equal measure.

The other sea is shrewder, hoarding its income jealously. It will not be tempted into any generous impulse. Every drop it gets, it keeps.

The Sea of Galilee gives and lives. This other sea gives nothing. It is named The Dead.

There are two kinds of people in the world. There are two seas in Palestine.” (Stephen R. Covey, "The Divine Center")

The two bodies of water serve as a good metaphor for a spiritual principle: When you share your knowledge, gifts and resources freely, you receive much more in return. Whatever you jealously clutch and keep for yourself stagnates and eventually chokes the life out of you.

“Sea of Galilee people” have an abundance mentality. They know that if they give freely, there will always be more coming their way. They never worry that the supply of blessings will dry up. And in fact, they're right. As they share these truths with others, others' lives are changed, enhanced, even transformed. As God sees this, He sends you more knowledge, gifts and resources. The process repeats, helping to ensure your -- and their -- status as Zionlike people.

“Dead Sea people,” on the other hand, are fearful. They say, "These teachings are too sacred," (a concept found nowhere in the scriptures) "Nobody will understand me" (a fearful assumption on your part) or "I just don't have the time or knowledge to share them." Yet I have found that if something is important, we CAN make time for it, and God WILL help you make time for it, too. Yet if you keep these things to yourself, you do not entitle yourself to futher knowledge, gifts and resources from God, thereby denying your ability to help others grow, too.

“That man may last, but never lives,

Who much receives, but nothing gives;

Whom none can love, whom none can thank.

Creation’s blot, creation’s blank.”

— Thomas Gibbons

What to do from here on

You either have the desire to share or you don't. 

If you're like, "I'd share what I learned, but I have no time," "I'd share, but I have no idea how to" or "I'd love to share, but I'm not a good writer," then that's an indication that you lack faith in God to help you do the right thing -- to share. You're either fine with making excuses to stay a "Dead Sea" person, or you're ready to strive to be a “Sea of Galilee" person. And it's all on nobody else's shoulders but yours. For eternity.

But if you're ready to become a “Sea of Galilee person," then be prepared for possibly the greatest adventure of your life -- an adventure where you hear Yeshua's voice and promptings to a much higher degree...an adventure where people on the other side of the globe praise your name to God for saying the right things at the right time to them...an adventure where you *know* you are growing in your spiritual development in ways you never even dreamed...and an adventure where your interactions with Yeshua, Father and Mother take a very real and significant upturn.

May I offer you some free advice?

This blog -- and its accompanying podcast -- is just the tip of the iceberg with respect to what's being discussed online about all the concepts I mentioned above. 

The concepts are introduced here, on the blog; that's the tip of the iceberg. The vast majority of the iceberg, analysis -- the good stuff -- is discussed in our Facebook group, which is comprised of many members who are focused on deepening their relationship with Jesus Christ in a responsible, safe environment.

So, if you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, I invite you to do so today. Click here to start the process. 

Don't wait another day, and potentially miss out on all the things being discussed. And if you don't interact on Facebook, then do what others have done -- create an account just to join our group. There is no other way to engage in the below-the-waterline iceberg of this blog than on Facebook.

Want to get close to God? Then quit the excuses. Study these concepts and actively engage in ways to share them with others. Don't have the time? God can easily help you. Not a great writer? God will help you with that, too. Don't know what to say? Then strap in your seatbelt; God's got other plans.

2,000 years ago, Yeshua started the ball rolling by showing us how to do it. Now, it's time to take off the training wheels and do what He would do, if He were alive today. Wherever you go, whatever you do, be a reflection or extension of Him. 

The ONLY way to be a true disciple of Yeshua is to let Him live His life through yours -- to move in your moving, to love in your loving, to minister in your ministering, to speak in your speaking, to touch in your touching, to rejoice in your rejoicing. After all, it's His life anyway. Live it for His glory so that you can't tell where your life ends and His begins, so that when you look in the mirror, you don't see your life; but only that of THE Rabbi. 

And to live His life means to love a life focused on others, not yourself.

"A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race." (History of the Church, 4:227; from a letter from Joseph Smith to the Twelve, Dec. 15, 1840, Nauvoo, Illinois, published in Times and Seasons, Jan. 1, 1841, p. 258; this letter is incorrectly dated Oct. 19, 1840, in History of the Church)

"Sometimes it's the very people who no one imagines anything of, who do the things that no one can imagine." (Alan Turing, "The Imitation Game")

As you take these ideas seriously, as you take them to heart and act on them, you, too, will experience greater light within you and around you...until you, too, experience...

The Perfect Day.

The Gift of Healing Part 11: Real-Life Examples of the Gift of Healing

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The Gift of Healing was a big deal in the early New Testament church:

"And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.

And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one." (Acts 5:12-16)

As you study the New Testament, you'll see that not all healings were based on physical causes. Sometimes, the true root cause of a physical abnormality can be emotional (Luke 4:18) or demonic possession (Luke 13:11). And of course, when it comes to physical dis-ease, the intervention of a licensed medical practitioner may also be the God-approved direction. 

Only someone who has the Gift of Discernment (https://ldsperfectday.blogspot.com/2017/09/the-gift-of-discernment-part-1-are-you.html) can effectively know what to say in order to correctly exercise the Gift of Healing. That means if you don't hear God and His promptings (at least in your heart and mind), you might want to wait on healing people until you do. After all, do it right...or don't do it at all. Healing is serious business.

There are several in our midst who have been healed not by doctors, nor by priesthood blessings, but by someone exercising the Gift of Healing. Their stories are profound:

"G"

"A few years ago I had a health issue arise, I went to my doctor and I tried several different medications. Nothing I was trying was helping and it just seemed to be getting worse. I prayed asking the Lord what I needed to do and felt the spirit answer saying that “all these things will be for thy good and experience.” I thanked the Lord for the health ailment because I knew He was teaching me and asked for strength.  After 2 ½ months with no reprieve I awoke one night and the pain was worse, I kneeled down by my bed and began crying out in prayer pleading with the Lord, I explained to the Lord that if I was supposed to continue to suffer with this I would but if there was anyway it could be taken I pleaded that He would do so. I then saw clearly in my mind the woman in the bible who suffered for 12 years with a debilitating problem, I saw her reaching out to touch the Savior to be healed.

After all of the studying I went to the Lord in prayer. I then received personal revelation on how I should change my diet. He gave me specific instructions to strictly follow for 10 days and then fast on the last day and I would be healed. That last day fell on a fast Sunday. When I came home from church and ended my fast all my pain was gone, all symptoms had disappeared. I was truly amazed and overwhelmed with the love the Lord has for us."

"J"

"I was in the student audience listening to a speech delivered by one of the professors, a man known for being a very spiritual man. As he concluded his speech and we were filing out of the Little Theater in the Wilkinson Center, one of the members of the audience cried out, as if they were in great pain. It appeared to be some type of epileptic seizure. While most of us stood there in shock, the speaker calmly walked over to the person, silently took them confidently by the hand, and looked them in the eye. The screaming ceased immediately, and the person was calm."

"S"

My son and daughter-in-law have been trying to get pregnant for the last 18 months.  They finally began fertility treatment consisting of three attempts with IUI.  If that didn't work they would try IVF. I have been fasting and praying for many months once a week and telling God to please heal them from infertility and to give them the power to fulfill His commandment to multiply and replenish the earth.  

The first treatment of IUI wasn't successful and our daughter-in-law was extremely disappointed, though trying throughout the whole process to trust in God and have peace.  After the second IUI treatment my son told us that J was going to have a pregnancy test in two days, "but that she doesn't feel pregnant".  When he said that, I knew a miracle of healing was going to happen.  An expressed doubt always opens the way for a miracle by overcoming that doubt with perfect faith and trust in the Lord.  He said this to us on a Saturday night and I knew I would fast and pray the next day, Sunday, and exercise my faith and trust in the Lord for a healing miracle for them.  I was excited because I knew a miracle was very possible.  

While fasting the next day, I told the Lord that I was before Him in "mighty prayer" to plead for a healing miracle for my dear son and his wife.  I had perfect faith that there was a child meant for them who was supposed to come to earth to be in their family and who would be their child for time and eternity.  I told the Lord to send them THEIR child, one who belonged to them and was meant for them, and the moment I did, I felt a flood of peace, comfort, joy, light, and love, and I knew that God had healed them from infertility and that J was pregnant.  It was such a beautiful opening of Heaven and I knew the Lord was present.  J had her pregnancy test the next day which I had total peace about, not concerned at all, and later that day, my son and J came over to our house, walked in the door and said, "We're pregnant!".  Glory to our great God in the highest, forever and ever!

"L"

I just wanted to share with you my experience.  I was listening to one of the recent healing podcasts, I can’t remember which one, and you spoke about a man who had three bad teeth that were healed through the gift.  This was very ‘coincidental’ (if there is such a thing!) for me as I also have three bad teeth which were giving me a lot of issues and even though I had visited three dentists for different opinions they couldn’t find the problem.  I was getting intermittent toothaches that were causing me great distress, and also a lot of emotional distress as I had a lot of anxiety due to my allergies and sensitivity to medications, which if I become unwell, can become very complicated for treatment.  A small tooth problem can become a huge problem for me.

As I listening to the podcast, I felt the Lord was telling me that He wanted me to hear this man’s experience.  I immediately prayed to the Lord about this and I asked Him to heal me.  I touched each of my teeth and asked Him to heal them.  Guess what?  No more toothaches.  He healed them, I know He did.  I love the Lord so much and am so thankful that He talks to me in a way He knows I will hear Him.  He truly used this man’s experience to help me.

When we make everything about Him, miracles do truly happen!

"C"

Last year we were packing up and getting ready to move from X to Y in just a couple weeks. My two-year-old had broken his leg previously 6 months before. This particular morning, while I was rushing around telling my kids what to pack, my 2 year old started screaming uncontrollably. He has a beautiful wild and tough soul, and gets hurt often, but doesn’t cry for very long. I tried everything I could to comfort him. Nothing worked. This went on for about 20 mins. I tried to stand him up, but he would not put any weight on his leg. The screams sounded the same as the last time, and I knew it was broken. 

All I knew was I did not have time for this, I felt so overwhelmed. I told God, "I’m moving like u said, I’m trying to do what u want but I can’t handle this, I’m overwhelmed." I felt the prompting to lay my hands on his leg. I closed my eyes and immediately saw in my mind all these round things which I thought were cells flooding to his bone circling inside. I saw this fluid whoosh around and then he stopped crying. I opened my eyes and took my hands off of him. He climbed off the couch and ran off. I stayed kneeling and in awe. How grateful I was that my big boys got to be there. It was beautiful! It healed me too!

He does not care how long we have believed. He just cares that we believe today and He will capture our heart!

"A"

I had allergies since I was little, and asthma too, although I mostly grew out of the asthma. 

I didn’t really think about my allergies too much, just accepted them as part of my life.  Some of the things I was allergic to were my favorite animals: horses, cats and some dogs, various pollens etc.  Most mornings I spent sneezing with a runny nose and eyes which made making breakfast and many packed lunches rather hard as I had to keep blowing my nose and then washing my hands! I remember being in tears at the prospect of visiting some of our dear friends because I was so allergic to their cat that I could hardly breathe when we were there, even when the cat was put in a different room. 

My husband, observing my discomfort, decided, unbeknownst to me, to pray to Heavenly Father that He would take my allergies from me and give them to my husband instead. 

A little while later, I flew to England with one of our daughters and our little toddler son, to visit my dear Mum who was dying of cancer, and also to visit other family members. One day when we were staying at my sister-in-law’s house, I got a call from home saying that my husband had gone into anaphylactic shock after eating some raw hazel nuts, and had to go to Emergency at the hospital.  He recovered thankfully (the doctor said if he had waited before going to the hospital, his airways would have closed completely and he would have succumbed).  He then developed more allergies to other raw nuts, to most fresh fruit, and to cats, as well as seasonal allergies.  I really didn’t realize that I had been healed from my own allergies, until we were walking together one afternoon and he was sneezing like crazy and I wasn’t.  Jokingly I said “I guess you have taken my allergies!” and in surprise he said “Wow, my prayer really worked then!”  That was when he told me about his prayer. 

I was so impressed that he didn’t just pray that I would be healed from my allergies but that he would take them upon himself instead.  A prayer of true love and willing sacrifice. 

"S"

When I found out I was pregnant with our 5th child I also found out it was an ectopic pregnancy/tubal pregnancy (right fallopian tube to be specific). I went to the internet to look it up to learn more. What I discovered wasn't very promising. I wasn't willing to have the doctors surgically remove the fetus/baby, and didn't want my tube to rupture, either. As I sat at my computer, I remember thinking while shaking my head, no, I don't believe these are the only options available.  

Suddenly 2 other thoughts came into my head: 

• Option #1: Pray and petition our Heavenly Parents and ask that the Lord come & physically move the fetus/baby OR 
• Option #2: The baby would be taken up into Heaven and given to us at a later time. My heart leaned on option #2 for various reasons, but as soon as I was choosing that, I heard the voice/thought again persuade me to choose choice #1 instead.
    

I was told by the Lord (probably because I had it in my head from reading the miracles and healings in the scriptures that it would be instant), "No, no snap of the fingers. No magic pixie dust. This is a human life, and it's delicate. It will take some time for me to detach and reattach him." That's when I knew we were having our 4th son.

About 4 weeks went by and I was about 12 weeks pregnant by now. One morning, as I was just starting to wake up, I knew we had a visitor on the bed, sitting between my husband and I on our bed. Instead of angels, it was the Lord himself, Yeshua! I was like a little girl at Christmas time excited to open gifts. I wanted to have a long visit with the Lord and found out he was saying goodbye. He was leaving and told me he had completed what he said he would. It was completed -finished. The fetus/baby was successfully moved into my uterus safe and sound. 

I was given this experience so later looking back, I could not deny that it was really a tubal pregnancy and that the Lord personally came and healed me and healed this little one. I was told to name him Xxxxx Xxxxxx.  What started off as an ectopic/tubal pregnancy turned into an uneventful normal pregnancy.

"T"

I hope it's not too late for a story of healing as you requested of your audience. 

I was diagnosed with a mental illness called Bi-polar 1 and was put on two medications for it. I did not like the side effects of the drugs but I felt that they were important to take to keep me stabilized. After a year of taking the drugs I found a You Tube of this miraculous healing of a 3 week old baby who died of SID and was brought back to life. This true story was told by Becky Dvorak of her adopted child 20 years ago. She is now an author and a prophetic healer. 

So after watching this and reading several of her books I realized that I could be healed of my illness and go off my meds for good. 

I prayed, fasted and exercised my faith in Yeshua's healing power and went off my meds and I was healed. I didn't tell anyone for a month as I was afraid that they would convince me that I was wrong. But since after a month with no symptoms I was sure that they would believe me that it was a miracle and I was truly healed. It has now been 4 months with no symptoms and I want to shout it out from my rooftop. Miracles do happen and I'm living proof. The only thing that keeps my miracle active is my continual gratitude in my Savior Jesus Christ which I will never forget to do daily. 

Thanks to all who sent me their examples of the Gift of Healing (not priesthood or medical healings) in which a person exercised faith which helped heal another or themself. Some I've included in the body of this post; others (because I can't have this post be miles long) I've included in a Google doc (here).

I leave you with my testimony that the Gift of Healing is a real thing.

I've seen broken hearts mended in the blink of an eye. I've seen Stage 4 cancer healed on the spot. I've seen people healed of abnormalities which doctors and stake presidents had long given up hope of healing.

Yeshua is a real person. I know this fact independent of anyone else. I know His face, His hands, His feet and yes, especially His smile. He is so full of life and love and passion. If I were to guess what His favorite activity is, I think He would say "Healing." He loves to turn that which is seemingly dead or dying into something -- or someone -- full of life. He delights in shattering our mortal expectations of just how merciful and giving a God is, and in doing what's been called "impossible math." As we read in Ephesians 3:20, He "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." 

I testify that what He says in Jeremiah 33:3 is true: "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

And I know that He longs for the day when He gets to hold you, look into your eyes and say to you, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)

If you REALLY want to experience a mind-blowing adventure with Him, then I invite you to re-read this series, as well as previous ones on Charity, Discernment and Alignment. The future -- the *near* future -- needs all the true healers it can get.

So go forth, and make sure that together with Yeshua, the fire that will burn within you will be more powerful than the fire that will burn around you.

The Gift of Healing Part 10: Taking the Gift of Healing Beyond Mortal Expectations

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Was the Brother of Jared blessed with the Gift of Faith? Unquestionably so -- to such an extent that it was powerful enough to part the veil!

Because God is no respecter of persons, He affords you with the very same, exact blessings as was given to the Brother of Jared. In fact, He's so desirous that we have this kind of experience, that He gave us further light and knowledge on the subject of faith, and how to develop it into "exceeding faith" or "superfaith" -- the same kind of active (not passive, not reactive) faith that holds armies at bay, raises the dead, causes the sun to stand still, calls down fire from the heavens, parts a sea, changes the course of rivers and creates food in just-empty baskets.

Now here's the real interesting fact:

“If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” (Mark 9:23)

In fact,

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." (John 14:12)

This is a significant verse because Jesus' "works" included displays of unspeakable power, like resurrecting the dead (John 11:43–44), controlling weather (Mark 4:38–40), matter (John 2:7–9), and the body (John 9:6–7). His "works" also included accurate teaching (Matthew 4:23) and righteous intervention (John 2:14–16).

I definitely believe that at some point in the future, true disciples -- those who take God's revealed words seriously, without excuse or personal interpretation -- may also personally partner with Yeshua in similar supernatural blessings.

As I "wind up" this analysis of the Gift of Healing, I'm reminded that God has granted others significant experiences with the Gift of Healing. And because He is no respecter of persons, you, too, may have an opportunity to personally experience these "Greater Things":

Healing Great Multitudes

We read in Matthew 15:29-30 that Jesus "came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them: Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel."

Here we see that even though Jesus moved locations, He still ministered to those who were handicapped. His location changed but his focus didn't. The lesson for us: No matter where we are, we can still care for the sick, the lonely, the vulnerable. We still love the unlovable, we still reach for those who are tucked away in the corner. We still focus on the least of these.

Brother Joseph got this concept, and acted on it. We read:

"July 22, 1839.—Joseph arose from his bed of sickness, and the power of God rested upon him. He commenced in his own house and door-yard, commanding the sick, in the name of Jesus Christ, to arise and be made whole, and they were healed according to his word. He then continued to travel from house to house from tent to tent upon the bank of the river, healing the sick as he went until he arrived at the upper stonehouse, where he crossed the river in a boat, accompanied by several of the Quorum of the Twelve, and landed in Montrose." (Brigham Young journal, in Debbie Birch, “ July 22, 1839: A Day of God’s Power ,” New Era, Mar. 1971, 17)

But what about today? Could Christ’s believers cure diseases? 

Of course (and so much more)! 

But why don't we hear about such instances today? 

I'm not talking about priesthood blessings nor doctors healing people. No; I'm talking about that third category which was mentioned in the General Handbook of Instructions -- “Exercising faith” -- which leaves all participants glorifying "the God of Israel."

I see so many videos of people horribly, needlessly suffering. Shouldn't the disciples of God be overflowing with compassion (as Jesus did) and healing others (as Jesus did)? Not even those you would expect to be performing these healings are doing so in ways which leave masses praising God. This is a mystery to me.

Long-Distance Healings

"The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way." (John 4:49-50)

Can you just hear, even feel, the desperation in this poor father's cry for help? And for a nobleman to be doing so -- this was no small thing.

Bust do you see what Yeshua did? He just spoke words of healing, and it was done! How cool is that?! 

No making frantic calls to find somebody with a significant calling. No changing into a suit. No flowery, 15-minute discourse as part of the healing prayer. He just said six words -- "Go thy way; thy son liveth" -- and it was done.

Long distance.

At some point either before, during of after that moment, Yeshua provided a miraculous healing. Yet the exact moment of the healing is not important; but what was important was: “The man took Jesus at his word and departed.” (John 4:51)

Are long-distance healings possible?

I believe they are. 

Although it's not an exact duplicate of the above story, there is an amazing latter-day parallel:

"After healing the sick in Montrose, all the company followed Joseph to the bank of the river, where he was going to take the boat to return home. While waiting for the boat, a man from the West, who had seen that the sick and dying were healed, asked Joseph if he would not go to his house and heal two of his children who were very sick. They were twins and were three months old. Joseph told the man he could not go, but he would send some one to heal them. He told Elder Woodruff to go with the man and heal his children. At the same time he took from his pocket a silk bandanna handkerchief, and gave to Brother Woodruff, telling him to wipe the faces of the children with it, and they should be healed; and remarked at the same time: 'As long as you keep that handkerchief it shall remain a league between you and me.' Elder Woodruff did as he was commanded, and the children were healed, and he keeps the handkerchief to this day." (History of the Church Vol 4, ch.1 footnote 4; https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/content/museum/museum-treasure-a-day-of-gods-power)

"A man came to [Joseph] and asked him if he would go about three miles and heal two of his small children, who were twins, about three months old, and were sick nigh unto death. He was a man of the world, he had never heard a sermon preached by a Latter-day Saint. Joseph said he could not go, but he would send a man. After hesitating a moment, he turned to me and said, “You go with this man and heal his children,” at the same time giving me a red silk handkerchief, and said, “After you lay hands upon them, wipe their faces with it, and they shall be healed; and as long as you will keep that handkerchief, it shall ever remain as a league between you and me.” I went and did as I was commanded, and the children were healed." (“History of Wilford Woodruff,” Millennial Star, vol. 27, no. 1 (May 27, 1865), 326)

Here, we see:

• A man approached Joseph Smith regarding dying children.
• Instead of accompanying the man to his house to heal the children, he displays a supernatural faith in healing.
• The man (and another) took Joseph at his word, and departed. Their trust in Joseph's words (which were ultimately from God) led to them seeing the children be healed.

Catalyzing the Incredible

Another supernal exhibition of the Gift of Healing came when Yeshua raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:17, 39–44).

These days, we don't hear of very many instances where a person raised another from the dead. But make no mistake: It has happened.

In a talk given at a Church Educational System fireside in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on May 7, 2000 (here), then-Elder Dallin H. Oaks described a type of genuine miracle specifically wrought "through the power of faith, without specifically invoking the power of the priesthood." 

Or, as I mentioned earlier, "Exercising faith.”

In fact, as if to reinforce the point that gender and church membership is irrelevant in such instances, Elder Oaks said, "Many of these miracles occur in our Church, such as by the prayers of faithful women, and many occur outside it." He then quoted 2 Nephi 26:13:

"As Nephi taught, God “manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith” (see also 1 Ne. 7:12; James 5:15).

The Gift of Healing truly knows no gender nor denomination. It is a gift of faith, predicated upon one's belief in Jesus Christ. Not that these scriptures never say these healings are predicated upon righteousness or worthiness, because none of us are worthy before God. No, not one. But that belief, that faith in God, seems to be THE precondition which sparks the incredible.

Seeing Beyond the Hidden

The movie "Moneyball" featured a scene where a baseball player (Jeremy Brown) could only envision making it to first base, and that's it. He was so focused on making it to first base that, when he actually hit a home run, he was oblivious to it:

We mortals tend to see healing opportunities in terms of first-base runs. But our God, and His perspective, continues to send YOU home run-level opportunities. Whether you just stay on first base, or take the run to home plate, is up to you.

The story of Jesus Christ truly is the greatest story ever told. One of the greatest aspects of that story is the fact that it's not over. Though Jesus ascended to Heaven, He is still working here on earth. Jesus is still changing the hearts and lives of people, and still healing in truly miraculous ways. And He's using mortals to accomplish His work.

What about you?

If you want to get close to Him -- and have Him get closer to you -- then quit thinking about yourself. Focus on others. Focus on helping them get to home plate..and you will, too.

"The nearer we get to our heavenly Father, the more we are disposed to look with compassion on perishing souls; we feel that we want to take them upon our shoulders, and cast their sins behind our backs." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.241)

"A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race." (History of the Church, 4:227; from a letter from Joseph Smith to the Twelve, Dec. 15, 1840, Nauvoo, Illinois, published in Times and Seasons, Jan. 1, 1841, p. 258; this letter is incorrectly dated Oct. 19, 1840, in History of the Church)

"It is a time-honored adage that love begets love. Let us pour forth love-show forth our kindness unto all mankind, and the Lord will reward us with everlasting increase; cast our bread upon the waters and we shall receive it after many days, increased to a hundredfold" (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 5:517).

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen." (Moroni 7:48)

"We should have before us a strong desire to do good to others. Never mind so much about ourselves. Good will come to us all right if we keep our minds outside of ourselves to a certain extent, and try to make others happier and draw them a little nearer to the Lord. … When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated" (Pres. Lorenzo Snow, Conference Report, Apr. 1899, 2-3).

Not all healings are physical. Many can be spiritual or emotional. Just a kind word at the store, the library, a class or at church can catalyze a great deal of healing. The only thing limiting these small but significant healing opportunities is our awareness (or lack thereof).

An Invitation

Have you ever seen the Gift of Healing in action? Note that I'm not talking about a priesthood blessing; again, even the church's Handbook differentiates between “priesthood blessings” (calling “the elders of the church” to “let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord”) and “exercising faith.”

Do faith-based healings still exist today?

You tell me. Erase any doubts people may have that such miracles don't exist today.

I invite you to contact LDS Perfect Day via its contact form or via email at ldsperfectday@gmail.com by Saturday, August 15, 2021. Share your experience with me, and let's share it with others (don't worry; I'll delete any identifying information).

It's up to you to convince others that miracles have not been done away with, but still exist, among true believers of Yeshua HaMashiach!

The Gift of Healing Part 9: Common Components of the Gift of Healing

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When all you're left with is trusting Him

When you give the Savior your rocks (part 4), eliminate your reliance on man and his "wisdom" (part 6), have proper motives, step out of the box and hearken to God (part 7) and peel away the false traditions (part 8), you should be left with only the Savior to turn to in times of healing. In my opinion, trusting Him and healing naturally go hand-in-hand. Here's how one subscriber to this blog's Facebook group put it:

"Anyone who knows me knows that I can experience some pretty severe and devastating insomnia. For the past couple of days, I was prompted to try to fall asleep in the living room instead of my bedroom. 

I resisted this prompting because my bed is so incredibly soft and comfortable, and our living room couch is so incredibly hard and uncomfortable. I have back issues and my body melts into my bed, my bedroom is the perfect temperature, has the perfect night time lighting and is really quiet. It was all too easy to rationalize my reasons for not wanting to do this. I had plenty of reasons to disobey and only one reason to obey... TRUST. 

I quickly realized that He wanted to help me but first I needed to qualify for that help... and that qualification was to simply TRUST and OBEY. 

So, for the past two nights, I obeyed HIM and was able to fall asleep without much effort at all on my part. He helped to heal me by creating a situation that would prove I really did trust Him.

We've talked a lot about healing here lately, and I know we'll be discussing it a lot more this year. To me, one of the biggest takeaways thus far in my healing has been to simply trust Him, no matter how uncomfortable or irrational His way may seem at first. As we discussed here a few days ago, it really is a matter of first listening to what He tells us, then acting on it. When we pass THAT test, He rewards us immensely."

Joseph Smith would likely agree:

"For several days in October 1835, the Prophet made daily visits to his gravely ill father, attending to him “with great anxiety.” The Prophet’s journal records: “Waited on my father again, who was very sick. In secret prayer in the morning, the Lord said, ‘My servant, thy father shall live.’ I waited on him all this day with my heart raised to God in the name of Jesus Christ, that He would restore him to health, that I might be blessed with his company and advice, esteeming it one of the greatest earthly blessings to be blessed with the society of parents, whose mature years and experience render them capable of administering the most wholesome advice. At evening Brother David Whitmer came in. We called on the Lord in mighty prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, and laid our hands on him, and rebuked the disease. And God heard and answered our prayers—to the great joy and satisfaction of our souls. Our aged father arose and dressed himself, shouted, and praised the Lord.” (History of the Church, 2:289; from Joseph Smith journal entries, Oct. 8 and 11, 1835, Kirtland, OH)

When we trust man, we start from a position of cursedness. When we trust Him, however, we do so from a position of blessedness: 

"Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD." (Jeremiah 17:5)

"O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm." (2 Nephi 4:34)

 

Opening up the universe of healing possibilities

As stated at the end of my previous post, when you trust Him, a whole universe of possibilities opens up. And for some, this is a difficult proposition to grasp. That's because people say, "It's fine to have faith and dreams, but ultimately, you have to be a realist." 

Well, you don't have to be a realist. In fact, you shouldn't be a realist. 

We're supposed to be like God, and God isn't a realist. God doesn't just accept things as they are. God doesn't limit Himself by the reality of the world. He made the world. If He were a realist, He would've just looked at the situation and said, "Well, there's no light and we just have to accept that fact." Instead He said, "Let there be light!" And there was light.

God never just accepts things as they are. He doesn't care how things are. 

The realist would say, "Well that's it for Christianity. They just executed Jesus." But God would say, "Oh yeah? Wait three days and see what happens."

The realist would say, "God has said everything He's gonna say." But God would say, "Oh really? Watch what I do with this 14 year-old boy out in a grove of trees."

The realist would say, "Well, modern medicine and priesthood blessings can't solve your medical problem. So I guess you're stuck with feeling like crap for the rest of your life." But God would say, "Look what I did with this leper, this blind man and of course, Lazarus. Oh and P.S. -- I change not. I'm still the same God who's anxious to turn death into life and darkness into light."

If you call yourself a child of God, then you also can't be a realist. You can't be bound by what is real. You're not called to accept the world and its human-based conclusions; you're called to change the world! 

Whenever you're faced by a situation of darkness, fear, gloom, anger or sin - don't accept it. Whenever someone says, "Well, nothing can be done about it," Say, "Let there be light!" 

For your faith is found not in the real, but the unreal. Not in darkness, but light. (Inspired by Rabbi Jonathan Cahn's 2/24/21 Sapphires newsletter)

Common Denominators of True Healing

We latter-day saints love our checklists. We get them all the time -- in church talks, Liahona articles, firesides, lessons, etc. They're everywhere, and show no signs of going away anytime soon.

There is no checklist, no royal sequential list, for healing yourself or another. In its purest form, it's a pure blessing, which means it's entirely orchestrated by the Lord. As mentioned above, if you're correctly "dialed in" to the Lord (see Part 7) and have cast off the traditions of men (Part 8), then to a major extent, all you have left is the Lord to lead and guide you. This is EXACTLY where you need to be.

However, when I read several scriptural and personal accounts of healings, some "common denominators" begin to surface. Here's my summary:

Hear God's Words

When all you have left in the healing equation is the Lord, it becomes a heck of a lot easier to hear Him. Why? Because you're not trying to hear anything or anyone else. It's just you and Him.

Before we seek to utter one syllable of healing, we first seek God's own words, which will come to you in two directions:

"Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart." (D&C 8:2)

Note what I just said: you will be told not YOUR words, but God's words: 

"Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men." (D&C 11:21)

How do we obtain His words?

“Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man” (D&C 84:85)

Where do we find the words of life?

“The Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon, and the book of Doctrine and Covenants... are like a lighthouse in the ocean or a finger-post which points out the road we should travel. Where do they point? To the fountain of light.... That is what these books are for. They are of God; they are valuable and necessary: by them we can establish the doctrine of Christ.” (Brigham Young, JD 8:219)

"Scripture reading may...lead to current revelation on whatever [subject] the Lord wishes to communicate to the reader at that time. We do not overstate the point when we say that the scriptures can be a Urim and Thummim to assist each of us to receive personal revelation.

Because we believe that scripture reading can help us receive revelation, we are encouraged to read the scriptures again and again. By this means, we obtain access to what our Heavenly Father would have us know and do in our personal lives today. That is one reason Latter-day Saints believe in daily scripture study." (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "Scripture Reading and Revelation," Ensign, Jan. 1995, p. 8)

Or, as author Stephen R. Covey explained,

"Obedience to General Commandments schools and prepares us to discern and obey the 'Personal Commandments' given us by the spirit." (Stephen R. Covey, “The Divine Center”, p. 247)

Thus, as Brother Joseph said, we should

"Search the scriptures -- search the revelations which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to His glory nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God: nor will there be any room for speculation. No; for when men receive their instruction from Him that made them, they know how He will save them. Then again we say: Search the Scriptures, search the Prophets and learn what portion of them belongs to you." (Joseph Smith, Jr., Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 11)

In summary: As you make God's already-revealed words pre-eminent in your life, you thus qualify for further light and knowledge via personal revelation.

"Personal commandments are given by God through His Holy Spirit to His individual children. They are individualized, tailor-made to each individual in his or her particular situation.

Personal commandments come in the form of practices or specific things to do, which are largely based upon general commandments." (Stephen R. Covey, "The Divine Center", p. 247)

Now, in being open to God's personalized words to you, you need to be open to any possibility. There may be times when God says, "Yeah, let's proceed with the healing." Other times, it may be "Healing? Yes. Now? No." And in fact, sometimes, you'll get, "Thanks for asking, but nope, there'll be no healings of this person at this time."

Provided God's response is a green light, then you're permitted to proceed.

"First perceive with the Eye of Faith"

The spiritual creation FIRST precedes the physical creation in ALL things.

"But remember that all my judgments are not given unto men; and as the words have gone forth out of my mouth even so shall they be fulfilled, that the first shall be last, and that the last shall be first in all things whatsoever I have created by the word of my power, which is the power of my Spirit.

For by the power of my Spirit created I them; yea, all things both spiritual and temporal—

First spiritual, secondly temporal, which is the beginning of my work; and again, first temporal, and secondly spiritual, which is the last of my work—" (D&C 29:30-32)

Here's what Elder Robert B. Harbertson of the First Quorum of the Seventy said about the "eye of faith":

"What is this eye of faith? What does it mean? Can you actually see the things that CAN come to pass? I believe that you can. You must be willing, though, to spend enough time to think about what you want to do, what you want to be, how you will react and what you will say under given circumstances. When you work on it hard enough and have it firmly planted in your mind with the eye of faith, you will actually see it happen. I believe you have to develop this kind of faith in order to be successful. It’s something more than just saying you have faith. You have to work for it. You have to live for it. You have to do all you can..." ("The Eye of Faith", New Era, September 1988)

Now, before you start thinking, "This is all great, but I can't do this," note that Pres. Kimball and I beg to differ:

"Herein lies the genius of the gospel of Jesus Christ, perceived by only the spiritual eye. Under the gospel’s beneficent laws, everyone—rich or poor, learned or unlearned—is encouraged first to perceive with the eye of faith." (Pres. Spencer W. Kimball, Conference Report, London England Area Conference 1976, p. 36).

So, before you endeavor to heal another, you actually EXERCISE faith. You make it not only an action verb; you make it REAL by envisioning what God wants to happen.

And then you watch God work a miracle before your very eyes.

This blog has extensively summarized the concept of visualization. Here's a listing of all the posts concerning visualization:

1. 13. Spiritual Ascension Step #6: Obey (aka "Why Obedience Is Not The First Law of Heaven")
2. Don’t Just Know About Christ…EXPERIENCE Him!
3. Overcome the (Seemingly) Impossible!
4. Rend the Veil of Unbelief, Part 1: Why Your Efforts to Part the Veil May Be Failing
5. Rend the Veil of Unbelief, Part 2: The Power of Visualization in Parting the Veil
6. Rend the Veil of Unbelief, Part 3: They Conversed with the Lord
7. Rend the Veil of Unbelief, Part 4: Visualize Him
8. Rend the Veil of Unbelief, Part 5: Hearing Him
9. The Best Friend You Never Knew Part 3: Discover His true presence in your life at a whole new level
10. The Best Friend You Never Knew Part 4: From now on, call upon Jesus by His real name
11. The Best Friend You Never Knew Part 5: Envision the Real Yeshua

Pronounce the Commanded Blessing

When it comes to exercising the Gift of Healing, there shouldn't be ANY hint of indecision, weakness or uncertainty. If there is, then you haven't obtained God's words. 

The phrase "Arise and walk" uttered by Yeshua was not couched in the phrase "If it's God's will" or "If it's acceptable to God" because Yeshua had already obtained God's word and knew for a fact that Father desired the blessing to be executed. This allowed Yeshua -- and us -- to "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

When words come out of your mouth that aren't your words, they are decisive, conclusive and final, they are what I call "Commanded Blessings." 

“The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” (Deuteronomy 28:8) 

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” (Psalm 133:1,3)

Some of the most powerful examples of faith in the scriptures are found among those who pronounced commanded spoke the commanded blessing God put into their hearts and minds, and it happened: 

"We understand that when a man works by faith he works by mental exertion instead of physical force. It is by words, instead of by exerting his physical powers, with which every being works when he works by faith. God said, “Let there be light: and there was light” (Gen 1:3). Joshua spake and the great lights which God had created stood still (Joshua 10:12-13). Elijah commanded and the heavens were stayed for the space of three years and six months, so that it did not rain; he again commanded and the heavens gave forth rain (1 Kings 17:1; 18:1, 41-45). All this was done by faith. And the Savior says: “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say to this mountain, Remove…and it shall remove (Matt 17:20); or “say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up…and… planted in the sea; and it should obey you” (Luke 17:6). Faith, then, works by words; and with these its mightiest works have been and will be performed" (Lecture on Faith 7:3)

Enoch learned and spoke the word of God by which he performed mighty miracles:

"And so great was the faith of Enoch that he led the people of God, and their enemies came to battle against them; and he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the rivers of water were turned out of their course; and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness; and all nations feared greatly, so powerful was the word of Enoch, and so great was the power of the language which God had given him." (Moses 7:13)

Other prophets have testified of the power of the word of God:

Paul: “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” (Hebrews 11:3)

Moroni: “Who shall say that it was not a miracle that by his word the heaven and the earth should be; and by the power of his word man was created of the dust of the earth; and by the power of his word have miracles been wrought?" (Mormon 9:17)

Nephi: “Now ye know that Moses was commanded of the Lord to do that great work; and ye know that by his word the waters of the Red Sea were divided hither and thither, and they passed through on dry ground.” (1 Nephi 17:26)

Ultimately, God's example from the very first moment of creation should inspire us:

"Y'hee Or!' 

It's Hebrew for 'Let there be light!'  It's what God said in the beginning. 

This is His very first act of creation and the foundation of all His other works. 

It was in the darkness of a Judean tomb circa the year 30 A.D. that God said again, 'Y'hee Or! Let there be light!' And there was light, in the resurrection. 

So it's not just that God brings light, but that God brings light specifically out of darkness. 

Most believers curse, fear or shun the darkness; or, at best, avoid the darkness. That may be you. Chances are, there is some darkness in your life, in your circumstance, or on the horizon that you fear or look upon as a negative thing. 

But according to the scriptures, darkness is not something to be cursed, feared, shunned, or avoided. God doesn't fear the dark; He brings miracles out of it. And you need to be the same. 

It's only in the dark that you might have the awesome privilege of performing a miracle by the power of God.

Let's hear it: "Y'hee Or! Let there be light!" 

And there will be light." (Inspired by Rabbi Jonathan Cahn's 3/4/21 Sapphires newsletter, “The Darkness You Need for Light”)

Want to learn more about Commanded Blessings? Click here and here.

Experience the Blessed Presence of God

You've obtained God's word, you've envisioned what God wants to have happen and have approached His throne of grace with boldness to make it all happen. 

Now it's time to see what God does!

And there's no better example of this than John G. Lake. 

From 1908 - 1913, Lake served as a Christian, non-LDS missionary to South Africa. During that time, Lake buried many who had contracted Bubonic Plague. During that time, many nations sent ships with doctors and medical supplies to help stop this dreaded pandemic, which was so deadly, death was very likely if you even touched someone or something with the plague.

Unlike other medical professionals, neither Lake nor his assistant were affected as they interacted with others who had contracted the plague. One of the doctors sent for Lake and asked, “What have you been using to protect yourself? Our corps has this preventative and that, which we use as protection, but we concluded that if a man could stay on the ground as you have and keep ministering to the sick and burying the dead, you must have a secret. What is it?”

Lake answered, “Brother, that is the ‘law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus'. I believe that just as long as I keep my soul in contact with the living god so that His Spirit is flowing into my soul and body, that no germ will ever attach itself to me, for the Spirit of God will kill it.”

The doctor asked, “Don’t you think that you had better use our preventative?” 

Lake replied, “No, but doctor, I think that you would like to experiment with me. If you will go over to one of these dead people and take the foam that comes out of their lungs after death, then put it under the microscope, you will see masses of living germs. You will find they are alive until a reasonable time after a man is dead. You can fill my hand with them and I will keep it under the microscope, and instead of these germs remaining alive, they will die instantly.” 

They tried it and found it was true. The plague bacteria instantly died in Lake’s hand. 

The doctor questioned, “What is that?” 

Lake replied, “That is ‘the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.’ When a man’s spirit and a man’s body are filled with the blessed presence of God, it oozes out of the pores of your flesh and kills the germs.”

Lake believed the Word of God is stronger than any sickness or any disease. And his faith in God was proven to be powerful enough to stop plagues on contact.

Thank God for your experience 

If the commanded blessing of healing has truly been aligned with God, then it should leave you rejoicing in God, praising God, then praising Him some more.

"And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive." (Alma 7:23)

"Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things." (D&C 59:7)

"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:20)

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

"...give thanks in all things." (Mosiah 26:39)

"...in everything give thanks." (D&C 98:1)

"Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God." (Psalm 147:7)

"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day." (Alma 37:37)

In sincerely expressing this gratitude, we can expect even more reasons to praise His name:

"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more." (D&C 78:19)

How it should be

This post isn't intended to be a "How to" of the Gift of Healing. If you treat it as such, you're missing the point.

Healing is a Gift of Faith. And whenever, wherever faith is truly present, so is God's power. Thus, the Gift of Healing should be, at the minimum, a clear manifestation of God's power.

I have no words to describe the times I've witnessed blessings which incorporated all of the above characteristics. They transformed not only the person receiving the blessing, but also me (as the one giving or witnessing the blessing).

How many times have you actually felt the power of God before a blessing, during a blessing and after a blessing? I mean, you could PHYSICALLY feel it?

These are supposed to be events when God's knowledge, words and power are manifest in miraculous ways! 

As I have said since Day 1 on this blog, "Aim higher! Reach further! Attain greater!"

UNLEASH THE POWER OF FAITH, THE POWER OF HEALING AND THE POWER OF GOD! (See 1 Kings 18:30-39)

In doing so, you'll never, ever forget the experience.

The Gift of Healing Part 8: Eliminate False Traditions to Move Forward in Healing

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In my previous post, I summarized three pre-requisites to the Gift of Healing: Your ability to hearken to God, stepping out of the box and having a proper motive. All of this presupposes your having faith in God.

Say goodbye to false traditions

Today, the Spirit of God is bypassing many because they're too full of self to be filled with anything else -- pride and selfishness. It blinds and it binds the Saints from experiencing the outpouring that only comes upon the humble. 

Jesus Himself told us there would be those who do miracles in His name and He will declare that they do not know Him.

In Matthew 7:15, He warns us there will be wolves who pose as sheep. Please understand, it is not ‘speculation’ to believe that these things will be so.

In other words, over the decades, we church members have, by and large, picked up some awfully nasty habits which can erode, and even inhibit, our ability to perform miracles. Before we are able to perform these miracles, we must do more than think we can hearken to God, step out of the box and have pure motives. We need to make dang sure we are not perpetuating the foolish traditions of our fathers or the teachings of men mingled with scripture.

When we embrace traditions which deviate from the doctrines and teachings found in the Standard Works, we make ourselves vulnerable to Satan stealing away our light:

"And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers" (D&C 93:39)

Conversely, 

"As we lay off our false traditions and foolish notions, we receive more and more light, and thus we grow in grace; and if we continue so to grow we shall be prepared eventually to receive the Son of Man, and that is what we are after.” (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 2:309-318).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie stated,

"when men believe the true word of the gospel, then God begins to manifest his power in their lives. They begin to enjoy the gifts of the Spirit, to work miracles, and to have those spiritual experiences which always and everlastingly attend true believers." ("Our Gospel Came Not Unto You in Word Only...", October 1968 General Conference).

False Tradition #1: There are no more miracles.

A subscriber to this blog's Facebook group stated, “I have a friend that is no longer allowed to hold any teaching callings and is not asked to speak in church because she openly talks about seeking gifts, miracles that are happening, etc.”

I've heard such talk come from church leaders first-hand, who said we should not be testifying of angels or spiritual gifts.

Such uninspired beliefs, talk and even authoritative instruction can and often do lead to self-fulfilling prophecies, where spiritual gifts no longer exist. For example, Christ himself could not do miracles in his own hometown because nobody believed Him. Nobody had faith. 

Today, we are in sad, sorry shape. How often do we hear of miracles or healings which rival those of the Savior and His ancient apostles? How often do you see signs following believers?

In referencing Mark 16:17, Pres. John Taylor asked,

"What signs? Why, the sick were to be healed, the lame were to be made to walk, the blind to see, and the deaf to hear, and the poor were to have the Gospel preached to them (Matthew 11:5; Luke 7:22)" ("Pretensions of the Saints, JD 23:368).

Note that the Lord did not say these signs would precede, be a guide or testimony to us to prove in advance that this is the gospel of Jesus Christ. He said that they "follow" those that believe.

"But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe" (D&C 63:9)

“Yea, wo unto him that shall deny the revelations of the Lord, and that shall say the Lord no longer worketh by revelation, or by prophecy, or by gifts, or by tongues, or by healings, or by the power of the Holy Ghost!” (3 Nephi 29:6) 

“And now I speak unto all the ends of the earth—that if the day cometh that the power and gifts of God shall be done away among you, it shall be because of unbelief. And wo be unto the children of men if this be the case; for there shall be none that doeth good among you, no not one.” (Moroni 10:24-25)

"And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust" (Mormon 9:20)

"...for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain" (Moroni 7:37)

"And again I speak unto you who deny the revelations of God, and say that they are done away, that there are no revelations, nor prophecies, nor gifts, nor healing, nor speaking with tongues, and the interpretation of tongues; Behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not understand them." (Mormon 9:7-8)

False Tradition #2: If you're broken, you need to be healed.

There are many instances where it's just not God's plan for a person to be healed. Yet because He has infinite compassion, He will heal us in other ways. Sometimes God calms the storm, and other times, He lets the storm rage, and calms His child.

A subscriber to this blog's Facebook group said,

"I think of people who are paraplegics or quadriplegics. It's kind of apparent (to me at least) that they're not growing back functional limbs anytime soon. But maybe God heals them in other ways.

14 years ago, I realized one day that I had a ringing in my ears that just wouldn't go away. I've had tinnitus ever since. Sometimes it's almost intolerable, sometimes it's barely noticeable. God hasn't taken away my tinnitus, but He has enhanced my ability to cope with it."

Please click here to read the story of Jordan Walker Ross, a series regular on the historical drama The Chosen (he plays Little James, one of the 12 Apostles in the New Testament). It's a terrific story of why "not everyone needs to be healed.”

False Tradition #3: You need to rely on another to be healed.

My friend Vaughn told me about a time when he had three bad teeth. He cast out evil from one and sent healing to the other two teeth. He was feeling better the next day. A woman I know healed herself by exercising the Gift of Healing, and commanded a 5-day migraine to go away. It did in a few minutes. 

Such instances may sound incredible, and I suppose that with men, yes, they're impossible. "But with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26).

“And again, it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed. He who hath faith to see shall see. He who hath faith to hear shall hear. The lame who hath faith to leap shall leap.” (D&C 42:48-51)

False Tradition #4: The higher the church calling, the greater the gifts.

"It is not position in the Church that confers spiritual gifts. . . . Rather it is personal righteousness; it is keeping the commandments; it is seeking the Lord while he may be found. God is no respecter of persons." (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, "The Rock of Salvation", Improvement Era, December 1969, p. 85; Acts 10:34).

I invite you to read the story of Cheryl, who repeatedly asked her ward and stake leaders to bless her with healing. Not only did they not do so, but they even doubted it could be done. Later, Cheryl's son -- who had just been set apart as an elder prior to a mission -- gave her the blessing she was seeking. It was the youngest, most inexperienced elder in her area who succeeded where other ward and stake leaders miserably failed.

False Tradition #5: Healing is strictly a man's job.

I could devote 3+ blog posts to this false tradition. But suffice it to say that spiritual gifts know no gender:

"The Lord offers to his daughters every spiritual gift and blessing that can be obtained by his sons." (President Joseph Fielding Smith, "Magnifying Our Callings in the Priesthood," Improvement Era, June 1970, p. 66). 

"Where spiritual things are concerned, as pertaining to all of the gifts of the Spirit, with reference to the receipt of revelation, the gaining of testimonies, and the seeing of visions, in all matters that pertain to godliness and holiness and which are brought to pass as a result of personal righteousness in all these things, men and women stand in a position of absolute equality before the Lord. He is no respecter of persons nor of sexes, and he blesses those men and those women who seek him and serve him and keep his commandments." (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Ensign, Jan. 1979, p. 61; emphasis mine)

"Many of us already have spiritual gifts, but we sometimes fail to recognize them. We may think they are reserved for people with special needs or callings. For the same reason, we may neglect to earnestly seek spiritual gifts, even though they have been promised to us." (Relief Society General Presidency, "Seeking the Best Gifts," Ensign, Jan. 1997, p. 55)

In 2018, Pres. Nelson encouraged the women of the Church to understand our “spiritual gifts—to cultivate, use, and expand them, even more than [we] ever have.” 

Regarding women healing the sick, Brother Joseph said, "Go ye into all the world” &c.— no matter who believeth; these signs, such as healing the sick, casting out devils &c. should follow all that believe whether male or female.”

“Respecting the female laying on hands, he further remark’d, there could be no devil in it if God gave his sanction by healing— that there could be no more sin in any female laying hands on the sick than in wetting the face with water— that it is no sin for any body to do it that has faith, or if the sick has faith to be heal’d by the administration.” (Joseph Smith, "Discourse, 28 April 1842, as Reported by Eliza R. Snow," p. [36], The Joseph Smith Papers, accessed February 21, 2021, https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/discourse-28-april-1842-as-reported-by-eliza-r-snow/2) 

False Tradition #6: Healing is strictly an adult's job.

"Levi Hancock's children heard the devil telling their mother that she would be healed from her six-year convalescence if she would but deny the work of God. The mother resisted, and in the interim "the children heard the Conversation reached upon the bed and laid hands on their mother & the Devill departed at an instant"; (Utah Stake General Minutes, v. 10 [1855-], LDS archives)

False Tradition #7: Healing is strictly a Latter-day Saint gift.

Can one have faith in Jesus Christ and not be LDS?

Of course! Gifts of the Spirit are based on faith, not gender or authority. So it is with the Gift of Healing; One who has strong enough faith in Jesus Christ should be able to perform, or be the recipient of, profound faith-based miracles.

So it was with a friend of a friend, who shared the following (true) story with me:

"Miracles do exist! I was on the phone today with a friend talking about miracles. She told me how her friend Carol's 5 year old daughter was healed of blindness. She had gone up on stage and the (non-denominational) congregation was praying for her to be healed. As this happened, she said, "Mommy, Mommy I see Jesus!” 

“Do you see him?” said the mother.

“He touched my eyes and now I can see!" the daughter said.

The mom thought she was caught up in the moment of everything and got her home and did some tests with her to make sure she could see, like covering one eye, etc. She was healed of her blindness by the grace of God!" 

Then there's the story of Delia Knox:

You can also read more about Delia here, here, here and here.

False Tradition #8: Healing happens in set, predictable ways.

A friend on this blog's Facebook group said:

“I think if we allow God, He will ALWAYS heal us. Always. But not necessarily in the way WE think we should be healed. 

I'm sure all of us have stumbled with an issue for years, and we pray for healing, and have faith in Jesus that He will heal us. Then we don't see that miracle and think His timing is not now. 

But in reality, He is healing us in ways we haven't noticed. Maybe we have become a little more patient. Maybe we have trials placed in our path as gifts to greater growth. Maybe we have felt extra compassion for others. And maybe we have become more patient with HIM as He performs great miracles in our lives. 

I know for me, and it may be true for you, I need eyes to see the miracles that He is blessing with me with and not hold too tightly to my definition of what that miracle should look like.”

Excellent analysis!

Because God's ways are higher than man's ways, the method and timing of His healing is very likely bound to be different than what you'd suppose. 

It's my testimony that as we quit clinging to our false traditions and instead cling to the words of God, we'll be blessed and consequently have greater ability to bless others -- a true, Zionlike condition! I'm also sure there are other false traditions regarding the Gift of Healing that I haven't summarized here. If you know of one, I'd really like to read your comment (even anonymous one) below.