The webpages on Christian+ Friends of Israel are best viewed with the latest version of Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.
Este site é melhor visualizado em navegadores atualizados e compatíveis como Mozilla Firefox.
08/03/2016 09:09
 |
Throughout our life we will experience many tests and challenges.
Seasons of sickness or depression are extremely challenging.
During these times we realize the importance of godly friends who will pray for us and also tell us the truth when we’re getting off track in our life.
God left us his words in the Bible as an example and guide; so when we go through tough times, or are a friend to someone who’s hurting...we know what to do.
Jesus has reassured us in scripture... Whatever we ask in prayer, believing... we will receive the petition we ask.... Yet sometimes it seems like God is distant and silent.
When we go to school or college; after a period of study, the teacher will give a test to see what we have learned.
In the same way; God at times will test our faith, to help us become mature believers who will keep going, even when the going gets tough.
Today I'd like to share with you a story from Mark 2 of several people who wouldn't give up.
When they sought Jesus persistently, their prayers were answered...
Jesus was teaching at a home in Capernanum.
Four men brought their friend who was sick with palsy, so Jesus could touch him, but they couldn't find a way to press through the crowds.
These men must have had great determination and love for their friend, so they climbed up to the roof and cut a hole in it.
Carefully they brought the sick man to the top of the roof, and lowered him down through the hole on a mat in front of Jesus.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the sick man... Son, your sins are forgiven.
Some teachers of the law thought... Why does this man blaspheme? Who can forgive sins but God?
Because Jesus is God, he knew what they were thinking and said to them...
Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier to say to the paralytic, Your sins are forgiven, or take up your bed and walk?
So you may know the Son of man has the power on earth to forgive sins...
He said to the man with palsy...
Arise, take up your bed and go home.
Immediately the paralytic got up, took his bed and left.
When the people saw this miracle, they glorified God saying...
We have never see anything like this.
The man was blessed because he had caring friends, who recognized he needed Jesus.
They were not satisfied to go by themselves and ask for prayer or healing...
They physically carried their friend, because they believed Jesus had the power to heal.
Friends can be a powerful help... if they encourage us to seek God.
Sometimes though... the sick or depressed may shut us down and become angry... not wanting prayer or anything to do with God.
When this happens we should still pray for them, but need to walk away until God changes their heart.
James 5:14-16 says...
Is any sick among you? let call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up: and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much.
If you or a friend are struggling right now, and the road ahead is dark and frightening...
Don't give up...
Press through the doubts and fears...
Seek Jesus with your whole heart and
Remember his words of reassurance...
Be not afraid, only believe.
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gather together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:19-20
O most merciful Father in heaven,
Thank you for faithful friends who will share your messages of love with us, and pray for us when we’re hurting. We lift up prayers to you for all our brothers and sisters who are in need of healing, emotionally or physically.
You sent your word to heal us and deliver us from all our destructions. By the stripes of Jesus, we receive your Almighty healing. May the Holy Spirit comfort and encourage our hearts. Give us the strength we need to go through our valleys of darkness into the light. Hold each one tightly in your sweet embrace and if you will, make them whole.
All things are possible with You. We believe in miracles, because Jesus rose from the grave. He holds all power in heaven and in earth.
Cast out doubt and fear from our hearts and show us how to use our lives to give glory to your name.
Thank you LORD for what you have done, and for what you are about to do. We wait expectantly for your help and deliverance.
In Jesus' name we pray...
Amen
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:20-23
Have a beautiful and blessed day!
Valerie Rousseau
