Jesus Does What is Best

“Jesus was also invited to the wedding…the wine ran out…Jesus turned the water into wine…” (John 2:1-9).

Greetings,

I have read and re-read the verse above over the last several days because it demonstrates a great truth: Jesus does what is needed!

He could have made milk or He could have made lemonade.  But the request was for wine, so that’s what He provided.

And when an adulteress was surrounded by stone-wielding accusers Jesus said, “I do not condemn you. Go and sin no more” (John 8:10)

He could have easily pointed out her sin. He could have just as easily told her she was making stupid decisions.  But He gave her what she needed most: Forgiveness.

How about all the testimonies of people whom Jesus healed?

The blind received sight.

The deaf received hearing.

The lame walked again.

And let’s not forget that the depressed received joy and hope.

The fearful were inundated with peace.

The financially strapped received provision.

The hungry received food.

Jesus always gave and provided what was needed most.

Can you imagine if a hungry person were given a sermon on how Jesus provides but then given no food?

There’s an awesome story in the Bible about how the disciples were freaking out because they were caught in a storm in the middle of a lake.  The boat was taking on water, and “they were in real danger of drowning” (Luke 8:23).  Thank God that Jesus was in the boat, and when the disciples rushed to wake Him up, He immediately got to His feet and told the wind to “Quiet down” (Luke 8:24)! And it did.

Jesus always does what is best.  Always provides what is most pressing.  He has His priorities in order and ours as well.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, strengthen our faith to believe that when we call upon the name of Jesus, He will always answer with what is best. Thank you! Amen!

Our Year of the Answers

Acts 3:2-8

Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.  He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and PRAISING GOD.”

Happy New Year from me and Hershey Pie,

Can any of you relate to the lame man in the verse above?  His problem had dragged on year after long miserable year. But as soon as he received his healing he went straight into the temple courts praising God!  He did not complain that his healing had taken a lifetime to arrive.  He did not question why he suffered so long.  He did not get angry he had spent so much of his life as a beggar, depending on others for every thing. No! Instead, he did what we all should do when our answer comes: HE PRAISED GOD!

When he was taken by the hand, helped up, and made strong, he, first and foremost, praised God.  That’s not to say he didn’t have questions.  All of us want to know, “Why?”  Sometimes, however, it is better to go with the flow of the blessing that has finally happened and just praise God.  It is better to forget the past and enjoy the new and good thing.  Let's pray for 2017 to be our year of the answers!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Today we enter into Your temple gate called BEAUTIFUL! We are so happy to be here because it is in Your presence where healing takes place. Take us by the hand and help us get up in 2017! We need health, joy, peace, provision, strength, faith, and trust in this New Year and beyond. We praise You. Thank You for Your goodness in our lives.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

I'll Give You What I Have...

Acts 3:6 “But Peter said, ‘I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!’”

Greetings, all you blessed and highly-favored children of God!

Sometimes we feel as though we have nothing to offer – that there’s nothing we can do.  This past week I have been keeping close tabs on a buddy who has been battling a nasty case of pneumonia in the hospital.  So bad, in fact, that it has required several days worth of hospitalization, untold amounts of antibiotics and other medication, and struggles with collapsing veins and other stuff.

It is easy to feel helpless in situations like these; there’s not much we can do.  Or is there?  Right before the verse above takes place, Peter and John were on their way to pray at the temple when a lame man – a man who had been lame since birth and had to be physically taken to the temple – saw them and did what he did best: He begged.  His life was one of depending on others for life’s most basic needs and begging for money. 

I wonder how this man’s family felt?  Were they frustrated? Tired? Sad that he was in the condition he was? The Bible says he was lame from birth and now he was a full-grown man.

But I love what Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you.”  Likewise, what have I had that I could offer my friend this week while she’s been hospitalized? Or what could I offer my other friend whose daughter is in the midst of a nasty divorce? Or what do you or I have that we can offer in seemingly hopeless situations?  Let’s face the facts. This is a hurting and dark world, and many times I feel overwhelmed with all the crazy that is happening near and far.

Yet this morning as I was preparing for work, I read the above-verse and God whispered to my heart, “Yenisita, you have Jesus.  Share Him with others. PRAY!” And then I felt practically giddy because (A) I am all about that praying, and (B) When we invite Jesus into the messes of life, verse eight happens.

“The lame man jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.”

We all have Jesus, and powerful, life-changing things take place when we share Him with others.  You may not have one other thing that can make a positive impact, but you have the One Who always makes a difference. Glory!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Sometimes we feel that prayer is a waste of time.  Forgive us for ever feeling that way.  Every single time we share Christ or pray for someone, something excellent and miraculous is taking place.  Help us believe it. In Jesus’ healing name we pray, AMEN!