Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Matthew 20:29-34
New Living Translation (NLT)
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men
29 As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho,
a large crowd followed behind. 30 Two blind men were
sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus
was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son
of David, have mercy on us!”
31 “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them.
But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have
mercy on us!”
32 When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called,
“What do you want me to do for you?”
33 “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” 34 Jesus felt
sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they
could see! Then they followed him.

Reflection:

Recently I was in a meeting and someone kept
interrupting others who were speaking. I must admit it
was very frustrating for me. After a couple of these
interruptions, I stopped this person and ask them, "What
do you want?" I thought afterword that it was quite abrupt
of be to do that. However, it turned out to be the best
thing. They were able to share exactly what it was that
was bothering them. Thankfully we were able to continue
the meeting without any further delay.

How many of us have been quietly frustrated at persistent
interruptions in life? We inwardly gripe when we should be
outwardly asking the obvious questions. How many times
have we missed the obvious? Today ask yourself what is
your real need. You may be surprised-or maybe you won't.

Prayer:

Lord, let me not miss the obvious than others and most of
all in myself. Show me the real need. Amen

(Covenant Home Alter, author Gricel Medina)

Scripture:

Matthew 11:2-11
New Living Translation (NLT)
2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the
things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to
ask Jesus, 3 “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting,
or should we keep looking for someone else?”
4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you
have heard and seen— 5 the blind see, the lame walk, the
lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life,
and the Good News is being preached to the poor. 6 And
tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because
of me.
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking
about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into
the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by
every breath of wind? 8 Or were you expecting to see a man
dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive
clothes live in palaces. 9 Were you looking for a prophet?
Yes, and he is more than a prophet. 10 John is the man to
whom the Scriptures refer when they say,
‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
    and he will prepare your way before you
11 “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is
greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in
the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!

Reflection:

Special effects are much more spectacular than ever before.
Combine the special effects of the twenty-first century with
surround sound, and we have movies that our parents and
grandparents could have never imagined. We now have 3D
movies with sound effects that are off the charts. Many
people are so captivated by this new technology that they
are getting it for their homes, creating home theaters that
give them a comparable experience without leaving their
driveways.

What we see and hear are important. Jesus knew that the
ultimate visual effect was physical and spiritual healing. The
testimony of a life transformed by God was better than any
technology. Not even the best action flick could compare to
a life touched by God. It was not only the words but the
deeds that followed Jesus that had the ultimate affect. It
was the combination of signs and wonders that followed our
Savior and his disciples that drew others to ask questions
that would lead to transformation. What are people seen and
hearing in your life? Does your life testify that Christ lives in you?

Prayer:

Lord, what do people see and hear from my journey? Empower
me to draw people closer to you. Amen

(Covenant Home Alter, author Gricel Medina)

Scripture:

Isaiah 35:8-10
New Living Translation (NLT)
8 And a great road will go through that once deserted land.
    It will be named the Highway of Holiness.
Evil-minded people will never travel on it.
    It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways;
    fools will never walk there.
9 Lions will not lurk along its course,
    nor any other ferocious beasts.
There will be no other dangers.
    Only the redeemed will walk on it.
10 Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return.
    They will enter Jerusalem[a] singing,
    crowned with everlasting joy.
Sorrow and mourning will disappear,
    and they will be filled with joy and gladness.

Reflection:

I travel a lot by car, and I have spent a lot of time on
highways. Highways are convenient-they bypass towns,
stoplights, and intersections. Some can get you from
one state to the next. But they are not so much fun when
the traffic is heavy. And the wrong highway can get you
lost and going in circles. They can exasperate the most
stable of souls. Highways are meant to connect us and
make life easier.

God has created a highway of holiness for us. God's
highway is the one which will get us to our spiritual
destination safely. It is not always the Highway of choice
but it is the best one for us. Which highway are you on
today? Are you going in circles on the wrong highway of
the world? Get back on the right road. The path of holiness
is the safest highway.

Prayer:

Lord, show me which highway I am on. Help me get back
on track. Your highway is always the right one for me. Amen

(Covenant Home Alter, author Gricel Medina)