Many of us are in need of healing in some area; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The wounds are often so old that they become a part of our daily lives, almost normal to us. But I believe that the Lord is constantly offering an invitation to us to be healed, if we just answer His call.
In Luke 13: 11-16, is the story of the woman who was crippled and bowed for 18 years. The Bible says that she could not "lift herself up." Meaning she couldn't foster her own healing, she had no freedom but a limited range of motion and of sight. She had been in this state for so long it was now a way of life to only see at a certain level and to be able to operate with limited ability. Her condition was closed in and uncomfortable, especially in the early days. But after 18 years, it was a position she was used to.
The Bible says that Jesus saw her and called her to him. That's the invitation. He sees your condition/position and knows not only how you got there, but how to get you out. He is calling you to himself so that you can get the healing you so desparately need.
The crippled woman had to respond to Jesus for him to lay his hands on her. She was literally invited into His presence. He then laid his hands on her and she was immediately made straight - healed! She then glorified God. The next scripture talks about how some of the religious folks had a problem with this healing because it was done on the Sabbath. Jesus called them hypocrites and told them that if they call loose their oxen to get water on the Sabbath, why can't this woman be loosed from the bonds of Satan on the Sabbath? Some folks may not understand or agree with the way your healing came about. It may fall outside of their defined parameters of how God is "supposed" to operate. But do not let them stop you from getting your healing and glorify God. Don't confuse the ritual with righteousness. Accept the invitation to get in the Lord's presence. He may be calling you to read the Bible more, to shut off the TV and just hear from him, pray more or just journal the thoughts that he gives you. That's exactly how this blog came to life. Answer the call and be healed this day!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
In His Presence
What an awesome weekend I had in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. My husband was the guest psalmist at a church convention for the first two nights, and we decided to stay for the last service. It was such a blessing! The guest speaker was Dr. Kervin Smith, a prophet from Minnesota. A real nice, God-fearing man who delivered powerful words and insights from the Bible every time he spoke. But the most awesome service was on Sunday night, the last of the convention. The presence of God was definitely there as he delivered the message and later began praying and delivering people. I have never been to a service like that, but I do know what I saw and felt was real. Usually when I've seen or heard prophets, they have given what seems to be a general prophesy that could apply to any person or any situation. It happened to me, and I must admit I had a bit of skepticism ever since. But Dr. Smith was right on, every single time. And not just on general stuff, but specific ailments in certain locations, or situations that was specific to only 1 to a few folks. He even prophesied to me about something very specific. (I've decided not to share it until it comes to pass.) But he spelled it out and it was something that I had not even shared with my husband yet.
God is real and I appreciate being in that service. Even though I was in pain and recovering from surgery, that trip was just the thing for my body and my mind. To those reading this blog, there's nothing like being in the presence of God.
God is real and I appreciate being in that service. Even though I was in pain and recovering from surgery, that trip was just the thing for my body and my mind. To those reading this blog, there's nothing like being in the presence of God.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Deja Vue
I am sitting at home, in a familiar place emotionally, spiritually and physically. I am recovering from surgery which removed numerous adhesions and scar tissue from my uterus, intestines and ovaries. And I am in pain. Why? Not only because of the obvious physical situation, but because it has been nine years since I underwent this same surgery and recovery time for the same problem. The problem has a name and a source - its called Endometriosis.
This is no ordinary pain. This is the kind of pain that most women are told is normal, because it happens around the menstrual cycle. So for years, my severe cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. was just "dealt with" because I thought it should be. But after much research I sought another OB/Gyn and learned what endometriosis really was. My first surgery was in Sept. 1999. Out of work for six weeks and later told pregnancy chances were "slim to none." God blessed me to birth a son in 2004. Now in 2007-2008, symptoms start to appear quite similar to the ones prior to the first surgery. Over the past four years I've suffered two miscarriages and shed many tears and "why me" prayers about this situation. However, my faith in God has pulled me through. I'm really believing that once this recovery period is over that God will indeed bless my womb one more time. But as the songwriter says, if the Lord doesn't do anything else for me, he's already done enough!
This is no ordinary pain. This is the kind of pain that most women are told is normal, because it happens around the menstrual cycle. So for years, my severe cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. was just "dealt with" because I thought it should be. But after much research I sought another OB/Gyn and learned what endometriosis really was. My first surgery was in Sept. 1999. Out of work for six weeks and later told pregnancy chances were "slim to none." God blessed me to birth a son in 2004. Now in 2007-2008, symptoms start to appear quite similar to the ones prior to the first surgery. Over the past four years I've suffered two miscarriages and shed many tears and "why me" prayers about this situation. However, my faith in God has pulled me through. I'm really believing that once this recovery period is over that God will indeed bless my womb one more time. But as the songwriter says, if the Lord doesn't do anything else for me, he's already done enough!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
New Year, New Mind
Millions of people started 2008 with a list of resolutions, some probably carried over from last year, that they hope to actually reach by the end of this year. But what good is a new resolution, if you keep the same old mindset?
If you want to lose weight but you didn't do it last year, is another calendar month going to make a difference? Not really; not unless you stop living by a "clock" and live in the here and now. Remember that tomorrow is not promised to any man. And if we continue to say "I'll start tomorrow," we may find that we've run out of time.
Forget New Year's resolutions; focus on new ways of thinking, giving, loving and living.
Be blessed until next time...
If you want to lose weight but you didn't do it last year, is another calendar month going to make a difference? Not really; not unless you stop living by a "clock" and live in the here and now. Remember that tomorrow is not promised to any man. And if we continue to say "I'll start tomorrow," we may find that we've run out of time.
Forget New Year's resolutions; focus on new ways of thinking, giving, loving and living.
Be blessed until next time...
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
The Plan is Unfolding
How often have you heard the phrase "God has a plan for your life." Some folks hear that phrase and then they sit back and wait for the 'plan' to come as if its a package from FED Ex. It's almost like we sit back and expect to unwrap the box and say "yep that's the plan, all laid out in front of me." However, the plan doesn't come so cut and dry most times. Could it be that the plan is unfolding even as you are reading this blog? Could it be that all of your trials and dilemmas and frustrations you are facing right now are a part of that very plan that God has for your life?
Think about this: God said in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you; thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Therefore our future is already laid out in God's mind. You are already walking in one of the many phases you will go through. The plan for your life is not only one specific thing, but a collection of events, experiences, tests and trials that will shape you to be the man/woman of God you are destined to be. The bible says 'many are the afflicitions of the righteous, but the Lord shall deliver you out of all of them.'
Yes, God does have a plan for your life. And the plan is unfolding right now. We must learn to go through each phase and stage and stop trying to make our own way, out of no way. "In whatever state you are in, be content."
Think about this: God said in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you; thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Therefore our future is already laid out in God's mind. You are already walking in one of the many phases you will go through. The plan for your life is not only one specific thing, but a collection of events, experiences, tests and trials that will shape you to be the man/woman of God you are destined to be. The bible says 'many are the afflicitions of the righteous, but the Lord shall deliver you out of all of them.'
Yes, God does have a plan for your life. And the plan is unfolding right now. We must learn to go through each phase and stage and stop trying to make our own way, out of no way. "In whatever state you are in, be content."
Friday, July 13, 2007
Unworthy on Purpose
(I know its been a while, but for those who still keep check on my blog, thanks. As you read this post, please pray for me. This is my most honest blog to date, but my hope is that my testimony will become an encouragement to someone else.)
While battling a bout of depression, I decided to try and pray… again. It was hard because I’ve been down this road so many times before; my mind clouded with negativity, but being a Christian I knew that prayer was what I should do. But when I get on my knees and try to pray, the negativity turns into condemnation and I feel too ashamed to come before the Lord and ‘waste’ his time. After another round of excuses and reasons why I should just give up, I went into the bathroom. There I stood with my back to the mirror because I was even ashamed to look at my own face. How can I call myself a Christian, much less a minister, when I can’t even pray my own way out of this depression? Right then and right there, something happened. A spiritual rebuke! But it was done with such love and kindness that I could not help but to receive it.
Here’s what the Spirit said:
You say that you cannot come to God because you feel unworthy to be in His presence. And that feeling of unworthiness keeps you from “wasting his time.” The truth is you are NOT worthy. But that is exactly why he died for YOU! You deserve death for your sins. Instead God extends mercy and grace. He allowed himself to come down in the fleshly form of Jesus because no one on this Earth was worthy enough to carry out the great plan of salvation. Jesus allowed himself to be betrayed by one of his own followers, because you were not worthy enough. He allowed himself to be arrested and falsely accused by the “church folk” of that day. He allowed grown men to whip and beat him until THEY got tired, and he never said a word. Jesus allowed himself to be spat on, ridiculed, and mocked because you were not worthy enough. He allowed them to drive nails through his hands and feet, attaching him to a rugged cross; and when he did speak he asked the Father to forgive THEM!
How dare you hold back from God because you are not worthy! You are unworthy on purpose! No good thing dwells in our flesh. But by accepting this great plan of salvation, you have every right and privilege to come to God with whatever it is that is troubling you. Don’t let satan fool you; there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ. Get in Christ and get away from satan. Know that God loves you no matter what. Imagine being able to openly and honestly confess your faults and sins and feel the loving arms of forgiveness embrace you. That’s God. No greater love can be found among your acquaintances, your friends or even your family.
While battling a bout of depression, I decided to try and pray… again. It was hard because I’ve been down this road so many times before; my mind clouded with negativity, but being a Christian I knew that prayer was what I should do. But when I get on my knees and try to pray, the negativity turns into condemnation and I feel too ashamed to come before the Lord and ‘waste’ his time. After another round of excuses and reasons why I should just give up, I went into the bathroom. There I stood with my back to the mirror because I was even ashamed to look at my own face. How can I call myself a Christian, much less a minister, when I can’t even pray my own way out of this depression? Right then and right there, something happened. A spiritual rebuke! But it was done with such love and kindness that I could not help but to receive it.
Here’s what the Spirit said:
You say that you cannot come to God because you feel unworthy to be in His presence. And that feeling of unworthiness keeps you from “wasting his time.” The truth is you are NOT worthy. But that is exactly why he died for YOU! You deserve death for your sins. Instead God extends mercy and grace. He allowed himself to come down in the fleshly form of Jesus because no one on this Earth was worthy enough to carry out the great plan of salvation. Jesus allowed himself to be betrayed by one of his own followers, because you were not worthy enough. He allowed himself to be arrested and falsely accused by the “church folk” of that day. He allowed grown men to whip and beat him until THEY got tired, and he never said a word. Jesus allowed himself to be spat on, ridiculed, and mocked because you were not worthy enough. He allowed them to drive nails through his hands and feet, attaching him to a rugged cross; and when he did speak he asked the Father to forgive THEM!
How dare you hold back from God because you are not worthy! You are unworthy on purpose! No good thing dwells in our flesh. But by accepting this great plan of salvation, you have every right and privilege to come to God with whatever it is that is troubling you. Don’t let satan fool you; there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ. Get in Christ and get away from satan. Know that God loves you no matter what. Imagine being able to openly and honestly confess your faults and sins and feel the loving arms of forgiveness embrace you. That’s God. No greater love can be found among your acquaintances, your friends or even your family.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
What's the Purpose?
There is a purpose and a plan for each of our lives. Do you realize that some folks are purposed to bring you pain? Others are purposed to criticize you until you reach another level in God. Even Judas Iscariot, the disciple that betrayed Jesus, was purposed for that task and Jesus knew it (John 13:27). Now understand me, I do NOT want to be the one purposed for evil. But this thought does put a different light on my tests and trials.
I often find myself asking God what is my purpose. Just what is that thing that I’m supposed to be doing? I see others walking in their purpose; seeming to know exactly what they are called to do for the Lord. But for some reason my purpose alludes me. Why is that God? During a morning of prayer, fasting, and worshipping I received a breakthrough in my spirit, but still had no answer as to what I was supposed to do. I received a refreshing in my spirit and felt better about getting up in the mornings, but still had no reason as to what I was supposed to do once I did get up. In the midst of the sweet presence of God was absolute stillness. I’m talking stillness to where I would have heard a pin drop in another part of the house. It was like God said, okay I’ve received your worship, but I want you to wait some more. I begged for an answer now so that I would not go back to my mental prison of depression, low self-esteem and confusion. God did not say one word to me. I finally said okay, so I’ll wait. Now I need to learn how to wait with patience and expectancy. And I rebuke the enemy’s voice telling me that no answer will come. Because God is a just God; he is faithful and mindful of me. His word said that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. So I’m seeking… and just waiting on my reward. Stay tuned for the testimony.
I often find myself asking God what is my purpose. Just what is that thing that I’m supposed to be doing? I see others walking in their purpose; seeming to know exactly what they are called to do for the Lord. But for some reason my purpose alludes me. Why is that God? During a morning of prayer, fasting, and worshipping I received a breakthrough in my spirit, but still had no answer as to what I was supposed to do. I received a refreshing in my spirit and felt better about getting up in the mornings, but still had no reason as to what I was supposed to do once I did get up. In the midst of the sweet presence of God was absolute stillness. I’m talking stillness to where I would have heard a pin drop in another part of the house. It was like God said, okay I’ve received your worship, but I want you to wait some more. I begged for an answer now so that I would not go back to my mental prison of depression, low self-esteem and confusion. God did not say one word to me. I finally said okay, so I’ll wait. Now I need to learn how to wait with patience and expectancy. And I rebuke the enemy’s voice telling me that no answer will come. Because God is a just God; he is faithful and mindful of me. His word said that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. So I’m seeking… and just waiting on my reward. Stay tuned for the testimony.
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