“As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father who has qualified you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.”

“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; ; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path, and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.  Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in hell, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me up.” O Lord, wonderful are your works!

My brothers and sisters in Christ, sin keeps many of us from being healed. We lament and complain that there is no cure for our wounds, while we keep putting salt in them, by continuing on in our old willful ways. We continue to seek doctors from all over the world and have tried every medicine, yet, we have not been made hold; because the balm we seek is in Gilead. Go to Gilead! For there, Jesus promises restoration, healing, hope and delivery. Salvation is yours for free. Take it and be made whole!

Do you believe that there is a balm in Gilead that could heal this sin-sick world? All you have to do is believe, call upon the name of Jesus and you will be healed. Sometimes God’s healing is instantly, sometimes it could be a two-step process, or it could be the gift of salvation.  What are you waiting for?  “There is balm in Gilead, to make the wounded whole; there’s power enough in heaven, to cure a sin-sick soul. How lost was my condition ’till Jesus made me whole! There is but one Physician, who can cure a sin–sick soul.”

My brothers and sisters in Christ, if you were that leper that Jesus cleansed, would you stay quiet? And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them. News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and He healed them.” So too, Jesus healed me and I am spreading the word so that everyone who is diseased and hears my story, will come to Jesus to be cleansed. My God is an awesome God!

My brothers and sisters in Christ, when you know where God brought you from, and the many situations he has worked out for you, it becomes a song in your heart that you always want to sing. Only those who have not yet had that experience would not understand; but, like one song-writer said, “When I think of the goodness of Jesus and what he has done for me, my soul cries out, Hallelujah, thank God for saving me”.  If you understand why I am telling this old, old, story; SHARE IT! SHARE YOUR STORY! 

My brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus knows your disappointments, he hears each time you cry, he understands your heartaches and he will dry the tears from your eyes. So, if your heart is weary and you are tending a load of care, if your soul is seeking rest from the burden you bear, you don’t have to go it alone. “Do you know my Jesus? Do you know my friend? Have you heard that he loves you, and that he will abide to the end?” Oh yes! Jesus picked me up when I was weary and caused me to stand, now he is that friend who is continually holding my hand. When you come to know Jesus, you will never walk alone.  

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me, why should we tarry and heed not his mercy, mercy for you and for me. Come home, come home, ye who are weary come home, earnestly tenderly Jesus is calling, calling, O sinner, come home. My brothers and sisters in Chris, over fifteen years ago I was tired and weary when I heard the call and accepted the call from God to come home, and I could tell you that my life has taken on a whole new meaning. I have had many ups and downs, I have traveled through winding roads and steep inclines, but through it all, God has walked with me and I am confident of this very thing, that where I am in my life is where God wants me to be and as he leads me, I am daily following him for I know that God does not take or make any wrong turns. I am living in his presence because in his presence is fullness of joy. Praise the Lord!

My brothers and sisters in Christ, God has called us his chosen ones and because we are precious in his sight, he said, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish.” Therefore, if he has chosen us and promised us his protection, is it too much to ask for us to come to him willingly?

“Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel.”