There is a balm in Gilead

As I write this, I am recovering from both viral and bacterial infections. 'Tis the season. . . and as a preacher, I tend to be most vulnerable where I can least afford to be: my voice.  (cue Devil guffawing and God giggling track)  Of course, even though I may speak less, the Word of God will not be silenced under any circumstances (take that, Devil!)


So I am filled with deep gratitude that tomorrow at St. Peter's, I will be able to receive the healing and life I so desperately need.
 -- I will soak in the Word that gives hope and life.
-- I will bask in the voices of praise and adoration that fill the air
-- I will stretch out my hands to receive the body and blood by which my deepest, most sinful ills are healed by God's grace
--and I will bow my head while a brother lays hands on me with prayers and anoints me with the oil of healing

For some, church may seem an empty, perfunctory religion.  But for me, it is the community of faith in which the living God is present, speaking, teaching, forgiving sins, healing, giving life and salvation. 

There is a balm in Gilead to save the weary  sinsick soul -- Jesus.

He is here for you, too.