REFLECTIONS FROM THE MAT
In sudden shock and frustration, I find myself laid aside with a cardiac diagnosis. God has not changed. Nothing is a surprise to Him. God knew. My body in its silence knew. It is my mind that is having a difficult time absorbing it all. We had many ministry plans that have had to be cancelled. WHY LORD? Is often on my mind. God is teaching us through some precious saints who are praying and literally carrying us in many practical and spiritual ways.
Not the least of which is my dear husband, Jerry. An entirely new role for him. I have always appreciated his love and concern for me but it is even more obvious and precious to me in these days. Certainly, God has brought folk into my life for such a time as this.
Here are some REFLECTIONS FROM THE MAT which I hope will encourage you when frustrations walk across your agendas!
IT’S OKAY- Mark 2
It’s okay to be the man on the mat
The one with the pale, wizened face.
It’s okay to be carried bodily to the Lord
God’s Peace gives anxiety no space.
It’s okay to be the man on the mat
In spite of struggles with options and choice
Jesus has assigned other folk to pray
Until battered faith responds to God’s Voice.
It’s okay to be the man on the mat
Because all Carriers once laid where you lay
Each has been healed by His miraculous touch
Walking proof of God’s Power today.
So relax on your mat, dear wounded heart.
Receive with gratitude God’s timely embrace.
The Father who wants to heal has assigned
Anointed Servants to carry you to His Place!
March 15/05-©-MDB
The man on the mat was rejected
By society’s label of second class.
His potential and creativity were stifled
Pain grew behind a brave, wounded mask.
The man on the mat was despairing.
No effort of his brought results.
He was entirely devoid of influence.
Filth gathered in this wasted adult.
One day someone saw the potential
Of the man on the mat lying there.
Faith grew through the eyes of friendship.
Kindness penetrated his long-term despair.
A committee was bonded to deliver
The man on his mat to their Lord.
Four men together were prayerfully obedient.
Hope grew in the one carried on board.
I could have been the one laying
In poverty’s filth by the side of the road.
But God in His mercy sent someone.
To carry my mat to His throne.
©May/05-Marlene D. Bergman
With gratitude and joy.
I thank my God for every remembrance of you
The four men who carried the man on the mat to Jesus recognized an entire lifetime of frustration lying on the mat. Perhaps the Carriers had experienced healing from the Lord. Healed folk appreciate the treasures of wholeness the most. Out of gratitude for what God has done for you, have you ever participated in the joy of carrying someone to the feet of Jesus? Some needs are obvious. Some are subtle. Perhaps the one for whom you are concerned does not even recognize their need. They might have scales on their eyes. If we are honest, we all need the anointed touch of the Master’s Hand. Who will you bring to Jesus today? Perhaps you need to come first. Maybe you can identify with one of
THE CARRIERS or the GUIDE!
I am the one who guides these four. I call out “Clear the way”
I was blind but now I see. Jesus healed me one glorious day.
I forgot to tell you, my needy friend. Jesus healed my sightless eyes.
I was the man who was born so blind. Second touches are also Divine!
The first time He tenderly touched me, I could only partially see.
Jesus touched me a second time. Now from blindness I’m totally free.
I never noticed the needs of souls. My own blindness was in the way.
When Jesus gave me that second touch, tenderness came to stay.
PS. I want to tell you a secret, my friend.
Jesus knew that I might be slow.
But I find His healing touch continuous.
Through His Word His anointing grows.
So I watch for a touch from Jesus each day.
Thanks to His Word I see clearly His way!
©May/05-Marlene D. Bergman
WITHERED HAND
I volunteered to carry your mat. I saw your deep despair.
I once had problems of my own. I’m a recipient of answered prayer.
I had a hand all withered and dry. It was useless in my sleeve.
Jesus walked by with His healing plan. He healed me as I believed.
I knew nothing about God’s Love. I thought that no one cared.
His disciples brought me to the Lord, now my withered hand is repaired.
I will carry one fourth of your mat today. I walk claiming healing for you.
I know exactly how weakness feels but Jesus can heal you too.
So relax and wait on your soiled, old mat. Healing is a prayer away.
Let my healed hand carry your mat as we pray and believe today.
©May/05-Marlene D. Bergman
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”
May I always be His Hand extended!
What is the temperature of your gift of hospitality? I wondered who invited the crowd ? When is the last time your home was used as a place of healing? Hospitality can be more than a place of nourishment. It can create an atmosphere for healing and encouragement. PTL.
I am the one who planned this event. We offered our home to Him.
Jesus decided to heal in our house, our neighbors even pressed in.
There is going to be a very large crowd, certainly no space for a mat.
I wonder how we can squeeze you inside? We’ll have a problem with that.
IDEA-Up on my roof, the tiles should lift. Then we’ll lower your mat to the Lord.
What a surprise Jesus will have, when He sees our faith on board!
Just lay still. We will carry you. Your permission is all Jesus asks.
The four of us are praying for you. Bringing you to Him is our task.
PS-I understand how healing works. My marriage was on the rocks.
Jesus came to counsel and pray. He healed us with his talks.
My wife and I are more in love than the day that we were wed.
Healing works and in gratitude, I want to carry your bed.
©May/05-Marlene D. Bergman
THE LEPER
The law stated that a leper was unclean for life. Jesus sent the healed leper to show himself to the temple authorities. They acknowledged his leprosy was gone. Perhaps society labeled him a leper forever.
Who do you know that has been converted and you still think of their sin label when you see them? REMEMBER-There but for the grace of God go I.
Forgive us Lord for our pompous unforgiveness. Only the forgiven truly understand the true freedom of forgiveness in Christ.
I hope you will accept me. I want to carry your mat.
But I was once a leper. What do you think of that?
Everyone knew I was a leper. Embarrassing rules do not bend.
Outcast and alienated from my family taught me Jesus is my best friend.
Jesus healed my leprous body. I went to the temple for display.
Like a baby’s skin I’m scarless. Jesus always heals that way.
So I will count it a privilege if I could carry your mat.
I am praying for your healing. What do you think of that?
PS. I will understand, dear fellow, if your prefer not to be with me.
Jesus healed me completely but society still frowns when they see.
I need to keep on forgiving those folk who don’t understand.
Healing and forgiveness are privileges that complete God’s loving plan.
©May /05-Marlene D. Bergman
Sometimes new Christians are stifled in their enthusiasm because they are too shaky, or we don’t have confidence in them, or we think someone else is more qualified. God forgive us for not treasuring all the gifts and abilities latent in our congregations and in our families. May God help us to mentor and encourage those around us. Jesus always saw the best in everyone because He knew His strength would always make up the deficit.
MY STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS.
Maybe you need to reclaim a healing today and walk in faith believing for yourself!
Look, I can steadily carry. I no longer have twitching limbs.
Jesus healed my epilepsy. I can even dance and swim.
My seizures had totally controlled me. All my life had been curtailed.
But the day that Jesus healed me broke Satan’s control and evil failed.
I will happily carry your burden. Jesus touched me and my weakness is gone.
I walk in faith believing. By His Grace my body grows strong.
So rest well upon your mattress. Your time there is almost through.
Watch and wait for His Anointing. Let’s see what God will do.
PS. You’ll notice my writing is different. I want it to stay this way.
It gives me an excuse to tell you. Jesus still heals uniquely today.
©May/05-Marlene D. Bergman
WHAT WOULD JESUS SAY?
“I have never seen such fervor as those four men who carried their friend.
Removing the house roof tiles proved their faith would never bend.
With joy and Power, I asked him if he was willing to leave his sin.
I told him to claim His healing. His feeble body was wasted and thin.
He decided to obey my bidding. His sin and his weakness were gone.
With joy he thanked his carriers. Four friends in faith were strong.
Joyfully he turned and thanked me. The critics were waiting there.
But no one and nothing could rob him of four friends who knelt in prayer.
He picked up his mat and danced lightly. Limb stiffness disappeared.
Hope was carrying his blanket. Gone were years of fears.
He launched out in faith as eyes glistened. Four friends kept cheering nearby.
Healing was walking and leaping. Faith grew in those standing by.
I am thankful that My Message is penetrating wounded hearts every day.
It’s human to need a healing.
Hope is ignited when friends like you pray.”
©May/05-Marlene D. Bergman
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