A devotional by Carrie Del Pizzo
“Jesus called together his twelve apostles and gave them complete power over all demons and diseases. Then he sent them to tell about God’s kingdom and to heal the sick.”
– Luke 9:1-2 (CEV)
Isn’t that (the words in the Bible verse above) an interesting combination?
Jesus gave His disciples power and then sent them to nearby cities to talk to people and heal them. If they had power, who wants to hear them talk? Enough chit-chat. Get to the action. Just heal me already.
But what if words could do the healing? Sure, the disciples used words to ask God to heal people or to command demons to leave. And we use words to pray for others. But what if the words themselves had a healing effect on more than just illness?
With Jesus, they can. As surely as words can pierce hearts and break down relationships, words can also be a salve to deep, festering wounds.
Ever been down in the dumps and had a friend say something silly that made you laugh?
That laugh really takes the edge off. Remember the last time you had to deal with a difficult customer or coworker who tore you down and made you feel incompetent? What a lift when your boss pulled you aside and said, “You handled that well.” Or maybe you’ve felt self-conscious about your new haircut and then someone compliments you on your outfit.
We’ve all experienced that flip-flop in attitude when someone’s words give us a new perspective. Imagine that type of change on a God scale:
· If you’re feeling alone in this big world, God promises never to leave us. Open a Bible and read about this in Deuteronomy 31:8.
· If a parent walked out when you were a kid, rest in the knowledge that we are called sons of God. Open a Bible and read about this in 1 John 3:1.
· If you’re weighed down by the guilt of your sin, Jesus has washed our sins away.
But what if words could do the healing? Sure, the disciples used words to ask God to heal people or to command demons to leave. And we use words to pray for others. But what if the words themselves had a healing effect on more than just illness?
With Jesus, they can. As surely as words can pierce hearts and break down relationships, words can also be a salve to deep, festering wounds.
Ever been down in the dumps and had a friend say something silly that made you laugh?
That laugh really takes the edge off. Remember the last time you had to deal with a difficult customer or coworker who tore you down and made you feel incompetent? What a lift when your boss pulled you aside and said, “You handled that well.” Or maybe you’ve felt self-conscious about your new haircut and then someone compliments you on your outfit.
We’ve all experienced that flip-flop in attitude when someone’s words give us a new perspective. Imagine that type of change on a God scale:
· If you’re feeling alone in this big world, God promises never to leave us. Open a Bible and read about this in Deuteronomy 31:8.
· If a parent walked out when you were a kid, rest in the knowledge that we are called sons of God. Open a Bible and read about this in 1 John 3:1.
· If you’re weighed down by the guilt of your sin, Jesus has washed our sins away.
Open a Bible and read about this in 1 John 1:7.
You see, while doctors have treatments for diseases and injuries, God can perform miracle physical healing. And while we know words to brightens someone’s gray day, God’s Word can restore life.
If you know Jesus, if you have received that life, then Jesus has given you the power to tell about God’s kingdom and heal the sick.
Know someone with some deep wounds that need healing? Introduce that person to your friend Jesus Christ. The results could be life changing — for both of you.
Ask God who around you needs His healing words. If you already have someone in mind, ask God to give you His words and the courage to deliver them.
~*~
Author Bio:
You see, while doctors have treatments for diseases and injuries, God can perform miracle physical healing. And while we know words to brightens someone’s gray day, God’s Word can restore life.
If you know Jesus, if you have received that life, then Jesus has given you the power to tell about God’s kingdom and heal the sick.
Know someone with some deep wounds that need healing? Introduce that person to your friend Jesus Christ. The results could be life changing — for both of you.
Ask God who around you needs His healing words. If you already have someone in mind, ask God to give you His words and the courage to deliver them.
~*~
Author Bio:
In this world of texts, memes, and emojis, slowing down to truly communicate can feel like straining a muscle you haven’t exercised in far too long.
Seventeen years of business experience across a variety of industries has taught Carrie Del Pizzo the fine art of professional communications.
Partnering with corporate executives and entry-level employees alike, she has written and edited major project proposals, direct marketing pieces, sensitive client communications, employee handbooks, and user manuals.
Carrie’s love of literature and story has led her to develop and exercise her fiction writing skills as well. Aside from her personal creative efforts, she also edits for self- and traditionally-published authors and enjoys writing short dramas for church presentation.
Carrie is a wife, mom of three Americans and host-mom to numerous exchange students. Italian-by-marriage means she loves to cook and eat. She lives in Spokane, Wash., with her hilarious family who keep her in stitches and provides piles of material for great stories.
Seventeen years of business experience across a variety of industries has taught Carrie Del Pizzo the fine art of professional communications.
Partnering with corporate executives and entry-level employees alike, she has written and edited major project proposals, direct marketing pieces, sensitive client communications, employee handbooks, and user manuals.
Carrie’s love of literature and story has led her to develop and exercise her fiction writing skills as well. Aside from her personal creative efforts, she also edits for self- and traditionally-published authors and enjoys writing short dramas for church presentation.
Carrie is a wife, mom of three Americans and host-mom to numerous exchange students. Italian-by-marriage means she loves to cook and eat. She lives in Spokane, Wash., with her hilarious family who keep her in stitches and provides piles of material for great stories.
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