Not indifferent

He laid hands on the man’s eyes a second time and he saw clearly. (Mark 8:25)

Have you ever noticed that Jesus is never in a hurry? Take today’s Gospel, for instance. Instead of acting right away, Jesus gently led a blind man to a place where they could be alone. He then prayed with him and took the time to ask how well he was seeing. Then he prayed with him again, until his vision was completely restored.

We don’t know why this miracle happened in stages, but it’s clear that the ongoing interaction between Jesus and this man reveals an important aspect of God’s plan for healing. 

We all know what it’s like to beg God to heal a sickness or an inner wound caused by divided relationships. Sometimes he answers right away, giving a powerful witness to us and the people around us. But it seems that he is more likely to take his time. We experience a partial healing, but the illness remains. We are more at peace and more forgiving, but there’s still a sting to the inner wound.

We don’t know exactly why God takes his time with us. This is one of the great mysteries of our faith. But we should never think that Jesus is indifferent to our needs. Our healing matters to him, but it seems that there are times that he wants to heal us on a deeper level than we are looking for.

Perhaps he wants to build our trust in him. Perhaps he “delays” to strengthen our faith. Or perhaps he wants our humble surrender to him to testify to the people around us. Whatever the case, we can be sure that every time we come to Jesus for healing, he hears us and answers us. Every time we come to him, he touches us a little more deeply and asks, “Do you see me more clearly now?”

You may be suffering physically. You may have a deep emotional or psychological hurt. Your healing may come incrementally instead of all at once. Trust that Jesus is healing you. A deep hurt can take time to mend; it can require a gradual letting go. But each step along the path helps you see Jesus more clearly, and that’s the most important healing of all. 

“Thank you, Jesus, that you are committed to making me whole. Help me to be as patient with myself as you are.”

from wau.org

Life of truth and love

You have lost the love you had at first. (Revelation 2:4) 

Ephesus. AD 90. The tiny Christian community in this fourth largest city in the Roman Empire has gathered in a church member’s home for the weekly celebration of the Lord’s Supper. A ripple of excitement goes around the room as a lector begins to read out a long pastoral letter that has just arrived—a letter that we now call the Book of Revelation. Coming from a revered leader named John, the “prophetic message” opens with specific words of knowledge for seven churches in Asia Minor. Ears prick up as the group hears “the church in Ephesus” addressed first (Revelation 2:1).

It’s painful to picture the Ephesian believers listening to the assessment of their weaknesses that follows. Maybe they expected nothing but praise. For forty years, they had labored patiently. They had suffered hostility from citizens who worshiped false gods and took pride in the city’s temple to Artemis. They had stayed on guard against the false teachers. They had opposed heretics and preserved doctrinal truth. John’s letter commends them for these accomplishments. But then, unexpectedly, there comes a sobering reproach: “You have lost the love you had at first. . . . Repent, and do the works you did at first” (Revelation 2:4, 5). 

What went wrong? Apparently, the Ephesians’ zeal for orthodoxy came at the expense of love. In a subtle shift of focus, correcting false beliefs became their chief concern. Vigilant against doctrinal deviations, the Ephesians seemed to have slipped into a harsh, fault-finding spirit that created distrust and division.

Scripture doesn’t say how the Ephesians responded. But their story invites us to consider whether we are keeping love at the forefront while also preserving the truth. Our emphasis on love can protect our unity and our peace—both in our families and in the Church. Our love can cover “a multitude of sins” among us (1 Peter 4:8). It can keep us from sounding like “a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal” when we talk about the truths of our faith (1 Corinthians 13:1). Ultimately, our love for each other will convince the world about the truth of Jesus (John 13:35).

May we all learn how to live “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15)!

“Come, Holy Spirit! Lead me in the way of love and truth.”

from wau.org

"I will do it"

Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean. (Luke 5:12)

Obviously this man had faith. He sincerely believed that Jesus could heal him. Still, it seems he wasn’t sure if Jesus would heal him. Having a disfiguring skin disease may have made him unwilling to ask for help. Also, many in his day viewed leprosy as the result of sin. Imagine the shame this man must have been bearing!

But none of this mattered to Jesus. The man’s belief that Jesus could do the impossible and the fact that he was reaching out for help were all he needed. And so in this story, we have an illustration of something Jesus later told his apostles: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you” (Luke 17:6). The man had faith, and the impossible happened.

This is the kind of faith that Jesus is looking for in us—not perfect faith, mind you; just enough to yield to him. But like this fellow, we may believe that God can bless and heal; we’re just not sure he wants to do it for us. We may feel unworthy of his attention. We may think that some sin from our past disqualifies us. Or we may question our own faith, and so hesitate to reach out to the Lord for healing.

To each of these fears—and whatever other obstacles we may face—Jesus offers a very simple response: “I will do it” (Luke 5:13). He assures you of his love for you. He smiles when you think he will condemn you. He even laughs a bit at your thought that you don’t matter to him. “Of course you matter! Come over here, and let me embrace you,” he says with a warm smile.

What areas in your life need the touch of Jesus? Whatever they are, believe that he wants to help you. Let him heal your illness or help you accept it. He may help you reconcile with an old friend or family member. Maybe he will provide for a need you didn’t know you had. Whatever the case, believe that he can, and that he wants to, work!

from wau.org

Debt of LOVE

You shall love. (Romans 13:9)

Imagine trying to reach a destination with directions that state only “Don’t take this road” or “Avoid that highway.” You’d probably never get to where you want to go! Instructions like “Don’t” and “You shall not” tend to stop us in our tracks. Of course, they are useful and beneficial because God knows, we need to be stopped from time to time! But the commandments “You shall not commit adultery, kill, steal, or covet” don’t move us to love more; they just keep us from failing to love.

 

On the other hand, “You shall love” propels us forward. It spurs us on to treat the people around us the way God treats us: with patience and kindness, with compassion and understanding. It urges us to forgive over and over, even seventy times seven times. It teaches us to let go of our grudges and to treat people with honor and consideration far beyond what they deserve—all because this is exactly how our heavenly Father deals with us. He doesn’t just not hate us. He doesn’t just not mistreat us. He lifts us up and fills us with every grace and blessing!

Think of the times you have known or experienced the love of God especially deeply. That is the love God wants us to show the people around us today. It’s a love that is patient with someone who is slow to “get it,” whether “it” is grasping an explanation, accelerating when the traffic light turns green, or placing a fortieth item on the ten-item express lane at the grocery store. It’s a love that is kind, even in little things like holding a door for a stroller-pushing shopper or paying a compliment when it is least expected. It’s a love that extends consideration and honor to everyone, regardless of his or her social position.

“You shall love” (Romans 13:9). This command is for each of us, no matter how we are feeling. Our acts of love, however small or seemingly inconsequential, open the door for the Holy Spirit to come in more fully and change the atmosphere, both in our hearts and in whatever place we find ourselves.

So get out there, and change the world, simply by loving!

“Holy Spirit, give me a fresh outpouring of your love so that I can share it with everyone I meet today!”

from wau.org

Under the Father's wings

I will multiply them, and put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling shall be with them; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Ezekiel 37:26-27)

Think about the way a hen gathers her chicks. She will spread her wings out to provide a safe place for them if there is any danger. As the chicks burrow under their mother’s wings, you can’t even tell they are hiding there. Well, this is how God wants you to think of him. 

The children of Israel had turned away from him and gone after false gods. They had turned away from their covenant with him, and now they were reaping the consequences of their sin: their Temple was destroyed, and they were sent away in shame to live as exiles in a foreign land. Still, even as they adjusted to their new status as refugees, God promised through the prophet Ezekiel that he would gather them back under his wings. He would forgive them and renew his covenant of peace with them. He would deliver them from exile.

What God promised for the Israelites he has also promised for us—and he has fulfilled that promise in a surprising, powerful way! When we were lost in the exile of sin, he sent his Son Jesus to bring us home. On the cross, Jesus gave up his life so that we could find shelter in our Father’s wings.

This is who your God is. He gathers and he protects. He heals and he delivers. He is very near to us, always ready to welcome us with open arms. Even if we feel unworthy or distant, that’s not how he sees us. He sees us as vulnerable children needing his protection and guidance—something he’s always ready to give.

So run to the shelter of God’s wings today. Place your trust in him. When you feel tempted to be angry or give into ungodly thoughts, when you feel downcast or worried, when you are unsure or confused, run to him. He will never refuse you!

“Thank you, Father, for your love and mercy! Thank you that I can run to you at any time to find your protection and comfort. You are my deliverer, my shelter, my hope. All I need is in you.”

from wau.org

The "Running" Father

He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)

This parable has had many different titles through the years. Of course, there’s “The Prodigal Son,” but it has also been called “The Lost Son,” “Two Sons,” and even “The Running Father.” But perhaps Jesus’ listeners would have called it “The Foolish Father.” The way that the father handled his wayward son was completely against the logic or tradition of first-century Judaism.

First, by asking for his inheritance while his father was living, the youngest son was implying that he wished his father were dead. The father should have been furious at the request, but he divided up the inheritance instead.

Second, when the father gave his son his share of the inheritance—cattle, crop, and whatever other goods it consisted of—the son sold it, took the money, and ran with it. This was not just an insult but a financial blow to his father. Even if the father were to divide his estate before his death, his sons would not have been allowed to sell anything until after he had passed away. The father still needed to live, after all!

The fact that the father ran to greet this son would also have been shocking to Jesus’ listeners. It was considered undignified for a mature man to be chasing after his son like that. As patriarchal as Jewish society was, children always came to their fathers, not the other way around! So it would have been scandalous for the father to humiliate himself before this ungrateful son.

Finally, when the father killed the fatted calf and threw a big party, he was indirectly using the eldest son’s inheritance. There was nothing else left to use. No wonder the older boy was angry!

Jesus used the father’s outlandish behavior to highlight the depth of God’s mercy. It’s almost illogical the way our heavenly Father forgives us over and over again. It’s scandalous the way he lavishes us with undeserved treasures. But this is our God, and his love for us is real!

Today, try to imagine God racing toward you, his robes hiked up and his face filled with anticipation. Doesn’t it make you want to run to him?

“Thank you, Lord, for your endless mercy to me. Show me how to run home to you and receive your inheritance!”

from wau.org

Worship Closet: A Perfect love song by Anita Wilson

The lyrics of this song always strikes a chord within me and I thought its worth sharing

Crucifixion type love

His Love.

Being appreciative of Gods love makes you more aware of His deep seated love for you. I will like to share with you an article I read this morning:

Jesus chose to end a short discourse on the end of the world with the command to stand up straight. In essence, he tells us not to bow in fear over what might come: desolation, punishment, “terrible calamity,” or “wrathful judgment.” Don’t be afraid of these, he tells us, but stand erect, unbowed by anxiety, mistrust, alarm, or misgivings. Why? Because your redemption is at hand.

Yes, you can stand erect in the midst of calamity, if it visits you, because God is always near to you. You can stand because you are created in his image and likeness. You reflect the glory of the Lord, and no matter what you think about how you look or how well you follow Jesus, that reflection remains. He breathed his life into you in the beginning, and he has not withdrawn it! So you never have to stand alone. What’s more, you are more than just an ordinary person. You radiate the life of God in you!

When trouble strikes, remember that almighty God loves you and treasures you immensely. He loves you so deeply that he gave his only Son to save you from sin and bring you into his presence. Nothing pleases him more than to spend time with you and to speak to you. So stand erect, knowing that you are worth more to him than all the riches of the universe.

But don’t just stand. Move! You have a vital role to play in the unfolding of God’s plan. You are not an accident or a random occurrence. People depend on you. The Church needs you. The lost and unbelieving rely on you. Your witness, your words, your intercession, your service—it all makes a huge difference in this world. Even if you can’t see how, you matter!

So don’t let troubles or difficulties keep you down. You’re too important, too beloved, and too dignified to let them get the upper hand. Instead, stand up straight, look to your Father, and see what he is doing today. Then move forward, helping prepare for the day when the Son of Man comes “with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27).

“Jesus, I believe in your love for me. I will stand erect and raise my head today, ready to advance your kingdom in this world.”

from wau.org

Freedom

At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus proclaimed, “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Later, in keeping with his opening message, he sent his apostles out to preach the same message of repentance to make way for the kingdom.

But the apostles didn’t preach in the mode of a street-corner evangelist threatening hellfire. Rather, they delivered the same good news that Jesus had preached: God loves you. He wants to heal you and give you peace. He is near, holding out freedom to all who turn to him.

This is the heart of repentance. God’s love brims over with a desire to liberate us from our “demons,” restore our spirits, and renew our minds. He has no interest in piling on guilt or fear or shame—not even to force us to repent. Rather, he wants to tell us that because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can live in freedom.

So many voices tell us that we have no right to live in freedom as children of God. They tell us that our sins and failings have disqualified us. They tell us that God doesn’t love us enough or that he does little more than tolerate us. At the very least, we should stay meek and timid and expect only the smallest crumbs of his attention. Those voices lie! Jesus went so far as to die so that we could be set free. He gave his life so that we could enter his kingdom.

So approach the throne of grace boldly. Open your heart, and accept everything Jesus has won for you. If it seems hard or vague or perplexing, try this. Sit quietly, and tell God one thing that keeps you from him: one habitual sin, one weakness, or one fear that you think bars your access to him. Offer to trade that one thing for a taste of his love. Then wait for the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Perhaps he will tell you he loves you. Perhaps he will show you that God is not ashamed of you. Maybe he will offer you his truth in place of a lie. Whatever happens, know that the Father is with you, ready to forgive and heal and free.

“Father, I want to live in freedom, so I come to you today repenting and seeking more of your love.”

taken from wau.org

Imagine this....

The fever left her and she waited on them. (Mark 1:31)

Imagine Simon’s mother-in-law and her friend chatting over tea. “What happened at your house the other day?” the friend asked.

Simon’s mother-in-law said, “Well, I was pretty sick. I had a high fever, my whole body ached, and all I wanted to do was rest. But Jesus came into my room anyway and held my hand. Moments later, I felt so good that I began to make lunch for Simon and his friends. I was so excited by what happened that I had to get out and tell other people about it.

“I’ve discovered—both from my experience and from talking to other people—that when you meet Jesus, something happens inside of you. You can’t help but act. That day, I did what I know how to do best. I didn’t feel obligated; I could have kept lying in bed, but when you feel that kind of love, you just want to find ways to love people in return.

“I think that the love just starts to spill over. At least that’s what happened that day. Word got out that Jesus had come to visit, and by nightfall the house was filled with sick or unhappy people, and he touched them all.

“What was unusual for me was that I didn’t mind all these strangers at my door. Normally, I would be cautious, but something changed in me that day, and I felt a new kinship with these people whom I had never met. Some of them I may not have even liked before then, but it didn’t matter. We were all looking for the same thing. We had all been brought together by a desire to be with Jesus. They felt like long-lost brothers and sisters, and I had no problem welcoming them.”

“So that’s all?” her friend asked. “You felt his love when he healed you, and that made you open your door to other people, and they were healed as well?”

“Yes. I know it sounds silly, but that’s what happened. And it’s happened for so many other people. You should try to find Jesus yourself. It’s amazing what he can do!”

“I’ve got to find him! There are so many things I need help with.”

“Lord, touch every heart with your healing love. Move us all to serve one another.”

taken from wau.org

Its what I do

Recently, a friend was wandering and contemplating why God loves her/us so much regardless of the many times we fall and go against His will and wishes. I ravaged my mind for a suitable and comprehensive answer, trying to arrange a flurry of verses which were suddenly coming forth. Then I happened to listen to a song, by divine guidance I believe, by Kirk Whalum and Lalah Hathaway which spoke of the same subject. Honestly, it brought tears to my eyes, though I had listened to it before on so many occasions .

I pray it speaks to you just as it spoke to me. Kindly open your heart to receive His love, because its whats He does. Amen.