"Jesus told him, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!"
John 5:8
John 5:8
Welcome Encouragement for Today Friends. Today's video talks about Daring to Hope and putting faith to action.
My Take Aways
Something Old:
What kind of mat I am sitting on? A beautiful tapestry of pride, addiction, self-pity, unbelief, insecurity, dishonesty, disappointment, unmet expectations, unfulfilled dreams.
It doesn't matter how long I have been sitting by the pool, stop with the excuses, pick up my mat and walk.
I love that my Father and His Son are always working. Don't you?
Something New:
Mark 2:27
"The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of the people." God knew we needed rest so He created a day for that. He commandments are always for our good.
Something to Do:
Stand up and walk: put action to my faith.
P.S.
Friends-just being real here-the image of me under the forward play arrow sort-of looks like I am pickin' my nose. I can promise you I am not! We are friends and all but that pushes the limits. lol
16 Comments:
Happy Friday all!
Wendy, thank you for your words on hope today, Morgen and Joy, you perfectly foreshadowed the theme of the healing of the lame man in your posts yesterday. Morgen, when you talked about the freeing power of forgiven sin, and Joy when you talked about the willingness to be healed.
"make no mistake, as a friend shared with me the other day, without our willingness to be healed or saved from whatever disease grips us, we will remain as we are, for God is not in the business of forcing His goodness upon us. We sadly echo the words of Luke 5:39, "The old is just fine"."
Our protagonist in today's story illustrated this beautifully. If he was not willing to be healed, if he continued to wallow in his hopeless state, his 38 years of disability would continue unabated.
A couple of more minor points from today's reading. I did not know that Moses wrote about Jesus (John 5:45-46). I looked up this passage in the commentaries and here from Adam Clarke's commentary we find:
For instance, in reciting the prophecy of Jacob, Genesis 49:10. "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until SHILOH come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." And in Deuteronomy 18:18: "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren like unto thee; and I will put my words in his mouth", with Acts 3:22, and ; 7:37. Besides, Moses pointed out the Messiah in a multitude of symbols and figures, which are found in the history of the patriarchs, the ceremonial laws, and especially in the whole sacrificial system. All these were well-defined, though shadowy representations of the birth, life, sufferings, death, and resurrection of the Saviour of the world.
Okay, now I see it.
I also dwelt on the whole discussion of the Sabbath. Wendy I resonated with Mark 2:27 as well! And as follows in 28 "So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!"
I looked up Lord (Strong's number 2962):
1. he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord
a. the possessor and disposer of a thing
Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath and he decides what it is and how it is to be "disposed of" or fulfilled.
He says it is:
* made to meet the needs of people" (Mark 2:27),
* made for showing mercy ((Matthew 12:7),
* made for doing good deeds and for saving life(Mark 3:4, Luke 6:9)
* made for doing good (Matthew 12:12)
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy (Exodus 20:8) - Amen
Karen, Basel
Wendy,
I was very encouraged by your devotion today. I do not know your circumstances with your son. But he is so lucky to have a faithful mother who is praying for him. I am praying for your family, also.
Please continue to rely on the words of your heavenly father.I am praying that when you are losing sight of the Hope you have in Him, that the Holy Spirit will prompt you with sweet whipers of reminders of what He can and will be for you.
I liked Jesus' comments about the Sabbath, as well. It's not about following rules but loving God, and if that's in place, then we're on the right track.
Rhonda, walking is going okay except for the weather. My friend and I walk every rain-free weekday (which are few lately) for 45 minutes and are trying to start interval running if we ever get to go two days in a row. The rain is to clear out by the middle of next week, so maybe then we'll be able to be more consistent.
Happy Friday!
Two verses spoke to me this morning. The first was: Mark 2:27 "The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath"..God has been showing me more and more what legalism means. If we take the equation:
FAITH IN CHRIST + _______ = Christianity
and put ANYTHING in that blank, we are being legalistic.
If we view the Sabbath as something to "do" rather than as a gift from God as He intended it to be, than we fall into legalism.
Another verse that captured me was: Luke 6:10: "He looked around at them one by one"....wow...can you imagine the intensity of that moment? And yet Jesus does that today. He looks us in the eye, in the heart, each of us, one by one and SEES us. (and still loves us completely!)
Praise You Jesus!
Speaking with truth, kindness and necessity today...
Morgen
Hello ladies!
Wow! This has been an amazing journey. I have had to step away from the blogging, but I have kept up with my reading and I'm so excited to pass this milestone. We are in the new testament and I couldn't be more excited. I'm so proud of myself and am so excited to continue this journey and complete this journey. I have tried to read the bible so many different times. God has opened my eyes to this wonderful gift...his word.
I have missed talking with all of you, but I was struggling to keep up on my reading and blogging. Thank you Wendy for leading us on this journey. I'm so excited to be reading through the bible.
Yeah!
Have a great day everyone!
Kristin-Wisconsin
Good morning, GIGs,
Hectic morning here in New England. I will have to read and watch later today, but just wanted to wish everyone a blessed day. The Lord had me up for several hours during the night for "discussion", and this morning (after pushing the snooze alarm too many times!) I came up with a new, creative, divinely-inspired idea for solving a problem I am facing. Praise the Lord, for EVERYTHING! Off to recess duty!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Wendy, I honestly cannot believe how the Lord is daily capturing my thoughts since returning here, and speaking specifically to the "mats" that have kept me away. I'll be honest, there is something in my life right now, a 'mat' that I am sitting on, that I don't want to "stand up, pick up my mat, and walk". Actually, I'd be better to leave the "mat" behind, unless I keep it rolled under my arm as a reminder of what the Lord has done. Taking it with me, I think I will be too tempted to open it and sit again. Many of the "mats" you mentioned today need to be burned not brought with us on the journey. They need a surrender, not a saving.
Christ went on to say, "Now you are well; so stop sinning or something even worse may happen to you." Oh, that I would heed that warning as well.
I was also drawn by John 5:35, "...you were excited for a while about his message." Jesus is speaking to the Jewish leaders here. For a time they received John’s message with excitement. What happened? It takes more than enthusiasm to sustain momentum. It takes commitment. Feeling will only determine “want to”. Something deeper drives “need to”. The seed that falls can too easily be snatched, swept away, snagged or smothered. On our own, we lose our resolve. We need divine power to persevere. Knowing Him intimately and personally is what sustains our passion for His Word.
I’m asking Him again today to fill me with a longing and desire for His Word. I don’t want to be “excited for a while”, I want to be excited for a lifetime.
Needing to move from hope, to faith, to action,
Joy
Happy Friday, Dear Friends ~
Morgen, the very same verse stuck out to me, this morning regarding the Sabbath:
“The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). The Lord is calling us to Him; His desire remains the same: to take part in a personal and intimate relationship with Him, as He reveal’s Himself to us – more and more each day. Christians can be so busy to point the finger, and judge, when really Jesus was a man who was the opposite of legalistic: His focus was on loving those around him. Showing compassion to even the scum of the earth shows a human emotion that Jesus had – he certainly was able to love from His heart. Never, do we see him pointing out the rules and regulations, but rather than loving on people.
Oh, dear sisters when God reaches out and touches us, and even before we feel His hands upon us, may we worship and adore Him… may we fall down on our face before Him in awe!
Sweet Wendy, your words spoke to my heart today. If I did not know better, I’d think you were my personal tutor! Smile!!! Thank you Jesus! You, knew what I needed to hear today! I, too am daring to hope. Thank you for speaking from your heart with honesty. Together Wendy, side by side, across the miles, we will “wait for the LORD, [our] soul doth wait, and in His Word do [we] hope (Psalm 130:5).
Much love sweet sisters coming through the screen to each of you! Lori
thank you Wendy for letting God work through you. i believe that he put you in my life on purpose. i am in my 70's and have known Jesus personally for almost 20 yrs. i am growing in my walk with Him dailey and your teachings are so much a part of it. i am in a time of confusion and troubles of sort, my husband 81 is ill and has been for years, i am having trouble handling things in Jesus' way, is the only way to say it. I do have hope in Jesus though and pray for it each day. and you are a big encouragement to me. i thank God for you. i am so glad that i found a friend in you and most of all Jesus.
Wendy,
I wait with hope today for My Son, who has several issues in his life that I know God can resolve. My hope is in God who can do all things. Keeping the Faith.
Thank You
God doing...Friday All,
Wendy...Thank You. Another great lesson. Picking up many "mats"...seems like there is a new one to pick up as soon as I think I got one "clean up."
Hope...Faith...Action: Have to say...a little light bulb went on. This summer this was put to action with my running. Experience it..."hope, faith, Action". I have another dirty "Mat" that through that experience want to get this other one cleaned up. That exprience taught me much...Do I want to be well of this dirty "Mat" Yes!
Just stopping in quick. Morgan & Lori...with yhea on the Sabbath. Thanks you two.
Kristen WI...Just dropping you a Hi today. Glad to hear your still with us.
Amy...Running once in a while...Go Girl!! Keep it up!! Your renting situatiion is in my prayers.
Color filled Autumn Day,
Rhonda
Good morning, GIGs.
Haven't listened to the vlog yet but would like to share some of my notes on today's reading in John 5.
Re John 5:4 - At certain times an angel of the Lord would go down into the pool and stir up the water, and whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. is not in the NLT but included in the KJV. This particular quote is the ISB. As my pastor shared he said "We are all staring at the pool, too - of false hopes, destruction. Pool of success. Pool of religion. Pool of Psychology. Pool of lottery. Pool of human relationships (if only I can just get married or not be married anymore)."
He said there are two kinds of suffering: 1. physical malady or 2) 38-year load of guilt. Jesus asked if the man wanted to be made whole. It was a question of choice.
And notice what Jesus told the man:
1. "Rise" - Get up! Do the impossible because God is telling you to do so. he will enable you to do what He wants you to do. He tells you to "Go in the strength that you have and I will be with you." Our job is to take the first step. Sometimes we are at a crossroads in some parts of our lives. It's time to put ________ whatever it is - in line with God's Word. Obey!
2. "Take up your bed" - signifies your old identity, the old invalid self. Sometimes we save the old life in our hearts and minds. Don't plan for a relapse. Everytime you decide to go against God's commands, there's a ship waiting (just like in Jonah's case) and satan provides it - down to Joppa - down to the ship - down to the sea - down to hell.
3. "Walk" - don't expect to be carried. Don't rely on others. There is a burden that God will never lift off you: walking with Him. No one else can do it for you. Your spouse can't do it for you. Only you can walk with the Lord. Remember,there are no grandchildren in God's family, just children.
Bottom line: Sometimes God heals, sometimes He doesn't. Healing is only temporary, though because at some point we will still die. The ultimate healing is our new glorified body. Someday, in His perspective it will all make sense.
Wow! Girls, these comments are amazing! Karen, I also wanted to know more about Moses referring to Jesus--that was new to me. G&P--thanks for your notes too.
Something else that struck me was in John 5:44. "No wonder you can't believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don't care about the honor that comes from the one who alone is God."
I read this out loud (Only my dog heard me!! I was out on the porch!). Reading scripture aloud has such a powerful impact, and I tend to really tune in. When I read, I do way too much skimming! Those words just resonated in my heart. We DO honor others more than we honor the Lord of the universe! I think about athletes. Mercy! Some are placed in such high esteem...do we put God above all else? I loved how Jesus spoke these words that I needed to hear.
Wendy, your PS just made me laugh!! You don't look like you're pickn' your nose!! You are too funny! Continued prayers for you and your precious family. We're up your way one more time tomorrow this cross country season at McAlpine Park! So thankful that the weather is a bit cooler!
Hugs!
Susan
Wow Wendy - you are just stirring up something in me these past few days.
I have posted many times about my issues with undiagnosed chronic pain and resulting sleep problems. Lately - I have been sitting on a mat of self-pity and unbelief. I have allowed my symptoms to become an excuse for being down right crusty, esp with my family. I have allowed my unbelief to creep into not just my attitude about healing but also about God's sovereignty and love for me.
Joy - your comments yesterday about the willingness to be healed, about staying stuck in sin instead of being saved just stopped me in my tracks. I marched myself off to confession today to repent before the Lord.
And today - Wendy, your words about putting faith into action. Get up and walk. Girls - I took my eye off the prize and sat around sulking about my circumstances. I need to seriously surrender these mats over to Him and DARE TO HOPE. To keep praising Him and standing in expectation until the answer to this problem is revealed. And perhaps as my priest suggested today - to lay my pain out as sacrifice in the wait.
Thank you Wendy and you wonderful ladies - you're posts have touched me deeply these past few days. PTL for giving me the time to read and share with you today!
xoxo
Jodie from Ottawa
My dear GIGs!!
I have been away so long – but keeping up with the reading – and checking the blog often. Once school started, my schedule went downhill. I am keeping up with the reading – thank goodness for the New Testament – but am falling way behind in the vlog and slightly behind in the comments. Doing what I can….I miss all of you.
I wanted to bring you up to date on sweet Rebecca. She has had a tough road – but is climbing her mountain!! She had a stent put in her pancreas in August. All was well, she was even eating popsicles. However, the stent became dislodged and floated into her intestine. Major issues with that. They have since placed another stent and she is advancing superbly. She is eating pasta, yogurt – mild things, and gets to get a drink from Sonic!!! She also spent a few hours in her public school classroom this week. This was a real treat for her but she tires easily. They are going to try and slowly get her back to some schedule, but she still has the feeding tube and is in line for another surgery later in October. I ask that you continue to lift this family up – they are such strong believers and have never wavered in their faith. True Champions for our Savior.
I have been swamped with school and 2 teenagers – but I also placed my house on the market September 1st, on a whim. Lo and behold – I close in 3 weeks. Yikes. I did not have a place to move to. It was unexpected to sell so quickly. I had some major issues with the inspection, but God willing, I have passed the option period and am set to close. I have also found a new place to go and am so grateful. I was also offered a permanent position with my company (after 6 months of temporary work). Things are all falling into place, and only God is responsible. I thank Him and praise Him ALL the time. God is AWESOME – and we have so much to be grateful for.
I wanted to thank all of you for your research, insight, prayers, love, forgiveness, and just being a faithful group of believers. I have turned to you all more than you know and am so grateful for all of you.
Have a blessed weekend!! Enjoy His presence!!!
This is my first post, so if i mes up please bare with me.. lol
Wow, I really loved this. I just joined you ladies recently. I am very much enjoying listening to Wendy and what the Holy Spirit brings forward for us to see through His word and through Wendy. First I wanted to say Wendy that I will be praying for you and for your son. I don't know the circumstances but, the Lord knows, and He hears us and heals us! I have seen amazing things done though the power of prayer, God is so good!
So onto the reading.
I was really taken by the following verse when Jesus asked the man if he wanted to get well? The man presented Jesus with an excuse that NO ONE was there to help him. Isn't that kinda like life for us, we are always waiting for the right moment, the right person, to help, the right circumstances, to come the right decisions to seem right...lol you understand what i mean? And to me It seemed allot like Jesus was saying, you don't need anyone's help because you have me so get up and walk. Jhn 5:7 "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me." Jhn 5:8 Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."
Not to sure about you ladies but the christian walk for me, has not left me with many friends and the choice I have made to live for Christ has been a blessing but also a struggle. I have lost many friends and have had many say I am over the top and they just don't understand where I am coming from. So this verse is comforting to me because Jesus is telling the man he can do it with His help. To just believe and move forward..
I have also sat on my mat for 38 years and recently I was told to get up and walk as well. Thank God for my eyes being opened. Wendy God can do anything! Your character is going to grow so much from this trial and you son will grow too. Sometimes we cannot see it unitl after but please be comforted you are not alone.
Jos 1:5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Press on!
Stacey Irwin
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