Wednesday, March 18, 2009

This Broken Vessel Restored Book Blog Tour with Paulette Harper


Devotional Reflections from the Bible with Paulette Harper








The Women with the Issue of Blood

And there was a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, and who had endured much suffering under [the hands of] many physicians and had spent all that she had, and was no better but instead grew worse. She had heard the reports concerning Jesus, and she came up behind Him in the throng and touched His garment, For she kept saying, If I only touch His garments, I shall be restored to health.

And immediately her flow of blood was dried up at the source, and [suddenly] she felt in her body that she was healed of her [distressing] ailment. And Jesus, recognizing in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around immediately in the crowd and said, Who touched My clothes? And the disciples kept saying to Him, You see the crowd pressing hard around You from all sides, and You ask, Who touched Me?

Still He kept looking around to see her who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had been done for her, though alarmed and frightened and trembling, fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, Daughter, your faith (your trust and confidence in Me, springing from faith in God) has restored you to health. Go in (into) peace and be continually healed and freed from your [distressing bodily] disease. Mark 5: 25-34 AMP

What a great story of determination, fortitude and tenacity. This woman had several issues. These particular issues kept her from enjoying the benefits of living a prosperous and full life. The scriptures notes that she endured much suffering at the hands of many physicians and the scriptures goes on to tell us of her lack of finances. She has many things going against her; first the Jewish custom forbids this woman to intertwine or mingle in society when she has been bleeding outside her customary period of seven days. She is considered an outcast and unclean. Second she has exhausted all her resources. Not only did the doctors abuse her but her finances dried up. No doubt she is at the end of her road.

One of the reasons I love this store is because I can see exactly where I fit into the story. Here we have a woman that has some medical issues in which she hoped that the doctors can heal; she at one time had the resources to seek out for a remedy for her condition but only grew worse; she is not wanted by society, so she is alone. But she hears that Jesus is coming. She brushes off and lays aside the customary laws and does not look at her condition as if it was too big for Jesus. She believes Jesus could heal her and she seeks for her issues to be removed by Christ.

I found myself like the woman with the issue of blood, faced with several of my own personal issues, overwhelmed with feeling of no self worth, feeling abandoned and alone, faced with an uncertain future and finding that my life was crumbling right before my eyes. I pressed my way through the crowds of the naysayers, haters and even the enemy of my mind. Breaking though all the hurt, pain and disappointments that was a constant reminder of my failed relationship, yet moving ahead to the only one who could make me whole.

Just like this woman with the issue of blood approaching Jesus without any question to His ability to heal, restore and deliver, I walked each day with the assurance that my life some how was going to be better. Once realizing that my true source of hope, joy and recovery was only in Christ, I bravely accepted the lot that was given to me and today I can boldly say I stand strong, vibrant and full of purpose because of Christ the one who felt me touch the hem of His garment.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paulette Harper is an emerging Christian Author making her debut with her first inspirational book That Was Then, This Is Now, This Broken Vessel Restored, a compelling story of deception, heart-ache and ultimate victory. In 10 chapters she masterfully uncovers the hidden obstacles she faced as the “first lady” and how she eventually broke through those barriers. A native of Pittsburg, CA, Paulette travels as an Inspirational speaker and licensed minister teaching people how to overcome life’s unexpected experiences by delivering a strong message of hope.

Beyond her writing ability she has a passion to lead people to a clear and precise understanding of how life challenges can become one’s ultimate source of victory by sharing solid, biblical principles that will enable people to find a way out of every trial so they can reach their God given potential.

For more information about Paulette and her new release “That Was Then, This Is Now” visit: http://www.bvministry.org/.


SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!

What's holding you back today? Who's standing in your way? Stretch your hand, heart and mind towards Jesus. Focus in on the hem of his garment.Seek Jesus. Trust Jesus. Know that no matter how broken you may feel, he can and will make you whole. Do you have a prayer request? We're here to encourage you right where you are.

5 comments:

Tyora Moody said...

Vanessa, thank you so much for your enthusiasm and willingness to host Minister Paulette Harper. It's been an exciting week with great reminders of how God has and will work in our lives.

Blessings,

Ty

vanessa richardson said...

Hi Ty!

It certainly was a pleasure, and I thank you! Minister Harper is a great inspiration to many.

I thank God for His reminders. The topic: The Woman with the issue of blood. What a reminder for me!

Blessings,
Vanessa

All the Buzz Literary Reviews said...

Another great devotional! I'm facing some of the worst times of my life and there are some days where I just don't feel the presence of God, I know He's there, just waiting on me to touch the hem of His garment. Just like one of my favorite songs says, if we take one step, God will take two. There ain't no limit to what God can do. Some days it's hard to take that first step, but when you do, look out!

Thanks again for another wonderful devotional.

Nothing But Books said...

Vanessa I'm so blessed that you have taken part of this wonderful tour.

Thanks for the comments and I'm thankful to God that something I have shared has been able to minister to you.

God Bless

Nothing But Books said...

Stay encouraged ladies. The best is yet to come