-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / WHAT JESUS DID! --
http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Blasphemy? I Think Not!
Jesus knew that these teachers of the law were thinking those
things about him. So Jesus said to them, "Why do you have
these questions in your minds? The Son of Man has power on
earth to forgive sins. But how can I prove this to you? Maybe
you are thinking it was easy for me to say to the crippled
man, 'Your sins are forgiven.' {No one could see if it really
happened.} But what if I say to the man, 'Stand up. Take your
bed and walk'? Then you will be able to see if I really have
this power or not." So Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "I
tell you, stand up. Take your mat and go home."
-- Mark 2:8-11 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Jesus heals people for many different reasons and under many different
circumstances. The bottom line is this: Jesus heals folks because he
loves them and wants to bring them to God. In this instance, however,
Jesus is moved by two additional things. First, he sees the faith of
this man's friends and he is touched by their concern. Second, he is
frustrated with the cynicism and opposition from those who are present
only to criticize him. They doubt his authority, so he demonstrates it:
he heals the man! Then he emphasizes that the miracle he has done shows
he has the authority to forgive sins. The real challenge for you and me
is to recognize that Jesus' authority doesn't just extend to his power
to teach and command, but also to heal, mend, help, forgive, and bless.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Holy and Almighty LORD of the ages, thank you that your authority has
been powerfully demonstrated in Jesus. Help me open my heart to him
fully and to not only respond with obedience to Jesus' commands, but to
also let him in to nurture and bless. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
>> available as a book. Click below to order!
http://images.ultracart.com/aff/ACU9/1414/108/185/575/0/index.html
>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/mark/0202-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Mark+2:8-11&sr=1&t=erv
/--- $5 PER MONTH BLESSES 2,000 PEOPLE ---------------------\
Just five bucks means 2,000 email devotionals can be sent
to believers around the world. Help get the Word out!
\--------------------- http://www.heartlight.org/support ---/
Content-type: text/html
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
VELVET ELVIS: REPAINTING THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, by Rob Bell
In this provocative, hopeful book, Bell asks what the church might look
like if today's believers fully embraced "the way" of love, peace,
sharing possessions, compassion, risk, forgiveness, and harmony.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?254
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!
WHAT JESUS DID! from HEARTLIGHT /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd
\/
This devotional is made possible by YOUR donations! If you've found
our emails encouraging or inspiring, we pray you'll give a voluntary
donation to keep this ministry going. Donations are NOT required,
but they are appreciated!
http://www.heartlight.org/support
What Jesus Did! is a 365-day devotional through the book of Luke.
It is written by Phil Ware <phil@heartlight.org> and is part of
HEARTLIGHT Magazine, the leading Christian living e-zine on the
Web. Visit HEARTLIGHT on the web for even more articles, plus
music, devotionals and more for your Christian walk!
HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-wjd@maillists.heartlight.org
HOW DO I LEAVE?
Send a blank email to the unsubscribe address:
wjd-unsubscribe@maillists.heartlight.org
STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.
OTHER QUESTIONS?
Find answers to your frequently asked questions:
http://www.heartlight.org/help/faq/wjd.html
======================================================================
