Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned thatContinue reading “Never Stop Believing and Expecting”
Category Archives: New Testament
Given From Heaven
To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.” (John 3:27 NIV) A family member is very fond of this verse. According to her, John the Baptist didn’t preach much, but what he said that one time is noteworthy. When his disciples came to him and reported that JesusContinue reading “Given From Heaven”
I Found the One
I have found the one my soul loves. (Song of Solomon 3:4) When you’re single (never been married), your family and friends follow you closely on social media nowadays, waiting for the day you announce that you’ve found “the one.” They’re all interested to find out just who that special one is. But if you’veContinue reading “I Found the One”
Satisfied At Last
The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” (John 4:28-29 NLT) In Biblical times the well was a place where men met their potential wives (e.g., Jacob andContinue reading “Satisfied At Last”
Rise Again with Gratitude
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV) This year has no doubt been hard on all of us. Not many of us will be quick to heed Paul’s exhortation in today’s passage to “give thanks,” let alone “in all circumstances.” But if you’reContinue reading “Rise Again with Gratitude”
Who Do You Say He Is?
Jesus and his disciples went to the villages near the town of Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, “What do people say about me?” The disciples answered, “Some say you are John the Baptist or maybe Elijah. Others say you are one of the prophets.” Then Jesus asked them, “But whoContinue reading “Who Do You Say He Is?”
They Need It More
“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends…” “‘MyContinue reading “They Need It More”
Live at Peace
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18 NLT) Even the great apostle realized that in a world of strife it’s not always easy to live at peace. Nevertheless, he encourages us to make it our goal. Jesus pronounced a blessing on peacemakers, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they willContinue reading “Live at Peace”
Giving and Receiving
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10 NIV) DidContinue reading “Giving and Receiving”
Be a Blessing
Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. (Matthew 19:21-22 NLT) I once heardContinue reading “Be a Blessing”
