Joni And Friends Devotional for 7th September 2023 – Think Outside the Box

Joni And Friends Devotional for 7th September 2023

Joni and Friends Devotional for 7th September 2023 Thursday Message. As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)

TOPIC: Think Outside the Box

“A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, ‘Why does this fellow talk like that?

He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, ‘Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up, take your mat and walk?” But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.’ So he said to the man, ‘I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.’ He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’” – Mark 2:1-12

Four determined friends brought their paralyzed buddy to see Jesus. But it wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t without great effort. The most critical thing in their lives at that moment was bringing their friend into close proximity with Jesus Christ. Mark tells us, “Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.”

Don’t you love it? Faith found a way! A crowd may have jammed the front yard, treading on the flower beds; the house itself may have been a solid mass of people; and a roof with tiles may have presented a formidable obstacle. But there is always a way when it means bringing the needs of a loved one before the Lord. So run the risk. Make the effort. Think outside the box. Your loved one has needs, and Jesus can help. Your faith can find a way.

Father, I love the urgency here. These friends wouldn’t be put off, sidelined, or delayed. They could have said, “Oh well, another time.” But they persevered. They dared greatly. They found a way. Bring that urgency to my heart today, Lord!

Thank you for reading Joni And Friends Devotional for 7 September 2023 Message

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