Thanks Joe, the timing of this message is spot on for me. There are far too many people in my life who I have given up on, whether I admit it or not. Distancing people from your life because they are difficult and exhausting is not the answer. Compassion and mercy is the answer. Following Christ’s example is the answer.
Well, brother - look at you justa testifying like it’s nobody’s business. Thanks for that unexpected Word. A good confirmation for me to continue to keep certain neighbors in my sites when I’m praying and working in my yard.
When we come to the end of ourselves hopefully we’ll realize Jesus was with us all the time. “that none should perish but that all would come to the SAVING knowledge of Jesus.” That’s where peace from the Prince of Peace overflows.
This is so well stated, there's not much to add. I had a similar experience. I would see someone in a hole and reach down to them thinking, "I know how to fix this!". But instead of pulling them out; they pulled me down. I call it" the little tractor syndrome. " Without divine grace, it's a vain attempt.
That’s a great point Deb! Doing things by our own efforts often fails. It’s better to ask God to remove the walls we’ve built in our own hearts and see people for their true needs. It almost always begins with just making them feel seen and loved. When the walls are removed, we better see the work the Holy Spirit is doing and can then join in that effort.
God does the miracle part, we just need to point them in the right direction.
Thank you. My parish priest’s homily, based on this reading was very similar. He also pointed out that Jericho was a lowly place unlike Jerusalem- Jesus went to the lowly places to show His love and mercy to those crying out, whether out loud or silently in their pain.
WOW!! I love reading your comments!! Thank you all for sharing!! You folks are amazing every one of you!! God came to me at a time when I needed him most and saved me. I converted to the Eastern Orthodox Church over two years ago and was finally baptized last April 5th. I pray every day that God continues to opens my heart to his light and love and that he helps me be more loving, compassionate and forgiving of my fellow man as I ask that he help them do the same of me.. I’m not well versed in scripture, but I try. I am thankful of all God provides, in gift and lesson and I thank you all for the wonderful thought you have shared.. God Bless You All!!
Thank you for sharing this message. I have to admit that like our brother Erik said that "distancing people from your life because they are difficult and exhausting is not the answer'" I have been guilty of this with my sister who got one dose of the jab and already had health issues which the jab made worse because I believe it damages our immune system. She goes to the doctor and takes all medication and tests they tell her to and she gets worse or has another health issue arise because of the drugs she takes! I am just the opposite and only go to the doctor when I am sick and only take one drug for thyroid disease. I call her often and we have a good relationship and love each other but it is exhausting listening to all that is wrong with her. Thank you again for sharing your heart
Carolyn, I too have very good health ( thank you Jesus) and have an older sister who I begged and explained to her why, not to get the V but did not take her sisterly advice. She will not admit or attribute that her once beautiful healthy body now unrealistically sickly with diabetes Type 1. 65lb weight loss and looks 90. was possibly caused by these V. All she talks about is her poor health and many Dr appointments results. when I go visit her. I pray to Jesus for her healing. I now find it difficult to be around her for long periods of time anymore. I am praying for me now, to love her and forgive her for doing this to herself.
PS: Thank you Joe for a heart searching reminder to give it all to God,.
I’m praying for you both. There are so many people in a similar position.
Here is an encouraging few verses that Paul wrote that I pray for you guys my friend.
“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Yes Joe, I will join you in prayer. "Will you join me and begin to pray every day and ask God to tear down the walls in your own heart so that you can see them the way Jesus sees them? Ask God to help you see their need instead of their actions"
It has taken me a while to learn take this same view. The other day a loved one was in a foul mood. Turns out this person is depressed and still morning over losses of loved ones 12 years ago. My fist thought was ~ Awesome, Now I know what to and what to ask Jesus to do. Still praying, but I know Jesus will answer.
Recently there was a movie about fixing the Church in America. The movie, the book all spoke of about all the problems with the Christian church today. It talked about taking action ~ confront your pastor (not always a good thing to do). But little to no mention of prayer. No mention to ask God what is your job?
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 4:6-7
In the past Acting without praying first didn't end up very well...
Joe, another great post, this one was from the heart that makes it even more important. Walk your day in Love or above... God is Love when you walk your day in love you walk your day in God!!! You walk your day in communication through a level of energy with your creator. It's like walking your day in prayer, there is a calmness, a confidence, a knowing. When you walk your day in Love, you put on the full armor of God, you receive the guidance you need.
It's more of an energy awareness, than consciously focusing on prayer, a direct communication with your I AM that I AM... The answer to the questions is Love... Peace...
“The Gift of Vision” had to be a divinely inspired title for this piece Joe. I’m pretty new to Substack but it never fails to
enlighten and encourage me. Your messages always come from the heart. They are obviously ordained by God. Thank you for lifting us all up in a world that is still beautiful and full of love. We need to read, share and live your lovely reminders as much as possible. The world is hurting. We are called to be the salt and the light. May God bless you and those you love as you share his messages of hope.
Thank you, Joe. The story of the blind beggar is a great one, and you have provided some great personal application to it.
When the Lord Jesus revealed himself to me 53 years ago, I heard and saw him in my heart as I read Matthew 11:28-30 for the first time. I went to him, and he gave me rest from the burdens of my selfish and sinful life.
So beautiful, Joe. The blind man may have asked for help but was rejected many times. Rejection can make one choke on the words, please help me. There was a lot of pain involved. But we can cry out to Jesus to guide us. I love this scripture because the blind man knew he had nothing to lose. 🙏🏼❤️
What a wonderful message God put on your heart! We all need to pray daily and from our hearts….it’s not always easy because we don’t want to bother God with trivial things; yet that’s exactly what He directs us to do. Thank you and God bless you, Joe.🙏🙏
Thanks Joe, the timing of this message is spot on for me. There are far too many people in my life who I have given up on, whether I admit it or not. Distancing people from your life because they are difficult and exhausting is not the answer. Compassion and mercy is the answer. Following Christ’s example is the answer.
Jesus confronted me with that same thing on Sunday. It was an “eye opener.”
Blessings my friend!
Well, brother - look at you justa testifying like it’s nobody’s business. Thanks for that unexpected Word. A good confirmation for me to continue to keep certain neighbors in my sites when I’m praying and working in my yard.
You never know, you might be the only one praying for them and trying to intervene.
Blessings
When we come to the end of ourselves hopefully we’ll realize Jesus was with us all the time. “that none should perish but that all would come to the SAVING knowledge of Jesus.” That’s where peace from the Prince of Peace overflows.
Amen Judith!!
Joe,
Every day I ask God for guidance.
“Show me what you want me to See,Hear and feel today”
Your article popped up 🙏 I hear your words.
Thank you ❤️
Blessings Kathy!❤️
This is so well stated, there's not much to add. I had a similar experience. I would see someone in a hole and reach down to them thinking, "I know how to fix this!". But instead of pulling them out; they pulled me down. I call it" the little tractor syndrome. " Without divine grace, it's a vain attempt.
That’s a great point Deb! Doing things by our own efforts often fails. It’s better to ask God to remove the walls we’ve built in our own hearts and see people for their true needs. It almost always begins with just making them feel seen and loved. When the walls are removed, we better see the work the Holy Spirit is doing and can then join in that effort.
God does the miracle part, we just need to point them in the right direction.
Blessings
Thank you. My parish priest’s homily, based on this reading was very similar. He also pointed out that Jericho was a lowly place unlike Jerusalem- Jesus went to the lowly places to show His love and mercy to those crying out, whether out loud or silently in their pain.
That’s beautiful!! Thank you for sharing that!
God Bless you Joe! This came to me at just the right time.
God Wins!
God’s timing is always perfect!!
WOW!! I love reading your comments!! Thank you all for sharing!! You folks are amazing every one of you!! God came to me at a time when I needed him most and saved me. I converted to the Eastern Orthodox Church over two years ago and was finally baptized last April 5th. I pray every day that God continues to opens my heart to his light and love and that he helps me be more loving, compassionate and forgiving of my fellow man as I ask that he help them do the same of me.. I’m not well versed in scripture, but I try. I am thankful of all God provides, in gift and lesson and I thank you all for the wonderful thought you have shared.. God Bless You All!!
Make time for reading the Bible.
God Bless!
Amen George!!
Thank you for sharing this message. I have to admit that like our brother Erik said that "distancing people from your life because they are difficult and exhausting is not the answer'" I have been guilty of this with my sister who got one dose of the jab and already had health issues which the jab made worse because I believe it damages our immune system. She goes to the doctor and takes all medication and tests they tell her to and she gets worse or has another health issue arise because of the drugs she takes! I am just the opposite and only go to the doctor when I am sick and only take one drug for thyroid disease. I call her often and we have a good relationship and love each other but it is exhausting listening to all that is wrong with her. Thank you again for sharing your heart
I think she might be your prayer focus. All we can do is love them where they are.
Blessings Carolyn!
Carolyn, I too have very good health ( thank you Jesus) and have an older sister who I begged and explained to her why, not to get the V but did not take her sisterly advice. She will not admit or attribute that her once beautiful healthy body now unrealistically sickly with diabetes Type 1. 65lb weight loss and looks 90. was possibly caused by these V. All she talks about is her poor health and many Dr appointments results. when I go visit her. I pray to Jesus for her healing. I now find it difficult to be around her for long periods of time anymore. I am praying for me now, to love her and forgive her for doing this to herself.
PS: Thank you Joe for a heart searching reminder to give it all to God,.
I’m praying for you both. There are so many people in a similar position.
Here is an encouraging few verses that Paul wrote that I pray for you guys my friend.
“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:2-3 NIV
Blessings my friend.
Yes Joe, I will join you in prayer. "Will you join me and begin to pray every day and ask God to tear down the walls in your own heart so that you can see them the way Jesus sees them? Ask God to help you see their need instead of their actions"
Thank you Paul! I begin today to make my small world a better place!
It has taken me a while to learn take this same view. The other day a loved one was in a foul mood. Turns out this person is depressed and still morning over losses of loved ones 12 years ago. My fist thought was ~ Awesome, Now I know what to and what to ask Jesus to do. Still praying, but I know Jesus will answer.
Recently there was a movie about fixing the Church in America. The movie, the book all spoke of about all the problems with the Christian church today. It talked about taking action ~ confront your pastor (not always a good thing to do). But little to no mention of prayer. No mention to ask God what is your job?
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 4:6-7
In the past Acting without praying first didn't end up very well...
Such a great point.
Sometimes we try to do a good thing but under our own power rather than joining in what He is doing. It often ends in frustration.
Proverbs 3:5-6
New International Version
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
It is easy to forget this! Or said another way: The Evil One will try to make you forget this.
Always loved the promise in those verses! Thank you George!
Joe, another great post, this one was from the heart that makes it even more important. Walk your day in Love or above... God is Love when you walk your day in love you walk your day in God!!! You walk your day in communication through a level of energy with your creator. It's like walking your day in prayer, there is a calmness, a confidence, a knowing. When you walk your day in Love, you put on the full armor of God, you receive the guidance you need.
It's more of an energy awareness, than consciously focusing on prayer, a direct communication with your I AM that I AM... The answer to the questions is Love... Peace...
Walking your day in love!! Love that!
“The Gift of Vision” had to be a divinely inspired title for this piece Joe. I’m pretty new to Substack but it never fails to
enlighten and encourage me. Your messages always come from the heart. They are obviously ordained by God. Thank you for lifting us all up in a world that is still beautiful and full of love. We need to read, share and live your lovely reminders as much as possible. The world is hurting. We are called to be the salt and the light. May God bless you and those you love as you share his messages of hope.
Thank you Cindy!! I’m with you! This world really needs love and encouragement right now!!
Thank you, Joe. The story of the blind beggar is a great one, and you have provided some great personal application to it.
When the Lord Jesus revealed himself to me 53 years ago, I heard and saw him in my heart as I read Matthew 11:28-30 for the first time. I went to him, and he gave me rest from the burdens of my selfish and sinful life.
Thank you Tim. Your testimony is similar to my daughters who had one verse in the Bible change her life.
God used that one verse of truth to open her heart and seal her eternity and I’m forever thankful.
Blessings friend.
So beautiful, Joe. The blind man may have asked for help but was rejected many times. Rejection can make one choke on the words, please help me. There was a lot of pain involved. But we can cry out to Jesus to guide us. I love this scripture because the blind man knew he had nothing to lose. 🙏🏼❤️
Blessings Pamela. I almost included another story from the Bible in this article. It’s in John 4 about the Samaritan woman at the well.
She had been divorced multiple times and was rejected by her own people, which was why she was getting water alone in the hottest part of the day.
Jews also didn’t associate with Samaritans.
Meeting Jesus changed her whole world.
What a wonderful message God put on your heart! We all need to pray daily and from our hearts….it’s not always easy because we don’t want to bother God with trivial things; yet that’s exactly what He directs us to do. Thank you and God bless you, Joe.🙏🙏
I think God loves when we pray. I mostly talk to Him but need to pray more intentionally.
Me, too!