Archive for September, 2011

I got a phone call today from a dear, dear friend of mine.  She was diagnosed with cancer a little over 2 years ago and had her tumor markers yesterday in Omaha, NE.  The doctors reported that they had found new growth and that she will be going in for surgery next week to have them removed and to determine what the next steps will be

The reason I bring this up is because when I hung up the phone, I was thinking about God’s ability to heal us.  In Exodus 15:26 the Lord is called Jehovah Rapha, the Healer.  Psalm 103:3 says he forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases.  1 Peter 2:24 echos the words of Isaiah 53:5 saying that by His stripes we are healed.  Matthew 9:35 says that Jesus himself went about preaching the gospel and healing all kinds of sickness and disease.

Satan is the author of sickness and disease.  The Bible tells us we must take authority over Satan to be healed.  In Luke 10:19, Jesus gives us that authority, that we may speak in His name and receive healing.  It is not our strength alone that releases this authority.  It is through the name of Jesus.  Peter demonstrates this in Acts 3 as he speaks healing over a lame man at the temple gate.  Invoking the power of the name of Jesus, the man is able to walk.

I often succumb to the lie that God doesn’t have the time to heal me… or that I need to wait it out.  Maybe I’m beyond healing…miracles are for other, more righteous people.  This, my friend, is a lie.  Jesus paid the price so that every single one of us might be healed.  Thinking otherwise is an insult to God and His power.

If you or anyone you know is suffering in any way, please take authority over satan in the name of Jesus and claim what is rightfully yours as a beloved child of God.  He is Jehovah Rapha, our Healer.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGv5d8EE34k]

So incredibly moving.  I love the powerful simplicity of these lyrics.  Worship with me, friends.

I’ve wanted to write about my grandpa for a long time, but whenever I think about it, I realize words really cannot capture who he was as a person and who he was to me.  It’s a feat I’m afraid I’m not quite up to yet.  But regardless of my shortcomings, in honor of what would have been his 88th birthday, I decided to share with you a video our family put together for his memorial service a few years ago.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NXaLMPcQZQ]

While days like this still make my heart ache, I am so comforted to know we will be reunited someday in the presence of our Savior.  Thank you, Jesus.

Denial

I smile…on the outside

But inside, I know

My soul …Is black

Filled with guilt

It’s my fault

They haven’t heard

A word …of truth

I follow the world

Every boy and girl

Wrapped up in themselves

Have become my role model

Jealousy

Why can’t I be… like them?

Condemnation

My reputation

On the line

I claim I’m fine

…But I’m not

I want to fit in

I sin

Betraying Him

The one who made me

Who I am

Anger

Frustration

Self-mutilation

My mind’s medication

…But it’s all temporary

I lack satisfaction

Worshiping this god, my creation

But no true relationship

Emptiness

A dark abyss

…My heart sinks

What’s the meaning of this life?

Trapped in confusion

Thoughts swirling in disillusion

MAKE IT STOP!

This war I wage in utter seclusion

I’ve hit rock bottom

My soul cries in pain

I know I must change

If I want to be more than this mess I have made

…Help!

Myself I disown

I can’t do it alone

I cry out to God

Please, make me Your own

Stillness

Peace floods my being

Christ redeeming … my past

…It’s all gone

My failures …distant memories

Thrown in the Sea…Of Forgetfulness

I am blessed…beyond words

And still, I wonder

How could this be?

It seems too easy

One minute I’m a slave

The next I’m redeemed?

Innocent blood

The currency that purchased my salvation

Torture, anguish and utter humiliation

He endured it all

For me

That was my penalty

But now here I stand

Completely free!

Hello, friends.  It’s been a while since I’ve written anything personally and although today won’t be a long post as I have lots of homework to do, I wanted to share something that’s been on my heart.  It’s this idea that there is tremendous therapy through art and creativity.  I know from my own experiences that it is often through various artistic outlets (creative writing, painting, dancing, photography, music, etc.) that I am able to discover healing.  Now when I say that, please understand I am not trying to take God out of the equation.  My creative expression is focused on truths found in scripture; it’s as if the Holy Spirit flows through me more freely when my innermost thoughts are expressed creatively. I have come to find that it is through these outlets that I’m able to communicate with my Savior the things so deeply ingrained in my soul that words alone do not prove just.  Some things are just beyond speech.

I often find inspiration through similar creative works from others.  Recently, I’ve found incredible comfort in the beautiful simplicity of music.  I love the raw, passionate lyrics and the harmonious melodies of so many of these artists.  They are so real, so transparent.  My heart finds peace knowing others feel what I feel and that in the midst of life’s circumstances, Jesus is always waiting with open arms.

I’ve created a playlist with many of these recently inspiring songs.  I hope you too find deep comfort in the beauty they hold.