Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region. Matthew 9:29–31
Jesus did not like it when people made a big to-do about his miracles. He always had something more in mind than the miracle itself. When Jesus performed a miracle, what mattered most to him was that it would arouse a deep, godly feeling. His acts of mercy were signs of something greater – something beyond the temporal. He touched the inner person.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Seek First the Kingdom
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
Illness has often led me to seek greater quietness, to seek anew the way that God wants to lead me. People assume that after I get well, I will take up my activities again in the old way. But times and callings change, and we do not please God by clinging to the old customary ways. Instead, we must pay heed to the signs that show us new ways.
Illness has often led me to seek greater quietness, to seek anew the way that God wants to lead me. People assume that after I get well, I will take up my activities again in the old way. But times and callings change, and we do not please God by clinging to the old customary ways. Instead, we must pay heed to the signs that show us new ways.
Monday, December 12, 2011
In All Things
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
When I worked as a teacher in the Mission House in Basel, I came down with a high fever, and the doctor diagnosed smallpox. The following night, although calm and composed, I wrestled with the Lord, earnestly looking upward. At one point after midnight, it seemed to me that a hand stroked me from head to foot, and I suddenly felt well and free. Yet, I had been so weakened that I had to stay in bed another week.
When I worked as a teacher in the Mission House in Basel, I came down with a high fever, and the doctor diagnosed smallpox. The following night, although calm and composed, I wrestled with the Lord, earnestly looking upward. At one point after midnight, it seemed to me that a hand stroked me from head to foot, and I suddenly felt well and free. Yet, I had been so weakened that I had to stay in bed another week.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Conversion
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1–2
If we desire happiness and health but not conversion, we are on the wrong track. The gift of healing will make no progress without repentance. Never will a divine gift of healing make itself felt unless it is preceded by repentance, by a cry of, “Lord, take away the curse under which we moan!” The Savior is not interested in playing a game of making us ill and then making us well again. If you are laid low, repent – that is what you must seek.
If we desire happiness and health but not conversion, we are on the wrong track. The gift of healing will make no progress without repentance. Never will a divine gift of healing make itself felt unless it is preceded by repentance, by a cry of, “Lord, take away the curse under which we moan!” The Savior is not interested in playing a game of making us ill and then making us well again. If you are laid low, repent – that is what you must seek.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)