Category: Health & Healing

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Thorns

A couple weeks back Dave was walking across our big area rug when he stepped on some prickly pear needles. If you notice in the picture, they grow in a small cluster.

He was able to get one out by himself and then he told me he needed my help to remove another one. I had him sit down, I got the tweezers and slowly applied pressure to remove it.

All better!

But not really, a week or so later he was still complaining about his heel being sore. I looked at his foot again and saw a small dark spot but I couldn’t get to it. The skin on his heel was so calloused. Even though he had soaked his foot I was unable to get to it. Honestly, I figured it would work itself out.

While we were on vacation, we did lots of walking. Some days he complained that it was sore but for the most part he walked on, relatively unhindered. We had teased that Kym, a nurse, should do “surgery” but then we forgot about it again…until yesterday.

Dave was favoring his foot so much that he had a hard time walking. More soaking – and then I remembered the little electric foot file I have. Long story short, I was able to remove a good deal of the callous, exposing the end of another cactus needle and it popped out.

Relief!

I bet you’re wondering how all this applies to this morning’s devotional thought.

“…let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us. 2 Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor…3 If you want to keep from becoming fainthearted and weary, think about his patience…”Hebrews 12:1-3 TLB

There are so many things in life trying to slow us down, trip us up and/or cripple us in our daily walks. Things like fear, anger, worry, jealousy, heartache, envy, disappointment, low self-esteem. I’m sure you can come up with your own list of things that have tried to destroy your walk with the Lord, things that have discouraged you and tried to get you to quit.

Keep your eyes on Jesus!

We can become so discouraged that we allow our hearts to callous over. Just like Dave’s heel, that tough exterior keeps us from getting to the root of the problem. Left unattended the pain grew worse but when we allow God’s word to scrape away the surface, the thorn is exposed and can be removed. Healing begins.

“God’s word is alive and powerful! It is sharper than any double-edged sword. His word can cut through our spirits and souls and through our joints and marrow, until it discovers the desires and thoughts of our hearts.” Hebrews 4:12 CEV

Perhaps you’re trying to avoid dealing with some “sore” spots today. You’ve been wounded by life’s thorns. Isn’t it time to let the Lord help you remove them, so they are no longer a hindrance?

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Without A Limp

A few days ago, while working outside, I tripped and fell. When Dave helped me up, I could see and feel that my right knee took the brunt of the impact.

For the last week and a half we have been working outside in the cool of the morning. We were almost done and in the process of some clean up. We had laid a ladder down on the patio, it needed to be washed and put away.

I had walked around it several times but this time I forgot it was there. Distracted with something else, it caught the toe of my shoe, I lost my balance and fell forward. I landed hard with my knee hitting the ladder and then the concrete. I was less than graceful.

My knee began swelling immediately – the body’s way of providing protection to the injured part. I pushed myself to finish a couple of small chores and then came in to ice and elevate it. My body was sore and so was my ego. How could I have been so unaware?

Each step the last couple of days, my body has reminded me that I needed to go slow and not overdo. I have done so and this morning when I woke 95% of the pain and stiffness is gone and only a little bruising is left.

It was nice to walk around without a limp and feel back to normal. God has designed our bodies with the amazing ability to heal and regenerate itself.

But it’s not just this physical body, the ability to heal also applies to the spiritual body, the Body of Christ.

“Our own body has many parts. When all these many parts are put together, they are only one body. The body of Christ is like this…14 The body is not one part, but many parts. 15 If the foot should say, ‘I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,’ that would not stop it from being a part of the body. 16 If the ear should say, ‘I am not a part of the body because I am not an eye,’ that would not stop it from being a part of the body…18 But God has put all the parts into the body just as He wants to have them. 19 If all the parts were the same, it could not be a body. 20 But now there are many parts, but one body…24 The parts that can be seen do not need as much care. God has made the body so more care is given to the parts that need it most. 25 This is so the body will not be divided into parts. All the parts care for each other. 26 If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it. If one part is given special care, the other parts are happy. 27 You are all a part of the body of Christ.” I Corinthians 12:13-17 NLV

If one part of the body hurts the other parts hurt with it.

As Christians we are all a part of the body of Christ and when you hurt, I should feel your pain and come to your aide. That’s what it means to be part of His body. We all share in the process of healing.

If you hurt and hide it, I can’t come to your assistance. If I am self-centered I may be judgmental and unwilling to help. Neither condition is of Christ’s choosing.

Let’s all take an active part in seeing that the Body of Christ stays healthy and whole!

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Go To Church Anyway

Years ago, Dave and I helped found a ministry called Christians Cowboys Association. It was an outreach to the farming and ranching communities, mostly in Arizona. We shared Jesus on local ranches, in home Bible studies, at Youth, High School and College Rodeos and at Friday night gatherings we called Cowboy Cathedral.

The ministry was unconventional in the places we went and the folks we ministered to. Many times, we sat on hay bales or metal bleachers beside a rodeo arena. The music was country gospel and the message was the uncompromised Word of God.

Last night I read a post written by a man who had preached some of those rodeo services and it touched my heart. His name is Clay McGuire, and he pastors a church in Buckeye, Arizona called Lighthouse Fellowship. I messaged and asked if I could share this with you. He told me, sure. This writing reminded me of those Christian Cowboy days, these are the kind of people we ministered too, these were the ones who were always welcome.

“GO TO CHURCH ANYWAYS

If you’re having sex before marriage, go to church anyway.

If you are a drug addict trying to beat addiction, go to church anyway.

If you were out drunk all night the night before, go to church anyway.

If you aren’t sure what gender you prefer, go to church anyway.

If you can’t quit that disgusting habit, go to church anyway.

CHURCH is a HOSPITAL for the BROKEN, LOST, EMPTY, CONFUSED, DESPERATE, and REJECTED.

Every sinner has a future, and every saint has a past.

How do we break the chains of addiction and bondage?

By prayer…

Prayer for you.

Prayer with you!

There isn’t a single person in the 4 walls of the church that doesn’t have something they hate or regret about their past.

We’ve all made mistakes and will continue to,

BUT His Grace is enough.

There are things that I’d never want to admit out loud about myself, but God knows.

And He loves me nonetheless.

So whatever you’ve done, whatever you’re doing,

whatever you will do…

it might just change your life if…

YOU GO TO CHURCH ANYWAYS

It certainly did mine.”

There is something strengthening to be found in gathering with other Christians. The Bible tells us that we are all part of one body and each one of us has a part to play in keeping the “body” whole.

“Our bodies are made up of many parts. None of these parts have the same use. 5 There are many people who belong to Christ. And yet, we are one body which is Christ’s. We are all different but we depend on each other.” Romans 12:4-5 NLV

Go to church away?

When Jesus was teaching all were welcome, no one was excluded, and His final earthly message to us was to go to all the world and preach the good news. As Clay said, the church is a hospital for hurting people.

Let’s be the church that Jesus wants us to be – and if you are ever in Buckeye, AZ and need a good place to gather Lighthouse Fellowship is my recommendation.

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Jesus Does a “Good” Job

Today, we’ll look at Jesus and the good works He did while He was on earth.

“ For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.” John 6:38 NLT

It all started with the angels’ message to the shepherds. “Peace on earth, good will to men”.

Jesus birth was the beginning of His mission. It was the entrance of God’s good will to men through the life of His Son. The long-awaited Messiah or Savior was born. Men’s lives would be radically changed, they would see and experience miracles. They would see the goodness of God first hand.

Jesus’ first miracle was at a wedding. I really like this. Today our granddaughter is getting married. I can imagine Jesus coming to that wedding. He came as an invited guest but had no place of prominence. However, his mother found out that they were running low on wine. She came to Jesus and asked him to do something about it, she didn’t want to wedding host to be ridiculed for lack of preparation.

So Jesus did a good thing, He turned the water into wine. After that we know that He healed many, many people – the blind, the lame, those with fevers, the crippled, the lepers, those with defects from birth.

He healed those with mental illness and demoniacs. He brought forgiveness to the outcasts – the tax collectors and prostitutes.

“And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” Acts 10:38 NLT

For all the good He did He was hated by the religious zealots. They despised Him for His good deeds and plotted His death. Even then they couldn’t destroy Him, He rose from the dead and continued to preach the message of good will, reconciliation, from God, the Father.

The works of the Father, His good will, and the works of Jesus continue today.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NLT

This means that Jesus is working good in our lives as well. Just like those in the Bible who came to Him for healing and deliverance, those who needed a miracle, we can come to Him and find that He is willing to work things out for good for us also.

Jesus is still doing good. He is still the miracle worker!

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Read All About It!

This morning Facebook gave me a reminder of where I was and what I was doing nine years ago today.

I was in Waterloo, Iowa with appointments at several doctors’ for follow-up visits after my release from the hospital. I had never been so sick and there were moments that led up to my hospitalization that had me uttering words that I hope I never need to repeat again.

“The Lord’s arm is raised in victory. The Lord has shown his great power again. 17 I will live and not die, and I will tell what the Lord has done.” Psalm 118:16-17 ERV

I praise God for His healing power and His protection over me, not only in moments of crisis but in the everyday times of life. He is my constant source of strength, joy, health and peace.

“Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.” I Samuel 12:24 KJV

My relationship with the Father isn’t one that is casual or that I take for granted and ignore. It is foundational, the core of my being. I am dependent upon Him and His word.

There is a chorus that is running through my mind this morning, one we can all sing:

“How great is our God, sing with me, how great is our God. How great, how great it our God!”

He is great in the good times and in the struggles. He is great in large crowds and in solitude. He is great!

I love the story of the man Jesus restored to his right mind. This man was demon possessed and he lived in the countryside where he ran naked and was surrounded by a herd of pigs. His life was spent in total chaos until He had an encounter with Jesus.

“People went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man sitting there at the feet of Jesus. The man had clothes on and was in his right mind again; the demons were gone. This made the people afraid.” Luke 8:35 ERV

Jesus changes lives! He did then and He does today. He is always the same – yesterday, today and forever.

“The man he had healed begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 ‘Go back home and tell people what God did for you.’ So the man went all over town telling what Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:39

You may not have been healed from a life-threatening illness or been restored to a right mental state but every one of us has a story to tell. It is our personal story of God’s goodness and His love.

Go “publish” the news of God’s greatness! Extra, Extra Read All About It!

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Just The Facts

dun ta dun dun…

If you’re close to my age you remember the theme music for Dragnet.

Since it’s almost Friday, it seems a good time to remind you of those famous words spoken by Sgt. Joe Friday on every episode of Dragnet, you know the ones, “the facts ma’am, just the facts”.

But there’s a difference between the facts and the truth. Have you ever thought about that?

Wanting to know the truth, we should never settle for just the facts.

The facts according to Jewish law said that a woman caught in adultery should be stoned to death. However, the truth was Jesus was moved with compassion, he stopped her accusers, her life was spared, and she was forgiven.

The facts according to Jewish law said that a leper was declared unclean and couldn’t be in close proximity to the general population. The facts stated that a woman who had menstrual bleeding was not allowed in public.

But the truth was that Jesus came to heal the sick and so he touched the leper and healed the woman with the issue of blood.

“Suddenly a man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus. He said, ‘Lord, you have the power to make me well, if only you wanted to.’ 3 Jesus put his hand on the man and said, ‘I want to! Now you are well.’ At once the man’s leprosy disappeared.” Matthew 8:2-3 CEV

“The woman had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him in the crowd and barely touched his clothes. 28 She had said to herself, ‘If I can just touch his clothes, I will be healed.’ 29 As soon as she touched them, her bleeding stopped, and she knew she was healed…The woman knew what had happened to her. So she came trembling with fear and knelt down in front of Jesus. Then she told him the whole story. 34 Jesus said to the woman, ‘You are now well because of your faith. May God give you peace! You are healed, and you will no longer be in pain.’” Mark 5:27-29,33-34 CEV

Jesus by-passed the facts and focused on the truth. The leper needed a touch and Jesus reached out to him. The woman had exhausted all her finances seeking a cure – she needed peace, she needed healing. Jesus didn’t condemn her with the facts but was moved by compassion and healed her.

What facts could be holding you back?

Compare them with the truth of God’s word and see how God’s truth will overcome the facts of your situation.

“Lord, help me learn your ways. Show me how you want me to live. 5 Guide me and teach me your truths. You are my God, my Savior. You are the one I have been waiting for. 6 Remember to be kind to me, Lord. Show me the tender love that you have always had.” Psalm 25:4-6 ERV

The facts without compassion can be condemning but wrapping the facts in God’s compassion brings peace, healing, kindness and forgiveness.

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Stay Fit

When I was a young mother I chased around after the kids and had energy and strength. Dave and I farmed 900 acres of alfalfa with the assistance of an irrigator and a lady who drove the equipment that picked the bales up out of the fields.

But mostly, it was just the two of us doing all the cutting, baling and equipment repair. The owner we worked for had developed the land out in the desert, close to the Gila River, south of Phoenix.

We often joked and said it was our desert wilderness but it was the place we learned about the promises and the power of God. I will digress briefly. Here we started listening to teachings on cassette tapes about “who we are in Christ”. We began studying, not just reading, but studying God’s word and through the prompting of the Holy Spirit we began applying the Scriptures to our lives.

We worked long, hard hours and we were definitely in shape physically but more importantly we were developing spiritual muscle.

“ …But teach yourself to be devoted to God. 8 Training your body helps you in some ways. But devotion to God helps you in every way. It brings you blessings in this life and in the future life too. ” I Timothy 4:7b-8 ERV

Yesterday, we were preparing for our annual garage sale and a young woman stopped by with her family. She was strong, energetic and friendly. She had no problem helping her husband load their truck with the items they had purchased.

She reminded me of the me from those days of farming. Watching her also reminded me that I need to work on regaining some physical strength. I certainly want to continue to live a long and healthy life.

As I was thinking about yesterday’s meeting I remembered Caleb from the Old Testament. He was a younger man when the Israelites left Egypt and started their 40 year trek in the desert. He was one of the twelve spies that came back and told Moses the land “was flowing with milk and honey” and “there are giants in the land but we can take the giants”. The people were stopped by fear and would not go forward as God commanded. Joshua and Caleb, however, remained faithful to the Lord and so, years later, they went in to conquer the land and enjoy its richness.

“Joshua gave Caleb some land among the people of Judah, as God had told him to do. Caleb’s share was Hebron, which at that time was known as Arba’s Town, because Arba was the famous ancestor of the Anakim. 14 Caleb attacked Hebron and forced the three Anakim clans of[ Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai to leave.” Joshua 15:13-14 CEV

As an older man, probably my age or older, Caleb fought the inhabitants of the land, who were giants, and won! He was able-bodied and able to accomplish all that God had for him to do. I want to be like Caleb.

Am I Older? Yes. Wiser? Definitely. Growing in faith? Certainly. Physically stronger? Working on that!

“Lord, show me how to continue to grow physically and spiritually stronger so I am able to accomplish all you have planned for me. I want to be a giant slayer!”.

Whatever our lot in life we all have something God wants us to do. Remember we can do ALL things through Christ who gives us the strength!

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I Will Sustain You!

This morning those were the opening words in my Bible reading, “I will sustain thee”!

Those words have a particular importance to me today. I had been sitting here praying for my dear friend from high school. She and I have shared many experiences, heart aches and joys, over the years. Miles have separated us but the love we share has never waned.

I silence my phone during the night and so when I woke up this morning I had a text from her. She was diagnosed with cancer a week a go. Today she will have exploratory surgery. As I sat here I prayed for her strength and healing, for the medical teams skill and wisdom, peace for her and her family and death to every cancer cell in her body.

A fighting spirit emerged from my heart. I went to my Bible looking for answers and the Lord brought me this verse.

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4 NIV

God’s word has our answers, there is nothing that comes our way that He cannot change. “I will sustain you and I will rescue you” are great words of promise and hope.

We are never on the sidelines when it comes to our family and loved ones. The Apostle Paul tells us that we are all members of one body in Christ and when one members hurts we should all come to their aide. Our prayers, our encouragement, our faith are needed on their behalf.

And, when we’ve done all we know to do we stand, stand firmly on God’s word.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you are able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the worldly forces of this darkness, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist when the times are evil, and after you have done everything to stand firm. Stand firm then!” Ephesians 6:10-14 TLV

This morning I need some gray-haired prayer warriors to send prayers of encouragement, of healing and strength to my friend. We have a Father who will carry us, sustain us and rescue us.

I believe that with all my heart.

“God is not a man who lies, or a son of man who changes His mind! Does He speak and then not do it, or promise and not fulfill it? Numbers 23:19 TLV

Join me in my battle cry – “He will sustain and rescue”!

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He Did It Again!

It amazes me how my Father, my God, delights in ending my day! Last night He gave me this great display as I was getting off work!

Spectacular!!

I went to sleep last night with an old song running through my mind. I’ve shared it with you before but it was so appropriate.

“Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above, With wisdom, power and love, Our God is an awesome God.”

Oh, and He is certainly that! Amazing and awesome!!

Then this morning as I gazed at this picture from last night’s sunset another song came to mind. I really can’t think of a better way to start any morning than in song of praise to the Father.

“Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness, My God that is who You are“

Isn’t it mind boggling that God wants us to know Him in such a dramatic way. Each one of those characteristics of God are spelled out for us in Scripture.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 NIV

“Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, “I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.” John 8:12 CEV

“Our Lord, no other gods compare with you— Majestic and holy!  Fearsome and glorious!
Miracle worker!” Exodus 15:11 CEV

Do you need to know the right way to go or to depend on Someone who will never lie? Do you feel you are groping around in the darkness? Maybe you just need a miracle. If any of those apply, come to Almighty God, our gracious heavenly Father, in Him you will find all you need.

He did all this for those in the Bible as an example for us and He will do it again!

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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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