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.

A Process To Everything?

One day I woke up! embarking on one of my many journeys, I visualized myself becoming natural. You see upon months of full consideration, I purpose to become natural. At the time I had no idea of what going natural would entail. I just knew I wanted it. Too, it had not occurred to me that going natural would be viewed by others, as a political statement or self expression. But that is another topic altogether. Are you aware that there is a due process to just about everything? From preparing a meal, obtaining an degree, getting married even there is a process.

The process: Preparation, ingredients, and timing. The process of going natural can take months. The genesis of my transition would require me liberating myself from that of the old. I ceased my relaxers treatments cold turkey- not good. In the the process my hair began to shed at a rapid rate. There is a right way to doing things. I next moved on to braids. Hiding my own locks. I was still not pleased with the end results. Adhering to wise council; I determined it was best to start anew. I did. I cut my hair all off. Watching my layers of hair fall to floor, I felt...hummm.

It is difficult to word exactly how I was feeling at the time. I would liken it to an renewing experience. Like my hair I wanted to be natural. You know- do me, keeping it real, by not conforming to the expectations of others. Accepting what the creator had chosen me to be. (Oh! Did I mentioned to you that I've authored a nonfiction inspirational titled: The Certain Ones:You're not Forsaken. You're Chosen for Purpose. Heard it's an very inspirational read.) Months passed and I took notice of my new growth.

I do not want to offend- but for me it was what I hail as my ugly stage. Some women have a relationship with their hair. They know their hair texture and what chemicals it can and can not take. I was the opposite. I didn't know my hair nor how to handle it. I couldn't slick my tresses down with gel as before. I couldn't conveniently put my hair in a pony tale. I had to deal with it. While nurturing my hair I realized I was developing a relationship with it. My process to become natural taught me patience and to fiercely hold on to my determination, looking past the ugly stages and “seeing” my vision (s) manifesting itself. Such was the case with my becoming an author and playwright.

I confess to you-I am successful when I receive emails of thanks, encouragements, and inspirationals. Had I not gone through the process I would not be the woman I am today. PS, Funny with the passage of time things changes. Go, Obama! People, addresses, clothes, and... hair? *Sighing* yeah, hair. I have long since returned to my relaxers. But that process makes for another story.....

Closer to God

"And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." Isaiah 58:11 KJV

I feel closer to God when I am in His perfect will. I can have the nice car and home, and am most appreciative of it too. These human comforts I can not deny, in fact I say hallelujah to them. I want to be pleasing to God. So it is that I found that there is a void within me, when I am not pleasing in God's sight. And I desperately want to be pleasing in His sight. I absolutely abhor that void feeling. What does this void feel like someone once asked of me.

I liken the experience as to walking a alone and narrow path. While walking “the path,” I am overwhelmed with the need (for that is really what it is) to express how I am feeling. I look around and there is no one there. A take notice of the distance that I have covered and my soul, as the old gospel hymn says “look back and wonder how I made it over.” Hum, it is funny how you can linger over something for too long. You begin to see things that are not there. False images. I thought I saw something that was not there many times.

I resolved to not look back. I did however hazard many looks to the left.Looking at the other side I was greeted with the plushness of soft green grass. It's greenness was a magnificent sight to be hold. Its beauty was calling out to me. I know the path of righteousness is my destined path, but did have to be so hard and so lonely at times. And sooooo long? Really do this path ever ends? The green grass was enticing. The beauty of it was pulling at the void within me, beckoning me to cross over. And I wanted to answer its summons.

Certainly a moment on the other side won't hurt me? Just one moment in time. As I thought this, something within stirred to life. Instinctively I knew that something was amiss. I 've long since learned not to ignore the warning from within. One moment in time, is all it takes for a life time mistake. I try to keep the balance. I try to do what God has mandated for me to do as He awards my sacrifices and obedience.

I openly confess that several times I have allowed my wants to over ride His wants for me and lets just say somethings that can be prevented. I did not necessarily had to experience unnecessary angst and hurts. Alas experience, one of the greatest teachers in life, has also taught me that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. I know it is God's will to satisfy my soul and make me fat with love and happiness. And on this path that I trod; He shall never leave me nor forsaken me, as He teaches me.

So it is that I purpose in my heart to let the perfect will of God become a constant in my life. I may not cross every t or dot every i. But I sure am going to try and give it the best that I've got!

Blessings!

I never would have made it

I have heard that song by Marvin Sapp on several occasions; yet I never really paid much, attention to the popular song. However due to the continuous air play of the song, I could not escape from hearing it, be it at church, on the gospel station that I faithfully tune into, or from that of my little nieces singing it with such ebullience, that I am compelled to join in with them.

It was as if God intended for me to not only hear the words but to actually listen to them.
One day while driving in my car; the sun was shining brilliantly. The birds were chirping happily. The soft billowy clouds were begging to be touched. Stopping at a red light; that fateful song “I Never Would Have Made It” began to play. I was capture by the soft melodic voice of Marvin Sapp. But it was the words that spoke to my heart. This time I listened with an open heart.

A feeling of wonderment and joy began to course through me! This man was singing my testimony. Leaning forward I began to remember. I remembered several years of being in the Hospital due to sickness and how I would pray to God for strength just to endure the pain. There is not doubt in my mind that, I never would have made it. I too remembered suffering from depression, reflecting on hard it was to just wake up in the morning to get dressed. Mundane tasks were daunting for me. I never would have made it with out God.

There is a verse in the song that says “Made it. Is there anybody in this house other than me that can declare that you made it? Tell your neighbor” There was a point in my life, I could not tell my neighbor or family for that matter that I made it, as the situation dictated to me other wise. But I did make it. With persistent prayer and a high dosage of faith that I too could be healed, I too can declare as the song does...that I made it.

I made it through; the hurtles of sickness, survived the darts of depression, and defied the labels of rejections. I made it and you can too! The bible proclaims: “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.” Philippians 4:13. The “lyrics goes on to say. I am stronger I am stronger; I am wiser, I am better, Much better. This song is my testimony.

picture courtesy of WAK