Read: John 4:43-53 “‘Go’, Jesus replied, ‘Your son will live.’ The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living.” John 4:50-51 (NIV) In 2010 our family was travelling by subway to a baseball game in the Bronx – New York Yankees vs Philadelphia Phillies. We had our Yankees shirts on and felt quite at home amongst the other NY Yankee supporters.

Then a voice came over the loudspeaker and we didn’t quite get it, but immediately the carriage emptied of all NY followers – one person said that the trainline is not running to the game now. So, everyone jumped out of one train and into the doors of the train next to us, which was about to leave. What do we do? We each grabbed the children by hand and followed, without even questioning the train we were getting on. It was frantic, but we trusted this man we didn’t know, that he was leading us in the right direction. How often do we take a big breath and just follow blindly someone we don’t really know and hope that they will take us in the right direction.

We hear of other religions and TV evangelists, we hear advertisements on the best weight loss regime, we hear that everyone is getting iPhones so that must be the best. So, when Jesus says that He is the only way to heaven, do we take Him at His word and just follow Him? In this miracle, the royal official was desperate for his son’s life. He begged Jesus to heal him. Then Jesus responds in a scolding manner, saying people only believe if they see signs and wonders. Still the official begs and when Jesus says the boy will live – the man believed. He journeyed home finding that at the exact time Jesus said, ‘your son will live’ was the very time his son got better. Not only was the official’s son saved, but the whole household! They took Jesus at His word. Jesus speaks to us through His Word, in our prayers and through the Holy Spirit. Believe His Word and be assured that in Jesus, we have all we need for everyday living and beyond. Jesus’ Word brings life!

Prayer: Help me Lord Jesus to hear your voice speaking to me and guiding me. I will take you at Your word that you know what is best for me – help me in my unbelief! Amen.

Read: John 2:1-11 “Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’” John 2:6-8 (NIV) When living in Adelaide, the Barossa Valley became a wonderful place to visit when we had overseas visitors. Each winery has different wines with unique flavours and for different tastes. It is fun to discover which one is to your liking.

St Paul does tell us in 1 Timothy 5:23: “Stop drinking only water and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” (NIV) Of course we need to take this in the context of the day – the water around was not filtered nor spring fed. It was not always the best to drink and caused stomach illnesses. This miracle of Jesus turning the water into wine was the first one recorded. The weddings in Jesus’ day could last up to a week and it was up to the families to make sure there was enough wine and food for all the guests. Those getting married must have been close to Jesus’ family as Mary (Jesus’ mother) was helping with the serving. She would have been horrified for the family that the wine had run out. It would have been a huge shame on them.

Remember back to Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem with all the visitors and all the things that happened – Mary kept and pondered over all these things. So, it was not surprising for Mary to tell the servants to do everything Jesus may tell them to do. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we also followed all the directions that Jesus tells us to do in the Bible. Maybe during this Lenten season and as we get closer to the cross – Do whatever Jesus tells you! He told the servants to fill the jars to the brim and we are told they were huge jars. Jesus doesn’t do little things – He gives in abundance, full to overflowing. As we f ill our lives with Jesus and His words of life, remember that He blesses abundantly. You will be filled to overflowing with His grace and love!

Prayer: Dear Jesus, fill my life to overflowing with your grace, love and peace so that I may overflow with these blessings and pass them on to those around me. Amen.

Read: Luke 17:11-19 “One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan.” Luke 17:15-16 (NIV) “Ten unclean and nowhere to go. Ten men cleansed as clean as snow. One returned to give God thanks, but nine went away. God gives gifts to us every day. Favors His people in every way. Hope restored and pain relieved. Do you ever give thanks for a gift received?” ~ Medical Mission Sisters I often wonder why I remember the words from songs I heard as a child, but when I hear the words to other songs today – they don’t stick. The song above was played quite often on a record when I was growing up and it had quite a rousing tune (maybe not by today’s standards - reminds me now of ‘Sister Act’). As you can see it was all about the ten lepers who came to Jesus asking for cleansing so that they could return to society.

They were told by Jesus to show themselves to the priest, and on the way, they were healed. Ten percent of those healed returned to thank Jesus. The Bible has a lot to say about ‘giving thanks.’ So, obviously it is an important part of our Christian living. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful things we can do! Why? Because a thankful person is focussed on God… and all the good things He does in our lives and in those around us. People have a need to be appreciated and be encouraged by words of appreciation. Imagine then how God would feel when someone remembers that it is God who actually gives and provides us with all we need for daily life. Jesus heals and helps every one of us each day. Don’t forget it is God who brings these blessings.

Jesus asked the one leper who was cleansed where the other nine were. It wasn’t like Jesus wasn’t going to then heal the other nine, but He responds with joy to the one who comes and thanks Him. Jesus mentions the man’s faith… for it is through our faith that we recognise that every good gift comes from our Heavenly Father. T hank God today for all the blessings you have received!

Prayer: Thank you, dear Jesus, for all you do for me, my family and my friends every day. You bless me, help me and give me the greatest gift – life everlasting! Thank You! Amen.