Christ As Healer- Willingness

CHRIST AS HEALER 

Willingness 

Mark 7:31-37

Opening Prayer: Father, give me a willing heart and the grace to submit to Your ways.  I trust You with all my heart to do Your sovereign will to bring my healing to pass.  Order all in Your Word so that Your will is done and You are mightily glorified.  I abandon myself and all to You and I pray all things in Christ’s holy Name.  Amen. 

UNCONVENTIONAL METHODS

To the amazement of the people around Him, Christ used unconventional methods to heal the blind and mute man.  Placing His fingers into the man’s ears and spit on his tongue, Christ added one final ingredient - prayer.  No medicinal herbs or poultices.  Just fingers, spit, and prayer.  Yes, Christ had chosen some unconventional methods and the people were in awe.  Yet another miraculous healing in the sight of man - another attempt to draw others to His Father.  They saw and were amazed.  Surely they were intrigued by this man from Galilee Who claimed to be the Son of God.  

However, when He told them not to tell anyone about the healing, they talked more and more about it.  They were overwhelmed at His methods and His miracle and could not remain silent.  Despite the command from the Son of God, they continued in their disobedience.  They could not get over the amazing thing that He had done.  

What amazing things has Christ done in your life through ordinary means?  Consider the continuing miracles that He works in your life as you walk with Him day after day and be thankful, for the Lord is with His children wherever they go.  Give thanks and praise His holy Name, Christ your Healer. 

How has Christ healed you with His supernatural means in your ordinary circumstances?   

Consider these scriptures containing more of Christ’s unconventional methods of healing:

Luke 5:17-26

Mark 9:27-31

John 4:46-53

Mark 5:1-20

HEALING COMES FROM THE LORD

Whether miraculous or medical, all healing comes from the Lord.  Though He may choose to use ordinary, sophisticated, medical, or supernatural means, it all comes from Him, for He is the Author of life and our Sustainer, our Healer and our Protector.  He is the Lord Who heals us.  

Our Sovereign Lord knows what we need and when we need it.  He knows all and sees all that is happening in our lives and works it all together for our good because we love Him and are called according to His purpose.  He will prepare us to do the work that He has prepared for us to do since the foundations of the earth.  

Praise God for His many healings and His sovereign hand at work in your life.  Praise Him for Who He is - the sovereign Lord of all Who loves you with an everlasting love.  Praise Him for His goodness.  Thank Him for His lovingkindness and His willingness to heal you.  Praise Him for His great mercy, grace, and power.  Praise Him because You love Him. 

Consider these scriptures that verify the Truth of His healings:

Deuteronomy 32:39

Exodus 15:26 

Acts 10:37

Acts 3:16

TEMPTATIONS

When facing afflictions and suffering, we are easily tempted to walk in the light of man’s wisdom instead of seeking the Lord’s wisdom and guidance first.  Seek His face and do His will.  His solution may be miraculous, medical, persevering or instructive, but follow Him wherever He leads.  Offer your pain, suffering, and afflictions to Him and wait for His wisdom and guidance, for He is faithful to answer in His perfect timing and perfect way.  

Choose the ways and wisdom of God above those of man and expect His blessings upon your choices.  Choose His wisdom that is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Sow in peace and raise a harvest of righteousness.  Discover the blessings of the One Who loves you more than anyone else ever could.  Discover the blessings of obedience.

Choose God and witness His miracle-working hand at work in your life.  Praise Him for His faithfulness to you and for His wondrous love.  Follow Him all the days of your life and dwell in His house forever. 

Consider these scriptures for times of temptation:

Proverbs 3:5-6

Matthew 7:7

Psalm 139:1-4

Psalm 121:5 

Isaiah 55:8-9

Psalm 62:8

Psalm 32:8 

Philippians 4:6 

RELFECTING ON GOD’S WORD- What does each scripture say to you? 

Psalm 118:17-18

Psalm 46:10 

Lamentations 3:23 

Romans 8:28 

John 14:21 

Closing Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for a willing heart - a heart to seek You, listen to You, and obey You.  Thank You for providing all my needs according to Your riches in glory in Christ.  I love you, Lord, and I praise You for Your healing in my life.  May it all be to Your praise, honor, and glory.  In Christ’s Name I pray.  Amen. 

Christ As Healer- Freedom

CHRIST AS HEALER 

Freedom 

Luke 13:10-17

Opening Prayer: Lord, teach me Your Word and set me free.  Deliver me from the bondages in my life and show me who I am in You.  I submit myself and all to You for all things are possible with You.  In Jesus’ precious and holy Name I pray.  Amen. 

BONDAGES

Bondages- the attacks of the enemy that cripple us.  Just like the woman in Luke 13, we too are bound by our wounds and need the healing touch of Jesus. We too are crippled and maimed until Jesus sets us free.  We are captives, prisoners, and slaves.  Although we desire freedom, only Jesus can set us free.   We depend on His mercy.  Come, Lord Jesus, set us free!  

Where are you bound by the enemy?  How is your story like the story of the woman in Luke 13?  Where do you need His freedom and healing?  He sees you.  He is calling your name.  Will you go to Him?  Will you let Him set you free?  

Some of us know our places of bondage, but some of us are blind to them.  If you are blind to them, ask the Lord to reveal yours to you.  Then lay them down before Him and let Him do the work of deliverance in your life in these places, for He alone has the power to overcome.  He is our Mighty Deliverer and Victorious King. 

Consider these scriptures about overcoming and deliverance:

Revelation 12:11

Luke 10:19

Revelation 17:14

I John 5:4-5

Daniel 12:1

Psalm 37:40

FREEDOM 

Christians NEVER have to give in to the lies of the enemy, for greater is the Christ Who lives in us than the enemy who is in the world.  We are always more than conquerors through Christ, because nothing is impossible with Him.  Because He has already overcome the world, we can live the victorious, abundant life we have been given in Him.   We can live free through Christ Who set us free on the cross when He died for all our sins.  

The Word repeatedly says that we can remain in the Truth rather than believe the enemy’s lies.  We can walk in the light of the Truth instead of the darkness.  We can determine in our heart to follow Jesus and not the ways of the world, for friendship with the world is hostility against God.  We can walk about in freedom because of the Truth of His Word.  The choice to do so is up to you.  What will you choose?

Consider these scriptures in light of our freedom in Christ:

John 8:32, 36

I John 1:7-9

John 8:44 

James 4:7 

I John 4:4

John 3:16

Colossians 3:2

Philippians 4:13

Joshua 24:15 

Matthew 16:19

PRAYER AND THE WORD

Spend time in prayer and the Word asking the Lord to show you where you are being deceived by the enemy.  Offer these to the Lord, one by one, seeking His wisdom and guidance for your deliverance.  Commit them to Him in full assurance that He will do whatever is needed for your deliverance.  As you obey His leading, He will heal you and set you free.  Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.  

The Lord delights in setting you free.  It has never been His desire that you live in bondage but that you walk and live in the light of His Truth.  He loves you so much that He let His only Son die for you so that you could be set free.  Desire His freedom and seek Him for it.  Let the Son set you free and give Him all the praise, honor, and glory.  Then you will be the Light of His Truth to others as you share with them what He has done in your own life.  You will become His instrument of healing in their lives. What an honor and privilege that is.  

Declare your desire to be set free and to live in the light of His Truth.

Consider these scriptures and the freedoms they imply:

Psalm 103:4

Ephesians 4:27, 32

Psalm 144:2

Psalm 70:5 

Psalm 18:2 

REFLECTING ON GOD’S WORD- What does each scripture say to you about your identity in Christ?

John 1:12 

Isaiah 43:4 

Jeremiah 31:3 

Acts 15:8 

Hebrews 13:5 

II Corinthians 5:17

Romans 5:1, 9

Romans 5:10-11

Romans 8:38-39

Philippians 4:19

II Corinthians 12:9

John 15:15

Closing Prayer: I praise You, Lord God, for my position in Christ.  I praise You, my Deliverer, for setting me free.  Thank You for showing me the lies of the enemy and his bondages in my life.  I abandon myself to You and give you all the praise.  Use my life for Your glory.  In Christ’s Name I pray.  Amen. 

Christ As Healer- The Power of the Word

CHRIST AS HEALER

The Power of the Word 

Matthew 8:5-13

Opening Prayer:  You are the Word, Lord Jesus.  Speak Your Truth to me and embolden my life and my witness to others, for You are the Truth Who sets me free.  Increase my faith in You.  Be forever glorified in all that I do.  In Christ’s Name I pray.  Amen. 

FAITH AND MIRACLES

Because the centurion in this story was a Gentile, he had not grown up hearing the stories of the faithfulness of God.  Surely, though, he had seen other miracles of Christ that enabled him to boldly step out in faith to come to Jesus with his request for the healing of his servant.  The story of this faith-filled request and of the miraculous healing by Christ through His Word encourages us to do the same in our difficulties.  Who else but Christ could do what the centurion desired?  Who else could heal the sick?  To believe that He could do it without being present with the afflicted showed even greater faith.  Faith enough for a miracle.

Many times in our difficulties we expect the Lord to do very little beyond what we can see.  How unlike the centurion we can be, but, by the power of His Word, the Lord Jesus Christ can do the impossible.  What stands before us may appear impossible, but the impossible becomes possible when Christ enters and speaks His Word into it.  Miracles happen, situations change, relationships are healed, and that which is dead is resurrected.   

Right now there may be seemingly impossible situations and circumstances in your life.  You may be saying they are hopeless, but they are not hopeless for Christ.  Call on Him in faith and seek His healing in their midst.  What He can speak into the darkness of your situation will bring healing.  Yes, even miracles.  

What seemingly impossible circumstances will you bring to the Lord today?  Leave them with Him and, by faith, believe that He will do what is best and that it will be exactly what you need for His eternal purposes.  Like the centurion, step out to believe what you cannot see and find the Lord to be faithful to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all you can imagine.  

Consider these scriptures: 

Romans 8:32

Hebrews 11:1 

Habakkuk 1:5

Romans 10:17 

Acts 16:31

THE POWER OF THE WORD

The power of the Word of God is limitless.  It is His living and active Word, a two-edged sword that penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, that judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.   The Word was spoken and the world was created.  The Word was spoken and Satan was resisted.  The Word was spoken and the hearts and lives of thousands were changed for all eternity.  All by the power of the Word of God.

Jesus is the Word Incarnate Who came into this world to change us forever.  He was from the beginning and forever will be.  All things were made through Him and in Him is light and life.  Though His own did not recognize Him, those who did receive Him received the right to become a child of God.  He become flesh to dwell among us and was filled with grace and truth.  He is the Word and He is forever.  All else may fade away, but the Word of God endures forever.  

 Will you believe the Word of God?  It is Truth and the Truth never changes.  Discover the power of the Word, the power to change your heart and your life as you step out in faith to believe.

Consider these scriptures: 

John 1:14


Genesis 1:1- 2:1

Matthew 4:1-11

Psalm 119:11

Psalm 119:105

John 8:32

DAILY TIME IN THE WORD 

Spending daily time in the Word is critical as we walk with the Lord and grow in Him.  Because He reveals Himself to us through His Word, spending time in the Word is spending time with Him.  It is there that we get to know Him and increase our knowledge, understanding, and intimacy with Him.  It is there that He speaks into our lives to guide and direct our steps and attitudes so that we may live a life worthy of Him and become a light to the world for Jesus.  It is there that our deepest needs are met and our hearts are softened toward Him.  It is there that we learn of His great and enduring love for us. 

There are many ways to delve into His Word on a daily basis.  Pray to determine the way that the Lord has for you.  A few suggestions are listed below.  Follow His leading in your choice, because that will be the place where He will meet you to minister to you in your life right now.    

Truth-centered Bible studies 
Devotional books centered in His Word 
Read straight through the Bible from Genesis 1 through Revelation 22
Ask the Lord for scriptures to pray for yourself and others
Read a chapter or section of the Bible each day 
Read a scripture passage and journal your reflections on it
Read a passage and research it

                                                                                               

Begin or increase this practice in your life.  It will radically change your walk and relationship with the Lord.  Healing, learning, and growing intimacy with Him will permeate your life as you spend time with Him in His Word each day.  If you miss a day, don’t be discouraged, but go directly back to Him in His Word the following day.  

Covenant with Him to be with Him in His Word on a daily basis.  Declare your desires and intentions about spending time with the Lord in His Word daily.  

Consider these scriptures: 

Psalm 61:8 

Jeremiah 29:12

Psalm 119:33, 49, 92, 97, 147, 160, 168

REFLECTING ON GOD’S WORD- What does each scripture say to you? 

Psalm 119:130

Jeremiah 29:13

Psalm 32:8 

I John 5:14-15

James 4:7 

Closing Prayer:  May my love for You and Your Word increase day by day.   Protect my time in Your Word and my understanding of it as well.  Show me Yourself through Your Word.  May there be more of You and less of me each day because I come to you in Your Word each day.  In Christ’s Name I pray.  Amen.  

Christ As Healer- The Touch of Jesus

Christ As Healer

The Touch of Jesus 

Mark 8:22-26

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise You.  Touch me, heal me, and bring sight to my blindness so that I may see things clearly.  Restore me, Lord, for I am at Your mercy.  In Jesus’ Name I pray.  Amen. 

PROGRESSIVE HEALING

When healing is delayed, we often assume that it did not come from the Lord, but every good and perfect gift is from the Father above Who does not change.  He is still the loving, caring and sovereign Father Who takes care of His children at all times.  He is still the One Who works all things together for our good.    

This unknown man in the scriptures experienced the power of Christ’s healing him in a different way because his full healing was extended over time instead of immediate.  Because of this he came to know the Lord’s faithfulness as well as His mercy and grace in greater ways.  He came to know HIM and not just His methods.  What began as a simple request for healing became an encounter with the Savior of the world that changed the man’s life forever.  

Where has the Lord done a similar healing in your life?  When have you sought Him for a simple healing and received so much more?  In the waiting you moved closer to Him and your intimacy with Him deepened.  Though the times were hard and the waiting was long, the Lord stood beside you all the way.  He never abandoned you and you found that you could depend on Him in the storms of your life as well as in your daily concerns.  You learned that He is always faithful and to rely on Him alone.  You turned everything over to Him because, in your weakness, you discovered that He is strong and apart from Him you can do nothing.   You understood a new depth of His great love and gained a deeper love for others.   They were hard times, but, in retrospect, would you really have wanted it any other way?  Look at the glorious results of your waiting.  So much more than you could have imagined.  Take time to give thanks to the omnipotent, all-knowing, ever-present sovereign God Who changed what was meant for evil in your life into something that was for your good.  

Consider these scriptures:

Isaiah 55:8-9

I Thessalonians 5:24 

Psalm 27:14 

Psalm 46:10

II Corinthians 5:7

Galatians 6:9

I Corinthians 15:58

THE TOUCH OF CHRIST 

The touch of Christ has radically changed countless hearts and lives throughout history.  As He revealed Himself to others in everyday circumstances and changed the way they saw Him and their lives, they grew wise and understanding, merciful and gracious, and kind and compassionate while passing on to others the godly attributes that He had placed within them during their encounters.  He brought hope, peace, and joy to them.  He ushered forth commitment, devotion, surrender, and complete abandonment to Him while He showed them His love in a whole new way.  Because He touched their hearts and lives, they were forever transformed and became what they never dreamed they could become.  They became more like Jesus. 

The touch of Christ is unique in our lives, for He alone has the power to drastically revamp our broken and shattered lives and make us whole again.  Old is made new and the dead are resurrected by the touch of the Master’s hand.  He is the Resurrection and the Life.  

Christ desires to touch your broken places and bring you healing, for with Him nothing shall be impossible.  He will heal your broken heart and bind your wounds as He blesses you with His unconditional love and care.  Bring your wounds to Him and give thanks for His expected healing.  

Consider these scriptures:

Matthew 14:35-36

Mark 6:56

Mark 10:13

Luke 6:19 

Matthew 17:5-7

Luke 7:14-15

HIS TOUCH THROUGH YOU 

It is sometimes our privilege to be used by Christ to touch the hearts and lives of others so that they may be drawn to Him.  As He increases in us, His life shines through our life and reflects His radiant light.  Wherever we are, we are Christ’s ambassadors and representatives of His Kingdom.  By reaching out to others in His Name and power, we give Him all the glory and praise for His favor in our lives to make a difference through Him.  Where has He allowed you to serve Him this week?  What difference has it made in your walk and intimacy with Him?  

Consider these scriptures:

Matthew 25:31-46

II Corinthians 5:20

Acts 17:28

Colossians 1:10

Romans 6:10b

Romans 14:7 

I Peter 3:1-2

REFLECTING ON GOD’S WORD- What does each scripture say to you?

John 11:1-44

I John 5:14-15

Proverbs 3:5-6

Romans 8:28

Closing Prayer: Thank You for Your wondrous healing power at work in my life, Lord.  Thank You for healing me by Your touch.  Your lovingkindness and constant caring for me through Your love is such a gift.  May I comfort others with the comfort You have given me.  In Christ’s Name I pray.  Amen.