Recorded the day after Scott Brodie was profoundly impacted by a personal encounter with Christ. This experience has been an anchor in his fight against ALS and has always kept him believing the call of God on his life. Just months after Scott’s diagnosis, he states his desire to return to AZ.

Why did Jesus ask the blind man, the lame man, and the leper what they wanted Him to do for them?

This was the same question Jesus asked me in the divine visitation I experienced while in Arizona in 1998, thirteen years ago giving me a life changing intervention of hope, purpose and future!

Overwhelmed in Jesus’ intensive love I somehow managed to answer His question “what is it that you want?” speaking through thoughts, not audible words, I gave Him my plea… “I want to be healed” Jesus immediately responded “Your healing has already begun.”  Initially, I thought this meant instant physical healing but have come to the awareness of Jesus wanting to give me a complete, thorough healing rather than the instantaneous manifestation of healing I was seeking. He wanted to heal my body, soul, mind and spirit beginning with my inner man; transforming my outer man. I had committed my life to God 15 years earlier and was growing in His Word but this thorough healing I barely knew I was in desperate need of.  God knows His own purposes for each of our lives and desires to glorify His Son in our heart and actions. I have always believed ultimate healing is found in heaven when we die and receive a new body. But healing reversals and deliverance does happen in the “now” while living on the earth. Praise the Lord, God is our healer!

We pray, believing that He is willing, in the communion of prayer, which includes listening, I must co operate with the voice of the Holy Spirit as He leads me. Those of us who have extended trials, are in good company with other biblical accounts such as Moses, Abraham, Joseph, Paul and other patriarchs & apostles. Countless other Christian disciples have waited with perseverance and endurance for their answer. We must not grow weary but need to keep our confidence, trusting God. He tells those who labor and are heavy laden to come to Him and He will give them rest for their souls (Mt 11:28). He describes himself in this passage as one meek and lowly. We often forget that our Savior God was a man of suffering acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53),  the chastisement of our PEACE was upon Him. We must strive to have the peace and rest of God; He calls us beside these still waters. For you who struggle, do you seek to know the Father’s heart and His thoughts toward you? He is touched by our feelings of infirmity. By sending His Son to reconcile the world to Himself, He has defeated the enemy and met the demands of His justice. We can come boldly to His Throne of Grace to find help in the time of need.

I continually sought God for relief from my circumstance. The enrollment in the school of patience and suffering began to materialize true substance of faith in my life. There was for me hidden manna for nourishment and sustenance feeding my spiritual hunger and living water to quench my thirst. God continues to provide for me a table in the wilderness where my needs are wonderfully supplied.  The Father’s ways are so completely different than our ways. Where we may have once depended on religious formulas or church doctrine; we now come to rely on our daily communion with Him. We learn to hear His voice saying “this is the way, walk ye in it” (Is 30:21). God is infinitely beyond our total comprehension, He deals with us uniquely, knowing His plans for us and the thoughts and intents of our heart. In our urgent and desperate need for answers during affliction and trials, we need to draw closer to hear His voice, not led about in confusion by every wind and doctrine. God will speak to our souls making His Word come alive, empowering us to many acts of faith.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” Heb 11:6

In my vision, I was also asked by Jesus if I had any additional requests. I answered that I only desired to serve Him. Jesus’ response has perplexed me ever since that day. He said “where?” I thought; “wherever you want me to Lord, you already know.” He again said, “Where”? I thought “wherever I can reach the most souls.” He again said, “Where?” Because the Lord had to ask me the same question three times, my spirit grieved within me. Then suddenly I understood that Jesus was initiating and referring to a physical location. As soon as I had this revelation in my spirit then I responded to His question, “Phoenix, Arizona.” I do not know why I said Phoenix, Arizona, but He seemed happy with my answer and gave an expression of agreement. Since that time in 1998, my wife and I have been to Phoenix three times and Flagstaff twice for short ministry trips of 3-4 days. We have also expanded our small service business into the Phoenix area in 2008. I have not been able to put behind me nor forget the words of promise and assurance that saturated my soul. The experience gives me cause to believe that there is something yet unfilled for me to effect in Phoenix.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him”  2 Cor 2:9

My wife and I are praying, purposing and planning to go to Arizona again this year. This time, we are intending to stay for an extended period of time to see how God leads. We want to see God’s potential through our lives if we cooperate and fully trust Him. The persistent leading of the Holy Spirit does not let me ignore or deviate from this call. I sense His conditional proposal to step out with a heart to reach the lost, my response in faith is required. Although I cannot physically make anything happen by myself, Christ can open the doors and make the way.  Having exercised patience to wait for God’s timing, I believe  restraint has been lifted and it is the time act.  Time to cast off any fear of our welfare and trust the Lord with all our hearts, not leaning on our own insight or power (Prov. 3:5,6). Intensely conscious of our total dependence on God for everything, we are preparing to take hold of this personal promise because He has given us an expectation in His love.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” Jer 29:11

In early January of this year, God compelled me to go and take a trip of faith to Arizona. A simple word “go” was all I heard; Oh what difficulty that one word would require of me to obey, My spirit was willing but my flesh is weak! There was much opposition to stop me from fulfilling the command that I heard very clearly in my spirit! At two different times in March, I had taken blood tests that indicated I had a low blood Hematocrit (red blood cell count). This situation had been causing me to be extremely fatigued. One week before our long road trip, I was at the hospital for X ray & Ultrasound exams for the severe pain and discomfort that I had been experiencing since the middle of February. We were happy to know that my organs were not the concern but I was suffering from a bleeding ulcer. How in the world could my body manage the call of God to visit Arizona the next week?? I could not do it! God would have to do it through me!

I tell my wife, “Lets go; Jesus is going to Arizona and he is taking this broken down body with him.” Glennis (after a confirming word in her spirit) says “yes, we will go by God’s Grace”! My wife is tireless and selfless with a fighting, determined Spirit of God within her. The others on this adventure were our kids; Justin, Jessica, Ashley and Kylee, son-in-law; Jerry, granddaughter; Korbyn, nephew; Austin and also our dear friends; Bob Nicholls and Terry & Susan Keller. All of these precious ones were used by God to either add or to make this faith mission possible. If they had not also heard God say to them to “go”; I would still be in my bedroom just dreaming about the trip to Arizona. By faith obedience we embarked on our venture March 26^th.

Our first night in town, our family had been invited for dinner at my Aunt Yvonne and Uncle Bill’s house in Sun City. Other relatives there were Aunt Pam and cousin’s, Bob and Jody. We had an enjoyable time catching up with one another since it had been several years. We appreciated their generosity for having all of us over for the evening. Although I personally could not eat food; I did enjoy the fellowship and was also looking forward to tasting spiritual food at the tent meetings.

May God bless evangelists Ken Dewey and his wife, Celeste, who shared my burden to reach souls in the Phoenix area and who inspired me, despite my health condition, to step out in faith obedience. They trusted God to hold a Tent Revival Meeting that would be sponsored by other churches to share the Gospel message. The Dewey’s left their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico and arrived in the Phoenix Metro Area March 18^th. Despite learning that the road to tent meetings is long and difficult within the city limits (because of rules and regulations, permits and expense) the Lord opened a door in Maricopa County just outside of Mesa City limits for the Church; New Life Worship Center to host the Tent Meetings. Pastor W. Graves welcomed the opportunity and was available to co-labor with Ken & Celeste Dewey. The Pastor and his congregation willingly permitted the tent to be set up on their property the following weekend; they also provided support of their worship team and other members. The Tent meetings began Monday, March 29th with a night of prayer and concluded Friday, April 2^nd. Ken did the majority of preaching and led souls to Christ. Glennis and others shared inspiring thoughts. I was filled with tears and only spoke a few words during the tent meetings because of the difficulty of my speech. “Come forward now!” “There’s more” and “The time is short” (I was compelled by God’s Spirit to urge people to come forward joining me in a surrendered life to Christ).

On Thursday afternoon, April 1st, we visited the Teen Challenge Men’s Center in Phoenix. Our friend, Susan Keller, through her previous contacts, was able to arrange a tour and introduction led by counselor, Scott Mosely, to the facility and Mission of the Center. Scott, a former student of Teen Challenge, is now a counselor for the Center. Teen Challenge operates Nation-wide with a Mission Statement to “To provide youth, adults and families with an effective and comprehensive Christian faith-based solution to life-controlling drug and alcohol problems in order to become productive members of society. By applying biblical principles, Teen Challenge endeavors to help people become mentally-sound, emotionally-balanced, socially-adjusted, physically-well, and spiritually-alive”. We support and commend the work of this life transforming Ministry!

On April 2^nd, we traveled to Flagstaff (2 hours north) to visit Pastor Daniel Williamson, the boys at Teen Challenge’s New Horizon Christian Academy and also to attend The Lamb of God Church on Easter Sunday. Most of the hotels in Flagstaff could not accommodate our large group because they were already booked for the Easter weekend. Through our son-in-law, Jerry, we were able to make affordable arrangements for rooms at a four story nine bedroom Victorian Conference and Retreat Center (launched recently to the public to rent rooms and/or apartments in the adjoining cottages and Carriage house).  The kind owner, Wade, graciously permitted us to stay on the entire lower level with 5 beautifully furnished bedrooms (5+ bathrooms!). Wow! Glennis felt especially pampered; hours earlier we had no place to stay, and then out of no-where we find ourselves welcomed guests in this extravagant residence. Thank God for His unexpected, unmerited blessings! Once again we unpacked our luggage, medical equipment and supplies and settled in to our room. That evening, Glennis wanted me to see more of the house. There was accessibility to the second, main floor, so I would be able to go upstairs and explore the large, open “Great Room’ (with a Fireplace and Grand Piano). This living room had Office and Conference areas that branched off of it, in addition to the Commercial Kitchen, Dining Area and a Breakfast Nook with a beautiful view of Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona (elevation of 12,637 ft) within the mountain range known as the San Francisco Peaks and also a view of the Community Park next door. 

After we had gotten familiar with second floor; we sat in nice, oversized armchairs. Wade came to join us to become better acquainted. He was very congenial, a well educated professional and a deep thinker. After spending a little more time visiting; Wade began to open up to us. He had been searching for answers that religious thought, philosophy, education, money and this world’s wisdom could not satisfy. He seemed empty and desperate for hope and answers for future direction and decision making. We recognized that he needed to come face to face with the Truth of The Person of Jesus Christ. He was called to have a living relationship with Christ who fills the void for significant purpose and meaning of life. Glennis and I were privileged to lead Wade to make an eternal decision to accept Jesus as his personal Savior. Hallelujah! We gave him a DVD copy of our interview recorded with Natalie Nichols from www.shadesofgrace.org; “The Scott Brodie Story”. He suggested we view it together the next night.

Wade opened his home for us to have the Director (Pastor Daniel), Staff: Shannon and Neil along the boys from New Horizons Christian Academy (Teen Challenge). Also Sabine, Senia, Richard, Barak, and Andra joined us that Saturday evening. There were 26 of us altogether that gathered to view the 32 minute testimonial DVD followed by a time of sharing. Our thanks to Wade for his hospitality and openness to provide this opportunity of eternal value. We are also grateful for the life transforming work of the leadership at New Horizon’s. Saturday night became a time of weeping, rejoicing, foot washing and sweet fellowship that centered on the Love of God. Glennis spoke a message on Galations 2:20, how a believer’s life can be walked out by faith in Christ who loves us, guides and strengthens us because He lives within our hearts. She went to each of the boys and prayed with them individually. I shared a word on Revelations 12:11 & John 16:33 about overcoming through Christ. Many of the young teens we met had come from difficult family situations and had begun to make decisions that were leading them down a path of destruction. We want to keep in mind and in our prayers, the lives of Dustin, Micah, Shane, Christian, Brandon, James and both ‘Zachs’.

During the 3 day drive (3600mi roundtrip) to return home to in Puyallup, Washington from our recent road trip to Phoenix & Flagstaff, Arizona (3/26-4/6); God spoke into my spirit “To obey is better than sacrifice” (the passage described below).

“Samuel said, Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1Sam 15:22).

Saul was told by the prophet of God, Samuel “Now go and smite Amalek and utterly destroy all they have; do not spare them” but Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, oxen, fatlings, lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them. Instead of obeying God’s Word, Saul spared the best of the animals so he could make a sacrifice to God. Saul desired human approval for conquering the Amalekites; he wanted to be recognized for his efforts. In front of all of the people of Israel, Saul made a sacrifice the way he wanted to, not as God had instructed. The Sacrificial System had been instituted by God to Moses, so why wouldn’t this offering be good enough? Simply because God had not told him to sacrifice but to destroy everything! God was not pleased that Saul made a religious sacrifice rather than obeying His voice and command.

The best sacrificial offering we can bring to God is our broken and contrite heart (Ps 51:16-17). When we humbly approach His Throne, we can have full assurance of faith, from our acceptance of Christ, that God hears us. In our own efforts, we could make a thousand sacrifices to God; drive/fly thousands of miles for God’s service; or give thousands of dollars to His work. All of those sacrifices would mean nothing to God if there was not a surrendered heart that would simply trust Him by obeying his Word in faith.

 “But the just shall live by his faith”   ~  Habakkuk 2:4

Our son, Justin, recently made a comment to me after reading several posts on my website. He said, “I see a lot of blogs talking about your vision for Phoenix, Arizona to reach souls for Christ but not much progress”.  I agreed and determined to post an update about my vision to be in Phoenix.  Justin has overseen our family business for the last several years. By God’s grace he has done an amazing job of operating, managing and expanding (to Arizona) our small family business. His selfless and sacrificial dedication along with his tireless work ethic contributes greatly to our family. I am blessed beyond measure with incredible children that know Jesus!

Here it is March, 2010, twelve years from my visitation with Jesus in Arizona. By God’s loving grace I am planning to make an 1800 mile road trip to Phoenix Arizona with my whole family, tomorrow!  Just last year at this time, I underwent my trachestomy surgery and was gasping for every breath I took. Taking a trip outside of my bedroom became enough of a challenge for me. How could I even imagine going to Phoenix?? But God works in the supernatural and is outside of  time as we know it. I told my wife “I throw myself at  Jesus’ feet”  “I cannot do anything without Him!” I am too weak and frail that only God’s strength can get me to Arizona. Jesus IS my Sustainer; Amen! He is the only way for me to get anywhere. Since my vision/visitation in 1998, I have been to Phoenix two times, once in 2001 where I ministered Christ in a Bible Study to a small group of believers and again in 2007 where I attended two churches and was prayed over for healing.

God has opened a door in the Phoenix Metro Area for Tent revival meetings March 28- April 3^rd on the corner of Crimson road and Akron Street in east Mesa, Arizona. Evangelist, Ken Dewey, has been directed by God to host these meetings for all to come including the hurting and those desperate for Jesus! Brother Ken has said to me, “I am very glad your family is excited about the meeting.  I know that this meeting will be a GREAT EVENT FOR GOD AND MANY PEOPLE.  It certainly will be one we will never forget nor stop talking about. Many WILL BE SAVED AND TOUCHED.  I guess you know Scott; WE ARE IN THE END TIME HARVEST……  SO GET READY THERE IS NO TELLING WHAT GOD WILL DO!  HE HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR HIS MIRACLES!”

Praise you Lord!! Nothing is impossible with our God who desires to use us for His eternal purposes. “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.  As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world” (Jn17:15-18).

Glennis and I are excited not only for the Tent Meetings but also to visit Teen Challenge in Phoenix Phoenix Men’s Center  and  New Horizon Christian Academy (azteenchallenge.org) in Flagstaff, AZ with our family and friends.

Please pray for us and for God to be Glorified mightily!

.

“Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me”(Matt 11:4-6). What wonderful good news Jesus gave to the disciples of John the Baptist! The gospel was being preached and physical miracles were taking place. The prophecies in Isaiah were being fulfilled that only the coming Messiah could complete. Why then would John lose faith in Christ and tell his disciples to find Jesus and ask Him, “are you the one or should we look for another (Mt 11:3)?”

Perhaps it was because John was in prison and King Herod was about ready to have him beheaded! John’s physical reality caused him to question what he professed to believe. What about his deliverance? What about his miracle? John had prepared the way for the Messiah  to set up HIS Kingdom (Is 40:3). His life’s calling and purpose was in doubt. John’s idea of a reigning Messiah did not tolerate this kind of injustice. Doubt and unbelief silently crept into his dark prison cell. The devil, like a roaring lion was encircling John the Baptist; ready to kill him and his witness of Jesus Christ. If the devil could get John to have disbelief and regret for proclaiming Jesus, then John’s claims of the Messiah would be lacking creditability. In fact, all of John’s life and dedication to God would be called into question. In His response to the inquiry made by John’s disciples, Jesus, lovingly told them to convey to John not to be offended by Him (Greek scandalizo-to trip up, trapped, ensnared). John was not to lose faith or be ensnared by the devil because of the trial he was in.

I have often wondered what happened to all the people after they were healed by Jesus (Mt 11:4-6) . Would they have been offended because physical healing did not fulfill all their expectations? Would they have lost their testimony because of persecution? Many probably wanted a healing so they could return to their old lifestyle. Others genuinely were converted to become living testimonies to God’s saving and healing power. Others may have been persecuted and forced to distant lands, thrown in prison or martyred for their faith in Christ. Some of us are also going through or may soon enter into trials that test our faith. The devil wants to steal our testimony and destroy our life by wearing us down. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another” (Mt 24:9, 10). Be of good cheer, Christ has overcome the world! The trial of your faith is more precious than gold and our suffering is never wasted. God bottles every tear. You are so precious in His sight and He is not slack concerning His promises.

I continue to believe God for healing despite the many setbacks and losses I have faced. I get impatient at times and wonder why I still believe the dream/visitation I had one night In March 1998, while visiting Arizona. Jesus was loving and so personal throughout my encounter with Him that particular night; He put His hope and faith in me for healing. Although visibly and otherwise, it would appear impossible to fulfill the quest given to me; I cannot ignore, justify or reason it away. I just cannot shake it! I think of it daily; it has kept me alive. It is through patiently enduring  that we inherit the promises (Heb 6:12-15). God is working patience in my soul and wants me to depend on Him to fulfill what He has started (Rom 4:20,21). GLORY be to GOD!! Although I may get impatient and falter because my prayers have not been answered in the way and within the time I wanted them; I have set my heart not to be offended in Christ. I don’t want to let the enemy project to my mind that God does not have my best interest for HIS GLORY as the over ruling determiner. Only He really knows the works of believing I am to do for Him (Jn 6:29) . We overcome the devil “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, not loving our lives to the death” (Rev 12:11). Fellow believer, we are to rejoice and trust Him during the trying of our faith.

The enemy of our soul wants to trip us up, causing us to lose faith in our loving Father and to think that there is no way out and we are stuck in a hopeless situation. As we pray for understanding and bring our petitions to the Father; stand on the promises in the Word of God. The Holy Spirit will give you grace and enlarge your capacity to withstand testing. Hold onto the promises and direction God ministers to you in particular. The promise for your future is an anchor for your soul and gives you steadfastness to endure. What has God ministered to you personally? His thoughts toward you are good and not of evil to give you an expected end; seek His face and cling to the promises He imparts to you.

“Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (Jm 1:3, 4)

 Scott Brodie Praises w/daughters July 25 2010

  While visiting Arizona in March of 1998, Jesus appeared to me in a vision one night. He told me that my healing had already begun and asked me three separate times where I would like to serve Him; hesitantly I said Phoenix, Arizona. This vision greatly encouraged me and I set out immediately in my own strength, to fulfill how I was to share the Gospel in Arizona with a healthy body. The following years I would seek out any alternative & conventional healing that was promising. After all, God had assured me I would be healed and serving Him in Arizona. This interaction I had with my Lord has made a lasting impression on my soul. It has continued to inspire me with a future hope and purpose for my life. Countless times I have been brought back to the love that washed over me. It seemed like no one could believe that God personally visited me and that I could be healed but God has always reassured me that my healing had already begun and to not walk by sight but by faith in Him. Jesus is empathic with each of our needs and identifies with our sorrow and pain. Just as He continues to meet me in the desperate times of my life, He wants to meet you in your hour of need and give you hope in His Word that has keeping power.            

(Both pictures were taking during the same week in Arizona)

 On October 2^nd our family of 7 took off from Seattle for a flight to Flagstaff, Arizona. This was the family trip that Glennis and I had looked forward to taking ever since we met Pastor Daniel Williamson. Pastor Daniel had flown up from Flagstaff to Tacoma and shared a heartfelt message at Nick Newell’s Memorial Service last August. Our hearts were stirred by his affirmations of God’s greater love.  Pastor Daniel’s transparency and his thrill to serve the Lord were clearly genuine.

Pastor Daniel is the Director of New Horizon Christian Academy located in Flagstaff, AZ; an affiliate of Teen Challenge of Arizona. Nick served on staff as a counselor at the New Horizon’s residential program for young men ages 12 to 17 years with life controlling problems. The overseeing Teen Challenge also operates a residential program center for young girls 12-17 years and men & women over age 18 with drug, alcohol or other addiction problems. All of these programs are designed to bring hope and healing to a generation of people who face tremendous challenges. Their mission and common goal is to help individuals become physically well and spiritually alive.

Nick first became acquainted with Pastor Daniel at the Teen Challenge Ministry in Phoenix. Nick’s reason as to why he was there is not too different from many other young men and women who struggle with addictions; trying to fill a void in their life that only God can fill. Nick’s life had so radically changed through the help and guidance of his enrollment and graduation from Teen Challenge that he wanted to share his testimony of hope for a changed life with other young boys. Nick relocated to Flagstaff and became a staff counselor at New Horizon’s Christian Academy; he was mentored and invested in by Pastor Daniel and other faithful men of God.

Nick’s testimony was that he was raised in a Christian home with his mom and two sisters. His father had left when he was two years old. Nick began to experiment with marijuana at the age of 10 and started hanging out with gangs at 12 years old. By eighth grade he dropped out of school and his life began spiraling out of control.

After he dropped out of school, he began selling drugs, using cocaine and distributing crack. Nick was in bondage to his addiction, pushing the limits he polluted himself with drugs to the point where nothing else mattered. In and out of the hospital, he even missed his mother’s wedding because of an overdose.

He then moved to Arizona to get away from that type of lifestyle and environment in an attempt to change his life. Not to long after the move, he found meth and went right back down the same hole he just crawled out of. After three suicide attempts, Nick had went straight from the hospital bed to Teen Challenge where God rearranged his whole life.

Nick’s move to Flagstaff as a staff counselor at New Horizon Christian Academy was an environment Nick thrived and grew spiritually as a leader and mentor to young boys. He began studying and applying the Word of God to every area of his life, he tirelessly served both within his local church and within the New Horizon’s boy’s program. Christ was the center of Nick’s world and the sole purpose of his life.

One of the areas Nick was applying himself in study was a curriculum through the Faithful Men Ministries. Nick would have finished this course in time for the sword commissioning on Oct. 5^th but graduated to heaven from a result of serious health issues and an interaction of medications. Glennis and I were compelled to see the work of Pastor Daniel and his staff at New Horizon’s Center and we wanted to be in Flagstaff in honor of Nick on this special day when he would receive his commissioning in proxy by his step father Terry.

Arriving days earlier in Flagstaff, our family took the opportunity to visit Sedona and the Grand Canyon and enjoy the sights and each other. The last family vacation were had together had been 10 years ago, so it was very special to have this time together.

On Sunday, we attended Lamb of God Church Service celebrating the commissioning of those who had fulfilled the Faithful Men’s discipleship curriculum to join the many men within the congregation who are already commissioned. These men purposely represent a standard of godly men discipling and mentoring other men to renew their minds to God’s Word in their leadership and personal lives. The senior pastor, Michael Tenpenny graciously introduced the founder of the Faithful Men Ministries, Jack King, along with guest speakers. The Church service was very vibrant and we enjoyed the warm, loving presence of God within the celebration and fellowship. After the service ended we were introduced to the students at New Horizon Christian Academy along with many others. We stayed and visited for an hour after the service had concluded. During this time a group of men approached my wife and I to ask if they could pray for us and specifically, my healing. We had a circle of prayer with different ones lifting their voices to intercede. One man asked if he could share a word from the Lord to me (a vision he had concerning me.) His words were very purposeful and impassioned, speaking of how God sees me not after my appearance (which is very weak and frail) but He see’s me as a warrior on the inside, he told me not to consider what I behold in the mirror because God sees me clad in His armor. He also said that God knew me before my form had substance and that He sees me complete and healed. We received these specific words of encouragement among the rest that he spoke as directly from God’s love and encouragement. There is a bond of fellowship when brothers and sister’s share your burden and express the compassion of Christ. It is a very intimate relationship, uncovering any pretense of control we may have. In this level and even place we all are humbled recognizing our ever-present need for our Savior. 

On Monday, we met up with Pastor Daniel at New Horizon Christian Academy. We were introduced to more staff members and welcomed into the Boy’s classroom to share our faith in Christ. Glennis helped to interpret when my words and thoughts were hard to understand. She helped to expound on things we have experienced and truths we are growing to understand; mostly, concerning our hope in Christ and the empowerment of faith. After we spoke for awhile, I asked Glennis to take off my back brace so that I could do my “faith walk” in front of these 12 boys, their teachers and other staff that were in the room. We wanted them to believe with us that one day I won’t need the support of the brace to keep my head upright and that I would walk again in wholeness. Glennis took off my brace and walked behind me with her hands spotting either side of my head. As I started walking, she began speaking words of faith and healing over me. From where they were seated, all their voices joined her in agreement as she called out for God to regenerate my specific physical complications. I made two passes down the length of the room and back again walking directly toward Pastor Daniel as my finish. He gently gathered me and supported my head as he boldly prayed, as if to move all of heaven; magnifying the healing authority of Christ. All the boys drew around me praying as true priests on the behalf of a man they had just met. One after the next, these young men laid aside there own troubles and availed themselves to be intercessors. The presence of God was so manifested in the concentration of their directed prayer. I felt the power of God upon me and realized that three of my fingers and the width of my hands had enlarged with blood flowing through them, they were noticeably different (my hands are usually very boney and purple from lack of circulation and the accumulation of blood). We praised God, sang and continued in prayer thanking God for His healing power.  God brings healing in many forms and oftentimes he will use people. My healing is already complete in my spirit but started to appear in my physical body when a group of boys and staff at New Horizons Christian Academy of Flagstaff believed the promises of God and acted on them by faith. They didn’t trust what their eyes saw but viewed me through the mirror of God’s Word and called those things that are not as though they were. Rm 4:17. Afterward, I was greatly moved when one of the young men asked if he could wash my feet. I humbly received this honor. As he was washing my feet I affirmed to him how God sees him as a king in his kingdom. (“Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 18:4).

The Spirit of God was enveloping; as waves of love that washed over us during the hours we were in the classroom. We had no idea or predetermined plan in visiting, we only thought we were having a tour of the facilities but God had something bigger planned for us. We were taken on a tour of heavenly courts by kingdom ambassadors; men and boys who reached out to us with gifts of edification, compassion and brotherly love. When we dare to take a step of faith out from our comfort zone God is always ready to reveal His glory to us in ways we thought were unimaginable. 

In March 1998 Glennis and I flew to Phoenix, Arizona for a few days to enjoy some quality time together and to see many of the State’s attractions. Our last night was spent at a bed and breakfast in Sedona after enjoying the day at Grand Canyon, we were exhausted and ready for some much needed sleep. Glennis immediately fell asleep; I remained awake although I was just as exhausted. As I lay awake on our bed I began to see dark hooded silhouette figures all around the room. I tried to get a clearer view of them, but as soon as I attempted to focus on their faces, they would disappear, as if into another dimension. This alarmed me enough to wake my wife for prayer. After a short prayer I soon fell asleep only to be awakened around 2 am by a loud evil noise coming from where I thought was behind the bed. I turned the nightlight on and looked at Glennis wondering if she also heard the noise. The light woke her from sound sleep and with a groggy voice she asked me if everything was OK?  I said, “Yes”, not wanting to startle her, and then I said lets pray. After another short prayer Glennis was fast asleep, so I turned the light off.

As I lay still in bed the noise came back even louder and more intense. I knew I was under a spiritual attack  Eph 6:12 “For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotism’s, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere”  I began to sing praise songs and quote scriptures out loud, Eph 5:19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord..”  One verse I remember, “they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony and loved not their lives unto death” Rev. 12:11. Every time I said “Blood” a loud evil shrieking hiss would sound.

This intense spiritual warfare continued for what seemed like a long time. Then, suddenly Jesus appeared right next to me on my bed. I knew Him to be Jesus because I was instantly overcome by His love. I felt accepted not judged or condemned.  1Jn 4:18 “There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love ^[g]turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear ^[h]brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection].”  His love was beyond words to describe, all I knew was I didn’t want Him to leave. At this point I wasn’t sure if I was in my body or not, I only cared about being in His presence. Then Jesus, with eyes of indescribable tender compassion, asked me, by thought not words, “What is it that you want?” Before I answered, I knew He knew my answer, but wanted me to speak it. I answered, “I want to be healed”. He responded in thought, “Your healing has already begun” His response was so quick and with such authority, that it took away all my fears away concerning my symptoms of a nerve disorder that the neurologists had diagnosed me with a few months earlier in 1997. These doctors said I had a progressive muscle wasting disease called A.L.S. which there was no hope of a cure for and I would die in 2-5 years. I never believed them and said that God can heal me.

As I was trying to grasp how this could happen, He asked another question by thought not words, “Is there anything else?” I responded, “I just want to serve you Jesus.” He said,” Where?” I thought wherever you want me to Lord, you already know. He again said, “Where”? I thought wherever I can reach the most souls. He again said, “Where?” Because the Lord had to ask me the same question three times, my spirit grieved within me. I knew I could not continue to repeat myself with the same type of general statements I had made before. Then suddenly my spirit understood that Jesus was referring to a physical location. As soon as I had this revelation in my spirit then Phoenix, Arizona came into my thoughts and I answered His question. I do not know why I said Phoenix, Arizona, but He seemed happy with my answer and gave an expression of agreement. I was perplexed with His answer and thought (why was He so persistent with my answer to a location for serving Him, rather then on my first request for healing? If He was only talking about spiritual healing then there would be no point in asking me about a physical location 1800 miles from my home.) I thought that somehow Arizona would be part of my physical healing or future service in some way. I just didn’t understand when or how.

These thoughts were being processed as quickly as the Lords questions to me. He again asked if I had other requests. My Savior was giving me His full attention; my sense of time was lost in the moment. I was in fellowship and communion with the God of the Universe. I then asked for family members and others to be saved and healed, His expression to me was that of agreement. I later began to consider how precious our time together was and how He had allowed me to sit with Him on my bed. This exchange between us had continued all night. When morning came I found myself eager to tell Glennis all about my visit with Jesus.

This interaction that I had with my Lord has made a lasting impression on my soul. It has continued to inspire me with a future hope and purpose for my life. Countless times I have been brought back to the personalness and love that washed over me during a very difficult time. Although, many loving and dear friends wanted to comfort and believe for me, there was a timidity of not knowing how things could possibly work out given the power of the pronounced diagnosis. At times especially early on, it seemed like no one believed that God personally visited me and that I could be healed, but God would always reassure me that my healing had already begun and to not walk by sight but by faith.

Jesus is empathic with our needs and identifies with our sorrow and pain. Just as He met me in a desperate hour of my life, He wants to meet you in your hour of need and give you a promise in His Word that no one can take away.

My wife and I were compelled to fly to Phoenix for three days; trusting God by faith to receive the promise of healing given to me almost 10 years ago in Arizona. We were to meet friends there and had some ideas for the weekend but no agenda of what we were going to do apart from walking by faith the direction the Spirit would lead us. Many things happened before we left and while we were there that brought a sense of great purpose to our trip. We were stepping out in active faith taking to go, despite not having traveled on an airplane for over 4 years. We undertook the risk, stress and hard work to take this journey, not knowing how my stamina would hold up. God had something, we hadn’t been able to shake this thought of going to a physical location with expectation to receive by faith whatever God wanted to impress and work in our lives. It sounded crazy, but still having life after these years with this disease I didn’t care anymore about being peculiar, I’m not afraid to dream with God. While we were there we met up with friends and were invited to two church services. I was prayed over for healing, which by faith I continue to receive. After I returned from the trip the devil whispered in my ear the very next morning, “You’re not healed, look at the mirror!” The Holy Spirit challenged me in my spirit saying, “Scott this is your true test, will you believe my Word that says I am actively healing you or believe the god of this world who operates by sight evidence?” Right then, in that moment, I had to again make the choice to either believe God and His people that were filled with faith or to believe what I would see in a mirror. I determined by God’s grace not to believe the lying discouraging spirit but instead to believe God. Proverbs 18:14 the spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit? Every day now, my wife takes off my brace and I walk short distances while she confesses Gods promises of life to me.

“who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed“Rm 4:17b. 

 We know there will be challenges ahead but our God has overcome every one of them through His complete Finished Work on the Cross. I choose to believe, embrace His promises to me, confess their authority over my situation and act on His leading; so that by faith my healing will be transferred from heaven into existence.

God gave me a dream just a few days after we returned. In the dream I was given an object that looked something like a butterfly and I was told to write Mark 2:4 on one of it’s wings which appeared transparent to me, and Mark 2:4-17 on its other wing. After I woke, these scriptures stayed with me until Glennis could get me up from my recliner bed and over to my computer so I could look them up on my computer. To my great delight it was the scripture on the paralytic man’s healing after being lowered through the roof of Peter’s house by his friends so he could be near Jesus. Jesus seeing their faith said, “Thy sins are forgiven thee… take up your bed and walk.”

This sick paralytic man could not have gotten to the place of healing unless someone else carried him on his bed there. I am sure that these friends not only carried his bed and raised the roof for him but also were praying and fasting for him to be healed. When Jesus saw their faith, which was an active confidence in God believing He could and would heal, He forgave the man and healed him by commanding the man to rise up from the place of sickness and to take up his sleeping pad and go home. I’m thankful for dear friends who likewise carried my sleeping pad, fasted, washed my feet, and never doubted God, stating that they would raise the roof for me. They stood shoulder to shoulder with me in faith. I’m reminded of how Jesus told the man sick with the palsy to take up his bed and return home a healed man and how similarly I flew home Monday night with Glennis, with my sleeping pad; also a healed man.