Today's Verse: Luke 5:18

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.
— Luke 5:18
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What is the best example of someone being a friend you have seen? The Bible offers numerous definitions and examples. One of my favorite examples is this story of the paralyzed man whose friends went to great extremes to get him to Jesus. When the crowd blocked their way to the Lord, they became creative and dug a hole in the roof to let their friend down to Jesus! Their faith and their effort to get him to Jesus ultimately resulted in the man's forgiveness and healing. I don't know about you, but that's the kind of friend I want to be - someone who will do anything to bring friends to Jesus to be blessed by him!

My Prayer...

Holy Father, please bless me as I try to lead my friends and acquaintances (speak the names of several non-Christian friends here) to Jesus. I want them to experience Jesus' saving power, loving grace, complete healing, and ultimate deliverance in Jesus. Please give me the tenacity and tact to do this with "gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15), never losing my sense of urgency to see them come to Christ. In Jesus' name, I ask for wisdom and urgency as I try to share Jesus. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Find Healing
Illustration of Luke 5:18
Inspirational illustration of Luke 5:18 -- Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.
The Help of Friends
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"One day while Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of religious law were sitting nearby. (It seemed that these men showed up from every..."
Extraordinary God!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Child of God, What is your greatest need? Seems like a simple question, doesn't it? But when you look deeper, the events in the verses below..."
Is It Time Yet?
Article by Russ Lawson
Does he really act at just the right time? Russ Lawson reminds us that even though it is hard to wait patiently, God always responds to our prayers at just the right time and we should never give up asking him for his help.

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 5:18 — Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, May 18, 2016

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Blessings Brought by the Spirit' (Ro. 15:27)
"[The Gentile Christians] were pleased to [send financial support to Jewish Christians], and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Enemies into Friends' (1 Ti. 1:16-17)
"Dear Father, king of the ages, Thank you for the cleansing of our sins through Christ. Thank you that you take people who are in outright opposition...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Worship in the Shadows of Confusion and Grief'
"When the people who were at the house consoling Mary saw her leave so hastily, they assumed she was going to Lazarus's grave to weep. So they followed..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Speaks, and Doors Open at His Command'
"To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse