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PWTE Daily Devotion

Peace for the Healed Throat

Peace comes from the healing of our souls.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

A number of people have made their way to the Pikes Peak region hoping for better health. Such was the case for Jerome and Harriet Wheeler. The couple settle in the Manitou Springs area in 1883 because of Harriet’s health.

Wheeler Spring, Manitou Springs, Colorado
Wheeler Spring, Manitou Springs, Colorado

Jerome Wheeler had been president and half owner of Macy’s in New York, but he came to Manitou hoping Harriet’s health would improve. People believed that the mineral springs possessed healing properties. In fact, they bottled some of the the water from the natural artesian mineral wells and sold it for this purpose.

All human creatures need healing. Many of us disagree on how we’re healed or even if we can be healed. Though we might desire physical healing, it is our souls that need restoration.  

Christians claim that Christ Jesus is our healer. And through his healing, borne in death, we’re declared whole.  

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 5:1 English Standard Version

The healing that Christ brings is healing that declares us whole and gives us peace. Does this mean that we’ll always feel this peace and wholeness? No. We still struggle with sin that separates us from God and from one another. There is both a now and not yet to God’s healing in Christ. But the fact remains: Christ Jesus has become our peace. We are healed whether we feel it or not.

Copyright Douglas P Brauner

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PWTE Daily Devotion

Peace for the Humbled Throat

Peace with God produces humility.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

In the early 1890’s, Winfield Scott Stratton struck it rich at the Independence Mine on Victor Colorado’s Battle Mountain.  Eight years after establishing the mine he sold it for $11 million.  What did he do with the money? After his death in 1902, he left his fortune to care for children and the elderly (a charity that still exists).

Stratton Spring, Manitou Springs, Colorado
Stratton Spring, Manitou Springs, Colorado

This bronze character of a woman bending down to scoop water is a symbol of humility.  Humility is a by-product of peace.  

At the first advent of Christ the shepherds were caught up in the glory of the heavenly host.

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace
among those with whom he is pleased!”

Luke 2:14 English Standard Version

God is pleased with you.  Sin has been washed away in the blood of Christ.  Nothing separates you from his love. He delights in you.

Stratton received $11 million for his mine.  You have received the riches of heaven.  As this wealth produced a humble heart in Stratton’s life may the wealth of heaven and the peace that is ours in Christ produce in us a humble spirit.

Copyright Douglas P Brauner

Categories
PWTE Daily Devotion

Peace for the Parched Throat

We are thirsty because of sin.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“…but God shows his love for us in
that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 English Standard Version

Manitou Springs is a quirky community neighboring Colorado Springs.  Unlike Colorado Springs it actually has natural mineral springs scattered throughout the town.

Manitou Springs, Colorado
Manitou Springs, Colorado

Many of these springs are the result of drilling, however, Shoshone Spring is a natural artesian mineral spring. The building in the background was built in the 1890’s and housed the spring until a more recent external font was designed and constructed by artist Carl Reed.

On my visit to Manitou it was the only spring I visited that wasn’t pumping water.  It was dry.

Sin robs us of peace.  We are these amazing creations of God; fashioned, formed and brought to life by God himself.  And it is sin that has robbed us of peace.

As we begin this journey of exploring peace, we start by understanding that the peace of Christ quenches our parched throats.  Peace does not come from us.  It is a gift.  It is a gift given to us through the violence of Jesus’ cross and the glory of his resurrection.

Water is an amazing symbol of peace.  My hope is that through these blogs you will see the effect of God’s gift of peace in your life.

Copyright Douglas P Brauner