Two-fisted Faith Fight

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, For You are my praise.
Jeremiah 17:14 NKJV

Ten years and two months plus a few days ago, I had a full hip replacement surgery. It did not go well. I got an infection with weeks and weeks of antibiotics, one of which almost killed me. When I was finally able to walk again, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). The pain associated with CRPS is most often at the top of the McGill Pain Scale. When the water from the shower hurts you, clothes - anything - touching your skin, sheets, blankets must be the softest possible to be even close to bearable. Sometimes, the very breeze from a fan could send me over the edge. 

By the grace of God, I have a high tolerance when it comes to pain, but I cannot tell you the number of times I cried myself to sleep, begging God to just let me die rather than go through one more day of it! Nevertheless, Thy will be done...  And faithful friends and family prayer warriors, without whose prayers I would have been undone.

For the first couple of years, I questioned my purpose for being alive. I wallowed in the pain and self-pity. Then, as I stopped navel-gazing and asking why, I finally recognized the truth that nothing comes into my life without going through God. I surrendered it to Him instead of trying to fight it by myself. There were days when I considered it a victory to just get out of bed. I remember one night in particular, crying out to God that there was no way I could do this the rest of my life, and I felt in my heart that He asked, "Can you do it just for today? Today is all I ask of you." So, that's what we did. One day at a time. I didn't know if I would ever catch my healing on this side of Heaven, but I learned that every day I woke up, I had purpose. If only to encourage one person. If only to offer a Promise for Today. If I could be a listening ear. Hold a hand. And God's grace poured out. Grace enough for today. To embrace His Word, such as our text for today. And 2 Corinthians 12:9, that His grace is sufficient, and numerous other verses to stand on the foundation of His Word. 

THEN, I woke up one morning recently and there was NO nerve pain. I thought perhaps I had died, but when I opened my eyes, I was still here. For 3 days, it was like being in shock. I'd forgotten what it felt like to be without violent nerve pain. It's indescribable. And I am beyond grateful to God!

This is the shortened version, but know that I have received the miracle of healing from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Ten years and two months plus a few days later. Don't give up, Dear Ones. As long as you are drawing breath, you have purpose. God is faithful.

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You that everything is a teaching moment with You, to strengthen our faith and trust in You, to bring us closer to You, to open our eyes to see beyond our circumstances, and learn who You are in Your fullness. Thank You that Your power is made perfect in our weaknesses. It is Your breath in our lungs and we praise You with every one. Help us to always keep our focus on You and our hearts receptive to Your leading. And help us to see those around us who have needs. We want to be Your hands and feet and love extended. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Needing a Miracle

Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”

John 11:43-44 NLT

We love this miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. We've heard all the teachings about how Jesus had to call him by name; otherwise, ALL the dead would have come out at Jesus' command. It's SO exciting to think about that, right? We all want to be on board for the miracle. We love the very idea! But let's unwrap the making of a miracle...

When do you need one? It's not when everything is going well. It's not when everyone's relationship with the Lord is going great. It's not when all the bills are paid, the kids are healthy, and your marriage is perfect. We need a miracle when we're at our most desperate.

And when we're desperate, do we believe Jesus loves us, or do we believe that somehow we're being punished? Do we start to doubt God and His ability? His plan? Think about Mary, Martha and Lazarus when Jesus didn't come right away. He said He loved them. They believed He did... but He didn't come in time. "If You had been here, my brother wouldn't have died..." It is in that place that we have the makings of the miracle.

Jesus told Martha in verse 25 that He is the Resurrection and the Life. What happens in a resurrection? Life is restored to something that is dead - something in which there is no life left. Is it your relationship? Is it your dream? Whatever it is, let's unwrap it and see the miracle.

Prayer:

Father,
           Open our eyes to see the miracle in the making. Cause our hearts to trust You in all things, to walk in faith and not be moved by what we see or hear. We choose You! Thy will be done. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Lent - Day 14 - The Greatest Miracle

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025

**********************************************************
Getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. 

When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men. As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

Matthew 9:1-13

Matthew chapters 8 and 9 hold an accumulation of at least nine different miracles depending on how exactly you number the accounts. In the midst of all these miracles, Matthew records what he probably considered the greatest miracle of all: That Jesus, the Son of God, would turn to him, a sinner, and say, “Follow me.” For all the miracles that take place, there is no greater miracle than being called to faith, and given the gift of life. Take time today to reflect on that miracle which the Holy Spirit has worked in your life.

Prayer:

Merciful Father, 

                       Through Jesus Christ You have called me from death to life. What a lifesaving miracle that is. Thank You for that gift. Amen.

Telling of the Miracle

Sing to him; yes, sing his praises And tell of his marvelous works. 

1 Chronicles 16:9 TLB

Tonight, I attended a Praise Service where my son, Aaron, and his family attend. My daughter-in-love saved me a seat next to her, but asked if I minded not sitting on the aisle because she wanted a good view of her husband while he played drums and worshiped. I didn't mind, and as it turned out, I was able to see him, too. 

I love hearing my son on the drums - he plays with such gusto! And tonight, singing praise, declaring the goodness of God and all He has done, I was reminded again of the miracle it is that Aaron can even play the drums. 

I had severe morning sickness when I carried him and was prescribed an anti-nausea medicine. After taking it for several months, a report came out that stated the drug was found to cause severe birth defects such as no arms or severely mutated limbs. Yet because of the marvelous, miraculous works of God, I watched in awe as Aaron tore it up on those drums tonight, playing for God's glory!

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You again for the miracle of children, the manifest glory of Your presence, and the matchless love that brought salvation to us! Forgive us for the times we allow the miraculous to blend into the everyday without heralding Your great and marvelous works! May we never again miss the opportunity to tell of Your goodness and grace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Unwrap It

Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”
John 11:43-44 NLT

We love this miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. We've heard all the teaching about how Jesus had to call him by name, otherwise all the dead would have come out at Jesus' command. It's SO exciting to think about that, right? We all want to be onboard for the miracle. We love the very idea! But let's unwrap the making of a miracle...

When do you need one? It's not when everything is going well. It's not when everyone's relationship with the Lord is going great. It's not when all the bills are paid, the kids are healthy, and your marriage is perfect. We need a miracle when we're desperate. 

And when we're desperate, do we believe Jesus loves us or do we believe that somehow we're being punished? Do we start to doubt God and His ability? His plan? Think about Mary, Martha and Lazarus when Jesus didn't come right away. He said He loved them. They believed He did... but He didn't come in time. "If You had been here, my brother wouldn't have died..." It is in that place that we have the makings of the miracle.

Jesus told Martha in verse 25 that He is the Resurrection and the Life. What happens in a resurrection? Life is restored to something that is dead - something in which there is no life left. Is it your relationship? Is it your dreams? Whatever it is, let's unwrap it and see the miracle.

Prayer:

Father,
         Open our eyes to see the miracle in the making. Cause our hearts to trust You in all things, to walk in faith and not be moved by what we see or hear.  We choose You! Thy will be done. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

A Good Place for a Miracle

Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
1st Peter 4:12-13 The Message

There are times when life is hard. It seems like trouble comes at us from every side. Sometimes, life feels like an illustrated sermon for 2nd Corinthians 4:8-9, We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed... but at times, it feels like we're getting mighty close to it.

Ever been there? How many times have we prayed for a miracle?

Let me explain something to you. Miracles don't happen for normal. Miracles are required for extraordinary circumstances - extreme needs - seemingly hopeless cases. Have you ever thought about that? Commonplace, ordinary, every day normal doesn't require miraculous intervention... well... for SOME of you, it might, but not normally. Pun intended.

The point is - count it ALL joy. No troubles in your life - praise God! Big troubles - praise God - you're in the breeding ground for a miracle in the making.

Prayer:

Father,
           Help us to see You are always in our business. You orchestrate our lives and the many steps we can take if we will just keep our focus on You and follow where You lead. Give us clear direction, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Waiting to Happen

Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with you, O God?
Psalm 71:18-19 NLT

Times are tough. I hear lots of people making the same kind of remarks, I need a miracle...It'll take a miracle...

Lame, blind, crippled, deaf, dumb. Worked all night with nothing to show for it. Owed taxes. 5,000 hungry men, not counting women and children. A broken axe. A sea.

What do all these have in common? Do you get the connection?

Each of these is a miracle waiting to happen. We all want miracles, but we don't want what precedes one... Adversity, trouble, problems.

Matthew 15:30-31 NLT, A vast crowd brought to him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn’t speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and he healed them all. The crowd was amazed! Those who hadn’t been able to speak were talking, the crippled were made well, the lame were walking, and the blind could see again! And they praised the God of Israel. 

Luke 5:5-6 NLT, “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!

Matthew 17:26-27 NLT,  “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”

Matthew 14:18-21 NLT,  Bring them here,” he said. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!

2nd Kings 6:6 NLT,  “Where did it fall?” the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface.

Exodus 14:22 NLT, So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!

The biggest miracle of all is the forgiveness of our sins... Do you have miracles waiting to happen? Praise Him for them now.

Prayer:

Father,
          Your goodness and mercy follow us all of our days. Your grace flows down the Cross at Calvary to forgive us - Miracles of seemingly impossible magnitude...  Let us proclaim Your power to this new generation, Your mighty miracles to all who come after us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen 

Where Two or Three Agree *

“I can guarantee again that if two of you agree on anything here on earth, my Father in heaven will accept it. Where two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them.”

Matthew 18:19-20 God's Word Translation

     This is one of the many promises in God's Word and I ask you to come into agreement with those who are already praying. Tonight, I'm asking everyone who reads this post to please pray for a baby boy named Asa. In case this is the first time you have heard about this, Asa is the 8-month-old son of a man who works for the same company as me. On February 11th, Asa was diagnosed with a hepatoblastoma (liver cancer tumor) in the left lobe of his liver. 
     The tumor is approximately 6in x 5in x 4in. They started chemo on Feb 19.  Asa started running fever on Feb 23.  He tested positive for adenovirus the week of Feb 25.  He has had hemoglobin count issues and has had to have 4 blood transfusions.  He needed plasma (platelets) after throwing up mucous that had blood in it.

Asa is a special little guy. His name means 'physician/healer' and Josiah (his middle name) means 'Yahweh heals.'  His Dad writes, "I know that God will use this for His glory."

Sunday, March 9th update from his Dad:
     Asa is still in ICU.  His blood work is looking better.  His immune system is starting to recover after his first round off chemotherapy.  
     His adenovirus symptoms are getting worse.  His breathing and heart rate are too fast.  He continues to have fever every 4 to 6 hrs.
     Please pray for an improvement before his 2nd round of chemo which is scheduled this week.
     Every day something new happens.  It is hard to understand what God is doing in all this.  We are trying hard to not be afraid and just believe.

Monday, March 10th - afternoon update:
     Thank you for your prayers.  They are a sweet fragrance to our Creator. God has given me a peace that passes understanding.  I almost feel bad that I am not an emotional wreck right now.
     God has chosen a path for Asa and that involves a ventilator and sedation, because he is a fighter-they even have his little arms strapped down, it will be a fun story to share with him when he is older.
     All this can be scary but right now he is not struggling to breathe and his body can focus on fighting the virus.  He has gone 10 hrs without fever, praise the Lord!   His white blood cell count and ANC numbers have returned and his body is now doing what it is supposed to...all answers to prayers.
     Bless all of you for your prayers and kind, encouraging emails.

Wednesday, March 12th update from his dad:

Each day has its challenges.
     Please continue to pray for Asa.  He is critically ill.  Fluid retention is big problem right now. He needs to get fluid out of tissues into his blood vessels and let his kidneys do the rest.
     The adenovirus is the primary cause for his current problems.  Please pray that God will remove the virus and restore his vessels’ ability to retain fluid.

Today's update:

This picture and prayer were done by Asa's 8-year old sister. (Asa has to be free of fever for 48 hours before being released from ICU)  

Prayer Copyright © 2012 Beth McLendon of Inspirational-Prayers.com

(sent by Coppelia Rivera, KSBJ Morning Show host for Dad)

Lord God,

I praise You for Your compassion and Your goodness. Marvelous are Your healing mercies. Lord, as sickness has invaded my little one's world, I stand by watching and feeling helpless. But Lord, I am reminded that I am not helpless, but powerful in prayer.

I lift up to You my precious child, and I ask for Your healing power to fully permeate every part of my child's body. Lord, I ask that my child's body be quickly transformed into radiant health as You respond to prayer and Your healing promises in Your Word.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

Proclamation:

"I will not stop praying. 

I will not stop standing in faith until my child is healed!"

No Distractions +

Tell everyone to sit down, Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted. So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.

When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting! When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself.

John 6:10-15 NLT

I take notes. I take them at work and I take them at church and I write them at home because I'm easily distracted and it helps me on two levels. It forces me to be fully in the moment and also helps me to remember even when I see, Oh, shiny!!  But they only work if I know where they are and keep them in front of my face.

Jesus is not easily distracted. In Truth - He has never been distracted. Our text for today is just one more example of that. You see, Jesus is - and has always been - the King of kings. As Christians, we know that. Yet when faced with the prospect of the people forcing Him into kingship, Jesus slipped away. Why? Because the motives were wrong and their hearts were, too. Jesus didn't come as the prospect - He came because we the people were/are His purpose. His assignment on Earth, from the very beginning, was always about the Cross, not about the crown. And He never lost sight of that.

If we are to live like Jesus, we must stay focused. We must live a life of love and sacrifice for others. In looking over some notes tonight, I found these gems.

The effectiveness of life comes through the Cross.

The Cross is neither convenient, nor conventional.

Sacrifice is intentional and often, painful. If we schedule sacrifices for our convenience, it's not sacrifice.

We have to stay on track. If an opportunity comes our way, but it does not fit into the objective or purpose of our lives, it's not of God.

Recognize those areas where you are easily deceived or distracted.

Know your weaknesses, but even more than that - know HIS strength!

Stay focused through His Word.

Prayer:

Father,

          According to Your Word, Your grace is all we need. Your power works best in weakness. So now we are glad to boast about our weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through us. Father, work in us to accomplish Your will for our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* Miracle In the Making

Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
1st Peter 4:12-13 The Message

There are times when life is hard. It seems like trouble comes at us from every side. Sometimes, life feels like an illustrated sermon for 2nd Corinthians 4:8-9, We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed... but it feels like we're getting mighty close to it.

Ever been there? How many times have we prayed for a miracle?

Let me explain something to you. Miracles don't happen for normal. Miracles are required for extraordinary circumstances - extreme needs - seemingly hopeless cases. Have you ever thought about that? Commonplace, ordinary, every day normal doesn't require miraculous intervention... well... for SOME of you, it might, but not normally. Pun intended.

The point is - count it ALL joy. No troubles in your life - praise God! Big troubles  - praise God - you're in the breeding ground for a miracle in the making.

Prayer:

Father,
        Help us to see You are always in our business. You orchestrate our lives and the many steps we can take if we keep our focus on You and follow where You lead. Give us clear direction, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen