After years of preaching nearly every Sunday (unless on vacation or a guest speaker came to our church) my husband now preaches when invited to do so, but it's not an "every week" thing. He's still a minister but not a pastor. Now he's a Director of Missions for an association of 25 churches.
He thoroughly enjoys EVERY opportunity he has to preach... and lately there have been many.
Last week he preached at one of our churches that is currently without a pastor. Brent spoke from the passage in Mark where the men helped their friend who was paralyzed. He needed to see Jesus (to seek healing) but the house was full and they couldn't get him to Jesus. Being ingenious people with a determination to help their friend, they lifted him to the roof, where they proceeded to make an opening and they lowered the paralyzed man into the presence of Jesus.
I've always loved that Bible story. The miracle. The friendships. The compassion of Christ.
The humorous side of me can just visualize it. The debris is falling as the men make the opening. What did the people in the house think when they saw the mess coming from the ceiling above their heads? The paralyzed man, too, must have had some unique thoughts at that time. Can you imagine being lowered through the ceiling on a makeshift contraption? Was he afraid? Did he wonder what Jesus would say/do?
But God.
Christ chose compassion when he cast eyes upon the paralyzed man and He healed him. He. healed. him.
The man must have been overjoyed. Brent suggested he probably picked up his mat and slung it over his shoulder as he left the house that day - a healed man with a skip to his step!
Yes! Amazing things happen when Jesus is in the house!
Mark 2:1-12
If Christ is in our house (in our lives), we can expect amazing things to happen!
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Supplies Used
Image: Stampin' UP! Heart & Home stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers
Papers: Recollections CS and DP from my scrap file
Embellishments: Michael's Washi Tape
Fabulous journal page for this Bible story, Jeanette! We just need to remember to open the door and welcome Him in each and every day!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story Jeanette. I always look forward to your writtings!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful sermon that must have been - thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, and your wonderful journaling. I had a blah day time this afternoon, and late in the day realised that I was getting 'got at', so I have praise songs playing via you tube as I am cruising around blogs. Much better!
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine