Lack Perspective...He Still Heals

When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?"

“I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.” Jesus told him, 

“Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! 

But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!”

(John 5:6-10 NLT)

Jesus asked about his will. "Do you want?" The man responded implying his desire to get well but "I can't" after a long time being there reveals both his frustration in the current circumstances, but also his perseverance of faith and hope. 

The disconnect was the man had no perspective of Jesus yet. 

But in the next moment, something happened. Jesus, the Author of Life spoke Life and Healing into this man. With what would be a simple command to anyone but a crippled man who can't move. And in obedience to this new revelation of perspective with Jesus standing at the center of it, he got up, took up his mat , and walked. 

Voice your frustration to God whose perspective is always higher than yours and unlike the Jewish leaders who rested on their wrong perspective. Listen to the Author and Finisher of your faith and obey. 

You will be glad you do. 

Luke 1:38,

Camelot

Asleep in the Light

Jesus said that, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few."
 He then instructs those serving alongside Him to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send workers.

With the week of My Hope with Billy Graham and the sermon yesterday at Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene, As Christians, living in the light of this perspective, we are either working alongside Him and praying for the harvest, we are asleep in the Light.

Another highlight from the heart of one harvester, Keith Green.

 

Here it is on Youtube... Asleep in the Light

The last line says, "Don't turn away and pretend the job's done."

Lord,

Wake us up.

James 4:14,

Camelot

It's All About Perspective

Yesterday I went into the local Christian bookstore to pick up a book. As I browsed a little I found this small advent candle holder.

I have been looking for one like this on sale for a few years now, a family style size set. 

Notice the broken candle. (Hence the Half price) Sometimes,for some reason, I go into the Thanksgiving and Chrstmas season leaning out, a little off. This year is definitely different. I am leaning in. 

I have so much to be thankful for. My daughter, of whom I am so proud of, is celebrating Christmas with us as a full time resident for the last time (probably). There are many other things to be thankful for. At different times throughout the season, we will spend time with all of the grandparents. We will have a chance to travel with this candle set to celebrate in Lynchburg, Florida and then home for the holidays. 

First, My daughter will light a purple candle, then my 4 year old nephew, the the pink one will be lit by Sam's mom, and finally the last purple one by my mom, lighting the candle for the last time at our house with my husband, my daughter and my mom. 

Truly my heart is swelling withe the verse inscribed on the little pewter holder... Prepare ye the way of The Lord. Mark 1:3

I know I know 55 days left til Christmas, 

Some say this is too soon, there are 55 days to go

Some say there are only 55 days left.

I guess it's all about perspective ... And Jesus of course!

James 4:14,

Camelot

God is Able, God is Faithful

Lifted up
He defeated the grave
Raised to life
Our God is able
In His name
We overcome
For the Lord
Our God is able

              ---"God is Able" by Hillsong

God is Great, God is Good is from a prayer I was taught as a child. Two amazing truths that when put together have a power and holy, personal promise of the Character of God in our lives... He is Able, He is Faithful. I can not imagine being told that and it not bringing me right into the throne room of God, or better yet bringing the awareness of His Presence into my reality.  The realizing of His Presence or His Power has everything to do with my vision and perspective.

Father,
I thank You that you are who You are, Able and Faithful. I thank You for answer to prayer. I thank you for all of those in my life that remind me and encourage me to keep my eyes on Jesus. For my church family, who with prayers and messages of encouragement surround me with hope. For my family and friends, who not only put up with me, but support me - Your mercies, O God, are truly new every morning and with every greeting of one of Your saints. Thank You, Thank You, I am so grateful. Amen.

James 4:14,
Camelot