CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Saturday, May 7th, 2016
1 Samuel 1:1-2:21
John 5:1-23
Psalm 105:37-45
Proverbs 14:28-29
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1lYuqxR
Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” – Jn 5:6
What a silly question to ask! This man had suffered with his sickness for thirty eight years. Of course he wanted to be made well! But Jesus had a purpose in asking. He wanted the man to specifically identify what he needed, and confess his need to God. When the man answered Jesus, he was healed!
We see Jesus ask a similar question of Bartimaeus. In Mark 10, as Jesus walked by Bartimaeus on the road, he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (v 47). But Jesus didn’t simply see that he was blind, and give him sight. He stopped and asked Bartimaeus, “What do you want Me to do for you?” (v 51). When Bartimaeus replied, he was healed.
God rewards specific prayer. Yes, He already knows everything we need; but no, that doesn’t excuse us from asking. Asking builds relationship. Answering builds trust. Every miracle is birthed from a place of intimacy, as we learn to trust our Father in Heaven who created us for relationship with Him!
Prayer:
Father, help me to be specific in my prayers. When I have a need, give me the courage to cry out and confess my need to you! I know that when I get specific, my prayers get answered!
Archives
See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-127-let-god-establish-you/
See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-127-watch-and-learn/
© Michael D. White, 2016. All rights reserved.