Follow Me

If Jesus knew we would do whatever He asked, what would He ask?

Am I willing?

Are you?

Chicago During Covid-19 #25

The sunrises every day.

A daily reminder to pray with thanks to Jesus who rose from the dead, bringing light and life to all who believe.

In him was life, and the life was the light of men (John 1:4).

How to Pray a Bible Story, Part 2

Because he knew he was helpless, the sick man’s conversation with Jesus was simple. Here’s how to pray his story (John 5:1-15):

The story: Crowds of sick people lay, waiting to be healed. Jesus asked one man if he wanted to get well. The sick man said, “I can’t. I have no one to help me.”
Your prayer: “Lord, I can’t.”

The story: Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”
Your prayer: “Lord, help me do what you say.”

The story: Instantly the man was healed!
Your prayer: “Lord, I can’t. But you can.”

The story: Jesus found the man and said, “Stop sinning or something worse may happen.”
Your prayer: “Lord, keep me from deliberate sins. Don’t let them control me (from Psalm 19:13).”

The truth behind the prayer: 
The weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength (1 Corinthians 1:25).
God is able to do far more than we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).

“Jesus loves me!
This I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong;
They are weak, but he is strong.”

CLICK HERE to download the Prayer Guide on: How to Pray a Bible Story, Part 2

Little Faith, Big God

The disciples said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.”

The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea’ and it would obey you.” (Luke 17:5-6).

The greatness of God matters more than the size of our faith.

He is able to answer any prayer.

Don’t Judge

I used to think the mother who asked if her sons could sit beside Jesus was self-centered and proud. I heard, recently, that her request was acceptable for her culture.

I noticed today that she kneeled down before Jesus as she asked (see Matthew 20:20). Kneeling show humility, doesn’t it?

I was reminded not to judge other people’s prayer requests.

Lay down your life

What would you answer if Jesus asked, “Will you really lay down your life for me?” (John 13:38).

If you said yes, what would that mean?

Learn to Listen

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. His sheep follow him because they know his voice (from John 10:4; 11).

Do you know God’s voice? E. Stanley Jones says, “The inner voice of God does not argue, does not try to convince you. It just speaks.”*

Do you listen?

Dallas Willard, In Search of Guidance, p.188.

Jesus Hears You

“Jesus!” He called. “Help me! Jesus, help me!”

Now, lots of people were making noise walking. Lots of people were making noise talking. BUT — JESUS HEARD BARTIMAEUS ANYWAY, and Jesus stood still. “What do you want me to do for you?” He asked kindly.

What did you learn?

Jesus hears when people talk to Him. He heard Bartimaeus. When you talk to Jesus, He hears you too.*

*Ella K. Lindvall, Read Aloud Bible Stories Vol.1, p. 49-53, 62.

Guard Against Greed

When a man said, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me,” Jesus taught the crowd to guard against all kinds of greed (from Luke 12:13-15).

When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives (James 4:3)

The Greatest Commandment

Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and the greatest commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38).

Your prayers should show God you love Him.