Praise Before Victory

As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 2 Chronicles 20:22 One evening during praise and worship at church, I was praising somewhat more enthusiastically than usual. The day leading up to this had come with two amazing God encounters and I was responding to them. While I was praising, the Holy Spirit spoke these words into my heart: “Praise the same way before a victory as you would after the victory.” That brought conviction along with encouragement. This verse in 2 … Continue reading Praise Before Victory

I Now Pronounce

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:1-2 Ever been to a wedding? Or perhaps been in one? At some point during the service, the officiator makes a declaration that goes something like this: “And now by the power vested in me by the state of __________________, I now pronounce you husband and wife”. The Holy Spirit used this to show me a new (for me) way to pray for healing. … Continue reading I Now Pronounce

Sun of Righteousness

But for you who fear My name the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. Malachi 4:2 I live in the Pacific Northwest.  We get a lot of rain but when the sun comes out, we welcome the rays.   Spring here is a mix of rain and sunshine. The sun touches the earth and colors start springing up everywhere.  Gorgeous flowers, vines and trees, all coming to life under the wings of the sun.  Just as the sun touches our earth and brings life, … Continue reading Sun of Righteousness

All Means All

…great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all. Matthew 12:15 Working with kids sometimes makes me question if there is something wrong with my speech!  I think I am saying the right words but I get ignored or just get these blank looks.  Sometimes, they say, “Oh, I heard you but I thought you meant…,” and I am left scratching my head.  Perhaps you too, have questioned where the communication went wrong between you and someone else.  Ok, so I will be honest here.  Sometimes, I stumble on the word all in this passage.  It is hard to get … Continue reading All Means All

This is Jesus

At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Luke 4:40 As a writer, I oftentimes find it hard to capture huge ideas into something as small as words. Imagine being at the scene where people came to Jesus and He healed them. What words could describe that? What kind of celebration would be taking place among not only the people who were healed, but their family members and friends? How can words describe that kind of joy? But words are what we are given. … Continue reading This is Jesus

Salvation Coin

Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why this gossipy whispering? Which do you think is simpler: to say, ‘I forgive your sins,’ or ‘Get up and walk’? Well, just so it’s clear that I’m the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both…” At this he turned to the paraplegic and said, “Get up. Take your bed and go home.” And the man did it.  The crowd was awestruck, amazed and pleased that God had authorized Jesus to work among them this way. Matthew 9:5 – 13 MSG This is Jesus speaking. The crowds had witnessed … Continue reading Salvation Coin

Only One Thing is Needed

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”  “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and … Continue reading Only One Thing is Needed

Meditating on God’s Word

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success. Joshua 1:8 Today was incredibly rough at work. I moaned and groaned, inwardly of course, but then I decided I needed to change the channel in my mind. I began to meditate on the word of God. Several verses came to mind and I repeated them over and over. I quietly said the … Continue reading Meditating on God’s Word

Words Can Heal

Gracious words are a honeycomb,    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 We have probably all heard the expression that sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me. We probably all know that isn’t true. Words can hurt, oftentimes more than sticks and stones. According to this verse written by Solomon, words can also heal. Here, gracious words are described as sweet to our soul and healing to our bones. Gracious words would be words that deliver compassion, encouragement and are uplifting to the hearer. It is all to easy in our … Continue reading Words Can Heal

Blessed is She Who Believed

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” Luke 1:45 Faith, trust, and believing are difficult concepts at time, especially when all we have is someone’s word. This is all Mary had but instead of doubting, she considered the source of the promise to be worthy of trusting. And time proved that His word was true. She received the fulfillment of the promise and we know His name is Jesus. Have you ever been there? Trusting only in God’s word for a promise to be fulfilled and waiting and waiting. I … Continue reading Blessed is She Who Believed