healing or handwashing?

An atheist or skeptic recently criticized Jesus, saying that better than doing miracles would have been teaching the people of his day to wash their hands. The atheist was thinking that a few lessons in hygiene might save more grief than a few miracles. What the skeptic did not know was that God had already told his people to wash their hands. Israelites in Jesus day did know to wash their hands, and did so, even if they did not know what a germ looked like. The skeptic also probably did not know how many people Jesus healed and probably did not really believe he did it all.

It is a reasonable question, however, whether some good hygiene lesson s might relieve some suffering. Indeed, washing hands is a good idea. No surprise then that God made it a custom of his people early on. From the beginning, God has guided His people toward the best way of living.

Today many of us hope in healing and supernatural protection. Thank God! In Christ we are healed, saved and protected.

In addition, God’s guidance on how to live will relieve much suffering.

Some would argue that one should confine oneself to either talking about God and healing and such things OR alternative lifestyle, nutrition, and innovative education. I see no reason to refrain from speaking the truth or from sharing what I know. I am a minister, a servant of God. So no one should suspect I speak as a medical doctor. I do teach and have served in a variety of positions in education. I am, however, a minister.

I speak that which I know. The text of the Bible and the world of the Spirit, I can speak confidently. Beyond that, I can say, these techniques I have used to good effect and those ideas , based in the best science and experience offers, seems to fit in and be worth your consideration.

I know that God wishes all our children to have great Shalom, well being. It is not God’s desire nor fault that our world is broken and the temporal is now less than ideal. My experience suggests that eating food like God created it is more healthful than much of what comes our of laboratories. It is my experience that faith and determination lead one not only to prayer but also to actions of encouragement and innovation. My observation and my instruction is that parents should take the teaching of their own children as a sacred trust and doing so results in the best harvest.

Holy Spirit leads us to pray

I am hearing people on television talk about a coming move of God, ignited by prayer. May it be so. I understand that there is a group hosting 24/7 prayer at The University of Texas and they are experiencing the first sprouts of revival on that campus that has been quiet in that regard for a long time. I know a congregation in Austin that has the first flush of a visitation of the Spirit's presence and power.  It puts me in mind of when I was young and the "Jesus Movement" was on, and how "the Baptism of the Holy Spirit" was sought for and this interest was causing people to pray.

Today we need more than scintallization, we flat out need help. Good thing we remember how this goes. God wants to come to us. If we seek God in prayer, it is quite reasonable to think we will "find him" -- actually we become still or open enough to sense the Spirit -- right? Once we feel his presence, why should we not experience God's power?

Let's pray.  

Prayer for healing

Lord, I pray Isaiah 53. Thank you for carrying our grief. Thank you for carrying our sorrow. Thank you for taking care of our iniquities. Help us to remember. Give us a revelation of the breadth of your work, the depth of your care, and the power of your resurrection power working in us. Amen.