Healing 9 - What's in a Name?

         Growing up, when we sometimes encountered conflict with one of our playmates we would say, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names will never hurt me." Remember that? Well, I later learned words spoken over us or about us can possibly be detrimental.

         God's Word says so many good things about us--it produces life in us. We are made in His image and after His likeness, so the eternal names that describe His character and His nature describe who He is to us and what He has provided for us. For example, He is:

• Jehovah Jireh - the Lord our provider - He sees ahead and meets our needs.
• Jehovah Nissi - the Lord our banner (victory). We always win with Him.
• Jehovah M'Kaddesh - the One who sanctifies us and makes us clean
• Jehovah Shalom - the Lord our peace - His peace can rule in our hearts all the time.
• Jehovah Shammah - the Lord who is present - His is always there when we need Him.
• Jehovah Raah - the Lord our Shepherd - He will lead us in the paths we should go in.
• Jehovah Sabaoth - the Lord of hosts - He will protect us, fight our battles and deliver us.

        And this list is not exhaustive. So, if God is all these things to us, then He wouldn't leave off Jehovah Rapha, our healer. He is the One who makes us whole. He is the Almighty God that does not change!

Scripture Links:     

 Genesis 22:14; Exodus 17:15-16; Leviticus 20:8; Judges 6:24; Ezekiel 48:35; Psalm 23; II Kings 3:14

To Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior:

(Sinner's Prayer) Dear God, I am a sinner. I need a savior. I need Jesus. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose on the third day. I ask Jesus now to come into my heart and to become Lord over my life. Satan has no more power over me. I say with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. Father, help me to live for you, and thank you for saving me. John 3:16.

Healing 8 - With Long Life He Will Satisfy

       Many were saddened by the recent untimely death of recording artist, actress, producer and model Whitney Houston. She was clearly gifted by God.  

       Although the details surrounding her departure are still unfolding and we don't know all the whys, we must remember that we still serve a good and a gracious God who has promised us long life. One translation of Psalm 91:16 says He will reward us with long life and He will save us.

       The apostle Paul had to decide whether or not he wanted to stay on earth or go to be with the Lord. It was a hard decision for him, because he knew what lay ahead. Although he said to be with Christ was far better, he decided to stay on earth until he had finished his course---the work God had ordained for him to complete. He had a choice, and so do we.

       We are all gifted by God and were created to fulfill a specific purpose. So as front liners, let us be good soldiers and finish our tours of duty. Let us fight the good fight of faith. (It is a good fight, because we are on the winning side!)  

       Decide today to be like Moses was in his old age: His eyes were still strong, his body was strong and he still had a spring in his step! Or, how about Job? His flesh was like a young child’s---he returned to the days of his youth! What did Abraham do? He died in a good, old age, full of years, satisfied with life. And David, the man after God's own heart, died at a ripe, old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth, honor and respect.

     Also, for those of us who choose to stay and fight, God has promised us crowns of righteousness---that's good news! 

     He has promised us long life...decide today not be denied. Be healed, and God bless you.

Scripture Links:

Psalm 91:16; Philippians 1:22-24; II Timothy 4:5, 7-9; Deuteronomy 34:7; Job 33:25; Genesis 25:8; I Chronicles 29:26-28

To Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior:

(Sinner's Prayer) Dear God, I am a sinner. I need a savior. I need Jesus. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose on the third day. I ask Jesus now to come into my heart and to become Lord over my life. Satan has no more power over me. I say with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. Father, help me to live for you, and thank you for saving me.  John 3:16.

Healing 7 - The Good Shepherd

      I learned the twenty-third Psalm as a child, but I had no idea who my Shepherd was. Years later I began to discover who He is to me.

       He:

• knows me, and knows me by name
• feeds me and sees that my needs are met
• leads and guides me in right paths
• restores my soul and provides rest and tranquility for me
• never leaves me and comes after me if I am lost 
• provides comfort and healing for me when I need it
• pulls me out and delivers me from danger 
• shows goodness and mercy to me
• is willing to give His life for me, (which He did)

    With our Shepherd there is no lack, but overwhelming abundance for us in every area of our lives. He takes such good care of us. 
     We don’t want for forgiveness, righteousness or fellowship with Him. We don't want for strength in our souls, peace in our minds or health in our bodies. 
    The condition of the sheep is a reflection of his shepherd. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Let's stick close to Him.

Scripture Links:

Psalm 23; John 21:15-17; Matthew 10:7-8; Luke 15:3-7; John 10:11

To Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior:

(Sinner's Prayer) Dear God, I am a sinner. I need a savior. I need Jesus. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose on the third day. I ask Jesus now to come into my heart and to become Lord over my life. Satan has no more power over me. I say with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. Father, help me to live for you, and thank you for saving me. John 3:16.

Healing 6 - Healing in the Vine

       Polly and Bea are two large peace lilies in my office at school--named for my grandmother and my mother. There is lots of natural light there, and they like basking in it. 

      About two weeks ago, Bea began to wilt, even after a routine watering, so I knew I needed to do something quickly to keep her from going into distress. I bought a new pot and new soil and quickly took her across the hall to the science teacher's room. This lady is a master at reviving sickly plants.

      After Bea was  transplanted, though, she began a downward spiral. Her leaves wilted even more, and several leaves began to turn yellow. She looked as if she would die. After a few days, though, she began to show signs of life and is on the mend now.   

       Just as we do not tolerate sickness in our plants, we should be just as adamant about not tolerating sickness in our bodies. When we see something wrong with our plants, we instinctively take action to fix the problem, so why wouldn't we  treat our bodies the same way? We are a part of Christ's body, and Christ isn't sick.

        Jesus is our vine, we are His branches, and the life coming from the vine is the same life in the branches. He is a healthy vine,  and a healthy vine means healthy branches. In Him is light, and no shadow of darkness can exist in Him. So because there is no corruption in Him, so there should be no corruption in us!

      Besides this, God accomplishes and manifests His will through His body, so when we are well, we can do the work He has called us to do on the earth.  Jesus is a healthy, strong vine, so we should be healthy, strong branches! 

Keep hope alive......

Scripture links:

I Corinthians 12:27;  John 15:5; I John 1:5; Acts 13:37

To Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior:

(Sinner's Prayer) Dear God, I am a sinner. I need a savior. I need Jesus. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose on the third day. I ask Jesus now to come into my heart and to become Lord over my life. Satan has no more power over me. I say with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. Father, help me to live for you, and thank you for saving me. John 3:16