Sunday Words of Encouragement Septmeber 11, 2016

Our substitute Sunday School teacher spoke about how we are at war spiritually but many current day prophets are saying there is an awakening coming to America. I will share more of this on another day.

Pastor shared a remembrance video on 9/11 (this is not the video but similar) that talks about firemen who saw one cross and others saw four crosses in the rubble – signs of hope and healing. This is appropriate for today as the “BE” series continues with: BE Healed.

We were changed by the 9/11 attacks and losses but even 15 years later the story continues. Some loved ones are gone. We can react with anger and bitterness or acknowledge our sadness but trust in hope for the future. Our lives are marked by pain and injury. We need to be healed individually and as country. We rejoice when prayers for healing are answered but some become angry when they are not.

What can we expect from God about healing? Healing is restoration. Jesus ministry on earth was healing. He healed but did not remove or eradicate disease.

We can expect from Him full, complete healing but it may not be complete until ‘the other side’ of this mortal life. We all have a time limit on earth; our bodies will wear out. But we are promised new bodies and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:19-23.) Our bodies will be buried in brokenness but raised to glory. (1 Corinthians 15:42-46; 51-58.)

What is expected from me to be healed?
1. Seek the Healer -- this happens in pain or crisis when many cry out to God. But we need to seek Him and praise Him in all times, good and painful.
2. Trust Him. Healing is a gift; Faith is not a prerequisite to healing as some might claim! You do not have to have ‘enough faith’. You do need to recognize that healing is God’s gift. Sometimes it is immediate and other times it is delayed. He knows a bigger plan.
3. Begin with spiritual correction and restoration. Forgiveness may be part of the release that leads to healing. Controlling out own bad, sometimes sinful actions, may be required to gain healing.
4. Rejoice and praise God no matter the immediate outcome (see #2 above).

God alone can bring emotional healing but that starts with surrender to Christ; acceptance of the sacrifice He made upon the cross.

This is one of the praise songs we sang this morning.

I think it fits well with the message as it speaks of being restored.
(Also I love the phrases: It's Your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise!"

Verses for Today:
1 Corinthians 15:51-54 NIV
51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

Lord, I give thanks each day for my healing and for healing for my husband. I know that the healings may not be complete in our 'golden' years but I trust you and praise you that they will be complete when we meet you face to face.