Video of the Day: Clip from the drama series “The Chosen”
Bible Verse of the Day:
When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked, John 5:6-9.
I have spent most of my life on earth living between Philadelphia and Baltimore. Unlike my experience living in the south, urban sprawl continues as far as the human eye can see, creating a metropolis. Whenever I crossed major intersections, there was normally one homeless person standing out in the cold, begging for money. In my college days, I would occasionally buy one of these individuals a meal at McDonald’s before moving on with the rest of my day. Unfortunately, as an adult, I pass by without stopping, avoiding eye contact.
As Jesus walks through Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate, he wasn’t in a rush as he approaches a pool. Showing compassion on this one man, he takes time to get to know this invalid. According to legend, this pool possessed healing powers. When angels stirred the water, the first people to reach the water was healed. However, Jesus wanted to make sure this man knew the source of his healing, belief and faith in God. Thirty-eight years of doubt and unbelief kept this man in this pathetic condition. Yet, one leap of faith altered the course of this man’s life.
Closing Song:
Don’t be fooled by the commercialism of Valentine’s Day. Love isn’t showering your significant other with expensive gifts. Rather genuine love is loving someone more than you love yourself, by being vulnerable. However, when you celebrate tonight, make sure your love is displayed through fruits of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 