day 7 - empty

Why is it when we need affirmation the most, we get it the least? Why is it when we need to be loved, we are the first to turn and walk away? Why is it when we need prayer, we are the first to pray for others, instead?

I don’t have the answers.

Lord, I am so desperate for You. I know You’re right here. I know You’re within me. Rip away whatever is complicating this season of life. My radar is fuzzy and my ears are muffled. I need You to show up in a very real way. Please.

The Scripture for today is Luke 5:17-26 - 17One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. 18Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

20When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."

21The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

22Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 24But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 25Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today.

The focus for today in the 30 days is the faith the friends displayed that Jesus Christ had the power to heal their friend.

We have a saying at the Ring – Jesus Christ has the power to change any human life. (I’d love to give the author credit, but I don’t know his name.) I want to believe that with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. Most days, I do. Tonight, I am empty. I’m running on fumes, and the Gas Station is right there… (I wonder if He minds being compared to a gas station?) Lord, I need Your help to make it there. Father, fill me up.