Determination

When I was in Doug Parlin’s P.E. class in 1968, we dressed out, went into the gym, and waited on the bleachers for Mr. Doug to show up.  But he had already been there, because there was always a “Quote of the Day” taped to the concrete block wall by the door.  He would come in and ask a student for the quote of the day, and if the student didn’t know it, it was a lap around the gym … the college size gym!  I remember several of the quotes, one being, “The measure of a man is what it takes to stop him”.  A great quote!  Reminds me of the four friends who brought the paralyzed man to see Jesus in Mark 2.  The crowd wouldn’t let them pass through, so they had to make a way to get their friend to Jesus.  And these four men had to work together to get the man lowered down through a hole in the roof that they had just made (without the permission of the homeowner).  I can imagine Jesus looking up through that hole and seeing their pleading faces.  Mark records in Mark 2:5, “When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.”  What a wonderful pronouncement!  Jesus healed the man’s sin problem first, and then Jesus healed the man’s physical problem.  Hey, you may think that your spouse is your main problem.  You may think that your boss is your biggest problem.  You may think that winning the lottery is the key to solving your financial problems.  But let me honestly tell you that sin is your main problem.  And the forgiveness of your sins will change your life!  With a new heart, you will get along with your spouse, you will be a better employee, and you will actually want to give money away!  Hey, let Jesus change your heart.  Let the dear Lord redeem you and set you free!  Then, like those four friends, go and help others.