Straight Paths Heal Wounds

Straight Paths Heal Wounds

Hebrews 12: ¹² Lift up your tired hands, then, and strengthen your trembling knees! ¹³ Keep walking on straight paths, so that the lame foot may not be disabled, but instead be healed.

 

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After experimenting with “fun” everyone else was having, I noticed my life was not getting any better. In fact, it seemed to be getting worse. I sat on the on my couch and made a decision. “I need to get my life in order” I said to myself.

 

• I felt tired from trying things that were supposed to make me “happy” but found them to be temporary.
• I was trembling from fear of the future, because the “fun” was not addressing any problem I was facing.
• I knew in my heart I needed to do something different.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, begins his final words with some sage advice. “Instead of being tired and scared, why not follow GOD who provides a straight path to HIM and HIS power?” is the implied question in his statement. He knew only GOD can provide the answer.

 

My Observations:

• Only GOD can give me rest when I am weary.
• Only GOD can heal my woundedness when I am hurt.
• Only GOD can provide a straight path instead of the wandering crooked path I easily get on.

 

True success comes from GOD. I mean, HE holds the criteria for what a peaceful life looks like. Unfortunately, I try things that cause me to lose that peace. I seek the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. These things take me away from GOD. BUT GOD brings me back.

 

With gentle correction and wiping my tears away, GOD shows me how much HE cares for me and heals me of life’s wounds. HE provides a path that is straight. I gladly follow HIS way.

 

Challenge

• What is the “straight path” the writer is speaking about?
• Have you ever wandered away from what GOD wants you to do and found yourself in more trouble?
• Will you seek the answers from GOD instead of investing in what the world will have you do today?

Balanced

Balanced

Colossians 3: ¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, for that is what you should do as Christians.

¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

²⁰ Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents always, for that is what pleases God.

²¹ Parents, do not irritate your children, or they will become discouraged.

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Imperfect people with many life changes, needed a way to navigate ambiguity. With hurt happening all around, something needed to be said. But what could be the problem? Imbalance.

 

• Wives had complaints about husbands.
• Husbands had complaints about wives.
• Children had complaints about parents and parents complained about their children.

 

Paul addressed issues that continue to this day. Families had become imbalanced and looked for solutions. Unfortunately the solutions must not have worked so the complaints remained. He brings the ultimate solution to address imbalance.

 

My Observations

• Only GOD can bring families back into balance.
• With CHRIST as the foundation, imbalance can be cured.
• GOD wants me to look at my role through HIS eyes instead of mine.

 

Looking at CHRIST as the answer sounds easy, but can be difficult if things are out of balance. I mean, if CHRIST is used to wound people into doing a role that is expected by another person, regret, distrust and resentment can appear. The result is more imbalance. BUT GOD has this too.

 

HE has seen family after family after family try and make mistakes. HE knows the walking wounded need help and HE is willing to bring balance to a specific role. HE wants me to come into balance with HIM first so I can see my role through healed, not hurt lenses. I am grateful for my family and love the fact that GOD loves each person far more than I could ever imagine.

 

Challenge

• What words do you get stuck on from the writer?
• What words from the writer can throw things out of balance?
• Does looking at your own role hurt or bring excitement to you?
• Will you seek a balanced approach by understanding the love that CHRIST has shown can live in you today?

Scars of Life

 

Scars of Life

Galatians 6: ¹⁷ To conclude: let no one give me any more trouble, because the scars I have on my body show that I am the slave of Jesus.

 

¹⁸ May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, my friends. Amen.

 

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With tears in my eyes, I accepted CHRIST as my Savior. Afterwards, I was able to speak about HIM at a young age. But life happened. I grew up and became an adult. Broken pocket, Broken concentration and broken relationships left me scarred and wounded. Where was I to turn?

 

• Life dealt me many blows.
• Life wounded me and changed my words of praise.
• Life scarred me and I had a troubled heart.

 

Paul wrote this letter of love out of anguish. He had been beaten so badly for preaching about JESUS, that at one point, he could not even physically write. He had dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel of JESUS and faced extreme persecution. He concluded the letter by warning the readers not to report quarrels or troubles any longer, but to turn their lives to CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• When life scars me, GOD is there to give me grace.
• When my heart is troubled, the HOLY SPIRIT is there to give me comfort.
• When I fall to sin, JESUS is there to forgive me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness.

 

Life can be difficult at times. I mean, even when I am speaking about the love of GOD, the world seems to throw another dagger at my heart. BUT GOD is the remedy. HE loves me dearly and offers me a gift, namely JESUS. When I accept the gift, my wounds heal.

 

HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me, which makes me see life differently. I now know there is an adversary who seeks to rob, kill and destroy any possession of GOD. Of course I will face persecution from the world that belongs to Satan. But this persecution is temporary. I am glad JESUS gives me and many others grace.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by being a “slave of JESUS?”
• Have you felt anguish or persecution?
• Will you respond to trials with grace and peace instead of letting troubles keep you from praising GOD today?

A B C’s Never Disappoints

 

A B C’s Never Disappoints

Romans 10: ⁹ If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is by our faith that we are put right with God; it is by our confession that we are saved. ¹¹ The scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.” ¹² This includes everyone, because there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles; God is the same Lord of all and richly blesses all who call to him. ¹³ As the scripture says, “Everyone who calls out to the Lord for help will be saved.”

 

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After the ridicule of my kinky hair, I combed it so I could fit in. This was met with “Your clothes are too raggedy.” I got a job and bought some clothes. This was met with “Your glasses look funny.” I saved up and bought new glasses. This was met with “You are too skinny.” Too skinny for what I wondered. I was disappointed.

 

• There have been times when I did not feel like I fit in.
• There have been times when I did not feel like anyone cared.
• There have been times when I did not feel like I would ever be accepted.

 

Paul wrote the best news I could ever have heard. If I would confess that JESUS is LORD and  believe that GOD raised JESUS from being dead, I will be saved. He then states that it does not matter if I am a Jew or Gentile, GOD will include me, any sin, any length of time sinning.

 

• GOD wants me to acknowledge JESUS is LORD of all.
• GOD wants me to believe that HE raised JESUS from the dead.
• GOD wants me to confess that I am a sinner in need of JESUS as my Savior.

 

It is as simple as that. These wonderful words are met with even better words. “Whoever believes in HIM will not be disappointed.” You mean I don’t have to try to have the latest clothes, or hair style or wonder if my body shape would keep me out of the crowd? No.

 

GOD never disappoints. When I believe in JESUS, HE lovingly brings me into HIS family. HE then places the HOLY SPIRIT inside me to guide me, comfort me and plea for me. I can call to HIM with any trouble and HE will always be there for me. I acknowledge I need JESUS and believe in HIS saving power and I confess I am a sinner.

 

• Are you weary from trying to fit in with that group, job or people?
• Do you think your sin has been going on too long and no one will help you?
• Will you acknowledge JESUS is LORD and believe that GOD raised HIM from the dead and confess you need HIM as your Savior so you will be saved today?

Taken Care Of

Taken Care Of

John 21: ⁷ Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. ⁸ But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. ⁹ Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. ¹⁰ Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”

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Waiting in line at the toll nearest work, my mind raced with the projects I was working on. I finally stopped thinking long enough to notice the car in front of me was taking longer than normal. “What is taking them so long?” I said out loud impatiently to myself. When I got to the toll window, the person said “You can go through. The person ahead of you paid your toll.”

• There were times when I received more than I gave.
• There were times when I received an unexpected windfall.
• There were times when I received something wonderful that I did not deserve.

JESUS filled the nets of the disciples after they abandoned the idea of following HIM. I mean, HE was dead. Would you blame them? One disciple recognized JESUS on the shore and told Peter, who immediately jumped in the water to get to JESUS. He abandoned the great catch, seeking what he had been looking for. JESUS had even more fish and bread for them.

• GOD wants to bless me wildly.
• GOD wants to give me abundant life.
• GOD wants to see me elated within HIS mighty will.

In the middle of discouragement, JESUS appears, ready to pick me up to serve HIM. HE guides me to a plan that I usually do not understand. Something as simple as smiling when everyone is frowning may seem powerless, BUT GOD uses it to disarm those who are battling with HIM.

JESUS knows exactly what I want and need, HE wants me to be excited enough to jump in and follow HIM. HE has given me plenty and has even more to give to me. HE has taken care of me and all my situations.

• Are you in a period where your faith is waning?
• Do you see only trouble around you?
• Will you open your eyes and see the mighty hand of GOD, protecting you, guiding you and giving to you today?

Missing the Plot

Luke 24: ²⁵ He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ ²⁷ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

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Entering the movie five minutes late, I raced to grab a seat. I sat there confused because I missed some very important words at the very beginning of the movie. I was lost for the duration of the show because I could not understand the plot of the movie.

• There have been times when I wondered what was happening.
• There have been times when I sat and thought “am I missing something?”
• There have been times when it seemed like life went on without me because I missed the plot.

JESUS explains what the scripture said about HIM to the two men HE traveled with after HIS resurrection. HE had said, very clearly, that HE would rise from the dead and HE did just that. “How foolish you are and how slow to believe” is what JESUS exclaimed because the lessons HE preached were not accepted.

• JESUS wants me to believe that HE loves me.
• JESUS wants me to know that my salvation came from HIM and HIM alone.
• JESUS wants me to accept my weakness and grab onto HIS strength.

All of the scriptures are about JEUS. I have tried to make them about me or “that” person, but this is wrong to do. Every word in the bible is about the love of CHRIST for me and every being HE created. HE is the main plot of the greatest true story ever told. JESUS is my refuge.

• Do you feel like you are missing the point of life?
• Do you wonder why you have to go through calamity?
• Will you focus more of your attention on GOD so HE can show you how you fit in HIS plans instead of trying to put GOD under your plans?

Made Whole

Luke 8: ⁴³ Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, ⁴⁴ came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.

⁴⁵ And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?”

When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ”

⁴⁶ But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” ⁴⁷ Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.

⁴⁸ And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

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Not liking who I was, I walked around complaining constantly. I mean I felt I was broken. I did not like my body size, hair, clothes, skin color, social status and financial capability. Everything was wrong and I wanted people to know this.

• There were times when I felt everything was broken.
• There were times when even my physical body was broken.
• There were times when I thought nothing was right in my life.

For over 4,300 days, day after day a woman was reminded that something was wrong. Her constant bleeding probably left her anemic with no solution in sight. She saw her opportunity to be healed and simply touched the hem of JESUS’s garment and was immediately made whole.

• When I accepted JESUS as my Savior I was made whole.
• When I believed that JESUS, who is GOD, became a human to die for me, I was made whole.
• When I confessed my sins to JESUS, HE cleansed me of all unrighteousness and made me whole.

Sometimes I want more than I have. I mean I an sometimes not satisfied with my current situation. BUT GOD has made me whole. HE has healed me from the wounds of eternal death and cares for me daily. No matter what the situation is, HE loves me without a doubt.

• Are you facing a prolonged issue?
• Are you reminded about your problems day after day?
• Will you reach out to JESUS’ power and allow HIM to make you whole?
• Will you accept where HE has you and praise HIM today?

Hope Power

Luke 8: Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, ² and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, ³ and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.

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Running as fast as I could I began to grow weary. I could see the bus, crammed with people,  that I missed and it seemed to get further and further away as I chased it. Finally I gave up as I saw the bus pick up momentum in a stretch where there were no awaiting passengers. I lost hope.

• Some days I felt like giving up.
• Some days it seemed like I was chasing something that I could never catch.
• Some days I felt like my legs were moving as fast as I could make them go, but I was standing still.

Jesus went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of GOD. HE brought hope to the hopeless. Many women who HE healed and saved were so grateful that they gave up everything just to serve HIM.

• JESUS wants me to place my hope in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to hear glad reports about the kingdom of GOD.
• JESUS wants me to not give up but stand still and wait on HIS power.

Hope brings me power. When I place my hope in what I can do, I run out of energy quickly. BUT GOD says “Wait on ME.” Back to the bus situation. I stopped at an obscure bus stop and minutes later an empty bus pulled up and I sat in comfort as this bus eventually passed the full one I was chasing. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

• Where are you placing your hope?
• Are you feeling down because things are not going your way?
• Can you stop trying to do things under your own power and get GOD’s power by placing your hope in HIM today?

Healed

Luke 4: ³⁸ Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. But Simon’s wife’s mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. ³⁹ So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them.

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“GOD I won’t do that again!” I said clutching my chest. The pain was so intense; I thought I was going to die. I figured I had been hanging out, sinning too much and maybe it was GOD’s way of punishing me. Days later, when the pain went away, The thought of hanging with my “friends” came back to mind. I mean church people were so boring to hang around.

• There were times when I did not believe in supernatural healing.
• There were times when I questioned “If GOD exists, then why are people sick?”
• There were times when I lived my life doing anything “I” wanted to do without a thought of what GOD wanted me to do.

Everyone in the house of Simon (Peter) asked JESUS to do something about Simon’s mother-in-law. They had just heard some amazing words from JESUS calling HIMSELF GOD and they believe HIM. JESUS told the fever to go away and she was instantly healed. She got up and served JESUS.

• JESUS wants to heal me when I am sick.
• JESUS wants me to remember that HE is the one who heals.
• JESUS wants me to serve HIM when I do get healed.

Why get healed just to turn around and be the same lackluster person? If I am expecting supernatural healing, then I must also expect supernatural purpose in my life. GOD keeps me alive for some reason and that reason is HIS. Whether I am sick or well, GOD has a purpose for my life.

• Are you sick?
• Do you need supernatural healing?
• Will you stop living for yourself and start living for GOD so HE will heal your SPIRIT first?

Not Alone

Mark 9: ²⁵ When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” ²⁶ Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” ²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.

²⁸ And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”

²⁹ So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”

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Nighttime seemed darker as we rounded approached the campsite. When I got out of the van, I immediately stepped in some mud. I avoided mud at all costs up to that point. By the next day everything I owned had mud on it. The final straw was one of my lenses popping out in the mud. I used some less muddy water to clean it.

• When times are tough I try to “clean” myself up.
• When I go through trials I try to sin less so maybe the trial can go away faster.
• When there are difficulties ahead of me I try to act better so maybe if I were being punished, then I can show I got the lesson.

Amazingly JESUS drives out an unclean spirit and makes an effort to teach the disciples how they can do the same. My focus is on the boy. From childhood he was attacked relentlessly. He did not ask to be attacked by demonic forces and could not speak or hear any words of comfort. He was helpless.

• JESUS sees my situation and knows what I am going through.
• The HOLY SPIRIT knows I cannot speak on my behalf so HE cries out for me.
• The FATHER forgives my circumstance because of JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT.

Trying to pretend I am clean is like taking more mud to form a pretend bar of soap to wash my body and declaring myself clean. In other words, no matter how much I try to follow the “rules” it won’t make me any cleaner or holier. I am helpless, like the boy.

BUT GOD does not leave me helpless. HE raises me out of the mud and cleans me up with everlasting water. HE restores my soul when the well of my heart is empty. Even when I cannot utter a word, the HOLY SPIRIT is there providing strength like none other. Yes JESUS loves me.

• Are you in a difficult circumstance?
• Do you feel exhausted because you thing the power has to come from you?
• Can you understand that GOD loves you enormously and knows your needs and wants you to let go so HE can clean you from the inside?

Send Word

Matthew 14: ³⁴ When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. ³⁵ And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him ³⁶ and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

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Hard dress shoes with no socks is the only memory I have of the guy. We were on a mission’s trip in a place where hope was high and money was low. People from all around came to hear us speak. When I spoke to the gentleman, I asked “Do you live nearby?” “Yes, he answered.” “I walked twenty miles to hear you speak.” I looked at his worn shoes.

• When Good News comes in town, the word gets sent.
• When Good News comes in town, people from all around come to hear it.
• When Good News comes in town, hope raises higher than problems.

Humbled by his trek, I took my teaching more seriously. I mean I didn’t want to disappoint a person who walked on a dusty rocky road for hours, just to hear me, and I am not special or so I think.

• GOD showed me the example that all I need is HIS word to give hope.
• GOD gave me HIS word to give to others freely.
• GOD wants me to go to people who are willing to hear and provide HIS healing.

While the people were seeking JESUS as a healer, they more than likely got something they did not anticipate, namely spiritual healing. The crowd touched his garment after coming from all over the countryside to be healed. They touched only HIS clothes and they were healed. JESUS was amazing to them and HE is amazing to me!

• Are you so excited about GOD that you can’t hold it in?
• Do you feel led to talk about GOD to a group of people?
• Can you send word to many people that JESUS is the Savior?

Hearing a Story

Matthew 13: ¹⁰ The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”

¹¹ He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. ¹² Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. ¹³ This is why I speak to them in parables:

“Though seeing, they do not see;
    though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

¹⁴ In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
¹⁵ For this people’s heart has become calloused;
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’

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“But what will I do about my family” were the words the employee said to me as I prepared to let them go. Someone told me I had to be tough to handle this type of work.

• I have been in positions where a heart of stone was necessary.
• I have been in roles where a cold heart was applauded.
• I have been in organizations where callouses on the heart were welcome.

“Business is business” was the mantra, yet many were getting hurt by calloused hearts. What was I to do?

• GOD said to me “Open your heart and let ME in.”
• GOD said to me “I will turn your stony heart into one that can hear MY words.”
• GOD said to me “When you can hear MY words, I will provide you with abundance.”

Blind, deaf and mute was my path when my heart was calloused. I could not see GOD, hear HIS direction or speak on HIS behalf, yet I was “successful” in human terms. GOD wants me to have “treasure in heaven” which does not rust or moths cannot eat. HE desires me to have a heart for HIM.

• Do you love you more than GOD?
• Do you find your heart getting colder and colder towards others?
• Can you ask GOD to ignite your heart for others so HE can provide you with abundance?