Scripture Reading: John 12:37-50, Isaiah 53:1-6, Luke 11:29-32
They loved human praise more than praise from God.
—John 12:43
Verse 43 of today’s reading felt like a punch in the gut to me, a turn of phrase that exposed all my idols with its economical nine words. This is a reading about the Pharisees, those oft-demonized leaders of the Jewish people in Jesus’s time. I’ve heard illustrations that compare me to the Pharisees dozens of times: I struggle with legalism (which is true), I focus on outward actions rather than inward transformation (also true), I struggle to believe (definitely true). But this particular description of the Pharisees really knocked me flat.
In this passage, John recounted Isaiah’s prophecy and experience to contextualize the Pharisees’ disbelief in Jesus as the Messiah. In Isaiah 53:1, Isaiah asked, “Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” When John made this reference, he was showing us how Jesus fulfilled yet another prophecy in the Old Testament. This is a hallmark of John’s Gospel, revealing these glimpses backward to show us the true nature and identity of Jesus. Jesus had done so much to fulfill the words of the prophets; He had “performed so many signs in their presence,” and yet, “they did not believe in him” (John 12:37).
But what struck me today wasn’t what this passage reveals about Jesus (though that is, as always, incredibly important). It was what it reveals about the Pharisees and what it reveals about me. Yes, the Pharisees are often painted as evil. But who were they? They were men who guarded the truth. Men who dedicated their lives to God’s law, to following it and teaching it. They were misguided by their unwillingness to change, to see the mystery and providence of God in the divinity of Jesus. Tolstoy called it the “stationary righteousness of the Pharisee,” this rigid belief in the words on the page, rather than the incarnate Christ standing before them.
Pharisees measured their life by their actions, but it was all they had known. Their north star was the Word of God, but they did not see the Word made flesh who dwelled among them. I am duly convicted: by my own unwillingness to turn to Christ but also my willingness to only dwell on the grace of Jesus at the expense of following His law. I can learn from both the Pharisees’ mistakes and their commitment to the Word of God.
But the prioritization John gives us in verse 47 is the piece to remember, the pin that holds together this tension of belief and action. We should love God’s Word as much as the Pharisees loved the law, and we should love Jesus and cling to Him. Our actions should be for Jesus, not for humankind. We should love the praise of God more than the praise of humans. May we crave the praise of God more than anything else, and may our lives reflect the limitless love of Christ.
Written by Melanie Rainer
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90 thoughts on "The Fulfillment of Prophecies"
Amen
Beautifully stated
Sometimes the “man” whose praise we love is our self. The Pharisees wanted glory but I think they also wanted to control how they were perceived — to stay the hero of their own story. Yikes, me too.
For me – it’s not so much about impressing people. it’s about protecting the ego that whispers, “I don’t need help.”
And yet, faith always asks us to let go of that — to let God be the Author, the finisher, the one who gets the glory through us.
Lord, help me to exchange the illusion of control for the joy of trust.Teach me to let You write the story — to find my worth not in what I accomplish, but in who You are in me.”
And Isaiah 53 always gets me right in the heart. Jesus checked every single box, fulfilled every prophecy, what a mighty God we serve!
This is good! Yes ❤️
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I agree and am thankful you were so honest to share. I do want to be perceived as “she has it together.” “Even in her divorce, she is always here.” Etc. I am convicted this morning! And praise God for that conviction and nudge of correction. Have a wonderful day She’s!
This reminds me so much about the privacy of one’s relationship with the Lord. Yes we are to share His word and be His light in this Dark world but we should pray,worship, repent, tithe in private. For the glory of god not the glory of recognition from others.
The passage from Isaiah in today’s reading always hits me hard. We have a tendency to see Jesus in our minds in a certain, sweet way. Reality is he wasn’t a handsome man. People turned away from him. He was despised. Jesus knows every hurt we could possibly ever feel. I love Him so much.
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It is always a sobering awareness when we recognize the Pharisee within ourselves. The reflections that MELANIE shared is a true process. Legalism, outward appearance, pride, unbelief, etc. All are great signs. The yeast of the pharisees, that will spread through the whole mass of the heart. How to recognize the Pharisees within ourselves, and the Christ within ourselves? We need to realize this, so we can kill the flesh, the pharisees, the luring of the world within us, so Christ can live. Because two natures cannot reign together. The Pharisee represents the part of us that seeks appearance over authenticity, it wants to look righteous rather than be transformed, it finds faults with others but excuses itself (compares, criticizes, condemns rather than showing compassion), clings to rules and misses relationship, loves recognition and man’s applause (rather than the quiet approval of God in the secret place of fellowship), resists correction and is slow to repent because pride makes it hard to admit weaknesses, it uses Scriptures as a weapon to control and not to restore. But the Christ within us, oh what beauty, Christ in us will lead us to walk in humility (to surrender, admitting we are nothing apart from Him), loves truth even when it exposes our faults because truth sets us free, shows mercy and compassion toward the lost and the broken, values inner obedience over outward display, forgives quickly to bring reconciliation and refuses bitterness, serves rather than demands to be served, depends on grace through faith in God. When we notice the Pharisee rising in us, it’s not to shame ourselves, it’s an invitation to return to Christ within again and again, who is gentle, humble, and transforming us from the inside out. We need to “kill” the Pharisees that Christ may reign. The flesh (our old self, driven by pride, fear, and desire) and the Spirit (the life of Christ within us) are at war. Our flesh, the Pharisee spirit, and the world’s lures are to die. Christ cannot be formed in us until something dies in us. If the truth offends us and hurts us, the very part that got hurt needs to die. It doesn’t mean the truth is wrong, it means there’s something in us that still resists transformation. When the flesh is alive, truth feels like an attack (I think of Charlie Kirk when I write this). The offended part is the unyielded part, the part of humanity that wants to look good without being made new. “The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so” Romans 8:7. Killing the flesh isn’t about punishment, no I don’t think so, it’s the holy process of surrender, where self decreases, where God’s character, peace and power become our new nature. Every time truth offends and we choose humility instead of resistance, something dies in us, and something divine rises. That is how spiritual maturity happens, when we move from being reactive to being transformed. Offense to Truth reveals the areas that haven’t yet bowed to the Lordship of Christ. I pray we yield to the holy work of sanctification, which is dying a little more each day, so Christ can live more fully in us. Prayer requests: can you please pray for my printer to work? With the teacher strike and ongoing homeschooling attempts/struggles, my printer strangely gave out without reasons, and also my mortgage papers to be approved this week. Hugs and love. Be blessed dear sisters.
Thank you for these very wise, insightful thoughts, Mercy❤️
Wow…again, so fruitful!!
Thank you for sharing, Mercy. What wonderful insight. What a calling to yield to the Lordship of Christ. Amen and Amen.
The offended part is the unyielded part, the part of humanity that wants to look good without being made new. Reminds me of 2 Corinthians10:5
We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. NLT
Note in Bible Hub-
“This phrase emphasizes the active role believers are called to take in defending their faith. The term “demolish” suggests a forceful and decisive action against false teachings and ideologies. In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the challenges posed by false apostles and teachers who were leading the Corinthian church astray. This aligns with Ephesians 6:12, where Paul speaks of spiritual warfare against forces that oppose God’s truth. The imagery of demolishing suggests a complete and thorough dismantling of these arguments, not merely a passive resistance.
and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God;
Presumptions here refer to human pride and reasoning that oppose divine revelation. In the Greco-Roman world, philosophical debates were common, and many prided themselves on human wisdom.”
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Thanks, Mercy! ❤
Mercy praying that your printer will work. Thank you for your comments !
Happy Monday praying for you all today. Jsut what I needed today
wow, wow, wow! reading your comments, the devotional and God’s word, Wow! and ouch! how many times is it easier to please the people than to stand firm on the truth. Lord, help! Oh, that my mind would be renewed with this truth, obedience is better than ritual.
MELANIE- you have lots of company! Thanks so much for this enlightening devotional.
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Just yesterday I wrote something similar about the Pharisees as I was taking notes during the sermon. I didn’t apply it to me … hmmm. As with much of John there is more to ponder.
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Rainy morning here and I didn’t get much sleep so I am just here. ☺ Thankful for all of your insightful comments! ❤
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Searching YouTube and saw this recent song. This artist is new to me as of last week. I couldn’t pull up lyrics, but I think these are right. My hearing deficit interferes. Just a snippet of this gritty song, You Say You Love Jesus by John Fracker:
You say you love Jesus, but you still play the game
Try to please the crowd as you whisper His Name
I hope you get to rest later to catch up with lacking sleep, and may the sound of rain comfort you. I love rain. It doesn’t rain enough where I am lol.
Thank you, Mercy! We haven’t had a good rain in a while and this is a nice gentle rain, just a bit chilly. Exactly what I thought would be good for sleeping! ☺☺☺❤
I love rain in Florida, but yeah, up north it was always cold, chilly rains! Take a good afternoon nappy!
❤ thanks, Rhonda! ☺
Amen!
May we crave the praise of God more than anything else…. Whatever I do, whether in ministry or everyday life may I always remember it’s because of
my JESUS! INTRANSIGENCE! Wow Rhonda! That IS a great word! I had to look it up! LOL! Happy Monday sweeties! Prayers are appreciated as I’m trying to get a doctors appt as I felt a small lump below my chin my neck. Its tender but moves which is good, I think. (I looked it up)
Mari, praying for good news when you get in to see the doctor, and peace while you wait.
Yeah, I shouldv’e given Google credit, I too, looked it up and pronounced it a few times! (not that I will remember it! lol) Prayers against any lump, disappear in Jesus name!
❤ praying you can get in quickly! ❤
This is what I needed today! I have been more worried about people who have misunderstood me than just serving God! I will admit I struggle with people pleasing. I’m so thankful for his loving correction today!
Praying for all.
For they loved human praise more than praise from God.’ John 12:43
I read over this verse multiple times as I read the verses this morning and it gave me pause to think, “is this me?”. And, then, I think because it stood out to me, then yes, I have to really let that sit. Ultimately, my hearts desire is to live for Jesus, the audience of the One, but I think there is a fine line of wanting too much of the affirmation of others.
From the devotional:
“Our actions should be for Jesus, not for humankind. We should love the praise of God more than the praise of humans. May we crave the praise of God more than anything else, and may our lives reflect the limitless love of Christ.”
Yes, Lord may I crave more of you.
I really need to think more and search my heart on this today.❤️
Appreciate your prayers as we meet with the thoracic surgeon this afternoon to discuss if another surgery is a consideration to remove the 2 small spots/tumors. I really think he will recommend against surgery based on our previous consultation but this is part of the steps of the process in navigating what I need to do. May heart is very confused, heavy, unsure and afraid. Thank you for praying. ❤️
Wendy B- prayers for peace and clarity in this consultation, for compassion, patience, and understanding from the doctor if you need time to process the information. May God give you guidance to the right decision and a peace that you know could only be from Him as confirmation. Praying for strength against the anxiety. Love and hugs! ❤
Praying for peace and divine guidance in your meeting today! Jesus, make the way clear for Wendy! Fill her with your peace that passes all understanding. ❤️
Praying for you!
Praying for you, Wendy. ❤️
As you go to see the doctor today, may your heart be filled with peace and confidence in God’s care. Remember, He goes before you, and His wisdom is greater than any human understanding. Whether the path leads to surgery or another way, trust that His hand is guiding every detail for your good. You are surrounded by His love, His healing power, and the prayers of those who care about you. Take courage. Hugs.
Lord, please lift the heaviness from Wendy, take away the confusion and fear, be her strength in her weakness❤️
Prayers Wendy! ❤️
Praying for answers, peace and healing
Beautiful prayers for our dear Wendy, praying in agreement with our sisters!
Praying right now Wendy.
“He has blinded their eyes
Verse 40 is God’s response to Israel’s persistent rejection of the evidence for Christ’s Messiahship. Since they repudiated Christ as Messiah, they entered a stage of intransigence against God. The Light of the world had shown Himself to them, but they rejected that clear light (John 12:36).(biblereef.com)
Oh we so much INTRANSIGENCE today! (good word!) The refusal to change our way and opinions. Stuck. Unwilling to move. To see the light! Lord, give us a pliable Spirit. Standing firm on the word, always, but also transforming by the word. Growing. Learning. Pliable to be moved BY the Spirit. By the word, scripture. By being in the word daily, we gain more wisdom. The scales come off the eyes, sometimes in a complete wow way, other times we see little by little. For we can’t grasp it all at once. We must grow and transform, it’s a process of walking with the Lord.
As a lifelong Christian, I just didn’t know what I didn’t know. I couldn’t receive it. But then I started reading the word myself, along with SRT in 2015. That is where we discover more.
We must remain pliable. Not to become Pharasies spouting only laws, but the revealing of the word. Jesus transforming us to not just know, but to live it. To serve, and be the light ourselves. Always shining into the darkness. The word is more than words in a book, it is living breathing, powerful, life-changing—Jesus, Son, Savior, perfect Lamb, Lion of Judah!
“Hail, Hail Lion of Judah..!”
He has come, and he is coming again. We should be awaiting that glorious day, and be ready, and getting as many people as we can ready as well—because- “The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day!” He will judge everyone. And give an account of how we used what we knew!! Lord, may I be busy with sharing what I know to anyone who will receive. Praying for hardened hearts today, of Pharisees and unbelievers. And for OUR hearts to keep staying diligent and in the word.
Thank you for teaching me a new word today, intransigence – sophisticated word :)
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I found v. 42 and 43 together very interesting. What jumped out at me, as it has several times in this study is the degree of belief(?), for lack of a better way of defining my thought. It says that many of the authorities believed in Him but keep quiet for fear of the Pharisees, because of fear of being put out of synagogue. They believed but not in a way that changed them or caused them to follow Him. That gives me pause as I continue days to day in my routines. Am I stirred enough in my belief to step out? I don’t believe that we are saved by our actions, but I believe that true belief, is changed to live by faith. Maybe that’s it true belief sparks faith, an ongoing state of living in belief?
That’s exactly where my mind went Cathy! I think you said it just right! It is an eagerness to share what we know…and serving and doing that also is a faith builder!
He was despised and rejected by men, Isaiah 53:3
He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him.
I had a rabbi once. He was fired. Not because he did anything wrong. People said his jokes were not funny, he was not a Rockstar musician, he was not the late night talk show comedian charismatic celebrity influencer type.
This was sad because he was a professor at the university. He graduated from an ivy league school and he was a gentleman and a scholar. He spoke 9 languages and was an incredible Torah scholar. I loved this guy! However my synagogue wanted some hipster comedian type.
They fired him in the middle of the pandemic and he was deeply hurt.He had helped found this temple. He had invested himself in this temple.
Unfortunately my temple was unable to find a rabbi to move to a southern university town for 17,000 yearly and no benefits.
I am not comparing my human rabbi to the Messiah, Jesus. However, Jesus was not good looking, rich, or what they thought he ought to be. They wanted a conquering hero Messiah and not a suffering servant. He came as a suffering servant but will come back as the conquering king.
So sorry to hear such painful treatment to a man of God. Truly people want their ears tickled.
What a sad picture of how people want the flash and show rather than the Word of God. I’m sorry for your rabbi.
Father God, Help us to learn from the Pharisees mistakes and pursue You daily. Father, help us to fix our eyes on Jesus and not look to man for approval! You alone are worthy of our praise. Jesus, allow us to see Your grace & mercy even as we walk through difficult times. In Jesus name, Amen.
Amen
The one who believes in Me believes not in Me, but in Him who sent Me.” — John 12:44
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“I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” — John 12:47
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When I look at Jesus — His compassion, His truth, His love for the broken — I see the very heart of the Father.
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Jesus is the Light sent to pierce the darkness, the One who makes the invisible God visible.
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He still shines today as the unmistakable presence of God among us.
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Jesus’ mission has never changed. He still comes to bring us out of darkness into light, from fear into faith, from death into life.
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So I ask myself, today –
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Am I walking fully in the light Jesus offers, or holding on to shadows of fear, pride, or unbelief?
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Do I see Jesus as He truly is — the perfect image of the Father?
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Father God, open my eyes to see You clearly and my heart to trust and believe Your words fully.
Teach me to walk in Your light daily — to live in truth, to live courageously, and to shine Your light wherever I go.
Amen.
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Man’s praise is fleeting, conditional and difficult to come by. Let’s not waste our time seeking it. We are loved by God to the extent that Jesus died for us, seek Him … His love, forgiveness, guidance and protection are available to all.
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Isaiah 53:5-6 These verses have always hurt my heart and this morning I thought to read an additional translation & chose NLT.
Crushed, beaten and whipped for MY sins so that I could be whole and healed, and yet I turned my back to Him time and again for years, leaving His path to follow my own. And those sins committed while on my own path, He was crushed, beaten and whipped for those too, and also the ones I’ll commit today and in the future. Forgive me, Jesus, and thank You.
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Thinking of Phil Wickham’s The Jesus Way, written by Jonathan Smith & Phil Wickham
I choose surrender
I choose to love
Oh God my Savior
You’ll always be enough
I choose forgiveness
I choose grace
I choose to worship
No matter what I face
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I choose the Jesus Way
I’ve listened to The Jesus Way a hundred times(it was my car CD for a few months), but I never had the words in front of me. They are so impactful!
I hadn’t heard this song before. Thank you for sharing it! I choose the Jesus way!
❤ Great lyrics! Like Rhonda, I’ve heard it many times but mostly catch the chorus.
“Man’s praise is fleeting, conditional and difficult to come by”- wise words sister. Thank you for this ❤️. And thank you for your sweet encouragement on the weekends days spoken over me.
Amen❤️
Boy oh boy do I recognize myself in these guys…I want both. God’s praise and man’s praise..but we can’t have it both ways. If we follow God first and foremost, man’s praise will not come. The 2 do not correspond. That’s hard in our humanity, we want to be liked and not rejected by our fellow people.
Just wow. So good!
“May we crave the praise of God more than anything else, and may our lives reflect the limitless love of Christ.”
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All I want to hear is “well done”
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If you have time to read the HRT entry for today, please read Alex’s testimony.
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MO❤️ – praying things go well for you today at your job. Be encouraged that the Lord is with you.
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May you all have a peace-filled day
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Thank you Kelly (NEO) for recommending reading HRT today. So good!
Catching up on the weekends and saw your follow ups. How sweet Kelly. Thank you. Kaydin has been switched to a different program in the youth care system, so my husband (who previously worked directly with him) could no longer obtain any updates. His grandma did not allow visitors either. It’s very tough since she is on a wheelchair, and his 16 year old sister takes care of the grandma, and now of Kaydin, very tough job for a 16 year old girl.
It seems my comment has gone for processing..
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Happy Monday!
Hopefully it will be released and posted soon!
Oh no.
I have lived in the praise of God, every day I worked as one who fed the homeless, the disadvantaged, the lonely, those who came in a silent hope that someone would see them, not just listen to them, but actually hear them.
It had always been an honour to be able to do this and know thst God was near, even in the difficult, the surreal, the impossible.
I hung up my apron after 18 years of service. I felt like part of the fixtures.. you know, old faithful. I had stayed away after I left because I wanted my successor to be accepted, find her ‘own shoes’, her own rhythm.
What i hadn’t expected was when one day recently I got a phone call from the church to help them out as the wonderful new lady, and the lovely new lady, and the amazing new lady was unable, the green eyed monster would appear!
Suddenly, the praise of man had gone! I was not the one with those titles. I had been replaced, unimportant, no longer relevant.
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BUT GOD..
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And with God, we had faced, and we had journeyed together, I, not always on the same page as God, but would eventually catch up.. and see His goodness, His protection, His grace, His love shine through the many instances, the many mercy bearing situations..
I had looked to Him, on occasion, clung to Him.
As I drove to help, I prayed as i had done so many years prior. Praying for His protection, guidance and help.
I was greeted with warmth, and as the time wore on, my co workers stopped by with a “I heard you were in” “we have missed you” “we have missed your smiles” “hows retirement “. “Can i pray for you?” One drove 20 minutes on her day off just to give me a hug because she had heard i was in!
I don’t say this to boast, I tell you this because I thought I needed the praise of man, but actually the praise of God is what was offered instead. You see, I see now, the faithful love of and warmth of people is Gods praise to me. Praise of man is fleeting..
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BUT GOD..
His praise, is for always and is lasting..
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To make you smile at Gods sense of humour, as i was leaving, the’wonderful’lady came round the corner, she called my name.. ” I have heard so much about you..” I just hugged her!
Gods praise was in the people who gathered to hug, pray and give me words of encouragement..
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I see that now..
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Thank you Father God, Thank you for the teaching/lesson that your praise holds more, far more than the praises of man.
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Amen.
Singing,Every praise is to our God.. every word of worship, with one accord.
Every praise, every praise is to our God..
Feet have taken flight.. I’m off..
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Happy Monday covered in love, hugs and prayers and praise!❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Beautiful, thankful it finally was cleared for posting ❤️
I need prayer. Brian is in the hospital and I have no money for food or to pay for his meds.i am overwhelmed b/c it don’t have cash and haven’t even started the whole process and he’s coming home soon I don’t have a computer or know how to go about starting. I know it’s have to do something and I am crying out to you God. I don’t to fail my husband but I have . I literally need the guidance and direction from God
Praying for you right now, sweet sister. May our awesome God lay it on someone’s heart to be of assistance to you and Brian.
Our God can meet every need! ❤️
Sandi, joining you in prayer. Praying God sends someone alongside you who can help and guide you in what you need to do. Praying you find peace, so you can think straight and be able to figure things out with a clearer mind. It’s a lot for you.. But God, He is near, and He is faithful, merciful and kind. He will not leave you or your husband..
Holding you close in my prayers…
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God be with you..
Praying!
Where do you live, maybe a fellow She is near….
Dear Sandi, we are joining in prayer to our Father Who holds all resources and us in His All Powerful Hands! Have you spoken with a social/case worker at the hospital? They often can connect families with resources and assistance. Praying HE makes these rough places smooth and demonstrates HIS loving care and provision to you in a miraculous way today!
Joining my sisters in prayer, Sandi, for provision of these needs and for someone to walk with you and provide guidance. Praying the Lord will give you peace and insight each step of the way. Before discharge, someone should discuss care and medications with you, including affordability – they are called patient care managers at my local hospital.
Praying for you both Sandi!!
Dear Heavenly Father, please wrap Sandi and Brian in your strength, and please open up a path of provision for what they need. Please cover them with your peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen
I am joining the others here in prayer, bringing you and your husband to God to meet your needs and bring you peace and healing.
Sandi, adding my amen to the beautiful words of our sisters here! I can’t imagine what this burden feels like to you. Good recommendations from our SHES and I also thought of your son and Brian’s boss. Since your son works at a hospital maybe he can give you some pointers. Are you on the Facebook page Rhonda maintains? If so you could reach out with things you want researched on the computer. If so, mention it here so I know to sign in since I am not in there often. Gid bless, comfort, and guide you both! Bug hugs! ❤
Praying for you Sandi! And Brian! For wisdom and help from on high!
Sandi, where are you located? Maybe a fellow She is near you to be able to physically walk with you these next few steps. Praying for you ❤️
Joining all your SRT sisters in lifting you and Brian to our Lord and Savior. Peace be with you even and especially now!
Adding my prayers as well, Sandi. May God give you wisdom and surround you with people who can point you in the right direction for help.
Dear Sandi, praying that God will surround you with wise people who can help you sort out the details for the medicine and payments. Praying that God will calm your fear.
Praying for you too, Sandi, for the Lord to make a way for all the needs that you have, and that you will feel his presence each step of the way. ❤️
Dear sister, you have not failed! Praying over your situation, for your needs to be met and for you to feel Gods guidance as you go forward ❤️
Praying too Sandi! I am confident your son will be able to help and guide you, or whom ever God sends!
Sandi, you haven’t failed. Sometimes our circumstances are just overwhelming. But our God is mighty. I join our SRT sisters in praying that God will provide all that you and Brian need in this time of need. And I echo the advice to seek advice through the social workers and discharge managers at your hospital. I’m praying now
Sandi, please have hope. You haven’t failed. This season has been very heavy for you and family. God often sends help through the hands and hearts of others. If you’re open to it, we could start a small GoFundMe to help you in some ways with food. It could make things a little easier. If this speaks to you, please get connected with us on the FB group that sweet RHONDA created called SRT She’s (need to answer the security question to filter spams). You don’t have to walk this road alone. And also please consider other wise suggestions of our shes, please reach out and get connected with other people in your circle (families, friends, neighbors, church, local groups) for more support. Praying for Brian and you. Hugs.
As I was reading, verse 43 from the John reading also jumped out at me, like it did to Melanie. The opening words of her devotional really pointed out to me just how much I love the praise of others. Talk about being punched in the face with the truth! Kaboom!! I don’t seek God’s praise as I should.
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Ooof!
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Lord, help me to always seek praise from You, rather than from men.