Tag: restoration

The Promise of New

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Friend, is your heart leaping in anticipation? Do you get butterflies tingling in your tummy with the heartbeat racing at the idea of something new? New is exciting. New comes with expectation. Some days, when our eyes open in the morning, it is easy to see the freshness and beauty. But other days may not seem so glorious as bad news spreads, world upsets are made prominent, and the disease of sin runs rampant. On days like this, one can almost hear the unpleasant groaning of creation (Rom. 8:22), and you can almost hear the cry for restored order and healing. And it will come. Any ugliness and dreariness of sin and decay today will all give way to the promise of the new that is to come. We are encouraged that things will not remain as they are now, with the Word encouraging us, saying, “And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'” (Revelation 21:5, ESV). We will, without a doubt, see the promise of the new.

~ Word for Life Says

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Quiet

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Friends, there is a stillness of heart and soul one must appreciate and long for. When the world demands noise and roars its desires, the Lord beckons us to steal away in His presence and just be still (Psalm 46:10). It is in the quietness of this moment where we shut out the world’s demands and wrap ourselves in the familiar embrace of knowing our God.

~Word for Life Says

The History of Mercy

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Have you ever participated in one of those throwback posts? You know the ones. This was me or us, five, ten, or even fifteen years ago.

These “blasts from the past” moments can bring smiles to our faces. Some for the fondness of the memory presented. Some, let’s be real, because we can’t believe we wore our hair that way or dressed like that, and so on.

These moments can be fun but viewing bygone days can also be a time of sobering contemplation. It was something the Israelites became acutely aware of years after returning home from their captivity.

Reading in Nehemiah 9, the priests and the Levites recorded Israel’s history. In telling their story, they showed the ups and downs of what their nation experienced.

Starting with Abram and how he became the one through whom God would establish His covenant, through their time of Egyptian slavery, wilderness wanderings, and beyond, the testimony of their story was written.

Noted in the recitation of their history was the many times Israel chose disobedience rather than God’s Law, their way opposed to His, and because of that, many times it is recorded they faced enemies and had to deal with life in the less-than-ideal way God intended.

But, in contrast to their faithlessness, God continued to show Himself faithful. While they strayed and suffered the consequences due to it, God turned to them, kept His covenant, and showed them mercy time and again (Vv. 17, 19, 27-28, 31-32 – verses can be found below). God stepped in the middle of their mess and restored them.

His history of mercy is mind-boggling, not only for Israel but for us as well.

Anyone in a true relationship with Christ will readily admit that we had much litter trashing the roads of our past. The history of the streets we have walked has not always been the cleanest they could be.

Our personal testimonies tell the story of what once was, the choices we made, and the grace and mercy God performed in our lives.

While our history may not be the best to look at, God’s mercy is.

For in it, we find God’s love working in ways human love cannot fathom.  We see Him giving us blessings and care we didn’t deserve (grace) and withholding things we do deserve (mercy).

If we took the time as the priests and Levites did, and recited our personal histories, how often do we see the hand of God show up with mercy in tow?

The longer I live, the more chances I have to reflect. In that reflection, I see new, and even more ways God has shown up when I did not deserve it.

Today, I truly thank God for His mercy shown.

When you look back on your history, can you see those mercy moments you’ve experienced? Thank God for each and every one for they are a sobering reminder of His unfailing love.

“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Psalm 86:5

Nehemiah 9 verses from above:

“And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.” (Nehemiah 9:17)

“Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.” (Nehemiah 9:19)

“Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.

But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the land of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies.” (Nehemiah 9:27-28)

“Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.

Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.” (Nehemiah 9:31-32)

Thank You, God, for all the mercies shown in our bygone days, for the mercy of salvation, and for the mercy of today:

“(For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.” Deuteronomy 4:31

“Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.” Psalm 116:5

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

“To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;” Daniel 9:9

“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.” Micah 7:18

“And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.” Luke 1:50

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;” 2 Corinthians 1:3

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,” Ephesians 2:4

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” Titus 3:5

Sunday School Lesson – “Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River” Ezekiel 47:1-12

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VERSE DISCOVERY: Ezekiel 47:1-12 (KJV, Public Domain)

One day, Jesus, walking with His disciples, felt compelled to go through Samaria (John 4:4).  Resting on a well while His disciples proceeded into the city to buy food (v.8), He had an encounter with a woman from Samaria who came seeking water (v.7).  Seeing her intent, Jesus asked, “Give me to drink.”

Her response was nothing unusual for the days they lived in.  Knowing the animosity that was between the Jews and the Samaritans, she stated what was to her a normal fact: “How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans” (v.9).

Jesus, bypassing her hesitation to reach her heart, said to her, “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.  But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:10, 14; emphasis added).

Water is life-sustaining.  No matter what climate or environment one dwells in, water is a mandatory need that must be met to thrive physically.  For Jesus, to identify what He has to offer as “water springing up into everlasting life” is triumphal.  It meets the soul’s deepest need and satisfies all that is required spiritually for one to enter life everlasting.

Living water springing up into everlasting life is picturesque of this lesson.  In this portion of Ezekiel’s visions (for he had many), there is a life-giving river that flows from the sanctuary of God, healing all it touches much like our Lord promised the woman at the well of Samaria.

The Beginning Flow

Ezekiel 47:1, 2 “Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.  Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.”

When traveling through uncharted, unfamiliar territories, places where your feet have not stepped before, nor have your eyes seen, it is always wise to have someone along who can lead the way and show you things you may miss or not understand.

During this vision, Ezekiel has such a person to help him navigate and understand what he is witnessing.  The one escorting him is simply referred to as “the man” (Ezekiel 40:1-4), or “he” here in verse 1. 

The Bible does not clarify who “the man” is, but he has walked with Ezekiel through several visions, unfolding the truth of each one along the way.

Whoever “the man” was, he knew his way around and he knew what he was talking about.  Therefore, Ezekiel, in faith, continued to follow his lead, learning what God wanted him to learn along the way.  Truths for himself.  Truths for the people of the day.  And truth for us as well.

In this lesson, he is brought back to the door of the temple, or “house.”  It was here that he saw something unusual and out of the ordinary.  Water was flowing from under the threshold of the door of the temple.  This was a sight to see for Ezekiel, but even more so for us being that other verses of the Bible speak of the same thing occurring.   

Joel 3:18 speaks about “a fountain shall come forth out of the house of the LORD.”  And Zechariah 14:8 tells us, “living waters shall go out from Jerusalem.”

Traveling to the end of the Bible, there is a very vivid picture of this life-giving river and its source which was “Proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Revelation 22:1). 

Ezekiel became an eyewitness to a phenomenon of God.  A miracle was unfolding before his eyes, reminding us of what the prophet Isaiah once wrote: “Every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters…” (55:1). 

There is a miracle unfolding in the house of God for all who will come to Him.

The man had taken Ezekiel out of the north gate and brought him around to the gate that “looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side” (v. 2).

Some may ask why they traveled this path?  Why not just go directly out the east gate to witness this phenomenon?

Let us travel back in history a bit to find out.

First, let’s talk about Ezekiel and why he was having these visions in the first place.  He was a prophet/priest who was ministering God’s word to the captives in Babylon, and unfortunately, they were noted as being rebellious people (Ezekiel 2:3,7).

Through many demonstrations and illustrations, God relayed His message through Ezekiel to the people.  Then, we reach Ezekiel 8, where in another vision, Ezekiel is shown the following: “Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary?…” (Ez. 8:6). 

Reaching Ezekiel 10, he then saw God’s glory depart from the temple because of the wickedness of the people.

By the time we reach Ezekiel 43, and after much goings on in between the two references, the Bible tells us, “And the glory of the Lord came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east” (Ez. 43:4). 

Because of this, Ezekiel 44:2 says, “Then said the Lord unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the Lord, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.”  So, no man can tread through there.

The Increasing Flow

Ezekiel 47:3-5 “And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles.  Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins.  Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.”

After coming out of the gate and witnessing the “waters on the right side” (v. 2), our focus is then brought back to “the man” who was leading Ezekiel through this vision, and who now has a measuring “line in his hand.”

Moving “eastward,” in the same direction as the water flow, the man began to take measurements.  Marking out “a thousand cubits” following the water flow, they found the waters to be to the “ankles.”

Measuring in “cubits” was the normal practice of the day.  It was usually the length of a man’s elbow to the top of his middle finger, or approximately 18 inches long.

The man repeats his measurements of “a thousand cubits” three more times.  Going through the waters till we see the measurements and the depth of the water reach the “knees,” the “loins,” and lastly, until the waters are too deep for wading and the only choice left was to “swim” in it.

Although we are not given specifics for the growing depth and spreading of the waters, we fully appreciate all they touch and the effects they produce.

The Healing Flow

Ezekiel 47:6-10 “And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river.

Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.

Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.

And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.

And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.”

The man, addressing Ezekiel asked, “Son of man, hast thou seen this?”

In previous visions, when he witnessed the wickedness of the people and their abominations of worship, he probably wished he could unsee and forget that horrible sight.  But now, what he sees is so wonderful and so refreshing, because what he is witnessing is a testament to what God wants to do through His mercy and restoration power.

The Bible says, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).  Yet, God allowed Ezekiel this illustrative preview of the glorious.

God has stuff in store that will blow your mind, and you want to be very attentive to see every bit of it.

“Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river.  Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.”  Where the water flowed, vegetation appeared in abundance.  Both sides of the river were thick with “trees.” 

Trees that are planted by water tend to do great in their growth.  All they absorb from the river gives them the nutrients to not only develop and increase, but to thrive (compare Psalm 1:3).  One may assume that’s why there are “very many” of them present in the vision.

“Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.”  No wonder there are so many trees.  “These waters” are healing waters.  This is the result of flowing from the sanctuary.  Anything that flows from where God resides must be healed or made whole.

That little trickle that started at the threshold impacted everything it touched, and what follows is abundance.  They are experiencing an outpouring of the bounty of God’s power in action.  God has the cure for everything that needs to be restored!

“And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.”  Don’t you love it when you see the word “shall” attached to the promises and blessings of God?  It speaks of the authority of the author of the words to make happen what was said to happen.  It is essentially a command word, and here the command is to “live.”

Wherever “these waters” flow, life flows with it.  Whatever the river touches, it will be penetrated by the power of God.  Wherever the currents move –  life, restoration, and healing will be stirred in the ripples of it.

Why?  “For they shall be healed.”  Since we’ve already discussed the healing of the waters in the previous section, let’s focus on what occurred after the waters moved through these rivers.

One thing we noticed is that now, as opposed to its previous condition, “there shall be a very great multitude of fish.” 

A significant note indeed, considering the body of waters being referenced is none other than the Dead Sea, whose extremely high salt content makes it impossible for life to exist there.

But when the waters that flow from the sanctuary touch that which was dead, life springs forth anew.  Fish are not only able to inhabit that which was considered uninhabitable, but they thrive “because these waters shall come thither.” 

“Fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim” and cast out their nets with guaranteed results of a good catch.

Today, there are myriad ways for people to catch fish.  Some launch out in boats.  Some have waterproof bibbed overalls that equip them to walk deeper in the water where the fish are.  Visiting beach areas you may find some positioning themselves on a pier or a bridge to let down their lines into the waters.

Depending on the type of fishing and fish one is looking for, methods such as airboats, sonar, different baits and bobbers are used to guarantee a good catch.  But none of those tricks and tactics would be needed in this river.  Put away your new-fangled gadgets and gizmos, because all they had to do was stand on the side, and fish. 

A fisherman’s paradise, if you will, because of the abundance.

So.  Many.  Fish.  This wasn’t a man-made, pre-stocked pond that made catching easy.  Nor was it a catch-and-release program.  The abundance experienced here was because of the miracle flowing from the sanctuary.

Not only was there abundance in numbers, but there was abundance in “kinds,” or species of fish: “Their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.”

Science has tried to put a number on the many species of fish that may swim in this planet’s waters.  But they are only what is known to us.  It seems the more we explore, the more we find out.  I don’t know how many different species of fish swimming in these waters in this lesson are, but it was so much that it was noted here: “exceeding many.”

Ezekiel 47:11 “But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.”

God, on purpose, let an area remain unaffected by the flow of healing waters.  There are many speculations about why it goes untouched, but none substantiated by the Word.  For His reasons, God commanded it to remain as is.  This really exemplifies the sovereignty of God at work in all areas of life.  If He commands healing, then it shall be healed.  If He commands a condition to stay in the state that it is, then we can rest knowing that it is still a part of His perfect plan and that there must be a divine purpose at work even if we don’t know why.  Romans reminds us, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (8:28). 

Ezekiel 47:12 “And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.”

We see nearly the exact thing written by John in Revelation 22:2 where it says, “In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”

In both instances, there are the trees with fruit every month, and leaves adorned for healing or “medicine.”  All because of those life-giving waters that support them.

The culmination of all that God is doing and touching is with the end result of healing and restoration; to bring new life.

Is this not what Jesus promised the woman at the well?  “The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). 

Everlasting life.  Does that not speak of being wholly restored and healed for all eternity?  Does that not reverse the curse of sin and bring life to the place that was dead?

Let us take heed to the call of Isaiah: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters,” (55:1).  There is life, the power of His Spirit, waiting to touch and heal all that come.  “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,” (Romans 6:23).

PDF Full Printable Sunday School Lesson Pack (With easy to read instructions following the P.E.A.R.L. format on how to conduct each lesson with areas for adding personal notes): Sunday School Lesson – Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River

Recommended Activities:

Water Bottle Verse:

Water is life-sustaining.  There is no hiding the value it has for our physical health.  But what about our spiritual health?

Jesus told the woman of Samaria, “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.  But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:10, 14).

Copy, cut out, and attach/tape these verses to your water bottles (disposable or other) throughout this week.  These verses will not only serve as a reminder of what Christ offers us, but they can also be used as a witnessing tool to others. Click here for a free water bottle verse printable ► Water Bottle Verse

  • Game Idea for younger students: To the tune of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” sing this modified version indicating the flow of the increasing, healing waters found in Ezekiel’s vision. Sing:

“Ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders,

Hips and shoulders.

Ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders,

Hips and shoulders.

Healing the trees,

And fish,

And waters.

Ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders,

Hips and shoulders.” © Word for Life Says

Adult Journal Page: Adult Journal Page – Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River

 

Kid’s Journal Page: Kid’s Journal Page – Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River

Blank Journal Page: These pages, one designed for adults and one for children, can be used to bring out, remember, or write a particular part of the lesson you wish for you and/or your class to focus on.  Click>>Blank Adult and Kid’s Journal Pages to access the journal pages.

Draw the Scene: Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River Draw the Scene

Simple Coloring Sheet: Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River Simple Coloring Sheet

Leaf Lace-Up Craft: This simple craft connects the children with the effects this life-giving river has on the fruit and the leaves of the trees.  Use PDF: Ezekiel 47 12 Lace Up Leaf to put together this simple, yet fun activity.  Print out on cardstock and use a hole punch to put holes around the leaf.  Use any materials you have lying around for lacing: yarn, string, pipe cleaners, etc.  I used crumbled party streamers.  Go figure!  Enjoy!

My Project 320-001

Ezekiel 47 12 Lace Up Leaf-001

Word Search: Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River Word Search  Word Search Answers: Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River Word Search Answers

Crossword: Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River Crossword  Crossword Answers: Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River Crossword Answers

Word Scramble: Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River Word Scramble  Word Scramble Answers: Ezekiel Sees a Life-Giving River Word Scramble Answers

Text Free Image Above by 15079075 from Pixabay

The Glory Which is to Come

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I sit on my couch in the early morning, sipping my beverage and eating a bowl of hot breakfast cereal when through my window shines the rising sun. Its brightness captivates me and invites me to the joy of the new day before me.

It’s beautiful to see its rising and to feel the warmth of its encouraging rays stretching out before me. Like one of my cats who always seems to find that perfect spot on the floor to enjoy its richness, I, too, just sit to soak in its shining goodness.

As beautiful, and as welcoming as this morning moment is, I am reminded of the morning of a new day that all believers will be privileged to rise to. A day this physical sun cannot compare to or even touch in beauty and splendor, because, in that place, there will be a “city,” that has “no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof,” (Revelation 21:23).

Can you imagine the glory of that moment, of that place?

While I may struggle to put into words the thoughts my heart feels when taking in the reality of those written expressions of our future and the picture of glory they represent, one day all those who are in Christ will see this and so much more for themselves.

No matter how beautiful or hard a moment here may be, they will all be eclipsed by the glorious future that awaits the believing heart. Our hope, rest, peace, and restoration we are yearning for will all come to fruition when we enter the place where God’s glory shines brighter than any sun.

Live for that moment, dear friends. Let the beauty of what will be capture your heart, overshadow any troubles, and strengthen your steps for these days. For these days have nothing on that glory which is to come.

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

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Heal

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Scabs were a fascination for me in my youth. I had a bad habit where right when the healing would be almost complete, I would pick at the scab and pick at it again until it reopened, prohibiting it from properly healing in a timely fashion.

In life, we can find ourselves doing the same thing with the hurts of all nature. And as easy as it is to pick, we can choose to leave it alone and let God do what He does best.

Allow for healing. What bitterness is so precious that we fight to hold on to it? What hurt must we keep rehearsing in our mind that we won’t let go of it? Allowing these to take up precious space in our hearts will not make room for His healing to take place when we can let it go and trust God with the outcome. Continually nursing all the wrongs prohibits the growth of all that is good.

We choose what we strengthen: bitterness and hurt or good and healing. We have the choice to bring into greater focus the things that will help us overcome those tumultuous thoughts or keep us bound in them. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Where your mind and your thinking lead, the heart will follow. Follow those beautiful things that lead to healing. Why let that which is corrupt ruin your day, your week, your life?

No one can understand like you what your heart is feeling (Proverbs 14:10). No one can discredit the hurt one has experienced. At the same time, no one but you can refuse to sit in the pity party, celebrating the misery.

Allow for healing. Bring all the heaviness of heart, all those things that speak against wholeness and recovery, all the hurt to Jesus, who promises that in Him, we will find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:29; read Matthew 11:28-30).

Why suffer as one who has no help? Jesus is your help for healing, and He is waiting to lead you into complete restoration. He is the cure for whatever you are holding onto, and He is the cure for whatever you are going through.

Focus your heart on what is good, and don’t leave Jesus out of the healing process. There is not an infirmity He hasn’t faced and experienced (Hebrews 4:15).

He knows how much it hurts, but He also knows how to bring about wholeness. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Come, that you may be healed.

Letting go of bitterness and hurt – sometimes it is easier said than done. But when we do, we allow for God’s healing to come and saturate our souls.

Everything Healed

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The world we live in currently bears the scars of the travesty that has taken place. When sin entered, it did more than cause our separation from God (which was the worst). It also caused hurt, disorder, dysfunction, and disease where there was only to be peace, love, harmony, and health.

Our Garden of Eden has become a briar patch of thorns and pain that hurt and hinder where the Word was spoken for good. The truth of this condition is told in Scripture as the Apostle Paul says, “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:22, 23).

When something is groaning it means something is not right. Think along the lines of an upset stomach. People tend to groan and hold themselves tightly to express their utter discomfort at the wrong they feel going on inside themselves. Their body is in pain until that which caused the discomfort is cured and eased.

In the above verses, there is groaning seen in the state of man and creation alike. But the promise for those in Christ is that it will not remain as it is now. Healing is on the horizon. Nature will regain its right order. That which was called good will shine brighter than its original beauty before. And we, my friends, who have experienced and lived through the turmoil of this world, will finally find the ultimate peace and completion of true wholeness.

That which is flesh will be given over to the Spirit. That of the world will dissipate before glory. The enemy you see today, you will see no more for everything will be healed. You will be freer than you have ever been before as the burdens of this life are laid down once and for all, as the culmination of everything we have maintained this hope for comes to pass.

As we carry His Spirit in us today, we carry it with the knowing that our faith, although it has seen many trials, is not in vain. “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1).

The promise is there, and the promise is real. Everything not fitted for the purpose of that glorious Kingdom will be done away with. Tears and death, hopelessness and despair, pain, and suffering – all will be passed away (Revelation 21:4). “And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new . . .” (Revelation 21:5). What was wrong will be righted. What was broken will be fully and completely healed as groanings are replaced by glory forever.

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” – Isaiah 65:17

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” – 1 Peter 5:10

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” – 1 John 5:4

His Stripes | Healing for Every Area of Life

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“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

Those words from the prophet Isaiah are words we are reminded of when facing sicknesses or other health crises.  It’s the first go-to verse others will use when attempting to encourage those dealing with such maladies.  Yet, the Bible doesn’t narrow the power and authority of this verse or its meaning to only travel down the avenue of physical pain and/or illness.  No, my friend.  Its scope and range are mighty for so much more.

Healing is not limited to only what the body is dealing with.  As a whole person, we may have other areas that may seem out of whack that need the touch of the Savior’s sacrificing blood to flow toward its troubles and restore, fix, and yes, heal, whatever ails a person.

What’s to stop the power of His sacrifice from flowing into the crevices of relationships or to help in any number of places and with the many decisions we face, along with the hope of health for the body?

The stripes that tore His flesh cannot be confined to just the healing of the flesh.  Today, when you think of the word healing, what area of your life instantly comes to mind at this moment?  It may be a physical illness that you are dealing with, and I stand in prayer with you over it.  But, does something else come to mind?  A hurt that is not physical?  Resoration sought in another area?  His stripes come to heal all areas of our lives, and I pray for the places where you need His healing touch, be it heart, mind, body, life, relationships, or wherever.  Don’t limit the power of His sacrifice.  Do not limit the impact this great word and promise can have in your life.

Whatever came to mind when I asked you, “when you think of the word healing, what comes to mind?”, even this, even that thing that instantly came to mind, He is able to heal and cure the worst of it.

O Lord, we pray, that You would touch us and keep us under Your healing flow, no matter what issues we may encounter today.  In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray, AMEN!

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com articles/lessons/worksheets may not be copied or redistributed without the express written permission of WordforLifeSays.com.  Please see the COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.  Blessings to you.

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Times of Refreshing

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After an extremely busy day yesterday, this morning during my devotion time, I was blessed with the most beautiful of songs.

I sat in my time of quietness and I listened as the birds of the morning sang their song. Although Spring is not fully upon us (it’s 32° here right now), this prelude of its coming, the songs of those beautiful birds refreshed me, inspired me, and lifted me for the day ahead.

And that is how our Heavenly Father works. He really does know what you need. He knows how to fill the gaps where you may feel depleted. He knows how to refresh you to tackle new days, new moments, and new challenges.

Sometimes, these times of refreshing won’t be found in big events that scream, “Look at me!” Sometimes it is found in something as simple as a bird’s song.

“For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.” Jeremiah 31:25

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

More Inspiration:

“Come to the Waters”

“Restored!”

Text Free Image by Piet van de Wiel from Pixabay 

Rebuilding Ruins

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Image by Robert Alvarado from Pixabay 

“And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited.

Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it.” Ezekiel 36:35-36

Archaic and ancient, yet there is beauty within.  Rubbled and ruined, but potential peeks through with the willingness to start again, to be reborn with purpose once more.

I must say, I am drawn to history and design in this manner.  I love to learn about places of old.  I am drawn to those shows and documentaries that feature taking these older places and structures, revitalizing them, restoring their ancient beauty, and making them livable and valuable once more.

If you are inclined to watch such programming, you will see that meticulous care is taken in the restoration process.  And the older a place is, with more original features, the chances are the work that needs to be done cannot be done by just any rebuilder. Instead, those who are trained to deal with period pieces and materials are called in to work with their expertise on the structure to remake it to be as close to the original as possible.

God has always been in the rebuilding business.  From the time of the Fall, and the Flood, and many points in between and beyond, though His people went through adversity, it was done with the intent of a new and fresh start from their sins and mistakes.

In ancient captivity, the children of Israel lived in bondage to the Babylonians due to their own sins and wayward ways.  But God, in this chapter, looked forward to a time of restoration; a time of renewal for His people.  A time and a moving that will bring glory to His name and not the dishonor that had been promoted by His people’s unholy living (36:21).

God was going to gather His people from where they had been dispersed and bring them back home (36:24), and the great rebuilding process would begin.  Beginning with Cyrus (Ezra 1), followed by the help of other kings, God’s people would return home physically and spiritually, and the ruins would be rebuilt and lives would be restored in their relationship with God.

To accomplish this, God was going to give them a new heart and a new spirit (36:26-27).  God was not just satisfied with cities becoming occupied again, but He wanted inner transformation.  He wanted hearts that would make Him feel welcomed once more.  A heart that would be in love with the Father and His ways once more.  Those were the ruins God was most interested in rebuilding.  The outward buildings were nice, but the new inner man who was being transformed, this is the real beauty God wants to see.  To Him, this matters the most.

When David sought to be restored, he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).  He wanted to be restored to the Father because his own sins caused a separation.  He wanted to be rebuilt from the inside out.

Today, our heavenly Father is still rebuilding ruins.  Much like David, when a heart turns to Him in true humility and repentance, they can be restored.  Jesus Christ became the way for this to happen: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17); “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).  

When we come to Him and accept Him as Savior (Acts 2:38-39; John 3:5; Romans 6:4), He takes the old us and makes us something new: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17), and we are ruins no more.

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3) – this is where the rebuilding begins.

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com articles/lessons/worksheets may not be copied or redistributed without the express written permission of WordforLifeSays.com.  Please see the COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.  Blessings to you.

Please Note: Ads below or referenced on this site are prefabricated and mass-produced (of which I currently have no control over) and DO NOT necessarily represent the views and/or beliefs of this site and its admin.