From the Word:  Response to faith (from Matthew 9:1-8)
” ‘Which is easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up and walk”?  But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’ - then He said to the paralytic, ‘Get up, pick up your bed and go home.’ “  (Matthew 9:5,6 NASB)

Well, Lord, You addressed both problems for this fellow, forgiveness and healing, with one brief encounter.  You wouldn’t have even have had to know his name to forgive and heal him (although You probably did, as You know everything).  And as Mark 2 relates, it was his buddies who brought him to You and lowered him down through the roof.  It was their faith that You were responding to.  You responded to their faith by meeting the greatest need - forgiveness - and then by addressing the next greatest need, his paralysis. 

Lord, I come to You with all my needs, and I don’t which is most critical, but You do, and I know that You can meet those needs through healing, through granting forgiveness, through imparting wisdom and power.  And not just for me, but for those whom You have brought into my life.  First is my family, and beyond my family, friends and fellow workers for your Kingdom.  I do have oversight authority for my wife and children, and I must take that responsibility seriously.  O Lord, have I abrogated that to any extent?  Have I been remiss?  Give me wisdom, Lord.  The feedback I have gotten in the past, not just from them directly but from outside points of reference (counselors), is that I have been too authoritative, so I have backed off.  Have I backed off too much?  I pray for Your wisdom in this, Lord. Amen. 

Please pray with us:
The buzz in Philly this week has been the signing of Michael Vick by the Eagles.  One of the big issues that has been raised is that of giving him a second chance.   Lin Crowe is one of our Nav missionaries in the city partnering with other ministries focusing on prison ministry.  As we talked the other day, we discussed the need for second chances, especially for those coming out of prison.  Please pray for Lin’s work with Kingdom Care Reentry Network (KCRN) as he and the KCRN team of volunteer mentors help former inmates reenter and reengage with their families, local churches and communties.  The transition is very difficult, yet what sometimes makes the transition successful is when they are given a second chance - by their family, for a job, etc.  Thanks.

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