"He was whipped and we were healed!"

It's a common greeting we all use ~ "Hi. How are you?" Most of the time we don't really want to know~ and heaven forbid someone would actually tell you how they were; you might have to stop and listen to an "organ recital!" ;-{ Sometimes we even avoid people who seem to think of nothing but their illnesses. Well, I do anyway.

Lately in our world of friends and family, many are seriously ill, some with chronic , even life threatening conditions. Much concern and many prayers are being offered on their behalf. As a matter of fact, I'm seeing small groups huddled in prayer before, between, and after church services. We've attended impromptu prayer meetings, calling on God for his intervention for a dear friend's lung cancer. Recently, Jesse and I stopped by a church that was holding a day of prayer and fasting for a two year old girl with a brain tumor ~ and we'll attend another this week for someone else.

Our sweet little granddaughter, Kate, has been pretty sick off and on for a year. It was a big concern when she was tested for Cystic Fibrosis last week. We're so grateful to God that that's not the cause of her frequent respiratory infections.

Yesterday a dear friend in Iowa had open heart surgery. I prayed all day for Kim, and rejoiced when we received an email from her mother in the evening, saying she'd come through the successful surgery. And I'll pray all day today, because there was an urgent note this morning saying they had to go back in at 1:00 am to close a bleeder. Because of email and the internet, our prayers are global in their scope. Praise the Lord!

We're such physical beings, it's hard to think outside that box, isn't it? Somehow it seems to us that if we're not physically sick, everything else will be OK, too.

You know, I don't think that's what Isaiah was referring to when he said "...it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. ...he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed!" (Isa 53:4-5 NLT) (That part of verse five has 'haunted' me since I read it Monday. )

Healed from what? Weaknesses, sorrows, sins, inner turmoil replaced by his strength, joy, purity, and peace! Isaiah didn't mention being healed from cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, heart problems, or any of the conditions we fear. Jesus, through his physical suffering offers us the spiritual wholeness he wants us to have.

"Lord, I want to be healed from the weakness, sorrow, sin, and inner turmoil of this life. ! Give me your strength, joy, purity, and peace! Make me whole. Amen"

Feeling Guilty

I'm writing today from one of our favorite spots in the US; the Opryland Hotel, in Nashville, Tennessee. This place is an architectual wonder; beautiful beyond description; as big as some small towns I've visited; and so extravagant, I can't believe we're actually registered to stay here.

We've visited the hotel a few times in the past; walking through, window shopping a little, and pretending we're staying here. We had even eaten in several of the fabulous restaurants. But until last fall, we'd only stayed one night years ago when there were special rates because it was a holiday and everyone else was home with their families.

This time we're splurging ~ big time ~ and attending Mark Lowery's "Senior Trip". (You have to be 50 to register.) Mark says "It's going to be the best thing since Depends." We're spending four nights here. It's part of a year long celebration of our 50th year of marriage.

But all this opulence somehow makes me a bit uncomfortable. As I sit on the balcony of our room, overlooking the Cascades with waterfalls, exotic flowers, and canopied restaurants all around, I can't help but think of what grace in ACTION usa could do with just a fraction of the millions of dollars people spend here each year.

Should I feel guilty for spending several hundred dollars just for our pleasure when there are people I know that have a difficult time providing enough food for their families? Actually, no, since I'm giving my time and money to help remedy the plight of my friends in need.

But I'm glad I'm sensitive to that tension I see in scripture when God says he has given us all things richly to enjoy ...but suppose you see a brother who needs food or clothing and you say God bless you, but don't give them any food or something to wear.

When I begin to spend more time and money on myself than those I can be helping, then I should feel guilty!

This week, I'll enjoy these wonderful gifts God's given us! Thank you, Father!
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