Tag: healing

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As I Look out into the World There’s Some Things I See I Want to Talk about, Can I Talk about It?

Luke 7:18-23  ‘And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Are  you he that should come? or  should we  look for another?  

When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto  you, saying, Are  you he that should come? or  should we look  for another?  

And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.  

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.  

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me’

John had spent weeks even months in a dark dungeon with little company except rats so it is easy to see how he could have begun to question himself and indeed the messiah he baptised in the river Jordan proclaiming Him as the Lamb of God

When we take our eyes of Christ fear and doubt eat away at childlike faith and rob us of the truth that set us free. Without his presence we see walls instead of open doors, we see problems instead of answers and hopelessness instead of hope

God can only keep us in perfect peace as we keep our minds firmly fixed on him

What do you see when you look at Christ? Do you see a crucified saviour or an empty cross, a vacated tomb and a risen saviour who has given you victory over death and hell?

Do you see your sin or do you see a Saviour?

Do you see the sin that so easily overcomes you or do you see Jesus who became sin with your sin so that you would be the righteousness of God in him? Have you not heard that he is faithful and just to forgive you all your sins and to cleanse you of every sin as you repent and turn from them?

Do you see sickness and disease destroying your body, robbing you of strength or do you see Jesus who took your infirmities and carried your sicknesses and by whose stripes you are already healed?

Do you see yourself struggling with debt, drowning in poverty, hear a bank managers abusive remarks or do you see Jesus who became poor with your poverty that you would become rich with his riches?

Do you see an empty purse or a cruse of oil that will never run out? 1st Kings 17:14-16

Do you see yourself living a pauper’s life or do you see the Lord who has promised to provide all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus? Philippians 4:19

Do you see the devil when temptation overtakes you or do you see your saviour Jesus who always makes a way of escape when you ask him so that you may be able to bear it?

Do you see fear and defeat robbing you when unbelief sets in or do you see Jesus who always causes you to triumph?  Have you not heard that God did not give you a spirit of fear but of love and power and of a sound mind?

Do you see no way out of captivity and misery or do you see Jesus who releases the captives and who is your joy and your strength?

Do you see your many afflictions, or do you see Jesus who delivers you out of them all?

Do you see death when you have lost someone you love or do you see Jesus the resurrection and the life

Do you dwell on the loss of a loved one or on the gain that Christ purchased for them for in Him ‘death has no sting and the grave no victory’ for from the moment we are absent from the body we are present with the Lord? In Christ they are risen indeed

Do you spend your days in sorrow or do you see that while weeping lasts for a night joy comes in the morning?

Do you look at the darkness which can so easily overtake you, or do you turn your eyes toward heaven and see his glorious light; his life, his hope, his peace which will cause you to laugh in the face of adversity.

In Christ there is endless joy, hope that springs eternal, health that springs forth speedily and victory that is yours always”¦

Open your eyes and fix them on the Crucified saviour now risen for your sake

Dark days vanish when Christ comes, all things change when Jesus comes to stay

David Robinson

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Laura’s Story: How I’m Coping after Losing My Father to Suicide

I wanted to share a short version of my story from the perspective of a survivor of someone that has been directly affected by suicide. Recent news has broken my heart in a way that has made me realize that even the happiest faces can hide grotesque feelings of inadequacy. There is hope. Reach out- no matter what.

My Story

When I was 17, I received a phone call that forever altered the history of my life.

My dad had taken his own life.

As a result of this tragedy, I have limited memory. I have not been diagnosed with PTSD, but I can bet that it would be applied to my medical chart if I sought a diagnosis. I push out moments of time through perverted coping skills that I acquired from years of learning to deal with undefined emotions on my own. Just ask my husband how long it took me to finally remember the date of our anniversary. Six years.

There are other underlying issue that I dealt with for years after the news that my father had committed suicide.

As time passed, I started thinking about my two older brothers and how this event affected them. I would worry about losing them. I wondered if they were secretly hiding emotions and temptations of suicide.

To this day I haven’t openly discussed this with them. Mostly, because the wound from our father’s death seventeen years ago has scabbed over. Only occasionally do I let my mind wander to that place and begin picking at the crusted over terror. I quickly  remember why I don’t visit much.

Thankfully, God saved my soul in October of 2004.

I was on a road that was going to lead me to a dead end in some form or fashion.

Once I realized that there is an eternal hope where I could place my past, present, and future, I knew that this was the answer.

 

Jesus is the answer to suicide. Those currently tempted and those who have survived.

 

I was given a book by my uncle and aunt shortly after my dad’s death. Honestly, I didn’t open it until a couple of years after receiving it. When I did, I read about a man that thinks I am precious in his sight- no matter what. A man that loves me- no matter how wretched I felt inside. This man was, of course, Jesus Christ.

I had a black hole of dread and emptiness in my heart and I was searching for something that could only be answered by the cross.

 

Learning To Love

Due to the handful of tragic events that have taken place in my life, I thought I would never know how to give or receive love appropriately. My mind had been distorted. At best, I could imitate how I imagined love was supposed to look like, but even then, I felt like I fell short.

After Jesus saved me, I learned about a love that covered every fear, anxiety, misconception, and torment that my flesh could wield.

His word became my sword for these emotions.

I slowly chopped down misguided feelings and replaced them with the rock solid truth of the Bible.

 

If You Feel Like No One Understands – Pick Up Your Phone

If you find yourself in a place of hopelessness and you are convinced that no one understands what you are going through, pick up your phone and call someone. If you think there is no one you can call that would possibly understand, then call this number: 1-800-273-8255. This phone number is one that you can call 24/7 and someone on the other line will be there and they understand. If you don’t feel like talking, then please text:    HOME to 741741.

 

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8 Powerful Healing Plants from the Bible

8 Powerful Healing Plants from the Bible

During some of the earliest Bible times, people are recorded using plants for healing. Recent trends have begun to swing away from pharmacy and back into the direction of natural, homoeopathic medicine. Sometimes we think that something is a new discovery when it is, in fact, thousands of years old!

I’m not suggesting that we should completely throw out modern medical advances and cures in exchange for only herbs and tinctures. But I do advocate taking a look at the powerful healing plants God put on the earth for our benefit. After all, God gave them to us for a reason!

Here are some of the healing plants mentioned in the bible and suggestions on ways they can be effectively used today:

Frankincense

While Frankincense is closely identified as a substance brought as a gift to Jesus after his birth, it’s not likely that Mary was slathering this oil on the bottom of his feet! At the time, Frankincense was a precious and valuable perfume and was used in priestly rituals as well as indicating prosperity and wealth. Thus, the gift of the Magi to Jesus.

Biblical References: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, 1 Chronicles, Nehemiah, Song of Solomon, Jeremiah, Matthew, Revelation

Modern Uses: Frankincense essential oil is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune boosting properties. Many people use it in the winter to protect against colds and other germs, as well as to relieve stress and anxiety.

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

Myrrh

Extracted from the resin from the Myrrh tree, this oil was prescribed by God as a crucial ingredient in the holy anointing oil used on priests. It was also offered to Christ, mixed with wine, in order to dull his pain while on the cross in order to dull his pain. But he refused it.

Biblical References: Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Matthew, Mark, John

Modern Uses: Today, myrrh is readily accessible (although a bit pricey) as an essential oil. Its benefits include boosting the immune system, fighting infection, improving digestion, and stimulating circulation. It also has a tendency to promote positive feelings as well as working well against skin diseases.

All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad. Psalm 45:8

Garlic

Used medicinally as well as for food, this pungent bulb was likely introduced to the Israelites when they were in Egypt. They were recorded as longing for this tasty ingredient during their time in the desert when they were eating only manna.

Biblical References: Numbers

Modern Uses: Garlic is used today as a dietary supplement to help with heart problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and hardened arteries. It also can offer a boost to the immune system and may even help to protect against the development of cancer.

We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic.   Numbers 11:5

Aloe

Related to Bible times, aloe is broad term in the bible for a family of plants from which the centre can be extracted particularly for its healing properties. Symbolically, aloe was related to provision and abundance, as well as being used as an embalming ointment to honour the dead.

Biblical References: Numbers, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, John

Modern Uses: Today we typically use the term “aloe” as a shortened version of Aloe Vera, which is a popular plant that resembles a cactus and contains a gel-like substance in its leaves. The gel extracted from the leaves is known to soothe skin rashes, treat burns, heal cold sores, reduce inflammation, aid in digestion, and boost antioxidants.

Like valleys they spread out, like gardens beside a river, like aloes planted by the Lord, like cedars beside the waters. Numbers 24:6

Cedarwood

Commonly burned ceremonially because of its scent, Cedarwood is linked with purification and cleansing. It was also extracted into an oil and used as a purifying agent as well as an embalming substance. The wood itself was used prolifically in the building of the temple, considered to be sacred and holy.

Biblical References: Leviticus, Numbers, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Psalms, Song of Solomon, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Ezra, Zechariah

Modern Uses: As an essential oil, Cedarwood is often used in association with reducing pain, inflammation, spasms, and fungal infections. From a mental standpoint, the scent is believed to increase focus and promote wise thoughts.

The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty wide and twenty high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of cedar. 1 Kings 6:20

Cinnamon

While we now often associate cinnamon with yummy baked goods, that wasn’t the case during bible times. In fact, this spice was once considered to be more valuable than gold because of its medicinal properties. Cinnamon oil was extracted from the bark and used for perfume and anointing.

Biblical References: Exodus, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Revelation

Modern Uses: Cinnamon is powerful for supporting the immune system, promoting circulation, relieving achy muscles and joint pain, and maintaining oral health. Some people use Cinnamon essential oil, diluted with a carrier oil, by massaging it into the skin over sore joints and muscles.

I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Proverbs 7:17

Cassia

Another sacred perfume extracted from the bark of the Cassia plant, the scent of this oil is similar to the more familiar cinnamon and would have been used in anointing oil. During Bible times it was also used in powdered form during commerce and trade.

Biblical References: Exodus, Psalms, Ezekiel

Modern Uses: In the form of an essential oil, Cassia is often used to help as a treatment for diarrhoea, relief from arthritis pain, improvement in circulation, reduction of inflammation, and relief from menstrual cramps and other symptoms.

All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.   Psalm 45:8

Mint

Mentioned specifically only in the New Testament, mint was commonly grown herb. It is suspected that mint may have been included as one of the bitter herbs which were used in the Passover celebration. Mint may have been scattered onto dirt floors or hung in houses to cover over foul smells and create a welcoming scent. Mint may have also been used as a seasoning for foods and

Biblical References: Matthew, Luke

Modern Uses: Now there are more than 1000 hybrid varieties of this herb, some of the more familiar including peppermint, spearmint, and pennyroyal. Its health benefits include help with digestion and tummy discomfort, freshening breath, opening up breathing passages for asthma or colds and even reducing memory loss.

You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. Luke 11:42

Some of these healing plants might be growing in your backyard while others are a bit more obscure. Many of them are available in the form of essential oils or nutritional supplements. As with any type of homoeopathic medical treatment (no matter how natural) be sure to check with a medical professional about whether these are safe to use for your specific needs.  

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What Does #MeToo: Stories of Sexual Abuse, Harassment Have to Do with You?

How to cope with a mis-sold job

There is a concept that some in the field of neuroscience call “increased integration.” Apparently, when someone tells his or her story and is truly heard and understood they feel a greater sense of emotional and relational connection, decreased anxiety, and a greater awareness of and compassion for others’ suffering.

In recent months the #MeToo  has spread virally as a two-word hashtag used on social media in October 2017  by women around the world who shared their experiences of sexual harassment and assault on social media.

The allegations of sexual assault and rape against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein also saw tens of thousands of people taking to social media to share their stories using the hashtag, ‘#MeToo’. Additionally, an assertion that being “touched upon the metro” should be a “non-event” also provoked fury.

“There is a line, obviously, between [sexual] desire and realization, and some cross it and some don’t.”

Thanks to women coming forward to tell their stories about being raped, fondled or harassed by men, we can now see the prevalence of this practice.

The tweets show that people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and sexual orientations are vulnerable to sexual violence.  The perpetrators also ranged in age, background, and ethnicity.

So what could possibly be fueling this upsurge in harassment?

Perhaps the breakdown of morality, lack of a spiritual life and old-fashioned selfishness. But is that all there is? There have been men who exhibit high morals who have harassed women. There have also been Pastors who have done the same.

So what is the common denominator?

Pornography!

The Internet is really really great”¦ FOR PORN!
I’ve got a fast connection so I don’t have to wait”¦ FOR PORN!
There’s always some new site”¦ FOR PORN!
I browse all day and night”¦ FOR PORN!
It’s like I’m surfing at the speed of light”¦ FOR PORN!
The Internet is for porn!
The Internet is for porn!
Why you think the net was born?
Porn! Porn! PORN!

In 2003, these lyrics were heard on the Broadway stage courtesy of Jeff Marx, Robert Lopez and the puppets of musical show  Avenue Q. It would quickly become a famous Internet meme and catchphrase. But why?

In the last 30 years, pornography has grown to be a multi-billion dollar a year industry. Today’s children live in a digital world that has embraced sexuality. Images of sex abound on the internet, and are freely accessible to children with the simple click of a computer button, or by downloading an image on a cell phone.

Pornography is not just something a few men view in the late hours in the privacy of their homes.

According to recent statistics at least 70 percent of porn is downloaded during work hours (9 am to 5 pm).

The wages of sin are enormous when pornography is involved.

“The societal costs of pornography are staggering. The financial cost to business productivity in the U.S. alone is estimated at $16.9 Billion annually ; but the human toll, particularly among our youth and in our families, is far greater.”

I heard from a young woman the other day who didn’t get why I was anti-porn. “It’s a great way for my fianc, to meet his needs when I’m not in the mood. I don’t want him to keep bugging me if I’m not into it that night. And he shouldn’t just have to ‘deal’ with frustration, either.”  

So What’s Not to Love About Porn?

Well, Patrick F. Fagan, Ph.D, psychologist and former Deputy Assistant Health and Human Services Secretary research states that pornography hurts adults, children, couples, families, and society. It also states that among adolescents, pornography hinders the development of a healthy sexuality, and among adults, it distorts sexual attitudes and social realities. In families, pornography use leads to marital dissatisfaction, infidelity, separation, and divorce.

The average age when a man is first exposed to pornography is at 11 years of age and the largest consumers of porn are 12 to 17-year old’s. Victor Cline, a psychologist, documented how men become addicted to pornographic materials, then begin to desire more explicit or deviant material, and finally act out what they have seen.

He maintained “that memories of experiences that occurred at times of emotional arousal (which could include sexual arousal) are imprinted on the brain by epinephrine, an adrenal gland hormone, and are difficult to erase. This may partly explain pornography’s addicting effect.”

The next step is escalation. Previous sexual highs become more difficult to attain; therefore users of pornography begin to look for more exotic forms of sexual behavior to bring them stimulation and so on.

A Biblical Perspective?

God created men and women in His image (Gen. 1:27) as sexual beings. But because of sin in the world (Rom. 3:23), sex has been misused and abused (Rom. 1:24-25). The act of sex was originally meant to bring a husband and wife into a close, intimate relationship that only they could share. Pornography attacks the dignity of men and women created in the image of God. Pornography also distorts God’s gift of sex which should be shared only within the bounds of marriage (1 Cor. 7:2-3). After years of watching it, consciences become  smeared and he or she can no longer see what is right and wrong. – Timothy 4:2

Are You Addicted?

Some of you reading this may have already developed an addiction to porn. If you see any of the patterns I’ve described above in your life, you need to put the brakes on right now. Is porn beginning to control your life? You can’t put it down — you keep going back for more? Perhaps you find yourself needing to see increasingly graphic pornography. You’re starting to take risks or act out physically for sexual thrills.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”¦” Romans 12:2

The Bible also warns against the misuse of sex. Premarital and extramarital sex is condemned (1 Cor. 6:13-18; 1 Thess. 4:3). Even thoughts of sexual immorality (often fed by pornographic material) are condemned (Matt. 5:27-28). Christians, therefore, must do two things. First, they must work to keep themselves pure by fleeing immorality (1 Cor. 6:18) and thinking on those things which are pure (Phil. 4:8).

General pornography stats

  • Every second 28,258 users are watching pornography on the internet
  • Every second $3,075.64 is being spent on pornography on the internet
  • Every second 372 people are typing the word “adult” into search engines
  • 40 million American people regularly visit porn sites
  • 35% of all internet downloads are related to pornography
  • 25% of all search engine queries are related to pornography, or about 68 million search queries a day
  • One-third of porn viewers are women
  • Search engines get 116,000 queries every day related to child pornography
  • 34% of internet users have experienced unwanted exposure to pornographic content through ads, pop up ads, misdirected links or emails
  • 2.5 billion emails sent or received every day contain porn
  • Every 39 minutes a new pornography video is being created in the United States
  • About 200,000 Americans are “porn addicts”

Valerie Hughes co-wrote this post and is the founder of Sufficient Grace Ministries offering hope and healing to women who have been involved with a porn addiction. Her current book “When Porn Takes the Place of Love” tells of her journey of healing and includes a 10-part Bible Study.  

Disclaimer:  Fighting the stigma faced by sexual violence survivors is a crucial step in forcing the change referenced by Tamblyn. The “#MeToo” hashtag shows that more and more people are ready to share their stories and change the dialogue surrounding sexual violence.  The article attempts to shed light on one of the overlooked influences that help develop a man’s mindset on how they treat women.

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What Jesus Really Says About GREAT FAITH

Jesus didn’t seem to be as concerned about the amount of faith a person has as many people today are.  Of course, it’s better to have more faith than less faith. But did you know that the Bible only records two instances when Jesus commends people for their “great faith?”

Great Faith

In one story, a Roman centurion asks Jesus to heal his paralyzed servant, who was “suffering terribly” (Matthew 8:6). Jesus asks if he should go to heal him, but the Roman man replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (verse 8).

Jesus was amazed at the centurion’s response and commends his “great faith.” The other story where Jesus speaks of someone’s “great faith” involves a Canaanite woman,  whose daughter Jesus heals (Matthew 15:22-28).

In both of these stories, Jesus does not say that he decided to heal the person because of the amount of faith they had. Rather, he simply observes their “great faith.”

Why the Focus on Great Faith?

Biblical scholars agree that the reason Jesus highlights the faith of these people is that Jesus was commending these non-Jewish people (a Roman centurion and a Canaanite Woman) in order to encourage his Jewish audience to have the same faith in him that these Gentiles had and to challenge the common Jewish belief that God’s grace did not extend to the Gentiles. On account of this, regarding the Roman centurion, Jesus says explicitly, “I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith” (Matthew 8:10).  [1]

Little Faith

As with “great faith,” there are not many times that Jesus ever speaks of a person’s “little faith,” and it is never in connection to healing.

Once Jesus said that those who don’t trust God to provide for their basic needs have “little faith,” given that “God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire” (Matthew 6:30).

On another occasion, Jesus remarked regarding the disciples’ “little faith” when they were afraid their boat was going to sink during a “furious storm” (Matthew 8:24-26).

And many sermons have been preached on the story of Peter walking on the water. When he began to sink, Jesus remarked regarding Peter’s “little faith” (Matthew 14:31).

Finally, Jesus observed the “little faith” of the disciples when they were concerned about their lack of bread, even though Jesus had already miraculously provided bread on more than one occasion (Matthew 16:8-10).

Unlimited God!

Note well: In each of these stories Jesus worked miracles despite their little faith. God is not limited by your level of faith! Therefore, Jesus saved the disciples and calmed the stormy sea, even though they had little faith.

Perhaps you can remember Jesus saying something about having faith as small as a mustard seed.

[1] R. T. France,  The Gospel of Matthew, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007), 589-91.

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When God Doesn’t Heal

Why doesn't God heal everyone?

Why do some people get healed immediately after prayer, but others never get healed, even after praying for a long time?

The short answer is, we don’t know why God chooses to heal some, but not others—at least not for each individual case. Therefore, I’m hesitant to ever answer the question beyond this.

Kingdom Come

While there are many possible answers, the most helpful answer I have found is that the kingdom of God has not fully come yet. On the one hand, the kingdom of God is coming and near.

Matthew 10:7-8~ “As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick”¦”

But on the other hand, the kingdom is still something future (Matt 7:21) and, therefore, we continue to await the redemption of our bodies.

Romans 8:23~ “We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”

Future Redemption

We must remember that all of our bodies fail. Even those who are healed now eventually have their bodies fail when they die. But, all believers will eventually be healed at the resurrection with the “redemption of our bodies” (Rom 8:23).

This doesn’t explain why one specific person is healed now instead of another person, but it does temper the expectation that some people have that everyone should be healed today.

Please notice that I have not said anything about faith. God does respond to faith (Matt 9:22), but the amount of faith a person has does not have anything to do with whether or not the person is healed, as least not for Christians. No level of faith assures healing.  And  one can always pray, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

God in Suffering

Christians are sometimes too prone to look for God only in the victory of Christ’s resurrection, and by analogy in the victory of our present healings. However, we need to remember that God was also present in the suffering of the cross of Christ, and by analogy in our present sufferings.

In the midst of suffering, we can affirm with Paul that God’s “grace is sufficient” (2 Cor 12:9). Hence, just as we pray (and should pray!) for God to heal people, we can also pray for God’s grace to endure suffering, even though to some that mistakenly seems like a capitulation to our suffering.

 

 

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