Praise the Lord! Look at who is cutting the grass today! It's his first time since his surgery in March. Never have I seen a man so thrilled to cut the grass!!! P.S. I'm thrilled too!!! “To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.” (Matthew 25:15 NASB) Thanks to the vision of our Children and Families Pastor, Jamie Warnshuis, we get to serve in a new way at VBS at our church! Perhaps you’ve seen us alongside that strange decorated contraption? We call it our prayer mobile. (See pictures below.) We have been using it to roam the VBS Campus while on our prayer mission. That’s right! We have been roaming the Campus and praying for any and everything the Lord placed on our hearts. We’ve prayed in the nursery, classrooms, playgrounds, snack rooms, arts and crafts area, the sanctuary including the foyer, and other areas, but most importantly, the decision room where young boys and girls confessed his/her faith in Christ! As David Ring once asked, “What are you doing with your talent according to your ability?” There's another reason why serving at VBS has been a blessing. So that all those in attendance, adults and children, could see God’s answer to their many prayers--Len's healing! Seeing an answered prayer is the best evidence that The God of the universe hears us when we pray and that He loves us!    “… the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16) Celebrating the healing God has provided, again! Just finished taking a shower after getting a haircut—first time enjoying both since April!!! *** A back view of God’s healing—in Jesus’ name! “… the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)
Everyone, thank you for praying. All acts of kindness are appreciated, but prayers for healing is what we desired from you and was/is what we need most. Much love, Len and Verna “Quench not the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19)
For the past month or so, the Holy Spirit kept bringing to my mind passages of scripture about the anointing of oil. As you may already know, oil represents God’s presence. I’ve witnessed the anointing of oil for healing practiced in churches where I’ve been blessed to be fed. I’ve even seen this practice tainted and abused primarily by television evangelists. Although my thoughts about anointing with oil was for healing, I finally realized what was really at stake was obedience—from me. Don’t get me wrong, although a specific healing was and is still desired, the Truth is that ALL healing comes from the mighty hand of God. So what I needed to do was to focus on what God was telling me to do. By not doing so, I was quenching His Holy Spirit. To quench God’s Spirit means to disobey Him! (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Been there? Furthermore, the dedicated oil was never intended to accomplish anything alone. Prayer and faith were always required. So, you may be wondering as I did, “So, why include the oil; why isn’t prayer and faith enough? And why not fast?” Before I answer the above question, perhaps you now understand why I was somewhat hesitant when the Holy Spirit started reminding me of what I already knew about the anointing of oil. In my case, prayer and faith wasn’t enough because God wasn’t just after a physical healing; he wanted submission from me. His directive was “Anoint.” And He didn’t provide an alternative, like fasting. Quite frankly, I believe because God knows that fasting would be extremely difficult and possibly devastating for me right now, He did not require this of me. (Everybody knows that additional energy is needed to be a caregiver!) God’s Spirit never leads us to do harm to ourselves or others. His plan is ALWAYS perfect. His plan is for healing. Sometimes praying in faith is all that’s required. But I know that anointing my husband with oil had just as much to do with me as it does for his healing. Just like with prophets of old, I believe God wanted me to exercise my faith in Him in a way that was different than I had ever personally experienced. I believe He wants me to be bold in my faith—not ashamed of doing anything He calls me to do. I believe He has something for me to accomplish that requires obedience on a level that I have not yet experienced Him. With this new thing, no matter how difference or strange it may seem, whatever it is, I know that obedience, faith and prayer are required. Therefore, I will walk in obedience. And then the healing He desires will come. What about you? What is God requiring of you? What is it He is withholding from you until you submit to Him? Verna It’s been nearly three months since Len had surgery. We certainly did not plan for the bumps we encountered but God knew they would be part of the journey. He knew all along what we would face and what we would need to help up endure and conquer! Speaking of conquering, below are the latest markers on this journey.
*On 5/24, the new stitches were removed. These new stitches were necessary due to the spinal fluid leaking. Twice. After removing the stitches, some that were sewn of top of stitches, the nurse applied Steri-Strips. This was done to aid in the healing process and to help keep the incision closed. *Physical therapy will start this week! This will be the second time. Each bump caused problems. Nevertheless, we move forward when we can, but we never give up! *Len’s vision is still blurry. This blurriness distorts his perception and impacts his walking. Len's doctor diagnosed this condition as sixth cranial nerve palsy. Although much improvement has been made, the doctor is hopeful that Len’s normal vision will return. From the medical knowledge I have obtained, six months is usually the longest time. So we wait. And we pray. And, we anoint with oil! (The next blog posting, #40, will have all the details about this experience!) Being a caregiver is demanding. It was for me in 2007. It is now. Throughout the day and especially at night when laying to rest, I’m reminded that I have God, family and friends. Then, just before drifting off to sleep, He reminds me that He has me. Blessings, Verna “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) Not mine! This is a promise from God! Our youngest son, … ready to catch his dad if he starts to fall.  “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:14)
Saints, thanks for praying. Praise God for answering our specific prayer! (We only want to do, what God wants us to do.) Although a spinal fluid leak was discovered in Len’s back, it was not severe enough to keep him from being discharged from the hospital. That’s right, after finishing all the paperwork, Len was released from the hospital! Now, we are home. Resting. Healing. Again, thanks saints for praying with and for us! Verna “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:14)
Before asking anything of God, we must be certain we are in a right relationship with Him. Empowerment comes as a result of this right relationship! This means we are empowered by God's Spirit—enabled—to receive directions and to respond to life God’s way. This empowerment includes praying in the will of God and then living according to His plan. Friends, I know how easy it is to pray according to the flesh, but praying while in a right relationship with God will bring about God’s results—THIS IS WHAT HE SAYS! (John 14:14). More importantly, this is what His followers must desire and do! So, fellow believers, YOU who are in a right relationship with God, please join me in praying for God’s results about the update provided below. Thank you. UPDATE: At 8:00am today, 5/9, Len's lumbar drained was clamped. If there are no severe headaches or leakage for 24 hours, we can return home and the outward healing continues. However, if Len's headaches are more severe and/or if a leakage occurs, something internally is happening and more tests are needed. If nothing is wrong, we want to go home. If something is wrong, we want to stay here. Now that you know our particular situation, would you please join me in praying for our specific needs? Again, thank you! Standing on His Promises, Verna “And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.” (Numbers 17:8)
I have learned that God is ALL powerful! While experiencing another huge trial, the Holy Spirit brought back to my remembrance several passages of scripture that collectively demonstrates God’s triumphant power. When Len and I read these passages earlier this year we both were overwhelmed and delighted to learn more about our God’s power. But first, here’s our most current trial. Another area on Len’s head started leaking cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Yes, this is now the second area! Therefore, another trip to the hospital was necessary. After the neurologist sutured the area, a lumbar drain was inserted in Len's back. The drain’s purpose is to regulate the CSF so that the pressure in Len’s brain does not build up again resulting in severe headaches and another leakage. The drain requires Len to lay flat on his back for a number of days. Doing nothing. I refuse to digest all of the above information without the covering of God’s word, particularly, Numbers 17:8, printed above and below. “And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.” (Numbers 17:8) This verse only tells part of the story. Please read the entire 17th chapter in order to understand what God did and why! After reading this chapter, go to the book of Exodus and read at least this one verse—verse 12. “For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.” (Exodus 7:12) With this being the same rod in Numbers as in Exodus, one would ponder, “How could a rod, having been dead for nearly 40 years or longer, produce those things mentioned in Numbers 17:8? Buds? Blossoms? Almonds?” Friends, there is only one answer: God! This Truth, God’s display of power in Aaron’s rod, strengthened my heart when I read it early this year and now it is still ministering to me. (The Holy Spirit is doing His job!) Therefore, as we face this huge bump, our hearts can boldly pray, “God we have heard about Your power, about how You brought forth buds on a rod that was at least 40 years old. We know that You are the same yesterday, today and forever. Because You are all powerful, omnipotent, there is nothing that You cannot do. Therefore, we pray for healing in Jesus’ name. Amen!” I stand amazed and satisfied, Verna |
AuthorLen's wife with his assistance! Archives
September 2017
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Dr. Verna Foster Harvey
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