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International College of
Counselling & Health Care
What's New in the University of the Nations
Int'l College Counselling & Health Care
Health, Healing and Wholeness
Jesus said, "I came that you may have life, and have it abundantly."
John10:10b
God's intention of health - shalom - for the earth and its people, and Jesus' promise of abundant life - health, healing and wholeness in body, mind and spirit - are central dimensions of the faith we profess and the vocation to which we are called as Christians. We are not talking about health, healing and wholeness as a flawless health record, a perfect physical or a cured disease. Rather, we are talking about the grace, balance and wholeness which are available to all of God's children.
From a Christian perspective, becoming healed and whole may not mean the absence of pain or impairment. It is, instead, the understanding that it is Christ's love that heals brokenness and reestablishes right relationships with God and others. Persons with disabilities, illnesses, mental illnesses and chronic disease are not excluded from God's gifts of health and wholeness. Through healthy lifestyles, healthy decision-making, and healthy communities, all can help build health, healing and wholeness for all God's people.
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Satisfied in Jesus
Romans 4:3
One great paradox of our humanity is that we’re created with the need both to have security and to take risks. Most of us want to be financially secure, fully insured and otherwise prepared for the ups and downs of life. But another side of our humanity loves adventure, risk and even hardship.
Thankfully, both of these needs are met in God. He is the same yesterday, today and forever, so our need for security can always be satisfied by trusting in his character and in his written Word.
Our need for uncertainty is also met in God, who is always doing new things (Isaiah 43:19). He continually calls us to live on the edge, to walk by faith and not by sight, and to go beyond our places of comfort and security to carry out his will. Abraham took the risk of believing and acting on God’s promise without even a son to his name. In doing so, he demonstrated what man was meant to be: a God-dependent being.15
Are you secure enough in God to take a risk of faith? What risk is God leading you to take?
More insight: Gen. 15:1-6; 21:1-5; Luke 9:3-6; Heb. 13:8.
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Change is here to stay
Many years ago I read a bestseller called 'Future Shock' by Alvin Toffler. In a big, fat paperback, his message (which really would have fit on one page), was simply that change was going to come, and with each succeeding year, it would come faster. Call him a futurist (or a prophet), but for sure, call him rich. He made a bundle on that book.
I am no stranger to change - in fact it has been the norm for my life, ever since I was very young. Born in China, imprisoned for 3 1/2 years in Shanghai, high-schooled in England, an immigrant to Canada at age 17, a jet pilot, a salesman - all these before joining YWAM and so it has gone ever since. And yet, there are areas of my life where I resist change Ð especially in my attitudes.
Sometimes it feels good to settle into a steady routine (or is it being stuck in a rut?)
Before Christmas each year, Donna and I ask the Lord what He would say to us for the coming year. This past December, I sensed the Lord say to me that I was to stay open, to seek Him for each step, that things would not always happen the
way I might plan; and to expect change. The year has just started and already this has proven to be true! Just in January, God changed my plans and my
heart more than once!
Have you asked the Lord what he has for you this year? If necessary, are you flexible enough to allow Him to change your plans - or even change your heart? It's not too late.
by Peter Jordan. Peter and Donna Jordan lead the YWAM Associates ministry. For more information go to www.ywamassociates.com
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