Tag: healing

Through the Crowds, then Digging through the rooftops. Our Paralyzed and broken selves are being lowered down into the presence of our Healer. Luke 5:17-26

Luke 5:17-26 New American Standard Bible

A Man Lowered through a Roof

17 [a]One day He was teaching, and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the Law sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea, and  from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing.  18 And some men were carrying a man on a stretcher who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him. 19 But when they did not find any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. 20 And seeing their faith, He said, “[b]Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 The scribes and the Pharisees began thinking of the implications, saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, except God alone?” 22 But Jesus, [c]aware of their thoughts, responded and said to them, “Why are you thinking this way in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say: ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher, and go home.” 25 And immediately he got up before them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. 26 And [d]they were all struck with astonishment and  began glorifying God. They were also filled with fear, saying, “We have seen remarkable things today!”

Word of God for the Children of God

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

In our text, a paralyzed man was brought to Jesus, who not only healed him physically but also addressed his need for forgiveness.

This teaches us that true freedom starts from within.

Just as the friends who brought, lowered the paralyzed man to Jesus, we all have burdens- Whether they are past mistakes, emotional pain, or unconfessed sins.

It is essential for us to seek help and open our hearts to the life-changing power of Christ.

As we contemplate “Letting Go of What Holds You Down,” let’s think about what keeps us from moving forward spiritually. Are there fears, doubts, or any regrets or secrets that hold us back from experiencing the freedom Jesus offers?

Just as the paralyzed man received healing and forgiveness, we are encouraged to let go of our own burdens.

Today, let’s find the Joshua 1:9 courage to set aside anything that hinders us and allow Jesus to free us, so we can live the abundant life He wants for each of us.

Joshua 1:9 New American Standard Bible 1995

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Luke 5:17-18

Let go of…

1. Past regrets.

We encounter the story of a paralyzed man whose friends lowered him through a roof to reach Jesus. This powerful narrative highlights how we often hold onto myriads of past regrets, which can hinder our spiritual and personal growth.

The key message here is that Jesus came to heal not just physical bodies but also our spirits.

Like the paralyzed man who was freed from his physical limitations, we too are called to let go of our past mistakes and embrace the forgiveness Jesus offers.

The Gospel reminds us that in Christ, our sins are wiped away, and our past does not determine our future.

To practically apply this message, we must actively reflect on and release our regrets. This process involves honest prayer, recognizing what holds us back, and possibly journaling or seeking support from friends and Church leaders.

Letting go is not just a thought; it requires concrete actions, such as forgiving ourselves or others and setting new goals that focus on the future. By building a supportive community and actively engaging in practices that promote spiritual growth, we can remind ourselves of our identity in Christ.

Just as the paralyzed man received healing through the faith of his friends, we can find restoration by surrounding ourselves with those who encourage us to let go and embrace the life Jesus promises.

Luke 5:19-20

Let go of…

2. Fear of judgment.

We see a powerful display of faith as a paralyzed man’s friends go to great lengths to bring him to Jesus, undeterred by the crowd.

This story highlights a crucial truth- God’s grace overcomes our fears, including the fear of being judged.

When we seek Christ and let go of our fear of condemnation, we understand that His healing power is stronger than any judgment we may face.

The paralyzed man’s healing depended on his friends’ boldness, reminding us true faith often requires us to rise above our fears and trust in God’s acceptance and love.

Letting go of the fear of judgment means our being open and genuine in our relationships and communities of faith.

Many people hesitate to approach Jesus or engage fully in their faith because they worry about others’ opinions regarding their past or struggles.

However, this passage encourages us to break free from these fears. This might look like sharing our burdens in a supportive group, asking for prayer without worrying about gossip, or getting involved in ministry despite our doubts.

By creating an atmosphere of grace and acceptance, we help ourselves, others come to Christ as we are, promoting personal healing, community growth.

In doing so, we outwardly reflect the unconditional love of Jesus, which then proclaims, welcomes everyone who seeks Him.

Luke 5:20

Let go of…

3. Self-sufficiency.

We see a powerful moment when the faith of a paralyzed man and his friends leads to both physical and spiritual healing. Lowering the man through the roof represents our need to let go of self-sufficiency and be vulnerable before God.

Self-sufficiency can block us from truly connecting with Jesus, as we often depend on our own strength and plans, thinking we can handle life on our own.

However, the Gospel reminds us that real healing comes through our faith in Christ. By releasing our self-sufficiency, we open ourselves to God’s grace and power, recognizing that our weakness allows His strength to shine through us.

Letting go of our self-sufficiency has practical effects on our daily lives.

It encourages us to seek support from our community, just as the friends of the paralyzed man did.

This can mean joining small groups, finding a mentor, or sharing our struggles with trusted friends.

Additionally, by surrendering our self-sufficiency, we cultivate a deeper reliance on prayer, bringing our needs and fears to God.

This shift helps us experience personal change and allows us to share Christ’s love and support with others, reflecting His grace in a world that needs it.

Luke 5:21

Let go of…

4. Negative influences.

The Pharisees and teachers of the Law questioned Jesus, symbolizing the negative influences that can weaken our faith and hinder our spiritual growth.

Jesus calls us to recognize and let go of these distractions, such as critical voices, toxic relationships, and self-doubt, that deter us from fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.

To truly experience the freedom that comes with following Christ, we must identify these influences and distance ourselves from anything that blocks us from embracing the truth of God’s Word.

Letting go of negative influences takes effort and courage.

This means setting boundaries with those who bring us down and fostering a supportive environment that promotes spiritual growth.

We should spend time with uplifting, faith-filled individuals, engage in prayer and Bible study, and practice self-care that honors our identity in Christ.

Additionally, we must be mindful of our own words and thoughts, ensuring they are uplifting rather than discouraging. By adopting a positive, faith-filled mindset, we not only transform ourselves but also inspire those around us.

Through this intentional process of letting go, we can experience the abundant life Jesus offers, free from the burdens that weigh us down.

Luke 5:22-26

Let go of…

5. Limiting beliefs.

Jesus addressed the limiting beliefs of the Scribes and Pharisees, who doubted His authority to forgive sins.

They were stuck in their own ideas about who the Messiah was and what forgiveness meant.

Jesus, knowing their thoughts, not only healed the paralyzed man but also offered him forgiveness, showing that limiting beliefs can obstruct our understanding of God’s grace.

Just as the paralyzed man was freed from his ailments, we can find freedom in Christ when we let go of the beliefs that hold us back from experiencing God’s love and purpose.

Letting go of limiting beliefs encourages us to rethink our views about ourselves and God.

Many people struggle with feelings of unworthiness or the belief that they cannot be forgiven or start anew.

The Gospel reminds us that God’s love is limitless.

We can begin to move past these barriers by identifying and confronting our limiting beliefs- Like feelings of inadequacy or past mistakes.

By authentically seeking God’s truth in Scripture and sharing our struggles with fellow believers, we too can find support in recognizing that our identity lies in being cherished children of God.

This process allows Jesus to lift us up, just as He did for the paralytic, and empowers us to live freely and purposefully.

Conclusion:

As we conclude, we see a clear example of letting go of what weighs us down.

The paralyzed man, eager for healing, didn’t let obstacles stop him; instead, he was lifted by the faith of his friends.

This reminds us to examine our own burdens, whether they are fear, guilt, or unhealthy relationships.

Like the paralyzed man, we also must face the things that hold us back from experiencing the fullness God wants for us, remembering that Jesus calls us to let go and move forward.

Now, as we take this message to heart, let’s decide to release our burdens and surround ourselves with those who support us.

God is always ready to heal our brokenness.

When we embrace our freedom, we also open the door for others to encounter Christ’s transformative love.

Together, let’s encourage one another to shed what weighs us down and step into the new life Jesus offers.

By doing this, we not only discover our true potential but also become sources of hope for those who still carry their struggles.

In the name of God, the Father God the Son and God, the Holy Spirit,

Praying …

Psalm 13 New American Standard Bible 1995

Prayer for Help in Trouble.

For the choir director. A Psalm of David.

13 How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,
4 And my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken.

5 But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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When has God ever made a promise which could, should, would, ever be deemed to be too good to be utterly, completely true? Matthew 8:8-12

Matthew 8:5-13 AMPLIFIED

5 As Jesus went into Capernaum, a [a]centurion came up to Him, begging Him [for help], 6 and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, with intense and  terrible, tormenting pain.” 7 Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied to Him, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man subject to authority [of a higher rank], with soldiers subject to me; and I say to one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, He was amazed and said to those who were following Him, “I tell you truthfully, I have not found such great faith [as this]  with anyone in Israel. 11 I say to you that many [Gentiles] will come from east and west, and will sit down [to feast at the table, and enjoy God’s promises] with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven [because they accepted Me as Savior], 12 while the sons and heirs of the kingdom [the descendants of Abraham who will not recognize Me as Messiah] will be thrown out into the outer darkness; in that place [which is farthest removed from the kingdom] there will be weeping [in sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [in distress and anger].” 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it will be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was restored to health at that very hour.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

But I Have Promises to Make … (and to Break?)

5 As Jesus went into Capernaum, a [a]centurion came up to Him, begging Him [for help], 6 and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, with intense and terrible, tormenting pain.” 7 Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied to Him, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man subject to authority [of a higher rank], with soldiers subject to me; and I say to one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep. Robert Frost 1922

When the poet Robert Frost wrote “But I have promises to keep”; he means that

(a) He has to make promises to make his and other lives successful
(b) He has a certain authority, duties, which he must discharge
(c) He has to make promises, follow what he has said to his friends
(d) Promises: He has to make certain people happy and others sad.​

The purpose of the passage is simple: Jesus has just taught with great authority; God then uses a Roman centurion to give the insight that the authority comes from God Himself. We learn from this exchange not to overestimate our own place in eternity, not to underestimate the promise of Jesus’ place in eternity.

We’ve all seen great scenes where the little guy confronts the big bad guys, and because he brought some support, the bad guys don’t mess with him.

Seriously—is anyone truly going to mess with the little kid with the giant dog?

Of course not!

If you mess with one, you mess with the other.

While you can probably overcome the little child without too much trouble … but overcoming a big dog – say a German Shepherd or a Doberman, Pitbull, is another matter entirely – you most certainly risk painful significant injuries.

We have seen the movies. It’s a great movie trope (a funny variation of it is the “scared of what’s behind you” trope), and it has great real-world application.

How do you confront a bully? With a bunch of friends at your back, that’s how!

Preferably really big and tough friends.

Here’s where I’m going.

The Roman Centurion in this week’s passage understood how that worked.

When he said something, he had an entire army to back him up. If anyone had messed with him, his authority, they messed with the authority 0f Rome itself.

Likewise, he realized that when Jesus spoke, He had the authority, backing, of God almighty. [Then you can make the application: “Shouldn’t that be the kind of support we have from our church family? If something happens to one of our class members, by God’s authority, will the rest step in to defend or support?”]

“My Word Is My Bond.”

There’s another way you can go with this if you want to—talk about promises.

The Centurion understood that when Jesus spoke, things happened. Literally.

When Jesus gave His word, it was done.

What kind of reputation do we have? Are we known for having good intentions to get a thing done, for promising more than we can deliver, for being people of our word, or not? With Jesus, His word is always good. The Centurion got that!

The centurion met Jesus.

Our prayers to God can be modeled after the way this man approached Jesus.

First, he asked for help simply by stating a fact: “Lord, my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”

This Roman-army commander didn’t make an official request or ask politely for anything from Jesus. He just cried out to Jesus in his need. When our prayers are no more than a heartfelt deep cry of pain, Jesus hears those prayers too.

Second, the centurion trusted in the sure promise of Jesus’ power to respond.

Even though Jesus offered to come in person and heal the servant, the centurion surprisingly, humbly replied, “Just say the word, my servant will be healed.”

The centurion knew that Jesus was so powerful that he could heal people, even Romans, even Romans with sharp swords, even if he was not physically present.

We too can publicly exhibit that kind of trust that Jesus will answer our prayers.

Sometimes Jesus heals us physically, and other times Jesus heals us emotionally or spiritually. Sometimes Jesus promises us future healing and asks us to wait until the right time. No matter what, Jesus’ words are powerful enough to heal.

Jesus was amazed at the faith of the Roman, healed the centurion’s servant and praised the faith of the centurion. We are invited to trust in Jesus, just as this man did. Jesus does listen to our prayers with love, answer prayers with power.

Seeking, Discovering Finding Hope in God’s Promises

Psalm 42:5-11 Amplified Bible

5 
Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become restless and disturbed within me?
Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him
For the help of His presence.
6 
O my God, my soul is in despair within me [the burden more than I can bear];
Therefore I will [fervently] remember You from the land of the Jordan
And the peaks of [Mount] Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
7 
Deep calls to deep at the [thundering] sound of Your waterfalls;
All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me.
8 
Yet the Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,
And in the night His song will be with me,
A prayer to the God of my life.

9 
I will say to God my rock, “Why have You forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”
10 
As a crushing of my bones [with a sword], my adversaries taunt me,
While they say continually to me, “Where is your God?”
11 
Why are you in despair, O my soul?
Why have you become restless and disquieted within me?
Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him,
The [a]help of my countenance and my God.

Like the Centurion, in our lives we can often face times of discouragement.

Our spirits can feel overwhelmingly heavy and our hearts heavily burdened.

When that happens, and God’s promise is that it will happen. however, we can turn to God and lean on him, finding hope in his promises and unfailing love.

Discouragement can come from various sources—economic disappointments, the wide assortment of personal failures, prolonged healthcare challenges too.

Yet even in the midst of such trials we can choose to put our hope in God. He is our refuge and strength, the one who always sustains us through every season.

When such great measures of discouragement threatens to overwhelm us, we can find solace in God’s Word. His mighty acts and daily provisions remind us of his faithfulness, and his promises give us hope for the future. God is always present to help in times of trouble, and his love and grace are sufficient for us (Psalm 46:1-11; 2 Corinthians 12:9).

Hebrews 6:17-20 Amplified Bible

17 In the same way God, in His desire to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable nature of His purpose, intervened and guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things [His promise and His oath] in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled [to Him] for refuge would have strong encouragement and indwelling strength to hold tightly to the hope set before us. 19  This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells], 20  where Jesus has entered [in advance] as a forerunner for us, having become a High Priest forever according to the order of [a]Melchizedek.

As we read and study and pray the Word of God, we anchor our hope in God, our perspective subtly shifts into His wisdom. We begin to see beyond our present circumstances, and we focus on the unchanging nature of our heavenly Father.

He is the source of true joy and peace, and in him we find strength to persevere.

Today, if you find yourself discouraged, turn to God in prayer. Pour out your heart before him and listen for his promising voice. Trust in his perfect timing and purposes, knowing that he is working all things together for your good.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Psalm 42 The Message

42 1-3 A white-tailed deer drinks
    from the creek;
I want to drink God,
    deep drafts of God.
I’m thirsty for God-alive.
I wonder, “Will I ever make it—
    arrive and drink in God’s presence?”
I’m on a diet of tears—
    tears for breakfast, tears for supper.
All day long
    people knock at my door,
Pestering,
    “Where is this God of yours?”

4 These are the things I go over and over,
    emptying out the pockets of my life.
I was always at the head of the worshiping crowd,
    right out in front,
Leading them all,
    eager to arrive and worship,
Shouting praises, singing thanksgiving—
    celebrating, all of us, God’s feast!

5 Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?
    Why are you crying the blues?
Fix my eyes on God—
    soon I’ll be praising again.
He puts a smile on my face.
    He’s my God.

6-8 When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse
    everything I know of you,
From Jordan depths to Hermon heights,
    including Mount Mizar.
Chaos calls to chaos,
    to the tune of whitewater rapids.
Your breaking surf, your thundering breakers
    crash and crush me.
Then God promises to love me all day,
    sing songs all through the night!
    My life is God’s prayer.

9-10 Sometimes I ask God, my rock-solid God,
    “Why did you let me down?
Why am I walking around in tears,
    harassed by enemies?”
They’re out for the kill, these
    tormentors with their obscenities,
Taunting day after day,
    “Where is this God of yours?”

11 Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?
    Why are you crying the blues?
Fix my eyes on God—
    soon I’ll be praising again.
He puts a smile on my face.
    He’s my God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart, as it will be healing to your body and it will be refreshment to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8

Proverbs 3:5-8 Complete Jewish Bible

5 Trust in Adonai with all your heart;
do not rely on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him;
then he will level your paths.

7 Don’t be conceited about your own wisdom;
but fear Adonai, and turn from evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and give strength to your bones.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

By these timeless words of Scripture, God invites each of us to implicitly trust in him, to be still, surrender our worries, doubts, and fears into his capable hands.

On our parts, this involves our sacrifice, our conscious choice to rely on God’s wisdom and guidance rather than leaning on our own limited understanding.

In a world filled to overflowing with uncertainty, we will wander around, we stumble everywhere, can we find solace in the unchanging character of God?

Based on the measure and degrees of his own personal experience, intrigue, Solomon’s response is ultimately clear: the Lord is faithful, steadfast, and true.

Our being more aware of his presence, He will fulfill every promise he has made.

From within that raised awareness of his presence, when we place our trust in the Lord, we will be tapping into the wellspring of his grace, strength, peace.

Trusting God doesn’t mean that we will never face challenges or hardships.

But it does mean that we can confidently face hard times, knowing that God is with us, working all things together for our good. We can rest in the blessed assurance that Almighty God is in control and that his plans for us are perfect.

Trusting God requires humility—a recognition his ways are higher than ours.

It involves sacrificing, surrendering our understanding of our wisdom, our need for self control, reshaping our thoughts, embracing HIS divine wisdom, timing.

Day to day, as we submit the fullness of our lives unto the Lord, he directs our paths, leading, guiding, directing us, on a journey of purpose and fulfillment.

Let’s trust God with all our heart. In every circumstance, may we lean on his understanding and submit to his will. As we do trust God, we experience his faithfulness, and our lives become that testimony to his goodness and grace.

In the name of God the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Psalm 23 Complete Jewish Bible

23 (0) A psalm of David:

(1) Adonai is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
2 He has me lie down in grassy pastures,
he leads me by quiet water,
3 he restores my inner person.
He guides me in right paths
for the sake of his own name.
4 Even if I pass through death-dark ravines,
I will fear no disaster; for you are with me;
your rod and staff reassure me.

5 You prepare a table for me,
even as my enemies watch;
you anoint my head with oil
from an overflowing cup.

6 Goodness and grace will pursue me
every day of my life;
and I will live in the house of Adonai
for years and years to come.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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A Man Born Blind: A Time of Prayer to Understand How Jesus Heals Us. John 9:1-12

John 9:1-12 New International Version

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was.

Others said, “No, he only looks like him.”

But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”

10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked.

11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”

12 “Where is this man?” they asked him.

“I don’t know,” he said.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

They Come Across A Man Born Blind

The disciples see a man who was born blind, and they assume that his blindness is someone’s fault.

This was a common way of thinking about suffering in those days. Sickness and disability were often believed to be a result of sin somewhere in the family line.

If we think about it, we can see how people could fall into that kind of thinking.

It has happened in many cultures.

If a person has a disability or a terrible disease, if they are mentally challenged or if they are down and out in some kind of hardship too, it can be convenient to point fingers, blame them or their family or even their friends or community.

It calms our fears if we can state a reason or a cause for something we don’t understand—or don’t want to, or gives us a sense of “I am glad I am not like that” or gives us the sense that we are better than others, we are the strongest.

In this story Jesus complicates things even more by implying that God allowed the man to be born blind so that through his healing by Jesus, could help people see the miraculous works of God being done, that God is indeed in their midst.

This is a very hard teaching to understand—there is no getting around that.

Human suffering is a lot more complicated than we would like to believe.

Sin has broken this world in ways that goes way far beyond our understanding.

But at the same time, this story offers comfort because we see that God can and will work to bring good out of challenges and suffering. God works for our good in all things (Romans 8:28)—and he has redeemed us in Christ (Isaiah 43:1-7).

When the works of God shine through all manner of conceivable adversity, he shows in a unique way that he is good and merciful and loves us without limit.

A Prayer to Help Us Understand How Jesus Heals Us

God’s ways and thoughts are not the same as ours (Isaiah 55:8-13).

We can can expend every available ounce of energy and money to try and ‘work’ life out all the time and we’ll run the danger of missing what’s really important.

Healing is a case example.

Prayer for the miraculous can be boxed in, and we may have an agenda for it.

Line up this way, kneel that way, read these words, worship with these tunes, come forward for prayer IF you have true faith, and hold your hands out, etc.

It almost sounds like a pharmacy prescription!

And if nothing supernatural happens, some believers think God has not lifted a finger or a thought to relieve that person’s ordeal. They may refuse medicines in their own lives, too, seeing hordes of tablets, pills, and injections as worldly.

Yet our passage in John 9:1-12 seriously challenges this view.

Let’s take some time here to contemplate what happened.

Jesus rubbed clay into a man’s eyes to heal him!

Why?

What an unusual thing to do.

Other blind men in the Bible were healed by the Lord instantly, without mud on the eyeballs (Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-42).

Jesus said this particular healing would bring glory to God by the works of the Holy Spirit in this man.

That was destiny.

But why did he use mud?

What was Jesus saying by doing this?

He always did things for a reason.

Is there an underlying message here?

I believe there is.

The same Lord God who formed the first man “from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life” (Genesis 2:7) used dust, dirt, of the ground to bring life to this blind man’s eyes.

Jesus is reminding us that he is the Creator.

The image of the invisible God with the authority to create and recreate.

He is the master sculptor who uses ordinary things like mud to regenerate.

And, of course, if  Christ used clay to heal – how can that be interpreted by the world of modern-day medicine?

If ethically developed, it means that medical treatment is approved by God for our welfare here and now.

Antibiotics, cancer drugs, insulin – all these things are like clay used by God to bring healing to our temporary earthly bodies.  

Medicine is essentially the stewardship of the fruits of all God’s creation from the earth reshaped for healing purposes.

That is why we can expend ceaseless amounts of our praise the Lord for non-supernatural, ordinary medicine, as well as miraculous healings from prayer.

So, if your doctor is suggesting a certain medicine today – respect his or her wisdom! Praise the Lord for using clay, the fruits of His creation to bring you healing! And if or as you are healed through prayer – praise Him for that too!

Lastly, whatever your health struggles, never forget the bird song.

Jesus once said (Matthew 10:29) that “not one [sparrow] will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” Trust Him.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Proverbs 3:5-8 New American Standard Bible 1995

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your [a]body
And refreshment to your bones.

Father God – dearest Creator,
Healing can seem like a subject too big for my understanding. Thank you for the truth that you look after us here and now through prayers and miraculous healings and via ordinary medicine. I marvel at the fact this body I wear cannot be compared to my future state when you return. 2 Corinthians 5:1 compares it to moving from a tent to a house! What a thought. Your grace is sufficient for me with any thorns in my flesh, here and now. I trust you for your goodness to me. Thank you for your ever-present lovingkindness. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

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Why Your Life 100% Matters to God! Luke 8:43-48

Luke 8:43-48New American Standard Bible 1995

43 And a woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone, 44 came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His [a]cloak, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. 45 And Jesus said, “Who is the one who touched Me?” And while they were all denying it, Peter said, “Master, the [b]people are crowding and pressing in on You.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone did touch Me, for I was aware that power had gone out of Me.” 47 When the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before Him, and declared in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has [c]made you well; go in peace.”

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

Our world can feel mighty big.

There are billions of humans with a unique story covering this planet.

It’s easy to feel that we are insignificant when we compare ourselves to others.

The length, breadth and depth of social media has grown this idea that I can’t compare myself to others; I’m not good enough, talented enough, rich enough, successful enough, fit enough, a good enough parent, cook, and on the list goes!

From a young age, we are inundated, socialized, with unrealistic images of perfection perpetuating the idea that we should bow out before we even begin because overall its about equality, we have nothing unique to offer our world.

This goes socially constructed image of equality is entirely against the message of the Gospel, and it is a lie the evil one uses to take us out of the game of life.

Each and every life is unique and absolutely and uniquely matters to God.

We are all ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ as his Word tells us (Psalm 139:14).

You are profoundly important not because of what you can do but because of who you are! You are a one of kind child of God (John 1:12-13).

The world wants us to believe that production equals value, but God’s economy is entirely different.

God says identity defines our worth; the best news is that, thankfully, as his Creation, our identity is secure!

Why and How He Healed

Luke 8:43-48 The Message

43-45 In the crowd that day there was a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with hemorrhages. She had spent every penny she had on doctors but not one had been able to help her. She slipped in from behind and touched the edge of Jesus’ robe. At that very moment her hemorrhaging stopped. Jesus said, “Who touched me?”

When no one stepped forward, Peter said, “But Master, we’ve got crowds of people on our hands. Dozens have touched you.”

46 Jesus insisted, “Someone touched me. I felt power discharging from me.”

47 When the woman realized that she couldn’t remain hidden, she knelt trembling before him. In front of all the people, she blurted out her story—why she touched him and how at that same moment she was healed.

48 Jesus said, “Daughter, you took a risk trusting me, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed!”

When Jesus came to live among us, he brought healing.

The woman we read about today is an example of that healing power. She risked everything, it was her only option left, touched Jesus and was instantly healed.

Jesus turned around and asked who had touched him.

He had felt healing power go out from him.

The woman came forward trembling, and “in the presence of all the people, she told why she had risked everything touched him and how she had been instantly healed.” She testified to her unrelenting trust and the healing power of Christ.

If you are a Christian, you too know what it means to have trust, you too know that even though you did not touch Him you been healed by Christ in some way.

Even if you haven’t been healed physically, you have been healed spiritually.

The Bible tells us that at one time we were all dead in sin and blind to the truth of God.

As the hymn Amazing Grace states, “I once … was blind but now I see.”

We were all spiritually blind without Christ.

But he touched, healed, the eyes of our hearts (Ephesians 1:18) so we can see.

Christ also calls all of us who are Christians to give testimony to his healing power in our lives.

That isn’t always easy.

Who is it nowadays who testifies to anything but how horrible the world is?

We may be ashamed or embarrassed by the sins and character flaws that infected our hearts before Christ healed us.

But without pointing to what was wrong with us, we can’t point to his greatness and healing power.

Who is it who brings their testimony of all the ways God has always been there for them, who brings their stories of the miracles they have witnessed God do?

God calls us to live as a living sacrifice to him (Romans 12:1), which means we don’t have to offer him perfection – we just have to be faithful and hopeful too.

We just have to make ourselves available to him.

Thank God perfection is not a qualifier for him to work!

We’d all be doomed, most of all me. My sin haunts me, but God’s grace covers me.

It’s a miraculous cycle that humbly keeps me on my knees, constantly thanking God that he can do great things with what little bit of perfection I have to offer.

You matter more than you could ever imagine to your Father God.

1. We Know We Matter Because Jesus Died for Us

What would you die for?

To save your car?

Your kids’ toys?

For the ants?

Most likely, you would not die for those things because they don’t matter enough to give your life for.

We die for things that matter, or we would deem our death to be in vain.

That list gets even shorter when we consider giving up our child to die on behalf of another.

Do we believe that Jesus died in vain?

That his death lacks purpose because we are inconsequential?

When we doubt our worth, we doubt God’s Word and the work that he did on the cross. 

John 3:16 clearly tells us that God so loved us that he gave his Son so we would live eternally with Him!

The cross is a mystery.

How death, in this case, means life for me is something I continuously struggle to fully comprehend, but I do know that death is not something any living thing approaches flippantly.

Death is scary.

It’s final.

It entails suffering and loss.

It’s meaningful and serious.

While I don’t understand all of how God works, I know that giving your life for someone else is the ultimate love act here on Earth.

We can rest assured that God made us to love us because he engaged in the ultimate act of love by sacrificing himself on the cross.

John 15:13-16 New American Standard Bible 1995

13 Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that  whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.

2. We Know We Matter Because God Tells Us He Has Plans For Us

Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorite verses.

It tells us clearly that God has planned a hope-filled future for us!

He desires to see us prosper! 

Psalm 27:13 tells us that we can expect to see God’s goodness here in the land of the living. 

Matthew 6:10 declares God wants to bring Heaven down to Earth through us!

All of these Scriptures and so many more shout the truth that God has good plans for his Creation.

Unfortunately, because of the power of sin that has infiltrated the Earth, we must choose to partner with God in order to see his goodness unfold in our lives for his glory, but the invitation to enjoy his goodness now extends to everyone.

Once we are his, nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:31).

Don’t let shame, past mistakes, or self-doubt take you out of God’s plan for your life.

None of those things are too great for God to overcome!

He is able to do more than we could ask, think, or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

It’s pride that says we are too broken to be used. God is able! He has a plan for you. Trust him and watch him work miracles in your life over and over again.

3. We Know We Matter Because We Are All a Part of the Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 explains that we are each a part of the body of Christ.

We all have a unique role to play that complement each other.

We are called to work in unity through the Spirit.

Just as we all have different roles, no role is less valuable!

My work as a stay-at-home husband can feel insignificant, but if I was not faithful to serve my wife and my stepson, then how would their God-ordained futures be impacted?

My wife worked in preschool with four and five year old’s for over thirty years.

While this job may not feel as holy as being a clergy or a judge or an airline pilot, if she did not rely on the Spirit to guide her at work, she would have missed out on the wholly unique chance to be a light to her young students, co-workers.

Our job is to be faithful and obedient to the call of God in our lives.

Success in any specific terms is God’s job and is out of our hands.

Remember, you matter because of who you are, not what you do.

Even if you stay home alone and do nothing all day, you matter to God because you are his.

You may get bored and repeatedly miss out on your potential, but you are still inherently valuable because you were created in the image of God, born out of his great love for us.

John 1:11-13 New American Standard Bible 1995

11 He came to His [a]own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were [b]born, not of [c]blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

No role is too small because your just being is the gift.

Your presence is what God and those who love you long for.

As a husband, I am constantly baffled at how much my wife just want me to be around me.

It doesn’t even matter if I’m impatient or overwhelmed; she still wants to be with me as my wife.

When we are hurting at night, trying to go to bed in the dark, one thing that offers us comfort is just two of us sitting and snuggling in our room together.

Our safety or sleep conditions haven’t actually changed, but our being there together, looking at and hugging each other changes everything for us both.

That’s how it works with God.

Our being there, our remaining together, our loving each other together, for each other together with God, husband and wife absolutely changes everything.

He made you because he wants to be together with you and so to know you, me.

Just existing as his children is enough.

What is the lesson of Luke 8 48?

Jesus himself lets her know that her faith is the reason she is healed; she is not as helpless or hopeless or faithless, untouchable too as she may have thought.

Even more, her peace with God is restored.

This is the only time in Scripture where Jesus calls a woman His daughter.

The word connotes a familiarity she could never would have imagined.

The absolute truth of the Gospel is that everyone absolutely matters to God!

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Psalm 8 New American Standard Bible 1995

The Lord’s Glory and Man’s Dignity.

For the choir director; on the Gittith. A Psalm of David.

8 O Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth,
Who have [a]displayed Your splendor above the heavens!
2 From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established [b]strength
Because of Your adversaries,
To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.

3 When I [c]consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have [d]ordained;
4 What is man that You [e]take thought of him,
And the son of man that You care for him?
5 Yet You have made him a little lower than [f]God,
And You crown him with glory and majesty!
6 You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
7 All sheep and oxen,
And also the [g]beasts of the field,
8 The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea,
Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth!

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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