Denniscummins's Blog

Is America Fearing Another Shooting Massacre?

denniscummins — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:44:11 +0000

In wake of the recent tragedy of the four Lakewood Police officers being gunned down, it has stimulated much shock, anger and outrage – and rightfully so. I know many are trying to understand the reasons why and who is else might be responsible. While most of these types of scenarios are played out on the big screen in the world of fiction, this one happened in our back yard. One of our own at Experience Church works for the Lakewood Police department and has been directly affected by this horrific massacre. Now that the unthinkable has happened, the looming fear is not “if”, but “when” will this happen again? And will it directly affect me? This is why I believe this event has gripped the hearts of the american public.

In reality there is no sense to be made out of this. Ultimately sin is what is sitting behind the mask of this terrible event. Sin has no reason or excuse as to why it does what it does – except to steal, kill and destroy; and that is what has happened here. All we can do is pray for the families that have lost so much and be a strength and encouragement for our law enforcement community as they continue to seek justice.

We at Experience Church care deeply for our civil servants. We honor their commitment and sacrifice as they serve us. This is not just lip service, but during the last seven years our church has been delivering fresh baked cookie platters to our local police, fire department and emergency centers every week. It was our way of saying thank you and we care.

What are some other ways you can show our appreciation to our civil servants? What are some things you can do to let them know you really care?

Couting the Cost

denniscummins — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:19:14 +0000

Debt seems to be the American way; spending blindly and without restraint never considering the consequences. This is not only culturally acceptable but it has been adopted as a way of life for so many Christians. With over 164 million individuals owing approximately 1.4 billion cards – an average of nine credit cards per credit card holder. A stack of all those credit cards would reach more than 70 miles into space. (Consumer Debt Statistics) This is why studies show that there is little difference between what Christians and non-Christians earn, spend, save, charge, or donate to charities. A recent study by the Barna Group reveals that in light of the economy churches are losing billions of dollars. This being attributed to how Christians view what’s important financially. The first thing that seems to be expendable in the budgets of Christians is their tithes and offerings. They have put themselves so deep into financial bondage that God’s church goes without believing that God understands. Yes he does understand that we have put self first and allowed the spirit of Mammon to grip our heart and sink us into a pit financial slavery.

So many Christians are held in captivity; struggling with a the spirit of debt and cannot see themselves free. My goal isn’t to condemn (there went I, but by the grace of God I would still be there) but to preach liberty to the captives. Captivity and slavery is not God’s design for his children. He came to set us free, which takes employing God’s stewardship principles in our lives. This is a message of freedom and liberty but also patients and self-restraint. Yes, we can be free from the spirit of debt and live our lives in the protecting hands of God, but we have to exercise patients. Patients – it is going to take some time to dig yourself out of the hole you’ve created. This goes against every fleshly impulse that put us into bondage to begin with. This means thinking a whole new way and breaking habits that been formed since childhood. This is where self-restrain comes in. The true quality of self-restraint is the love and contentment of Christ Jesus. Here is a scripture that might bring it into a better perspective:

Proverbs 30:8-9 (Contemporary English Version) 8Make me absolutely honest and don’t let me be too poor or too rich. Give me just what I need. 9If I have too much to eat, I might forget about you; if I don’t have enough, I might steal and disgrace your name.

Notice that the motive of this scripture is not more money or things, but a cautious spirit to to keep God first place in his life. This should be our prayer, “God don’t allow me to be distracted with what I don’t have or what I do have, but that my focus is on you at all times.”

Hebrews 13:5 (New International Version) 5Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ”Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

This is telling us that God is our source and not money or charge cards. Too many times we rely on our credit limits to bail us out of a jam and not God. It has become easier to borrow the money now and trust God in the future for the money you will need to pay it back. But the bible says, Now faith is… Too many times we over look the word “Now” and see faith as in the future. No, “Now” faith is, now is the time to employ it and stand on the word of God. But this takes some spiritual depth and know-how in the word of God to gain the confidence to take such a stance. Real faith and stewardship is honoring God first in our tithes and offerings, counting the cost of our financial decisions and building a storehouse for the lean times. Break the spirit of Mammon by yielding whole-heartedly to God, for he will never leave you or forsake you.

“Some debts are fun when you are acquiring them, but none are fun when you set about retiring them” ~Ogden Nash

Is Your Lack Back?

denniscummins — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:39:27 +0000

Never enough, out of money, just over broke and many other similes seem to be a part of the american language; even though America is noted as the greatest nation of opportunity in the world. Lack seems to be on ongoing struggle for many people regardless of the condition of our economy. Why is this? Some would say it’s due to limited income, others would relate it to a struggling economy – but God would relate it to poor stewardship. Spiritual Lack is a chronic deficiency of never having enough. Over coming spiritual lack isn’t about the amount of money in the checking account but it is about the amount of faith and self-control in our heart to pull through tough times. Now if we consider our self a Christian, then we need to know what God’s expectations are of us.

Luke 16:10 ”Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. What is stewardship?

It’s simply doing what you are supposed to do with your masters property regardless of how much or little we have been entrusted with.

1 Corinthians 7:23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. As a child of God we are considered God’s property. He is our Master and we are His servant. This means that all we have is His and we are to use it according His will. People that are in spiritual lack struggle with this biblical model of stewardship. They tend to take monies that are to be used to pay bills and buy other things. Then they wonder why they don’t have enough and why God isn’t meeting their needs. If I was to give my son lunch money and he ends up spending it on toys and trinkets he will surely come back to me asking me for more money so he won’t go hungry. I might give in once or twice, but eventually I am going to let him go without lunch so that he can learn his lesson; to not take monies that are for a specific purpose and spend it on something else.

I was guilty of doing this very thing and it wasn’t until God pointed out again and again did I really change my ways. Even today I have to exercise self-control over what I buy; this means listening to the voice of the Spirit. I have found that when I am obedience to the Lord about what I purchase – I find I am never in lack and I always have enough. Now my flesh may disagree and get upset about not getting its way, but that is just too bad. If we are going to conquer the spirit of lack, we must put our flesh under.

1 Corinthians 9:27 ”…I discipline my body and make it my slave…”

We need to keep our flesh under and not allow it to drive us into spiritual lack. We need to rise up and allow the spirit of God to guide and lead all of our financial decisions so that His advantage will be upon our lives.

Healing Scriptures and Confessions

denniscummins — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:39:36 +0000

Healing Scriptures & Confessions
The Medicine from Heaven.

Read these scriptures out loud over your life if you are dealing with physical issues.

Psalm 119:97 (English Standard Version) 97Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.

The Word of God cannot work in us unless we are meditating upon it. The concept of meditation is like medication. Medication is the application of medicine. We may only take medication once or twice a day orally, but the medication is working day and night. So it is with meditating on the word of God. It means to revolve over and over in our mind; to ponder with deep thought. We have to allow the word of God to wash over our mind and to work in our spirit man to rid us of sickness and disease. Make this your diet and stand for your healing.

Acts 5:16 “Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. NOTE – Even after Jesus had been cruxified, rose back to life again, and ascended into heaven, we see the very same work that Jesus performed, while on the earth, still taking place through the hands of His disciples, and with the very same intensity – all being healed. And why not? Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever! (continued…)

Hebrews 7:25 Because Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant (verse 22), “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Take a look at this scripture in the Amplified Version: “Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them.”

NOTE – It’s important to remember that the word “save” in the Greek is the word sozo which literally means to heal, preserve, save, do well, be (make) whole. It means deliverance in the present as well as in the future or in eternity, physical as well as spiritual. Jesus used this word to denote healing of the body as well as forgiveness of sins. Always translate this word as “save – heal” when you come across it in the Word.

Acts 13:38-39 “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man [Jesus] is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified [declared righteous] from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.”

NOTE – I love this. From now on you need to train yourself to translate the word “justified” as declared righteous. That is the literal Greek translation. This will really help you when you read the book of Romans. You can remember it with this phonetic, literal breakdown: just-if-i’d never sinned! That’s the true meaning of biblical righteousness – to be in right standing with God.. 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us plainly that as born-again believer’s we have become the righteousness of God in Christ. Because of the forgiveness of sins, through His shed blood, we are redeemed and declared righteous from ALL THINGS which we could not be declared righteous, apart from His redemptive work.This is our position in Christ and it’s more than just spiritual, the effects of this right-standing or righteousness pertain to the soul, the body and our life here on this earth.

Romans 8:11 “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal (Natural, Earthly) bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” NOTE – Take a close look at this Scripture, this is talking about your body that you have now, not the one you’re going to receive one day in heaven! Allow the Lord to impart His life into you by placing faith in His Word. Begin to praise Him for this promise.

2 Corinthians 4:10-11 “Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus (which was for our victory), that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.” – Bodily Health!!!

Matthew 6:9-10 “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven.”

NOTE – Jesus always prays the will of God, and He prays that the will of God be done here on the earth just as it is in heaven. People in heaven are not sick, so we can clearly see it is God’s will that we also be free from sickness and disease.

Deuteronomy 11:21 (If a believer honors God and lives according to the Word, He says…) “That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.”

NOTE – God’s plan is that His children begin to experience the inheritance of the heavenly life while here on the earth. We’re already His children, and we have been given special rights. Learning to walk in the Word of God, brings the benefits of the Word of God into a living, functioning reality.

Deuteronomy 7:15 “And the LORD will take away from you all sickness, and will afflict you with none of the terrible diseases of Egypt which you have known, but will lay them on all those who hate you.”

NOTE – If this was a promise to God’s covenant people under the Old Covenant, how much more does this benefit of health pertain to us today; as we are under the New Covenant which is based upon the precious Blood of Jesus Christ!

Romans 8:32 “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”

NOTE – Surely this includes healing!!!

Mark 16:17-18 “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name . . . they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

NOTE – Find someone who believes God’s Word regarding healing and have them lay hands on you and pray for you in faith based on the promises of God. James 5:16 says “that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.”

NOTE – The word “wait” in this verse implies a positive action of hope, based on knowing that the Word of God is a true fact and that it will soon come to pass – waiting with earnest expectation!

Psalm 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”

Jeremiah 30:17 “For I will restore health unto you, and I will heal you of your wounds, saith the Lord.”

Isaiah 53:4-5 “Surely He hath borne our griefs (Lit. sicknesses) and carried our sorrows (Lit. pains) yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and by His stripes we are healed.”

NOTE – The last part of this verse,”by His stripes we are healed,” is not talking about spiritual healing, as some have taught, but definite physical healing. God does not “heal” a human spirit, he recreates it. He does however, heal our bodies and minds. This clearly shows that your healing was paid for at the cross!

Jeremiah 33:6 “Behold, I will bring you health and cure, and I will cure you, and will reveal unto you the abundance of peace and truth.”

Matthew 18:19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on Earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.” NOTE – The prayer of agreement is powerful – have someone agree with you for your healing!

Mark 11:24 “Therefore I say to you whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Surely this includes healing!

Isaiah 58:8 “Thy light shall break forth as the morning, and thy health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee: the glory of the Lord shall be thy rear guard.”

Psalm 41:3 (Amplified Version) “The Lord will sustain, refresh, and strengthen him on his bed of languishing; all his bed You [O Lord] will turn, change, and transform in his illness.”

NOTE – I love how the Amplified Bible brings out the fullness of meaning in the original language. The phrase “all his bed” in the Hebrew, has the meaning of; all that he is afflicted with, or all of his condition that he is lying with” It is always His will to turn, change and transform our mourning into dancing – Psalm 30:11

1 Thessalonians 5:23 “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly [completely]; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless [sound, complete and intact] unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

NOTE – It is very clear in this passage that wholeness, wellness, and health is for the complete make-up of man, spiritual, mental, and physical.

1 Peter 2:24 “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness– by whose stripes you were healed.” NOTE – Past tense “You were healed”. Jesus paid it all for your total deliverance – spirit, soul and body!

Psalm 103:2-3 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases”

NOTE – Notice it doesn’t say some, it says all! It also states that healing is one of the benefits that belongs to the believer along with the benefit of having our sin forgiven. See our article Two Gifts of Grace

3 John 2 “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

Jeremiah 17:14 “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.”

NOTE – Once a person finally understands that healing is a part of the finished work of grace along with salvation, paid for at the same time with the same healing Blood, then you can get excited about this verse saying; “You did it Lord for me! Then according to this verse I will agree and say, I will have healing just as I have salvation, it’s mine NOW!”

James 5:14-15 “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”

1 Thessalonians 5:8-10 “But let us who are of the day [in Christ] be sober [Word minided], putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath [the curse], but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him [share in His life].”

NOTE – While this block of Scripture is talking about end times and the rapture of the Church, it is important not to miss the heart of God toward us the Church, which is constant and never changing. The curse does not belong to us, we were not appointed to it, we are appointed to the blessing which is the life of Christ given to us. The Word salvation always implies healing, mending, health as well as deliverance. One should always translate the word salvation as saved-healed! Don’t miss this great truth, the Lord wants you to obtain healing, both now and in the glorious completeness of it when we go to be with Him.

Know Your Authority

Matthew 18:18 “Verily I say unto you, whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

NOTE – The word “bind” means to forbid, the word “loose” means to let go or to allow to go free. Do not allow sickness, pain or disease run free in your body, bind it or forbid it to stay there any longer because of your rights as a believer.. Put your foot down and command it to leave in the Name of Jesus!!!

John 10:10 “The thief (satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

NOTE – Here we see the desired will of the Lord for every believer – that we experience abundant life. According to this verse He came for this very purpose. We also see clearly that it is not God who afflicts us. The word here for life is the Greek word “zoe.” One highly respected commentator describes the true meaning of the word life in this verse as: “life being the highest and best of which Christ is.” In light of that meaning, you can easily see the wonderful gift of life the Lord wants for each of us. Sickness and disease are truly not in His plan for us, simply because He has none to give.

Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give unto you power (authority) to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

NOTE – This is an exciting verse as Jesus said He has given us authoritive power over ALL, not some of the enemy! Command Satan to take his hands off of you. Command sickness and disease to leave you now in the Name of Jesus.

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment YOU shall condemn. This is the heritage (birthright) of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the LORD.”

NOTE – Sickness is judging you falsely, it’s your birthright to live in health. You condemn it, with the Word of God, and command it to leave your body.

Psalm 102:19-20 ” For He looked down from the height of His sanctuary, from heaven did the Lord behold the earth, to hear the sighing and groaning of the prisoner, to loose those who are appointed to death.”

NOTE – If you are born-again, then YOU are not appointed to death but unto life in Christ Jesus. The Word tells us that He who the son sets free is free indeed!!! Take hold of and insist upon your covenant right of freedom today in Jesus Name. Command the devil, sickness, disease, pain and suffering to GO in Jesus Name – you have another appointment in Him, and that appointment is supernatural, overflowing, and abundant life in Jesus Christ our Lord. You may feel like a prisoner because of your circumstance, but rejoice because God’s will IS to LOOSE you from it. Begin to praise Him for it.

You have something powerful on the inside of you – Jesus!

1 John 4:4 “. . . . greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

1 John 5:4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

NOTE – In John 17:14 Jesus states that we as believer’s are not of the world. Sickness, disease and failure belong to the world. As a believer, we are given the right to overcome that which comes against us by holding fast to the Word of God. While we do not deny that the problem or circumstance exists, we do however deny it the right to stay through our faith in God and His Word!!! Know this: Faith in God is victory all of the time!!!

Romans 8:31 “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us” NOTE – You are a winner, you are victorious through the Lord Jesus Christ. Begin to see yourself the way God sees you.

1 John 4:17 ” Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.”

NOTE – Not only can we have boldness in the day of judgment, but we can have boldness now in this life, in the face of adversity, knowing who we are in Christ, knowing what belongs to us in Him and tenaciously holding onto it, refusing what the enemy wants us to have. As this verse says so clearly, as He is, so are we in this world. Think about that for a moment, how is He now? He is not sick, He is not diseased – it can’t touch Him, and we are His body – the body of Christ. Insist on having the blessing of the Lord manifested in you – praise Him for it now, worship Him!!!

1 Corinthians 6:15-17 “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.”

NOTE – I can’t say it any clearer than this verse – we are one with Jesus Christ now. Sickness has no right to Him, so it has no legal right to us. It is illegal and off limits, it has no right to stay. Take a firm stand and run off the attack and the lies of the enemy. You belong to the Lord, you are washed in His precious Blood, the covenant Blood. Command sickness, disease to leave and insist on your covenant rights now, and don’t quit until it changes and becomes just as the Word says it should be!!!

2 Peter 1:3-4 “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

NOTE – Notice the past tense use of “has” given us all things that pertain to life!!! The blessing of health was purchased for us at the cross, it belongs to you now. Notice the importance of the Word of God – the precious promises. Your healing must be rooted steadfastly on the Word, not on what you see or how you feel. Also, did you take note of the fact that we are partakers of His divine nature! I guarantee you that His nature is total health and well being, Expect it!

1 Corinthians 1:9 “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

NOTE – The word “fellowship” is a strong covenant word in the original Greek text. It means: intimacy, partnership and participation, and is also the word for communion. In other words, because we are born-again, we have been given the right to share intimately, in partership and participation in His life. Know that He is life, the purest form of life, and He’s called us to share intimately in it with Him. It’s a place where sickness and disease have no right. This is your birthright, count on it and expect it. And I love how this verse starts out – God is faithful. He’s faithful to His Covenant Word, and to His covenant people, He’s faithful to YOU!

Romans 5:17 “For if by the one man’s offense [Adam] death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ.”

NOTE – I love this verse! Did you notice, it did not say you might or you possibly could, it says you will reign in life (this life in the here and now). Are you reigning in life or are you being rained on? If you are not experiencing victory, know that it is a breech of the Word of God for it to remain and become the norm. Get mad, with a righteous indignation, and command the circumstances to leave and take hold of the victory that is yours through the Word. For this is the will of God!

Genesis 1:28 “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

NOTE – The red blood cells of your body already obey this verse, as they are being multiplied and replenished every 80 – 120 days! Look at the rest of what God said to mankind – subdue and have dominion… over every living thing! Wow! That includes cancer, bacteria, parasites, viruses and all microorganisms that cause sickness and disease. He gave the blessing, He gave the command, He gave you the right – now do it. Put your foot down on sickness and disease and command it to go – it has no right to stay, You are a blood bought child of God!!! Don’t put up with it another minute, subdue and take dominion!

Colossians 1:13 “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love”

NOTE – To be conveyed is to be transferred, removed out of one and placed into another. The power of darkness which includes the curse, no longer has a hold on us as we are now members of a different kingdom – the Kingdom of God, which is the Kingdom of Life! There is no sickness and no disease in the kingdom of God. Close the door on the enemy, remove the anything that is blocking your healing.

Proverbs 3:7-8 “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” NOTE – The term “fear the Lord” means to reverence and worship the Lord in all things.

Exodus 15:26 “If thou will diligently harken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put (permit) none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.”

Exodus 23:25 “So you shall serve (worship) the Lord your God and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you.”

NOTE – True worship from the heart is a key to walking in divine health. It brings forth humility of heart and opens the door for His life to flow. Close every door to the devil that you are aware of. Take time each day to worship and love on God from your heart.

Psalm 91:9-10 “Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.”

Malachi 4:2-3 “But unto you that fear (reverence, worship) My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. You shall trample the wicked for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this says the Lord of hosts”

NOTE – I love this scripture! This verse is a great promise and even tells us when it became a reality for us. “On the day that I do this,” was at Calvary. Now the enemy is as “ashes” under our feet and healing and protection belong to us. See Luke 10:19 also.

Know it is the will of God that you are healed.

Psalm 30:2 “O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.”

Psalm 107:19-20 “Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”

Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

NOTE – The word “ask” in the Greek has the meaning of insistent asking with a knowing of what belongs to the one making the request. Presenting a solid requisition to God, knowing He longs to distribute what He has to the one in need. Look at James 1:5-8 – we must ask in faith, and faith always knows, it never wishes!

I John 5:14-15 “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”

NOTE – The Word of God is the will of God. If you can find it in the Word of God then you can be assured that it is the will of God. The Lord is not trying to keep healing from you, He is trying to get it to you – Just Believe!

2 Corinthians 1:20 “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”

NOTE – Notice that according to God all of His promises towards us are “YES” and amen (so be it!) or it is settled! There aren’t any “no’s” from the Lord toward us when it comes to performing His Word in our behalf. – Now that’s good news!

Psalm 35:27 “Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, “Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”

NOTE – At first glance you may think this scripture refers only to prosperity or wealth. The word in the Hebrew for prosperity here is “shalom” and we know it as the word for peace. However, in the Hebrew this word literally means health, prosperity and peace – wholeness, welfare. So you can clearly see the mind of God who takes pleasure in the health, wholeness, prosperity and peace of we His children! He’s excited for us to have it. Once you get ahold of this, praise and adoration will naturally flow forth in pure appreciation for who He is to us and all that He has already done for us. Fear and doubt will no longer have a place in your thinking. What an awesome God He is!!!

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (an expected end).”

NOTE – Again, the word for peace here in the Hebrew is the word shalom and implies the meaning of health and prosperity, which is obvisously His will as it is the end or goal that the Lord is expecting for us. Begin to expect it – yes, that’s right – get your hopes way up!

Luke 12:32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

NOTE – Along with the kingdom, come all of the kingdom blessings and benefits! Realize that it gives God pleasure to give to you, after all He is a giver – He is love and love gives. So cast of fear, and put a smile on your face- you are rich in Him. Just receive it.

Psalm 121:7-8 “The Lord shall preserve (keep) you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul (life). The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth and even forevermore.”

NOTE – Notice He said He would keep or preserve us from all evil. This surely includes sickness and disease. The word for preserve means to guard, to keep, to hedge about, to protect, to attend to. Praise the Lord! His will is to do this now and forevermore. Begin to thank Him and praise Him for it.

Hebrews 13:20-21 (Amplified Version) “Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament), strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages). Amen (so be it).

NOTE – I love how the Amplified Version brings out the truth and clarity intended through the original Greek language. The author of Hebrews is praying a blessing in accordance with the will of God for completeness and wholeness which is intented through the Blood Covenant. May you be strengthened, be made complete and be perfected, be made what you ought to be (because of the shed Blood) and equipped with everything good so you can accomplich His will! Wow! This absolutely includes healing, health and wholeness. Our God has a purpose and a plan for you and He wants you to accomplish it now in Jesus Name! That is His will, rise up and believe it, receive it and act upon it!!!.

The Word Of God Brings Healing!

Psalm 119:50 “This is my comfort in my affliction, for your Word has given my life.”

Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.”

NOTE – Faith for healing comes by hearing God’s Word concerning healing. So just as you may be taking medicine two or three times a day, do the same thing with the promises in the Word of God regarding healing, and allow your faith to be built up! You’ll be amazed at the change that will take place.

Proverbs 4:20-22 “My Son, attend to My words; incline thine ear unto My sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health (Lit. medicine) to all their flesh.”

NOTE – Here it is as plain as it can be: the taking of God’s Word is life and medicine to your flesh. So just don’t take your prescribed natural medicine alone, add the Word of God along with it. Prescribed medicine can heal and help some things, but God’s medicine can heal all.

John 8:32 “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

NOTE – The Word of God is truth see John 17:17. Once you know the truth concerning healing in God’s redemptive plan, then you can begin to exercise faith and expect the promises of God to manifest in you – and they will – REJOICE!!!

Jeremiah 23:29 “Is not My word like a fire? says the LORD, And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?”

NOTE – Get this fact down deep into your heart. The Word of God IS an all consuming fire that will melt away and burn off that which is not of God, and a powerful crushing force to break apart even the toughest and most stubborn circumstances.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

NOTE – Does your body and or mind need correction? God’s Word is just the medicine. According to this verse, we see that it is His will that you may be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work. If you are sick you cannot fully do the work of the ministry- know that God wants you to be able bodied, a living example in every area of His grace, mercy and power.

John 6:63 “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.”

NOTE – God’s Word is healing, it will bring health to your flesh. See Proverbs 4:22. That’s why it is so important to continue to go over the healing scriptures daily, therefore building your faith in the area of healing, imparting the very life of God into your cells as well as your mind. Fill up on God’s Word!

John 15:7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”

Isaiah 55:11 “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

NOTE – God’s Word on healing will accomplish healing in you.

Jeremiah 1:12 “. . . . I am alert and active watching over My Word to perform it.” Amplified Bible

NOTE – God is looking, searching eagerly for someone to take Him at His Word so that He can perform it on their behalf.

Joshua 21:45 “Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.”

NOTE – How much more sure is this promise to us since our covenant with God is based upon the shed Blood of Jesus Christ!
Healing Is A Good Gift From God!

James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

NOTE – Healing is a wonderful gift from God, and here again is another proof that He does not change. What He did yesterday He will do again today – Praise the Lord, He is still the Healer!!!

1 Corinthians 3:21-22 “Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come–all are yours.”

NOTE – This says it so clear, the Lord is holding nothing back from us. Surely healing is included in the claim of “all things” and certainly is included in the word “life.” Begin to praise the Lord for your healing which is a gift to you from the Lord, and the manifestation that will come as you receive the promise by faith.

Romans 11:29 “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”

NOTE – He’s the giver of gifts and He doesn’t take them back, they cannot be canceled out!

Philippians 2:13 “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for his good pleasure.”

Matthew 11:28 (Amplified Version) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]“

NOTE – The word ‘rest’ here literally means to cease from toil or labor in order to recover and collect his strength, and implies a feeling of wholeness and well being. Place your focus onto Jesus and all that He has purchased for you. Take the focus off of the circumstances, and begin praising Him for all that He has done for you. As a child of God, you are highly favored by God – He’s given it all to you. Spend time each day just loving on God. Come to Him through intimate worship, and experience this rest.

Deuteronomy 29:29 “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

NOTE – This Scripture makes it so clear that healing and health belong to you and your posterity – your family line. Healing has been revealed to us through the Word of God – declared to us through the shed covenant Blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. Every Scripture on this page is declaring your revealed covenant right. Dig in and take hold of it by faith and refuse to let go of your birthright!!!

Isaiah 33:24 “And the inhabitant will not say, “I am sick”; the people who dwell in it (Zion) will be forgiven their iniquity.”

NOTE – While this chapter in Isaiah is dealing with impending judgment with God’s people (Zion) for repentance, notice that the forgiveness of their iniquity also provided for the healing of their bodies. How much more does this apply for us now in this time, having Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, who has redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us (Gal. 3:13) who by His stripes we were healed (1 Peter 2:24), has made this scripture a reality to us (spiritual Zion) through His shed Blood on the cross!!!

We Have Been Redeemed Out From Under The Bondage Of Sickness & Disease!

Galatians 3:13-14 “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessings of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ.”

NOTE – The curse of the law includes sickness and disease and is found in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. The first 14 verses of the chapter pertain to the blessing, and the rest of the chapter describes the curse! By the shed Blood of Jesus Christ we were purchased out of or out from under the curse!!! Especially look at verse 61, it states: “all sickness and all disease in the world, even those not written in the Book, (is included in the curse)” – so therefore we are redeemed from it all!!!

Proverbs 26:2 “Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, so a curse without cause shall not alight.”

NOTE – As we continue in Christ, the curse has no right to take root in our lives. Take a firm stand against it, and command its effects to leave in the Name of Jesus! You are a child of the King.

Romans 8:2 “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” And the effects of death and the curse!

Colossians 1:13 “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love”

NOTE – Remember there is no sickness or disease in the kingdom of God! Here again is another wonderful scripture proving your birthright of healing.

1 John 3:8b “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” Take a look at this same verse in the Amplified version – “The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works the devil [has done].”

NOTE -There is no doubt that sickness and disease are works of the devil, introduced to mankind through the fall as part of the curse. This Scripture is very clear that Jesus came to undo the works of the devil. Be assured that He accomplished His task- further proof that sickness and disease have no legal right to remain in your body as a child of God! Command it to go in Jesus Name!

2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

NOTE – If you are born-again, if you’ve asked Jesus to come into your heart, then you are saved, you are a child of God and the Spirit of God dwells within your heart – make no mistake about it!!! Therefore, according to this Scripture, freedom and liberty from bondage in any form belong to you, and you should expect it. It’s your covenant right. Receive this personally as the truth that it is for yourself right now!!! Lift your hands to the Lord and begin to praise Him and worship Him for His goodness to you.

John 8:36 “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

NOTE – The Greek thought here is not just free, but undeniably and unquestionably free. The Amplified version reads: “So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.” Let this truth of victory soak down deep into your heart and dispell all thoughts of doubt and fear. Praise God, sickness and disease have no right to be in us, they cannot stay, they have to go! Shout it out – “I’m a free man!!!”

Read it over and over, get it into your spirit and shut out anything in your life that conflicts with your healing. Jesus paid for it, so it is already yours.

Experience Church.tv

The Swine Flu – Preventative Steps

denniscummins — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:35:48 +0000

Since they named the Sine Flu a pandemic, it seems to be a self fulfilling prophecy. According to the CDC, cases are cropping up by the thousands in just that last few weeks. Many may be struggling with fear as this pandemic is starting to hit close to home. While there are intentional spiritual things we can do and I will address in a moment, it is also vital that we are taking care of the natural things as well. In the Old Testament hundreds of laws were laid out before the children of Israel to help maintain good hygiene and avoid the outbreak of disease. While we are not under the Mosaic law as Christians, there are some things that we can glean from the those laws to prevent such illnesses taking hold. Getting enough rest, taking our vitamins and washing our hands are some of the most important things we can do to prevent the spread of disease.

The CDC says:

Take everyday actions to stay healthy.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way.
Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Stress is another key factor in breaking down the immune system. Stress releases toxins in the body and becomes a breading ground for harmful bacteria and viruses.

So these are a few natural elements that we can do, but what about the spiritual things? We should always be on the offense spiritually. Too many times people wait until sickness hits them until they start to search the scripture for healing. We need to proclaim the word over our life. I want to encourage you to read the 91st Psalm over your family on a regular basis. This is your right and you should fight for it. Be spiritually aggressive, don’t wait for something to happen. This is our spiritual prevention.

Psalm 91

¹ He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

² I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

³ Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

⁴ He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

⁵ You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

⁸ You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

⁹ If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

¹⁰ then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

¹² they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

¹³ You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

¹⁴ “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

¹⁵ He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”

HEALING SCRIPTURES

The Spirit of Money

denniscummins — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:01:11 +0000

When we approach the topic of money from a biblical standpoint, it is important that we look at the spirit that rests on our money more than money itself. Money is amoral, it can do nothing on it’s own – drop it on the ground and that is where it will stay. Money is a tool much like a hammer; we can either build or destroy things with it. It also is much like a gun, we can either protect or hurt ourselves with it. It is a powerful too when put into the right hands and a devastating tool when placed in the wrong hands.

Satan will do everything in his power to influence our financial decisions. To make sure that the spirit of flesh rests upon every dollar that we have so that it may oppose Kingdom purposes.

Galatians 5:17 says, “17The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should.”

I know that when I have opportunities to give offerings above my tithes my flesh is there to disagree with me; sometimes yelling at me saying, “What are you doing!”. It’s kind of like Judas complained that the perfume being poured over Jesus feet could have been sold and given to the poor.

Mark 14:3-5 (Contemporary English Version) 3Jesus was eating in Bethany at the home of Simon, who once had leprosy, when a woman came in with a very expensive bottle of sweet-smelling perfume. After breaking it open, she poured the perfume on Jesus’ head. 4This made some of the guests angry, and they complained, “Why such a waste? 5We could have sold this perfume for more than three hundred silver coins and given the money to the poor!” So they started saying cruel things to the woman.

In reality, his flesh was screaming, “That’s a ton of money that I could put in my pocket.” His flesh was opposing the plan of the spirit. The flesh was really thinking, “I could have bought some stuff for me!.” John 12:1-8. Money with the wrong spirit is a dangerous tool, but money with the right spirit, like Mary, honors the heart of God. Jesus said, “Leave her alone.” In other words, she is listening to the voice of the Spirit and my Spirit is resting on this financial decision and she is blessed because of her obedience.”

What are the struggles people face when honoring God’s kingdom finanically? What are ways that you have found to overcome the fleshly struggle in the area of giving?

Culture Wars – Book Release

denniscummins — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:03:36 +0000

Pastor Dennis Cummins has just released his new book called “Culture Wars – The Democratic Fight
Against Heaven.” This book focuses on the internal struggle so many people have between self and the Kingdom of God. Gain God’s perspective, peace and true victory over the battle within.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 Sin has separated us from having a holistic relationship with God. We have chosen our own path and put God at arm’s length. We believe that God’s Kingdom is real and He is watching us but we insist on doing our own way because we love to be king of our own domain. This book is dedicated to you with your human nature fighting against the rules of Heaven. Without Jesus you are unrighteous in the eyes of God. But because He loves you, He has given the only way to redeem yourself back to Him. You are to marry the Bridegroom Jesus Christ for you to enter the wedding chamber of eternal life. Learn why you have this sinful nature and how you are to win over this. Know what you are supposed to do with your life in this earth. See traditions and customs in our culture leading back to the ultimate Planner.

Available as Ebook or Hard-copy

Let them Go.

denniscummins — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:43:48 +0000

It is said that there are two certainties- death and taxes. While I am sure we can add some other certainties onto this list, there is one that we can address now and it would be “forgiveness is divine”. I realize that unforgiveness is a struggle for a lot of people. It doesn’t seem to make sense when using our human reasoning and logical thinking when it comes to forgiving someone. As a matter of fact Old Testament scripture tells us to pay them back with the same pain they caused us.

Leviticus 24:20 says, “fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; just as he has injured a man, so it shall be inflicted on him.”

This is what many people want, this is what our flesh is crying out for – vengeance! Our culture has been programmed by Hollywood to injure, kill and maim those that brought injury to us; to Be the renegade or the vigilante shooting and blowing up anyone that gets in our way.

While this was the letter of the law, it is easy to forget the spirit of it. Yes, there must be a sense of justice, but it is not for us to carry it out. In the Old Testament they had judges that heard the cases and everything had to be established by two or three witnesses. Beyond all of this, they were not the ones that carried out the punishment. Jesus brought further light to this scripture in Matthew 5:40-45

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,…”

Jesus is telling us that we are not to judge and jury. We are not the ones to carry out sentence on those that injure us. It is for us to love them, let go of the offense and let God take care of the justice in His way and time.

Romans 12:19-21 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Now someone asked me a great question, “Does forgiveness mean that I can’t defend myself from another potential hurt from the same person?” No, we have every right to protect our selves. While we should forgive the nature of the relationship may have to change after repeated issues. Please note; each situation is unique and should be handled in prayer and insight with your spiritual covering.

While forgiveness is essential to the believer’s life it is still a choice that we have to make, but God-like forgiveness can only be given through divine intervention. Nothing else will do – so do what Jesus did for you and let them go.

…

Do you have a choice?

denniscummins — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:28:30 +0000

Some would say that we don’t have a choice – that what ever we decide, God already determined it to happen. The Islamic faith teach that what ever happens it must be the will of Allah. This type of thinking has crept into Christian circles and has birthed certain beliefs like: God already has selected those who will be saved, those who be healed and what choices and decisions we will make.

These types of beliefs negate our individual responsibility – free choice. There are a couple of things that go to show that we are responsible for our own decisions. Jesus died for all mankind not just for some. God desires that none should perish but all should have eternal life. He says that he has set before us life and death, blessings and cursing and he recommends that we choose life. I would say that God knows the possible outcome of every decision that we could make, yet he awaits our response to each decision that we do make. One example to this is: God regretted making man in Genesis 6:6, prior to the flood.

The LORD was sorry that he had made humans on the earth, and he was heartbroken.

Why else would God be sorry for making man except that He had different expectations for the outcome of man’s decisions and choices. In other words, God has not already made up his mind about us, but He is holding out hope for every person saying to us, “Choose Life!” It really is up to us. It really is our decision. Let’s not let him down.

“Don’t kill me.” Was her response.

denniscummins — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:30:00 +0000

It is hard to fathom the abuse the goes on in the homes in America; even so called Christian homes. How can it be? It’s a satanic violence and deadly when left unbridled to reign in the home. It is a real and dangerous reality that many would like to avoid.

I want to share an article with you from Jami Kirkbride which has her Master’s degree in counseling.

Behind Closed Doors: Help for Domestic Abuse Survivors

Everything was fine…until the light bulb in the living room burned out.

“Can you believe it? Can you believe it?” He pounded his fist into our sofa.

“It’s okay. I’ll go get another one,” I answered, darting into the kitchen for another bulb.

Returning, I began to panic when I saw his expression. “Gimme’ that!” he growled, bobbling the bulb until he nearly dropped it.

“Whoa, are you okay?” Stay calm. Breathe. Don’t let him escalate…

“What do you mean am I okay?” Raising his voice, his flushed, contorted face hovered just inches from mine, “You think that’s funny?”

Oh, no, what do I do now? I made him mad. If I’d been more helpful…kept that light from going out or kept it from nearly falling…I just can’t do it right. I always mess up.

“I’m sorry. I really am…”

I watched horrified as his eyes glazed over and his body lurched to intimidate. I wanted to run or hide, but I knew from experience that would only make matters worse. Instead, I hung my head, shielding my face with my arms.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” I tried desperately to say something that would make it all stop. But instead, his anger exploded.

He took several swings, landing them in my forearms that shielded my face. As I took a step back, he bolted toward me and began shoving me around. He grabbed my arm, twisted it around, and bit me hard.

Things just escalated from there, and before I knew it, he’d cornered me in the bedroom. Please don’t let him hurt me, I prayed silently as his fists delivered blow after blow to my arms. Finally he slammed me onto the bed and eventually overturned the mattress, hurling me to the floor.

Suddenly his dark eyes were an inch from my face, and through clenched teeth he sneered, “I suppose you’re gonna act hurt now. You want me to think I hurt you. You always set it up this way.”
“No, I’m okay…fine.” Ignoring the pain, I stumbled my way out the room. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

“You better be. You always set it up this way. You push my buttons and make me the bad guy.” He shook his head in disgust, staring me down. “And you better not act hurt. I’m not gonna play that game with you.”

Just then a knock on the door. Oh, no, what if someone heard all that. What do I do? Maybe…will they help me? Please, help me! He headed for the door and shot a glare over his shoulder. I knew what that meant.

Vacillating between fear and hope, I waited in silence as he opened the door to find a policeman. Oh, maybe he’ll get what’s happening here and help me. But what if this gets me in worse trouble? What if we both get taken to jail and the police don’t know who’s telling the truth and they blame me? What if our church friends see it in the paper?

The officer nodded at both of us, and then addressed my husband. “We’re in the neighborhood just getting some information about this area and wanted to ask you a few questions.” It was obvious he had no idea what just unfolded. My heart sank as I realized there was no way to communicate what was going on. I wasn’t sure if he would believe me, and things would be so much worse if he didn’t.

“Thanks for your help,” I heard the officer conclude his questioning, and then I saw my last hope close with the door. My husband smirked arrogantly at me, and once again, I was left to face him alone.

Myths and Reality

This scene from my life twelve years ago contains the sights and sounds of domestic violence. I couldn’t believe the stark contrast between how I’d grown up and what I was living. Raised in a strong, sheltered Christian home, I was pretty naïve. Now, I lived in a foreign land, all alone in spite of being surrounded by family, church friends, and people I worked with. No one imagined the nightmare I lived behind closed doors.

Domestic violence is hard to imagine and difficult to understand. Following are a few of the myths and the realities of this issue.

Domestic violence is only a problem in low socio-economic groups.
Not so. In fact, domestic violence is a far-reaching problem affecting many educated, financially secure, and successful women. FBI statistics reveal that, in the U.S. alone, domestic violence affects one woman every seven seconds. It reaches across the borders of class, race, and religion. The issue revolves around anger and control, not a particular lifestyle.

Domestic violence should be easy to identify…no one can hide a problem that big.
Domestic violence involves control, and the abuser is generally able to control himself enough to choose a place “safe” enough to rage where he won’t be exposed. The abuser is often charming and able to put forth a good “front” for other people, but then alienates the victim from those she is closest to. And because she may fear exposing their “secret,” she may withdraw as well.

Domestic violence is not a problem in the church.
Unfortunately, the prevalence of domestic violence in the church appears to be comparable to the general population. Some statistics suggest that 25 percent of women sitting in the pews on Sunday live with domestic violence. The church may sadly end up being a “safer” place for a perpetrator to hide because few would suspect a man who comes to church and is involved in church activities to be violent and abusive.

Women in domestic violence aren’t smart, or they would just leave.
Many intelligent people can be victimized by violence. No matter how smart a woman is, she’s been psychologically affected by threats and violence. In fact, a great deal of emotional intimidation has already taken place by the time a woman is physically abused. Knowing what the abuser is capable of, these women fear for their lives and work hard to keep the “secret” so the abuser won’t be exposed. In their minds, to expose the abuser will most likely result in lasting injury or even death. The World Health Organization reports that 70 percent of female murder victims are killed by their male partners. In fact, it was reported in a Public Radio Interview that a woman is murdered in this country by a stalking ex-husband or boyfriend every two hours (deBecker, 1999). Their fear of death is very real.

Want to find out how domestic violence unfolds in a home? Gain insight when you read part two of this article entitled ‘Round and ‘Round We Go. Look for it on Wednesday.

Jami’s complete list of domestic violence resources

Jami Kirkbride has a Master’s degree in counseling and is also a freelance writer, speaker, and personality trainer. She has remarried and now enjoys a safe and peaceful life on a ranch in Wyoming with her loving husband, Jeff, and their four children. Her other works can be found in The Mommy Diaries, Laundry Tales, When God Steps In, and Daily Devotions for Writers. For more information, visit www.JamiKirkbride.com.

Source CBN.com

Dennis Cummins is the Senior Pastor of Experience Church.tv