When You See or Hear Jesus

When You See or Hear Jesus

Still rejoicing over the 10^th Annual Backpack event July 8th. It was very successful. Even more so considering the community involvement.

God has blessed us over the years. It is faithfulness to Him, and the mission of this church that has moved us forward each year.

What an awesome God that has continued in His faithfulness to us, and to this community.

Your prayers, your giving, your love has changed the atmosphere that surrounds us.

I love the grace and mercy of God, and it’s purpose for our lives and our church. Together we give Him all the glory and honor. It has always been about him, and His unconditional love.

I want to share some thoughts titled, “When You See or Hear Jesus”

Luke 5:12-16

12 While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”

13 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy left him.

14 And He ordered him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, just as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

15 But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses.

16 But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.

I love the story of this leper. His plea for healing must have been extraordinary to Jesus. Why? Because He broke Levitical law when He touched the leper.

The law is found in Leviticus 5:3 and it was given to prevent the spread of the disease. Since Jesus was God in the flesh He could not be infected by leprosy.

“He touched the leper to spread the cure.”

“Verse 15, But the news about Him was spreading even farther.”

Matthew 20:29-34

29 As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him.

30 And two blind men sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!”

31 The crowd sternly told them to be quiet, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

32 And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

33 They *said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.”

34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.

One saw, others heard. In both cases they took action.

When your need has overwhelmed you. Imprisoned your mind, and your thoughts. When your circumstances are beyond your ability to change.

You must see Him. “perceive who He is.” You must hear Him, “His faithful promises that will move you beyond any need or circumstance.”

You can’t just see or hear Him. You must take action!!!

Mark 5:25-29

25 A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years,

26 and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse—

27 after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak.

28 For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.”

29 Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.

Mark 10:46-52

46 Then they *came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road.

47 When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

48 Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they *called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.”

50 Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus.

51 And answering him, Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And the blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!”

52 And Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.

Have you ever prayed for a situation and felt hopeless. It seems like your prayers never rise above the ceiling. Never reaching the Heavens.

The enemy will come and discourage. God’s not listening. This is your fault. Your problem to solve. Friends may even tell you that praying is not the answer. Just let the circumstances play out.

NO NO NO. Don’t listen to the crowd. The lies of the devil. Don’t listen to the voice in your head that says God is not listening.

Cry louder. Louder than the voices around you. The voices that say no.

Tell them this. “I have seen Jesus working in my life. I have heard Him speak words of love and truth.”

I will pray, I will weep, I will never stop calling on Jesus.

#lovewins #hopelives