Pastor Stephen Dedman

Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭29‬

The New Testament is rich with accounts of the miraculous works of Jesus, displaying His power to heal, restore, and transform lives. Matthew 9:29 captures a powerful moment when Jesus encountered two blind men. Their story serves as a profound reminder of the role faith plays in experiencing God’s miracles.

In the narrative, Jesus extended His divine touch to the blind men. It’s important to note that His touch was directly linked to their faith. He declared, “According to your faith, let it be to you.” This statement reveals a timeless truth – our faith is the key that unlocks God’s miraculous interventions in our lives.

Faith is not merely a wishful thought or a casual belief. It’s a deep trust in God’s power and goodness. Faith is both an acknowledgment of God’s ability to do the impossible and a surrender to His will. It is the force that connects our needs to God’s abundant supply.

Just as Jesus invited the blind men to believe, He invites each one of us to have faith in Him. Regardless of our circumstances, we can come to Jesus with our needs and trust that He is more than able to meet them. He does not require perfect faith but a willingness to believe and trust in His divine provision.

The phrase “let it be to you” reflects the principle that God’s response matches the measure of our faith. When we approach God with a small measure of faith, we may receive a small blessing. But when we come to Him with wholehearted faith, we open the door for extraordinary miracles.

Remember that faith is the key that unlocks the door to God’s miraculous interventions in your life. Your Heavenly Father is waiting for you to come to Him with a heart full of faith, ready to receive the blessings and transformations He has in store for you. Trust Him, for according to your faith, let it be to you.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your divine power in my life. Help me to approach You with a heart full of faith ready to receive Your miraculous blessings. Give me courage to trust in Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” But after that no one dared question Him.
‭‭Mark‬ ‭12‬:‭34‬

In Mark 12:32-34, the scribe acknowledged the importance of loving God with all one’s being and loving one’s neighbor as oneself. Jesus commended the scribe for his understanding, affirming that he was close to the kingdom of God. This exchange highlights the centrality of love for God and others in fulfilling God’s commandments.

The point Jesus is making is that genuine understanding and practice of these foundational commandments bring one close to the essence of God’s kingdom. The scribe’s recognition that love for God and others surpasses religious rituals and sacrifices aligns with Jesus’ teachings about the heart of true spirituality. The kingdom of God is not merely about external observances but is found in the sincere love, devotion, and ethical treatment of God and fellow human beings.

The application here is profound – you can worship and follow religious practices but until you truly love God and love others, something is still missing. Following Jesus closely allows us to express our love for God and toward each other. 

Pray

Lord, grant me the wisdom to understand and follow Your commandments. May my actions reflect a heart that seeks Your kingdom. Draw me closer to You as I grow in understanding and obedience. Thank You for the guidance Your Word provides. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭23‬

Jesus provides us with a profound promise that invites us into an intimate relationship with God. It’s a promise of divine companionship.

The verse begins with a condition: “If anyone loves Me.” Love, in this context, is not merely an emotion; it’s a force that compels action. Jesus is speaking of a love that propels us beyond a feeling and into a life characterized by obedience to His Word.

Jesus declares, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” Our love for Christ is demonstrated and authenticated by our obedience to His teachings. It’s a love that manifests in a lifestyle marked by the pursuit of holiness and alignment with the principles found in God’s Word.

The promise unfolds further: “My Father will love him.” The obedience born out of our love for Jesus doesn’t go unnoticed by the Father. It invites the love of the Creator Himself, a love that surpasses our understanding and transforms our very existence.

Yet, the climax of this promise lies in the profound statement that follows: “We will come to him and make Our home with him.” The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—longs not only for our obedience but for an abiding, close relationship. The Creator of the universe desires to make His dwelling within the hearts of those who love and obey Him.

Imagine the significance of this truth! The Almighty God, who spoke the cosmos into existence, desires to make His home within you. This is a permanent residence, a continual indwelling that brings comfort, guidance, and a profound sense of belonging.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your presence in my life and desiring to be with me. Help me to reciprocate the love You have for me and be obedient to Your Word. Thank You for the comfort and guidance You provide for me to live with much joy and peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.