if a friend sent this to you,
welcome ...
i'm so happy you're here
i'm so happy you're here
Jesus specialized in asking simple, straightforward questions. They weren't designed to trick people and went straight to the heart of the matter. They invited people to pause and look deep inside at their aching spiritual poverty.
John 5:6 says, 'would you like to get well?' or 'wilt thou be made whole?'
Well, of course we want to be well. Why would He even ask?
Truth be told, we might be scared senseless at the prospect that life could actually be different. We've settled into a rut that we have no idea how to get out of. Or we really don't want to be bothered to make the choices necessary to begin change. We've long ago run out of hope and nothing we've tried has worked.
We might admit that's its not a healthy place we find ourselves. It might be a dysfunctional reality, but at least it's familiar and it's working for us in some odd, twisted way. Because who might we become if Jesus healed us of our brokenness?
What would life look like if He freed us from being defined by our shame or our grief or brain health issues or weird family dynamics? Who would we be?
Click here to see who you are in Christ. When you come to the end of your own striving and freely hand your life over to Him, you won't be defined by your messy mistakes and sinful choices and lousy circumstances.
You are defined by your Savior. And yes, He wants you to be spiritually, emotionally, and relationally whole.
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Dear Lord,
I pray for those who find their way to these words today. You know where they're coming from, You know what they're searching for. Only You truly understand what they've been through and the restless unsettledness deep within.
May they say 'yes' to Your loving invitation to become Your beloved child. You alone, God, know the sinful stuff that needs the forgiveness only You can give and the yearning within that can only be filled by Your lovingkindness.
Welcome them into Your family, I pray, where they'll find hope and peace, freedom to be who You shaped them to be, and eternal life with You.
In Jesus' Name ~
Amen
Let's talk about Jesus!
Linda
Linda
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This is so beautifully compassionate, Linda. Jesus has such a loving way of asking questions that cause us to search our hearts, doesn't He? As the song says, too, "The Father's arms are open wide..." Thank you for this comforting reminder. Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteSorry, Linda. I forgot to put it off of anonymous again.
DeleteI knew it was you! I really did.
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Hi Linda! From my perspective this is one of those subjects that people crave. Sadly we see people every day seeking other stimuli to satisfy the hunger in their heart for peace and being well. Drugs, alcohol, suicide all become attractive if we don't see or know who we are in Christ. Thanks for directing people to the ONE who can make them well.
ReplyDeleteOnly Jesus. There is no other way. Amen, Bill.
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I love that song!! It's one I have listened to over and over :) Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteI know, I know ... it won't leave me.
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Jesus has called me, and I run to Him with outstretched arms. I find purpose, comfort, forgiveness, and love unending. May He call to us each and every day reminding us that we belong to Him.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Linda!
You're so right about the every day piece, Martha. We are prone to begin to wander, aren't we ...
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Grace-filled truth, Linda. Thank you.
ReplyDelete'Thy Word is truth.'
Delete- John 17:17
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Do I want to be made whole,
ReplyDeletedo I think Christ's offer's true?
Yes, indeed, with all my soul,
but I have a job to do,
and that's to witness from the pit
that God is by my side in hell,
and it wouldn't help a bit
if I were suddenly made well.
I have found a meaning here
to give that which I have received,
the vision that can make it clear
that if we live as we've believed,
not even cancer can prevail
and death does not end the tale.
As Heather said, 'Please be sure that people know that I never lost a battle with cancer. God was always in control, not the cancer.'
DeleteYou guys would have had some fascinating conversations. Some day ...
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Someday we are going to meet
Deletein a world that's always new,
and it's there that I will greet
a dear wise friend I never knew,
and we will walk across the hills
and talk of that which was,
the fight that drew on all our skills,
and would not be lost because
even though we died at last,
cancer never could destroy
the lens through which our lives were cast
that magnified the joy
which grew from glad hearts lifted toward
the boundless love of Christ the Lord.
Thank you, Linda for your insightful words. “The Father’s arms are open wide…”
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the most beautiful picture, Pam?
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I'm in the middle of a book study of "Good Boundaries and Goodbyes," and your post reminds me so much of the wisdom from that book as well. We definitely get caught up in the comfortable dysfunction instead of seeking healthy change. God wants us to be whole, though! Thanks for linking up at Grace and Truth!
ReplyDeleteKristen, I'm glad you mentioned Lysa's book because it's on my library wait list. I can't wait to dive in. Boundaries is a favorite topic 'round here.
DeleteAnd I'm glad we're connecting in this fresh season. So grateful!
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So beautifully written dear Linda. You always make my heart smile. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteSmilin' right back at you, friend.
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Amen Linda, and I'll say it again Amen 🙏🏻.
ReplyDeleteThank you bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.
And thank YOU, friend ... you are a lovely hostess for all us bloggers.
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I always thought His question was unusual. I love this reflection. Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Tammy
P.S. I haven't listened to the song in a while. Thanks for the reminder.
Jesus did have some unusual questions, didn't He! And these days the Holy Spirit still gives us some invitations that don't always make sense at the time. But He sees the big picture ...
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