Our Authority in Christ

Peace and Safety Series

Robert Medlin

Copyright 2012 Robert Medlin

Kindle Edition 1.1

Kindle Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold for commercial purposes. If you would also like to share this ebook with another person, please go to amazon.com to purchase an additional copy for each recipient or to lend your copy to another person. Thank you for respecting the copyright laws and the work of the author.

Medlin Publishing PO Box 381 Pacific Grove CA 93950

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the King James Version.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Our Authority in Christ

Appendix - Other Books in the Peace and Safety Series

Appendix - Precious Promises to Live By

OUR AUTHORITY IN CHRIST

Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, prostrate before Daniel, and commanded that they should present an offering and incense to him. The king answered Daniel, and said, “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret.” Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. Also Daniel petitioned the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego over the affairs of the province of Babylon; but Daniel sat in the gate of the king. (Daniel 2:46-49)

Daniel and his friends were in trouble. They were going to be killed with all the wise men of Babylon, because no one could tell Nebuchadnezzar what he had dreamed. Of course, no human being could do that. The bottom line is that Daniel and his friends were in charge of the situation, because of their faith in the God who can reveal mysteries. Daniel and his friends asked for more time, and prayed and asked God to reveal the dream that Nebuchadnezzar had, and to provide the interpretation. God answered their prayers. Nebuchadnezzar knew this miracle was directly from the God of gods and Lord of kings and the revealer of secrets.  Nebuchadnezzar fell at Daniel’s feet, but he was worshipping the God of Daniel, not Daniel. And we know who that is.

Isn’t it amazing that one supernatural sign from heaven can make such a big impact on earth? Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylon, the most powerful nation on the earth at the time. He built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. But Nebuchadnezzar had an astounding dream that demanded an interpretation. To be sure that he received the right interpretation, he wanted his wise men to tell him what he had dreamed, which was totally humanly impossible. The Lord revealed Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and the interpretation to Daniel. As a result, this great king fell on his face in front of Daniel, worshipping and giving honor to Daniel’s Lord. Daniel and his friends were promoted to the highest positions of authority in the greatest kingdom in the world at that time.

Miracles have the power to turn the hearts of the most prideful and self-reliant people to the Lord.

Miracles are a demonstration of God’s wisdom and God’s authority.

Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20 NIV)

Casting out demons is a demonstration of Jesus’ authority. Casting out demons is the merciful miraculous intervention of God to set people free from demonic oppression. Let’s look at a couple of examples from Jesus’ ministry:

On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God... Jesus said, “Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” (Luke 13:10-16 paraphrased)

This woman had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. The result was that she was bent over and couldn’t straighten up. The spirit had caused the deformity in the woman’s spine, and was continuing to keep the spine in a deformed state. Jesus said that Satan had kept her bound for eighteen long years. This spirit was an operative of Satan. After Jesus declared that she was free, he laid his hands on her, and she straightened up. The spirit that had caused this problem was no longer present in her body to bind her.

While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” (Matthew 9:32-33 NIV)

We would normally think that a person who was demon-possessed would be insane, but in this case a demon was possessing the ability of this man to speak.  When Jesus drove the demon out, the man was able to speak.

Every person Jesus healed, whether it was from a physical problem or a mental problem, was being oppressed by the power of the devil.

... how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power (or oppression) of the devil, because God was with him. (Acts 10:38 paraphrased)

If the devil and his angels and demonic spirits were not present on earth, the oppression of man would vanish. Jesus told us to pray that God’s kingdom would come on earth, even as it is in heaven. If it were possible to break your leg in heaven, it would immediately be healed. There will be no broken legs in heaven.

Jesus has delegated his authority on the earth to the Church, but Christians in large part are ignorant of the authority that has been delegated to the Church in the name of Jesus.

The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20 NASB)

Jesus had sent the seventy out to preach the good news of the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. He was making disciples out of them, by training them, and then sending them out to put into practice the things they had been taught through Jesus’ teaching, and his example. He was training and equipping them to be able to carry on his ministry after his resurrection and ascension back into heaven.

Every time a demon was driven out of a person in the name of Jesus, Satan fell like lightning from heaven. Satan had lost his authority and dominance over that person. Satan lost his authority on earth to a degree each time a demon was driven out of a person. Satan was being dethroned one demon at-a-time, and one person at-a-time. Jesus said in another scripture, “It is time for the prince of this world to be driven out.”

Jesus was also teaching his disciples about the dangers of the ministry. It is very easy to become prideful when you are having success in the ministry, and especially when you are being used in the realm of the miraculous. Jesus cautions us to rejoice far more that our names are written in heaven, rather than in our ministry successes. Jesus can use anyone to carry out his ministry. In one Old Testament account, God used a donkey to speak to a prophet, to restrain the prophet’s madness and stubbornness.

Jesus has given us his power of attorney.

Demonic spirits cause obsessive wicked and immoral behavior, mental illness and insanity, as well as sickness, disease and physical infirmities. Jesus commanded evil spirits, unclean spirits and spirits of infirmity to come out of people, and they came out. As we saw above in the case of the woman who was bent over, he proclaimed that she was free and placed his hands on her, and the spirit causing the infirmity left her, and all the damage that had been caused was healed.

Jesus had sent the seventy out to the surrounding cities to preach the good news that the kingdom of God was near and to heal the sick. They came back reporting that even the demons came out of people when the disciples commanded the evil spirits to come out in the name of Jesus. The disciples commanded the evil spirits to come out in the name of Jesus, and they came out, just as if Jesus himself were there personally commanding the demons to come out.

When someone grants a power of attorney to another person, they are giving that person the legal right and the power to represent them, and to use their name to transact business for them.

So the grantee (the person who has been given the power of attorney) has the right to do anything the grantor of the power of attorney would do if the grantor himself were present.

Jesus has given us the power of attorney to use his name to transact his business for him. He is actually transacting his business through us. So we can’t be prideful because someone has given us his or her power of attorney. If I am writing checks for a million dollars for someone else, I can’t be prideful about that. The money is not mine. I’m just writing the checks. The money belongs to someone else. The authority that Jesus has given us in his name, to transact his business and to set people free, is for Jesus’ glory alone.

Let’s look at the scope of the authority that Jesus is giving us to transact his business in his name:

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed. (Mark 16:15-20 NASB)

Jesus announced above that he is giving believers (anyone who has faith in Jesus) the right to use the name of Jesus to exercise Jesus’ very own authority:

(1) Believers have been authorized to tell anyone, at any time, the good news about Jesus, and the forgiveness of sins through the cross, so that they can believe and be saved.

The most important issue of life is where we are going to spend eternity. This life on earth is short, but eternity is forever. Eternity never ends. So the first thing that Jesus commanded in this great commission is to preach the good news about Jesus to every person on earth. No one is excluded. It doesn’t matter what their religious background is. It doesn’t matter how wicked someone has lived their lives. No one has lived such a wicked life that they can’t be saved. Jesus came to save the lost. Jesus paid for the sins of the world on the cross. God is not counting men’s sins against them. The only sin that will condemn anyone is refusing to believe in Jesus.

When we tell people about Jesus, we are throwing them a lifeline. All they have to do is grab hold of that lifeline by faith. Everyone on earth is invited to spend eternity in heaven with Jesus. All a person has to do is say “yes” to that invitation. All they have to do is believe the good news about Jesus to be saved. All they have to do is accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior who died on the cross for their sins.

The message about Jesus and the cross is not just a philosophy. It is not a twelve-step program. The name of Jesus and the words about Jesus and the cross are powerful, life giving and spiritual. The words about Jesus and the cross are eternal life. Those words have the power to inject a human heart with eternal life. Jesus himself is the word of God. Jesus himself is eternal life. Anyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God has eternal life.

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

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. (John 5:24)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)

Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for the sins of the world? Do you believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Do you believe that Jesus is the Lord? If you believe these things about Jesus, you are saved. You have eternal life right now. You will not be judged or condemned. You are going to spend eternity with Jesus in heaven.

If you believe in Jesus, you should be baptized as a public confession of your faith, if that is possible in your situation. If possible, you should attend a Bible-believing church, to strengthen your faith, and to be an encouragement and help to others. You should read the Bible regularly, starting with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, to get to know Jesus better. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

(2) Believers have been authorized to drive out demons in the name of Jesus.

(3) Believers have been authorized to speak with new tongues. Jesus is living in us through his Spirit. The Holy Spirit wants to express himself through us. He wants to speak through us and pray through us supernaturally. Those intercessory groans of the Holy Spirit may or may not come out of your mouth in your natural language. He has anointed us with his power upon us, and he wants to work through us with supernatural manifestations of the Spirit.

(4) Believers have been given authority over anything that might harm us in the animal kingdom, through faith in the authority of the name of Jesus. That includes wild animals, venom, insect bites, bacteria, viruses, etc. Paul was bitten by a deadly viper, and was unharmed through faith in the authority of the name of Jesus.

(5) Believers have been given authority over any type of poisonous or toxic substances, through faith in the authority of the name of Jesus.

(6) Believers have been given authority over every form of sickness or infirmity. We can lay our hands on sick or infirm people, and they will recover through faith in the authority of the name of Jesus.

Jesus was deputizing his disciples throughout the Church age, and giving us the authority to carry out his ministry, through our faith in the authority of the name of Jesus. He was basically saying, “Use my name in prayer and ministry, and I’ll back you up with power.”

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:19-20 NIV)

Jesus is saying essentially, “I’m transferring the responsibility and the authority over the earth to my Church.” Whatever we refuse to permit on the earth, Jesus will back us up from heaven. Whatever we decide to permit on the earth, Jesus will permit it as well.

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:12-14 NASB)

Jesus gives us carte blanche to continue to do the things that Jesus was doing.

Jesus said that whatever we ask in the name of Jesus, if we have faith in the authority of his name, he will do it for us. He even said that we could ask “anything” in his name, and he would do it for us. Let’s see a practical example from the Bible of how Jesus’ disciples put this into practice.

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. (Acts 8:5-13)

We can’t have faith in the authority that Jesus has given us, if we are unsure about the will of God.

When we see people suffering and oppressed, the human tendency, based on the influence of the devil, is to think: “Maybe they made some bad decisions. Maybe they are being judged for some sin. Maybe they are being judged for being unforgiving. Maybe they are being judged for not walking in love. Or maybe God is just refining them.” But remember this, Jesus went around healing all who were oppressed by the devil (according to Acts 10:38). Everyone Jesus healed and set free was oppressed by the devil. In many cases, Jesus healed all the sick. In some cases people were pressing in to touch Jesus, and all who touched him were healed. Surely there must have been someone in the multitudes of sick and crippled and blind and deaf people who God was refining? There must have been someone who was holding onto unforgiveness. There must have been someone who wasn’t walking in love. No, all these people were oppressed by the devil, and Jesus healed them all. All of us are a mess, and we come to Jesus to be set free. We don’t clean up our mess, and then come to Jesus. Jesus is our Savior. When we are in trouble, or in a mess, we should run as fast as we can to him, like a little child running to daddy.

Jesus did not go around making people sick. Jesus went around healing all who were oppressed by the devil.

Jesus has redeemed us from the curse of the law. The curse of the law includes everything the devil does to harm humanity. Trying to keep safe and be rewarded by obedience and works will put people under the curse of the law. Anything that is not of faith is sin.

All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. (Galatians 3:10-14 NIV)

In Deuteronomy 28 the blessings of obedience are listed. But if anyone slips on any part of the law, all the curses of the law come upon them. If you read through Deuteronomy 28 without knowing that Jesus has redeemed you from all those curses, you will most likely be fearful and apprehensive. But if you read through the curses of the law in Deuteronomy 28, knowing that Jesus has redeemed you from all these curses, you will be filled with joy and faith, because they are now illegal. These are some of the curses of the law: every form of sickness and disease, mental illness and confusion of mind, family breakups, oppression, children taken captive, financial failure, poverty, plundered by robbers and thieves, loss of homes, loss of loved ones, loss from natural disasters, and enslavement. All suffering is part of the curse of the law. When you see famines, with children suffering from starvation and disease, that is the curse of the law, and the devil is responsible. If you are familiar with the book of Job, all the things that the devil did to harm Job and his family are part of the curse of the law.

Only Jesus was able to keep the law. He did it for us. Jesus was the only human being that did not deserve to be under the curse of the law. Only he could keep the law.

Jesus willingly submitted to the curses of the law on the cross, as a substitute for us. He could have summoned twelve legions of angels to rescue himself, but that was not his plan. He was the high priest officiating over the sacrifice, and he himself was the innocent sacrifice.

Jesus is continually washing us with his word about how much he loves us, and the reality of our righteousness through faith in him. Jesus has redeemed us from every curse of the law, so that we can freely receive all of his blessings by faith in his precious promises. Jesus wants us to be able to recognize the work of the devil, so that we will rise up and resist the devil by faith. As we continue to grow in knowledge and understanding of how much Jesus has done for us, through the substitution of his life for ours, and the power of attorney he has given us through faith in his name, then Jesus will be able to use us more and more, to carry out his ministry to the ends of the earth with great power and authority.

Let me give you an example that will show how faith in the authority of the name of Jesus works in the case of seizures.

Diana and I met a sweet couple. In our conversation, they mentioned that one of their children, who was five years old at the time, had been having seizures every day since infancy. The seizures were getting worse, and the doctors were thinking of trying some experimental medications, to see if the child could get some relief. These seizures seemed to come every night about the same time.

Diana and I knew immediately that these daily seizures were being caused by a tormenting spirit attacking this innocent little child. In fact, every sickness and disease, and every form of oppression, are caused by the devil and his demonic spirits. Everyone Jesus healed was oppressed by the devil according to Acts 10:38.

Most of the time, the devil works in subtle ways, to make any infirmity look like the result of natural causes and processes. Jesus said that it is the spirit that gives life. Even a virus organism has a spirit that is giving life to its physical body. Occasionally the spirit will be exposed, so that it becomes obvious that you are dealing with a distinct personality.

First we taught the couple about Jesus to make sure they were saved. Then we showed the couple in the Bible that there are evil spirits who cause tormenting diseases, including seizures. We also taught them that we have authority in the name of Jesus to drive out evil spirits, to protect our loved ones and ourselves. The seventy disciples returned from a mission to preach the good news of the kingdom and heal the sick, exclaiming to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons… (Mark 16:15-17 NASB)

So we asked the couple if they wanted us to drive the spirit away from their child, or if they wanted to do it themselves. Amazingly, they wanted to drive the spirit out themselves. So that night when their child started into convulsions, they marched into the child’s bedroom and said, “You evil spirit, we command you to leave our child in the name of Jesus.”

These seizures had been occurring every night for almost five years, but the next night nothing happened. There were no seizures for several days. So the parents told us about this great thing that had happened for their child.

After a month or so, we checked on this couple to see how things were going. Sometimes an evil spirit will try to come back to see if it can regain a foothold, and we really hadn’t taught them about this when we met with them before. Sure enough, the seizures had come back, and they were much more severe. This couple was so discouraged.

So we showed them in the Bible from Mark chapter nine that evil spirits will sometimes make a big show, to try to convince you that your prayers are not working, and that they really don’t have to respond to your commands in the name of Jesus. But if you stand your ground, the evil spirits have to leave. This is what we taught that precious couple:

A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus… (Mark 9:17-20 NIV)

Now what do you think the spirit did when it saw Jesus? Most people will answer “It left!” But let’s look and see what actually happened.

So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. (Mark 9:20 NIV)

Can you believe it; the spirit attacked the boy right in the presence of Jesus! The spirit attacked the boy to steal the faith of the father, and the people standing around watching. That is why the disciples couldn’t drive the spirit out; the spirit stole their faith by attacking the boy, even while they were commanding the spirit to come out.

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” (Mark 9:21-23 NIV)

After seeing the spirit attacking his son right in front of Jesus, the boy’s father wasn’t sure that Jesus could cast the demon out of his son. Jesus told the father essentially, “The problem is not whether I can cast the spirit out; the problem is your doubt. ‘If’ is not faith. ‘If’ is uncertainty. If ‘you’ can believe, nothing will be impossible for ‘you’ right now.”

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV)

That was an awesomely humble response from the boy’s father. He knew his answer was standing right in front of him in Jesus, and he didn’t want his own weakness to cause his son not to be healed.

When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” (Mark 9:25 NIV)

Now, what do you think happened? Jesus commanded the spirit to come out and never attack the little boy again? Most people will say, “It came out!” But let’s see what actually happened.

The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out... (Mark 9:26 NIV)

The spirit tried one last effort to steal the father’s faith.

We can’t see spirits. All the father saw, and all the people saw, and all the disciples saw, was the boy shrieking and convulsing so violently that the boy looked like he died. But the scripture says that after the spirit attacked the boy, it did come out. It had to come out, because Jesus commanded the spirit to come out. The father didn’t see the spirit come out. The disciples didn’t see the spirit come out. The crowd didn’t see the spirit come out. But it did come out. When we command a spirit to come out in the name of Jesus, it has to come out… if we believe and don’t doubt, in spite of what we see and hear. When we pray with faith in the name of Jesus, our prayer has to be answered, in spite of what we see and hear.

… The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. (Mark 9:26-27 NIV)

This couple, that we were teaching and trying to help, saw that the devil was trying to steal their faith, and they were encouraged again. So, we asked them again if they wanted us to drive this spirit away from their child, or if they wanted to do it themselves. What do you think they said? Amazingly, this sweet couple who were just learning about their authority in the name of Jesus, wanted to do it themselves.

That night their child was attacked again. The couple was sitting in the living room when they heard their child going into a seizure. They didn’t even go into the child’s room. They sat there in the living room and said with great faith in their authority to use the name of Jesus to drive out demons, “You evil spirit, we command you to leave our child in the name of Jesus and never touch our child again.” That was the last seizure! We were in contact with this family for years, and the seizures never returned. And they never will. Glory to God! Praise the awesome name of Jesus!

The devil’s activity against this precious family was exposed, arrested and stopped completely.

The instant you feel something negative in your body, or something distressing coming over you, rise up and say with great authority, “No! Get away from me in the name of Jesus!”

If the symptom or feeling gets worse, just stand your ground and say, “You evil spirit, I told you to get away from me in the name of Jesus and never touch me again! You have to submit to me in the name of Jesus!” Well, what if it tries to come back? Just say with great authority, “No, I told you to get away from me in the name of Jesus! You can’t touch me! I’m healed and protected by the name of Jesus!” What if it tries to come back again? Just laugh and do the same thing. You are in charge. Jesus will back you up.

Here is another example of using our authority in the name of Jesus to set people free from oppression:

Diana and I were eating lunch after church at the Hometown Buffet in Redding, California. As we were leaving I noticed a tall young woman in her early twenties pushing a walker, just inching along. The thought popped into my head, “That’s not right!”

So I asked her what was wrong. She told me that she had an accident and fell and did the ‘splits’, tearing muscles, etc. on the inside of her thighs. She was in a lot of pain. So I told her, pointing to Diana who was behind me, “That gray-headed lady over there is my wife; if you let her pray for you, Jesus will heal you.” She agreed, so we all went outside on the sidewalk. The girl’s mother was with her, helping her. It was very busy with people coming and going. Diana prayed for her and asked Jesus to knit everything that was torn back together. She may have commanded the muscles, ligaments and tendons to go back together in the name of Jesus. I asked the young lady what she was feeling; and she said, “It feels funny - weird - like something is being knit back together inside my leg.” She pushed her walker aside and started walking around normally without pain, instantly healed. Her mother tried to give her back the walker, but she gave the walker to her mother and said, “I don’t need that anymore!”

That is an example of using the authority that Jesus has given us in his name. Jesus permits us to do anything that he would do using his name. He will back us up with power.

We didn’t realize it at the time, but the girl who had been healed was part of a family that was having a reunion in Redding. Some of them were from Central America. When the family came out of the restaurant, the girl and her mother told the family what had happened, interpreting for the ones who could not speak English. We started walking away and got about fifty feet from them, but the girl who had been healed called after us to come back. She told us that her grandfather had a growth on one of his legs that was very painful. So we prayed for him and the pain left. We all celebrated, praising Jesus and thanking the Lord that the pain had gone away. Then we walked away again. The same thing happened; the girl who had been healed called us to come back. Her father had a severe migraine headache and he wanted us to pray for him. We prayed for him and the pain left. So we had another celebration, thanking and praising Jesus. Then we were able to leave.

Jesus gave us the authority to pray with faith in the name of Jesus, that heaven’s conditions would exist on earth.

As I mentioned previously, if it were possible to break your leg in heaven, it would just snap back together instantly. There are no broken bones in heaven. If you did the splits accidentally in heaven, the ligaments and muscles and tendons and tissues would just knit back together instantly. If you lost a limb in heaven, a new one would form instantly. If you are missing a limb, as soon as you enter heaven, you will have a new perfect limb.

These types of creative miracles actually do happen today. In books in the Peace and Safety series, I relate a number of astounding miracles. There is the testimony of a little boy who lost his thumb in an accident. He came forward for prayer at a miracle healing service. When the ministers prayed in the name of Jesus, a blue glow formed in the shape of a thumb where his thumb should have been. In about forty-five minutes a perfect new thumb grew out to fill the blue glow, while forty or so people gathered around the little boy watching in amazement. I also relate another testimony of a man in India who had lost his eye and only had an empty eye socket. When the ministers prayed, an eye formed in the eye socket. I met a youth pastor who was there, and personally witnessed this miracle. I also relate some testimonies of creative miracles from our ministry. A man born color blind, born without the proper number of color cones, was instantly healed. A woman’s leg was stunted by polio as a child, leaving the stunted leg three inches shorter than her normal leg. Her stunted leg grew out to be the same length as her normal leg in about forty-five seconds.

People are being raised from the dead all over the world quite often today. Jesus told his disciples to raise the dead, didn’t he?

The reason these types of miracles don’t happen more often is that the devil has created an atmosphere of unbelief on the earth, so that these conditions are accepted. When the message of Jesus and his kingdom is preached and taught, faith comes, and creates an atmosphere where miracles can occur. Faith in the authority of the name of Jesus will bring the kingdom of heaven’s conditions to the circumstances on earth. Jesus wouldn’t have told us to pray for the kingdom of God to come on the earth as it is in heaven, if it were not possible.

Jesus came to destroy the works of the evil one.

God has given us authority in the name of Jesus to heal the sick and drive out demons. We can stop the activity of demonic spirits affecting the lives of precious people, that Jesus has redeemed from the curse of the law and the power of the devil. When we have faith in the name of Jesus, evil circumstances have to yield. Every demon of hell must submit to the name of Jesus.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11 NIV)

In Acts chapter three, a beggar, who had been crippled from birth and had never walked, was carried everyday to beg at the temple. He asked Peter and John for alms. They didn’t have any silver or gold, but they had something better to give the man. Peter and John commanded this lame man, who was crippled from birth and had never walked, to get up and walk in the name of Jesus. There was great joy and a great revival when the people saw the previously lame man running and jumping and praising God.

Peter explained to the crowd that it was Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Jesus’ name that enabled the lame man to walk.

The religious leaders were jealous and brought the previously lame man and the apostles in for questioning. This was not long after the crucifixion of Jesus. The disciples were threatened not to preach or teach anymore in the name of Jesus.

The devil is always trying to stop or discredit faith-building preaching and teaching about the authority that has been delegated to the Church in the name of Jesus.

The apostles returned to the church and reported what had happened. As a result, this is what they prayed:

... they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said,’ Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples devise futile things? ‘The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ.’ For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:24-31 NASB)

This is what we should be praying today, and this will certainly be the prayer of Christians in the time of the Antichrist at the end of this age.

Power and gifts of the Spirit are released from heaven to shake up the circumstances of the earth when believers pray with sincerity and faith. After the church prayed the powerful prayer above, the place where they were praying was shaken.

And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand. And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake. (Revelation 8:3-5 KJV)

When the saints pray, angels are given gifts and power to bring answers to those prayers to the circumstances of earth. The saints’ prayers are really calling down fire from heaven, not the fire of the destruction of humanity, but the fire of the Holy Spirit that destroys the works of the devil. That fire empowers the saints with gifts of the Spirit to set people free from every yoke of the devil and every demonic power. Power is released against the forces of darkness to disrupt their plans and activities. Satan falls like lightning from heaven. The earth quakes and mountains move when power is released in answer to the prayers of the saints. “He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire”.

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household. (Acts 16:25-34)

Firepower was released from heaven when Paul and Silas prayed. There was so much power released that there was a violent earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison, and all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose. The jailer and all his family were saved.

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

The disciples were praying and firepower was released from heaven. Jesus poured the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, anointing the Church with the same anointing for ministry that was upon Jesus. The disciples saw visions of tongues of fire; they heard a violent wind from heaven; angels were flying around making things happen. All the disciples started speaking in other tongues. As a result of the disciples speaking in other tongues, a great revival took place. Peter preached the good news about Jesus and the cross and his resurrection from the dead. Three thousand people were saved, baptized and added to the Church in one day.

A well-known minister related this story. He was praying for people who needed healing in a prayer line. The man standing in front of him had lung cancer. The minister put his hands on the man to pray, and suddenly the minister had a vision. He saw a small monkey-like creature with his claws in the man’s chest.

The demon looked at the minister and said, “I know I have to leave if you tell me to, but I don’t want to.” The minister said something like, “I command you to go in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” The demon’s claws came out of the man, and the demon fell to the floor. It got up and ran out of the doors of the church whimpering. The man who had lung cancer went to the doctor, and the result was that every trace of the cancer was gone.

Power was released from heaven in response to the faith of the man needing healing and the prayer of the minister who had faith in the authority of the name of Jesus.

Jesus has given us the power of attorney to use his name to transact his business on the earth. If you are aware of something that is not heaven’s conditions on the earth, pray earth-changing prayers. If you see people being oppressed by the devil, pray that they would be healed and set free. When we pray with faith in the authority of the name of Jesus, Jesus backs us up with power. Jesus works with us to carry out his ministry on earth. The disciples prayed in Acts chapter four, “Stretch forth your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders in the name of Jesus.” Jesus wants to set people free from the oppression of the devil in every area of their lives. Jesus wants to drive out demons and heal the sick. Jesus wants people to hear the good news of the cross so they can be saved and go to heaven. So whatever you are praying for, when you invoke the name of Jesus, expect those circumstances you have prayed for to bow to the name of Jesus. Determine to persevere until you see the results you are praying for. And you will!

God Bless You!

Please take a look at the important supplemental information on the next few pages:

You will find a section with a complete listing of the twenty-seven books in the Peace and Safety Series. If you have uncertainty or fear about whether you are saved and going to heaven, please check out my book, How to be Sure that you are Saved and going to Heaven.

You will also find a section listing promises for virtually every area of need that you can claim for yourself and your loved ones by faith through prayer. Included are promises related to salvation and eternal life, eternal security, forgiveness of sins, righteousness and a clear conscience, health and healing, financial blessings, your children, to have children, salvation of family members, wisdom, mental health, peace, favor, guidance, success, the will of God, deliverance, protection and long life.

APPENDIX A - OTHER BOOKS IN THE PEACE AND SAFETY SERIES

The following is a listing of the books in the Peace and Safety series. These books will give you keys for joyful, victorious, faith-filled and miraculous living right now. They will also help prepare you for the days ahead leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus. You’ll learn more about Jesus and the great things he has done for you through substitution and who you really are in Christ. You’ll learn more about the Bible and God’s plan your life in the context of God’s plan for the Church and the world.

All the books are short and can be easily read in one sitting if you like. And the books do not have to be read in any particular sequence. Read the ones first with titles that seem to be the most interesting to you at that particular moment. The Lord will lead you.

These books can be used as a discipleship program for Christians at every level. So whether you have just become a Christian, or if you are already in full time ministry, I believe these books will be a great blessing to you:

Angels and Demons

The invisible battle to control leaders of families, organizations, cities and nations.

Deliver Us from Evil

Jesus has provided the solution for every problem of humanity through the cross.

Exploits of Faith

The Lord is always doing great exploits on the earth through the faith of believers.

God is in Control

God is in control of the world, and God is in control of your life.

Hallowed be Your Name

God has a name and his name is...

How Faith Works for Health and Healing

The many ways Jesus uses to heal people today.

How to be Sure that you are Saved and going to Heaven

The cure for feelings of insecurity, confusion, condemnation and fear about your eternal destiny.

Jesus has an Angel for that Prayer

When we pray together with faith, angels are dispatched with the power to change any circumstance on earth.

Our Authority in Christ

Jesus has given us the power of attorney to use his name in prayer to overcome all the power of the enemy.

Our Identity in Christ

Jesus substituted his life for our lives so that he would be justified in giving us everything thing that he is and has.

Our Righteousness in Christ

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety

God’s formula for peace and rest.

Pleasing God

The keys to living a good life.

Pride Stinks

Glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.

Prophets and Prophecy

God does nothing without first revealing his plans to the prophets.

Reigning with Christ Forever

The things that God has planned for us are wonderful beyond human comprehension.

Resist the Devil

The devil is causing all of man’s problems on earth and believers have been given the authority to stop him.

Resurrection, Rapture and Reward

Believers in Jesus have nothing to fear at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Satan’s Deception from the Beginning

That good people can reject the free gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus and find their own path to God.

The Book of Daniel

Important keys to help us understand end times prophecy.

The Coming Antichrist

The ultimate pride and exaltation of humanity.

The Events leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus

The sequence of events that will transpire in the last days to bring this age to an end.

The Fight of Faith

Our faith in Jesus and his promises gives us victory in every circumstance of life.

The Ministry of Angels

Angels are sent to serve us by guiding us, protecting us and orchestrating answers to our prayers.

The Only Doorway to Heaven

Why Jesus is exclusively the way, the truth and the life.

The Power of Miracles

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.

The Power of Prophetic Visions and Dreams

Advancing the kingdom of God by unveiling the past and unlocking the future.

The Power of Prayer

If something is going on in your life or in the world that you don’t like, change it through prayer.

The Timing of the Second Coming of Jesus

Why 2030 AD is so significant in God’s redemptive time.

Your Kingdom Come on Earth as in Heaven

Jesus is continuing to establish his unstoppable kingdom on earth today.

APPENDIX B - PRECIOUS PROMISES TO LIVE BY

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV)

God promises to say ‘yes’ to our prayers. Meditate on these promises and claim them for yourself and your loved ones through prayer in the name of Jesus. These promises are part your inheritance in this life.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Peter 1:2-5 NIV)

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:24 NIV)

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:7-11 NIV)

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (John 14:13-14 NIV)

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:31-32 NIV)

Promises for salvation and eternal life.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  (John 3:16-18)

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10 NIV)

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.  (Mark 16:15-16)

As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord (Jesus) will be saved.” (Romans 10:11-13 NIV)

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. (1 John 5:11-13)

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. (John 5:24 NIV)

And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:40)

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9)

And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”  (Acts 16:30-31)

Then he (the thief on the cross) said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43 paraphrased)

If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. (1 John 4:15 NIV)

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God… (1 John 5:1)

Promises for eternal security.

… For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:33-39)

He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. (1 Corinthians 1:8-9 NIV)

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV)

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-7 NIV)

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4)

Promises for forgiveness of sins.

For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:28)

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  (Acts 2:38)

He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:42-43 NIV)

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases… (Ps 103:1-3)

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins… (Ephesians 1:7)

And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14)

Promises for righteousness and a clear conscience.

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. (Romans 3:21-25 NIV)

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— (Colossians 1:21-22 NIV)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned (judged) sin in sinful man… (Romans 8:1-3 paraphrased)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1: 9)

Promises for health and healing.

… for I am the LORD, who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26)

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases. (Psalm 103:1-3)

... 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.  (1 Peter 2:24)

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering (Hebrew: infirmities, diseases and  sicknesses), yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds (stripes) we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4-5 paraphrased)

And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons... they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)

Is anyone among you sick? 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 will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven (James 5:14-15)

My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. (Proverbs 4:20-22)

Promises for financial blessing

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” (Acts 14:17 NIV)

“The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you. (Deuteronomy 28:8)

Promises for your children.

Can plunder be taken from warriors, or captives rescued from the fierce? But this is what the LORD says: “Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save. (Isaiah 49:24-25 NIV)

All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. (Isaiah 54:13)

… I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring. (Isaiah 44:3)

Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed.” (Isaiah 61:9 NIV)

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

Promises to have children.

He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD. (Psalm 113:9 NIV)

Promise for the salvation of family members.

So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”  (Acts 16:31)

Promises for wisdom.

… But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. (James 1:5-8 NIV)

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30 NIV)

Promises for mental health.

… But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Promises for peace.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

Promises for favor.

For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:12 NIV)

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17 NIV)

For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV)

Promises for guidance, success and the will of God.

… for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13 NIV)

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. (Psalm 20:4 NIV)

The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. (Proverbs 16:1)

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3 NIV)

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me… (Psalm 138:8 NIV)

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:1-3)

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. (Proverbs 21:1)

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. (Proverbs 16:33)

Promises for deliverance and protection.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the LORD, who is my refuge—then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91 NIV)

I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. (Psalm 34:4-7)

I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me… (John 17:11-12 NIV)

... for “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)

Promises for long life.

... Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits... who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:2,5 NIV)

... With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:16)