Terri Clifton's debut book receives a warm literary welcome and a 5-star review!

Readers’ Favorite announces the review of the Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy book To Bind Up the Brokenhearted by indie author Terri Clifton! See About the Author for more details!

Isaiah 61: 1-3 (KJV)

My Mantle of Restoration: Anointed to Heal, Proclaim, and Uplift

1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

In this text in John 5, Jesus encounters a paralyzed man who had been lying by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years, waiting for healing. Seeing his condition, Jesus simply asks, "Do you want to be made well?" Without hesitation, He then commands, "Rise, take up your bed, and walk." Instantly, the man is healed, no longer bound by his physical limitations, and he walks away, fully restored.

This powerful moment illustrates how Jesus frees us from what holds us back. Yet, many believers today remain spiritually paralyzed—making excuses, clinging to fear, and staying in comfort zones and traditional protocol. Just as this paralyzed man had to act in faith and leave behind what confined him, we too must rise above doubt, take initiative regardless of the condition, and step boldly into our purpose in Christ. Conceive His spoken promises, speak those things that are not as though they are, and stand on His Word in spite of it all!

Stop settling for less than what God has promised you. Remove yourself as the obstacle, and reach for the higher heights He has called you to. Let go of fear, trust in His Word, and walk in the fullness of your spiritual authority—no more excuses! Since He called you to it, He’ll bring you through it!

“Rise, take up thy bed, and walk!” - John 5

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