We all have troubling emotions which we aren’t sure how to handle. It seems that with each person we ask, we get conflicting advice which leads us to even more confusion and frustration. Maybe it would be helpful to all of us if we spend some time chatting about this.
Although it is not a perfect example, I would like to use the cock-pit of an airplane for an analogy. The many gauges, signals and alarms necessary for reliable flight can be totally overwhelming to those unfamiliar with them. However, a competent pilot is very aware that proper and safe handling of the plane is dependent upon scrupulous attention to each and every one of these measuring devices. Ignoring even one of these warning signals as if it holds no importance could be fatal to the pilot and those entrusted into his care.
I have found in my own life and in mentoring others that this is also true of our emotions.
If we ignore our emotions, we risk the spitting, sputtering and eventual dying–out of our mental health. We can attempt to manipulate our emotions, only to find ourselves repeatedly spinning out of control in the heavy fog of their intensity. Each time we ignore the warning signals of our emotions, the destruction we bring into our own lives and those around us increases.
Yet, hurting people are often advised, “You need to ‘forget what is behind (i.e. their painful past) and strain toward what is ahead (i.e. their heavenly future).’ [Phil. 3:13] If only you had genuine faith in Jesus, a painful past would have no affect on your current life. Don’t you know that “the old has gone and the new has come?” [2 Cor. 5:17] You simply need to choose to “forgive and forget.” You have to realize that you won’t find the “peace that passes all understanding” [Phil. 4:7] until you learn to put your past behind you and move on. All you need is Jesus!”
This advice, offered by well meaning Christians, often leaves wounded people confused and discouraged, once again heaped with more guilt and shame. Despite all the effort they can muster, the dark and consuming memories just don’t seem to go away. So what is the answer? What does a person do with these troubling emotions?
Can we learn to assess our emotions as a pilot learns to read and evaluate his gauges? Can we prevent “fatalities” in our lives by learning to accurately interpret their warning signs and responding appropriately?
What do you say we explore God’s Word together? Maybe putting the Bible verses we just mentioned in their proper context will eliminate some confusion. We can then work together toward identifying applicable biblical guidance that is more reassuring and helpful.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
THE DISMEMBERED BODY OF CHRIST
Having been associated with various Christian denominations through the years, I’ve only recently come to realize that the Lord had wonderful plans to use my experiences to lead me into re-evaluating His Word regarding the issue of denominationalism.
It isn’t uncommon to hear others suggest that there will always be dominations of Christians; I pray that they are wrong. Although I don’t deny that various denominations may have doctrinal differences, do we not have blood relatives within each of them? My heart hurts over the grief which Jesus must feel when He sees His Body so dismembered.
Did Jesus ever give permission to amputate His legs which are seemingly on a different path than His arms and walk them over to the Baptists? Where did He direct, “If My eyes don’t have the same perception as My ears, pluck them out and haul them off to the Lutherans?” Does He ever say that it is His will to have His Body attempting to function as mutilated parts, rather than being joined in loving fellowship and dependence upon one another?
It baffles me to consider that any sect believes that it has a handle on the fullness of God’s Truth while other denominations do not. Did the Holy Spirit speak more clearly to Martin Luther than he did John Calvin; maybe in some regards, but not in others. Did John Wesley have a handle on Truth that John Knox didn’t; maybe regarding some truths, but not others. These men received no knowledge which was not imparted to them through the Holy Spirit; consequently neither they nor their followers have any reason to boast! [1 Cor. 1:1-7]
When St. Paul heard that Jesus’ followers had begun to follow other men, dividing themselves into religious sects, he rebuked them for being worldly rather than spiritual [1 Cor. 3:1-4] and warned them:
“Do not go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” [1 Cor. 4:6-7]
So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.” [1Cor 13:21-23]
Paul reminds them that those who are of Christ
are God’s building where God’s Spirit lives.
Then he warns,
“If anyone destroys God’s temple,
God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred,
and you are that temple.” [1 Cor. 3:16-17]
Do the 39,000+ denominations in the “Christian world”
today not realize that in all their factions, quarrels and
boasting they are actually tearing God’s temple to shreds?
Do they not fear the results of that?
Isn’t it wise to pay close attention when Paul warns that those who idolize men cause disagreements, factions, and finally ingrained forms of religious opinion? These “will not inherit the kingdom of God!” [Galatians 5:20]
Maybe we should spend some time visiting about what it looks like for God’s people to live in unity.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
It isn’t uncommon to hear others suggest that there will always be dominations of Christians; I pray that they are wrong. Although I don’t deny that various denominations may have doctrinal differences, do we not have blood relatives within each of them? My heart hurts over the grief which Jesus must feel when He sees His Body so dismembered.
Did Jesus ever give permission to amputate His legs which are seemingly on a different path than His arms and walk them over to the Baptists? Where did He direct, “If My eyes don’t have the same perception as My ears, pluck them out and haul them off to the Lutherans?” Does He ever say that it is His will to have His Body attempting to function as mutilated parts, rather than being joined in loving fellowship and dependence upon one another?
It baffles me to consider that any sect believes that it has a handle on the fullness of God’s Truth while other denominations do not. Did the Holy Spirit speak more clearly to Martin Luther than he did John Calvin; maybe in some regards, but not in others. Did John Wesley have a handle on Truth that John Knox didn’t; maybe regarding some truths, but not others. These men received no knowledge which was not imparted to them through the Holy Spirit; consequently neither they nor their followers have any reason to boast! [1 Cor. 1:1-7]
When St. Paul heard that Jesus’ followers had begun to follow other men, dividing themselves into religious sects, he rebuked them for being worldly rather than spiritual [1 Cor. 3:1-4] and warned them:
“Do not go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” [1 Cor. 4:6-7]
So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.” [1Cor 13:21-23]
Paul reminds them that those who are of Christ
are God’s building where God’s Spirit lives.
Then he warns,
“If anyone destroys God’s temple,
God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred,
and you are that temple.” [1 Cor. 3:16-17]
Do the 39,000+ denominations in the “Christian world”
today not realize that in all their factions, quarrels and
boasting they are actually tearing God’s temple to shreds?
Do they not fear the results of that?
Isn’t it wise to pay close attention when Paul warns that those who idolize men cause disagreements, factions, and finally ingrained forms of religious opinion? These “will not inherit the kingdom of God!” [Galatians 5:20]
Maybe we should spend some time visiting about what it looks like for God’s people to live in unity.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, March 5, 2009
BUDGETS, BUILDINGS AND THE BIBLE
Hi! I’m glad that you’ve invited me back. I’m really enjoying our visits!
I don’t know the history of how it came about, but I am impressed by the fact that Diagonal has only one visible congregation of Christians. This kind of precious unity is rare in today’s world where most communities have a “church” building on every street corner, not to mention that they were typically erected by various sects.
It concerns me that many denominations are bringing missionaries home because they “can’t afford to continue supporting them.” Yet, in most instances, these same denominations seem to have enough money to maintain “church” buildings and to pay employees.
According to the Barna Group, our nation’s leading marketing research firm, “real estate owned by institutional churches in the United States today is worth over $230 billion! Church building debt, service, and maintenance consumes about 18% of the $50 to $60 billion tithed to “churches” annually!”
These statistics don’t even include the rest of the “church” budget!
Speaking of the remaining budget, have you ever wondered why “churches” attempt to provide “their pastor” with a wage comparable to that of the world, while complaining that there’s not enough in the budget to support a missionary’s meager income? In fact, these same congregations often also pay secretaries, organist, janitors, etc.
Do you suppose that Jesus considers the “church building” a necessity for a meeting place?” Have you ever pondered what He thinks about hiring people to do the work of His Kingdom? Can you imagine how much money would be available to actually do God’s Kingdom work if “churches” weren’t attempting to maintain a business-style institution? I wonder, “Is any of this ever what Jesus intended for His Body, the Church?”
It’ll be interesting to see if the current economic crisis will cause denominations to leave their differences behind and join in unity as the One Body that they were redeemed to be in order to accomplish the work which He called His Church to accomplish.
In some of our future discussions, I’d like to visit about the traditional reasons for needing a “church building” and how we might lower the budget in order to “free-up” money for true Kingdom work. While we are visiting, let’s consider what Scripture says in regards to being an “employee” for Jesus.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
I don’t know the history of how it came about, but I am impressed by the fact that Diagonal has only one visible congregation of Christians. This kind of precious unity is rare in today’s world where most communities have a “church” building on every street corner, not to mention that they were typically erected by various sects.
It concerns me that many denominations are bringing missionaries home because they “can’t afford to continue supporting them.” Yet, in most instances, these same denominations seem to have enough money to maintain “church” buildings and to pay employees.
According to the Barna Group, our nation’s leading marketing research firm, “real estate owned by institutional churches in the United States today is worth over $230 billion! Church building debt, service, and maintenance consumes about 18% of the $50 to $60 billion tithed to “churches” annually!”
These statistics don’t even include the rest of the “church” budget!
Speaking of the remaining budget, have you ever wondered why “churches” attempt to provide “their pastor” with a wage comparable to that of the world, while complaining that there’s not enough in the budget to support a missionary’s meager income? In fact, these same congregations often also pay secretaries, organist, janitors, etc.
Do you suppose that Jesus considers the “church building” a necessity for a meeting place?” Have you ever pondered what He thinks about hiring people to do the work of His Kingdom? Can you imagine how much money would be available to actually do God’s Kingdom work if “churches” weren’t attempting to maintain a business-style institution? I wonder, “Is any of this ever what Jesus intended for His Body, the Church?”
It’ll be interesting to see if the current economic crisis will cause denominations to leave their differences behind and join in unity as the One Body that they were redeemed to be in order to accomplish the work which He called His Church to accomplish.
In some of our future discussions, I’d like to visit about the traditional reasons for needing a “church building” and how we might lower the budget in order to “free-up” money for true Kingdom work. While we are visiting, let’s consider what Scripture says in regards to being an “employee” for Jesus.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, February 26, 2009
NATIONALISM - OUR FATHER'S NATION
When trying to assess problems of this world, we tend to look upon some nations as bad and others as good. However, Scripture clearly states that the “prince of this world” (Satan) is behind them all. [Jn. 14:30, 1Jn. 5:19]
While showing Him “all the kingdoms of the world,” Satan said to Jesus, ‘I will give You all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want.” [Luke 4:6-7] Jesus didn’t argue; He knew that when Adam and Eve sinned, they forfeited their authority over all the earth to Satan. Regardless of what we want to believe, the “god of this present evil age” (Satan) is determined to use every nation for opposing the Kingdom of God. [Ps. 2:1-3]
God’s prophet, Samuel tried his best to warn of the disastrous results of seeking a human king for hope and solutions to problems. In stark contrast to God who longs to give everything, a king enslaves by taking everything! [1 Sam. 8:10-18]
Samuel foresaw where it would all end,
“When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.” Vs. 18
“But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” … The LORD answered, “… give them a king.” Vs. 19-22
When God, said, “Give them a king,” He was not blessing this role. Instead, because of man’s sinful nature He ordered it! Since then, every earthly nation has had a “king” who rules them, but never The King.
Jesus has never been in the business of defending any earthly nation. Instead, He has always been in the business of demolishing them so that He can save His people and build His Kingdom which “is not of this world!” [John 18:36] Jesus came to establish a Kingdom that would stand apart from and against all the kingdoms of this world. Why? Because all the kingdoms of this world stand against Him!
“The descendents of Abraham [those who believe in Jesus] admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” [Heb 11:13-16]
Who are the people of God’s nation? They are not those of any particular geographical location. Rather, they proclaim no allegiance to any earthly kingdom; nor are they shaken when the depravity of this world is exposed. They are confident that Father, God uses all things for their good and His glory! It is those who believe and are blessed with the hope and security of their citizenship in heaven! These are His Nation!
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people He chose for His inheritance. [Ps.33:12]
Whole-Heartedly,Bonnie
While showing Him “all the kingdoms of the world,” Satan said to Jesus, ‘I will give You all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want.” [Luke 4:6-7] Jesus didn’t argue; He knew that when Adam and Eve sinned, they forfeited their authority over all the earth to Satan. Regardless of what we want to believe, the “god of this present evil age” (Satan) is determined to use every nation for opposing the Kingdom of God. [Ps. 2:1-3]
God’s prophet, Samuel tried his best to warn of the disastrous results of seeking a human king for hope and solutions to problems. In stark contrast to God who longs to give everything, a king enslaves by taking everything! [1 Sam. 8:10-18]
Samuel foresaw where it would all end,
“When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.” Vs. 18
“But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” … The LORD answered, “… give them a king.” Vs. 19-22
When God, said, “Give them a king,” He was not blessing this role. Instead, because of man’s sinful nature He ordered it! Since then, every earthly nation has had a “king” who rules them, but never The King.
Jesus has never been in the business of defending any earthly nation. Instead, He has always been in the business of demolishing them so that He can save His people and build His Kingdom which “is not of this world!” [John 18:36] Jesus came to establish a Kingdom that would stand apart from and against all the kingdoms of this world. Why? Because all the kingdoms of this world stand against Him!
“The descendents of Abraham [those who believe in Jesus] admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” [Heb 11:13-16]
Who are the people of God’s nation? They are not those of any particular geographical location. Rather, they proclaim no allegiance to any earthly kingdom; nor are they shaken when the depravity of this world is exposed. They are confident that Father, God uses all things for their good and His glory! It is those who believe and are blessed with the hope and security of their citizenship in heaven! These are His Nation!
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people He chose for His inheritance. [Ps.33:12]
Whole-Heartedly,Bonnie
Thursday, February 19, 2009
HEALTH - Vaccines: How Informed Are You?
I noticed the Public Health warning about “Whooping Cough” in last week’s Diagonal Progress. There is plenty of information available encouraging vaccinations, but let’s consider why you may want to personally further investigate before being vaccinated. “Informed consent” should be the basis of every medical treatment; vaccinations being no exception.
According to the warning, Whooping Cough (a.k.a. pertussis) is “highly contagious” and can be “life-threatening” for infants. Adults were urged to have their children and themselves vaccinated. While we don’t want to deny that pertussis can be frightening and sometimes fatal disease, let’s put this into its proper perspective:
According to the 2001-2003 CDC
(Center for Disease Control and Prevention) report,
there were 51 infant deaths as a result of pertussis.
While I certainly don’t want to minimize those deaths,
that number is small compared to 100,113 vaccine damage events
affecting children 0-9 years within that same period.
Of those related to pertussis, 4620 were hospitalized,
526 were disabled and 1201 died!
http://www.cdc.gov/MMWR/PREVIEW/MMWRHTML/mm5450a3.htm
http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/ipc/idbsprd
Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System
When studies began to reveal that childhood vaccines laced with mercury may have caused neuro-development disorders, speech difficulties, ADD and autism in thousands of children, it is documented that the government and Big Pharma scrambled to hide information. Yet, “phasing-out” mercury-laced vaccines from 1999-2002 didn’t seem to affect the number of incidences. Were the government and Big Pharma innocent after all? No! While they were “phasing-out” mercury; they were “phasing in” aluminum!
In June 2000, Dr. Tom Verstraeten, CDC epidemiologist, commented to concerned scientists: “The results [for aluminum] were almost identical to ethylmercury because the amount of aluminum [in vaccines] goes along almost exactly with the mercury.” Dr. John Clements, WHO vaccine advisor, stated, “Aluminum is not perceived, I believe, by the public as a dangerous metal. Therefore, we are in a much more comfortable wicket in terms of defending its presence in vaccines.”
(http://mercola.fileburst.com/PDF/Aluminum_in_Vaccines.pdf)
According to product inserts and CDC immunization schedules, babies receiving the recommended immunizations are injected with nearly 5mg of aluminum by 18 months, 20-50 times more than what is determined as “safe!” A 2008 CDC Chart of Vaccines reveals a myriad of other harmful ingredients.
(http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-2.pdf)
The adverse affects of these ingredients can be found at http://poisonevercure.150m.com/ingredients.htm.
You can also find information on state laws, informed consent, medical and religious exemption forms, etc. at http://www.nvic.org/.
Despite citizen and congressional opposition and concern, Sec. 304 of the Homeland Security Act was forced through the Senate on Nov. 13, 2002. All liability from the pharmaceutical industry and health officials for the injuries and deaths which result from vaccines has been removed. Additionally, U.S. military may now be used to enforce the administration of vaccines or other “substances” ordered by the Secretary of DHHS, just as state militia may lawfully arrest, quarantine and forcibly vaccinate individuals.
(http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/asets/hr_5005_enr.pdf )
Those Searching for the Whole-Hearted Life recognize that:
“A foolish faith in authority is the worst enemy of Truth."
Albert Einstein
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
According to the warning, Whooping Cough (a.k.a. pertussis) is “highly contagious” and can be “life-threatening” for infants. Adults were urged to have their children and themselves vaccinated. While we don’t want to deny that pertussis can be frightening and sometimes fatal disease, let’s put this into its proper perspective:
According to the 2001-2003 CDC
(Center for Disease Control and Prevention) report,
there were 51 infant deaths as a result of pertussis.
While I certainly don’t want to minimize those deaths,
that number is small compared to 100,113 vaccine damage events
affecting children 0-9 years within that same period.
Of those related to pertussis, 4620 were hospitalized,
526 were disabled and 1201 died!
http://www.cdc.gov/MMWR/PREVIEW/MMWRHTML/mm5450a3.htm
http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/ipc/idbsprd
Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System
When studies began to reveal that childhood vaccines laced with mercury may have caused neuro-development disorders, speech difficulties, ADD and autism in thousands of children, it is documented that the government and Big Pharma scrambled to hide information. Yet, “phasing-out” mercury-laced vaccines from 1999-2002 didn’t seem to affect the number of incidences. Were the government and Big Pharma innocent after all? No! While they were “phasing-out” mercury; they were “phasing in” aluminum!
In June 2000, Dr. Tom Verstraeten, CDC epidemiologist, commented to concerned scientists: “The results [for aluminum] were almost identical to ethylmercury because the amount of aluminum [in vaccines] goes along almost exactly with the mercury.” Dr. John Clements, WHO vaccine advisor, stated, “Aluminum is not perceived, I believe, by the public as a dangerous metal. Therefore, we are in a much more comfortable wicket in terms of defending its presence in vaccines.”
(http://mercola.fileburst.com/PDF/Aluminum_in_Vaccines.pdf)
According to product inserts and CDC immunization schedules, babies receiving the recommended immunizations are injected with nearly 5mg of aluminum by 18 months, 20-50 times more than what is determined as “safe!” A 2008 CDC Chart of Vaccines reveals a myriad of other harmful ingredients.
(http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-2.pdf)
The adverse affects of these ingredients can be found at http://poisonevercure.150m.com/ingredients.htm.
You can also find information on state laws, informed consent, medical and religious exemption forms, etc. at http://www.nvic.org/.
Despite citizen and congressional opposition and concern, Sec. 304 of the Homeland Security Act was forced through the Senate on Nov. 13, 2002. All liability from the pharmaceutical industry and health officials for the injuries and deaths which result from vaccines has been removed. Additionally, U.S. military may now be used to enforce the administration of vaccines or other “substances” ordered by the Secretary of DHHS, just as state militia may lawfully arrest, quarantine and forcibly vaccinate individuals.
(http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/asets/hr_5005_enr.pdf )
Those Searching for the Whole-Hearted Life recognize that:
“A foolish faith in authority is the worst enemy of Truth."
Albert Einstein
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, February 12, 2009
HEALTH: BIG PHARMA - MONEY TALKS
Ready for a visit?
Let’s address a question I posed two weeks ago regarding health care: “Have you ever speculated why doctors take patients off medications which seem to be effective in order to determine if ‘new and improved’ medications might be better?”
Shall we begin our discussion with money? “Money talks,” you know.
“Big Pharma” is a name which represents pharmaceutical and biotech companies with annual revenue in excess of $3 billion, and/or Research and Development expenditure in excess of $500 million! Approximately 30 companies fall into this category. These numbers make even the oil and gas industry profit margins seem small!
According to Big Pharma, they invest all of their drug revenues into research and development, claiming that every new drug requires $800 million in research to develop. However, further investigation reveals that each new drug requires less than $100 million to bring to market! In fact, the vast majority of drug research is funded by taxpayer dollars through grants to research universities.
I wonder… where does all that money go!
Although most health-care practitioners and drug-representatives are oblivious to what is going on, the activity “behind the scenes” at executive levels must be exposed.
* The CEOs of these giant companies stuff their pockets with $134 million in annual salaries, with an additional $115+ million in annual stock option bonuses!
* Flipping through periodicals or T.V. channels, one can quickly surmise that allocating large sums of money for directly promoting pharmaceuticals to consumers must be a worthwhile investment. Studies indicate that many folks who view these “infomercials” become convinced that they’re experiencing these publicized health problems. Together with those already being treated for them, they clamor for the newly improved remedy, which their physician is typically happy to prescribe.
* Because medical people tend to be very busy, Big Pharma spends 90% of its $21 billion annual marketing budget on clever schemes for catching their attention! Although medical personnel purport that the following “little perks” have no influence over their “scientific” decision making, drug marketing strategy studies and articles written by concerned medical professionals indicate otherwise:
· “Drug Reps” are sent into health-care facilities, offering gimmicky items and providing nice meals while introducing the new wonder-working drug.
· Large quantities of “free” drug samples are also offered. At first glance, this appears quite generous. However, once a doctor has dispensed all these samples, patients are presented with a prescription for the costly, new miracle drug.
· All-expenses-paid trips to conferences at luxury resorts all around the world are promoted as “medical education.” Offering required continuing education credits, Big Pharma chooses the class content. For several hours a day, the attendees are “educated” on the latest and most exciting pharmaceutical and biotechnical developments which of course are only available through…. Big Pharma. The remainder of the “educational” time is spent enjoying the amenities of the locale.
Big Pharma has a pretty loud voice; wouldn’t you say? I wonder…does it wield far too much “money power” to be restrained? Stay tuned!
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, February 5, 2009
HEALTH & HEALING
I’m anxious to share what’s on my heart this week!
Last week, I offered a few questions regarding health-care for the purpose of “getting your juices flowing.” As we begin to gather our thoughts about and responses to these questions, I believe it is important that those of us who are professing Christians evaluate our typical reactions to health concerns. I have found that one or a combination of the following is our most common first response:
1) Medication / professional health-care
2) prayer / anointing oil for physical healing
I find it interesting that most Christians will take steps toward quick relief from illness before they even consider asking God to show them why they are experiencing it. I wonder why? Do we assume God desires for us to be quickly relieved of the distress regardless of whether or not our life-style and/or spiritual condition might be responsible for the illness in the first place?
Perhaps our first response to illness should not be:
“This requires medical attention” or
“this requires divine healing”: but rather ,
"this requires the wisdom and guidance of God!”
Please don’t misunderstand what I’m saying. As the Great Physician, God can and sometimes does use the caring hands of physicians, the amazing properties of health remedies or even an instantaneous, miraculous answer to prayer to bring healing. However, just because God is capable of and sometimes does use these methods this does not mean that we should expect them to be His answers in all circumstances.
For example, have you ever considered that God may have life-saving insights which He desires to reveal if only we would reach toward Him for wisdom instead of quick relief? If we were to ask Him for insight, it is very possible He would reveal that our illness is related to such things as:
· poor diet
· stress
· chemicals in our home
· spiritual weakness (i.e. unforgiveness or unrepentance)
A few years ago, I experienced health problems which became so severe that I had difficulty raising my arms above my head. Ongoing general discomfort prevented adequate sleep. Doing the simplest task for a few brief moments resulted in exhaustion and reading even average sized print required a magnifying glass. Most alarming was that my memory became so foggy that I was unable to keep even the simple steps of a recipe organized in my mind. I was frightened and knew I needed help.
I could seek “professional health-care.” I could request prayer and anointing for physical healing. I could request God’s presence in the suffering, recognizing that it may be only here that the necessary physical and spiritual changes will transpire. What should I choose?
Could it be that God’s response to our illness is based on a panoramic view which we do not have? Could it be that offering physical healing is not His greatest concern for us, but spiritual healing is? Could it be that in His wisdom, He uses that which we suffer to lead us into the spiritual fullness which He so desires for us? If so, isn’t it essential to seek His wisdom and guidance prior to pursuing any particular course of action?
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Last week, I offered a few questions regarding health-care for the purpose of “getting your juices flowing.” As we begin to gather our thoughts about and responses to these questions, I believe it is important that those of us who are professing Christians evaluate our typical reactions to health concerns. I have found that one or a combination of the following is our most common first response:
1) Medication / professional health-care
2) prayer / anointing oil for physical healing
I find it interesting that most Christians will take steps toward quick relief from illness before they even consider asking God to show them why they are experiencing it. I wonder why? Do we assume God desires for us to be quickly relieved of the distress regardless of whether or not our life-style and/or spiritual condition might be responsible for the illness in the first place?
Perhaps our first response to illness should not be:
“This requires medical attention” or
“this requires divine healing”: but rather ,
"this requires the wisdom and guidance of God!”
Please don’t misunderstand what I’m saying. As the Great Physician, God can and sometimes does use the caring hands of physicians, the amazing properties of health remedies or even an instantaneous, miraculous answer to prayer to bring healing. However, just because God is capable of and sometimes does use these methods this does not mean that we should expect them to be His answers in all circumstances.
For example, have you ever considered that God may have life-saving insights which He desires to reveal if only we would reach toward Him for wisdom instead of quick relief? If we were to ask Him for insight, it is very possible He would reveal that our illness is related to such things as:
· poor diet
· stress
· chemicals in our home
· spiritual weakness (i.e. unforgiveness or unrepentance)
A few years ago, I experienced health problems which became so severe that I had difficulty raising my arms above my head. Ongoing general discomfort prevented adequate sleep. Doing the simplest task for a few brief moments resulted in exhaustion and reading even average sized print required a magnifying glass. Most alarming was that my memory became so foggy that I was unable to keep even the simple steps of a recipe organized in my mind. I was frightened and knew I needed help.
I could seek “professional health-care.” I could request prayer and anointing for physical healing. I could request God’s presence in the suffering, recognizing that it may be only here that the necessary physical and spiritual changes will transpire. What should I choose?
Could it be that God’s response to our illness is based on a panoramic view which we do not have? Could it be that offering physical healing is not His greatest concern for us, but spiritual healing is? Could it be that in His wisdom, He uses that which we suffer to lead us into the spiritual fullness which He so desires for us? If so, isn’t it essential to seek His wisdom and guidance prior to pursuing any particular course of action?
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
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