Welcome to my author page. This is where I will keep you abreast of all the goings on with my various books.
I write both non-fiction and fiction. My debut book is nonfiction and is tentatively titled, “The Overcomer’s Keys to Victory”. Here’s a snippet:
“Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying unto Him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed…When Jesus heard these things, He marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed Him, ‘I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel’.” (Luke 7:6-7, 9).
This story taught me an important lesson about the Word of God: It’s POWERFUL. The Word of God is so powerful it only needs to be spoken, and received in faith to perform and produce in our lives.
Many of you have probably read this story before. If you haven’t, please take a moment to read Luke 7:1-10 and Matthew 8:5-13. A centurion sent messengers to Jesus asking Him to heal his servant. Jesus was in route to the centurion’s house when the centurion stopped Him saying Jesus didn’t need to come to the house, He only needed to speak a word. The centurion’s faith is what taught me the valuable lesson on the power of God’s word.
As I stated earlier, everyone is different. Everyone is different because their faith and their level of faith vary. Some people need to have someone anoint them with oil. Some people need to have someone lay hands on them. Yet, this centurion needed Jesus to speak a word. When I read that story, my spirit was quickened. I needed and wanted the centurion’s kind of faith.
Since I read the centurion’s story, my faith says, “God, if you can give me a word from the Bible, I can be healed, saved, delivered, etc.” I seek a word from the bible for everything I’m facing. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I sought a word from the bible. When I’m hurting, or offended, I seek a word from the bible. When I need to make a major decision, I seek a word from the bible. When I’m confused, I seek insight and clarity from the bible. When I need wisdom, I seek it from the bible. I believe with all my heart everything I need, every “word” of healing, deliverance, breakthrough, or restoration is in the bible. I always tell people the bible is my best friend, after the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Let’s take a closer look at the centurion’s faith in this story.
First and foremost, the centurion was an officer in the Roman army. He was not Jewish. He was not from the children of Israel. Although he was a Gentile, he BELIEVED. God isn’t impressed with our background or pedigree. He’s impressed by our faith. Our faith is what moves Him (see Matthew 17:20).
Secondly, the centurion knew to whom to go for healing. I often go to everybody else about my problems and go to God as a backup plan. God doesn’t want to be our backup plan. He wants us to seek Him in everything, first (Matthew 6:33). He wants to be our first thought. When we put Him first, He instructs us on what to do next.
The centurion came to Jesus on behalf of his servant. Now, I don’t see anywhere in scripture the servant asking the centurion to speak to Jesus on his behalf. I also don’t see anywhere in scripture the servant even knew the centurion was going to go to Jesus. Perhaps he did, but the scriptures are silent on this. So, I’m going to look at the story for what it says. The belief people have to be a part of a prayer is false (think about unbelievers and those in comas). I believe the centurion’s faith, not his servant’s, brought about healing. This is the role of an intercessor.
Romans 8:34 teaches us Christ is at the right hand of the Father making “intercession” for us. According to Strong’s G1793, intercession means, “to confer with, to entreat, deal with…” Biblical usage of the word includes, “to go to or meet a person, esp. for the purpose of conversation, consultation, or supplication.”
“The Overcomer’s Keys to Victory” is currently with my editor so please excuse any errors. I’m hoping to have this book in your hands before my birthday (November 15).
Please pray for me as I embark on this journey to being a published author!
Thanks,
Aretha
PS: My first fiction book is titled, “Two Are Better Than One” and I’m aiming for either Christmas 2017 or January 2018.