Once upon a time in a land almost far away there was a college professor who uttered some timely as well as profound words.  He said, "In ministry, you will be expected to perform miracles on a daily basis."  The point is how those who do church work for a living must somehow have secret insight on getting God to rescue people in trouble.  It was also a warning against the failure to provide those miracles when requested.  Many people do not take it well when a minister cannot call down the amazing upon demand.  Does this mean the one making the request is always misguided?  This is not always the case.  It may also be an issue for the minister who misses a moment to build a bridge between God and a human being. 

People live lives of various degrees of need.  It ranges from simply wanting an easy way out all the way to total desperation.  Each requires sensitivity to discern motives along with listening for an answer.  Jesus is our best model for doing both.  He will live among humanity for those years being able to stand between heaven and earth.  Some come to Him from terribly selfish motivations yet may receive what they seek.  Others do prove to be a bit more noble is asking Him for help.  These individuals seek God's help not just for rescue but to the relief of others.  But the attitude of Jesus is often the same toward each of these.  His grace is not just in how miracles happen but it begins in His heart.  Here is where we often miss out in our daily life.

We cannot do miracles with or for others unless we are miracles ourselves.  We cannot share with others what we do not have in our life.  Being self centered will erode the quality of God's presence in our world.  You will be blind to Him while being consumed by self.  This is a hard thing for us to learn as a disciple.  Life is very real when it crowds us.  Denial cannot be an option even for the believer.  Wishing away difficulty never goes well in the end.  How we face life or death should not be the driving force in our faith.  Reversing that equation determines how we deal with miracles or their lack.  You will need to learn being intentional with God in your private world.  Those who experienced Jesus in scripture did not wander up on Him.  They came to Him with a purpose.  But they also expressed that need with honesty of varying degrees.  Here is how you understand Jesus conversing with some about what their desire was truly all about.  It is not that Jesus doesn't know what they want but He is wanting them to also know the need.  Sometimes that is as much the miracle as the actual event.

Today's point is simply in knowing our need for divine help in a world longing for something more.  If we are not seeking God's help then how can we imagine giving it away to others? 

Bro. Trey