A Time to Heal, Part Two

Grace Moment by Moment-monthly column

Scripture to read: I Corinthians 13

As with all things created, death and life are but two steps on a journey that introduces us to the beginning of an adventure leading to a possible decision to receive Christ as our Lord and Savior. If we choose Christ, the obstacles, detours, sitchbacks and curves we face everyday give us the opportunity to surrender control of our lives to God, and enjoy the ride, learning and absorbing as much as we can from the experiences we encounter and go through.

My Pastor, Dennis Ingle had this to say about freedom in Christ, yesterday at church, "It's the deails in life, at work or at home that make all the difference." So if that's true and God is in the details, what's the big picture?

If our ego-self steps out of the way God's Love will transform circumstances and people. The key is our willingness to obediently accept what's happening as God's Will even when we don't understand it.

What about you? Are you willing to take the next step to heal by accepting without

understanding?

Everything is Exposed in the Light

Words that wound instead of heal
build walls instead of bridges.
No matter how weak we become, our appeal
is still the same: “Father, take me off this ledge
Please?”
His response: “No. You need to trust me
even if you fall,
especially if you fall.”
I shudder in fear
And I wonder, ‘does He know what I hold so dear
That I would rather hide than admit it and see myself torn asunder?’
His response is, “Yes. I know
and you will confess it before Me
rather than continue to wallow in it, before you join Me in eternity.”
‘Search me O God and know my heart
if there be any wicked way in me
expose it before I come apart
even if it is something I’d rather not see.’
Jesus’ response: “My child, I already know
that in which you wallow.
I forgive you and ask you to trust Me
to perfect you day by day until you enter eternity.”
‘Thank you Jesus I know I am always in Your Presence
now and forever, I am yours. I place my trust in your Hand
and I believe even though I see no visible evidence
that you guide me step by step through life’s journey to a far distant land
where I can lift my voice in eternal praise to sing,
Thank you Jesus, You are Lord of Lords and King of Kings
now and forever You reign!
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.”

Written on:
November 3, 2007

Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie

Scripture References:
Psalm 139 & John 1:9

Time to Heal, Part One

Grace Moment by Moment-monthly column

Scripture to read: Colossians 3:12-17

After a surprise sabbatical of three months I'm back! As the title of this series suggests I needed time to heal after dealing with some serious stuff-healthwise, as well as spiritual issues-what some Christians call "a valley experience".
This post reflects a change in the sense that I'm willing to share more openly about what's going on in my life. I know it may seem like I've done that already with other postings but like most people when confronted by pain, I tend to put a wall up to shield myself from further hurt.
There are good reasons such as a person can't be too open or someone else could take advantage of your willingness to help, or the pain you sense from others can overwhelm you and cause you to shut down emotionally. There are also bad consequences for putting up that wall, too. Like pushing people away when all they want to do is help, hardening your heart against God through bitterness and anger which prevents you from hearing God's voice or being able to reach out for help when you need it.
All of these reasons seem perfectly valid arguments for dropping friends or spouses but the real question is, "who is the one really hurt when this happens?"
Maybe this poem/song lyric can give you some ideas.

Hidden Wounds
Staring at a razor's edge
or teetering on the brink of a ledge
cold, cutting words
are sharper than a two-edged sword
and have the same effect. They wound
insead of heal, but God's Grace abounds
and His mercy stills
the pain hidden well,
and confounds those with hidden wounds
for whom looms
behind a smile, a mask of pain
that lingers covering a wealth of hidden shame;
they lash out drawing blood
in a flood
from others, to cover their own painful deeds.
Until one at last admits, there is a need
but if they don't, the specter of death looms
and they will continue to bleed from their own hidden wounds.
Chorus:
The cycle unfinished, only ends
when one makes amends
and God's forgiveness is sought
having been blood bought
through Christ
He, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
A torn soul
can become One at last whole.
IF forgiveness is sought
having been blood bought
through Christ
He, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
(Repeat 2 more times)
Then end with:
To heal
One must be willing to kneel
ask Jesus to cleanse your sin
and grant His Peace to live within.
Then a torn soul
can become One at last whole.

Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie

Written on:
November 29, 2007

Scripture References for poem:
Proverbs 17:5; John 3:16-17;
& I John 1:9

All Scripture used comes from the NASB Version.