Christ As Healer- Thanksgiving And Praise

CHRIST AS HEALER 

Thanksgiving and Praise 

Luke 17:11-19

Opening Prayer: How I praise You, O Lord my God, for You alone are worthy of all praise.  I praise You as my Lord of all and give thanks for Your lovingkindness, mercy, grace, peace, and love.  May Your praise always be on my lips.  I praise Your holy Name, Almighty God, and I pray all these things in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen. 

THANKSGIVING 

Although only one of the ten lepers returned to give thanks to Jesus, that one threw himself at His feet in praise and thanksgiving.  His heart overflowed with humility as he began to understand the gift of his healing and the One Who had given it.  He was ready for more of Jesus.  He was ready to grow in the Lord. 

Are you ready for more of Jesus?  Are you ready to grow up in Him?  He longs to give you more of Himself and to see you walking uprightly in Him.  He longs to sanctify you through His Word and to teach you to stand strong upon the Rock, the rock of salvation through Himself.  He longs to make you more holy, more like Jesus.  Are you ready for more of Jesus?  He is ready to grow you up in Himself.  

If you desire more of His sanctifying work in your life, you may pray this prayer-

“Grow me up, Lord Jesus.  I want to be more like you.  Come now to do Your sanctifying work in me.  I desire more of You and less of me.  All praise, honor, and glory to You, my Lord, as I pray this desire in Your holy Name.  Amen.”

True thanksgiving comes as you offer yourself to the Lord as a living sacrifice.  As you lay down your life to serve Him, you understand more clearly the power of His sacrifice for you.  Seek Him, praise Him, and thank Him for the privileges of service that He will give you.  

Consider these scriptures about thanksgiving and sacrifice:

Leviticus 7:11-15

Leviticus 1

Romans 12:1

Romans 8:32 

Psalm 100:4

Jonah 2:9 

Jeremiah 30:19

James 1:17 

Philippians 4:11 

Commit yourself to the Lord as a living sacrifice for Him.

SERVICE 

As Christ served the least and the lowest, the mighty and the proud, and the faithful and the betrayer in true humility, He was poured out as a drink offering for others as He gave Himself completely to His Father.  We are called to do the same, to give ourselves completely to the Lord and to serve Him by serving others.  

How will your service reflect His service?  To whom will you be Jesus?  To whom will you introduce Jesus as Savior?  To whom will you impart selfless, sacrificial service in His Name?  To whom will you minister in a way that only you can?  Praise Him for the blessing of being a blessing to others and give Him all the glory.  

Who do you feel led to serve?  List their name or names and pray for them as the Spirit leads.  Be that poured out drink offering to them and see your Father in heaven mightily glorified.  Shower them with His love and bless their lives with the blessings of Jesus.  He alone can satisfy their needs.  Praise the Lord for the privilege of serving them.  

Consider the following scriptures about serving:

Matthew 25:35-36, 40

John 13:2-5

I Samuel 12:24 

Luke 1:74

Romans 7:6 

Matthew 4:10

Matthew 20:26-28

Philippians 2:17

PRAISE AND WORSHIP 

God inhabits the praises of His people.  When we praise Him, He is glorified and we are changed.  As He beckons us to come closer to Him, we draw closer to Him to praise and magnify His holy Name.  He is blessed and we are ushered into His presence in a grand and glorious way.  

Spend time in praise and worship each day and come to know your God in a new and deeper way.  Begin today by using the following scriptures, along with praise and worship songs or hymns, as a springboard for a time of praise and worship of the Lord.  

Psalm 117:1-2

Psalm 150 

Psalm 22:3

Psalm 103:1-3

Revelation 5:12 

Psalm 119:175

Ephesians 1:12 

Exodus 15:12 

Journal the impact of this praise time.

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

I John 2:2 

I John 4:10 

Hebrews 10:10, 12, 26

Hebrews 13:15 

Romans 3:25 

Psalm 50:14 

Psalm 54:6

Matthew 20:28

I Timothy 2:6 

Hebrew 9:15 

Closing Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for giving me more of You and leaving less of me.  I thank You for using me in Your kingdom and for teaching me more about praising and worshiping You.  I come to love You more, dear Lord, as I continue to abandon myself to You completely and seek to serve You all the days of my life.  I am Yours to command.  Do with me what pleases You.  In Christ’s Name I pray.  Amen.  

Christ As Healer- Standing On The Word

CHRIST AS HEALER 

Standing on the Word 

John 4:46-53

Opening Prayer: Teach me to stand firm in Your Word, Lord.  Grant me grace to believe Your Truth.  Keep it ever before me that I might grow more in You and be set free.  Heal my brokenness and make me strong in You and in the power of Your might.  Lord, You are my Healer and I pray these things in Christ’s holy Name.  Amen. 

HIS OMNIPOTENCE

The unlimited omnipotent power of God is unfathomable.  He can do immeasurably more than all we ask or think.  He can do the impossible, for there is nothing that is too hard for Him.  He has created all things, including you and me, and sustains everything moment by moment.  There is none like God.  He is the one and only True God Who can do ANYTHING.  He is infinite, eternal, and sovereign and nothing is above God.  

As we come to know Him in His omnipotence, we see our weaknesses.  When we see and experience His all-sufficiency, we realize our inadequacies.  In coming to understand His sovereignty, we see our need for Him.  As we bear witness to His holiness, we come face to face with our humanity and, when we see His love for us, we fall on our knees in praise and thanksgiving.  When we truly see Who He is and who we are before Him, we are humbled and praise Him for His love, mercy, and grace toward us.  He is truly worthy of all our praise for Who He is and all He does.

Spend time in prayer, praising God and giving thanks for His omnipotence in all things.  

Consider these scriptures about the omnipotence of God:

Isaiah 41:4b

Job 38-41

Job 42:2

Jeremiah 32:17 

Matthew 19:26

Genesis 18:14

Luke 1:37

Isaiah 40:13-14

FAITH AND HIS WORD 

When all around you is uncertain and confusing, you can believe and hold on to the Word of God, because it is HIS Word and HIS Truth and can always be trusted.  His Word is true despite your circumstances, so set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.  Read, study and believe the Word of God and let it be the lamp to your feet and the light to your path, guiding your every step.

In times of trial and suffering seek the Lord for scriptures to hold on to, for each one is a promise from your loving heavenly Father.  “Remind” the Lord of His promises as you walk through your day and claim them as your own.  Write them down somewhere and refer to them often. When you become discouraged, read them silently or aloud and thank the Lord for His continuing promises to you.  Then STAND ON HIS WORD, believing that, what He has said He will do, He will bring to pass.  

Seek the Lord now for scriptures you can hold on to.  Praise God for His faithfulness to strengthen, help, and uphold you in this way. 

FAITH OR DOUBT?

Are you a Peter or a Thomas?  The one who believes or the one who doubts?  Chances are good that you have been both at one time or another.  You have been Peter who pleases the Lord and announces “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” and you have been Thomas who saddens the Lord by saying “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand in His side, I will not believe it.”.  In faith Peter believed what the Lord had told him, but in doubt Thomas could have said “I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief!” like the father of the demon-possessed son that Jesus healed.  

When you doubt, you don’t have to stay there. By seeking the Lord in prayer and the Word, you can be assured by Him and choose to stand on His Word rather than your feelings, circumstances, or the counsel of others.  Allow God to be your counselor through His Word.  By the power of His Spirit, He will guide and direct your path, leading you to His Truth at all times.  

Consider these scriptures about the declarations of Peter and Thomas concerning Christ:

John 20:24-27

Matthew 16:13-17

What are your desires concerning your faith?  Seek the Lord in prayer about your current level of faith and ask Him to increase it.  Thank Him for His faithfulness to do that.    

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

Psalm 37:7 

II Timothy 2:13 

Mark 11:22-24

Psalm 119:105, 130, 133

Psalm 119:24

Closing Prayer: Lord God, I choose to stand on Your Word and to believe that it is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.  Show me Your Truth, plant it deep within my heart, and make me more like Jesus as You direct my steps in Your Word.  I abandon all to You as I seek Your face, O Lord, and pray all these things in Christ’s holy Name.  Amen.  

Christ As Healer- Forgiveness

CHRIST AS HEALER 

Forgiveness 

Luke 5:17-26

Opening Prayer: O Lord, give me a heart to forgive as You have forgiven me.  Take my wounds, my pain, and my suffering and redeem them through the cross.  Forgive me for my failure to believe, for unforgiveness I hold in my heart against You or man, and for willful disobedience against You.  Purge me with hyssop, cleanse me of all my iniquities that I might be whiter than snow before You.  Thank You for Your forgiveness through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for it is in His Name that I pray.  Amen.

FORGIVENESS 

Forgiveness is an act of the will, not of feelings or because of the response of others.  Like all sins, the sin of unforgiveness distances you from the Father.  The physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual impact of unforgiveness can become debilitating and, even paralyzing, in your health, your walk with the Him, and your relationships.  Choose to forgive and seek His grace to walk in the light of His forgiveness of yourself and of others, for nothing is impossible with God!

Though others may not repent of their sins against you, the Lord still calls you to forgive them.  Just as Christ spoke these words on the cross “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing,” you too are to forgive others in spite of their unrepentant heart.  Great healing takes place as He blesses your obedience to obey His Word rather than follow your feelings.  Forgiveness is imperative in the light of God’s Truth, not an option.

Consider these scriptures concerning forgiveness:

Ephesians 4:26, 31-32

I Corinthians 9:8 

Matthew 19:26 

Matthew 18:21-22

Mark 11:25 

Luke 1:37 

FAITH AND OBEDIENCE 

Forgiveness is critical in healing.  By holding on to our unforgiveness we diminish our intimacy with the Father and our witness to others about the love and forgiveness of Christ.   When we step out in faith and choose to forgive, our burdens are lifted, we are set free in Him, and others see His love.  In Christ alone we find grace to forgive and by His wounds we are healed. 

The paralytic discovered the power of the forgiveness of Christ as he followed Him in faith and obedience.  As Christ granted him spiritual pardon, he received physical healing through Christ’s forgiveness of his sins.  By faith the paralytic literally walked in the light of that forgiveness and was healed of his physical infirmity.  

How often do we harbor unforgiveness and end up physically ill or emotionally damaged?  Holding grudges against others turns to bitterness and we find ourselves with physical and emotional ailments because of our spiritual unforgiveness.  There seems to be a correlation between spiritual pardon and healing.  Christ calls you to forgive.  Choose to forgive.  

In faith and obedience, I choose to forgive _________________ for ________________.

Fill in the blanks and receive His healing.  

Consider these scriptures concerning faith and obedience:

Luke 5:21, 23-24

Luke 5:17

Matthew 6:33 

Psalm 118:17 

Isaiah 1:19 

Jeremiah 26:14 

Psalm 16:7 

Philippians 4:19 

Acts 5:29 

Colossians 3:2 

Jeremiah 32:7 

FORGIVING YOURSELF AND GOD 

Forgiving yourself is as important as forgiving others.  When you choose not to forgive yourself, you declare that Christ’s sacrifice was not sufficient for your sins.  Because there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, choose to forgive yourself and walk forward with the Lord in the light of His freedom from guilt and shame.  He longs for you to be free to serve Him unhindered by the burden of sin and He died to set you free.  Honor Him by forgiving yourself.  

As strange as it may sound, when necessary, forgive God for His seeming injustices in your life.  Hold no anger, bitterness, resentment or frustration against the Sovereign Lord, Loving God, and Abba Father Who loves you with an everlasting love, for His perfect plan always comes into your life through His sovereign hands of love.  Though you may not understand His ways in your life, He always takes care of His children and works it all together for your good.  What was meant for evil, God will use for good.  Acknowledge your unforgiveness, confess it, repent of it, and walk in the light of His love and forgiveness as you continue to seek His face and do His will.  Remember, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  Is there something that you need to forgive God for? 

Consider these scriptures about love and forgiveness: 

I John 1:9 

II Chronicles 7:14

Romans 8:1

Jeremiah 31:3

Psalm 55:22

Romans 8:28 

Genesis 50:20 

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

Psalm 51:17 

Psalm 103:3

Psalm 36:7

Philippians 4:13 

Psalm 91:4 

Joshua 24:15

I Peter 4:11c

Closing Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for paying the price for all my sins.  Thank You for Your grace to forgive others, myself, and even You, as I am forgiven through You.  I praise You for Your perfect love that never fails and for making me more like You in the midst of it all.  All praise, honor, and glory be unto You, my Lord Master, Savior and Friend.  In Your holy Name I pray.  Amen. 

Christ As Healer- Restoration

CHRIST AS HEALER 

Restoration 

Mark 3:1-6

Opening Prayer: Father, restore me.  I have been bought by the high price of the death and resurrection of Your only Son.  I am all Yours.  Restore me, make me white as snow before You, and use me for Your glory.  I am at Your mercy.  In Christ’s holy Name I pray.  Amen. 

FRONT AND CENTER 

Submission to the Lord can put you “front and center” in the spiritual battle.  As you are called on to stand firm in Christ amid your struggles, restoration comes by submitting to the will of the Father and abandoning all to Him.  Praise Him for the victory that He has already won through Jesus Christ, for His victory is assured in your life as you persevere in faith and follow where He leads.  You are more than a conqueror through Him and that means that you never have to give up.  

Although full submission to the Lord is always the Christian’s best choice, some chose alternatives.  Choosing to partially submit or reject the Lord’s plan for you opens doors for the enemy’s intrusion into your life and full rejection gives him free rein.  Why give the enemy a foothold that can become a stronghold?   Choose full submission and receive His best.  

Sometimes we choose partial submission or rejection and full rejection because we are apathetic, lazy, too tired or overwhelmed and we just don’t want to make the effort to walk in full submission to the Lord.  We would like to fully submit, but it is just too hard.  It is then that the deliberate choice to walk in full submission and faith must be made.  Walking in full submission to the Lord is always the best choice.

When given the opportunity to choose full submission, partial submission or rejection, or full rejection, what will you choose?

Consider these scriptures as you surrender your will to His:

I Corinthians 10:31 

James 4:7 

John 15:5 

I Peter 4:11

I Corinthians 6:20

John 14:15 

Joshua 24:15 

Matthew 5:16

OBEDIENCE

Restoration comes through obedience, for obedience reveals your heart attitude toward the Lord and is a loving, thankful, grateful, and praise-filled response to Who He is and all He has done in your life.  It flows from your love for Him and brings His blessings into your life.  

Above all we are to obey God rather than man.  He loves us with an unconditional, sacrificial love that towers above all earthly love.  He is perfect love and, when we obey Him, His love is made complete in us, for in Him we live and breathe and have our being. 

Obedience that brings restoration mirrors that of Christ Who humbly obeyed His Father and died on the cross for all mankind.  Through His sacrificial obedience, He brought the ultimate healing and restoration to us through salvation.  As living sacrifices for God, we, as well, are to obediently sacrifice our lives for God and for others.  This is the Christ-like way.  

Declare your willingness to become a living sacrifice for Him.  

What do these scriptures reveal about obedience and the Lord’s healing in restoration? 

II Kings 5:1-14

John 8:32 

John 14:21 

I Thessalonians 5:24 

Romans 8:32 

Psalm 62:8 

Romans 15:13

A TIME TO MEND

Restoration brings a fresh start, renewed hope and a fresh, godly perspective.  By submitting our ways to His, the Lord prepares us for the work He has prepared for us to do.  In our healing He will use us to comfort others with the comfort we have received from Him and all will be used for His greater glory. 

The Lord is willing to heal, mend, and restore, but are you willing to do whatever He tells you to do to receive it?  Follow wherever He leads you, be willing and obedient, and He will grant you His very best.  Will you choose God and His ways or your own will and desires?  When you choose Him, He will abundantly bless you and walk you through every step of the journey to your healing and restoration.  He is faithful and He will bring it to pass.  Declare your choice. 

Consider the following scriptures that tell you what you can do to be healed in God’s perfect timing and way:

John 5:6

I Peter 5:7 

Jeremiah 29:13 

Matthew 11:28-30

Psalm 46:10

Mark 12:30 

Matthew 6:33 

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

John 3:30 

John 8:12 

I John 1:5 

Mark 11:22-24

John 11:25-26

Matthew 5:8 

Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise You for Your gift of restoration.  When all appears hopeless, You are my Hope and You restore to me the joy of Your salvation.  May my healing and restoration lead others to Jesus and, in all things, may You be glorified through Him.  In Christ’s Name I pray.  Amen.