Heaven’s Healthcare Plan: Fully Covered by Grace 

Many of us know firsthand how quickly medical costs can add up. And when we are in this position, we hope and pray our healthcare coverage is adequate.

Because we consider the deductibles, co-pays, out-of-pocket maximums, and any out-of-network costs.

With Mike’s heart attack five months ago, open heart surgery four months ago, transports to two different hospitals, critical care for five weeks, claims the end of last year alone were over 3 million. 

Talk about sticker shock. But gratefully, our total costs were not astronomical, not even close. Our out-of-pocket costs were minimal comparatively.

Of course, we’ve entered a new year and started over with medical equipment, home health, physical therapy, cardio rehab classes, and clinic appointments and tests in Nashville, TN. 

So we know the staggering numbers for healthcare. Maybe you do as well. 

But in the middle of thinking about physical health and financial responsibility, I began to consider something even more important: our spiritual health.

Spiritual Healthcare

God created each of us with three vital parts—body, soul, and spirit. While we often focus on caring for our bodies, how often do we think about the care of our soul? Or the condition of our spirit?

The truth is, as believers, we already possess the most complete and perfect coverage imaginable.

The moment we come to Christ, we enroll in heaven’s spiritual care plan.

And the benefits? They are beyond anything this world could offer.

This is a plan you can trust completely. There are no hidden clauses, no exclusions, and no fine print. Nothing is denied or partially covered.

Instead, it reads, paid in full.

Through Jesus—our Savior and High Priest—His ultimate sacrifice on the cross covers our cost. The balance on your account? Zero. Your responsibility? None.

You will never receive a bill.

Heaven’s Healthcare Benefits

Consider just a few of the benefits included in this divine plan:

When God Says He Will And He Does

We humans often lack a wonderful thing—follow through. We promise to do something. Yet we fail to complete it. But not God. When God says He will do something, He does it. Hallelujah! 

Because God’s record of follow through, keeping promises, and completing I-will-statements stands at 100 percent fulfillment rate.

“Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.” Joshua 21:45 (ESV)

And God as the true promise-keeper is always Yes and Amen.

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)

Let’s look at 10 of these I-Will-Promses.

When God Says He Will Call You and Send You

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

Wow, God calls us to Himself and then we get to spread the gospel message. It’s not we “have to” share the gospel. Sharing the good news is part of our calling and a blessing.

He Will Never Leave You

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b (NIV)

And He doesn’t.

When God Says He Will Help You

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

God strengthens, helps, and upholds His children. Thank you, Lord.

He Will Give You Rest

3 Steps to Focus on Jesus and The Resurrection

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”  Matthew 28:6 (NIV)

I never want to get over how Jesus rose from the dead for me. 

And He rose from the dead for you. 

So I desire to focus on Jesus this time of year and all year long.

Christ came to live among the people, teach God’s truths, love unconditionally, and heal others physically and spiritually.

Sentenced as an innocent man, Jesus was crucified at the hands of influential men.

And He came to die for the sins of all mankind. The Lamb, impeccable and without blemish, was torn and tattered for us.`

Eternal life purchased for us…the first Easter gift. God desires to call each of us one of His children. There are no boundaries or limitations, not age or gender or bloodline. We each meet the same eligibility requirements because Jesus became our bloodline on the cross.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’” John 11:25 (ESV)

Good Friday, Focus on Jesus

Good Friday was the darkest day in the history of the world. When Jesus Christ, the Son of God, breathed His last breath.

But on the third day the light dispelled the darkness. Jesus conquered death and rose from the grave. He’s alive! The redemption of mankind brought through Jesus Christ.

The Messiah took our place and released us to freedom. His innocent blood cancels the spiritual accusations against us.

Jesus Rose From the Dead: What This Means

• The triune God canceled our eternal punishment and death. The resurrection gave us everlasting life.
• Jesus’ blood canceled our sin debt. The resurrection gave us grace.
• God canceled our former life. The resurrection gave us new life.
• Our Father canceled the enemy’s bondage. The resurrection gave us freedom.

Celebrate Life: 5 Milestones Since Mike’s Miracle

What milestones mark something special in your life?

Three hospitals. Forty three days. Critical Care. Tests. Procedures. Cardiac Caths. Open heart surgery. The days turned long and weary. The nights even longer. Thoughts swirled through my head in the darkness. What-if’s tempted to plague my mind keeping sleep at bay. But silent prayers brought hope:

Lord, give me strength. Help us, Father. God, please touch Mike’s body, heal him. 

Four months have passed since my husband’s heart attack. Mike’s a walking, talking, and living miracle. While the ordeal is forever etched in my mind, the miracles we experienced along the way far outweigh the hard moments. 

Thankfully, we are in a good place today. Mike’s doing well and he’s made great progress. Praises to the Lord! 

So I’m sharing 5 milestones since coming home from the hospital. 

(1.) Milestones: Celebrating Life

A baby in the womb. A newborn. The resurrected Christ. All reminders of a Creator who gives life and breath and grace. And our family is reminded daily of the miracle of life in Mike. He’s not supposed to be here, but he is. The word miracle rolls off my lips often and rightly so. Not a day these last four months has gone by without remembering the miracle of life. 

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (ESV)

(2.) Celebrating Another Birthday

Mike recently celebrated a birthday. As you might imagine, this birthday was special to him and our family. Because he’s still with us. Mike and I camped overnight then returned home for a family meal at a local restaurant. And finished with cake and cookies and the Happy Birthday song. Mike said, “Best birthday ever!” 

(3.) Milestones: Stronger Every Day

Where Am I Trying to Be God in My Life?

Where am I trying to be God in my life? Am I reigning over any area and not releasing the reins and control to God? And what if I simply let God be God in the world and in my life?

Because I’ve discovered something significant about the Christian life. Following Jesus with full surrender and abandon, fulfilling my calling, ministry, and faithfully living as a believer, is not even about me. 

It’s about the One who said, “Follow Me.” 

And it’s about loving and obeying my heavenly Father with all my heart, soul, and mind. 

But sometimes we take on God’s job, desiring control over our lives and running ahead of Him. What if we simply let God do His job as God? If He manages the universe, He can certainly manage my life.

So, we let the Almighty reign over our decisions, circumstances, dreams, and life—every area.

Most importantly, isn’t He the only One who perfectly fills the role as God? No other person or god meets the requirements like the Lord. He’s the most qualified and the most trustworthy. 

G – Give God the reins and reign: God in my life

“God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.” Psalm 47:8 (ESV)

Often, we take the reins in particular areas of our lives. And it leads to less-than-best outcomes—even turmoil. Instead, we allow the Lord to take the reins, hold the reins, and keep the reins in everything.

This supercharges His Lordship over us as we surrender total control to Him.

When we give up the reins, God reigns supreme. The Lord takes His rightful place in our hearts and lives.

There’s No One Like God Who Died for Me

What kind of God leaves the splendor and majesty of heaven to die for me? My God. So there’s no one—person or god—like God who died for me.

Because the Bible tells of our need for a Savior to save us from our sins. (See Romans 3:23; 6:23)

How amazing the one true God not only created beings for His good pleasure and relationship with Him.

But God also provided a way back to Himself when the first humans disobeyed Him.

This way back to Him came through the incarnation of God, His Son. Christ suffered and died for all humanity

The God who died for me created me in His image.

Out of great love, God created humans in His own image. 

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 (ESV)

“For you formed my inward parts, you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)

God didn’t have to create me or you, but He chose to. He wanted to. And He took great pleasure in forming us into His image to reflect His glory.

This same God pursued me.

“For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out.” Ezekiel 34:11 (ESV) 

Also, the Good Shepherd leaves the 99 sheep to pursue and find the one lost sheep. (Luke 15:4-7)

Just imagine a God with such extravagant love that He never, ever stops pursuing us. He continually seeks us out, even with others safely in His fold. He leaves the 99 for us every time.

No one like God who died for me.

Our God, in His lovingkindness, left His throne room in heaven and became flesh. Jesus Christ, the incarnation of God, never lost an ounce of His deity. Yet, He came to die for me and for you. 

The Astonishing Way God Gifted Us With Grace

As we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it reminds us how God gifted us with grace.

And how God gives us amazing grace—His love and mercy and favor underserved by us, yet freely given to us through Christ.

Because grace came in the form of a baby in Bethlehem. Grace grew into a man who spoke about God’s Kingdom and performed miracles. 

And Grace died on Calvary’s cross, rose from the dead, and now sits at the right hand of the Father. 

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (ESV)

“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:16 (ESV)

And grace changes who we are. It changes our eternal destiny.

Also, grace changes how the Lord sees us—under grace, no longer condemned by the enemy or sin.

I’m not sinless but saved, not perfect but forgiven, not rejected but chosen, and not unloved but cherished. This identity in Christ comes through grace, amazing grace.

G – God paid the price: God Gifted Us

God extended amazing grace to us at such a high price, His Son.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” 2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV)

R – Redemption is free

How God Set Eternity in Our Hearts: 10 Scriptures

As Easter approaches, we remember the crucifixtion of Jesus on the cross and celebrate the risen Savior. So it’s a good time to consider how God set eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Before I met Jesus as Savior and Lord at sixteen, eternity wasn’t something I thought about. But salvation scriptures show us how God set eternity in our hearts from the beginning.

But as I understood God’s story in sending Jesus, His Son, to die for me, eternity became a vital part of my God-story.

Because according to the Bible, the gospel message is the foundation of these main essentials:

Jesus. The Savior who loves us and takes away the sins of the world.

Salvation. Eternal life provided through the bloodshed of Jesus.

Eternity. Spiritual life after this physical life in either heaven or hell.

So let’s look at a list of scriptures from the Bible that show us our need for salvation, the gift of eternal life, and how this gift shows us how God set eternity in our hearts from the beginning.

God Set Eternity in Us

(1.) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17 (ESV)

(2.) “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 (ESV)

(3.) “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (ESV)

Do We Realize the Sheer Magnitude of Prayer?

Do we really understand the sheer magnitude of prayer?

Many times we underestimate the power of prayer. And what praying accomplishes in our lives, hearts, and in the heavenly realm. 

Because believing in prayer is not the same as fully understanding what it can do. And believing is not the same as actually spending time in prayer. 

Whether it’s unprecedented days in the world or my world, I desire to spend more time with God in prayer—to anchor myself to Him. 

Even though our recent journey of my husband’s heart attack gave us a glimpse of how prayer can change things, I need the magnitude of prayer every day.

So let’s look at 7 reminders for our hearts of the sheer magnitude of P-R-A-Y-E-R.

Sheer Magnitude of Prayer

P – Proclaims the Lord’s glory and praise.

Proclaiming the Lord’s glory and praise is not just for times of corporate worship. In fact, prayer is a form of individual worship. And it’s never all about us like a kid with a wish-list of wants and give-me’s. 

Praising the Lord and glorifying His holy name is a great way to start prayer. And even pray praising Him throughout the day.

“My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day.” Psalm 71:8 (ESV)

Valentine: What Love Is and What Love Is Not

There’s a special valentine invitation unlike any we’ve ever received. But first, we must understand what love is and what love is not.

When you think of Valentine’s Day, what memories come to mind? 

Perhaps, Will you be mine? invites in grade school, college, and adulthood.

Maybe a special someone entered your life, you received a marriage proposal, or your spouse went over the top to celebrate your love.

Even a sweet childhood memory may still captivate us. Or, memories surrounding this love-holiday uncover feelings of emptiness or a lack of love. 

But the most lavish, epic, and monumental Valentine’s Day to ever take place in history, celebrates the best kind of love—God’s love.

This is Love

So let’s look at what love is and what love is not.

The Bible contains some of the most powerful and beautiful words ever penned on love. 

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (ESV)

What Love is Not

God’s Word helps us wrap our heads around this kind of love through compare and contrast from 1 Corinthians 13.

Love is not: envious, boastful, proud, dishonoring to others, self-seeking, easily angered, keeping a record of wrongs, and delighting in evil.

Ouch! I don’t know about you, but I’ve been guilty of most at some point in my life.

Yet, God’s special love remains our only hope for overcoming these unloving attributes. And when we truly live the crucified life,—Jesus living in and through us—the Spirit wins over our flesh more and more often.

What Love is 

1 Corinthians 13 clarifies the wonderful qualities of God’s extravagant love.

Love is: patient, kind, rejoicing with the truth, protective, trusting, hopeful, persevering, and unfailing.