Jesus was very impressed. They had definitely caught his eye. Though the entrance through the roof was somewhat unorthodox, they had Jesus’ attention. But it wasn’t their “architectural deconstruction” that won them commendation. It was their faith.
What did Jesus see in these men who ripped through a roof to bring their friend to him? And what can we learn about compassion for people in need? (see Luke 5:18-19)
Love: These men truly cared about their friend. And not simply as a project, but as a person. They knew he needed Jesus and loved him all the way to the Savior.
Faith: Interestingly, The paralytic is not the focus. The book says Jesus saw “their” faith. These lovers of men knew that if their friend was going to be helped, it would be by Jesus. They knew that whatever the need is, Jesus is the answer!
Determination: Jesus was on the move so they had to act now! But the doors all seemed closed. They were turned back every step of the way. Yet they found a way to get their friend to Jesus!
What about you? Who do you love enough that you would let no obstacle stop you from bringing them to Jesus?
When it comes to outreach our problem is not that we don’t know enough, our problem is that we do not love enough.
Even an avowed atheist like Penn Jillette of Penn and Teller knows this. While reflecting on the efforts of a member of the audience who tried to witness to him, Penn says:
"How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that? If I believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that a truck was coming at you and you didn't believe it, and that truck was bearing down on you, there's a certain point where I tackle you. And this is more important than that." (full story)
So, who do you love enough to break down a door, climb through a window, or rip through a roof to bring him to Jesus?
The well-wisher of your soul’s happiness,
Pastor Tom
::prayer::
Eloise B.: Please pray for Nicole to do well on FCAT and that we will get the right medication and dose for her ADHA. Also, pray she will grow in her relationship to Christ.
Milt M.: Thanks for praying for Carolyn’s mom, Joyce. Please continue to pray for healing in this challenging journey as Carolyn stays there 3 more weeks to help. Pray for better pain management, muscle strength and sleep (for all!).
Christine D.: Please pray for my mom, Denise, who went to the hospital this morning with kidney stones. (Update: had procedure to remove them Sunday afternoon). Also, pray for my dad to be motivated to better health. And pray for me to stay focused in school and on my work.
Nancy W.: Pray for the effectiveness of “Daybreak Devotions” with members and staff at the YMCA. May God’s kingdom be built up and strengthened! Growth and outreach for our church.
Julie V.: Please pray for my mom, Lucia, to give her relief on her right eye (jumpy). Pray for Tatiana’s myopia to stop progressing (increased from -7 to -8.5 in 5 weeks). Pray for me that this pain on my left side goes away!
Jim P.: Pray for my mom, Dian, with chest/heart issues. Pray for safe return trips for my girls.
Deb.: Thanks to God – people liked the bread and bought it! Deb is feeling better!
::community::
“Get Moving West Orange”: The Roper YMCA has joined forces with Windermere, Winter Garden, Gotha, Oakland, and Ocoee for a month-long community fitness program. Free membership for the month of March!
Easter Lilies: The day of resurrection will soon be here. You can sponsor an Easter Lily in honor of or in memory of a loved one. Just $10!
Men’s Group! Conversation and encouragement this Wednesday night at Tom McCoy’s home at 7:00 PM.
Women’s Bible Study: “Lord, Change My Attitude”, by James MacDonald. Thursdays at 6:45 pm at the home of Tricia Phillips.
M-Con 2010! This year’s Missions Conference is set for April 8-11. Our guests will be Tim and Ruth Albright who work with CAMA Services (Compassion and Mercy Associates) the relief arm of the Christian & Missionary Alliance.
Dinner for Six: Our groups should be on “round two” of our dinner for six emphasis. If not why don’t you (dear reader!) pick up the phone and make some plans!
Group 1: Herb & Jo Small, Milt & Carolyn Monell, Tom & Nancy Welch
Group 2: Joe & Michelle Relich, Jim & Tricia Phillips, Tony & Sandee Lyons, Wendy Andrew
Group 3: Matt & Maxine Kelly, Lon & Debbie Santora, Michael & Lois Childress
Thankful for those who serve!
Set–up: Jim Phillips
Nursery: Sue and Annie
Prayer: Sandee Lyons
::mission::
Mike & Sue Farho (Tunisia) - Praise that 3 teachers were found to teach Joshua some extracurricular activities (Tae Kwando, violin and Arabic). Continue to pray for their adjustment and contacts in Africa as well as their health.
Operation Christmas Child - Pray for the child that received your box(es), that they will seek the Lord and be saved.
Outreach Idea of the Week! Talk to Your Co-workers. How hard is that? Take your breaks with intentionality. Go out with your team or task force after work. Show interest in your co-workers. Pick four and pray for them. Form moms’ groups in your neighborhood and don’t make them exclusively non-Christian. Schedule play dates with the neighbors’ kids. Work on mission.
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