I heard a great story on the radio the other day. It talked about the owner of a large house. It was a beautiful house, but the owner left it dirty and cluttered. As a result, he couldn't enjoy the comforts of that beautiful home. One day, a house cleaner came to the house after the owner had left. This person cleaned the house spotlessly. It's beauty was restored and all of the clutter was gone. This house cleaner was not looking for any reward. He just did this cleaning from the kindness of his heart and because of his genuine love for the homeowner. At the end of the day, the homeowner returned. You would think that he would be extremely satisfied and grateful. Instead, he still focused on the negatives of the home and quickly began to restore the clutter that was removed. How would you feel if you the house cleaner that went out of your way to do all that beautiful work? I think I know what your answer would be.
The speaker then compares this story with us and God. We are a beautiful dwelling. However, sometimes we are disorganized and full of clutter. We let these negatives get in the way enjoying the freedoms and joys of life. God is the house cleaner. Through the death of His son on the cross, we are completely forgiven and cleaned. All of the negative junk and clutter is removed. Yet just as the homeowner in the story above ignored the efforts of the loving cleaner, we also often disregard the wonderful gift God has given us of complete restoration.
We are offended when we give gifts or service that is taken for granted or disregarded by the recipient. How do you think God feels when we disregard His beautiful gift of forgiveness and restoration?
Think about this as you go through life. Be sure to accept the loving gift of God's forgiveness, love, and mercy. Enjoy the wonderful joy and freedom that this provides. Don't think you have to be perfect, but also don't let the negative clutter of your life bring you down. Ask for cleansing. God will immediately respond, and once you are cleaned enjoy the benefits of the beautiful dwelling you are, and share them with others. You will blessed beyond belief. Enjoy the blessings : )
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Don't Say No To A Miracle
There are times when I will read a Bible passage that I've read countless times before, and something is brought to my attention that I never noticed before. I read such a story recently.
The story is in Matthew 9 about two blind men who asked Jesus to bring them sight. As soon as they see Jesus, they immediately cry out to Him for the miracle of sight. Jesus acknowledges them, but delays in His response. In fact, He even leaves them to go to someone else's house.
At this point the blind mind realize that Jesus has left them. They have a choice. They can believe that Jesus has passed them by and they are forever doomed to their current situation. Or they can pursue it further. These men were bold. They continued to chase down Jesus, and were even bold enough to enter the home where Jesus was. Their attitude seemed to be, "excuse me Jesus. We asked for your help, and we're not going to stop until we are healed." Was Jesus upset or angry that these men chased Him down? Absolutely not. In fact, his response was the opposite. He commended these men for their faith, and immediately healed them. It is from this story that a popular verse is located. Matthew 9:29 says "according to your faith it will be done for you".
I believe we need to have the same persistence as these men did if we want to see miracles in our own lives. If we do, we will be rewarded for our faith. One key thought is this...don't be discouraged if you don't see an answer right away. Jesus delayed with these men to test their faith. They passed with flying colors. In some cases we may see a miracle right away. However, we may be asked to wait as well. If so, keep persisting as these men did, and know that your faith will be rewarded at the right time.
Remember that Jesus will not be offended when you ask for His mighty works in your life. Just like He did with these blind men, He will commend your for your faith and reward you accordingly. Enjoy the blessings : )
The story is in Matthew 9 about two blind men who asked Jesus to bring them sight. As soon as they see Jesus, they immediately cry out to Him for the miracle of sight. Jesus acknowledges them, but delays in His response. In fact, He even leaves them to go to someone else's house.
At this point the blind mind realize that Jesus has left them. They have a choice. They can believe that Jesus has passed them by and they are forever doomed to their current situation. Or they can pursue it further. These men were bold. They continued to chase down Jesus, and were even bold enough to enter the home where Jesus was. Their attitude seemed to be, "excuse me Jesus. We asked for your help, and we're not going to stop until we are healed." Was Jesus upset or angry that these men chased Him down? Absolutely not. In fact, his response was the opposite. He commended these men for their faith, and immediately healed them. It is from this story that a popular verse is located. Matthew 9:29 says "according to your faith it will be done for you".
I believe we need to have the same persistence as these men did if we want to see miracles in our own lives. If we do, we will be rewarded for our faith. One key thought is this...don't be discouraged if you don't see an answer right away. Jesus delayed with these men to test their faith. They passed with flying colors. In some cases we may see a miracle right away. However, we may be asked to wait as well. If so, keep persisting as these men did, and know that your faith will be rewarded at the right time.
Remember that Jesus will not be offended when you ask for His mighty works in your life. Just like He did with these blind men, He will commend your for your faith and reward you accordingly. Enjoy the blessings : )
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