Dear friends,

Each week this bulletin contains prayer requests and updates about our brethren scattered around the world.  It is sad to see some of our brothers and sisters going through such difficult physical afflictions, and heart-rending to know some are suffering so much in the flesh.

Jesus came in His earthly ministry healing the sick.  This gave hope to people who were afflicted, but it also pointed to a time when diseases and physical ailments will be eradicated.

We are admonished not to forget the benefits which go with our relationship with God.  King David wrote in Psalms 103:1-5: "Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!  2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."

If we are given bad news about our physical condition, we must remember our precious covenant with God. This includes the mighty benefit of healing!  It should give us tremendous hope when there may be no hope offered by the medical profession.  We have access to the Great Physician in heaven!

When our physical lives are in jeopardy, we can understandably be fearful about our fate.  God often tests us, and sometimes this type of situation shows God what is really going on inside our hearts and minds.  Will we trust God or doubt?  It is a matter of faith.  It is a matter of trusting in God and putting our lives where they have always been, in the hands of our merciful Father.

A man came to Christ pleading for Him to heal his son.  His son had violent convulsions when demons seized him and caused him to throw himself into the fire.  He had gone to the disciples, and they could not heal him.

He answered him and said, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me." 20 Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth.  21 So He asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?"  And he said, "From childhood. 22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."  23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." (Mk. 9:19-23)

We tend to be doubters because miracles aren't ordinary in this world.  Mark continues, "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"  (Mk. 9:24)

Often this is our mental attitude toward healing.  We believe, but we need help in the part of us which doubts.  You will notice in the account that Jesus, our Mediator in heaven, understood this plea on the part of the man. He cast out the demon and healed his son.

The disciples wanted to know why they could not heal the man's son.  Jesus answered, "So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."  (Mk. 9:29)

Brethren, the short answer is we need to pray and fast more. Consistent communing and prayer with our Creator is needed in addition to fasting regularly, which requires a greater commitment to our calling.

We are heading to the Feast of Tabernacles celebrating a time of healing and restoration in the Kingdom of God.  I encourage you to take up the challenge of committing yourself to fast several times prior to the Feast and ask God to heal those on the prayer list shown at the end of these announcements. 

Jesus paid the price.  When we ask the ministry to be anointed for healing, we remember Christ was beaten so we might avail ourselves of this benefit. (Isa. 53:5, Jas 5:14-15)

Our brethren have made known to us their ailments as it says in James 5:16a, "Confess your trespasses to one another".  What remains is for each of us to take up the commitment to "...pray for one another, that you may be healed." (Jas 5:16b)

The Apostle James then writes that, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."  (Jas. 5:16c)

We know God can either give us an answer which is an absolute yes, or in some cases He will intervene in the Kingdom as in the case of the Apostle Paul's eyes.  (I Cor. 12:6-9)

However, we must implore God seeking His quick action, believing He will intervene for our brothers or sisters for healing.  If God chooses not to heal at this time, then it is His will.  King David prayed and implored God to heal his baby son.  He ceased when the will of God was apparent to him. (II Sam. 12:16-23)

Our job is to believe God will heal!  If God chooses not to heal now, then His will is made known to us.  It is important to keep uppermost in our minds God's mercy and how much He wants us to be in good health and happy! (III Jn. 2) 

Please have an inspirational and peaceful Sabbath!  

Your servant and brother in Christ,

Jim Tuck