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"Cleanse Me by Curing Me"

Anyone who is experiencing infirmity can ask as the leper did; "Lord, if You are willing, you are able to cleanse me by curing me." And He reached out His hand and touched him, saying, I am willing…(Matt 8:2-3).

be cleansed by being cured. And instantly he was cured {and} cleansed, (Matt 8:2-3).

Early this morning I read the attached two pages from "Smith Wigglesworth's Devotional." (January 7)

On a previous reading I had made a note from Heb 4:12:

“For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing {and} sifting {and} analysing {and} judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart."

Crucified with Christ

Then I thought about Gal 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Jesus answered, if a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him, (John 14:23).

For God so greatly loved {and} dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life, (John 3:16).

So ... whoever believes in Him and the fact that He came to free (all) the captives (Luke 4:18-19) and that He achieved that on the cross when He paid the price of all sin and defeated all evil powers and authorities.

Matt 20:28 Just as the Son of Man came not to be waited on but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [the price paid to set them free].

You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God {and} bring glory to Him in your body, (1 Cor 6:20).

In Me you may have [perfect] peace {and} confidence. In the world you have tribulation {and} trials {and} distress {and} frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you,] (John 16:33).

Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated {and} overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world, (1 John 4:4).

This included... And thus He fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, He Himself took [in order to carry away] our weaknesses {and} infirmities and bore away our diseases, (Matt 8:17).

Present Within

He is present within us who believe in Him.  He is always with us.

You are cleansed {and} pruned already, because of the word which I have given you [the teachings I have discussed with you],

Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me.

I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me], you can do nothing. (John 15:3-5).

So ... simply be a branch, rest in Him ... let Him, moment by moment supply everything that is required for you to bear much fruit .... Christ Jesus tells us in (John 14:26) that Father sent His Spirit (just as Jesus received) to be your Comforter (Counsellor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf].

He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.

 Cleanse Me by Curing Me

Anyone who is experiencing infirmity can ask as the leper did in Matt 8:2-3.

In this busy and troubled world, we need constant reminders to put our total trust in Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit, rather than trust in ourselves and the world.

 Paul experienced that in 2 Cor 12:7:  And to keep me from being puffed up {and} too much elated by the exceeding greatness (pre-eminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn (a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack {and} buffet {and} harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted.

So, whenever any "troubles" arise, stop and say, "Thank You, Father. What is it that I need to know, learn or do?" 

Usually, it is that "self" is being relied upon... And Father provides the answer ...

For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God, (Rom 8:13-14).

A suggestion: To assist in reminding yourself to put our total trust in Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit, have a "reminder" where you can see it often throughout the day. It may be a ring, a bracelet, etc. .... I put a red spot of nail polish on my left thumb-nail which I can frequently see throughout the day.

I then speak out "reminders" such as, "Holy Spirit, deaden all evil deeds prompted by the flesh" or "it is no longer I who live, but Lord Jesus Who lives in me!"

This is the victory... He has overcome the world!

Brian McMichen

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Cleanse Me by Curing Me

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