JESUS SPEAKING
Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, he called her to him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God (Luke 13: 10-13.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Jesus regularly taught in the synagogues on the Sabbath day. One particular Sabbath day the attentive listeners witnessed a wonderful act of divine charity. In the midst of the crowd, there sat a deformed woman, who unknowingly would become the target of God’s merciful affections. For 18 years her twisted spine had condemned her to a life of humiliating hardship. Jesus beckoned her forward; and with one touch, she received her long awaited freedom; freedom from embarrassment and ridicule; freedom from shame; freedom from unending pain and discomfort. Overjoyed, and filled with gratitude, the once twisted woman honored and praised God for his merciful work. Miracles and healings such as this, serve two wonderful functions; they relieve suffering; and inspire others to honor and glorify God.
Nearly 6 years ago, I was in a mental institution; I was unable to work; unable to complete menial tasks like laundry and cooking; filled with fear and overwhelmed with nervousness I couldn’t sit still for any extended period of time without being afflicted with fits of extreme anxiety. Trapped in a delusional world devoid of mental stability, I was surrounded by other disturbed individuals (one poor woman had tried and failed every form of treatment and had to endure electro-shock-therapy.) In a place where pajamas and slippers were the everyday attire, I was unaware that God would soon call me forward; I was ignorant of His future plan; one day He did lay His hand on me, and He healed my twisted and unhealthy mind. Not only did He heal me, He created in me a completely new person. Today, I hold down a job and have wonderful friendships; not only do I work, I volunteer; I’m involved in many ministries; I give as much as I can, and serve others whenever possible; I truly love people and feel deep empathy for those who are hurting; I counsel people on right living; I pay bills, and I am a responsible person that can be relied upon. A man who was once dead has been brought to life. I am an example of God’s miraculous power; He is a great and awesome God; a God of mercy and love; I am whole today, not because of anything I have done, but because of what God has done.
Have you experienced a miracle? Has God called you forward; has He done something amazing? If so, then you are truly blessed; if not, He can and will if You let Him. Have faith in the Lord and nothing will be impossible; trust in God and you will experience miraculous things; and when you do, give God the glory and honor He so greatly deserves; point at Him and proclaim, ‘My deliverer has arrived, and I have been set free; praise be to God.’
“Lord Heavenly Father You are worthy to receive glory and honor and praise. We want to thank You for all of the amazing things You have accomplished in and through us. We desire to see even greater miracles; increase our faith and do the impossible; we are excited to see You move and do great and mighty works. We love You Father, we praise You and we thank You; and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 