¹⁸ And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, ¹⁹ but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. ²⁰ And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” ²¹ And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” ²² When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? ²³ Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? ²⁴ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” ²⁵ And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. ²⁶ And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.” (ESV)

This passage blew my mind, mostly because of what I did not notice all the other times I’ve read this.  These people were amazed, filled with awe, and even say, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”

Can you say that?  Today, yesterday, last week?

Have you seen extraordinary things happen?

Are you really looking?

I’m telling you, today, if you really allow reading God’s word to be more than just something you have to do, you will see extraordinary things.

Keep your eyes open for extraordinary things today…

In Christ,

Isaiah

¹⁰ For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.

I want to be like Ezra.  I want to have my heart set on studying the Word, and to do it – to put it into action.

Who do you want to be like?

in Christ,

Isaiah

Acts 26:24-29 (NIV)

24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” 25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

When was the last time someone called you insane?

When was the last time you were “out of your mind” for Jesus?

Kind’ve makes you think…

in Christ,

Isaiah

John 5:39-40

³⁹ You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, ⁴⁰ yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

Interesting that Jesus talks about people who study the Scriptures that talk about him, but won’t come to Jesus to get the eternal life they’re looking for.  This reminds me that even in studying the Bible we can miss out on the big picture.  Where’s our focus today?

in Christ,

Isaiah

May I become less as HE becomes greater, each and every day.
in Christ,

Isaiah

John 1:46
46″Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.
“Come and see,” said Philip.

Come and see…

in Christ,

Isaiah