Exactly how to receive God’s power and miracle gifts

Remember what He said His disciples will do? Heal the sick, cast out demons, drink poison, walk as Jesus did – on water I presume?

And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; they will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well. – Mark 16:15-18

Basically real disciples are as free of the constraints of this world as Jesus was! They are free of the limitations and the death of this world, because of their faith in Him.

If you want that, read on. I’ll explain 100% how to receive it.

Many people run after signs and wonders. They desire power. They want the “spirit” to move. They want fruit and they run after it. Yadda yadda. That’s not what Jesus offered or promised.

I used to adore Romans. In an utterly logical way it describes our faith. BUT it was 8 chapters of theology, restating the same thing over and over from many different angles. Too heavy!

I wanted something small and punchy. Jesus expressed all of that simply by saying “believe in the One who God sent”… but that’s too short.

I needed something between 1 line and 8 chapters!! And I found it. 1 John ROCKS!

And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we [watchfully] obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us] and [habitually] practice what is pleasing to Him.

And this is His order (His command, His injunction): that we should believe in (put our faith and trust in and adhere to and rely on) the name of His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and that we should love one another, just as He has commanded us.

ALL WHO KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS [who obey His orders and follow His plan, live and continue to live, to stay and] abide in Him, and He in them. [They let Christ be a home to them and they are the home of Christ.]

AND BY THIS WE KNOW and understand and have the proof that He [really] lives and makes His home in us: by the [Holy] Spirit Whom He has given us. – 1 John 3:22-24

This is a mouthfull. It’s so dense. packed full of goodness. But it’s the key to success as a Christian.

Short summary

The passage above is what I needed. So let me break it down.

1. We receive from Him whatever we ask, BECAUSE we [watchfully] obey His orders
2. And this is His order (a) believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, and (b) love one another as He did
3. ALL who KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS abide in Him, and He in them
4. And the proof that He [really] lives and makes His home in us is this: we receive the [Holy] Spirit

Super-short summary!

We receive whatever we ask IF we are following His commandments. And even better, those who follow will have the proof that their ways are the right ways because they will have peace, freedom from the enemy, overcome sickness, overcome all forms of death (like poison) and whatever they ask for (which is in line with His will) will be provided by God.

Incredibly short summary!!

NO follow His commands? Then NO receive requests and NO receive Holy Spirit power to heal and drink poison.

So this is why I don’t go with the “I want power” crowd. Because hundreds of times in the NT Jesus, Paul, John all say that we receive the fruit as a result of following His commands and living as He did.

We don’t get it because we believe. We don’t get it because we really really really want it. Nor because we asked – and we will get it because we asked. Nor because we sowed to the spirit. Nor because… I could go on.

Look into the bible. The way to get it… is… to forget about it and just get on with living as He did and learning His commands and following His plan. If you do that, you will get what you originally wanted.

Why does it work this way? Because God hopes that by blessing your Godly life and Godly choices, that people will come to you and ask WHY have you got the gifts and they keep getting deceived. They want peace, you’ve got peace. They want love, you’ve got love.

When you are living a life that reflects the life of Jesus, then God will bless you and lift you up. You’ve become a light… so He will place you on a hill. Your life is food (water, fruit) to those around you… therefore He will lift you up and bless you. You’re keeping His commands… and so He will give you the gifts that othes are seeking.

How does this apply to my (Mark’s) life?

I blog about His goodness, His ability, His protection, His wisdom. In this way I am keeping His two commands:

1. Love people
2. Believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah who is able to save me from the effects of evil in this life and He is able to bring me into Heaven

I am keeping His two commands and so He grants me the ability to pray for people, to ask for their healing. He blesses my worship so much so that people literally have to sit down when I worship Him in church. When I pray for people, sickness goes and the demonic flees the person.

Why is He doing this through me? SO THAT people will listen to my theology. And what will they hear from me?

1. Love people with your choices, your talents, your every day life!
2. Believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah who is able to save me from the effects of evil in this life and He is able to bring me into Heaven

Do you see how clever God’s design is? How simple? It’s marvelous!

And what’s more, because I am willing to be attacked for my beliefs, laughed at by those who will not trust in God or think they don’t need love or don’t need Jesus… because I am willing to be spiritually attacked every day and every night, just to let people know I love them and have time for them and I will share the gospel and heal them if they ask.

You see… it is BECAUSE of all of this, that He listens to my prayers, He wants the best for me, He WILL make sure I’m happily married, He will turn His face towards me, He protects me, He will protect my wife and children, He talks to me, He heals me, He teaches me.

There is a cost. I could live a simpler life. I could cower away from the ongoing spiritual attack. But the reward of a relationship with God is so unbelievably good, so worth it.

Why do I do it?

Having God’s favor is a great reason. But here’s my actual reason for living this bold life.

We will go to Heaven. You and me. Not you MORE than me. Not me MORE than you. We both will go to Heaven. Whatever crowns we have acquired will be meaningless, because I believe we too will throw them at His feet.

they worship Him Who lives forever and ever; and they throw down their crowns before the throne, crying out – Rev 4:10

So it’s not about “crowns”. (That motivation is based on greed. “I want crowns.” Yuk.)

No, my motivation is simpler… we only get ONE life and I want to live it to the max. Bless as many people as possible. Help many come to Him. Help people live a healthy life.

So what is the very best way to live my life? Is there something that God has put in me? Something I am designed and built to do?

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do – Eph 2:10

or check out the AMP

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. – Eph 2:10

Wow. I just can’t imagine missing out on this.

Only 1 life. Can’t come back. No “do over”. One shot to enjoy and experience all that He has prepared for me. When I get to Heaven I will never again be able to work to heal people, never again be able to do so many things with Him in this world. This is my chance to explore. To grow. To do stuff here. Heaven has it’s benefits and opportunities and wonders, but right here and now God has a path for me… and it’s a path filled with loving people and loving Him and works of wonder and growth and healing and seeing the miraculous. And Him.

Only 1 shot, here and now. Yes I want to do that. YES!!!

And so does He! 🙂