Hands

“That night the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘I am the God of your father Abraham.  Do not be afraid, for I am with you…”  Genesis 26:24

A significant drop in the use of my hands today, Lord.  Resorting to using a rubber grip on my pen and a writing  style that is a combination of cursive and printing.  Having to take it slowly so it can be read.  Shakiness in hands increasing and in my entire body.  Thank You, Lord, for making sure that I can do everything You want me to do and that You receive all the glory for all that I do.  You continue to amaze me as I more clearly understand Your Word that says “… Apart from Me you can do nothing.”  (John 15:5)  Not only can I not do anything eternal without You….. I can do nothing earthly without You.  So very thankful that You are with me, leading and guiding my every step and never leaving nor forsaking me.  So, instead of complaining and whining about these decreased abilities, I will praise You in the storm and give thanks for Your faithfulness and Your love.  Praise You from Whom all blessings flow.  

“I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:13

Home Alone

“…The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the Name of the Lord be praised.”  Job 1:21

Mike on his way to see our older daughter.  My health keeping me at home.  You have the perfect plan, Lord.  Work things out just as You want.  Thank You for using all of this for Your greatest glory.  Praise You from Whom all blessings flow.  

What A Delight!

“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:19

Thank You, Lord!  A wonderful evening with others from my new church.  Last night we were finally able to attend the disciple group here.  A real delight to spend time with fellow believers.  This is definitely where you want us to be.  Great food, fun, fellowship and Bible study… all in one night.  AND a special baby shower for our pastor, his sweet wife and two daughters as they expect a third baby girl in mid-June.  Pink was everywhere!  Eager to get to know everyone better as we enjoy time together and study Your Word.  

I have missed being in such fellowship with my fellow Christians, Lord.  Thank You for providing once again just what I need.  You always do.  Great is Your faithfulness… 

It's Time Again

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:…… a time to embrace”  Ecclesiastes 3:1,5

Well, it’s time again to return to journaling my walk with You, Lord.  It’s time again to begin sharing again the ups and down of it all with You on Earth.  It’s time again to share the glory You receive as You carry me through the good, the bad and the ugly, knowing that You use it all for good and for Your glory.  So here we go again.  May it all be to Your greatest glory.

Central sensitization= every nerve in my body being damaged and unable to filter the stimuli that come to me.  Now we know what is going on in my body but not the source of it.  After seeing two primary care doctors, eight neurologists, two rheumatologists and one ENT doctor we have the understanding of my affliction but not its source, what is causing it.  One step forward and another brick wall in front of us.  Now we continue to search for its cause.  Thank You, Lord, for giving Your understanding of what is going on and the  peace and grace to persevere until we know the source or come to a place of acceptance without the name of the source.  Either way You will uphold me and make my affliction possible to endure.  Where would I be without You?  Thank You, Lord, that I never have to find that out.  

The days and nights grow more difficult and my symptoms increase in number and grow more painful.  Sometimes I feel like giving up, Lord, but You pick me up and keep me traveling on Your path for me.  Sometimes I think it would be better for me to be with You in Heaven now, but You show me that You have a greater purpose in mind for my life and that it is important for me to fulfill that purpose.  Sometimes I take my eyes off of You, Lord, but You answer my prayer to keep my eyes on You, not on my circumstances.  Sometimes… but You.

So here we go again… keepin’ on keepin’ on with You by my side holding me up as we go forward.  Lead, guide, strengthen and uphold me as only You can.  Thank You, Lord.  Thank You.  All praise, honor and glory to You.

Christ As Healer- Healing Continues & Blessing

CHRIST AS HEALER

Healing Continues 

Isaiah 53:5

Opening Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for all You have taught me and the changes You have made in my life through this study.  Make my life an offering for You and use it all for Your glory.  I praise You and give thanks for all You have done, are doing, and will do in my life.  May it all be to Your honor and glory.  In Christ’s Name I pray.  Amen. 

ITS IMPACT

Reflect on all the Lord has done in and through you during this study.  What are the three most important changes that the Lord has made in you and your life through Christ As Healer?  

SCRIPTURES

What scriptures have been most meaningful to You through the study?  Why?  Memorize them or write them on cards to keep with you.

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

John 3:16

John 1:14 

Ephesians 2:8-9

Psalm 62:8 

Proverbs 3:5-6

Jeremiah 29:13 

Philippians 4:6 

Colossians 4:2 

I Corinthians 7:35 

Ephesians 1:15-21

Closing Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Jesus and His sacrifice for me.  I thank You that I am healed by His wounds.  I praise You for the abundant healing You have brought in my life through this study.  I give You all the praise, honor, and glory as I wholly devote myself to You, seeking to follow You intimately all the days of my life.  By Your grace I will be that living sacrifice You desire me to be.  I love You, Lord, and I praise You as I pray all these things in the precious and holy Name of Your Son Jesus.  Amen. 

BLESSING

“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.  I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.  I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.  That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”

Ephesians 1:15-21

Christ As Healer- Choice

CHRIST AS HEALER 

Choice 

Luke 23:32-33, 39-43

Opening Prayer: In all I do, Lord, I choose You.  You are my Source of all things; You are my All in all.  I choose You, Lord, above all else.  I willingly abandon myself and my all to You as I pray all these things in the Name of Christ Jesus my Lord.  Amen. 

RESPONSE TO CHRIST 

The responses to Christ are as varied as there are people in the world.  Some hurl insults and some are apathetic.  Some declare their self-confidence apart from Him, whereas some simply don’t believe Him.  Some say “all roads lead to God”, while others claim there is no God.  Some pronounce Him impotent and detached and others become angry.  Some say He would not send anyone to hell.  But then there are those who have broken and contrite hearts, confess Him as Savior as they repent of their sins, and receive His gift of eternal salvation and the forgiveness of their sins.  It’s a choice.  Joshua 24:15 says “…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…”  Have you made your choice about Jesus?  Will you help others choose Him? 

Consider these scriptures about God:

Deuteronomy 30:19

John 10:10 

Isaiah 45:5a

Deuteronomy 32:39a

Job 38-41

Job 42:2 

Acts 4:12 

I Peter 3:1-2

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE 

As long as a person lives on this earth, they have the opportunity to choose Jesus, but, after death, that choice has ended.  Hebrews 9:27 declares, “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”  Although healing through salvation may take place up to the moment of death, the joy and peace of life in Christ can be enjoyed for many years in increasing ways when salvation is received earlier.  Because God knows the time of our death, it is very risky to assume that we can be saved at the last of our life.  For many, death comes quickly and unexpectedly, without warning, without any opportunity to receive Christ as Savior before death.  Whether by deliberate choice or by omission, the choice of our eternity will be made by all.  How sad it is when there is no opportunity for that choice in our later days due to illness or other incapacities.  The choice to receive Christ as Savior is the most important decision a person ever makes.  Don’t miss out on a heavenly eternity because of an “I’ll do it someday” attitude.  Choose Christ now and encourage others to do the same.  

Persevere in prayer evangelism for those who have not yet made the choice of Jesus as their Savior.  God is faithful to work in their lives to offer opportunities for salvation as we pray.  It is always too early to quit praying for the lost until they no longer live.  Today could be the day of their salvation - or yours. 

Consider these scriptures about salvation opportunities: 

John 6:44 

John 16:8-11

Psalm 139:16 

I Corinthians 6:2 

Colossians 2:5 

II Peter 3:9 

Lamentations 3:22-23

James 4:13-15 

Galatians 6:2

SHARING IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING 

How miraculous was Christ’s lucidity and presence of mind as He suffered on the cross.  He granted salvation to one thief on the cross beside Him as He anguished in pain during His own crucifixion.  He emulated Matthew 5:16 before others- “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise Your Father in heaven.”  He calls us to do the same. 

Even in the midst of our personal suffering, we are told to count it all joy and to comfort others with the comfort we have received from the Lord.  Wherever we are in life, we can receive His grace to be content, thus allowing us the privilege to be His instrument of healing in the lives of those around us.  By sharing the gospel and our testimony, the Lord will use His Truth to impact others who suffer in ways similar to ours.  We are to be available, willing, and obedient to be proclaimers of God’s gift of eternal salvation through His only Son Jesus Christ wherever we are.  

Consider these scriptures about sharing the gospel:

Matthew 26:36- 27:56 

Mark 13:11 

Romans 5:11 

James 1:2-4 

II Corinthians 1:3-5

I Corinthians 3:8 

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

Luke 9:26 

Romans 1:16 

Romans 6:21 

Philippians 1:20-21

II Timothy 1:8, 12 

II Timothy 2:15 

Hebrews 2:11

I Samuel 3:10 

Matthew 25:21 

Closing Prayer: Father, may I never be ashamed to be called Your own and to share Your Truth with others.  I choose to follow You willingly and obediently wherever You may lead me.  Again, Lord, I choose YOU.  I praise You as my Lord, my Savior, and my All in all.  I love You, Lord, and give thanks for the joy that comes from serving You.  In humility, thanksgiving, and praise I pray all these things in the Name of Jesus my Lord and Savior.  Amen. 

Christ As Healer- Christ's Sacrifice

CHRIST AS HEALER 

Christ’s Sacrifice 

Matthew 27:50-54

Opening Prayer: Use me, Father, to share with others the hope and certainty of salvation through Jesus Christ.  After confirming my own salvation, shine in and through me so that others may hear Your Truth and receive Your assurance of their own salvation.  May all know that, once they are in Christ, no one can snatch them from Your hands.  In Christ’s Name I pray.  Amen. 

BEING AN EYEWITNESS

As an eyewitness to the love of God in Christ, it is our privilege to share His love with others, for what the Lord has done in our life, He will do in their lives as well.  As we share the Lord’s work in our lives and speak His Truth in love, it has the power to pierce hearts, changes lives, and override the deceptions of the Enemy.  Then we PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, for only the Spirit can do the inward work of conviction, salvation, and assurance in their lives in His perfect timing and perfect way. 

Seek the Lord for the names of those to whom you can be a witness to His love through Jesus Christ.  Write their names, pray for them, and share with them as you are led by the Holy Spirit.    

Consider these scriptures about being a witness:

Hebrews 4:12 

Ephesians 4:15

Philippians 4:6 

Job 16:19 

Proverbs 12:17 

Proverbs 14:25 

II Peter 1:16 

Luke 1:14 

THE TRUTH ABOUT JESUS 

Jesus lives!  He was sent from heaven, born to a virgin, lived a sinless life, died a horrendous death on the cross, was resurrected by the Father, ascended into heaven, and is now seated victoriously at the right hand of God.  By the shedding of His blood we have forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life with Him.  In this mercy and by the power of His Spirit, He seeks us to come to Him, for no come can come to the Son unless the Father draws Him and none can come to the Father except through the Son.  Saved by His grace, not by human endeavor, we must confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead for our redemption and then receive this wonderful gift.  

What does this Truth mean to you?

Consider these scriptures about salvation:

Hebrews 9:22

John 14:6 

John 6:44 

John 8:12 

I John 1:5 

John 11:25-27 

Psalm 46:10 

I Samuel 10:9

Romans 12:2

II Corinthians 3:18 

ASSURANCE IN SALVATION 

Many Christians walk around uncertain that they have truly received the gift of eternal salvation and are, therefore, struggling in their walk with the Lord.  Though they long for this assurance, they are fearful of verbalizing their doubts, because they wonder what others would think.  For Christians, this is a deception from the Enemy. 

As a Christian, you do not have to remain uncertain of your own salvation, for there is a way to gain the personal assurance you are seeking.  Through the following scriptures you can receive the full assurance of your own salvation and of your forgiveness of sins through Christ.  You can walk in the light of the Truth of the eternal redemption you received at salvation and begin a deeper walk with the Lord.  You can be at peace about your eternal destiny, the forgiveness of your sins through Jesus, and your eternal salvation.   

Salvation 

Romans 3:23

Romans 5:8

Romans 6:23 

John 14:6 

Romans 10:9-10

Ephesians 2:8-9

John 3:16 

Assurance 

John 1:12 

John 10:28-29

II Corinthians 5:17 

I Peter 1:10-11

I John 4:15

Colossians 3:3

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

I Peter 5:1 

John 1:7 

Revelation 1:5 

Isaiah 19:20 

I Thessalonians 5:5 

I John 1:7-9

I John 3:16 

I Peter 4:2 

Matthew 19:26 

I Corinthians 15:57 

Romans 1:16-17

Closing Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Jesus Who bled and died for me so that I might belong to You forever and be forgiven of my sins.  Thank You for that assurance.  Embolden me now to become Your light to a dying world by spreading Your Truth for Your glory.  I abandon my all to You as I pray all things in Christ’s precious Name.  Amen.