I was catching up with a good friend recently and we ended up sharing our stories of the problems and hardships we suffered over the last year. Yet at the end of it all, my friend declared that this year would be a year of healing in her life. And when I stopped to think about it, I realized that just as Ecclesiastes 3:3 says, this may very well be “a time to heal.”
Healing is a process of renewal. It is the way in which we are made whole or restored. For example, when we fall and break our leg, over time, it heals. Using that example, let’s keep in mind that the physical process of healing is not much different from the spiritual one.
First of all, at the point of injury, we cry out for help. Just as a broken leg can lead to an outcry of “Call 911!” an injured spirit cries out to the Lord in prayer (Psalm 6:9). Next, is treatment. Just as only a skilled healthcare professional can attend to a broken leg, we can only trust our personal crises to the master Healer who knows how to straighten out our situation (Proverbs 3:5–6). Then there is the recovery process. Our leg may be set in a cast and we may be instructed to go easy on it for a while. In spiritual healing, we may set aside a period of time for prayer and fasting. We may also need to do some forgiving and letting go of the past for a complete recovery (Colossians 3:13).
An often quoted scripture from Isaiah 53:5 reminds us of the connection between physical and spiritual healing. In speaking of Jesus Christ, the messiah, the passage reads, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
Jesus paid the ultimate price and gave His life so that we may be healed from the ravages of sin. That’s why we have hope, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Just when we think we’re down, we are not out. We may feel dragged through, but we can make it to the other side. We may get beaten down, but we can get up again. And just when it seems like we’re run over, we find that we can overcome anything.
Let the healing begin!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Love Your Enemies
One of the most difficult concepts in the Bible is the idea of loving our enemies. Is it even possible to love someone who has done their best to cause us harm? Well, it is difficult, but it is not impossible.
Jesus himself said in Matthew 5:43–45, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Wow. That’s pretty hard for most of us to swallow. There are those in the world who are simply out to emotionally and/or physically hurt us. And our instruction from God is to love them and to even pray for them! This goes against everything society tells us. We’re supposed to prove that we’re not punks, plot our revenge, get the upper hand, and make them pay! Right?
Well…not if we want to live God’s way.
First and foremost, prayer is essential. When we spend time with God, it helps keep us from focusing all our attention on the enemy. Praying for our enemies also demonstrates obedience to the Lord and a willingness to trust in Him to work out the situation. Loving our enemies is one of the best ways to show God that we love Him.
Jesus knew what it was like to be persecuted. While here on earth, He endured many attacks from enemies. He was talked about, insulted, ridiculed and beaten. But He gave us the example to follow. In Matthew 5:46–48, Jesus says, “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
I’m going to love those who hate me, because I love Him most of all.
Jesus himself said in Matthew 5:43–45, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Wow. That’s pretty hard for most of us to swallow. There are those in the world who are simply out to emotionally and/or physically hurt us. And our instruction from God is to love them and to even pray for them! This goes against everything society tells us. We’re supposed to prove that we’re not punks, plot our revenge, get the upper hand, and make them pay! Right?
Well…not if we want to live God’s way.
First and foremost, prayer is essential. When we spend time with God, it helps keep us from focusing all our attention on the enemy. Praying for our enemies also demonstrates obedience to the Lord and a willingness to trust in Him to work out the situation. Loving our enemies is one of the best ways to show God that we love Him.
Jesus knew what it was like to be persecuted. While here on earth, He endured many attacks from enemies. He was talked about, insulted, ridiculed and beaten. But He gave us the example to follow. In Matthew 5:46–48, Jesus says, “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
I’m going to love those who hate me, because I love Him most of all.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Seeing the God in the Bad
When we are faced with the trials of life, such as the loss of a loved one, a financial crisis, or a devastating disappointment, it’s easy to lose perspective. The hurt, the pain, or the sting can be so overwhelming that we may take our focus off God and, instead, put it on our situation. But when we learn to look for the presence of the Lord in our circumstances, we may begin to overcome the snares of depression, anxiety, and helplessness.
Jesus never promised heaven on earth. In fact, in speaking with the disciples—His loyal followers—Jesus warned them that they would face many trials and tribulations here on earth. Jesus says in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” My brothers and sisters in Christ, we are not immune to the problems of life. But what separates us from the rest of the world is our hope in Christ, and the comfort we can find in the Holy Spirit.
So how do we deal with the trials of life? What do we do when a spouse walks out? When a child becomes lost to the streets and ends up in jail? After losing a job with no promise of finding a new one right away? When a poor choice leads to personal downfall? In Philippians 4:4–9, Paul outlines a perfect strategy:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” When Paul says “always,” he doesn’t just mean praise God for the good. We need to know how to praise God in the middle of the bad. He is still God and He is always in control.
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Even when we are in the midst of a trial, we must remain humble and reflect Christ in our words and actions.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” When the fears creep in and our blood pressure rises, that’s when we need to immediately stop and take our concerns to the Lord in prayer.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Know that the Holy Spirit will comfort you during your trial so that even when it seems as though everything around you is falling apart, you can have the peace of mind to keep yourself together.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” My brothers and sisters in Christ, we have to stop focusing on the negative aspects of the situation and see the hand of God at work—it is just as valid to look for what went right as it is to focus on what went wrong. Perspective is everything.
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Study the scriptures and learn from the examples of others. Know that the same God who delivered them can deliver you.
Things may be bad, but God is always good. I’m trusting in Him to get me through!
Jesus never promised heaven on earth. In fact, in speaking with the disciples—His loyal followers—Jesus warned them that they would face many trials and tribulations here on earth. Jesus says in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” My brothers and sisters in Christ, we are not immune to the problems of life. But what separates us from the rest of the world is our hope in Christ, and the comfort we can find in the Holy Spirit.
So how do we deal with the trials of life? What do we do when a spouse walks out? When a child becomes lost to the streets and ends up in jail? After losing a job with no promise of finding a new one right away? When a poor choice leads to personal downfall? In Philippians 4:4–9, Paul outlines a perfect strategy:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” When Paul says “always,” he doesn’t just mean praise God for the good. We need to know how to praise God in the middle of the bad. He is still God and He is always in control.
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Even when we are in the midst of a trial, we must remain humble and reflect Christ in our words and actions.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” When the fears creep in and our blood pressure rises, that’s when we need to immediately stop and take our concerns to the Lord in prayer.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Know that the Holy Spirit will comfort you during your trial so that even when it seems as though everything around you is falling apart, you can have the peace of mind to keep yourself together.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” My brothers and sisters in Christ, we have to stop focusing on the negative aspects of the situation and see the hand of God at work—it is just as valid to look for what went right as it is to focus on what went wrong. Perspective is everything.
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Study the scriptures and learn from the examples of others. Know that the same God who delivered them can deliver you.
Things may be bad, but God is always good. I’m trusting in Him to get me through!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Clean House
“Out with the old, in with the new,” is a phrase you may often hear this time of year. It may be used in a material sense, as in getting rid of old items to make room for the new ones that came with the holiday gift-getting. Or, the term may be used spiritually, as in getting rid of old habits to take on newer, healthier ways of living. Either way, “out with the old and in with the new” is the first start to cleaning house.
There is a show on the Style cable network called “Clean House.” On the program, people who are trapped in a lifestyle of clutter are given an opportunity to change their lives. The Clean House crew arrives to help the residents sort through the chaos of knick-knacks, dirty clothes, and whatnot that they have been living in. This includes a heart-to-heart talk to understand when the chaos began—which is usually after some traumatic life event, such as the death of a loved one. After a yard sale, some new furniture, and a fresh coat of paint, the residents return home to find everything clean and uncluttered. And they promise to lead a life that will sustain their clutter free, clean house.
At this time of year, you may hear folks make the resolution to clean up their act, or get their house in order for 2010. If the pledge is sincere, the result can be life-altering. In 2 Kings 20:1, King Hezekiah was told to get his house in order (or clean house) by Isaiah, a prophet of the Lord. Isaiah went further to explain that Hezekiah was going to die. However, the king wept so bitterly that God sent Isaiah with a new message—that He would add 15 years to Hezekiah’s life. God honored Hezekiah’s tears and had mercy on him.
Let’s get serious about cleaning up this year. Whether it’s a material or a spiritual matter, I’m ready to clean house and get on with better living!
There is a show on the Style cable network called “Clean House.” On the program, people who are trapped in a lifestyle of clutter are given an opportunity to change their lives. The Clean House crew arrives to help the residents sort through the chaos of knick-knacks, dirty clothes, and whatnot that they have been living in. This includes a heart-to-heart talk to understand when the chaos began—which is usually after some traumatic life event, such as the death of a loved one. After a yard sale, some new furniture, and a fresh coat of paint, the residents return home to find everything clean and uncluttered. And they promise to lead a life that will sustain their clutter free, clean house.
At this time of year, you may hear folks make the resolution to clean up their act, or get their house in order for 2010. If the pledge is sincere, the result can be life-altering. In 2 Kings 20:1, King Hezekiah was told to get his house in order (or clean house) by Isaiah, a prophet of the Lord. Isaiah went further to explain that Hezekiah was going to die. However, the king wept so bitterly that God sent Isaiah with a new message—that He would add 15 years to Hezekiah’s life. God honored Hezekiah’s tears and had mercy on him.
Let’s get serious about cleaning up this year. Whether it’s a material or a spiritual matter, I’m ready to clean house and get on with better living!
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