Listen And Learn

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Day 16: Listen And Learn

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.

John 14:26

I thought I needed to wait. I need to wait till I know more. Wait till I have more resources. Wait till I’ve completely healed. But while I was waiting others helped others with what they had. The work got done.

While there is a time to rest and a time to pause while we heal there is also a benefit to saying this prayer, “Lord, today make me a blessing to someone in need. Lead me to someone who needs what I have. Lead me to someone who I can encourage or pray with and for. Show me and tell me that I may help someone else and bring glory to You.”

Jesus promised to his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is able to communicate God’s thoughts to us.

Our devices clamor for our attention. Many seek to engage our mind for their selfish purposes. So we must be careful to make ourselves available to hear. Be still. Don’t watch TV or get on your phone or tablet at every break. Be available to hear. Then you will know when and where and how you are to be a blessing to someone else who like you needs healing.

Today, I will pause so I can hear from the Holy Spirit.

September 28, 2019

Help Each Other

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Day 15: Help Each Other

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

My stepfather lost his first wife to cancer. So whenever he met someone dealing with cancer he would tell them of the benefit of Guinea Hen Weed. A popular natural rememy used in Jamaica more people are becoming aware of it’s helpfulness on many fronts but especially when dealing with cancer.

He could have been bitter that he lost his wife. But instead he chose to fight what had taken someone so dear to him.

Imagine how much better our world can become when we share are discoveries with one another. If you figured out how to lose weight why not share what has worked for you? If you have survived divorce what not share what practices have helped you mend. If you have recovered from disease or loss of a loved one, why not share what has helped you make it through.

In the bible we find that God is happy when we show love to each other. It’s a sign that we are like Him.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

I John 4:7

Yesterday I posted a picture on Facebook of me suffering with allergies. One of my high school teachers posted two remedies that have worked for him. I’m going to try them today. That’s love. That’s being like God. Let’s love one another and help each other out.

Today I will find one way to show someone I love them by being helpful.

If you find this post or any of the other posts from this blog (www.journeytoworship.org) helpful please share and subscribe. Thank you in advance for your support. I can reach more people with your cooperation.

September 27, 2019

Just Love

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Day 14: Just Love

Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Romans 13:10

Sometimes healing comes just from immersing yourself in loving others. When I’m at work I try to find ways to love those around me. It can be as simple as doing something you know you don’t have to do but will make things better for others. It might be a compliment. It might be cleaning up an area that you don’t have to. It might mean taking the time to pay attention to what others enjoy or need and being on the look out for ways to fill the need or bring the enjoyment.

After spending some time doing this and feeling the joy of seeing others lives enriched you find yourself feeling better even though your circumstances haven’t changed.

I wish we all could spend some time each day seeking to bring love to our surroundings. Some have anonymously paid for others food. Some have paid the toll for the car behind them. There are just so many ways we can show love.

I am so grateful for those who have shown love to me. Saying thank you, or giving an unexpected gift. I am so grateful. I choose to fill the world with more of what touches my heart and makes God pleased.

Today I will look for an opportunity to give unexpected love!

I’m journaling about healing and I’d love for you to subscribe. If something here would inspire others please share. Love you all!

David

September 27, 2019

Allergy Remedies

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Day 13: Allergy Remedies

For those of us who have suffered more severely in recent years with seasonal allergies finding relief is a high priority. In my last post I invited you to share what remedies have worked for you because I believe that we can gain insight into healing from our community who have suffered and found relief. Here are some remedies that I’ve heard have been helpful.

Rinsing out the nose with warm salt water either using a bowl or a Neti Pot has been useful in rinsing out nostrils. My mother and my uncle have taken alfalfa and have experienced relief. I’ve often marveled that when I take a walk in the morning during allergy season I feel great while I’m walking but after I come back I sneeze. According to Fitnessandwellnessnews.com exercise increases blood flow and allows your body to get rid of the allergens more quickly. I also found that naturopathic.org had some good suggestions about foods to avoid, foods that help, as well as herbs.

What suggestions are working for you? Please share.

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8

One of the most loving things I can do is share with you what has helped me on my journey to healing. I hope that we can help each other live happier and healthier lives.

Today I will reflect on ways I can show my love to those around me by sharing lessons of healing learned on my journey.

September 26, 2019

Allergies Part 1

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As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17 NIV

Day 12:Allergies Part 1

Do you suffer from allergies?

I’ve wondered if allergies are getting worse. Mine seem to grow more severe every year. And after talking with several co-workers and family members it seems that many who used to take a pill and receive relief now struggle even with medications. Are allergies getting worse?

I’d like you to respond to this post with your stories about how your allergies are progressing and what has helped you handle them most.

I read an article which pointed out that there are longer pollen seasons every year and that the major factor causing the increase is climate change. You can read about it here.

So please share about you successes in dealing with allergies. We can do better as we share with one another what’s been working for us. In my next post I’ll share about what’s working for me.

Today, I commit to sharing what’s working for me so I can be a blessing for you. I also resolve to learn more from you. Healing can be better when we work together.

September 24, 2019September 24, 2019

Day 11: Jesus Heals

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For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Day 11: Jesus Heals

As I share during these 100 days of healing I want to be authentic. I live my life depending on help from on high. My parents taught me about the bible when I was a child. Growing up I learned about a God who loves me. I learned that I could bring my problems to him. As I got older I saw my parents pray. Every morning they had worship. When there were major concerns they would pray about them. It gave them a peace and confidence.

I was so impressed with what I saw I wanted to have that experience for myself. As I went into the teenage years I really began searching for answers. I prayed and studied the bible. I started having experiences like my parents.

I wanted to do my own thing and the ideals of my parents seemed restrictive. This collided with my desire to know more about God and follow Him. And then my choices would leave me needing rescue and time and time again I would pray and see things work out.

I’ve also seen people use Jesus however they want to. I’ve seen popular celebrities claim Jesus and then promote lifestyles that don’t align with what He taught. I’ve seen religious leaders use religion to control others.

So I want to invite you to read the bible for yourself and pray and ask God to reveal himself to you. And if you are comfortable doing so please share stories of how you come to know Jesus in the comments.

Today, I come to Jesus for healing, love, and power.

Please subscribe and join us on this journey of healing! Thanks so much for stopping by.

September 23, 2019

Day 10: Clean

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“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.”

Psalm 51:10

Day 10: Clean

The body is an amazing machine. It does so many things to take care of itself. But when it’s systems are overwhelmed bad things take place. If the toxic load gets too heavy then we receive side effects. It may manifest in skin break outs or lack of energy. It may be worse.

In Psalm 51 David asks his Creator to create inside of him a clean heart. Right now If you want healing in your mind and body it would be a great idea to ask for a clean heart like David did. But what comes next? What do we do with our heart? Do we feed it with images of evil?

Today, I choose to look at things that are good for me. Phillipians 4:8 says:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

That’s what I want in my mind…in my heart, and in my body. Lord, give me a clean mind and body so that I may worship you well with my life!

I’m on a 100 day sharing journey about healing. Please subscribe and share whatever you find helpful. Also, I welcome your comments about your journey to healing.

September 22, 2019

Go To The Park

Day 9: Go To The Park

One of the best places to find healing is in nature. In a recent online post the University of Minnesota points out that time spent in nature reduces stress, speeds up the time of healing, and promotes a feeling of connectedness.

I have personally found great benefit spending time walking, taking pictures, or just relaxing in the park. Both of my children enjoy spending time on the slides and swings. I think park life is totally underrated.

I recently enjoyed spending time at Wheaton Regional Park, here in Maryland, USA. In this park there are so many things to enjoy. My mother was married at this park in the botanical gardens area. There are plenty of trails to walk on, a train, a merry go round and plenty of picnic areas. If you come you may want to enjoy a snack or get something to drink from Miss Mercado’s Ice Cream Truck. She has been a regular fixture there for more than 10 years and offers a welcoming smile and a broad selection if treats.

A pastor once said that God’s first book is nature. With the recent reporting of the damage of spending too much time in front of a screen and with the rising epidemic of obesity it would seem to be a wise choice to set aside time daily to spend outdoors in nature. Here are some pictures from my photowalk at the park yesterday.

park life (1 of 1)-4 park life (1 of 1)-3 park life (1 of 1)-5

Today, I will spend some time outdoors in God’s first book, nature.

If you are near Wheaton, Maryland you may want to check out the Montgomery County Friendship Picnic today from Noon-5pm.

September 21, 2019

The Gift Of Tears

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Day 8: The Gift Of Tears

“Jesus Wept”

John 11:35

One of the best gifts you can give is to open up your heart to feel deeply someone else’s pain.

I remember well one of the last times I met with my dear friend Kishore. We got together to share some Korean food for lunch in Northern Virginia. As we sat at the table and talked I shared about some of the painful struggles I was going through. One of the best things about sharing with a brother who I have known for 40 years was the fact that he could see everything through a different lense than most. He could tell that I wasn’t the same person I used to be.

He could see that I had lost some confidence. My faith had dimmed. The outgoing and energetic fellow worship leader he once knew had become very introspective and isolated. And he was moved by what he saw.

That day he gave me one of the best gifts I have ever received. He cried because of what I was going through. I don’t remember seeing him cry before or since. Perhaps it was because he saw himself in my pain. Maybe it was because he missed the person I used to be. Or maybe it was that Jesus in his heart that moved him with compassion.

When I am stuck and reluctant to take the steps necessary to improve my life I reflect on his tears. I know that God made me to give Him glory with my life. And I know there’s still work for me to do for Him.

When we’ve been hurt the last thing we want to do is open up our heart again. But to heal and to grow we must.

Today, I choose to open up my heart again and let the healing love come in. I choose to watch for opportunities to empathetically listen to others hurts and in so doing help them and I heal and give God greater glory.

September 20, 2019

The Lighter Load

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Day 7: The Lighter Load

11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

When Jesus offers all who are heavy laden to come to Him for rest he speaks to a universal need. But what does He mean when he says we should take up his yoke and find rest for our souls?

A yoke is a device that allows two animals to work efficiently together. If we are yoked together with Christ we confine our journeys to paths that he would take. We emulate his response to the challenges of life as we are influenced by the aroma of His character.

We receive the gift of His righteousness so we don’t have the stress of seeking to create a rightness with God worthy of salvation. We seek to do what pleases Him and he promises to supply all our needs.

Releasing the burden to measure up to societies trends and instead taking Jesus’ two step method of loving God with all our heart and our neighbor as our self will relieve stress and produce peace instead.

Today, I release the heavy burden and choose a lighter load!