Jesus Came With Healing In His Hands

When Jesus came into the world one of his missions was to bring healing.

Healing both physically and spiritually from sins, from sickness, from harm and from heartache.

Over my lifetime I have experienced every one of those healing provisions from him.

During this Easter Season I am grateful & jubilant as I remember not only what he recently provided for me through the diagnosis of breast cancer but all the numerous times he has healed my wounds and worries in the past. With each journey I have come to realize just how extravagant the dimensions of God's Love really is for me. The Word of God says in Ephesians that as we are rooted in Him that we have access to this extravagant love. A love that is so wide, so long, so high and so very deep that it surpasses our human knowledge and understanding! I can honestly say it blows my mind!!

That kind of love has the power to provide peace in the midst of a diagnosis!

That kind of love has the power to provide healing for what ever you need to be healed.

That kind of love comes from the One and Only Yahweh Rophe - The Lord Who Heals!

Rophe - means heal, cure, restore or make whole.

Do you need His Healing touch today?

For I am the Lord who heals. Exodus 15:26

Christ suffered and died so that disease and misery would be temporary.

He came to die to heal us from moral and physical ailments.

He did it for me...He did it for you,,,He did it for love.

Upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

He healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: "He took our illnesses and bore our diseases." Matthew 8:16-17

Here is a song that explains how amazing His Healing touch is.

If you have an area in your life that needs His Healing touch I pray that as you watch this video that you will experience His Healing Love being sung over you today. Please let me know how we can be praying for you. You are not alone.

Click on the title of the song to listen.

HEALING IS IN YOUR HANDS

Christy Nockels

No mountain, no valley, no gain or loss we know
could keep us from Your love
No sickness, no secret, no chain is strong enough
to keep us from Your love
to keep us from Your love

How high, how wide
No matter where I am, healing is in Your hands
How deep, How strong,
And now by Your grace I stand, healing is in Your hands

Our present, our future, our past is in Your hands
We're covered by Your blood
We're covered by Your blood

How high, How wide
no matter where I am, healing is in Your hands
How deep, How strong
And now by Your grace I stand, healing is in Your hands

Be Inspired By His Love!

Vern

Remembering The Stations Of The Cross

Year after year people journey to Jerusalem to retrace the path that Jesus took,

carrying his cross, on the way to his crucifixion.

This path is known as the Via Dolorosa - The Way of Grief or Suffering.

As a child I remember staring at the church walls and being fascinated by the pictures that portrayed the stations of the cross. They were beautifully moving to me although I did not totally appreciate and understand at that time exactly what my Lord did for me. It was not until I was older that the significance and power of that journey transformed my heart and hope.

Today I wanted to share with you those stations and encourage you this Good Friday to reflect and remember the steps that Christ took for all of us.

These steps unite all believers - past, present and future.

If you have heard of the name of Jesus Christ but do not have a relationship with Him - It is my prayer that you would surrender to Him today. I encourage you to read the Stations of the Cross, watch the video and pray for forgiveness and receive Him as Lord of your life!

"If you cannot contemplate high and heavenly things, take refuge in the Passion of Christ, and love to dwell in His Sacred Wounds. For if you devoutly seek the Wounds of Jesus and the precious marks of His Passion, you will find great strength in all troubles."

Thomas 'a Kempis

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

1. Jesus Is Condemned To Death

A just and sinless man judged, betrayed and sentenced.
For everyone who will suffer, bleed or be unfairly punished...He suffered for you and for me.
He makes the ultimate sacrifice.

2. Jesus Receives His Cross

He carries the weight of the cross on his shoulders and upon that cross is heaped the weight of all our sins. This is what he came to do...take away the sins of the world.

3. Jesus Falls For Under The Weight Of The Cross The First Time

The weight of the cross is too much. He falls to the ground and experiences what it is like to feel defeated, and weak...yet he knows he must go on.

4. Jesus Meets His Mother

Since birth she has been with him through for every step of his life and now she is there to comfort him on his most difficult day.

5. Simon Of Cyrene Helps Jesus To Carry The Cross

He allows Simon to help him. Today that is a reminder that he relies on us to bear the cross for his names sake.

6. Veronica Wipes The Face Of Jesus

A compassionate friend, wipes the spit, blood and sweat from his face.

7. Jesus Falls A Second Time

The weight is too much and Jesus falls for the second time.
The soldiers force him to continue.

8. Jesus Meets The Women of Jerusalem

The women show gratitude to Jesus for his generous love towards them.

9. Jesus Falls A Third Time

Broken and devastated, Jesus falls again.
He is so weak the soldiers have to help him and push him up the hill.

10. Jesus Is Stripped Of His Garments

In his life he gave up all earthly possessions to preach the gospel of Good News.
As if the crucifixion was not enough he is violently stripped of his clothes and whips tear at his back.

11. Jesus Is Nailed To The Cross

Huge, sharp spike were hammered through his wrists and feet. As he struggles for each breathe the soldiers below him gamble for his clothes.

12. Jesus Dies Upon The Cross

Every breath is a struggle but somehow he whispers - "Father, into your hands I command my spirit." A soldier penetrates a spear in him to test that he dead. The Savior is indeed dead. The price is paid, and we are redeemed.

13. Jesus Is Laid In The Arms Of His Mother

Since he was a baby his mother has held him and cared for his wounds. This day she holds his naked, blood crusted - dead body...she weeps in her helplessness and sorrow.

14. Jesus Is Laid In The Tomb

His body was laid in a stone cold tomb - sealed with a massive rock and guarded by Roman soldiers.

15. RESURRECTION Of Jesus!

Easter Sunday Morning - The tomb is empty!

The word goes forth that He is Risen!

Jesus is victorious over death!!

Go here to watch this Stations of The Cross video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwkznTGOFAc&feature=related

Next to Jesus on the Cross there were two criminals...one who joined in the mocking and cursed Jesus...the other acknowledged
he was indeed the Son of God and Savior of the world. (Luke 23:39-43)

During our Easter Services this weekend my Pastor is asking this question...

Which one are you?

I pray you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and loves you so very much that he died on that cross to pay for your sins and that He alone has the power to transform
you and your future!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16

Admit You Are a Sinner

In the Bible - Romans 3:23 tells us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” In other words, sin has infiltrated the human race, and not one of us has escaped its effects.

Repent of Your Sins
To repent means to “change” or to “turn.” It’s like driving down the highway, pulling a U-turn and heading the other direction. More than simply being sorry, it is a word of action. Many people feel remorse for their sin but never truly repent. Remorse is being sorry; repentance is being sorry enough to stop.

Generous in love - God,give grace!

Huge in mercy - wipe out my bad record.

Scrub away my guilt, soak out my sins in your laundry.

I know how bad I've been; my sins are staring me down.

Psalm 51:1-3

Invite Him to be your Savior

Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe & trust that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

May God Bless You On Your Journey!

Be Inspired!

Vern

Resources: The Amplified Bible, Message Bible, New International Bible,
Six Hours One Friday - Max Lucado, The Sacred Way - Tony Jones

Made To Crave Bible Study ~ Determined!

Made To Crave ~ Week 2

Determined

Read Chapters 4 - 6

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens.

This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (The Message)

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

New International Version

During the next few chapters we will absorb scriptures and knowledge that will help empower us to become women of determination and not defeat!

When life's circumstances press in.

When life's journeys bring sickness, sorrow or pain.

When we are in a battle.

May we be reminded that our focus should be on God and not the object of our struggle.

I know that it is not an easy task to accomplish but if we apply the instructions that Paul encourages us with in 1 Thessalonians 5 then I believe we will be strengthened and become better fit spiritually, emotionally and physically to take care of ourselves and serve God & others.

In the Made to Crave Webcast Lysa encouraged everyone to desire more of God and to become
Women (Men) of Joy

Women (Men) of Prayer

Women (Men) of Thanks

A Woman (Man) in His Will!

I encourage you to be alert and ready to shift your focus from things that are distracting or bringing defeat into your lives - to - focusing on what God's word says is Right and True!

On page 48 of the study guide and page 53 of the book there are statements and

scriptures that speak of what God says is true about you.

Here are a few of them for you to read and fill in your name with.

Be determined to not identify yourself by your circumstances but by who you belong to and
what His word says about you.

_________, the forgiven child of God - Romans 3:24

_________, the set free child of God - Romans 8:1-2

_______, the made new child of God - 2 Corinthians 5:17

_______, the loved child of God - Ephesians 1:4

_______, the confident child of God - Ephesians 2:13

_______, the victorious child of God - Romans 8:37

Lysa's Pastor, Steven Furtick, suggests that we

Pinpoint the lie.

Find and Replace the lie.

Change not only the why - but the way you do things.

Holy Spirit Determination makes this all possible!

And accountability helps!

As we watched the video and discussed this weeks message I was deeply moved by the emotions & discussions that were taking place.

Eyes teared up when Lysa challenged us to remember who we were and declared over us that

we were not failures!

We are Jesus Girls capable of victory!

As those words sinked in there were thoughts that flooded our minds.

The battle was on and the determination fire was kicked in!

Here is what we are up against.

Thoughts that tell us lies.

Just as quickly as one of our ladies heard Lysa speak these things over us...she heard opposite in her head - but - quickly conquered those thoughts with the truth!

Emotions & Hurts that lead us to find comfort in food.

One of our ladies has struggled with weight issues most of her life.

Since childhood she has dieted and even suffered from an eating disorder for a period of time.

Her 9 year old daughter has a broken heart from her parents divorce and has told her counselor that food and snacks help her.

This sweet friend and mom is aching for her daughter and the battle they share.

She is determined to reverse this by the power & knowledge of God's Word!

Determination That Needs Strengthening

" Everything in me does not want to plan!"

We must be women who are determined to make changes in how we plan for shopping and preparation of meals.

Deciding in advance to stock our fridge with healthier eating options and not with packaged food that are filled with additives and unhealthy things!

You can cut down on shopping time and save money if you plan!

Dr Ski Chilton, a leading researcher in the study of gene-based nutrition, inflammation, and Omega 3's and author of The Gene Smart Diet

shared on the Made To Crave webcast recently - that we need to consume & get more Omega 3 into our bodies.

Omega 3 is good .

Omega 6 is not as good.

Omega 3 helps with aging.

Omega 6 promotes inflammation.

He recommends we eat Salmon, Makrel, and Cod to get a good source of Omega 3 and that we should limit our eating of Tilapia due to the higher levels of Omega 6.

For more info on Omega 3 & Omega 6 and your health.

Check out the articles here on Live Strong Website

and here on Dr Chilton's website.

As always - please further research and consult with your doctors for any additional info and guidance regarding your health and lifestyle.

My prayer for you this day is that you would be alert and aware of distractions that would take you from your desire to know Him more.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self controlled and alert.
1 Peter 5:7-8

Be Inspired!

Vern

Quote Of The Week

"Break thru begins with desire."

Steven Furtick
Pastor of Elevation Church and Author of Sun Stand Still

Resources: NIV Bible, Message Bible, Dr Ski Chilton - www.genesmart.com, www.madetocrave.org

Passion Sunday A Triumphal Entry To A Victorious Week!

This Parade Is For Our Savior!

This week in San Antonio we have been celebrating our city's traditional Fiesta Festival! The town is full of festive colors and events that take place over a 2 week period. One of the most poplular events are the parades.

Since I was a kid I have attended these parades with my family and continue the tradition by taking my own children to ooh and aah over the fun & festive floats and the stunning fashons of the Fiesta Royal Court. I started thinking that these parades are nothing like the Triumphal Entry of when Jesus made his way into Jerusalem on Palm Suday. The people waved palm branches that proclaimed goodness & victory! This parade was for their Savior who would take away the sins of the world!

The Royal Welcome

Matthew 21: 1-11

1-3When they neared Jerusalem, having arrived at Bethphage on Mount Olives, Jesus sent two disciples with these instructions: "Go over to the village across from you. You'll find a donkey tethered there, her colt with her. Untie her and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you're doing, say, 'The Master needs them!' He will send them with you."

4-5This is the full story of what was sketched earlier by the prophet:

Tell Zion's daughter,

"Look, your king's on his way,

poised and ready, mounted

On a donkey, on a colt,

foal of a pack animal."

6-9The disciples went and did exactly what Jesus told them to do. They led the donkey and colt out, laid some of their clothes on them, and Jesus mounted. Nearly all the people in the crowd threw their garments down on the road, giving him a royal welcome. Others cut branches from the trees and threw them down as a welcome mat. Crowds went ahead and crowds followed, all of them calling out, "Hosanna to David's son!" "Blessed is he who comes in God's name!" "Hosanna in highest heaven!"

10As he made his entrance into Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken. Unnerved, people were asking, "What's going on here? Who is this?"

11The parade crowd answered, "This is the prophet Jesus, the one from Nazareth in Galilee."

I give thanks for that triumphant day and the days that followed...because of his obedience and sacrifice I am forgiven and healed!!

What does Holy Week mean to you?

Made To Crave Bible Study ~ Empowered Part 2

Here is some additional encouragement for your journey of Craving God More!

Empowered Part 2

Psalm 131

My heart is not proud, LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.

The following are notes from the

Made to Crave Webcast that aired on

1/10/2011

www.madetocrave.org

Dr Ski Chilton gave some wonderful tips to empower us!

1. Women should get 25 Grams of Fiber daily. Fiber tells you your full and allows you to lose weight.
2. Drinking 16oz of water at the start of the day will help you to consume fewer calories.
3. Be Empowered by God to make better choices.

Empowerment From Lysa's Blog
3/23/11

Instead of focusing on the scale, on food (or whatever your struggle may be), and the harships of sacrifice - Focus On...

1. Our goal should be letting the peace of God rule in us.
Are You At Peace?
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace him/her whose mind is steadfast,
because he/she trusts in you.

2. Our desire should be to honor God with our bodies.
How did you honor God this week?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?
You are not your own; you were bought at a price.
Therefore honor God with your bodies.

3. Our perspective should be to fill our soul with an abundance of Truth instead of our stomach (hearts & minds) with an abundance of food (junk).
What truths were you filled with this week?
John 8:32
And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free!

If we want to grow closer to God, we have to distance ourselves from the distractions holding us back. Part of that distancing process is focusing and magnifying God more & more...especially in our times of accountability.

Grab your pens, highlighters, journals and Made To Crave books and a Bible...

Pray and get ready to be Empowered!!

Let me know your questions, comments and how I can pray for you.

Blessings over you and your steps ahead!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This book is not a how-to manual or the latest, greatest dieting plan. Made to Crave is a helpful companion to use alongside whatever healthy eating approach you choose — a book and Bible study to help you find the “want to” in how to make healthy lifestyle changes.

Every body has different health concerns so please consult with your physician before starting any new exercise or eating plan.