Healing Takes Time

Healing takes time. It's a process. I never would have guessed that it would take over two months for my back to heal after I had a single mole removed. But infection slowed the process down and made it necessary to have a few extra stitches put in. When the sutures are removed, I'll still need to take it easy and give the area a couple more weeks to heal before returning to my normal activity. Wow! Remind me why I elected to have this procedure in the first place?!

In spite of the ridiculous amount of time it's taken me to recover, I'm glad the dermatologist insisted on removing the mole. It was the kind that would have become melanoma. Yeah, I've been reminded - excessive sun exposure is NOT a good thing. I promise I'm retraining myself and have become good friends with sunscreen. Dealing with the problem area instead of ignoring it, gives me a great prognosis and the opportunity to heal completely.

I'm reminded of the gentle, yet probing finger of the Great Physician. When I allow Him access to my heart, it's much like my trips to the dermatologist. I'm acknowledging that He's the Specialist and trust that He will find and point out any 'abnormalities' in my life. I can say with the Psalmist David, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting," (Psalm 139:23-24; KJV).

He's faithful to answer my prayer. I give my consent for Him to perform 'surgery' - removing the thing that is harmful to me. The cut is painful, but necessary. I'm well aware of the area that's been operated on, and realize it's tender. God's Word acts as balm, separating truth from lies. The process of healing begins.

But it's not always quick. Sometimes my memory lapses and I fall into the same old patterns and a twinge from the site of the 'incision' reminds me that healing is not yet complete. An 'infection' might even set in, requiring the Great Physician to re-open the wound and probe a little deeper. His intention is never to hurt me - but to bring full healing.

Following His 'post surgery' instructions will ensure a good outcome. Replacing what was removed with God's truth, will prevent future infection. "With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee," (Psalms 119:10-11).

Making regular check-ups with my Physician rather than avoiding them, keeps me aware of problems that need to be dealt with and gives me the best opportunity to experience true healing. "The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward," (Psalms 19:9,11). Time to schedule an appointment, and let the healing begin!

Has it been awhile since you've scheduled an 'appointment' with the Lord? What steps do you need to take in the 'healing' process?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience with me. In addition to pointing out what needs to change, You're always willing to provide the strength to help me do so. Remind me not to fight Your process of healing. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Holes

Little whirlpools form above the holes. It's easy to see where the water is seeping through the ground. Something has to be done to plug the openings so the water level of the pond can rise. The pond was designed as a place for the water to collect before spilling over a waterfall and into the creek. It was never meant to collect and stagnate. The holes have created a problem. The water has found an alternate path to follow, and is no longer flowing as it should.

Clay to the rescue. My husband, Steve, has spent countless hours digging clay out of the hillside, and transporting it by the bucketful to patch the holes. Beginning on the left side of the pond, and gradually working his way to the right, every visible opening has been filled with the pasty substance. Ever so slowly the level of the pond is beginning to rise. Once all the holes have been located and filled, the water will flow out of the pond as it was meant to.

My life as a believer often imitates my pond. Strange statement, but true. The Holy Spirit dwells in me as the 'living water' that's meant to point others to Christ and draw them to Him. This 'water' is alive and active. Jesus offered this description, "...the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life," (John 4:14b; KJV).

As long as I follow the Lord, and remain submitted to Him, the supply is bountiful and overflowing. He provides the power I need to complete each task, resist temptation, love others, persevere. And the list goes on. When I begin leaning on my own understanding, the 'holes' begin forming and I get into trouble.

In my own strength and wisdom, I forget to tap into God's power supply, and find myself looking elsewhere. I become consumed with the cares and insecurities around me, and my focus becomes self-serving. I stagnate and no longer fulfill the purpose God has for me.

I can't use clay to fill the 'holes' that have drained me, but applying the truth of God's Word provides the strongest 'patch' available. "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing," (John 15:4-5).

As A.J. Russell put it so beautifully, "For straying, My children, there is no cure except to keep so close to Me that nothing, no interest, no temptation, no other - can come between us," (God Calling, p. 168). To stay close to the Savior, the 'holes' need to be identified and patched. I need to submit my will to the Lord. And I need to stay focused on Him. Then that well of water within me will be able to spring up as it was meant to - bringing honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Are there 'holes' that need to be patched in your life? What will you do today to restore the well of water within you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me the need to patch the 'holes' in my life. Help me to stay so close to You that nothing comes between us. Allow me to be that well of water that springs up and points others to a wonderful Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Job To Do

Everyone had a job to do. But not everyone was happy with the job that had been assigned. Discontent moved beyond thoughts, becoming words that fostered rebellion. Dissatisfaction continued to spread until more than two hundred and fifty people were affected. The instigators of the rebellion, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram were determined to let their voices be heard.

Why were Moses and Aaron the ones in charge of leading the children of Israel? Weren't Korah and his followers just as qualified? Their indignation led them to an unpleasant confrontation, "And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?" (Numbers 16:3; KJV).

Moses responded in wisdom. He saw through the fact that Korah wasn't satisfied with his position as a Levite, ministering in the tabernacle of God. Korah wanted the power of the priesthood also. But he failed to realize that God was the One who appointed the priests, not man.

Dissatisfaction with the roles God had given them, was the undoing of Korah and his followers. They paid the ultimate price, "And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods." Reads a bit like a science fiction thriller, doesn't it? But there's an important lesson to learn here.

Just as in Moses' day, the Lord continues to give believers jobs to do within His body, the church. It's my privilege to embrace the task He's given me and serve Him with it. But too often I fall into the trap of discontentment, just like Korah and his cohorts. Why does so-and-so get to do the job I wanted to do? Why can't I serve in a more visible role?

The truth is, the Lord gives every believer a vital role in the body. Each role is different. But when each member of the body performs his/her God-given role, the body functions as it should - without division. The Apostle Paul put it beautifully, "For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body," (1 Corinthians 12:14-20).

Instead of focusing on the roles of others, it's important for me to function in the role where God has placed me. Remembering that God placed me in the body (the church) where He wanted me to be, goes a long way toward keeping me content with the job He's given me to do. When I'm wholeheartedly concentrating on my role, I don't have time to desire the jobs of others. The focus is where it should be - on the Savior who allows me to serve Him!

Are you aware that God has a job for you to do? What steps will you take today to avoid discontentment?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving me a job to do within the church. I realize we were not all created to be 'eyes,' or 'ears.' Help me to carry out the task You've given me, so I can bring honor to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Memory Trouble

It happens every year. I manage to forget one of my nieces or nephews birthdays. I DO have a list that includes every relative's special day, but I've managed to misplace it. And by the time the Facebook birthday reminder alerts me to the fact that someone's big day is about to arrive, it's too late! Even if I rush to the post office to send out the card and gift, it's belated once again. Does anyone else have a hard time remembering birthdays?

I've been reading about some people who had memory trouble. But it wasn't birthdays they had a hard time remembering - it was God. Moses was constantly reminding the children of Israel to remember God's goodness and provision. Before they entered the Promised Land, Moses once again encouraged them, "And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness...Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years," (Deuteronomy 8:2a, 4; KJV).

After leading the people for four decades, Moses was well acquainted with their tendencies. He shared a sneak peak of the amazing land they'd enter, "For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills," (Deut. 8:7). But followed it quickly with a stern warning, "Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day," (Deut. 8:11).

Moses knew the people's propensity to wander away from God. After they entered the Promised Land and were well-fed, and had houses to live in, and flocks and herds to take care of, it would be all too easy to let pride creep in and take credit for what God had done. A life of relative ease and comfort would lull their minds to sleep, so they'd forget that every blessing they enjoyed was truly a gift from their Heavenly Father. Instead, they'd convince themselves that it was their power and might that had enabled them to become wealthy.

Unfortunately, Moses was right. It wasn't long before the Israelites began doing things their own way, completely forgetting God. But before I shake my head in disgust, I have to admit that I often do the very same thing. When things seem to be going along smoothly in my life, I begin imagining that I'm the one in control. My dependence on God wanes, and the spotlight is shifted to self. It's easy to take credit for things that are really the blessings of the Lord.

Enter the troubles and trials of life, and I find myself in an 'Ah-ha!' moment. Oh yeah, I'm not the one in control after all! And I find myself asking forgiveness and once again bowing at the feet of my Savior - the only One who is ever in control. It's important to remember. Focusing on the goodness of God and all that He's done for me. He is truly worthy of all of my praise!

Do you have a hard time remembering all the good things the Lord has done for you? Take some time today to praise Him for His goodness!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that paints a vivid picture of the importance of remembering Your goodness. Forgive me when I choose to forget You. Help me to praise You today for all that You've done in my life. You are good! In Jesus' name, Amen.

Infection!

The process was uncomfortable. Painful. The infection had to be drained from the wound and several supportive stitches added to draw the skin back together. Time for the healing to begin again so I can get back to using my muscles like they were meant to be used!

The incision had been healing nicely. But then the site started to bleed, and the skin around the sutures became red and irritated. What was going on? My husband, Steve, had done an excellent job cleaning the area and covering it with the sterile bandages. Maybe I was just being paranoid, and this was all a part of the healing process. But each time Steve changed the dressing, I couldn't help flinching when even the slightest pressure was applied to the wound.

After a few days, I finally called my dermatologist. When I described what was going on, the receptionist told me it was very likely that an infection had developed. Oral antibiotics and topical antibiotic ointment were prescribed, and I was told to head over to the emergency room if I began vomiting or running a fever. Fortunately, the antibiotics worked, so I was able to avoid a trip to the hospital.

Sin in my life can act a lot like an infection. I don't give it much thought at first, but when it begins to cause some damage, I can no longer ignore it. I have a choice to make: allow it to fester, causing additional damage, or purge it from my system.

Throughout the Bible, God draws a parallel between leaven, or yeast, and sin. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul states very clearly, "Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened," (1 Corinthians 5:6-7a; KJV). When yeast is added to bread dough, it rises. It's impossible for only part of the dough to rise. All of it WILL be affected.

This principle holds true in my life as well. When I allow sin in my life, it has the characteristics of yeast, spreading in my life, much like an infection. It affects my relationship with God and can even affect those around me. Time to call on the Lord for help. Purging sin from my life is the only way fellowship can be restored with my Savior. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness," (1 John 1:9).

Purging sin from my life has an added benefit - God can once again use me to point others to Jesus Christ. Timothy clarifies this point, "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity...If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work," (2 Timothy 2:19, 21).

Today I'm eager to examine my life and purge any sin that will cause 'infection.' And to become a sanctified vessel of honor, ready to be used by my Master!

Is sin causing an 'infection' in your life? What steps will you take to purge sin from your life today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of the importance of purging sin from my life. Help me to pray with the Psalmist, David, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting," (Psalm 139:23-24). In Jesus' name, Amen.

Love & Justice

Love and justice. Sounds like the latest series on prime time TV, right? Actually, I found these two concepts clearly demonstrated in the Old Testament. In the book of Numbers, of all places. You know, the book that recounts the story of the children of Israel's opportunity to enter the Promised Land? But they chose to disobey God, and boy were there consequences! They had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years until the entire generation of those who disobeyed God passed away. The final chapters of Numbers find the new generation standing poised on the threshold of Canaan, ready to try again.

As the children of Israel prepare to enter the land, God gives Moses explicit instructions to pass on to the people. Once in the Promised Land, each tribe is to give some of their land to the Levites - the ministers of God. Makes sense, since these men didn't have a specific inheritance of their own. But now it gets interesting: God told the Levites to designate six of their cities as 'cities of refuge.' Places that were set up specifically to protect a person who had killed someone. Confused yet? Hang on!

The traditional customs of justice called for revenge when a loved one or relative was killed. The punishment fit the crime, "And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him; Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again," (Leviticus 24:19-20; KJV). But there were times when someone was killed unintentionally. Entirely by accident. The person who had caused the death was able to run to a city of refuge, and be protected until a trial was held.

"The Levites would hold a preliminary hearing outside the gates: then the accused person was kept in the city until the time of his trial. If the killing was judged accidental, the person stayed in the city until the death of the High Priest. At that time, he was allowed to go free. He could start a new life without worrying about avengers. If it was not accidental, the person was delivered to the slain person's avengers," (Life Application Study Bible, notes on Numbers 35:6). What a beautiful picture of God's love. And His justice. He made a way of escape for the one who hadn't intentionally committed the crime, while allowing the consequences to stand for the one who did.

God's character hasn't changed. I see Him use these same principles in my life every day. He demonstrates His love for me on a daily basis. He has already provided a way for me to spend eternity with Him (John 3:16). Every day He's kind, gracious, and patient with me. He's given me an entire instruction book designed to give guidance and set boundaries for my life. He desires a close relationship with me.

Just like a parent's love for a child includes discipline, God's love cannot be separated from His justice. He's holy and cannot tolerate sin. His Word reminds me, "Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people," (Hebrews 10:30). His discipline is for my good. "Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness," (Hebrews 12:9-10).

When I choose to disobey God's directives, there will be consequences. Yet His love for me doesn't end. He graciously gives me the opportunity to ask forgiveness and run back to the shelter of His arms, where fellowship is restored.

How have you seen God's love and justice demonstrated in your life? I'd love to hear from you!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love and justice. I realize You are a holy God who cannot tolerate sin. Help me to walk in Your ways. When I sin, help me to understand that Your chastisement is for my good. Help me to be quick to ask forgiveness and for our fellowship to be restored. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Progress - One Day at a Time

The list is long. A compilation of home projects that need to be addressed. Some are simple tasks that my husband and I can handle, others require getting several estimates and hiring the experts. Over the last few weeks, we've been able to check a few things off our master list.

I'm anxiously awaiting the day when we can call in the paint crew. My favorite projects are the ones that make the biggest impact. You know, getting the house painted, or doing some dramatic landscaping. But we're not there yet. The projects we've focused on so far, are the more practical ones. Cleaning out our pond so the water can flow freely. And having several massive trees taken down to avoid any potential damage to our home.

As we work down our list, there are several more practical things that need to be taken care of before we'll finally be able to concentrate on the projects that create the 'wow' factor. Things like replacing the garage door opener. And having the sprinkler system fixed. Details that may go unnoticed by passers-by, but are important nonetheless. In spite of these seemingly 'ho-hum' projects, my husband and I know that progress is being made.

My spiritual life is very similar. I'm a work in progress. And the Lord is the Master Builder. He knows when repair work is needed, and He addresses the heart of each issue in just the right order. Oftentimes I'm impatient, wanting that fresh coat of 'paint' in order to impress others, when what I really need is an overhaul in my attitude. I want Him to hurry up and move on to the next 'project,' but my Heavenly Father reminds me that His desire is for true transformation - from the inside, out. He whispers, "Be still, and know that I am God," (Psalms 46:10a; KJV).

God's Word is a lifeline of truth. The Apostle Peter gives clear instructions for growth, "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby," (1 Peter 2:1-2). When I have a heart to read and study the Bible, growth is the direct result. The goal is evident, I'm to, "...grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," (2 Peter 3:18).

The process may be slow and tedious at times, but satisfaction comes from knowing that there IS progress. I AM growing. His Word offers me proof, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ," (Philippians 1:6). He WILL be faithful to do His part in the transformation process. With His help, I'm determined to allow Him to complete the work He has so graciously begun!

Are you willing to let God have access to the 'projects' that need to be addressed in your life? What do you need to do today to see growth take place?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know You desire true transformation in my life. Help me to be patient with the process when it gets difficult, and to listen and be obedient when You call for me to make changes. Thank You for Your faithfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen.