I’ll never forget the day I sat down to study my Bible and discovered my toddler had beaten me to the pages. Scribble marks adorned two chapters in Luke—big loopy scribbles in permanent blue ink. “Oh, no!” reverberated within. This was my favorite Bible, the one I spent time with daily over a hot cup of coffee. I was learning to do inductive study with this Bible and marking keywords with care. I’d cringe if I had to erase a bit of colored pencil, knowing it wouldn’t be clean. But this was more than a smudged word. Two entire pages had been ruined.
I sat my little girl on my lap to explain gently that she couldn’t color in mommy’s Bible. She’d meant no harm, of course, but this was a teachable moment. She couldn’t go around taking pen to paper in books around the house.
But in that moment, the Lord graciously spoke to my heart. My daughter hadn’t taken a pen to any other books, only this book. She was modeling what she’d seen.
“Sweetie, were you ‘studying’ like Mommy?”
She smiled, nodding her head big.
It became my teachable moment. Instead of focusing on “the rules” or my angst over the pages, I could see the bigger picture. God had been moving in my little girl’s heart, drawing her to His Word. She wanted to interact with it in the only way she knew how. Lifting my focus helped me to see God at work, which changed everything.
It’s often easy to miss God’s hand at work, just as many did when Jesus walked the earth. I’m astounded when I read of the man Jesus healed by the pool of Bethesda because of the scene afterward. People had seen this man lying around for thirty-eight years, and suddenly he was walking. Yet, no one asked, “Wow! What happened? How were you cured?” No one praised God that he’d been delivered from decades of infirmity. Instead, the healed man is chastised for carrying his pallet on the Sabbath. And the Jewish leaders want to know, not who cured him, but who had the audacity to tell him to pick up his pallet and walk with it (John 5:12).
Jesus, the Son of God, was there among them. A miracle had been done in their midst. Yet, focusing on the rules of the Sabbath, they missed the Lord of the Sabbath.
How often do we do the same? How often are we so focused on one side of a circumstance that we miss God’s purposes altogether?
Jesus is the author of life. And He brings not only life but also light, grace, and glory into that which seems dead, dark, and overwhelming (Acts 3:15, 2Corinthians 4:6). We’re told to walk by faith and not by sight (2Corinthians 5:7) because when our eyes are faith-filled, we see the divine. We see God.
Jesus is always working in every facet of our lives and the lives of those around us. Let’s pray to keep our eyes fixed on Him so that we can behold every moment.
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127 thoughts on "Healing on the Sabbath"
Such crazy timing because, before reading this, my daughter literally drew a scribble in my Bible yesterday and I was a little upset and told my husband and he told me she added her notes to mine.
This is so good! Stop and reflect on what is God’s work behind what is happening. ❤️
❤️ thank you Jesus for your word.
Grace and love and freedom, not legalism
Something worse happening to you would mean going to hell. Eternal punishment is worse than temporary pain.
Yes i loved this reminder to keep our eyes on Jesus. On that heavenly prize ❤
A reminder to pause and try to see how God is working.
God, help me see you You in my daily routine.
A good reminder to keep my eyes on Jesus daily. He is working all around me. I don’t want to miss those moments.
Oh, that my eyes would be trained to see God at work and not the frustration of my own mind when my will is stalled or blocked.
The story of the blind man reminds me of the days before I gave my life to my lord and savior. He was always directing my steps that would lead to him without me even realizing it
Greater as in importance to Jesus. Jesus was much more concerned with his spiritual healing.
Yes! Jesus healed him physically but was much more concerned about his spiritual healing.
Living a life of sin—separated from God—and eternal punishment is far greater than a physical condition during his earthly life.
Amen
Lord, help me not miss you in the big and in the small!
I never focused on the fact that the only focus after this man’s healing was only met with the just the law.
This passage really spoke to me for the same reason… I am a rule follower and it can be so easy to get caught up in the do’s and don’ts that you miss some good stuff.
This is enlightening! Thank you for sharing.
Sarah, I have felt the same way reading this passage. I wonder if Jesus is telling him to sin no more, so he could live thriving vs experience the death that sin brings (not necessarily a physical death) or implying that his original infirmity was the result of sin. Also, Jesus knows this man’s whole story. We only know he’d been an invalid for 38 years. What caused it is not something we are privileged to know. Hopefully, the Lord will shine light on this for you (and all of us) to help us see this beyond the simplified English translation of the original text.
I was upset this morning when my husband asked me to take myself into work today. If he hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t have read this chapter today. God works in unusual ways.
I love the intimate words that John uses to describe Jesus’ interaction with this man (Jesus saw him in v.6 & Jesus found him in v.14).
I love how the writer mentioned how they’d seen this man as an invalid for 38 years, yet no one asked him what happened?! Who cured you?! Aside from that, these same people weren’t giving him any of this attention when 7). This coupled with him telling Jesus that he has no one in v.7 makes Jesus seeing & finding him that much more amazing! Jesus is also the only one that encourages him in his healing in v.14 by telling him ‘See, you are well!’
Lastly, why does Jesus ask him if he wants to be healed in v. 6? Is he talking about spiritual healing? Does he know his heart, that after waiting for 38 years, he may have been physically at the pool, but has given up hope? Like he’s at the right place, at the right time, yet with no expectation & a despondent heart?! OR does Jesus know that after being this way for so long, this man believed the lie that this was all God has for him, that this is just who he was, what his life was meant to be like, etc.?
Yes this really moved me as well!!
I have wondered about this as well. I have begun to think that perhaps Jesus was showing a paradox – that to go and sin would be worse than spending years unable to walk. If we consider it, wouldn’t be prefer to be disabled then unable to be near the Lord? Just some thoughts.
So unrepentant sin can lead to something worse than paralysis- it can lead to death and separation from God. Okay I’m getting it
Thank you!
I’m with ya! I looked into this further and my bible commentary may help you too: “This man had been lame, or paralyzed but now he could walk. This was a great miracle. But he needed an even greater miracle – to have his sins forgiven. The man was delighted to be physically healed but he had to turn from his sins and seek God’s forgiveness to be spiritually healed. God’s forgiveness is the greatest gift you’ll ever receive.”
Question!!
Something vexes me. When Jesus told him
You are well and healed go and sin no more so nothing worse will happen to you.
Does that imply that his paralysis was because of sin or that if he keeps sinning he will live a worse fate than the one he already has. Or that righteousness and a sin free life is somehow connected to less pain or struggle. We know these not to be true! Pain and struggle doesnt discriminate between the sinful and righteous. – stumped on this v.14
Such a great example of how we need to have one ear listening to God and the other listening to others as our day unfolds in every moment and I’d venture to say especially the ones where we feel we have it under control. Only way to find out is to focus on it more, one day at a time.
Question!!
Something vexes me. When Jesus told him
You are well and healed go and sin no more so nothing worse will happen to you.
Question!!
Something vexes me. When Jesus told him
This was so so good. Thankful for this word today.
Truly , Lord open our eyes so that we don’t miss to see that very miracle taking place in our lives today
My husband and I don’t have children yet, but I am tucking Kim’s words away for when we do (Lord willing!) I am so the person who would initially see those blue lines as a disappointment instead of a chance for a child’s heart to grow closer to our Heavenly Father’s own heart.
Oh God, give me your eyes! This devotional really spoke to my heart today. Brook P praying for your upcoming appointment and keeping you in prayer Victoria E! That you continue to feels Jesus’ peace. We lost 2 angel babies before having our healthy boy who is about to turn 5! Praying God continues to help me raise him in the Word and in goodness.
I loved this. How God spoke to your heart in that moment, that your daughter was drawn to God’s book. Helps me remember this teaching point.
Such a good reminder today! Thank you for sharing ❤️
Soooo good!! “ people had seen this man lying around for thirty-eight years, and suddenly he was walking. Yet no one asked, ‘wow! What happened? How were you cured?’ No one praised God that he’d been delivered from decades of infirmity. Instead, the healed man in chastised for carrying his pallet on the Sabbath”. Is that not us Christian at some (or many) points in our walk? We totally miss the miracle, or the opportunity, or the encouragement, etc, because we are so wrapped up in something else. Such a conviction for me today.
❤️
As a parent this really hit home. Sometimes all I focus is all the mess, the kids breaking and messing things up as they play, when my daughter gets into my make up and I get so frustrated, when right before praise and worship she wants to mess with my microphone sometimes letting it fall, etc. So many times I miss it and this study today is refocusing me towards the bigger picture. The purpose of God!
Brooke P ! I am praying for you so much right now. I believe God has an excellent plan for you. I literally just cried a little bit out of happiness to hear this news. Our appointment went well today, our little boy is growing well, 3 pounds 10 ounces at 30 weeks! I pray to the God almighty who hears us and gives us all good things in His time that your appointment will go well in Jesus’ name !!
Oh, this devotion really spoke to me today. How often am I so filled with anger or some other emotion that I completely miss God’s purpose in the situation? Wow.
Linda K – yippee for the good report on your thumb!
Good evening dear sisters!
I do think too many times we do focus on the negative side then the positive one. Even bad days have God’s breath on them. All days do. It takes a lot of work, but I think one day, we’ll be able to see God in everything we experience.
I love you dear sisters, have a good night!
Beautiful message and discussion today. Thank you, Kim, for the reminder to look at things through Jesus’ eyes.
So many encouraging comments! Praying for those who are in physical, emotional and spiritual pain. Praying for upcoming surgeries, doctors appointments and scans. Praying for moms eagerly anticipating the births of their babies. Praying for those who’ve lost loved ones. Praying for those who are going back to work or school. Praying for our health care workers, teachers and all essential workers. Thank you Father for sleep and for healing and restoration. Thank you God that you are a prayer answering God and that you are concerned about what concerns us. I initially came on to give a praise update after Kelly NEO inquired about my hand. If I did it already please forgive me. I did see the orthopedic doctor and she said that my hand looks good and I should make a full recovery.
Lord keep my eyes fixed on you so that I can view my life and every situation to see that it is your handy work and your will for me
today, I am simply encouraged by Jesus never losing sight of the bigger picture. Sometimes I can get so wrapped up in the trivial, but I want to follow Jesus’s excellent example of patience and kindness. I am committed to taking a step back! happy monday, SHES!
Just dropping back in today to leave a comment to thank you all for your good wisdom and prayer requests! If you all could lift our grandson Brayden up in prayer.He is coming home from the hospital after 5 days, and I know things will be tense with his return home after the altercation with his mother. Very tough situation, and tougher that we do not live close and can’t communicate with our 13 yr. grandson directly.
Asking for prayers. I have severe arthritis in my back -had one back surgery which only weakened other areas of my back. Have knee and continuing back problems. Please pray for complete healing so I can care for my husband!
Thank you Kim for such a wonderful story of your daughter. The reading today pushed me to compare God’s law in Old testament and the new. You shall not work on the 7th day as it’s the Day that God rested (and so will you) and God has made it holy (and so how you shall see it). But wait, there is exception, Jesus declared firmly my Father is working until now (as we speak) and so do I. Exception is, it is s good to do good on any day, any chances, any cases and to be encouraged. And another question raised, Why did His disciples eat the holy bread that were not allowed for them but only for priests? But Jesus said it’s okay for them to eat. It’s okay in God’s eyes for grace to trump over the law/rules, in order to save lives, heal the sick, raise the dead, and every single good thing in between. This story just reveals to me that, because something is LEGAL, doesn’t always mean it is GOOD. Do good! Be blessed sisters.
Oh lord be my eyes. So funny how we always see the messy knots of the tapestry and not the beautiful picture it is becoming like God does. I pray I step back and appreciate and see the simple moments the lord is moving.
Oh lord, I am in need of new eyes! I often am so stuck in my own world I do not see what God is doing. Please pray my eyes open to those around me, I’ve got anger towards a coworker, and so many questions about if I should continue with my boyfriend, that I often miss what else is happening with those around me.
@Kim Cash Tate, I just love the story of your little girl doing exactly what she saw mommy doing in the Bible. As she gets older, I’m sure she will also imitate you in reading her Bible and in showing grace to others, as you did to her.
I have a Bible that one of my daughters scribbled in when she was a toddler. She’s not very interested in Jesus right now, but I look forward to the day that she is, because I intend to leave this one to her. Another daughter used to sit next to me and draw pictures in the margins of my Bible while I did my devotions (back in the days when I managed to get up early!) She signed her name, drew notes, and colored in the symbols of the leader’s notes in this inductive Bible study edition. That one is hers. I’m so glad the author of today’s devotional caught herself and realized what a treasured, teachable moment this was rather than losing her cool. I pray that what I model to my children outlives me, because sometimes I get discouraged by what I see now. But one of the blessings of losing our large home is that my children see me reading God’s word regularly. There’s no hiding in a small apartment!
Kim gave us the question, “How often are we so focused on one side of a circumstance that we miss God’s purposes altogether?” I know all too often I do this and it is usually my side of the circumstance, not the other person’s or even God’s side.
My faith has gotten me through so many tough situations that I have stopped counting. I’ve learned to lean on the Lord when the going gets tough but also to thanks HIM when the going is good.
Throughout this pandemic I’ve been lucky, being a nurse I know I wouldn’t be without a job, but I have a job in which I don’t come in contact with very many people. I do private duty nursing, one-on-one and work for only one family. I have gotten multiple job offers (I could be making more money but money isn’t what I care about I want to be happy at what I do), I could work with more than one patient/client but I believe God has put me where I am for a reason and I don’t plan on changing anytime soon.
I have a prayer request, my friend, Angie, is having knee surgery today and will be in rehab for several weeks, please pray that everything goes okay and her rehab goes well.
Be blessed and have faith sisters.
Amen
This story is awe-mazing. Yes it’s the our own selfish thoughts which takes our focus away from what really and truly matters. Lord increase our spiritual sight and awareness to see more if You at work even in the simplest way. May our hearts be renewed by your Presence.
I know that the focus of the Pharisees seems so obvious, but I don’t think I’ve thought about them focusing more of the breaking of the Sabbath laws than the miracle that happened in a desperate man’s life! May we be women who see the miracles and praise Him! Also, I discovered this week that the BEMA podcast is doing a special verse by verse study of John. I love this podcast and would highly recommend the podcast for anyone interested!
Brooke P, I’m praying this morning for your little miracle! I pray that the heartache you’ve known will make the miracle that much more treasured. I’m sorry for the losses that you’ve experienced.
I’m an enneagram 1, and that means I like rules, to remain inside the lines, and never mess up. Golly gee, that can’t be farther from reality. I find myself in the Pharisees, so caught up in rules, so afraid of sinning, displeasing God, trying so hard to please him but without understanding the HEART of God. I also find myself in the crippled man, unable to walk from childhood, forbidden to run free. I want to be healed of this scrupulosity that has followed me my whole life. Jesus, yes, YES, I want to be healed. Help me walk out of love, not legalism or guilt.
Something to consider: after he was healed by Jesus, did this man believe? The text doesn’t say that he did. The only words of the man that are quoted after he was healed are, “the man who made me well told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk’” and that he reported to the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. Makes me wonder if this was the response of a man who believes that Jesus is His Savior. Makes me wonder about how I respond when Jesus meets my needs…
I think Jesus point was that the eternal consequences of sin are more serious than any physical ailment…even being paralyzed for 38 years.
As a mom of littles, this story of her daughter was convicting for me to look for the heart of my kiddos in all their actions. To pursue their heart over performance again and again. Which is hard as a parent because one I can see with my physical eye and the other one requires eyes only God can give me. Please pray for me to have eyes to see and eyes to hear our God’s voice and my kiddos hearts,
Victoria E. I’m praying for you! || I haven’t told anyone yet but I have my first appointment Wednesday to see if our new blessing has a beating heart, I’ve had two miscarriages in 2021 and haven’t had one of these appointments go well yet, but I have so much peace. If you would be praying for my hubby & I & our little baby. We are so hopeful that all is well and our baby is growing. But no matter what God is good & His love endures forever! Thank you all for your prayers over the past couple months & your continued prayers for our future. Much love to all you She’s & my prayers are with every one of you. : “As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.”
Ecclesiastes 11:5 ESV
Angie, thank you so much for sharing and thank you so much for that beautiful prayer. What precious memories to have and to give us future mommas and current mommas the ability to create those moments too. I have been so blessed by this study already. I am so thankful for the revelations and growing deeper and wider into the word.
Angie what a beautiful prayer. Thank you for this it is my prayer as well. Heidi I feel like I understand exactly your sentiment and am praying for you too. Also praying for your dad Laura Caroline and the families of Teddy and Chelsea. I too wonder at the “sin no more so nothing worse may happen to you.” Was the man’s illness a result of his sin? And how could he sin no more, is this possible ? I would also love to ask for prayers, I have another detailed ultrasound today. Thank you all so much.
Amen
Good morning from another expert-level rule follower. Goodness, this was convicting. Praying that I will cultivate a heart that sees my people and my neighbors (i.e., all people) with grace rather than the law. I can only imagine how much more compelling that kind of love would be!
HEIDI, I, too walked a long season of unmet hopes and expectations in which my life looked nothing like I had dreamed it would. Eventually I was realized that some of those things were not promised to me, BUT God DID promise me His presence, that He would be sufficient, that He was GOOD (better, even, than anything I was hoping for) and that He loved me and had good things for me. Some days believing those things was easy, sometimes it was a moment-by-moment battle in my soul. But that perspective shift was life-giving and the fruit of the work was joy and contentment. I hope that is encouraging and doesn’t come across “preachy.” Praying for you right now.
Jesus asks….” Do you want to be healed?” Food for thought in my life.
What a sweet mommy you are Kim Cash Tate! As precious as that Bible was to you, you remained calm and used it as a teachable moment to your sweet precious little toddler. And the fact that she was modeling you, it’s just even more precious. As I go Back to work today I pray I can do the same and model Jesus. even when it’s hard. Even when things are not fair or even right. I could really use some prayer as I head back to work today. Pray also for my daughter and all the highschoolers to go back to school today. She’s a little stressed about being by herself as her really good friend is sick and won’t be there today.
Wow! What’s that called again… when you keep getting the same word / verse over and over?! Not “synchronicity” I don’t think but, maybe.
Recently, I sent my sister the song “Waymaker” and ask her to endure until the end (the “Even when I don’t ___ it, You’re working…You never stop working”). Then, this morning, I was sent a quote by Pope Shenouda III (previous pope of the Coptic Church):
“Wait on the Lord with trust, not in the sense that He will work, but trusting that He is already working, and perhaps He has been working, even before we have asked Him.”
And now highlighted in SRT from John’s Gospel.
Lord Jesus, give me a heart and a manner that exudes and practices trust in You…it hasn’t been easy this year but, You have always been faithful. I love You.
HEIDI, I “KNOW”! Praying for your sweet heart and spirit and for the strength to continue to hope and believe even when there seems to be no hope. Praying that God reveals a part of what He is working in you and through you. I do the same and just keep reminding myself that He is working – even if it is just working on making me into who He wants me to be. I wasn’t planning to comment today, but I had to let you know that I understand! God bless!
I am new to SRT. I am too a rule follower and the child coloring in her bible made me cringe. Thank you for the deeper insight.
Great lesson to remember.
It’s so easy, when your world feels a little dark and fragmented, to become increasingly self-focused, only able to see the frustration and pain of your own life. But God…. He hands us opportunities at every turn to get over ourselves, to get outside ourselves, to wake up from our own bad dreams and realize that really lovely things are happening all the time. Praying for you Heidi, Laura Caroline for your Dad, and Teddy’s family and Chelsea’s family. And others in the thread. Blessings to you she’s. Hugs ❤️
What an appropriate quote for this “ lesson”! Thanks for sharing.
I love your insight into The Word as we live our daily walk with our humanity and narrow vision at times
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to share today.
When my son was two, he did the same thing in my two year Bible. At first my reaction was the same, but then it became a precious part of that Bible 20 years later. What a lovely perspective that he was modelling me and the Lord was at work!
Praying for you Heidi! ❤️
If it were me, that would be the Bible I would cherish the most for the rest of my life. Very important lesson, right there:) God Bless
Wow!! I definitely am a rule follower and so easily can be focused on the wrong thing and take away from the bigger picture of God’s plan and purpose. The story of the child drawing gets me because I know I would do the same thing of being upset and frustrated but it has now given me a great example to remember when to find moments for learning and teaching instead of rules focused. I know the pandemic (here in Ontario) has also made me so rules focused and I pray to understand how to full trust in the Lord.
I think it’s so interesting how Jesus tells the man to sin no more and then nothing worse can happen to him. We still know that Jesus was the one without sin so I wonder if the man truly did not sin the rest of his life. I know that’s not the main message of the story but it’s a curiosity. This is a great reminder to remember the bigger purpose in the little things
Great point!!
24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. – John 5:24
“Do you want to become well?” – Jesus (John 5:6b)
I am celebrating 20 years of marriage in a few days. Take the best rise and fall fairy tales that end with a happily ever after, and imagine my story. Moments of awe, wonder, and love. Moments at the edge of your seat thrills, spills, and unimaginable chills. Devastating losses, grief, seeming hopelessness. Rise of a Savior asking “… do you want to become well?”, yes… I do. A different kind of “I do” than in my original vows. A kind of yes that takes the humble act of laying down things I never thought I could. Impossible things. All with the promise of a happily ever after that is true and everlasting. So, like the man at the pool of Bethesda, Jesus asked him to do what was impossible without faith. And out of one simple act of obedience, he said I do, and he rose and walked. He also took up his mat and carried it out, all on the Sabbath. Rather than celebrating his healing, the religious people chided him. They came after Jesus with intent to take Him down. This holy day was tainted with the closed hearts of others. Even this morning, I almost caught the naysayers spirit, irritated that my husband was rustling around upstairs, upsetting the quiet time I have grown to cherish with God. I am grateful for the blessing of being able to see the goodness of our Christ Jesus Messiah, who came to bring life. I laughed out loud because of the ridiculous and ungrateful spirit threatening to blind me of my husband actually doing things for me upstairs, getting my survival bag packed for my car! He is doing things to protect and prepare me, and I was feeling irritated. Because of Jesus, I am learning to bring life too. I would not trade the difficulties over time one bit if it meant I experienced less of the power of the Father’s love and mercy. May we respond in faith to the unique and Holy Son of God, who came to finish the work of our Creator. May the wellspring of life flow into our day, bringing healing and wholeness in ways only He can. May our eyes be open to see where God is working, and realize our responses matter more than we may know in the moment. May the comfort of our Father surround those who are hurting and encourage hearts where there is weakness. Amen.
Lord let me see through your eyes. May we not be stuck on religion and rules that we lose sight of your greater purpose.
I needed this scripture today. For 20+ years my dad has been severely disabled by mental illness and I just accepted that there was no solution and neglected to pray about it. Last week I felt convicted about my unbelief and committed to pray in faith throughout the new year, knowing that only God can heal my Dad and that He is so good even if healing isn’t his plan. If you read this, will you please join me in praying today?
And, KELLY (NEO), I thought the same thing with n Jesus asked if the man wanted to get well… waaaa, waaaa, waaaa, right? (Maybe being a preschool teacher made me see this… It is a familiar passage for me, but I just noticed that this time.) BUT it amplifies how only Jesus can “fix” us. We want to be well, and it is all Him, but waaaa, waaaa, waaaa!
Jesus is… Working, doing what the Father does, giving life, given all judgement, the Voice of God, Life in Himself, just, Lord of the Sabbath.
I pray that I am not so obsessed with the rules that I miss your presence, Lord.
Amen
I love the part that talks about the man who is healed and Jesus being questioned by everyone else because it’s such a new perspective on these verses I’ve grown up reading. Focusing on some circumstances can cause you to miss the power of Jesus working for your good and this resonates with me as I walk through a season of life that looks different than I thought it would. I pray that I would focus more on what Jesus is doing in my life, for my life, than all of the other circumstances!!
Lord, help me not miss that you are Lord of the sabbath and that I need to see YOU and not the sabbath itself (the forest for the trees, right?) I don’t know that I would be able to see, like Kim did, that those scribbles were an imitation of what her daughter saw her doing. Wow!
❤️
The Pharisees were so obsessed with rules and “correct” behavior that they missed God working right in front of them. I pray that I can keep my focus on glorifying Jesus and not judgment.
What a grace filled story! Monday is starting w a smile and remember to use my eyes and watch through the eyes of grace.
Father God please keep my eyes focused on Jesus. In Jesus name, Amen
These reminders are beautiful! Praise God for His miracles, for working on the Sabbath for us, and for His judgement.
This story does always frustrate me because the healed man complains and protects himself instead of praising and thanking Jesus.
These reminders are beautiful! Praise God for His miracles, for working on the Sabbath for us, and for His judgement.
These reminders are beautiful! Praise God for His miracles,
‘Jesus is always working in every facet of our life, & in the lives of those around us.’ Thanks be to God!!!
Not a lot of time this morning, got started on this a tad late..
But kinda forcing myself to ask for prayer today.. this week..? My brain keeps telling me this isn’t that important- just delete what I’m typing ;) Idk- general anxiety, loss of(spiritual/metaphorical) vision (and by nature I’m very visionary so this tough). I feel entangled in lot of weight and “messiness”. I’m not seeing things come to fruition that I believed for sure would be by this point.
Feeling a lot of heavy and I’m not sure what to do with it. Thought I’d put it on here and maybe someone else knows..! ;)
What stood out to me was when Jesus asked the man if he wanted to get well. I have depression and anxiety. I obviously don’t want to have it, but it takes work to overcome it. With Christ’s strength, I’ve become better over the years. But when circumstances hit me in the face, I retreat to what I know. Am I willing to put in the work to get better? Am I willing to admit to God, I cannot do this on my own?
SO glad the Lord woke me up just before my alarm and drew me to open my Bible with you all today! I pray I can keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and walk by faith not by sight so I can see His hand in my daily life – in the highs, lows, and everywhere in between! He IS working! “If I’m not dead, you’re not done. Greater things are still to come, Oh I believe!” – My Testimony by Elevation Worship
The reading for this day makes me wonder how often do I focus on the wrong thing? Am I too focused on rules and laws? Dear God please open my eyes today.
Thank you for the insights ladies.
How often can I get stuck in the rules for our children? Or my plan for the moment? To have my day upended or the rules pushed can send me into a tizzy. Why? Can I keep my eyes focused on Jesus to guide my steps and my day?
Yesterday’s sermon was on fear. One of my fears is failure, so I idolize success. It causes my need to perform or produce to get in the way of stopping and seeing our girls sometimes. God’s working on me, but it’s hard not to become a Pharisee when you think you have a plan.
Praise Jesus that He offers His healing and grace.
Hallelujah
After Jesus heals the sick man at Bethesda, he slips away into the crowd. However, in verse 14, it says he came back and found him in the temple. This is such a tender moment to me because he returns to finish his work. He wants to man to stay well. He wants his healing to be permanent so he tells him about the importance of truth and faith, but even more importantly, knowing he will be prosecuted, he returns so his name can be spread.
What a great reminder to look for Jesus, and His purpose, in every part of our lives; every moment, every hill, and every valley.
THE RULES!! How many times do we miss things because we are focusing to much on the rules or checking a box.
Oh Angie thank you for sharing your precious memory!
I am not a numbers person small numbers work so much better for me and oh how we can see the Lord working so much in lives as we take the time to share with individuals in quiet conversation. To search and see the many simple areas of our lives that Christ has touched can so often be over looks because we pick at the nitty gritty. I am so thankful that God filled me with simplicity.
Amen amen amen!! Reading this passage and then reading what Kim was saying, it’s crazy to think that they weren’t curious who was doing all the wonderful things but finding all the things they can accuse him of to hang him on the cross! Jesus did so many wonderful things and still is!! And I’m glad he is working in me to open my eyes to see the world differently!
I pray I am always thinking of what Jesus wants me to learn from situations that happen and lead me closer to him.
Every moment,! Not every day. Not in every crisis. Eyes fixed on Jesus is an attitude we are to strive to maintain.
@Maiya K — My first little one is about to be 6 months old and I feel much the same. It has always been important to represent Christ to those around me, but now I have tiny eyes watching me every second for cues about the world. All of a sudden my every action is a representation of how he should be. Praying with you that our daily lives would help lead our little ones to Christ’s presence. ❤️
Angie, that blessed me so much this morning. Yes, may those that toddle by our lives catch a glimpse of our love and devotion to Him.
Praise God for all blessings as we seek to serve him.
Thank you for sharing the story about your little girl Kim…beautiful, and those two “ruined” pages in your Bible became treasures.
When my children were little, I would have my devotions by oil light in the early morning. The nook in our bedroom did not have a plug. I wanted to be close enough to hear them, but also not wake them with the ceiling light, so I used an old fashioned oil lamp. Every morning as they woke and toddled over to the room, I would pick them up, cuddle them a few minutes, pray over them, and then wrap them in the warm-bed blankets and tell them to get a little extra sleep as mommy talked to Jesus. Usually they went right back to sleep as it was early. Occasionally they would lay tucked in bed with their sleepy eyes watching mommy read her Bible, write, and pray or sing quietly. What blessed memories. I had two sons and until they started school, that was our morning tradition. I don’t know if they remember it, but this momma’s heart cherished those moments.
Those of you with children, those of you pregnant – may God bless you and your children. May He draw you near and may His embrace of you be felt in your embrace of the family He has given you. Enjoy this wonderful time sisters.
And for those of us past those days, thank you God for precious memories. Thanks for being a God of grace in our lives and our children’s lives especially in the areas we wish we had done differently. Thank you for the for good You create. Now today, as we begin our new week, wherever this day finds us, please Jesus, may people who toddle-by our world see the soft glow of your Spirit shining out of our lives. May our walk, our talk, and our ways, speak of You and the foundation that comes from simply leaning-in and -on You alone. Amen and Amen.
Love the connection of missing what God is doing because I am focusing on the “rules.”
JO – same song ran through my head!
Why would Jesus ask the man if he wanted to be well? After 38 years, who wouldn’t want to be well? I noticed the man dis not answer but instead complained and tried to have a pity party.
Now I may be stretching things a bit, but the man may have been so bitter because if his condition that he had no hope. Jesus’ question may have been a way to ignite a little flame of hope in him.
When Jesus came to him the second time, He told the man to stop sinning, so that he did not fall into a worse situation. I’m taking that to infer a spiritual disability – eternal separation from God.
Have a great day Shes
Praise God!!! I pray that the Lord would guide me and open my eyes so that I will see His purpose in each day. Open my eyes to see that what matters to you Lord is far more important than what’s on my plate, for you will take care of me if I follow you and focus on your will and plan! Amen
I read in a commentary: “The sick man limits God’s help to his own ideas and does not dare promise himself more than he conceives in his mind.” How often do I limit God to what I think is possible? But He is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20).
Thank you for this. I don’t want to miss a moment of seeing Jesus move in my life or even around me❤️❤️❤️
Yes. All of Jesus life was lived so we could marvel. He gives us life forever so that we may marvel. Hallelujah.
Love this
Uuf…this one today. What a great reminder to begin the week with….to not be so focused on “the rules” but focused on the Lord Himself and rePRESENTING Him to those around me.
Being pregnant for the first time, I can’t help but think about how I want to be a great rePRESENTATION to my little one; that my life would draw my little one to want to be in Christ’s presence.
Thank you for this word today.
Be blessed ladies. Happy Monday!
They were looking in the wrong place. I was reminded of that old song “Turn your eyes upon Jesus”- may the earthly things we tend to dwell upon become “strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace”. I am praying this for all of us this morning. Have a blessed day x