Healing What Ails You

Healing What Ails You

Earlier, I caught a nasty virus, the kind that plays havoc with your digestive system.

Of course, we were out of town when it hit. During our granddaughter’s dance competition, we sat in the balcony watching so many beautiful dancers. While waiting for her solos, it hit hard.

The closest bathroom was upstairs. I had to run up two flights of stairs to get there. Unfortunately, it hit every ten minutes for a couple of hours. I made many hurried flights up those stairs. Luckily, no one else was around, so I had some privacy.

Clearly, my body was trying to get rid of whatever was causing all these problems. Later, at the doctor’s office, I learned that norovirus was the culprit. After some pain pills, bowls of steaming hot soup, and a week of rest, I felt 100% again.

If only it were that simple with the soul. If only we could vomit out all the nasty thoughts and evil desires. If only that would happen without us even having to think about it.

Impure thoughts in? What if the soul would just automatically spit them out?

That would be easy, wouldn’t it?

Unfortunately, we can carry impure thoughts and evil intentions within us that poison our souls and harm those around us.

Unlike a virus, they don’t automatically purge themselves from our souls. But God, in His infinite wisdom, shows us how to purify our souls.

Prayer and self-reflection begin the process.

Asking God to forgive us cleanses our soul.

Opening the bible and reading God’s word continues the healing.

Just as our bodies get rid of the viruses and germs that cause illness, so our souls have ways of cleansing our sin and spiritual disease. God, our great physician, provides ways for us to draw closer to Him.

What are you doing to cleanse your soul of spiritual illness?

Thank you, healing God, for revealing our sin and spiritual disease. Thank You for providing healing for what ails our souls.

The God of Peace

It’s easy to read and agree. It’s much more difficult to read and then live what you read.

Lord, keep me focused on Your word. Help me to read what you say and then make Your words part of my life.

A Box of Chocolates

A Box of Chocolates

Imagine that someone has given you a big box of chocolates!  What is the first thing you do?  Most would probably say Thank you, open the box, and graciously offer the first piece to the giver of this scrumptious gift.  Would you begrudge giving that first piece of chocolate to the person who gave you the whole box?  No, of course not, for the rest of the candy would be yours to enjoy—to eat, to save for another day, or to share with others.  I think this is the attitude God had in mind when he commanded us to tithe.  He has created the world and all that is in it; everything is a gift from Him.  He has given us a gigantic box of chocolates.  He would be pleased if we would, with cheerful hearts, say Thank you, and offer Him the first piece.

Shouldn’t this also be the attitude we exhibit when we serve God and others?  All our gifts are God given:  intelligence, work, compassion.   Our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual box is filled with delicious chocolates.  Let’s remember to graciously and humbly thank God for them and offer Him the first piece.

II Corinthians 9:6-11 “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Oh God, we thank you for giving us many good gifts.  May we cheerfully offer a portion back to you.

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! May you graciously receive God’s spiritual blessings and be willing to share with others.