What an awesome night God blessed us with!
Our young people had a very special opportunity this year to give as Christmas gifts copies of the devotional book A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada. First the young people sang, presented the story of Bethlehem and then spent time one on one with about 35-40 residents, staff and family. Of course someone baked cookies as well and there were tears, laughter and joy as we shared together the miracle of Christmas.
As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord Acts 9:32-35
Praying in the name J-E-S-U-S is not like using an incantation. Using Jesus’ name is reserved for those who belong to Him and are doing His will. Peter was traveling to visit other Christians when he found Aneas. Truly believing in the name of Jesus means just going forward in the direction God is leading. Believing in Jesus means belonging to him. As in a traditional marriage there is both a change in name and in relationship. He becomes our new life!
In the fourteenth chapter of John Jesus says that in His name we will do even greater things than He did. Considering that He walked on water, multiplied bread and raised the dead that seems unlikely and astonishing! What could be greater than the works of Jesus? But in this story because Peter did this single act, an entire city turned to God! Peter was only one disciple. What would happen if an entire church began to do the things that Jesus did? Jesus’ main ministry was to the people of Israel, but through the church God has chosen to draw people from every nation, culture and language
When Jesus said that if we asked anything in His name He would do it He meant for us to pray both in His will and in His way. Whenever we are doing things “In the name of Jesus” we must have the same motives and the same heart as He. If God gave us everything we prayed for, what will people remember? Will it be how amazing we were, or how amazing the name of Jesus? Only when the name of Jesus becomes our life will God get all the glory!
When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” John 11:44
And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Mark 7:34-35
Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. Mark 5:41-42
Jesus never prayed for bread, He thanked His Father for it and the bread was multiplied. Jesus’ prayers were never for His own provision. He prayed and restored the sea to calm when the disciples were in fear. He prayed and the blind man’s sight was restored. The entire ministry of Jesus was about His prayers of restoration for others.
How differently might our own prayers be if we prayed as Jesus did. Prayers of restoration might be for a neighbor or even a stranger God sends our way. Prayers of restoration don’t need to focus on our desires but on God’s. Prayers of res
toration are like the stone jars of water being transformed into wine at His command. When our prayers are poured out and given for others then the miracle will happen. When we pray for others then our plain water prayers turn red with the restoring life of Christ!
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