Time for Something New
Scripture – John 5:6-13: 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?” “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.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’” So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?” The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In response to Jesus’ question, the man replies that his previous strategy for healing has not been working. At the same time, he doesn’t know what else to do. Then Jesus gives him what he needs to be healed. Here it’s a simple command which the man obeys. In today’s world, the way we’ve done ministry and outreach in the past isn’t working anymore. And I’m not sure what to do next. What new skills do I need? As I listen, Christ will give us what we need. He’ll equip us for the task. Of that I’m sure. My primary job is to obey – to get up and walk. This man didn’t even know who Jesus was, yet his life was profoundly changed. How can we help people meet Jesus and discover for themselves the profound change He brings?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will remain open to encountering new people today. I will listen for the spiritual threads they talk about in their lives. I will let them know they can explore those safely with me.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, teach me to trust you. Remind me that the point of ministry is about the people in the world and not about my comfort. Show me how to walk today. Help me see the people around me and listen to them. Thank you for seeing me and listening to me.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) today, 9:45 – 10:30am.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In response to Jesus’ question, the man replies that his previous strategy for healing has not been working. At the same time, he doesn’t know what else to do. Then Jesus gives him what he needs to be healed. Here it’s a simple command which the man obeys. In today’s world, the way we’ve done ministry and outreach in the past isn’t working anymore. And I’m not sure what to do next. What new skills do I need? As I listen, Christ will give us what we need. He’ll equip us for the task. Of that I’m sure. My primary job is to obey – to get up and walk. This man didn’t even know who Jesus was, yet his life was profoundly changed. How can we help people meet Jesus and discover for themselves the profound change He brings?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will remain open to encountering new people today. I will listen for the spiritual threads they talk about in their lives. I will let them know they can explore those safely with me.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, teach me to trust you. Remind me that the point of ministry is about the people in the world and not about my comfort. Show me how to walk today. Help me see the people around me and listen to them. Thank you for seeing me and listening to me.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) today, 9:45 – 10:30am.
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