Without following the rule book from above some men accomplish many things, but struggles are ever present. When their life comes to a sudden end their struggles turn into torment. On the other hand if we follow God's rules we have rest. Even in the middle of trouble the rule book (Bible) shows a way of escape and the way of escape brings an indescribable peace.
Obedience to God is for our good. JoAnn and I understood this when we came under attack by an enemy, cancer. Over six years ago, a test showed that without treatment God removed my prostate cancer. You know JoAnn's plight. Last week she had another bone-scan and a cervix smear; both reports were good. Thank, God she is cancer-free. We thank Him for His Word, Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit and we thank Jesus that He came to set us free. (John 8:36)
Your prayers and the prayers of many other people were, and are, important to us! This played a great part in our freedom from cancer. For your knowledge I will list some other things we did. I hope that our illustration of obedience to God's word will help you.
€ While under radiation treatment JoAnn came to the realization that she could be healed. This took place after she confessed, "I don't know if I am worthy to be healed." Surprised at this statement, I explained to her that it was by God's grace and mercy that we receive all things, and we are worthy because He abides in us. Suddenly, this understanding was in her spirit.
€ I started calling JoAnn my healed girl and she would agree. Often, she would sing out, "In the name of Jesus I am healed." We were confessing what we believed but could not see. Remember, the tongue is creative. It causes both good and bad to occur. (James 3) We were speaking good. Doesn't this follow a pattern established by God? (Romans 4:17)
€ God is positive - therefore we would not consider any negative. We believe the Word of God and knew it was His will to heal us. This is found in many scriptures. (Read Psalms 103:1-5; 147:1-3; Proverbs 3:1-8; 4:20-22 and 3 John 1:1-2.)
€ Many times I placed notes for her on the mirrors in our home, notes like, "Surely, surely,
surely God is greater than all of your troubles."
€ Sometimes I would fast and pray for her. We received word that some of you were doing the same thing. For reasons to fast read the following scriptures. (Psalms 35:13; James 5:6-7)
€ Every day JoAnn spends time reading God's word. While focusing on healing scriptures she is putting His word into her heart. This causes positive words to come from her. (Luke 6:45)
€ In the name of Jesus we took authority over the diseases, even cursing cancer at the root. (Read Matthew 21:17-22; Matthew 10:1; Mark 16:16-18.)
€ She asked several men of God to anoint her with oil and pray for her. (James 5).
€ In addition to attending our church we drove to other cities, attended meetings and asked for prayer. (Hebrews 10:25) We looked for ministries where praise was paramount and asked them to pray for JoAnn. (Matthew 18:19)
€ From Genesis to Revelation the Scriptures reveal that praise precedes the works of God. Daily, JoAnn praises Him in song, often singing along with tapes of praise or with Christian T.V. I too praise Him, knowing that this is His order for us. (Romans 15:10-11)
€ In the name of Jesus we rebuked, and continue to rebuke, all fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)
€ JoAnn and I continually encourage each other and express our love one for the other. The relationship Jesus has with His bride, the Church, reveals that this is proper action. When we do this we honor one another and we honor Him. Therefore, we prosper, and we love you!