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Revelation 22:1-2 – Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (NASB)
One Sunday before the service began, everyone in church was given a eucalyptus leaf. The plant was meant to represent the tree of life mentioned in today's Scripture. I thought that it made an interesting illustration, since the eucalyptus is known to treat wounds as well as relieve a variety of illnesses. It is, however, merely one of many plants used for its medicinal properties — hardly a match for the tree of life.
But then, I considered another earthly tree, the one which provided the wood for Jesus' cross. Although Scripture does not tell us what kind of tree it was, in a manner of speaking, it was a tree of life since it became the altar for Christ's sacrifice.
1 Peter 2:24 – He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (ESV)
Hence, the cross is the perfect remedy for disease, because it has the power to cleanse us from sin, heal infirmity, and restore our relationship to the living God. Thenceforth, we will yield the fruit of His Spirit and spread healing to those around us.
Prayer: Lord, we come before Your throne of grace, placing all our sorrows, doubts, and fears upon the cross where You suffered and died a violent death for our sakes. We thank You for paying the penalty of our sins so that we may be healed. Now, according to Your Word, purge us with the hyssop of Your Holy Spirit. Give strength to our bodies and renew our minds as we look forward to the day when all sickness and death shall cease through Jesus Christ our Lord, in Whose precious name, we pray. Amen.
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Saturday, May 18, 2024 – In North Africa — Living in North Africa we get so used to hearing the call to prayer it becomes like background noise and sometimes I don't hear it anymore. I am challenged by the fact that some Muslims are so committed to pray that they go to the mosque 5 times a day. Would you consider, with me, setting your alarm to go off at 3:00 every day and pray for these three things: 5 families to come to know Christ, 3 people for us to read scripture with,1 new church plant.
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A refreshing word Lori. God bless.
Deeply said, Lori!
God bless all your days!
Very good analogy Lori!! Well done.
Blessings.
Now, that’s real GOSPEL (Message of Good News), Lori Ciccanti.
Thank you. Keep writing.
Thank you, Lori! Another thoughtful, insightful, uplifting Devotional from you!
Blessings.
Loved this. Halfway through I knew it was you so I looked down and yes you did it again. Said just what I needed to hear.
Lori – A great message of salvation and healing. My prayer is that the healing balm of Jesus will bless us with new life and vitality. Thank you for this lesson of hope.
Hi Lori, thank you for today’s insightful devotional. God’s timing is so perfect, and today was no different. Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
I’m still praying for you and your husband.
Lori,
This is excellent. I am going to share it.
Keep pitching!
(Texas)
Wow, yesterday I bought a tree of life to hang on a wall. I want to put scriptures about trees and shepherds and family pictures on the tree and hang it in the room our grandchildren sleep in when they come over. I was thinking in the night about idea of scriptures and lo and behold the devotion. I am constantly amazed how God uses these devotions and how they tie in with my life. Thanks you for writing them and being used by our Father. I am also going on a healing trip mission and so your mention of healing was also significant to me.
Hi Lori
I am possibly getting away from your main topic but in your prayer I was reminded of a trip we made. As we traveled through Greece and Turkey we came upon a place (now forgotten) and the Minister invited those who wished to be baptized using the branch of a Hyssop!
It came to mind as I read your devotional giving the true message of how and why Christ died for us.
God bless.
So wonderfully written Lori! Did you know I have a eucalyptus plant? Keep up the good work. God delights in your devotion to Him.
I have never heard of “Eucalyptus Leaf.” I am going to study up on it.
All my life I have been told it was a dogwood tree that Jesus cross was made from, and that is why the dogwood tree will never be a strong stout tree again but I have seen big, strong dogwoods, but if the scriptures don’t say what kind of tree it was then that is not true. So many things we don’t know. One life time is not long enough to learn what we want to.
I loved all this info today in your devotional. Thanks,
(OK…USA)