Ezekiel 47:8-9, Psalm 46:2-6, John 5:5, 8-9

Ezekiel 47:8-9

8 He said to me, “This water goes to the east, down to the Arabah, and when it flows into the sea of foul-smelling water, the water will become wholesome. 9 Wherever the river flows, swarms of creatures will live in it; fish will be plentiful and the sea water will become fresh. Wherever it flows, life will abound.

Beloved, You give us all we need to live lives free from the bondages of sin, fear, helplessness and anxiety.  You pour Your own Holy Spirit on us - Your Spirit refreshes, cleanses, consoles, strengthens and gives new life.  A life filled with vigor and purpose.

Psalm 46:2-6

2 God is our strength and protection, an ever-present help in affliction. 3 We will not fear, therefore, though the earth be shaken and the  mountains plunge into the seas, 4 though its waters foam and roar, though the mountains quake and totter. For the Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob, our stronghold. 5 There is a river whose streams bring joy to the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 6 God is within, the city cannot quake, for God’s help is upon it at the break of day.

IF GOD BE FOR US WHO CAN BE AGAINST US. 

John 5:5-7, 8-9

 There was a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 Jesus saw him, and since he knew how long this man had been lying there, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 8 Jesus then said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his mat and walked.

Beloved Jesus, You knew exactly how many years this poor man was sick.  He was in a hopeless position he had no one to help him until You came up to him and he encountered You, the Son of the Living God.  You knew his heart's desire but you wanted the sick man to know that You knew the deepest desire of his heart.  You responded to his need when You commanded him to, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” And the man did what he had longed to do for thirty eight years - he took up his mat and walked.  What hymns of praise must have issued forth from his lips as he went about telling everyone what You had done for him.

You are the same God yesterday, today and forever.  You can do for Sandy what you did for this man.  Thank You my Beloved.