Faith Cometh by Hearing... Another Look
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November 25, 2009"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) As you no doubt know by now, I find myself in the fiery trial of faith, where what I say I believe is being stress tested in real time with the highest of stakes. My wife's life lies in the balance and she is fearless, confident and totally peaceful. You can find more details at www.BrendaPink.com.Ê One thing, however, that I wish to share with you is another take on this verse. Please allow me to stop at the first four words... I have come to discover that faith in any number of things can come by hearing and that can be very dangerous. For example, when the neurosurgeon met with us to review the pathology report, faith in what he was saying started to rise, but the problem was that he was speaking words of death. He was nice about it and well intentioned. His education, demeanor and temperament conspired together to inspire faith in me, but that faith was in the outcome he was predicting and that was not good. I found that when I immersed myself in God's Word or in the encouraging words so many of you have sent me, that my faith grew strong in that direction. Seemed simple enough... Stop listening to the voices of gloom, despair and even of sympathy and only tune into the voices of hope and faith and love. Whatever you listen to enough of, you eventually believe. Therefore we must be wise about what or who we choose to listen to. We must take heed to what we hear! For it is in the hearing that faith arises. What does Scripture say...? Hear O Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord. (Deut 6:4) There is much you can derive from that text and what immediately follows, but may I suggest you temporarily stop at the first three words... Hear O Israel! God is commanding His people to hear Him. Isn't that what God told the disciples who were with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration? Didn't God say, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him." God wants us to hear what He has to say that it might go well with us. Today I silence the voices of doubt and skepticism, who know not what God has promised. I choose to hear Him and in hearing Him, faith will arise in the outcome God has in store. So remember, that faith comes by hearing, regardless of what you hear, so choose wisely what you hear because in the end, you will most likely end up believing it! By the way, stop by www.BrendaPink.com and see a picture of a wonderful gift Zig Ziglar sent my wife this week. You just might want to get one for yourself! (It's called, Embrace the Struggle). Have a blessed Thanksgiving my friends.
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You guys are an absolute inspiration...contiuing to lift you both in my prayers!
Lorisa at 5:39pm EST - November 15, 2009
I just want to let you know that I'm praying for Brenda and her care givers- you and Sonny and others. There's nothing impossible with God and there's a purpose for everything He allows in our lives. May you continue to inspire many as He empowers you through this experience. Blessed by your ministry, Cora
Cora at 5:49pm EST - November 15, 2009
I have been a registered nurse for over 30 years and have always had a keen interest in the connection between optimum nutrition and health. I have followed this website for several years. http://www.beating-cancer-gently.com/index.html It may provide information that will be helpful as you progress on the journey to Brenda's total healing. Believing with you and trusting our Father to guide your way.
Pat Conner at 5:49pm EST - November 15, 2009
Michael, We can relate to your situation...and it's true, "no fear lives here". We stand with you two!
Paul at 5:55pm EST - November 15, 2009
Michael, Your situation has so helped me put my little troubles in perspective and I am so inspired as always by your deep, deep love for the Lord, his word and more importantly his promises. How precious is his unfailing love---take shelter in the shadow of his wings!! Peace and prayers! Kristy
Kristy Orison at 5:55pm EST - November 15, 2009
Michael, 8 years ago, I went through my own "Dark Night of the Soul" with a double heart-attack within 12 hours of one another and I was only 42 years of age. Encourage Brenda to hold on to the Rhema Word of the LORD. It is the KEY to healing. God told me that I would not die ... His Eye was upon me ... You will live to fulfill the purposes of God in your generation. All throughout I fought the fight of faith. G-B-L is a L-I -E!!!!! I am praying for you and Brenda. God's Word will not return unto Him void of His intended purposes! (Isaiah 55:10-11).
Lanny Richardson at 5:58pm EST - November 15, 2009
Hi Michael I think GBL stands for "God Brings Life" (to what others might perceive as a dead situation). Remember Abraham and Sarah. Nothing is impossible! May God cause your cup to overflow. with love Beau
Beau Jones at 6:00pm EST - November 15, 2009
God bless you :) I will be praying too. You are destroying satan's work every step you take. Love, Joy
Joy Claar at 6:10pm EST - November 15, 2009
I have to say, your proclamation of faith in the face of this medical difficulty is VERY encouraging to me. And I hope my stand with you will do the same for you and your wife and loved ones. In Christ's Love, Kathy
Kathy Lewis at 6:13pm EST - November 15, 2009
Dear brother and sister, My wife, Anneli, and I are praying for you and believing as well that the Lord will heal. One of the things that I found to bring our bodies into balance was MONAVIE. This is based on the Acai berry out of Brazil. I have made many trips down to Brazil where I do a lot of speaking. I knew about this berry and the health benefits that it brings. You might want to try this and see what it does. Here are some web sites that you can go to. www.monavie.com Frank Dietz
Frank Dietz at 6:42pm EST - November 15, 2009
Michael, keep going almost there! God is going to help the two of you! Just keep prevailing. One day at a time. Brenda will be fine, deep down you also know that, God will use her here for a deeper faith change amonst us. Keep going man, look how Jesus raised Abraham from the cave. You will see, her faith is strong man!!! She will get through it, just keep praying with Faith. God Bless and Rise Brenda, Rise!
James Rudd at 7:00pm EST - November 15, 2009
Thank you so much for the update, Michael. Have been praying for and wondering about Brenda. Prayer warriors will continue lifting the two of you up - I'm in that army. May Jesus' love and sweet presence be more near to you now than ever before.
Tami Ledford at 7:24pm EST - November 15, 2009
Michael & Brenda, What an amazingly wonderful post - thank for you taking time out an exhausting schedule to catch us up. I read your first post while I was in line at the airport and I was humbled to read of your situation. But I was also grateful that God would give you such strength and conviction. I prayed for you at that moment and I pray for you now. God bless you both and keep up the fight! Precious Father, We know that you are present. We come to you in the name of Jesus and under the blood covering of Jesus. We ask for your power, the power the Jesus said was available to us because of His blood sacrifice to work now in this situation. Show yourself in mighty and visible ways to Brenda and to Michael. Do not let the enemy prevail. Let them live in your words, your power and your provision. Meet their needs hours, daily, minute by minute. Thank you for answering this prayer and all other prayers that are lifted up to on behalf of Brenda & Michael. To You alone be all glory, honor and praise. Amen.
Tracy Smuts at 7:35pm EST - November 15, 2009
I will be lifting Brenda and you and Sonny up in my prayers. Your ministry has blessed me and I have prayed for you and the ministry and now will add this situation to my prayers. How awesome is the faith that has been placed in your hearts by the Precious Holy Spirit! It is even He who puts that in faith our hearts! Love In Him! Leisa Coburn
Leisa Coburn at 7:41pm EST - November 15, 2009
Just as at the Cross and Resurrection, when the "finished" work of the Cross released "ALL things" provisional, so at the "fall" error (everything to do with, and every manner of death) was released into the earth. Error has spread since then. The "finished" reversal of error has spread since the cross. The devil doesn't need to personally release anything against us. It was released at the fall. We encounter it every day quite "naturally" in this "uinfinished" earthly environment. The difference is, WE have the Blood Covenant, the KEY to ALL provision. "For, by HIS divine power, HE has provided (past tense) ALLLLLLLLLLLLLL things that pertain to LIFE (as HE defines it not the world) and GODLINESS (as He originally designed and intended it to be), through the knowledge of Christ Jesus (the understanding and ABILITY that Jesus 1) walked in, and 2) released for us to walk in)." "And, by his stripes you were, are, HEALED." It's a done deal where He is concerned. The challenge is to harmonize with that. Michael has been moving away from, outside of, the traditional doctrines and dogma, towards the TRUTH. "And you shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall set you free." I'm agreeing with "shalom" in Brenda... Brenda's "wholeness - nothing missing, nothing broken, excellence". In the character and authority of the TRUTH, our God, "in the image of God" that we've inherited... Let it BE (amen)!
Jeff Barrow at 7:45pm EST - November 15, 2009
Yes AND Amen! Thank you so very much for the update Michael, it has been something both my husband and I look for each day. You are on the right path. Keep your faith strong, run the good race and know that He has your crown waiting for you. We praise God for you and Brenda each day and know His arms are wrapped around you. In addition to other items we have sent, I have received from a trusted friend this link: http://blindguru.com/blend_this.html I do believe this site contains information to help you with your journey with a tremendous amount of educational material. Thank you again. Please know we love you with a Brotherly love and lift you each and every moment of the day. We look forward to rejoicing and singing praises with you in person very soon!
Bonnie at 7:55pm EST - November 15, 2009
You give us all the courage to RISE UP and Believe! Our family is praying for yours and thank you for teaching us as He teaches you....I was thankful to read this and see that you are experiencing God's peace in the midst of a storm. We stand with you in faith.
Carol Barron at 8:01pm EST - November 15, 2009
Michael and Brenda I want to encourage you in your battle. My wife just went through a battle with breast cancer in the same manner you are, both natually and supernatually battling it. God healed her completely. The surgeons are astounded and in denial. They even went so far as to say they had possibly gone to the wrong site for the second biopsy as they could find nothing. They said this even though they had gone in through the same scar area. She has the pathology reports saying it is deffinitely there and then it is gone. We give God the glory both for his healing touch and the wisdom he gave us through diet and suppliments to see it gone. The herbal could not have done it as quickly as it appeared to do yet when you apply the math of God to healing properties all things are possible. My wife was on OSF to boost the immune system, Paw Paw which blocks cancer cells from receiving nutrients(my wife used Natures Sunshine brand), Super Oil, Astragalus, Protease, Zambroza, Chi Tonic, Flor-Essence dry herbal tea, Flax Hull lignans on her cereal. She did the whole foods diet and followed the book The Makers Diet. She found it very good and informative. We will be continuing to pray with you knowing that God heals cancer and his disign is not that we would be under attack like that. We speak life and not death a hope and a future for you both together.
Pastor George Ewald at 8:06pm EST - November 15, 2009
Hi there Please google "Essiac Tea" as I have first hand experience seeing it work. I am in the nutritional field. BE blessed, Cameron
Cameron Howard at 8:40pm EST - November 15, 2009
Hello Michael and Brenda, As you seek the Lord, PLEASE consider phoning Mr. Henry W. Wright with "Be In Health" (4178 Crest Highway, Thomaston, GA. 30286) www.beinhealth.com by calling (706)-646-2074 to ask for his advice. I believe God is working through this man and the truth he teaches about the spiritual roots of disease and pathways to wholeness. May you both be blessed. I am praying for Brenda's complete healing!
Margaret Ebenal at 8:50pm EST - November 15, 2009
I am preparing to receive an answer to my healing pray for Brenda. I am anticipating and fully expecting wonderful results for you both. My husband is also a cancer survivor who has beaten the odds. Michael I have truly been blessed by your blogs. After reading them for several months I know you both have the faith, hope, and strength to believe to receive. I too sat in a Doctor's office with a Doctor who could not look at my husband and I in the eyes with a diagnosis. They feel so helpless and they want to cure so desperately, but we have the great physician. I have also received healing this Februay for myself. I was on medication for 17 1/2 years. I was told this medical condition would become more severe with age. I no longer take the prescribed medication. Trusting, believing, and receiving. I will pray for strenght for you both to overcome all obstacles that you will have to face.
Sharel at 9:12pm EST - November 15, 2009
Cathy and I have been praying for both of you since receiving word of Brenda's physical need. Our hearts are touched and drawn near to you and our Lord in the middle of your battle. Thank you for sharing openly both of the battle particulars and your faith. The only things that shake are what is built by man. God's word is true and unshakeable. The house that has its foundations on the Rock will remain standing even after the most severe storms of life. Neither Life nor Death can ever separate us from His Love. And this is the Victory that overcomes the world, even your faith. Be healed in Jesus' Name. Standing in there with Christ. Bro Dan
Daniel at 9:33pm EST - November 15, 2009
As well go to www.drday.com for Dr.Loraine Days journey. Her book Cancer Doesn't Scare Me Anymore has led many people on a journey like hers... God Bless you, Cameron
Cameron Howard at 9:34pm EST - November 15, 2009
Brenda and Micheal, I am in complete agreement with the WORD given by God in the night...COMPLETE! Amen! Two 'words' come to me for you one "surely" and the the other I heard the of Nov. 12th "shekinah glory"...May they Bless you! Much Love, V
Vilma at 9:59pm EST - November 15, 2009
GBL = Great Big Lie And it is countered with, as Beau said: GBL = God Brings Life Holding you guys up in prayer, especially in the wee hours of the morning. Keep the faith! Faith Mama - Tina Marino
Tina Marino at 10:12pm EST - November 15, 2009
Strength, Life, God's DNA and Jesus's blood flowing Through Brenda with His life. It is finished, there is nothing left but His resurrected life. Peace and Blessings! Rosanne
Rosanne Powierski at 10:30pm EST - November 15, 2009
Michael, You and Brenda truly are an inspiration. Keep fighting. I love Brenda's mantra: "No Fear Lives Here!"
Lucas at 10:38pm EST - November 15, 2009
Thankyou for sharing your lives with us - the love you have for the Lord, and each other, and His body ,is very touching and inspiring. You know what - the Lord's risen body did not include cancer!! Praying for you all, in Australia.
Marita at 10:50pm EST - November 15, 2009
In all of these,Job did not sin nor charge God wrongly.Its Well cos He is risen ad lives forever more
Oluseun at 11:04pm EST - November 15, 2009
Michael and Brenda, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the sign that the things not seen are true.” Hebrews 11:1 Bible in Basic English. Father In Jesus Name we agree as touching Brenda’s healing. We agree that You are the Author of Life, and that We have not because we ask not…so we now ask for Life, imparted from the Kingdom of God and let this healing Testify and Glorify your Name and Glory. We speak Lenght of Days as it is appointed for Brenda to fulfill her Destiny here on Earth. We bind this sickness from her and release from the Kingdom Health to her. In Jesus Name Peace…. We will hear the good report Blessings from Redding Ca
Timothy Fox at 11:46pm EST - November 15, 2009
Just read your e-mail, and you are to be congratulated, for stepping into that realm of healing...I have always said it was by His strips we are healed....we christians have not seen the full manifestation of healing, but I will come along side you, and agree that Brenda is healed....it is time for believers to rise and declare what the word says....it is time for us to rise up and say it is done...it is not the report of the Doctor, but the report of the Lord...Brenda, I pray that you will receive a supernatural abundance of strength, to see you through ...thank you for your encouraging e-mails...the words that you say will take us to a higher level.... it is time, it is time, for us to see the goodness of the Lord, manifested through these bodies..Blessings Helen
Helen Petroff at 11:48pm EST - November 15, 2009
You are not alone in Brenda's healing process! My son was near death less than one month ago--and by the grace of God, much prayer and unfailing faith in our Lord, today he is alive and thriving. Miracles happen every day and I know that we should never be surprised when the Lord's hand is miraculously present. My children and I are praying for "Miss Brenda" for her glorious and full recovery. And you are in my prayers too Michael. You will need strength. May God bless you all! Holly
Holly Magister at 12:48am EST - November 16, 2009
The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you, The Lord lift up His countenance upon you of and give you peace. Someone just shared with me today FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real. The enemy is a liar and as you are led into all truth by Holy Spirit, He will lead you to the right decision and actions. God is in control, By Jesus' stripes we were adn are healed but we walk with our God given authority and we have our part to do too. (6 months ago I purchased a Sunlife water purifier - which hooks up to my taps and I can drink purified Kangen water - it is alkaline water. It comes at different levels of alkalinity and produces amazing health benefits. It is the only water the top 300 Japanese hospitals will allow any patient to drink. FYI. There are many copies but Kangen Water is the orginal Japanese discovered process that produces water that has such minute celluar structure - it can hydrate the cells.) Praise God - in Him we live and move and have our being. God bless you both.
Margaret at 1:30am EST - November 16, 2009
I am convinced that we are about to see a season off miracles reminiscent of the book of Acts. I believe that what God is doing in Brenda and for Brenda will be a forerunner event. We are steeped in expectancy and hope as we pray with you. Thank you for taking the time to share. There are many with you!! I praise Him night and day for being a wall of fire around you and the glory in your midst.
Beverly Lewis at 1:57am EST - November 16, 2009
Michael, The Lord never puts His sons to shame!!!!! You both are an example! We are praying! Rodrigo
rodrigo at 2:10am EST - November 16, 2009
Thank you for sharing your life with us - You are an encouragement to everybody! We are living in times of signs wonders and miracles - but nobody knows how much it takes to get to that point - just holding on to God and trusting Him, although everything looks like its going to fall apart! Will keep you in my heart and prayers! God bless!
Sandra Pretorius at 6:17am EST - November 16, 2009
I know you are going through these moments deliberately and cherishing each and all moments. God is in control, that has never changed, knowingly to trust God is to go through challenges with Christ. I will keep all of you in daily prayer. I know how to increase the body's PH. Ionized water is nature's way to increase PH.Restructured (Oxidized reduction potential) or ORP where the value is towards -400 to -600, drink at least half your body weight in ounces daily. Essential living Water U7, C7 or portable P3 With God's love, Sonny Miyashiro
Sonny Miyashiro at 7:19am EST - November 16, 2009
Dear Michael & Brenda, We were up at 5:00 this morning and went for our walk. We prayed for you as we do daily as part of our routine. When we returned home I checked my e-mails. We receive prophetic words each morning from different ministries. They have been an encouragement to us in our battle in the last couple of years. We hope this will bless you as well. Love, Terry & Judy Moore SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- Nov. 17, 2009: Beloved, because of your faithful prayers and strong stand against the wiles of the devil, the pall of oppression is lifting. The light of righteousness is piercing the thick gloom of darkness. I call you forth into healing, restoration, and renewal. It is time for you to emerge from the caves and shadows where you have hidden yourselves, and come into the light of a new day, says the Lord. Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light
Terry & Judy Moore at 12:42pm EST - November 16, 2009
Michael and Brenda….. If you have not had a chance to read the posting on Elijah List by Bill Yount, “There is No Plan ‘B’…You are My Plan ‘A’” (October 19), this would be a good time to do so. http://www.elijahlist.com/words/html/textonly-101909-Yount.html My wife and I will be in agreement for His Plan ‘A’ in your lives!!!!!
David Grabowski at 1:53pm EST - November 16, 2009
Michael, I have been praying for and believing God with ya'll for Brenda's healing. I have a friend who has recently been diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer. My Mom, who owns a health food store, just sent him a care package with several great products, one of which comes from the rain forest. It's called Graviola Max (http://www.rain-tree.com/graviolacaps.htm). Have you heard of it? There is another great product called Vibe (http://www.vibeforme.com/Vibe1.aspx). I am sure you are inundated with this type email but I just felt led to share with you. Ya'll will remain in my constant prayers. .... Connie
Connie Cunningham at 8:01pm EST - November 16, 2009
Forgot to mention that the Graviola Max is known for it's anti-cancer properties.
Connie Cunningham at 8:03pm EST - November 16, 2009
I am proud of both of you. This is most assuredly an attack set against you because you dare to speak the truth about the infinite possibilities that are possible through faith. God has spoken the truth to Brenda and that word will stand. The enemy? He is a liar and will be defeated. What you have to look forward to, is a brand new level of understanding and the physical testimonies (many) of what is possible....if only you believe. I can't wait to hear the lessons that will come from this. Bless you both.
Rev Bonnie at 2:27am EST - November 17, 2009
Dera Michael, I have been following your comments ever since I heard you in Jackson, MS in the early 2000's. I'm no longer building a multi-level business, but do have a private practice in Healing Touch. As soon as I heard about Brenda I began praying for her healing. I'm grateful that you are taking all the natural steps to correct her situation. I, too, see her body healed, and all within a fairly short period of time. God gave us those kind of bodies, ones that can and do heal, and it is up to us, with his help, to find the resources that will create balance. I'm believing with you. God's blessings. Dorothy Porter RN BS MS CHN CHTP
Dorothy Porter at 3:26pm EST - November 18, 2009