Category: Health & Healing

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Wounded

This last weekend our oldest daughter, her husband and two pups came for a visit. We didn’t realize it until Sunday morning but one of the pups got a little to up-close and personal with one of the cactus in our backyard.

When we were driving back to their home on Sunday morning I noticed what I thought was a skin tag on his bottom lip. He didn’t want me to touch it. Our daughter was able to pluck it off and when she did, it began to bleed and drain. It was then we discovered that it was caused by a cactus needle. When it stopped bleeding the irritation and the infection were gone.

Isn’t that the way it is with us sometimes?

We just go along with our every day routine and somewhere along the way we get wounded. Something is said or done or not done that we thought should be and emotionally and/or physically we get pricked. A wound is made and if left alone will fester and become sensitive.

“But deal well with me, O Sovereign Lord, for the sake of your own reputation! Rescue me
 because you are so faithful and good. 22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is full of pain.” Psalm 109:21-22 NLT

The phrase “my heart is full of pain” is also quoted as “my heart is wounded” in another translation. All through the Scripture we are told that Jesus will heal the brokenhearted or that the Lord will comfort those with broken hearts.

A wound has to be cleansed to heal. It has to be opened, washed and any foreign bodies removed. Things like bitterness, self-pity, anger – these cause an infection in our soul. Peter asked Jesus how many times he had to forgive someone for the offenses they caused. Jesus said seventy times seven. 490! Jesus made forgiveness His final act – on the cross He had been physically and emotionally wounded; His final words were for all of us “Father, forgive them”.

“He heals those who have a broken heart. He heals their sorrows.” Psalm 147:3 NLV

God is the faithful physician. He knows how to bring cleansing; He alone can stop the hurt. We all have experienced soul wounding, some to a greater degree than others. Even the smallest prick can cause anguish. When we come to Him with our wounds the Lord covers us with His healing. Forgiveness is the ointment that cleanses.

Shortly after the wound to Bowie’s lip was open he was running around as if nothing had happened. The pain was gone. I pray that any wounds you have experienced will also be healed quickly.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me. He has put His hand on Me to preach the Good News to poor people. He has sent Me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent Me to tell those who are being held that they can go free. He has sent Me to make the blind to see and to free those who are held because of trouble. 19 He sent Me to tell of the time when men can receive favor with the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19 NLV

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Healing Hearts

I intentionally stay away from the news but this story has captivated the country. As I sat here praying for George Floyd’s family I was also praying for those who took his life and for those who are exploiting this terrible situation.

Satan’s works are obvious – hatred, bigotry, death and destruction. Jesus’ works are equally as evident – love, peace, justice and healing.

Jesus said: “A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

A family lost their son and brother through an unconscionable act of hatred. We should be supporting them with our love and prayers. We should move forward with a determination to eradicate racial bias and hatred wherever we find it . The words of Jesus are never more true than at a moment like this:

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:34-35 MSG

Love in action is offering a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, and a heart of compassion.

Those who are rioting and looting are not part of the solution. They are destroying the property of innocent people and spreading hatred. Their actions are doing nothing to help, they are only causing more pain.

We are needed to do the work of Jesus – healing the broken hearted.

“Someone handed Him the book of the early preacher Isaiah. He opened it and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me. He has put His hand on Me to preach the Good News to poor people. He has sent Me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent Me to tell those who are being held that they can go free. He has sent Me to make the blind to see and to free those who are held because of trouble. 19 He sent Me to tell of the time when men can receive favor with the Lord.” Luke 4:17-19 NLV

Join with me in praying for the Floyd family and all who have been touched by this tragedy.

“Father, in the name of Jesus, the name that brings healing and comfort, I pray for the George Floyd family. Let them experience an outpouring of Your love like they have never known. May they be wrapped in Your comfort and experience Your peace that goes beyond all natural pain and sorrow. We also pray that those responsible for this horrible act of hatred, let them repent for what they’ve done and may they find forgiveness in Your love. May those who are doing all manner of evil and exploiting this situation be stopped in Jesus name. Expose those who are initiating and instigating these acts of hatred. May they experience Your justice for their acts. And now Father, show each of us what we can do to bring Your love and healing to all we meet. Amen and Amen!”

I would like to encourage you to reach out to those who have hurting hearts today. It may be someone in your family, your neighborhood or your workplace. They may not be effected by the events of George Floyd’s death but they are hurting all the same. As followers of Christ, we can reach them with the love and compassion that He showed while on earth.

May we be used to help heal the broken hearted!

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A Warm Fire

Have you ever been in the desert on a cold clear night? How about in the desert on a hot blazing day? I have found that the desert is a formidable environment, much more so than the cold mountains.

In Montana we faced some -35 degree temperatures in the winter but in Arizona we have lived through many 110+ degree days. Two things were always welcomed, a good shade and a warm fire.

When I read my Bible I put myself in the story and look around at the terrain, the people, the circumstances. Many years ago I was reading in the book of Exodus and there I saw God’s faithfulness. It was right here in this verse.

“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” Exodus 13:21-22 KJV

Do you see God’s faithfulness? It’s right there in the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. The one thing you need in the desert in the day time is shade and the thing you really need at night is warmth. God provided both.

God told Moses that His name is I AM. I AM your shade and I AM your warmth. Our loving heavenly Father is in the details. He was also I AM your compass or GPS, “follow the cloud and I will not recalculate”. God had the “cloud” before the internet.

This was a big cloud. He was able to keep all the people covered, over 600,000. He is the same loving God today and He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. We won’t be abandoned physically, emotionally or spiritually. The Lord provides a covering for us in all areas of our life.

“Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6 MSG

Some people get hung up on the “be free from the love of money” aspect of this verse and think that God doesn’t want us to have anything. To the contrary, He wants us focused on Him, He is the giver of every good and perfect gift, He is I AM; so with His promise to never leave us or abandon us we will be well supplied.

The Israelites needed warmth and shade. We may need peace and joy, strength and health, forgiveness and love, prosperity and protection, wisdom and favor. Whatever it is, our God is still the I AM who provides for all our needs.

Stay under the cloud of His provision. It is the shade and warmth we need.

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Turning Pages

This morning I was aware of how much I love picking up my Bible, opening to a book, reading the words and turning the pages. There’s just something about actually having the Bible in my hand that encourages and comforts. It brings me joy!

That’s not to say that I don’t use the on-line Bible apps. You know I do! But they are clinical, study tools, research. My physical, leather-bound, underlined, notes- in-margin Bible is my personal heart connection with the Father.

When I was a little girl in Sunday School we had Bible drills. Did you ever do that? The Sunday School teachers called them sword drills. We would close our Bibles, hands on the cover, and then the teacher would give a verse reference and say “go”. The first kid to find the verse would stand and read it aloud. Those sword drills got us familiar with where the different books were in our Bibles.

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews 4:12 NLT

We memorized the books of the Bible in published order, Genesis to Revelation. We learned which books were in the Old Testament and which were in the New and we learned why there was a difference between the two. We were taught who wrote the books under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and some of the back story behind the authors.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” II Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

Have you ever noticed how little children love to have someone read to them? They want to hold the book, look at the pictures, turn the pages…they love to sit on our laps and be involved. Some of my favorite times with my kids and now with my grandchildren is story time. We can read and turn a page but very shortly they want to go back and read it again. We have to look at the pictures and absorb the story!

That’s how I feel when I read my Bible.

I want to live the words written on the pages. Its God’s word to me – it’s personal, very personal.

“Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. 98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. 99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws. 100 I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments. 101 I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word. 102 I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well. 103 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.” Psalm 119:97-103 NLT

Once when Jesus was teaching, speaking God’s word, the whole crowd got upset with Him and walked away. Jesus asked his disciples if they were going to leave too. Here’s their response:

“Then Jesus said to the twelve followers, “Will you leave Me also?” 68 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, who else can we go to? You have words that give life that lasts forever. 69 We believe and know You are the Christ. You are the Son of the Living God.” John 6:67-69 NLV

These are the words of life – not just for life after we die but for our life here on earth. They are our daily instruction and encouragement.

“My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. 21 Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, 22 for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:20-23 NLT

Turn the page, read on, we find God’s love written in the whole of Scripture. No other book has stood the test of time – it is the true and living Word of God.

“Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.” Psalm 119:165 NLV

Turn the Page – the story continues!

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Heart Smart

So many advertisements and commercials encourage us to be “heart smart”. They focus on proper eating habits, exercise, refraining from smoking and living stress free.

I agree that we need to protect our hearts but it won’t come from eating a certain cereal, taking a low grain aspirin everyday, or any other thing that man can advertise. To be truly heart smart take a good dose of Scripture everyday.

“Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.” I Kings 8:61

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 22:37-39.

if you really want to do something to keep your heart healthy keep it centered on God’s Word!

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A Word of Thanks

I want to share with you the good news I received yesterday. I went for my post-op visit with the surgeon who performed my back procedure just over two weeks ago. He said everything looked good and was healing well. I still have a couple weeks of taking it easy but all is well. The procedure was successful and I am back to living a normal, pain-free life.

Thank you for all your prayers. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you to everyone who has helped and offered to help. I love you all.

Thank you Lord for giving the medical world this knowledge that can help so many.

“Tell the Lord how thankful you are,  because he is kind and always merciful. 2 Let Israel shout,   “God is always merciful!” 3 Let the family of Aaron the priest shout, “God is always merciful!” 4 Let every true worshiper of the Lord shout, “God is always merciful!” 5 When I was really hurting, I prayed to the Lord. He answered my prayer, and took my worries away.” Psalm 118:1-5 CEV

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The Great Physician

I woke up around midnight, first I was hot and then I had the chills. Achy joints, stuffy head and raw throat. Felt like I had been hit but a train.

First thing that came to mind was I needed to get up and get a drink of water. Second thought was to pray. That’s exactly what I did. I came to the living room, picked up my Bible, read some of my favorite verses and then thanked the Lord for His healing power. Jesus not only destroyed the power of sin but He also gave us power for healing.

“With all my heart  I praise the Lord,  and with all that I am  I praise his holy name! 2 With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget  how kind he has been. 3 The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4 and protects us from death. His kindness and love  are a crown on our heads. 5 Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5 CEV

If you’re like me you find it hard to believe that we can take this verse literally. That it really means what it says. But, I do know that Christ has forgiven every sin I have committed and those that I will still commit. His sacrifice paid for it all.

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, there is One Who will go between him and the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the One Who is right with God. 2 He paid for our sins with His own blood. He did not pay for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world.” I John 2:1-2 NLV

So by the power of deduction I must believe that healing is also true. It the first half of the verse then the last half must also be true. Years ago I made the decision to trust  God’s word. It is always true! As I sat here, I listed my symptoms and gave each one of them to the Lord in prayer. I thanked Him for  the forgiveness of my sins and the healing of my body.

“ People insulted him, but he did not insult them back. He suffered, but he did not threaten anyone. No, he let God take care of him. God is the one who judges rightly. 24 Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross. He did this so that we would stop living for sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you were healed. 25 You were like sheep that went the wrong way. But now you have come back to the Shepherd and Protector of your lives.” I Peter 2:23-25 ERV

The Lord is faithful to his word. I am so thankful that I know I can trust Him for every area of my life. And then I fell asleep, when I woke up just a few minutes ago all the symptoms but one is gone.  I expect the stuffy nose to clear up soon.

So thankful that God’s word is true and it’s available to every one.

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Heart Trouble

This morning I have a question for you. Do you have heart trouble? Are there triggers in your life that have or are now affecting your heart?

This weekend, you know, we had a garage sale. It was fun; we got rid of some stuff and we really enjoyed talking to the different folks who came.  I was surprised to learn how many of them had heart trouble.

Some had physical trouble while others had broken hearts. Then there were those who were lonely and heart sick.

Heart Trouble.

During my last annual physical the doctor and his assistant asked me about my medical history and that of my family.  Lots of questions. Then there was the counselling on eating properly, getting enough exercise and plenty of rest. Must keep that heart healthy.

Well I’m here this morning with my own Rx for heart trouble. It’s guaranteed to have positive results with every patient.

““Do not let your heart be troubled. You have put your trust in God, put your trust in Me also. ” John 14:1 NLV

Jesus spoke these words to his disciples right before His crucifixion. If any thing would cause “heart trouble” for them it would be this, the death of their friend and leader.  However, Jesus’ command was don’t let this trouble you.

“My son, pay attention to my words and be willing to learn; Open your ears to my sayings. 21 Do not let them escape from your sight; Keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, And healing and health to all their flesh. 23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:20-23 AMP

King Solomon knew the best way to prevent “heart trouble” was to pay attention to God’s word. It provides health and healing to all who choose to live by it.

So if you are experiencing heart trouble this morning, I’m sending you to my cardiologist, He’s never lost a patient.

“But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.

27 Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” John 14:26-27 AMP

Acknowledging God’s presence and His love will put our hearts to rest.

“I have placed the Lord always in front of me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be moved. 9 And so my heart is glad. My soul is full of joy. My body also will rest without fear.” Psalm 16:8-9 NLV

There’s always an appointment available with the Lord, no waiting. Just come and find peace and rest.

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A Simple Touch

There’s a lady I would like you to meet today.

She has been ill for many years. In fact, she has spent almost every penny she has on doctors and she has only gotten worse. Her insurance has run out and she has become an outcast in society.

She isn’t allowed in the public places anymore because people have shunned her.  According to the laws, if she goes out in public she has to stay out of crowds and announce that she is unclean and she can’t have any social interaction with friends and neighbors. She’s a lonely lady but she isn’t hopeless.

In fact she is full of hope. So much so that she is willing to put her very life on the line to follow Jesus!

She heard He is going to be in her neighborhood today and she has heard how many people He has touched and healed and she is determined to get to Him. In her heart she keeps saying, “If I can just touch Him, I will be healed”.  It’s time to go out in the street, on the road – has anyone recognized her? Will they step to the side or pull back from being close to her? Do they know she’s unclean – what has she got to lose?

The crowd in the streets is getting larger. So many people and they are all headed in the same direction. In her weakened physical condition she presses on.  Oh, this is tougher than she thought but she can’t quit now – she has to keep going.  Pushing through the sea of people and being lost in the crowd she can see Him now.  There He is – she can see the back of his head, she’s getting closer!

No! Who’s that with him?

It’s Jairus, one of the leaders from the synagogue!  If he sees her she could be stoned on the spot!  “I have to reach Jesus,  I’ve been following all this time, I have to reach Him. I can almost touch Him.”

Stretching out her hand, she leans forward and she touches Jesus.

“ So Jesus went with Jairus. Many people followed Jesus. They were pushing very close around him.

25 There among the people was a woman who had been bleeding for the past twelve years. 26 She had suffered very much. Many doctors had tried to help her, and all the money she had was spent, but she was not improving. In fact, her sickness was getting worse.

27 The woman heard about Jesus, so she followed him with the other people and touched his coat. 28 She thought, “If I can just touch his clothes, that will be enough to heal me.” 29 As soon as she touched his coat, her bleeding stopped. She felt that her body was healed from all the suffering. 30 Jesus immediately felt power go out from him, so he stopped and turned around. “Who touched my clothes?” he asked.

31 The followers said to Jesus, “There are so many people pushing against you. But you ask, ‘Who touched me?’”

32 But Jesus continued looking for the one who touched him. 33 The woman knew that she was healed, so she came and bowed at Jesus’ feet. She was shaking with fear. She told Jesus the whole story. 34 He said to her, “Dear woman, you are made well because you believed. Go in peace. You will not suffer anymore.”  Mark 5:24-34

Do you see her? The tears are running down her cheeks, she has met Jesus. Her life has been changed. The Master had compassion on her and she is healed!

She risked all to follow Jesus.  In that crowd, I can only imagine that there were others who were sick and infirmed.  What her different?   Jesus said she believed! She had hope, but she didn’t beg – she believed; she trusted in, adhered to and relied on Jesus to be her healer.

She followed Jesus and she found healing, peace, joy and love!

Are you willing to follow Him today?

 

 

 

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Harvest of Healing

Last night I woke up shivering and all my joints were aching. It wasn’t cold in our room so I knew I needed to harvest some of the healing seeds that I had planted years ago.

We first learned the Bible’s scriptures on healing in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. We began to plant seeds immediately. We didn’t have time to be sick nor did our kids. The harvest from these seeds has brought health and healing to our home for many years.

Sometimes return to health has come instantly and at other times it has taken a few days or even a couple weeks. There have been instant healings that have almost been miraculous and others that have been assisted by doctors and modern medicine. No matter what path has brought the healing to our bodies we know that it has been given by God and we praise Him for it.

There are times when the healing comes and it is as sweet as honey. Other times it’s been like a plate of fresh vegetables bring strength and nourishment and at times healing comfort has come like a piece of fresh baked bread with butter. God’s word is food for our souls.

Now let’s plant some seeds.

“For sure He took on Himself our troubles and carried our sorrows. Yet we thought of Him as being punished and hurt by God, and made to suffer. 5 But He was hurt for our wrong-doing. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so we would have peace. He was beaten so we would be healed. 6 All of us like sheep have gone the wrong way. Each of us has turned to his own way. And the Lord has put on Him the sin of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6 NLV

“I will lift You up, O Lord, for You have lifted me up. You have not let those who hate me stand over me in joy. 2 O Lord my God, I cried to You for help and You healed me.” Psalm 30:1-2 NLV

“Praise the Lord, O my soul. And forget none of His acts of kindness. 3 He forgives all my sins. He heals all my diseases. 4 He saves my life from the grave. He crowns me with loving-kindness and pity.” Psalm 103:2-4 NLV

“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble. And He saved them from their suffering. 20 He sent His Word and healed them. And He saved them from the grave. 21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for His loving-kindness and His great works to the children of men!” Psalm 107:19-21 NLV

“My son, listen to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them leave your eyes. Keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. 23 Keep your heart pure for out of it are the important things of life.” Proverbs 4:20-23 NLV

“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Whenever anyone came to Jesus and asked to be healed Jesus granted their petition. He didn’t turn anyone way. And he’s not turning us away either.” Matthew 4:23-24 NIV

“Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” Matthew 10:1 NIV

And just one more.

“He never sinned. No lie or bad talk ever came from His lips. 23 When people spoke against Him, He never spoke back. When He suffered from what people did to Him, He did not try to pay them back. He left it in the hands of the One Who is always right in judging. 24 He carried our sins in His own body when He died on a cross. In doing this, we may be dead to sin and alive to all that is right and good. His wounds have healed you!” I Peter 2:22-24 NLV

I hope you make room in your garden for seeds of health and healing. They are a gift from God for all to enjoy.

And just so you know, as I was writing this my fever broke and the aching joints are gaining more mobility. Praise God!

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