Day 39 of 40: Health

Jesus gave his disciples a preaching mission.

Read  Matthew 10: 5-15.

They were to share the good news with the people of Israel. But this mission also sounds like a medical mission. Heal the sick, cure leprosy, cast out demons. This is a mission to restore wholeness and health, to repair people who are physically, emotionally, and spiritually broken. Those in need were
probably thrilled to see these “doctors” come to town, especially doctors who charged nothing for their services.

Medical care today is big business. Pharmaceutical companies spend millions on research, development and promotion. It’s not unreasonable for them to want some profit, but there are millions of poor people who lack access to basic medicine. Many pharmaceutical companies are improving their efforts to give the poorest people on earth the medicines that they desperately need.

Reflect

Why do you think Jesus told his disciples not to bring money as they traveled? What does that say about the value of people in ministry? If you were present during that time and one of the apostles told you that he could cure any disease you had with the power of God, how would you have responded? Why?

Live it

You don’t have to be a doctor or a nurse to provide medical care to a community. You can donate money to a program that provides medical aid to the poor or sends medical missionaries. Also, find out what the most urgent health issues are in your community. Work with a church group to address these needs.

Pray:

Lord God, when I am healthy, remind me that my health is a gift from you; help me to be grateful. When I am ill, help me to seek your face. Attend to the needs of all who need your healing presence, especially those with chronic and severe illnesses and those struggling with limited resources. Restore them to wholeness.

 

 

 

 

Next: Day 40 of 40*

 

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Good news: Prayer is for the Helpless

February 17, 2010

Laura and her husband,Arnaldo came back to House of Prayer Experience with a story to tell.

The couple seem to be positively glowing as Arnaldo shared news upon his return from visiting his mother out of country. The group had prayed for her and over a symbolic prayer quilt for her last week. His mom had held on to it as a reminder of the prayers said on her behalf. Her surgical procedure went better than expected. It also offered an opened door for her son to share with her principles of health that he himself had recently benefitted from during the Coronary Health Improvement Project seminars at Forest Lake Church.

The celebration of good news of healing was a source of hope, but there were some sad news about illnesses, and losses of every kind among the online and the local community. Yet, the people of H.o.P.E were able to celebrate in the fact that God’s promises for strength were true. Apart from Him, we cannot do anything (See John 13:5), and we decided to depend on His Word more than ever before in this new year.

We spoke of an important reality: “Prayer is for the helpless”.

O. Hallesby’s classic book, “Prayer” offered helpful and deep spiritual insights on how prayer works best when we recognize our powerlessness and make room for God to work His will in us.

David was there at prayer meeting, and his testimony reminded us of what it means to be humbled before the Lord before truly reaching out to HIm. (click on “testimony” for Pastors Derek’s or Dany’s sermon and to hear more of David’s story of faith.)

Barbara, a young professional adult, admitted her helplessness before God and asked for people’s prayer that night as she faced a humanly impossible and potentially life-threatehning situation. Clelia with an opened Bible on hand spoke the words of Psalm 91 while applying the passage to the young woman life.

See you next Wednesday as we delve into the experience of faith and doubt in one’s prayer life.

Praying for our joy…and hope! for the journey:)

Pastor Sabine

Arnaldo (right) with his mother and twin brother the day after surgery. On her lap, a prayer quilt. She’s not a member of her son’s church, but then again…she is because God’s House of Prayer is for ALL people. Please keep this family in your prayers as you look on this picture!