CWDevo

Demonstrating Our Faith - Alternative View - May 22

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Demonstrating Our Faith

In His Presence: Psalm 100:4-5

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1-2).

Biblical faith is not amorphous. We don’t believe in Santa Clause or the Tooth Fairy—they have no substance or reality to them. Faith believes in the character and the promises of a very real God. We demonstrate our faith by acting on His Word.

Have you ever turned on your radio to listen to the traffic reports? We believe these reports because someone is up in a helicopter and can see much more from the air than we can from the ground. They have a different perspective than we have. We demonstrate our trust in their word by taking a different route to our destination.

Doppler radar makes weather patterns visible, enabling scientists to see something that is invisible to the eye. Doppler radar provides a measure of safety, especially at airports where wind shears could make the ride pretty rough for planes about to take off or land. Occasionally, a burst of invisible wind could drive a commercial airliner to the ground like a toy.

In the spiritual realm, we are limited in our perspective. We cannot see what is happening in that realm unless we believe God, who gives us the details. Fire is hot; the sky is blue; water is wet; and God tells the truth. “If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it? May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar” (Romans 3:3-4).

One Minute Please

Faith has substance because God has substance.

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A Short Time - Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - May 21, 2013

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A Short Time

“Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” - (Revelation 12:12)

During the Korean War, Marines in the Baker Company found themselves cut off while enemy forces advanced. For several hours, no word was heard from them. Finally a faint signal came through. Straining to hear each word, the radio operator asked, “Do you read me?”

“This is Baker Company,” came the reply.

“What is your situation?”

“The enemy is to the east of us. The enemy is to the west of us. The enemy is to the south of us and to the north of us...” The soldier then paused briefly and continued, “And we are not going to let them escape this time!”

That is the attitude we should have when the devil seems to be hitting us from every side. As Bible commentator John Phillips wrote, “Satan is now like a caged lion, enraged beyond words by the limitations now placed upon his freedom. He picks himself up from the dust of the earth, shakes his fist at the sky, and glares around, choking with fury for ways to vent his hatred and spite upon humankind.”

The devil does not want you to know that he is doomed. Revelation 12:12 tells us, “The devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” The phrase for “great wrath” refers to a violentoutburst of rage. It depicts a turbulent emotional fury rather than rational anger.

Even if some don’t believe it, the devil knows that Jesus Christ is coming back. Until then, his objective is to wreak as much havoc as he can.

Sometimes it seems as though everywhere we turn, there is an attack. There is temptation. There is a problem. There is an issue. But listen: God will give us the strength to get through.

Copyright © 2013 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
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Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.

Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.

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“True riches, according to the Bible, are secured in heaven, where moth and rust can’t destroy and where thieves cannot break in and steal. True riches are found in Jesus Christ.” --Greg

The 2013 Riches in Christ Calendar displays twelve of the most precious gems in the Christian’s crown. Clean, colorful, and practical, this resource is not only beautiful, but uplifting and useful as well. Also included is a bonus mini-calendar for your desktop, purse, or pocket.

No Regrets - Cross the Bridge - May 20, 2013

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

No Regrets - Monday, May 20th 2013

Acts 27:3

"And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care."
NKJV

Notice in the verse above, that Paul did not retreat to a quiet corner somewhere by himself to rest or 'get away from it all'. Instead, he went to his friends and they cared for him. When we are going through difficult problems, we often retreat to our house or our own room 'just to be alone for a while'. Do not get me wrong guys; it's great to find a quiet place to talk to God. You should do that every day. Nevertheless, there are times when you need to have friends who will come alongside of you, lift you up, and pray for you. The reality is... if you do not place yourself in a position where you develop relationships with others, you will never have that encouragement in times of trouble. Where do you find these friends? Chances are you see them every Sunday. They are soldiers of Christ at church serving God and others. You will find them in the media booth, parking cars, or greeting newcomers. They are sweeping, mopping floors and cleaning toilets. They are teaching and caring for the children. However, if you are not in the trenches with them, you may never know them.

When you serve in church, you develop relationships with people that you never would have otherwise. Take a moment to look around at those who are serving. You will see them laughing and joking, but you will also see them encouraging and praying. It is under the common ground of serving God that these relationships are founded. In the midst of amity or conflict, the strongest relationships are forged.

Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend." NLT

If you are not serving in your church, I want to encourage you to do so. You will never regret it.

Life Lesson: There is an incredible bond you have with people you serve with that sadly, most Christians will never know.

Dear Father,
I love You and want to serve You by serving others. Please forgive me for times when I have focused on myself instead of You and others. I want to have friends who will pray for me and encourage me. I ask You to give me the courage I need to take the next step. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee
Cross the Bridge
crossthebridge.com

Scripture quotations marked 'NKJV™' are taken from the New King James Version®.
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2013 Cross the Bridge.

For more life-changing resources visit crossthebridge.com

Little Faith - Answers for Each Day - May 19

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Little Faith

In our last devotional, we looked at the first level of faith: no faith. We learned that no faith is based on the belief that God does not care, and that such a belief is completely false. God does indeed care for you!

Today we are going to look at the second level of faith. It is found in what Jesus says in Matthew 6:30-34,

"Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

This second level of faith is little faith. As we see in this passage, little faith is a worried faith, worried about tomorrow and occupied with lack instead of being occupied with God.

While people with little faith believe God cares, their focus is wrong. They are concentrating on, "What am I going to eat? What am I going to wear? How am I going to get by?"

Now, those are all legitimate things; and your Father knows you have need of those things. So rather than focusing on your lack and being worried about tomorrow, pulling tomorrow's clouds over today's sunshine, let your focus be on God and His sufficiency, His care, and His abundant love.

Do not live a life of little faith.

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God
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God is Not Unjust - Heartlight Daily Verse 5/18

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

May 18

Hebrews 6:10

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

Thoughts on today's verse

So much assurance in such a short verse! God is not unjust -- boy is that an understatement. If he produced the atoning sacrifice for our sins, what will he deny us if we seek after him? He will not forget our work and love -- an eternal record of the good we have done! When we help our brothers and sisters in Christ, we bless him! We are HIS people!! That's real motivation to keep on maturing in Christ.

Prayer: God, you are so gracious. Thank you. Words cannot express my joy at hearing such a simple and profound statement describing your virtues. I am so glad I am your child. Through my brother Jesus I pray. Amen.

Visit heartlight.org for more

Trash Talk - UpWords - Week of May 17-23

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Trash Talk
by Max Lucado

The Garbage Project was conducted by a researcher convinced we can learn a lot from the trash dumps of the world. He was called a garbologist! What’s it like to be a “garbologist?” When he gives a speech, is it referred to as “trash talk?” Are his business trips called “junkets?” Though I prefer to leave the dirty work to the garbologist, his attitude toward trash intrigues me.

Suppose we changed the way we view the garbage that comes our way? The days that a dumpster couldn’t hold all the garbage we face: hospital bills, divorce papers, pay cuts. What do you do when an entire truck of sorrow is dumped on you? Jesus said, “If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar.” (Matthew 6:22-23 MSG).

How we look at life–even the garbage of life–determines how we live life!

Listen to UpWords with Max Lucado at OnePlace.com

Tearing Up the Scorecards - Girlfriends in God - May 16, 2013

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

May 16, 2013
Tearing Up the Scorecards
Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

Love is patient, love is kind…it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs, (1 Corinthians 12:4-5, NIV).

Friend to Friend

She was at it again. Mrs. Barnett was getting out the scorecards and tallying up the points.

I sat with an older woman as she began enumerating her family’s shortcomings. “Callie never comes to see me,” she began to complain about her granddaughter. “And she never calls me either. I saw her sitting on the other side of the church last week and she didn’t even come over and give me a hug.”

“Benjamin is just as bad,” she continued, talking about her grandson. “He never comes by unless he wants something. I never hear from him, but if he wants money for a mission trip you better believe I get a letter. He’s just like his father,” she continued. “He never pays any attention to me unless he wants something.”

Throughout our time together, Mrs. Barnett mentioned several family members and friends who had disappointed her, who had not lived up to her expectations, and who had not given her the love she “deserved.” The more I listened; the clearer a picture began to take shape in my mind. I envisioned Mrs. Barnett with a big stack of scorecards. At the top of each card was a name: a grandchild, a child, a friend, a pastor, and yes, even one with my name printed across the top. If someone telephoned her, they got 1point. If they stopped by for a visit, they got 1 point. If they gave her a hug without being asked, they got 1 point. If they told her she looked pretty, they got 2 points.

However, if they did not show the proper display of affection, they lost 5 points. If they did not come by for a visit within the expected amount of time, they lost 5 points. If they did not send her a card on the appropriate days, they lost 5 points. Birthday cards, Christmas gifts, phone calls, visits, etc, were all tallied on mental scorecards for later retrieval. She was very busy keeping track of all the plusses and minuses for each person.

I shook my head to clear away the movie being played in the theater of my mind and tried to pay attention to our conversation. After all, I didn’t want to get a bad mark on my scorecard that day.

Friend, let me tell you a great life lesson. As long as this woman keeps mental scorecards on the people in her life, she is going to be miserable. And if you or I keep scorecards for the people in our lives, we will be miserable as well.

First Corinthians 13 says, “Love is patient, love is kind…it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs,” (1 Corinthians 12:4-5). Love is about giving – not necessarily about giving money or gifts, but giving love. Can I say that again? Love is about giving love. Love does not keep a record of wrongs or perceived wrongs. It does not involve an accounting tally sheet of debits and credits or scorecards of plusses and minuses. It does not keep a running list of kindnesses to reward those who come out on top and shun those who do not.

Self-centeredness says, “What has that person done for me lately?” Love says, “What can I do for that person today?”

Self-centeredness makes mental lists of how others have disappointed them. Love makes mental lists of ways they can bless others.

Self-centeredness withholds affection and approval from those who don’t deserve it. Love gives affection unconditionally because none of us do deserve it.

Self-centeredness says, “Come here and give me a hug.” Love says, “Come here and let me hug you.” Can you tell the difference? A ten-year-old certainly can. He or she might not be able to verbalize the difference or even recognize it, but they certainly feel the difference in the pit of their stomachs and in the tenderness of their hearts.

With genuine love, there are no scorecards. I’m certainly glad God tore up mine long ago.

David wrote, “If you, O LORD, kept a record of sin, O Lord, who could stand?” (Psalm 130:3 NIV). Certainly not me! If God doesn’t keep a scorecard, making notes of the ways I have offended Him, disappointed Him, or not given Him the attention He deserves, then why do I think I have the right to keep scorecards on the people in my little world? He doesn’t give plusses and minuses and then tally up our cards to see whether or not we deserve His love. So why do we do it to others? God gives and gives and gives, and gets very little in return. Why does He do that? Because He loves you and me perfectly, wholly, and unconditionally.

Scorecards. Do you keep them? Do you keep mental lists of what people do and don’t do to deserve your love? If so, you’ll never be content or at peace in your relationships. No one may see the scorecards sitting on your coffee table, but they’ll know they are there. They will see them in your eyes, hear them in your tone, and sense them in your touch. And there may be a few brave souls who refuse to play the game and decide to bow out of your life altogether.

Here is what I would like to suggest. Tear up the scorecards. Here’s how:

Get a stack of index cards. Write one person’s name at the top of each card. Start with your children, your grandchildren, your parents, your in-laws, your spouse, your siblings, your pastor. Then move on to your circle of friends. Beside each name, write the words, “Scorecard.” For example: Beth’s Scorecard.

Hold the stack of scorecards in your hand and pray:

“Dear Lord, I am no longer going to keep a scorecard for ____________. Help me love like You love – unconditionally, with no strings attached. Help me to be thankful for the attention I do receive rather than resentful for what I don’t. I do not want to become a bitter old woman that people avoid, but a grateful, graceful lady people enjoy. And Lord, whenever I begin to fall into the old habit of making mental notes of how someone did not live up to my expectations, I pray that You will convict me quickly and help me to replace the negative thoughts with a prayer of thanksgiving.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

After you have prayed, take each scorecard in your hands and tear it into tiny pieces. Now, throw them away. Be free. Be blessed. Enjoy life.

Today’s devotion didn’t follow our normal pattern of Let’s Pray and Now It’s Your Turn, but it is all there. If you actually did this exercise, I’d love to hear about it. You can email me privately at Sharon@sharonjaynes.com or leave a comment on my blog page at www.sharonjaynes.com.

More from the Girlfriends

One of the ways we build relationships or destroy relationships is with the words we speak. Words can make or break a marriage, encourage or discourage a child, draw in or push away a friend. If you would like to tame your tongue and learn how to use your words to speak life into those in your sphere of influence, check out my book, The Power of a Woman’s Words and accompanying study guide. It is a favorite for Women’s Bible studies and small groups.

Seeking God?
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Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com

Click here to learn more about hosting a Girlfriends in God conference in your area or having one of the GiGs speak at your next women's event.

Praying With Confidence - Encouragement for Today - May 15, 2013

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

May 15, 2013

Praying With Confidence
Renee Swope

"This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." 1 John 5:14 (NAS)

I used to be hesitant to pray and found myself stumbling over my words when talking to God. I especially didn't know how to pray when struggling with uncertainty and doubts.

Desperately wanting to say the right things, I believed if I prayed the right way God would listen and answer my prayers the way I wanted Him to.

It took me a while, but I eventually got up the courage to talk with a friend about my fears and struggles. She shared how she had struggled with the same things. She also explained how, over time, she had discovered that prayer isn't about saying or asking the right things; it's about building a relationship with God by talking to Him.

She also showed me how to take verses from the Bible and turn them into powerful prayers. Using God's Word as a guide gave me a new sense of confidence and direction when I didn't know what to say.

One day I was reading 1 John 5:14, and noticed it says we can pray with certainty when we ask God for what is already part of His will: "This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us."

Praying Scriptures increased my confidence over time, knowing that I was praying God's will when I prayed God's Word.

Wanting my prayers to be filled with power and my heart to be infused with faith, I now look for Scriptures about God's will and God's ways. One is Hebrews 4:12 where God teaches us His Word is "alive and active." Praying that truth, I ask God to make His Word come alive in a situation and become active in the person's life I am praying for, including my own.

Oftentimes when I pray now, I'll remember verses in the Bible that apply. For instance, when it feels like my plans are spinning out of control, Jeremiah 29:11 will come to mind. On those days, I'll pray:

Lord, You know the plans You have for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me a future and a hope. You say that if I come to You and pray, You will listen and will lead me. So, today I surrender my plans for Your plans. Please guide my decisions and thoughts to match Yours so I can experience hope and not harm. Even though things aren't going so great today, I trust the plans You have for me."

God isn't looking for the perfect combination of words, and there's no formula to get it right. Now that the pressure to say the right things is gone, praying has become one of my favorite things to do—whether alone or with a friend.

Sometimes I just sit still and let God whisper His promises into my thoughts and then I ask for their fulfillment in my prayers.

Lord, I'm so glad I don't have to say that right thing to get Your attention. Thank You for Your Spirit that lives in me and leads me—in my daily activities and even in my prayers. Please show me verses You want me to pray so I can see Your Word come alive in my circumstances and become active in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
In her life-changing book, A Confident Heart, Renee Swope ends each chapter with a prayer weaving together powerful scriptures to help you overcome doubt and insecurity based on the topic and teaching in that chapter. Buy a copy for yourself or a friend!

Visit Renee's blog for a FREE download of Promises to Pray for yourself and others from Renee's new "Printable Prayers Collection: How to Pray for Those You Love - from Head to Toe."

Enter to win one of five copies of Renee's best-selling book, A Confident Heart. Click here to find out how!

Reflect and Respond:
Use God's Word as a guide to pray when you don't know what to say.

Pick a verse today to begin praying.

Power Verse:
Matthew 6:9-13, "Pray then like this: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'" (ESV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
630 Team Rd., Suite 100
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

The Miraculous Catch of Fish - The Case for Christ - Week of May 14

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Miraculous Catch of Fish

Verse: Luke 5:1–11

Simon Peter and his partners had fished all night but had caught nothing, yet at Jesus’ command their fishing nets filled with so many fish that the boats began to sink. This miracle proved Jesus’ authority over nature and showed his power to provide for those in need (similar to the miracle of manna that God performed for the wandering Israelites in the desert; see Exodus 16:1–36). However, as with all of Jesus’ miracles, this event can be understood on a deeper level.

This miraculous catch of fish illustrates a key aspect of Jesus’ ministry: His call, when obeyed, changes everything. As soon as Peter saw the overflowing nets, he recognized his sinfulness in contrast to Jesus’ power. From that point onward, every priority in the fishermen’s lives changed, and things that once seemed important (the fish, the boats, their livelihoods) seemed so no longer.

The book of Amos uses a fishing metaphor to refer to the judgment of Israel: The people of Israel would be caught like fish and hauled off to exile (see Amos 4:2 . Jesus, though, used fishing to symbolize the act of gathering disciples into his kingdom, giving the metaphor the very opposite meaning.

Far from simply a miraculous catch of fish, which was impressive in and of itself, Jesus’ miracle was one of many that signaled the arrival of the kingdom of heaven. The fishermen, like many others who experienced Jesus’ miracles, would never be the same. Jesus’ authority to perform miracles testified to a deeper truth: The long-awaited Messiah had arrived.

This devotion is from the NIV Case for Christ Study Bible by Zondervan. Used with permission.

The Divine Healer - Invading the Privacy of God - Week of May 13

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Week of May 13
Devotional 20
The Divine Healer

About a dozen years ago, I began to apply Romans 12:1. It urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God. The apostle Paul also tells us twice in 1 Corinthians that our bodies are God's temples. He draws two powerful images: living sacrifices and temples.

To me that means God is concerned about us caring for and protecting our bodies. After all, our bodies are the essence of what we work with. Our minds may be more important, but they surely don't function independently. If our bodies aren't important, why would we have a resurrection that promises some form of physical substance?

Then why do we tend to discount the body or pay too little attention to its care? I've begun to realize the answer-for me, that is. If we acknowledge our responsibility to care for the temple of God, then we're held accountable for how we treat it. And if we misuse our bodies or offer God blemished sacrifices, what does that say about our commitment?

So first off, I acknowledge I'm a temple abuser. I have offered my badly-taken-care-of and less-than-perfect body to God. For years, I was among the sleep-deprived generation. I ate a lot of foods that harmed my body. Until I faced some serious physical problems, I didn't think much about exercise. I allowed stress into my life when I could have found healthy ways to correct it.

I confess to all of those sins; I've battled physical illness as a result. But God, being ever merciful, allows us to bring our battered, torn, worn-out, and abused bodies to the place of prayer. We can talk to God about our health. We can ask for healing. I won't say we always get it, but I do believe it's available.

Although I've noticed them before, the words of Jesus in instances of individual healing have taken on new meaning for me. He heals and sometimes adds, "Go, and sin no more."

What a tag-on that is! Is Jesus actually saying to us, "You have high blood pressure because you have mishandled your body?" "Your emphysema comes from your mistreating the holy temple of God?"

In most cases, I think so. I'm not writing this to bring condemnation to anyone. It's my personal attempt to come to grips with issues in my own life and to discover a fuller, richer commitment to the Healer of All Diseases.

For me, a fuller, richer life simply has to involve our bodies. We know the stereotype of the sweet, elderly woman who is confined to bed and spends her waking moments interceding for others. Maybe so, but I wouldn't fit into that category.

When I'm sick, I am s-i-c-k. I don't do much except think about how miserable I am. I pray for healing and beg God to make me well so I can get back to my normal energy level. When I'm sick, I assure you, I do little praying for anyone other than poor Cec Murphey.

That then leads me to realize that when I pray for healing, I am asking the Divine Physician to make me healthy. If I'm healthy, I'm better able to be in touch with God's presence. My mind is not on my wretched condition and I can concentrate on other things.

I don't like to be sick. If I'm sick, I pray for healing. That part is fine, but it's not enough. Here's a theory I live with, but I wouldn't try to force it on anyone else. I believe that the Creator God made our bodies to serve us, and also to teach us.

When I was twenty-years-old, I tasted shrimp for the first time. It was also the last time. Within an hour, I was miserable and vomited. It would be stupid of me ever to eat shrimp again. My body taught me something. I believe our bodies talk to us all the time, but we don't always listen. They tell us when we're tired, but we boost ourselves with caffeine instead of resting (my confession again).

Here's the philosophy I now embrace: When I am sick, there is a reason. So I pray, "God, show me why I need to be sick." Bold? Crazy? Perhaps. In the past, it has been my unconscious way of dropping out of the action or pushing away pressure.

This awareness came into being when I was a pastor. Every year during December we had many festivities and special services at church that I attended, besides my own family functions. I took Communion to every shut-in. All adult Sunday school classes invited me to their Christmas parties. By the end of December, I was worn out.

Could I acknowledge my tiredness? Not me. I took a day off, and started pumping up again for the new year. Then I noticed that for five years in a row I came down with a nasty cold early in January. That cold was so bad that no matter what medication I took, I had to go to bed.

The sixth year it happened, I got the message. I had brought my physical sickness on myself. When I get sick, I need to listen to my body and ask the Divine Doctor, "What is happening that makes me need to be sick at this time?"

When I listen, it's amazing the answers I get. Unfortunately, I haven't always wanted to hear those answers. Part of my growth as a disciple of God is to ask God tough questions about myself and listen to the answers.

Do I call on the Healer? Without hesitation. However, when I pray, it's more than for just physical relief, it's also to help me understand what I've done to make my body this way. "Divine Healer, this is an issue of obedience," I say. "You're speaking, but I'm not hearing. Speak to me and help me hear what I need to know. Heal me and then enable me to go and sin no more."

As I pause to reflect on the Divine Healer, I feel such gratitude. Isn't it wonderful that God cares about every aspect of life? God doesn't limit divine intervention and interest to only "spiritual" things, because every facet of my life is spiritual.

That's where my prayers to the Divine Healer have led me. God wants to heal every part of me-the outer temple of the body as well as the inner temple of my mind and emotions.

We can pray to the Healer who is a caring, wonderful God.

If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on your which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD God who heals you. --EXODUS 15:26, NKJV

Divine Physician,
heal all my diseases,
all my waywardness,
and all my hardness of heart,
so that I worship you in my body and in my inner being.
Thank you for caring about every part of my life. Amen.

For more from Cec, please visit www.cecilmurphey.com.

Cecil Murphey has written more than one hundred books on a variety of topics with an emphasis on Spiritual Growth, Christian Living, Caregiving, and Heaven. He enjoys preaching in churches and speaking and teaching at conferences around the world. To book Cec for your next event, please contact Twila Belk at 563-332-1622.