Greetings to you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! What a beautiful morning in the Kingdom – that first accumulation of snow – the bright sunshine making it sparkle – the blue skies intensifying the whiteness – the gentle crispness in the air. I trust that you have had a good week and that you were aware of God’s tender loving care. I hope you are excited about the weekend and all the adventures that are awaiting you…and I pray that you are anticipating a supernatural encounter with God when you join with your church family for praise, worship, prayer, and fellowship.
This morning I was praying for some specific needs of people in my life. If there is a health concern I will often envision putting my hand on their shoulder or head or back or whatever area is requiring a healing touch. As I was praying for someone’s spine and back I put my hand on my own back, as if it was their’s. A very interesting “thing” happened…I felt a warm pressure on my hand but whereas my hand had only limited coverage, this warm pressure felt like a hand that covered the individual from the soles of their feet to the crown of their head. I went to remove my hand and I heard-sensed a voice whisper…”Leave it there and let me flow through you.” Somehow I had a sense that this was for several people I know that are struggling with back pain.
Now let me tell you that previous to my prayers I read a devotion that included the author’s paraphrase of Isaiah 61. It was from this passage that Jesus introduced His ministry on earth. You might take some time to read that passage, but here is the paraphrase: God has sent me on a mission. I have some great news for you. God has sent me to restore and release something. And that something is you. I am here to give you back your heart and set you free. I am furious with the enemy who did this to you, and I will fight against him. Let me comfort you. Dear one, I will bestow beauty upon you where you have known only devastation; joy in places of your deep sorrow. And I will robe your heart in thankful praise in exchange for your resignation and despair. – John Eldredge, Restoration Year.
And we wonder…what if this offer is true? I mean, what if Jesus could really do this for your broken heart, your wounded soul? Ask Jesus, Is this true for me? Would you do this for me? He can, and He will…if you’ll let Him. – John Eldredge, Restoration Year.
I have a sense that the coming Advent-Christmas season is going to be like no other…something to think about and anticipate…may you be blessed today.