SPIRTUALITY - ARE SUFFERING & WORSHIP RELATED?

As I knelt to lift the last item into our motor home, the snap in my back threw me to my knees. I immediately knew, “I’m in trouble!” Scheduled to spend a week at Virginia Beach for a reunion, and then on to Florida and Wisconsin for conferences, my husband questioned, “What are we going to do?”

Not wanting to “ruin the plans”, I responded, “Let’s go! I’ll lie on the couch, let my muscles settle and I’ll be fine.” A quick prayer and we were on the road. For 1200 miles, I had a panoramic view of tree tops and utility poles, with hours to seek God’s wisdom!

By the time we arrived in Virginia, it was fairly comfortable to sit and walk short distances. A few days later, being careful to not “over-do it”, I ventured out on a short shuffle along the ocean.

The next morning, my muscles began to tighten, the discomfort intensified and I became increasingly immobile. Bedridden for 4 ½ days, my view was roof-tops to the left and the front-door of “our” beach house to the right.

The pain would occasionally bring tears to my eyes, but I wept mostly over how my plight might affect Gary’s time with family. Knowing my agony would not be conducive to fun-filled activity and desiring not to be the center of attention, I kept a low profile.

Considering it would help if I had back-support, I spotted Jesus Among Other Gods on my nightstand. Inch-by-inch, I slid the book under me. After a short period of slight relief, I concluded, “I’d much rather be reading this book!”

I was aware of Jesus’ nearness as I sang praises, prayed, watched clouds and enjoyed unfamiliar bird songs. However, with each passing day I watched as family members headed for the beach, laughter and excitement drifting through my window and into my longing heart. I wanted to share in the fun, but most importantly, I longed to connect hearts with loved-ones.

I became frustrated and angry with myself, others and God. I struggled against the temptation to find quick relief. Yet, it seemed that my Lord had something more important in mind.

Did I want this? Was physical and mental stillness the only way that I would not miss that which is more important to me than fun, family and even relief? I prayed, “Lord, give me strength to wait upon You!” and began to read Jesus Among Other Gods.

Pg 73 - “We are His temple. The Christian does not go to the temple to worship. The Christian takes the temple with him or her. Jesus lifts us beyond the building and pays the human body the highest compliment by making it His dwelling place, the place where He meets with us. Even today He would overturn the tables of those who make it a marketplace for their own lust, greed, and wealth.”

This motionless body of pain is His temple, the place where He dwells! He suffers with me? Are suffering and worship related? Should I always assume suffering isn’t His will and attempt to “pray it away” or can it lead to deeper worship?

Will I choose to worship Him for His wisdom in this situation or seek “quick relief” in the marketplace, exchanging His presence for luxurious beach houses, seductive beach wear, extravagant meals, barrels of intoxicating beverages and worldly affairs?

Pg 128 - “..if life is born out of sacredness, neither goodness nor love alone is the goal. It is reverence, and it must be chosen even when it is hard and costly. This kind of love is a choice to let the sanctity of life dictate the commitment of the will. This kind of reverential love can look upon suffering and see it beyond the clutches of time and through the victory of eternity.”

“Glorifying You is more important to me than all that this world has to offer. Thank You for setting me apart and giving me the ability to see through the suffering to the rewards which only You can offer.”

Whole-Heartedly, Bonnie

SPIRITUALITY - RECLAIMING HOPE & HEALING (Part 2)

Has the world system lured the “church” into thinking that one must be professionally trained in order to help those with “real” problems? Have we been persuaded that the Body of Christ has no power to help? Do we truly believe that it is the “wise men” according to the world’s standard whom God uses to accomplish His work? If so, why?

Why is the church so willing to buy into the lie that the world’s knowledge is such a necessary thing when God’s Word is so clear? It was Joseph, a teenage Hebrew slave (not the wise men of Egypt) whom God used to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. It was another Hebrew slave---Daniel--- whom God used to interpret the writing on the wall--- not the wise men of Babylon. The very Word of God made flesh--- a humble Jewish carpenter Who spoke God’s Truth--- was nailed to the cross and put to death by those who thought they had an edge on knowledge. It was Peter, an impetuous fisherman who made mistakes (not the Scribes and Pharisees) upon whom God built His Church!

Is Jesus’ atoning death on the cross and resurrection victory over sin and Satan no longer powerful enough to bring healing to those whom He sends to His Church? When did the Word of God become void of everything we need to bring healing into the lives of those who come seeking truth and hope from those who claim to follow Jesus? When did the gifts of our God’s precious Holy Spirit cease to be what God intended to equip and use for the building and edification of His Church?

The Lord of lords and King of kings reigns as the most powerful “above every name that shall be named!” Christ seeks to fill His Church with His life-giving resurrection power! It is through the body of Christ operating in the power of His Holy Spirit which God has equipped with the gifts of His Spirit to reclaim hope and healing within the church. Those who choose to be obedient to His call and walk in the power of His Word and Spirit will be His vessels to heal the broken hearted, bind up wounds and set the captives free.

It is Jesus who is the very Bread of God who came down from heaven to give life to the world. (John 6:33) It is He who breaks the bread--- His body, the Church--- to be distributed to feed and nourish the hungry and needy people. Truly the loving grace of Jesus can break us and use us for His glory to bring forth His hope and healing if we ask it of Him.


Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

SPIRITUALITY - RECLAIMING HOPE & HEALING

Several years ago, my husband and I attended a conference where the guest speaker was a “Christian psychologist” who spoke to the “pastors” in attendance regarding when to counsel, when to refer, necessary legal precautions, etc.

In summary the speaker concluded: “In nearly all situations when the Lord sends hurting hearts to your congregations, this is how you should respond: ‘I’m not professionally trained to help you nor do I have time. Additionally, I am afraid that you might sue me for misguiding you. However, I can give you a list of counselors from which you may select someone who has the time for you, is better equipped than I, and has a better insurance policy in the event that you should decide to sue.’” I was shocked and saddened by such a strong worldly view within the “church”.

In Matthew 14:13-21, we are told about a time when Jesus and His disciples had just slipped away to a quiet place for the purpose of spending time together and mourning the death of their friend, John the Baptist. However, a crowd of 5,000 people, hungry to hear and receive more of what Jesus had to offer, followed them.

As the hour grew late, the disciples went to Jesus and told Him that He needed to send the people away to a place where they could buy food. Listen to Jesus’ response, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

Isn’t Jesus saying to His disciples,
“Don’t send them away to some other place to have their needs met;
I have sent them to you because I want you to meet their needs?”
Does this truth from God’s Word no longer apply to His Church of today?

Yes, the disciples were bewildered; they were in a remote place with no access to food. Yet, Jesus admonished them that it was their responsibility to feed these 5000 hungry and needful people. They knew and admitted they couldn’t do it---not without Him.

Jesus then demonstrated His awesome power to multiply only a few loaves and fish to feed these 5,000 people: He took what little was available from those congregated, thanked and prayed for His Father to meet the need. Yes, He was revealing to His disciples…those He called to minister to the needs of the world---that “without Me, you can do nothing!” At the same time, Jesus was revealing His power available to them, demonstrating clearly that “through Me, you can do all things!”

Matthew tells us, “Jesus had compassion on them and healed them.” Because of His great love, it is our Lord who brings people to the end of themselves and to the realization that He is their only hope. It is the precious Holy Spirit who whispers to their hearts, “Go to My Church. Go to the body of Christ. There is hope and healing for you there.” So they come, wondering, “Is this my last resort? I’ve tried everything else and it hasn’t worked. This has to work! This is my only hope!”

How grieved Jesus must be when man teaches that the our response should be, “This isn’t the place to find what you are looking for! We aren’t equipped to help you! We don’t have enough to feed you! Go somewhere else!”

Has the “church” relinquished the responsibility
for meeting the needs of the world’s lost and hurting
that God has commissioned
His Church to supply?


To Be Continued Next Week

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

HEALTH - POISON IVY

What a wonderful summer this has been for wild berries and they aren’t done yet! I enjoy picking them and eating them is heavenly! However, it’s often difficult to get to those beauties without reaching through poison ivy entangled brambles.

Poison ivy produces oil, Urushiol. Urushiol is so potent that one billionth of a gram can irritate sensitive skin! Although there are some who are unaffected by it, others can develop anything from a mild rash to an acute systemic reaction. When the acidic oil penetrates the skin and enters the blood and lymphatic system, the results can be fatal.

It is documented that the irritating rash doesn’t spread as a result of scratching and breaking the blisters. Instead, a rash develops wherever Urushiol makes skin contact. Sweating can “flush” the oil to other parts of the body. Urushiol can also be transferred by unwashed hands. In fact, it has been discovered that Urushiol can remain active on unwashed clothing and shoes for up to five years! Is there anything that can neutralize and flush its caustic effects from our body?

Not unlike many other health problems,
toxic or expensive drugs are usually an unnecessary response to
an allergic reaction to poison ivy.

As is often the case, our Creator has provided a quick and natural cure which isn’t far from the problem. If poison ivy is present, Jewelweed is most often near by. Helpful photos can be seen at www.wildmanstevebrill.com. Its identifying features are:

• Stems - Succulent, translucent, hollow, pale blue-green waxy blooms, partitioned by nodes and grows up to 5’ tall.
• Leaves - Long stalked, water-repellant, 1-4.5” with few rounded teeth. Upper leaves are alternative while lower are opposite.
• Flowers - Early summer-fall. Orange-yellow with red, yellow or white spots. Trumpet-shaped, under 1” long. One of three petals curls to form a long slipper-shaped spur.
• Seedpods - develop in late summer-fall.

Jewelweed neutralizes Urushiol
if applied immediately after exposure.
It will also minimize the effects
of an already established rash.

The goal is to release its anti-inflammatory, fungicidal properties which are also found in Preparation H! I’ll share several of many methods for accomplishing this:

1) Crush a branch and apply the poultice to the exposed area. Fresh, unused plants in a sealed container will last a week in the refrigerator.
2) Blend with just enough water to liquefy the herb. Strain through a cloth lined strainer. Gather-up the corners of the cloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Apply the liquid and toss the remainder.
3) Simmer entire plant - root and all - for 15-30 minutes. Strain and cool the orange colored solution before application.
Freeze left-overs from #2 & 3 in ice-cube trays for future applications.
4) Poison ivy soap containing Jewelweed can be purchased from The Poison Ivy Soap Company at 110 Ivy Lane Marshall, AR 72650. Their website is www.poisonivysoap.com. We have also found this product locally at the Amish Country Store on Hwy 169 in Redding, IA.

While it’s beyond me to understand why God created poison ivy, He has blessed us with a jewel of a solution!


Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie


DISCLAIMER:


All content of this article is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The author sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. The information herein is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. This is best left to the Creator of the universe. In all health-related situations, “qualified healthcare professionals” should always be consulted. The author deems THE GREAT PHYSICIAN to be most qualified. The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material

HEALTH - THE WONDERS OF FLAXSEED

I thought you may be interested in this health tip, especially if you are missing your favorite cookie because eggs are not on your list of “acceptable” foods. Hope can be found in a tiny little flax seed!

There are two types of flax, golden and brown. Both have somewhat of a nutty flavor and are not digestible if eaten whole. I have been using flax seed for years because of its many health benefits:

Anti-inflammatory – Flax is very high in omega 3 fatty acids which has healing anti-inflammatory properties noticeable in many diseases, including:
o Gout
o Arthritis
o Lupus
o M.S.

Cancer - The lignans in flaxseed appear to play a role in protecting against various types of cancer.

Gastro-intestinal -
o Loaded with fiber, flax absorbs water which results in softer stools and improved regulation for those experiencing constipation and in more formed bowel movements for those with diarrhea. It is not known to cause diarrhea unless over-used.
o Relieves hemorrhoids
o Relieves diverticular disease.

Heart Disease – Studies have revealed that omega 3 fatty acids:
o Slow growth of artery-hardening plaque.
o Reduce risk of heart attack by lowering potential for blood clots.
o Prevent irregular heart rates.
o Lower blood pressure.
o Promote production of natural nitroglycerin keeping the blood vessels open.

Mental Health - Low levels of Omega fatty acids are associated with:
o Depression
o Alzheimer’s
o decreased cognitive function, including learning disorders
o violent behavior.

Vision – Low levels of Omega 3 fatty acids are also associated with visual problems.

Because eggs are simply a binder in many recipes, flax “eggs” can be used as a replacement except in primarily egg based recipes, such as angel food cake.

Grind a cup or two of flax seed in a blender until a coarse powder develops. It is now ready for use when you need “egg” for a recipe or ground flax for breakfast. Store this ground seed, as well as the unground, in the freezer for maintaining freshness.

MAKING A FLAX “EGG”:

1 TBSP. ground golden flax
3 TBSP. water

Mix together and allow to rest for 5 minutes. This will develop a consistency much like a beaten egg. Being equivalent to one egg, add this according to the instructions given in your recipe.

I also sprinkle 2 TBSP. of ground flax seed on my cereal every morning. If you find that the thicker consistency in cold cereal and milk “is just too much to bear”, it works perfectly on oatmeal!

Those consuming flax seed on a regular basis
often find that their
cholesterol and blood pressure levels
return to normal.

Eliminating the potentially horrific adverse affects of most cholesterol and blood pressure drugs is a blessing all its own, not to mention the cost effectiveness. Flax seed can be purchased for under $2 per pound!

While drinking plenty of water to assist flax in doing its job, this tiny seed carries quite a powerful punch and this is only the beginning of what is being discovered about it.

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

DISCLAIMER:

All content of this article is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The author sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. The information herein is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. This is best left to the Creator of the universe. In all health-related situations, “qualified healthcare professionals” should always be consulted. The author deems THE GREAT PHYSICIAN to be most qualified. The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material.