Friday, October 31, 2014

     Our baby girl is 24 today. Our beautiful, out-going, intelligent and creative daughter was born into a family of introverts. Vying for the front row, posing front and center in all of her older sister’s birthday pictures and offering to do solo dances whenever possible over her years of dance, she continues to amaze us every day. She has brought new experiences into all of our lives and we are grateful.

Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.  Proverbs 22:6

     Lauren has always known and loved Jesus and He continues to be front and center in her life. She and her fiancĂ© are looking forward to joining a new church together and nothing could give us greater joy.  Paul mentions in his first letter to the Thessalonians that those we bring to Christ will be our crown and joy in heaven and I understand the truth of that statement. Here is a prayer for all of our children.

All your children will be taught by the Lord and great will be their peace. Isaiah 54:13

     We belong to Jesus and each of us has a personality, a spiritual gift or two, natural talents and a purpose. As Lauren follows her dreams of being a teacher, a wife and a mom, the greatest gift she will ever have, that all of us will have, is the privilege of sharing Jesus. And great will be their peace. Lauren you are our crown and joy.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for our family. Bless the families of those reading this blog today. Guide us into your ways and help us to train our children in the way they should go; straight to You.

Amen

Thursday, October 30, 2014

The Good Shepherd Oversees Our Souls

     Sheep need a shepherd. They lose their way. They go astray. They cry out for a leader. Before Jesus, we wander aimlessly through life. What’s it all about? Is it a good job? A family? The new house? Retirement? The next meal? We can always find something to focus on. The next thing. If we can just get through this, then we can finally focus on…what?

     With all of our searching and waiting and planning there will always be a missing piece. THE missing piece that longs for a Shepherd. And those questions and meanderings and flawed plans suddenly come into focus.

For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.  1 Peter 2:25

It was all about Him all along. Everything will culminate in His final appearance and the heavens and the earth will be renewed forever!

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:4

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.  Revelations 7;17

Dear Jesus,

You are the Chief Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. We wander as lost little lambs without You. Turn us to Your leading until you guide us home.
Amen

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

The Good Shepherd Carries Us

     Have you seen pictures of Jesus carrying a sheep across His shoulders? Have you felt His peace when your world was falling to pieces? Have you felt the presence of the Holy Spirit when you were all alone? Jesus carries our burdens as no one else can.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

     If you are overwhelmed with life today, rest in His presence. Read the 23rd Psalm a few times and let Him lift you up.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.  Psalm 23:3-4

     Listen to these beautiful Words from the prophet Isaiah, describing God’s heart and the promise of the Good Shepherd.

He tends His flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11

     Let our God tend to you today. Allow Him to carry all of your burdens. He carries you close to His heart.

Jesus,
You are the Good Shepherd and You care for Your flock. Touch each person’s heart in just the perfect way as only You can. We turn to You for all of our needs.

Amen

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

The Good Shepherd Leads

      Once we say, “yes” to the Good Shepherd He will guide us. Each sheep knows the Shepherd’s voice.

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him and the sheep listen to His voice. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice.  John 10:3-4

     I have been so busy the last few weeks, I haven’t taken the time to sit and listen to His voice. I haven’t obeyed His leading. How about you?

He leads me beside still waters. Psalm 33: 2b

     Let your soul find His rest today as He calms the stress, as He reminds you. He will lead you. That reassurance means so much.

Dear Lord,
You know our names and we know Your voice. Lead us in the ways we should go.
Amen

Monday, October 27, 2014

The Good Shepherd Watches and Waits

     Jesus waits and watches. We come to know Him at different ages and in varied ways. Some, like my daughters, have known Him since they were very young. I was in my early thirties. My friend, Connie, had gone to church for her entire life, but didn’t accept Him as Savior until she was sixty years old.

     Each one of us has our own story to tell. It is never to late with Him. He is always ready whenever we are. And He will keep searching and waiting until we are His. He will never let us go. He is our Good shepherd.

Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. They he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, Rejoice with me. I have found my lost sheep.” Luke 15:3-6

     Heaven rejoices when one more lost sheep is found. The Good Shepherd watches over His sheep. If you are praying for someone to know Jesus, remember He never gives up. He iw watching your parents, your siblings, your friends and co-workers. He knows the timing. He knows when we are ready to look up with softened hearts and reach out to Him. He watches and waits with open arms to bring us into the safe pasture of His love.

Dear Jesus,
Thank you for Your patience. Hear our prayers for those we love. Lead them to You and give us the right words to help. We want everyone to know the love of the Good Shepherd.

Amen 

Friday, October 24, 2014

No Fear

     Afraid of flying? Of death? Of heights or the dark? Terror or Ebola? Let’s imagine what it would be like to live a life void of fear or worry. The Bible is filled with words like, “Do not be afraid,” “Have no fear,” “Fear not,” “Do not worry about tomorrow,” and “Be anxious for nothing.”

     Trusting God completely removes fear and anxiety. Here are a few verses to help us along the way. Read them out loud if possible and memorize a few. Believe the Word of God when those worries and fears creep back in, as they are apt to do.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you. He will  never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9


You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day. Psalm 91:5 (This is a Psalm of protection. Read all of it!)

“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

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  2 Timothy 1:7

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

     Keep these in your arsenal of arrows against the enemy of our souls. He would like nothing more than for us to live a life of fear. But our God is trustworthy and His Words are true. Do not fear. Be courageous. You were given a spirit of power and love and a sound mind. He has given us the perfect love which casts out fear.

Jesus,
We believe You. Now help us to live out the Words You have given us today. You have plans for us and we WILL be bold and courageous for You.
Amen


     

Thursday, October 23, 2014

No Unforgiveness

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Ephesians 4:31

     Did you know that our belief in Jesus wipes our slate clean, past, present and future? Our sins are washed away, white as snow and our righteous and holy God now sees us through the sacrifice of His Son. With that type of forgiveness, with that kind of love that engulfs our very souls, with no more fear of death, how can we live with anger, rage and bitterness against anyone?

     You may be thinking, “But you don’t know what they did.” We want to see justice served in our lifetimes, but God tells us that vengeance is His alone. (see Romans 12) In fact we are asked to bless those that persecute us and to forgive others not just seven times but seven times seventy! (see Matthew 18 and Luke 17)

     The next verse in Ephesians 4 gives us a prescription on how to avoid anger, rage, bitterness and malice.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Dear Father God,
Through Jesus You have forgiven us. How can we do any less? Forgiveness breaks us free from bondage. Kindness and compassion can be difficult when we are angry. Show us how to be merciful.
In Jesus name
Amen


     

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

No Conceit

     We compare and compete too much don’t we? We tend to focus on the things we lack, or point out the lack in others. What would it look like if we began to give others the benefit of the doubt? Can we view others with compassion? How about seeing ourselves with that same spirit of compassion?

     Maybe, just maybe the things that drive us crazy about others are actually a part of us, too? God made you and me just the way we are for a reason. We need each other to fill in for what we lack. It causes us to be interdependent; not dependent and not fully self-sufficient. Feeling overwhelmed with life? Ask someone for help. Have a need? Ask others to pray. Feeling lost? Tell someone. All of it. I rely so much on the effort and support of those around me and I pray I return their selflessness with the things I have to give. Of course, Take these Words into your hearts today:

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Romans 12:13-18

How in the world do we do it? With the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Dear Lord,
Give us the ability to keep the peace when it would appear impossible. Keep us humble and faith-filled. We pray for each other today. We pray with hope and joy.
Amen


     

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Without Grumbling

You may hear God chuckle this week. Yes, I am entertaining. For many of you, entertaining may not strike a chord of fear within you or cause anxiety or complaining.

You might be familiar with the spiritual gifts listed in the Bible. All of us are gifted by God in unique ways and we make up the body of Christ together. I have a passion for helping others discover their spiritual gifts. Because of that, I researched many of the books and classes offered on discovering gifts.

There are around 20 spiritual gifts and the gift of hospitality always comes up with a big round 0 for me. Those of you with this gift may not even recognize it as a gift. I am always amazed at friends and family with the ability and even the desire to open their doors any hour of the day or night to others. They have a way of making others feel immediately at home.

If an event is planned I often feel like Mary in the Mary and Martha story in the Bible. I may seek out someone looking lonely or uncomfortable (the gift of mercy) or encourage someone in need (the gift of encouragement or counsel). I hope someone else will offer to set up the chairs and decorations (the gift of helps) or organize the details of the entire event (the gift of administration) and others to serve and welcome guests (the gift of hospitality).

How wonderful it is to use our gifts for God. He wants us to feel joy as we serve Him. When we are led by the Spirit to use our gifts they will come easily and we will show Christ’s love using the gifts we were meant to use. But then I came across this Scripture:

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.  1 Peter 4:9

And this one:

Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.  Romans 12:13

Oh boy. Just because we may not be gifted in a certain area does not mean we will never use the gift. As we try new things and use them for God He can develop new gifts. And if you feel the ground shift in Bloomington Minnesota, it is because I am practicing hospitality. Maybe I will even practice without grumbling.

But most days, if you need a listening ear, give me a call and if I need some fellowship and a good cup of coffee I will call you!

Dear Lord,
Thank you for the special way you have made each one of us. Let us recognize those gifts in our selves and others. Help us to use our gifts in the way you want us to use them. Protect us from competition and jealousy.

Amen

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Camping in Colossians

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:13-17

     Whew! That’s a lot to take in. Yesterday we were clothed in kindness, humility, compassion and patience. Today we add forgiveness and peace. Did you notice what the Bible says to put on over all of these virtues? Yep, there it is again…love. Love binds them all together.

     And be thankful. I am thankful to God for so many things. I have been richly blessed in my life. Tomorrow is my husband’s birthday and I thank God for him every day. Enjoy the weekend. Wrap yourself first in God’s great love and then go share it with someone else. Share it with compassion and kindness, with humility and patience. And be thankful. See you on Tuesday!

Dear Lord,
Every good and perfect gift is from above. We are thankful for Jesus and His ability to treat us with His great love and compassion.  We are dearly loved.
Amen


Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Camping in Colossians

     We have been gazing up and peeking through the stars right into the presence of Jesus. Our heavenly home is secure. What do we wear and how do we act as we continue to represent our Lord while here on earth. Paul gives us an idea.
                                                                                         
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

     I don’t know about you, but all of these attributes are often the opposite of my attitude, especially the patience. How do we clothe ourselves with kindness, compassion, humility, gentleness and patience? Look back to our verse for today.

dearly loved.”  We are chosen and dearly loved by our Creator. Accepting His love and forgiveness means everything. You are dearly loved. Clothe yourself with that thought today. Wrap up in the warmth of the love of God. You are a dearly loved child of God.

Dear Father,
Those beautiful words don’t always sink in…chosen and dearly loved. Your kind of love is beyond our capacity to understand, but with it we can move mountains.
In Jesus name,

Amen

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Camping in Colossians

     Still looking up and focusing on things above? I hope so. Spiritually speaking we will be alive forever. These old bodies will waste away, but our eternal bodies never will. Because we are united with Christ in His death, so too, are we alive with Him in His resurrection. Our earth-bound bodies and minds find this so hard to comprehend!

     God, the Father, sees only the righteousness of Christ when He sees us. As believers, He sees Jesus in place of our sin and unrighteousness. Our names are written in heaven. We are seated with Christ forever. Feel the confidence of what this means. This puts our short lives into perspective doesn’t it? Pitch your tent and camp there for awhile.

For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3:3-4

Jesus,
We have the kingdom of heaven available to us. You have given us great treasure. It is hard to accept all of these heavenly riches. Since we have been given the kingdom, we need to share it with others. There is more than enough to go around.
Amen


Monday, October 13, 2014

Camping in Colossians

     We all have a favorite verse; even a favorite chapter or Psalm, or book. I want us to camp out in one of mine; the 3rd chapter of Colossians this week. Paul’s letters to the churches are full of wisdom and guidance from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit on how to live our lives.

     Pull up a chair next to the fire. Smell the woodsy, crisp fall air. Savor the melded flavors of the chocolate-marshmellow-graham cracker combination. Listen to the sounds of the evening and as your senses begin to take in the atmosphere around you, tilt your head and look up. Appreciate the stars and the One that spoke them into being.

Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is; seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  Colossians 3:1-2

     Notice the first verse says to “set” our hearts and the 2nd verse say to “set” our minds on things above. As you gaze up at the stars, look beyond to the right hand of God. That’s where we are spiritually seated through Jesus. It doesn’t mean we are no earthly good. We just have a heavenly perspective from setting our hearts and minds on Him.

Father,
Teach us to fix our gaze on You, to determinedly set our hearts and minds on things above each and every day, understanding Your sovereignty over all things. Things above. Where Christ dwells.

Amen 

Friday, October 10, 2014

A Cloud of Witnesses

     Love the Lord. Leave a legacy. Live your life. As you consider our witnesses past and present, think about your future as a witness. I love the fact that there are clouds of witnesses, thousands upon thousands of them in heaven, still making a difference on earth. God chose the people of the Bible to continually teach us and guide us. We encounter situations in our lives that are echoed in their stories.

     I want the echo of my life to resound after I leave this earth and, most importantly, to leave a legacy of faith. Without Jesus, it would be impossible to get through the days. But with Him?

I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:13

     Guarding our hearts away from the cares of this world is not easy. But all of those worries, all of that fear and doubt? He’s got them all under control and we can do all this through His strength. Each day brings us closer and closer to meeting Him face to face and being greeted by our cloud of witnesses.

Dear Lord,
We want to be a witness for You. Show us how as we get through our short lives on earth. Make us matter as we bring glory to You through what we say and how we live,
Amen


Thursday, October 9, 2014

A Cloud of Witnesses

     The heroes of our faith long gone, bless us today through their histories. Our loved ones gone from earth fill our hearts, waiting in heaven. The list included in our cloud of witnesses gathers around us to strengthen us and give us hope.

     What about the witnesses currently affecting us? Are there women and men of faith inspiring you right now, right here, at this time in history? I am inspired daily by pastors and leaders around the world, standing for their faith, willing to give their lives and hearts to the gospel of Christ.

     I have a group of 30 amazing women gathered around me on Tuesday mornings. They love Jesus. They love the Word of God and as the proverb says:

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

     We sharpen each other, loving each other even when we disagree. As Beth Moore says in our current Bible study, Children of the Day,  “We don’t have to see eye to eye to walk side by side."

     I pray for you to find women and men of faith to help you grow, to walk by your side, to admonish, encourage and teach you. We all have so much to learn from our cloud of witnesses.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  Colossians 3:16

Jesus,
Today we thank you for the witnesses You have given us. Bring others around us to strengthen us in our faith. You have a way of bringing just the right people around us at just the right time.
Amen


Wednesday, October 8, 2014

A Cloud of Witnesses

     Our great cloud of witnesses includes believers past and present. Jesus, in the 17th chapter of the Gospel of John, not only prays for Himself, and for His followers, but He prays into the future for all who will believe. That's us!

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent me.    John 17:21

     This brings the communion of saints to a much deeper level. When we take communion and remember the sacrifice and forgiveness of Jesus, we come to the table together with the past, the present, and the future believers. We are in the presence of the cloud of witnesses. I hope and pray this brings comfort to you today. Next time you take communion think about your friends, your grandparents, your parents, or siblings and other loved ones already in heaven. They are present with you in this sacred covenant and we will be together again one day.

     In the meantime, we are one together with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, united together to make Christ’s presence known. With so great a cloud of witnesses, we can do it!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for watching over us. You prayed for us two thousand years ago and You are with us today. Watch over our loved ones in heaven. We are one with them in Spirit and one day soon we will all be together forever.
Amen



Tuesday, October 7, 2014

A Cloud of Witnesses

     The men and women of the Old Testament are part of our “cloud of witnesses.” They moved ahead in faith. Abraham did not know where he was going, but he followed the instructions of God. Moses could not have foreseen the armies behind him. He could not have imagined the parting of the Red Sea. And he certainly did not envision leading 2 million people for 40 years on what should have been an 11-day journey. And yet, he followed and obeyed. He trusted God for each step along the way.

     Knowing God so intimately is a gift available to us. The living breathing Spirit of Christ can lead us even when we are scared. Even when the sea is about to crash over us. Even when our future looks bleak. Here is a great definition of faith.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.  Hebrews 11:1

     Take your lead from the pioneers of our faith. And as we believe in what we cannot see and have confidence in our hope in God we please Him.  It’s all about faith.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.  Hebrews 11:6

Lord Jesus,
We want to earnestly seek You. Give us eyes and ears of faith. We, too, want to leave a legacy of faith with our families and friends. Guide us steps to trust You and to seek the wisdom of our cloud of witnesses.
Amen


     

Monday, October 6, 2014

A Cloud of Witnesses

     The footsteps of faith mark the way. The ones that went before us. The trails of their lives teach us. One left everything he had known to travel to places unknown. One led his people despite his weaknesses. One built an ark and suffered ridicule and heartache. They fought and obeyed and suffered and believed. Can we leave such a witness?

     The 11th chapter of the Book of Hebrews in the New Testament is often called the “Hall of Faith.” It lists them, one after the other; Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob and so many more. They walked by faith and not by sight. Their lives would begin the journey to Jesus.

     And here we are in this age of grace. Because of their faith and witness, we learn to listen to our God. Can we trust Him through our suffering and our doubts and our uncertain futures? They did.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

Dear Father,
We thank You for these men and women of faith. Let us continue to read Your Word as You teach us through the lives of so many. Walking by faith pleases You. Even when we don’t see the promised land, we will follow You.
In Jesus name,

Amen

Friday, October 3, 2014

Following Jesus

     Following in the footsteps of Jesus is impossible on our own. Rather than seeking a time of solitude and prayer with our Father In heaven, we often choose a few more minutes of sleep, a quick glance at the newspaper, or take the extra time to answer our e-mails or check in on a social network. We want to stay in our comfort zones with our own friends and family. We don’t venture too far. It’s scary out there.

     Even the idea of bringing up the subject of faith in Christ causes a tingling of fear and anxiety. Luckily for us, Jesus rose again and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He said it would be better for His followers when He went away. The reason? The power of the Holy Spirit could be unleashed to many.

When the day of Pentecost came they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues-as the Spirit enabled them.  Acts: 2:1-4

     Today we may not hear a violent wind or see flames shooting above our heads, but that same Holy Spirit is within us. We have the power of the Spirit of Christ and when we rely on that Spirit we will find time to spend with God, time to speak of Jesus, time to hang out with those that need Him most. The power and the Spirit of Christ. Can you imagine?

Dear Jesus,
Following Your example takes the guiding and teaching of Your Spirit. We thank You for the power You give each one of us, each in our own way, to be Your hands and feet, Your eyes and ears to bring Your presence to others.

Amen

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Following Jesus

     We love our sisters and brothers in the faith. Studying the Word together, counting on one another for prayer, and worshipping together is essential. Our church communities are meant to build us up in the faith, encourage us and give us strength to live as Christians in a secular world. But we are not meant to close ourselves off from that world. Jesus gave His followers what is called, “the great commission.”

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Matthew 28:19

     The Pharisees did not like the fact that Jesus hung out with the “wrong” crowd. He spoke with prostitutes, dined with tax collectors and even spoke to a Samaritan woman in the light of day. Those lawmakers liked to turn their noses up at the “sinners” congratulating themselves on being nothing like them.

   While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”  Matthew 9:10-12 

The world needs Jesus.  We are to be the light of the world. Light overcomes darkness. Be a witness for Him.

Dear Lord,
The church is meant to open doors and look out to others. Keep us from hiding ourselves away in our safe places. Move us into the world around us. We have Your joy and Your love. Let it be contagious.

Amen

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Following Jesus

     The house was full. The crowds were huge. The Word had spread about Jesus. His teaching was different from anything they had ever heard. Demons fled. Sight was restored. Some were healed just by touching His gown. And there they came; the four faithful friends of the paralytic. They carried their friend through the streets on a mat, determined to find Him. The One.

     It seemed an impossible task when they came upon the crowd. There was no way to get into the house. Or was there?

     Read along with me.

Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lyng on. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man, “Son your sins are forgiven.”  Mark 2:4-5

     What would you do to lead your friends to Jesus? They wanted their friend to walk. Here’s the interesting part. Jesus sees their faith. Does He heal the paralyzed man. Eventually He does. But what comes first? “Son your sins are forgiven.”

     God uses our suffering to bring us to Him. His priority is to save us for eternity, to forgive us through Jesus. That comes first. He wants our hearts. He wants us to hear the message and take it in and then we become the messengers, bringing our friends to see Him.

Dear Jesus,
Use our faith. Let us in among the crowds with our friends. Give us the message You want us to share and help us to bring our hurting friends to You. Many are paralyzed with hurt and fear and doubt and grief. We can carry their burdens and leave them with You for forgiveness and healing.
Amen