Tag: John 5

5 Reasons Why the Pharisees Should Have Recognized Jesus

5 Reasons Why the Pharisees Should Have Recognized Jesus

The Pharisees were angry. How dare this man-Jesus heal people on the Sabbath!! Worse even, he tells the man to carry his bed. In their ritualistic carrying out of the law they had added many “traditions” of their own which included no medical practices on the Sabbath and no burden bearing. No one was to write anything on the Sabbath, carry a needle in their clothing, or put out a lamp. Then to add to this “breaking of their law”—He proclaimed to be the Son of God—equal in essence and nature to God. “How could that be?” they proclaimed. Calmly, confidently Jesus proceeds to tell them 5 reasons why they should have recognized Him as the long awaited Messiah. Why is that important for you and for me? As we look at these 5 reasons, let us remember that John very carefully chose what he was recording so as that we might see just enough of Jesus to desire Him, to know Him and to believe the truth unto life.

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In this response of Jesus, we can see the 5 reasons why the Pharisees should have recognized Jesus and also the truths of why they did not. Is there any area of unbelief in your own heart as to who Jesus really is? Is there any area of unbelief in your own heart as to the majesty and power of Jesus? Do you doubt that “all things work together for good” in your life because Jesus, Your Savior came to purchase life eternal for you? Then my prayer is that you see His Glory and realize that in Him, you have all that you need.

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Why Is Embracing Change An Opportunity For Wondrous Growth?

Why Is Embracing Change An Opportunity For Wondrous Growth?

The past few months at work have been a struggle. Change is coming. We will be expanding and moving forward with more and even better care of our veterans in Cardiology. A new doctor has joined staff and we will be able to expand our services to include care that previously had to be sent out. I am excited. Although it has meant a lot of overtime in preparing the way, I embrace the challenge with faith, hope and excitement. Not the case with everyone. In fact, change is hard for some people. There are a few who meet my enthusiasm with fear, anger, and frustration. Those few place barriers and emotional obstacles along each step of the pathway. Change will come. We can choose to embrace it as an opportunity to grow or we can become miserable, angry people resisting it.

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The same is true in our Christian journey. [bctt tweet=”God is not willing to leave us where He found us lying in our own beds of self-righteousness.”] Change must come in our own hearts. We can either embrace the trials that are before us with joy as God’s gift of opportunities that are transforming us or we can become angry, frustrated and fearful. Either way, if we are God’s child and know Christ as our Savior; change will come. Change is a necessary part of our Christian growth. My heart can either rebel against becoming more Christ-like or embrace the trials as an opportunity to become like Christ in His suffering.

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3 Truths of Hope to a Weary Heart

What an incredible weekend!! Saturday, I was exhausted and all the good intentions to clean house, do the yard, and work on editing quickly turned into resting, listening to sermons, and pretty much doing none of the planned activities. At first, I was a bit frustrated with myself; then, I realized God did command us to rest and He had shut down my brain for a day for a reason.  I too often do the same thing in my Christian life, I try to work to please God.  He usually has to shut me down for a day so I can refocus and let Him work through me.  Sunday, I posted a poem from the archives, went to 8 am service at The Crossing, sat with Lindsey a while, and then left to visit another church downtown. I had promised a friend I would visit; although, the friend wasn’t there when I arrived. At this second church, a lady made her way over and sat beside me. She had been widowed only a few months, the weight of which showed in her eyes. At moments, I could see the tears rise as she tried to hold them back. By the end of the service, I knew I had found a new friend and I would be returning to visit.  I have learned that there are no accidents or coincidences in my life; God, uses it all to accomplish His purpose in His timing.

God Knows

 

Then yesterday evening I met with a small group from my church. It was the initial meeting with this small group that I would be joining to study the bible with. When I had first received the invitation and noted that the group was couples, I had wondered why God chose a couples group since I have been alone for such a long time as a widow. I was a bit afraid that the awkward ache of “loneliness” would creep back in. It had been a long time since I had allowed myself to think that or to desire anything else beyond the quiet aloneness that I have with God. [bctt tweet=”Had my heart really been healed? Or would the scars of a broken heart rip open to bleed once more?”] I have yet to see for certain. Still, this I know.

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