"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."James 4:3 ; "When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?"John 5:6

Jesus asked this man "Do you want to be made well?" Of course he did! Wouldn't you? Why did Jesus ask a question like this when its answer was so clearly obvious? It seems the Lord wanted to hear him verbalize his need. Sometimes the obvious things just smack us in the face, don't they? On several occasions, I've found myself in this very position! Silly me -- I forgot to ask! Brothers & Sisters, the Lord is asking us today, "Do you want to be made well?" Whether it be physical healing, spiritual, emotional or financial healing, no thing is too great or too small for our Lord! Perhaps we've just forgotten to ask Him! DO YOU WANT TO BE MADE WELL?

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you…we ourselves speak proudly of you…for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God.”2 Thessalonians 1:3-5

As he traveled throughout the Roman world, Paul encountered many types of people and situations. While sharing the Gospel, he also sought to teach what it meant to follow Jesus. His challenge was to encourage and motivate Believers in their faith, while also correcting and admonishing them. We see how he praised the Believers in Thessalonica for the example they had set for others. They demonstrated faith, through their individual lives as well as in the overall church. They also showed love for each other that “grows ever greater.” They had grasped these core elements of what it meant to serve Jesus. They realized the importance of living by faith, that love was central to God’s character, and the way in which they were to approach each other. Paul particularly was pleased by the perseverance and faith they had shown in response to difficulties. Faced with persecutions, others might have given up or compromised, but the Thessalonians had endured and remained steadfast. Paul reminded them that life is short and that God knew how they responded to problems. He would reward them. They shouldn’t be discouraged if they faced opposition and persecution. But as the ultimate Judge, God would bring about “righteous judgment” for everyone, including those who persecuted them. They needed to focus on being “considered worthy of the kingdom of God.” Living and responding in the right way, even if they were suffering. Brothers & Sisters in your life, don’t be surprised or discouraged if you face difficulties. Through every situation, seek to stay faithful, trusting in God. Focus on faith and love. Be a good example of how to live.

"The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge."Proverbs 18:15

If you want to be a good teacher, be a good student. When Jesus lived on the earth, his disciples were called "talmudim". The Hebrew literally means "students". "Talmudim" comes from the verb, "Lilmod", "to learn". In essence, talmudim are learners. We who know Jesus as Lord consider Him our Rabbi or Teacher, and ourselves, His talmudim. As such we continue to learn and grow in His wisdom, love, and character. This learning process involves regular tests from our Lord as He leads us from one level of faith to the next. I recall years ago when I was in school, never being a huge fan of tests -- in fact, rather disliking them quite a bit. I'd often find myself attempting to cram mountains knowledge into my poor brain the night before an important exam. Then, after completing the test I would quickly forget most of what I had crammed and scarcely absorbed. Doubtless had I been required to retake the test a week later, I'd almost certainly have failed it. But in the testing of faith, we cannot cram knowledge or understanding and still hope to pass. If we try this shoddy and superficial approach to learning we will simply find ourselves retaking the test, over and over again. If we are truly His talmudim, we will study, pray and delve deeply into the challenging material at hand, to learn and absorb the lesson well, so that we are educated, transformed, and well equipped to move forward in the Lord. Jesus wants us to learn today's lesson – because He has a new lesson for us tomorrow! Brothers & Sisters, what lesson is today's important lesson? Be diligent to understand and apprehend it, and even to begin applying it. So doing you'll be thoroughly equipped and prepared for the one your Rabbi will send next...maybe even, tomorrow! LEARN WELL!

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness…A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”Proverbs 15:1-2, 4

Our words are powerful. The Bible, in fact, reminds us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). They are so powerful that Jesus warned that “by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). This power is driven by the spirit with which we communicate. The tone of our voice. Our intentions. The attitude and atmosphere we create with these words. This presents a particular challenge when we face people who are angry or who seek a confrontation. Our first tendency might be to be defensive or argumentative—to fight back. But the Bible reminds us that harsh words and unkind answers can lead to even more anger. In contrast, words that are soft and gentle change the character of the conversation. Instead of intensifying conflicts, these answers can bring calm. When we have this attitude, we demonstrate that we are refusing to engage in verbal battles, and that our heart is not interested in winning a war but rather in engaging in conversation. In dialogue, fostering a spirit of harmony. We also are reminded how easily we can “bubble forth with foolishness” (Proverbs 15:2 Expanded Bible). How we can engage in an endless flow of words spoken without discernment or control. Instead, we need to learn to be wise when we speak, careful to “use knowledge.” But also to seek the control of the Spirit. As Paul described, to “speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths” (1 Corinthians 2:13). Brothers & Sisters, today, ask God to help you control your words. Remember that they can wound or heal, tear down or build up.

"Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him."Psalms 2:10-12 ; "Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."Revelation 5:12-13

In the beginning of Psalm 2, David points out that the kings of the earth are against the Lord and his "anointed" ["Messiah"]. David recognized the true authority of God and advises the kings and rulers of the world, as well as their subjects, to "kiss the Son, lest he be angry." The act of "kissing the Son" would be one of homage to a king, and would indicate submission to the kingship of the Son. Those who are wise will do so before the Son, the Messiah, comes to judge the world! Men have often tried to appear holy and righteous before other men - but God is seeking those who will worship Him in "spirit and in truth". Brothers & Sisters, let's be sure that our worship of God is true and faithful and that we aren't trying to please men in doing so. Serve the Lord with a Godly reverence for who He is, and what His Son has done for you, since He is worthy of your worship, and ... He is looking at your heart. KISS THE SON, LEST HE BE ANGRY!

"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad."Proverbs 12:25

But why is it that affirming words are so pitifully rare in our conversations, especially when so many many people are anxious, discouraged, and depressed by all the negativity in this life? We're living in a world that's constantly knocking us down, from cradle to grave. Is it any wonder that anxiety and depression are rampant at every age level? But notice the advice that Solomon gives -- a good word makes the heart glad. We should take this to heart. A compliment or blessing can be one of the greatest motivators, and can be truly life changing. And every one of us needs this kind of encouragement to run the race of this life. Brothers & Sisters, let's be people of encouragement, looking for the word which will lift another person up and bring healing and hope to her soul. A good word will also do wonders for our own hearts. GIVE A GOOD WORD!

“The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.’ And He said to them…I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.’”Luke 10:17-19

The disciples had seen Jesus perform miracles. They knew He had authority and power. But the time came when they needed to perform miracles themselves. The disciples’ opportunity came when Jesus sent out 70 of them to minister in His name. Some might have been apprehensive or unsure. However, when they applied the principles Jesus had taught them, they realized that everything He said was true! They “returned with joy,” having experienced power even over demons and demonic forces! Instead of doubting or being filled with worry, the disciples simply had obeyed Jesus’ commission. They believed He had given them authority! As a result, amazing things happened! This is the kind of power and authority God offers all of us as His children. But this miracle-working power is only released when we’re obedient to His Word, faithful to His call on our lives, and acting in the authority we’ve been given. Sadly, many Christians go through life failing to grasp this awesome authority. They sit back and accept defeat, filled with fear and doubt. Instead of being bold, they’re silent. They live their lives as victims, not victors. Brothers & Sisters today, don’t be timid or weak. Fill your life with the Word of God, and believe it! Have the courage to put His Word into practice in your life. Don’t allow the enemy to defeat you or steal the victory God already has given you. Believe God’s promises—all of them! Be bold, and declare victory over the enemy’s schemes. Act upon the authority God already has given you!