In fact, this is a daily struggle for ALL of humanity, always, right?  In the Bible’s true and real stories, we see people struggling to live contentedly, freely and at peace.  Adam and Eve had a custom-made marriage (No in-laws!) and the perfect home until they lost it.  Moses was a great leader and pioneered an entire nation toward freedom but died just short of the Promised Land.  Samson was one of the most powerful leaders ever but fell to Delilah’s deceit.  King David picked by God and loved God but missed the chance to build God’s temple.  Even Solomon possessed divine wealth and wisdom, built the temple but compromised his faith.  Jonah preached with great results then pouted next to a dead weed.  The Rich Young Ruler possessed youth, wealth and status then walked away in sorrow.  The Apostle Peter proclaimed The Christ then denied even knowing Jesus!  Ananias and Sapphira appeared to be the perfect couple, gave “generously” but lied and died.

We are in good company—God always works through messy people looking for freedom in all the wrong places.  There are lonely, single parents looking for THAT relationship that will change it all.  One more lottery ticket, one more trip to the casino and one more plastic surgery.  The fearful, controlling business or church leader who knows one more decision, reaching one more goal will put it over the top.  Set a new sales record—go above and beyond again!  This is not an addiction, right?  One more fling.  One more trip.  One more win.  One more high.  One more…

GraceMed Health Clinic and Freedom’s Source

In many ways, these beautiful words from Isaiah represent the GraceMed Mission…

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.  He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.”  (Isaiah 61:1)

In our world, culture and homes we see how fleeting real freedom can be so how is this even possible?  Spoken in the Old Testament now seen in the New Testament—HE shows up!  Jesus expresses His fulfillment of Isaiah’s words in John, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”  (John 8:36)  Real and lasting freedom only exists through Jesus—everything else is a diversion and delay.  The Apostle Paul’s words always inform, challenge and encourage—he is so honest about his own struggle to find and live in freedom:  “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.  I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.”  (Romans 7:18-19)  Maybe if Paul can be this open and honest we can too!  We must come to the end of ourselves to find genuine faith in God.  GraceMed provides this opportunity daily.  We walk with people toward physical health, emotional well-being, and faith in God, genuine freedom in the middle of life’s struggles—it is why we are here!  Paul does not leave us hanging but points us to freedom’s source:   “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”  (Romans 8:1-2)  Jesus is good news, comfort, and The One who sets all of us prisoners free!

GraceMed Health Clinic and Freedom’s Mission

More than changing the rules of the prison, Jesus transforms the prisoner and calls us at GraceMed to join Him on His journey!  Hebrews describes exactly what this freedom trail looks like:  “So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates to make his people holy by means of his own blood. 13 So let us go out to him, outside the camp, and bear the disgrace he bore. 14 For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.”  (Hebrews 13:12-14)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer the German pastor and scholar murdered by Hitler at the end of World War 2, describes the gift of “costly grace”…

Grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it costs God the life of His Son: “ye were bought at a price,” and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us.

In a complex world, we invite you to experience the healing power of faith and clinical expertise at GraceMed Health Clinic – your partner on the journey to lasting freedom.  Your prayerful support and encouragement is always needed and welcome! 

Together, let us celebrate and enjoy health and freedom!