Spoiler alert.

I’ve always been a play by the rules kinda girl! I don’t generally break the rules, but since it’s only a people rule, I had to do it! I read the back of the book-first!

I’m being silly. But seriously, I found a victory strategy in the last book of the Bible that I just have to share. It’s found in John’s Revelation of Jesus Christ that was given to him on the Isle of Patmos.

 

I found a Victory Strategy

Revelation 12:11 

They have conquered him

by the blood of the Lamb

and by the word of their testimony.

And they did not love their lives

so as to shy away from death.

 

Here’s a quick snapshot of committed believers that were distinguish by the description “they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death…. Wow! they loved God more than their lives… their reputations… their possessions.

A loud voice announced that they conquered the devil by the blood of the Lamb AND…I can’t pass the reality of these words without pausing…the reality of His Love…the reality that Jesus gave His life for you and me….

He gave His very life blood to give you…

Redemption

1 Peter 1:18, 19 BSB For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.

Remember the victory strategy includes the word of our testimony.

Word is also translated utterance, message, statement, speech; there is no doubt it means spoken word here. The word used here for testimony is a legal term.

And our testimony is that we have been redeemed from the curse of the law! Galatians 3:13

 

Galatians 3:14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Be cleansed from all sin

1 John 1:7 BSB But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

And our testimony is Lord I choose to walk in the light of your Word! I thank you that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. All sin…ALL SIN! Thank you, Father! I cannot cleanse myself. Yet, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin!!

Confidence

Hebrews 10:19 BSB Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body,

And our testimony is we praise you that because of the blood of Jesus we can come boldly (KJV) into the Most Holy Place…into your Presence.

His Presence! His Presence is so wonderful. We don’t come into His Presence fearful. We come into His Presence where we are welcomed and cherished and wanted.

Please, please realize.

There may be places that you are not welcomed, but His Presence is not one of those places!!! He made you to have fellowship with Him. He made you because He wanted you to be in His family!

Hebrews 3:1 King James Bible Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

The word translated profession here is also translated confession. It simply means to agree with what God says. Dear friend, if we set our heart to believe what we see, nothing is going to change in our life. But if we set our hearts and eyes on the Word of God we can have what the Word promises. That’s why we need to discover what Jesus purchased for us.

If He is the High Priest of our profession, we need to be saying what God says! If you say nothing, then don’t be surprised if you are not receiving what God has for you!

It’s important for us to realize that what God showed John in Revelation 12:11 is a 2 fold strategy for sold out believers that want to defeat the enemy! The blood of Jesus is powerful. Jesus made it possible for us to win over sin and defeat the enemy, but we must understand we access His power through faith and prayer.

A Desperate Journey of Faith 

Have you ever felt an urgency in your heart, an almost desperate need to take your concerns to Jesus? Maybe you’ve thought, If only Jesus were here… If that resonates with you, you're not alone. The story of a nobleman in the Bible paints a vivid picture of a father’s determination to reach Jesus and to heal his son. This story is more than just a miracle; it's a powerful message of faith and prayer strategies that can help us.

 

A Nobleman’s Plea for Help 

This nobleman, living in Capernaum, heard about the miracles Jesus performed at Passover and felt a spark of hope ignite within him. He hurried 20 miles to Cana, where Jesus was, longing for a miracle. It’s not hard to picture him, a man of stature and status, walking with purpose and desperation in every step. When he found Jesus, he urgently pleaded, “Please, come with me to heal my son!” 

48Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.”

The nobleman remained undaunted, repeated his plea.

 

Faith in Jesus’ Word 

Rather than going with the nobleman, Jesus simply said, “Go your way; your son lives.” 

And the nobleman believed Jesus’s words. 

This is remarkable because the nobleman didn’t argue or demand proof. He believed Jesus’ words and started the journey back home. On his way, his servants met him, saying, “Your son is getting better.” And when they compared times, the nobleman knew without a doubt that his son’s healing happened at the exact moment Jesus spoke those words.

 

A Greater Miracle than Healing 

But the story doesn’t end there. The nobleman and his entire household came to believe in Jesus. This wasn’t just faith in healing but faith in Jesus as the Messiah. The miracle was a sign that pointed to something greater—Jesus’ divine identity. The nobleman’s journey began with seeking physical healing, but it led to spiritual transformation for himself and his whole family.

 

Signs that Build Faith 

John, intentionally shared this story to show us that faith is crucial. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” This nobleman’s story challenges us to build our faith by immersing ourselves in God’s Word and trusting in His promises.

 

The Power of Jesus’ Word 

It’s significant to note that Jesus wasn’t physically present at the nobleman’s home when the healing occurred. It was Jesus’ spoken word that brought healing from a distance. Psalm 107:20 says, “He sent His word and healed them.” This is a powerful reminder that we can hold onto God’s promises today. Even though Jesus isn’t physically with us, His Spirit is still present, and His Word remains powerful to heal and restore.

 

Miracles Still Happen Today 

The nobleman’s story also reminds us that God performs miracles not just to meet our needs but to draw people to Himself. He uses signs and wonders to reveal His love and power, as seen in countless testimonies of people finding faith through divine intervention. One such story is of a man in Guyana, who was a Buddhist priest. During a critical illness, he saw a vision of his gods and Jesus standing at the foot of his bed. When Jesus reached out and touched him, healing power surged through his body, and he came to believe in the one true God. Miracles like these continue to testify of God’s unchanging power and love.

 

Holding Onto Faith During Gradual Healings 

Sometimes, God’s healing is immediate, but other times, it’s gradual. The nobleman’s son began to improve, and by the time his father returned home, he was completely well. This teaches us that we must continue to stand firm in faith, even when the manifestation of healing takes time. The enemy may try to bring doubt, but God’s promises are unshakable. 

 

Invitation to Believe 

The story of the nobleman and his son is a powerful reminder that faith in Jesus goes beyond the miracles we seek; it leads us into a deeper relationship with the Savior. If you’re facing challenges or praying for a miracle, I encourage you to hold onto God’s Word and believe in His promises. Believe God’s Word. Trust that the same Jesus who healed and restored in the past is still at work in your life.

Do the things you are seeing and hearing around you break your heart? Not just for your needs, but other's needs, the prodigals, the hurricane victims, and what about the elections? I believe God is calling every believer to care and pray. We are called to intercede... to stand in the gap. 

 

Let me share why I believe every born-again believer should be an intercessor. We live in a time where prayer isn’t just encouraged—it’s essential. Let’s dive into the Word of God and see how Scripture calls us to stand in the gap for those in authority and the world around us. 

 

 The Biblical Call to Intercede

In 1 Timothy 2:1, Paul urges us to offer petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone, especially for kings and those in authority. Why? So that we may live peaceful and godly lives in dignity. Prayer has a powerful effect, not only on our lives but also on our communities and nations. Throughout history, when Israel had godly leaders, the people followed in righteousness, and the reverse was also true when the leaders strayed from God's ways.

 

 The Importance of Leaders

With the state of the world today—elections approaching, natural disasters like Hurricane Helena, and unrest everywhere—it’s clear that we have many reasons to pray for our leaders. When we pray, we invite God to intervene in these situations, aligning them with His will. It's time for us, the church, to rise up and get on our knees in prayer.

 

 Spiritual Strength, Not Physical

Just like the image given in Isaiah 37 and 2 Kings 19, there’s a feeling that people are weary. It’s like a mother ready to give birth, but lacking the strength to deliver. While many of us may be physically strong, our spiritual strength is what’s lacking. And this is concerning. It’s time for the church to wake up and become spiritually strong through prayer.

 

 Don’t Misinterpret God’s Control

We often hear the phrase, "God is in control." While this is absolutely true, it is not an excuse to relax and do nothing. God invites us to partner with Him, and one of the most powerful ways we can do that is through prayer. Jesus was a man of prayer. He also taught His disciples to pray, saying, "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." 

 

 It’s Time to Pray with Purpose

Jesus didn't teach us to pray simply as a formality. He showed us that our prayers play a role in bringing God's will to pass here on earth. Yet many Christians today don’t pray, assuming that whatever happens is God's will. This is a dangerous mindset. It’s time to sound the alarm! We must rise up as the church and pray the promises of God over our lives, our leaders, and our nation.

 

 The Power of God’s Promises

Prayer is more than just words—it’s aligning our hearts with God's promises. Just as a baby develops over nine months in the womb, there’s a gestation period for the promises of God. We must take hold of His promises, meditate on them, and pray them through relentlessly until they come to pass. As believers, we have the authority to use the name of Jesus and the Word of God in our prayers. We can boldly approach God's throne, trusting that if He gave us His Son, He will surely hear and answer our prayers.

 

 Join the Prayer Movement

 

There’s a significant event happening on October 12th A Million Women – An Esther Call on the Mall in Washington, D.C. (It's not just for women!) It's a day of fasting and intercession for our nation, leaders, and prodigals. If you can’t attend, you can still participate by setting aside time to pray, fast, and intercede. Let’s humble ourselves before God, praying for revival in our churches, families, and nation.

I believe that Precious Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth guides us into all truth! 

 

I believe that because

…we have a wonderful promise in John 16:13 says, “However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.”

 

Before I take you to what God is dealing with my heart about, I’d like to be your travel guide on a little rabbit trail. Don’t worry—ill get you back safely!

 

I’m blessed to live in Florida, a state that’s known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and endless fun activities. It seems like everyone wants to move here! 

 

Most of you are too young to know this, but in mid-1950s through 1971, if you were looking for a place to vacation in Florida, your travel guide would probably have pointed you to the famous Orange Blossom Trail. Among its attractions were The Singing Tower, Cypress Gardens, and Masterpiece Gardens.

 

Masterpiece Gardens: A Popular Florida Gem

Masterpiece Gardens was a gorgeous 38-acre showcase of towering, moss-covered oak trees and vibrant semi-tropical plants nestled along a peaceful river. It was a place where you could feed deer, watch alligators, and even enjoy a sky ride. But the real draw, the masterpiece itself, was its namesake—a breathtaking work of art that people from all over traveled to see. And believe me, it was worth the trip!

 

Wayne and I were at Masterpiece Gardens recently when a couple approached us, excited to see the masterpiece they remembered from their childhood. They’d taken a detour off the main highway, driving down winding back roads, eager to relive their memories. Unfortunately, we had to break the news: the masterpiece was no longer there.

 

The Mosaic Masterpiece: A Work of Art and Faith 

Curiosity got the best of me, so I did a little research. I want to tell you what I discovered and show you the real MasterPEACE.

Have you ever felt like trusting God is a struggle? You’re not alone. I’ve been there too, wondering why things aren’t unfolding the way I expect them to, and sometimes, fear creeps in.

 

King Asa’s Bold Faith in God 

There are moments when we want to trust, but it just feels so hard. This reminds me of the story of King Asa in Second Chronicles 15. Let me set the stage for you. 

 

Build your faith by hearing, reading and meditating on Scripture. It is so important to trust Him because there are so many benefits!

Do you ever find yourself hesitating to pray for someone's healing, wondering, “What if they don’t get healed?” It’s a common concern, but let’s flip the script. Instead, ask yourself, “What if they do get healed?” We don’t stop sharing our faith even though not everyone we witness to gets saved. In the same way, we shouldn’t let doubt hold us back from praying for healing.

 

I want to build your faith and confidence by digging deeper into Isaiah 53:5, connect it with 1 Peter 2:24, show you the why in Matthew 8: 16,17. A close look any of these 3 verses wouldn't be complete without taking you to Jehovah Rapha! Some of you pray through the redemptive names of God, so you're going to love this! It's a lot to cover, but it's worth the trip. I get pretty excited in this teaching!  I strongly suggest that you listen or watch the audio or the video for this one!!!

 

I am so thankful for the many times that I and my family have experienced biblical healing! I've been digging in God's Word and testimonies of modern-day healings, lately. That study has built my faith to see God's power demonstrated. In this post I want to share an inspiring story of a man that was healed because there is power in the name of Jesus.

Smith Wigglesworth: A Vessel of Miracles

God used Smith Wigglesworth in powerful ways to heal the sick. The miracles he witnessed were truly amazing. Whenever I picked up a book of his sermons, I was captivated from the very first page. One story, in particular, touched my heart deeply. It was the story of a church leader who had fallen gravely ill. I share that story in this podcast, but I also want to talk about other ways that people are healed biblically.  I pray that your faith will be stirred to pray for healing and that you will experience physical or emotional as well.

#biblicalhealing #healingbyfaith #prayerforthesick

I have some great news for you.

You can memorize God's Word even if you are horrible at memorization.

I've struggled to memorize things, my whole life, however, it doesn't have to stop me from memorizing Scripture. Although it has been one of my excuses for not memorizing Bible verses. I'm discovering that I can't afford to miss the wonderful benefits that come from memorizing Scripture. Check out my website at https:///patriciaholland.org for more inspirational posts.

Do you want more? I've got lots of inspiring stories at patriciaholland.org

What do you do when you are facing difficult circumstances?   How do you deal with hard places?   I want to answer that question by begining with a look at an aurora borealis. Might sound strange, but I think you'll enjoy the stop when you understand the back story.        Would you like to be strong in the Lord? You can be!   And I'd like to encourage you on that journey! I'd like to give you send my free ebook "Stronger". All I need is your email address and I'll get that book and a weekly encouraging note off to you right away!   Here's the link: https://patriciaholland.org/   Read More

Do you want more? I've got lots of inspiring stories at patriciaholland.org

Would you like to be strong in the Lord? You can be!   And I'd like to encourage you on that journey! I'd like to give you send my free ebook "Stronger". All I need is your email address and I'll get that book and a weekly encouraging note off to you right away!   Here's the link: https://patriciaholland.org/