Guard the Goodness

~~~~ Hebrews 4:1-5, 11 ~~~ Psalm 78 ~~~ Mark 2:1-12 ~~~

Jesus immediately knew in his mind what 

they were thinking to themselves...

Jesus had the ability to internalize everything
about what being human meant.
He was able to see each person as an individual.
He was able to get past whatever was in their past;
he was able to offer them more.
He was and can be today for us the personification of hope.

As the crippled man was lowered down to Jesus from the roof,
Jesus was intuitively aware of what the authorities were thinking.

Mind reading is something found in amusement
 parks...at traveling carnivals.
This was Jesus who knew what they were thinking.

Imagine for a minute if the next time you entered
 into a room full of people you were able to know what
 they were all thinking about you.
Would you be totally freaked out? I would.

Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?

Jesus heals the man and forgives his sins
while he also dealing with the negativity
 in the hearts of some in the room.

Jesus could sense the darkness in their hearts.
Jesus could sense their jealousy and hatred.

Most of us can not be up to our best
 when we are surrounded with negative
 thoughts and words.

Jesus asks them 'why', because
he knew that all things first begin within the heart
whether they are good or bad.

Whatever we nourish and cuddle
within our heart is what will be manifested in our life.

We must be careful to guard
 the goodness in our heart.

Thank goodness we do not have the ability
 to know what others are thinking.

Even if we try or think we know we are
wrong much of the time.

Jesus knows what we are thinking.
He knows what is in our heart.
He knows that what comes from him is goodness.
He also knows that what is not good in our heart
originated outside of his love.

Guard all that is good within your heart.

We are Blessed to have a God
who knows what we are thinking,
who knows what is in our heart
and loves us even more.

~~~Peace~~~

Have You Looked Beyond the Rising Waters?

~~~ Ezek. 47:1-9, 12 ~~~ Psalm 46 ~~~ John 5:1-16 ~~~

Rising waters on all sides...ankle deep, knee deep, waist deep, over the top of your head, swimming is the best alternative...
the first thoughts that come to mind for me here is the feeling of being overwhelmed with life. We try to be so strong but life has a way of smothering us with issues.

Spouse, work, children, parents, friends, neighbors, faith community, personal health, finances, automobile repairs, household chores, recreation...
How many ways can one individual handle life when the dump truck unloads all at the same time, right in your front yard? It makes you just want to curl up in a ball and hide, but you know you cannot.

You begin to notice there is a bank along this river and lining this bank are the trees of hope. This bank is rich with new life...leafy green fruit trees. The river is home to abundant fish and wildlife. Life is good if we look beyond the rising waters. God is providing; he is extending his care for all who come to the waters.

Come! sings the psalmist, "behold the deeds of the Lord, the astounding things he has wrought on earth."

The crippled man waiting to enter into the pool was overwhelmed and discouraged at not being able to carry himself to the water. Jesus speaks to the man causing him to look up. When you change your focus up to Jesus be prepared for your life to change as well. Jesus calmly said, "Rise, take up your mat, and walk."
Beside the waters God will provide for he is the Living Water...the water that daily sustains our life.

When you experience healing there comes a new responsibility. Your time of waiting has ended and now begins your time of action. You cannot keep this healing a secret you want to praise God for his goodness. This healing validates that you are loved and cared for by God. Whatever the nature of healing you need in your life it is possible to receive.

The healing of the heart may be the most profound healing of all.
When your heart is healed and cleansed with the living waters;
how can you deny having Joy in the Lord?

When the waters are rising all around you look for the Lord along the river bank.
He will be there with leafy green fruit bearing trees.
Hope lies near the Living Waters.