Podcasts about Bartimaeus

 Matthew 21 opens with Jesus's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem—his coronation as King. Pastor Karl unpacks why this moment was unlike any earthly coronation: a king who arrived not on a warhorse but on a humble donkey, fulfilling prophecies spoken generations earlier through Isaiah, Zechariah, and Daniel. As King, Jesus fulfills God's mission, exercises God's authority, restores proper worship according to God's Word, and extends God's compassion. From the crowds shouting "Hosanna" to Jesus clearing the temple of corruption, this passage reveals a King who demands total allegiance while never withholding compassion from those who come to Him in need. Join us in person 8:00am, 9:30am & 11:00am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

There is a danger in thinking we are stronger, wiser, or more spiritual than we really are. In this challenging sermon, Elder Dustin Parks preaches from Luke 18:9-14 about humility, self-righteousness, and the sobering truth that we are all only one step away from backsliding. The message begins with the Pharisee who thanked God that he was not like other people. Elder Parks warns against the same spirit taking root in our own hearts. Church attendance, positions, knowledge, wealth, appearance, or years of service do not make one person more valuable to God than another. Our righteousness is not something we can manufacture. We are dependent every day on the grace and mercy of God. “We're all one step from backsliding” is not a call to fear, but a call to humility and watchfulness. No matter our position in the church or how long we have served God, we are still capable of falling. Peter boldly declared that he would never deny Jesus, yet he denied Him three times. Elder Parks emphasizes the importance of crucifying the flesh daily and keeping our focus on where we stand with God rather than measuring ourselves against others. The sermon also challenges the way Christians can judge people based on age, appearance, wealth, abilities, or background. God is no respecter of persons. A pastor is not better than a singer, an older saint is not better than a young believer, and someone who does not fit our idea of what a Christian should look like is not beyond God’s reach. God looks on the heart. Jesus repeatedly showed compassion to people others might overlook. The man who had been lame for 38 years, blind Bartimaeus, and others who were considered insignificant were not rejected by Christ. Before salvation, we were all sinners in need of mercy. We were all lost, broken, and without hope apart from Jesus. That truth should produce humility, compassion, and a willingness to see others through the eyes of Christ. Elder Parks reminds us that our lives are being watched by those who are lost. When Christians judge others over outward appearances or make people feel unwelcome, they can become a stumbling block. Instead, the church should demonstrate the love, forgiveness, humility, and grace of Jesus Christ. We all have mistakes. We all fall short. We all need the Lord. This message is a call to examine our own hearts before examining someone else’s life. Instead of asking, “How are they doing?” we should ask, “Where am I with God?” Instead of comparing ourselves with others, we should humble ourselves before Christ, confess our failures, and keep walking in His grace. No one is too young, too old, too broken, too different, or too far gone for God to save. The same Jesus who saved us can save anyone. Let us stop acting as though we are different from everyone else and start showing the world the love of the One who saved us all.

This excerpt was taken from our LIVE services on Sunday mornings at Belmont Assembly of God - Chicago. Thanks for tuning in! If you're new to Belmont Assembly, check out the links below! www.belmontag.org/connect www.belmontag.org/links Schedule your visit in person or join us online at www.belmontag.org #belmontag #bagcompasskids #findingdirection

Drawing from Mark 10:46–52, Pastor Steve Martel explores the story of Bartimaeus to illustrate how moments of ultimate helplessness and desperate prayer draw the immediate attention of Christ.

Philippians 4:21: "Saluteevery saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you." Thevery first word that catches my attention is the word "every." Pauldoes not simply say, "Greet the church," or "Greet theleaders." He says, "Salute every saint." That tells ussomething about the heart of this great apostle. Paul loved people. Throughoutthis letter we have seen his affection for the believers at Philippi. Inchapter 1 he called them his partners in the Gospel. He thanked God for themevery time he remembered them. He prayed for them with joy. In chapter 2 heencouraged them to be of one mind and to esteem others better than themselves.In chapter 4 he thanked them for their generous gift and their faithful supportof his ministry. Now, as he closes the letter, he wants every believer to knowthey are remembered.  Isn'tthat just like our Lord? Jesus never overlooked individuals. He stopped forblind Bartimaeus while others tried to silence him. He noticed Zacchaeussitting in a tree when everyone else saw only a tax collector. He spoke withthe woman at the well when others would have avoided her. He stopped to taketime for the lady that had an issue of blood who had touched the helm of Hisgarment from behind when a large crowd was pressing in on Him. His disciplessaw a crowd, but He saw one needy person. He welcomed little children when thedisciples thought they were unimportant. Our Savior never saw people asinterruptions. He saw them as souls. Paul had learned that same heart. Noticealso the word "saint." In our world, many people think a saintis someone who has lived an extraordinary life and is honored centuries afterdeath. But in the New Testament, every believer in Jesus Christ is called asaint. The word simply means "one who has been set apart for God." Itis not a title we earn. It is a position we receive when we trust Christ as ourSavior. That means if you know Jesus today, you are one of God's saints. Notbecause you are perfect. Not because you have never failed. But because youhave been made holy through the finished work of Jesus Christ. I have oftenreminded people that God does not see us merely as we were. He sees us inChrist. What a wonderful truth! ThenPaul writes, "The brethren which are with me greet you." Paulwas under house arrest in Rome. He was chained to a Roman soldier. He wasseparated by hundreds of miles from the believers in Philippi. Yet thefellowship of God's family could not be broken by prison walls or greatdistances. Other believers were serving beside Paul, and they wanted their loveconveyed to these Christians in Philippi. What a beautiful picture of thefamily of God. Most recently, our mission team experienced this againin Guatemala. Though we spoke different languages and came from differentcultures, we immediately recognized something we had in common. We belonged tothe same Savior. We were members of the same family. There is a bond amongGod's people that cannot be explained by nationality, language, or background.It is the fellowship we have in Jesus Christ. Do peopleknow that I care about them? Paul's concern for "every saint"challenges me. It reminds me to notice people who may otherwise be overlooked. Theelderly saint who faithfully attends church. The young believer who is justbeginning to grow. The widow who quietly serves. The missionary faithfullylaboring far from home. The pastor who faithfully preaches week after week. Everysaint matters because every saint matters to Christ. Perhapstoday the Lord is laying someone on your heart. Why not call them? Send them anote. Write them a text. Pray for them. Encourage them. You never know how mucha simple word of kindness may strengthen a fellow believer. After all, that isexactly what Paul is doing here. Even in the closing words of his letter, he isencouraging God's people.

The sermon examines the healing of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10 to illustrate the necessity of spiritual sight over physical perception. It contrasts the beggar's desperate faith and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah with the crowd's rebuke and the rich young ruler's inability to follow Christ. The preacher argues that all humans are spiritually blind and helpless apart from divine grace, requiring a humble cry for mercy to receive salvation. True discipleship is defined not by religious knowledge but by the urgent response to Jesus' call, resulting in a life transformed by faith and committed to following Him on the way to the cross. The message challenges listeners to examine their own spiritual condition and ensure they are actively beholding and following Christ rather than merely observing from a distance.

“In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:12–13 NLT) It is fascinating to note how Jesus dealt with people. He never interacted with any two individuals in precisely the same way. He would look beyond the outward veneer and see their hearts. When a person was really seeking and a miracle was in order, Jesus performed one. The Gospels record several miracles He performed for hurting, searching people such as blind Bartimaeus, the woman whose child was sick, the woman who spent everything on doctors and needed a miracle, or the ten lepers who came to Him looking for His touch. But when people came to Jesus with the wrong motives, it was a different story. In fact, on some occasions, Jesus didn’t even reveal Himself to them. For example, John 2:23 tells us that when Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Passover, “many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did” (NKJV). But the passage goes on to say, “But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man” (verses 24–25 NKJV). Here we see people who believed after they saw Jesus’ miracles, but Jesus would not commit Himself to them. That may seem strange at first glance. But let’s consider what the word commit means. It means “to entrust someone with something.” Jesus would not entrust these people with His truth. If they were true seekers, Jesus would have revealed Himself to them. These people who saw His miracles weren’t seeking with their whole hearts. They were merely excited about the miracle Jesus had done on that particular day. They were wowed by the spectacle, not moved by the truth. Therefore, Jesus would not commit Himself to them. There’s an important takeaway from this story, not just for believers and seekers but also for the leaders and wannabe leaders of our nation. Jesus will not commit Himself to those who seek Him with ulterior motives. His message can’t be co-opted to fit a political narrative. Those who would use Him for personal gain or political advantage will not experience a personal relationship with Him. On the other hand, the Lord promises in Jeremiah 29:12–13, “In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me” (NLT). A wholehearted search for Jesus is an excellent description of a revival. We have the assurance from Scripture that the Lord will reward such a search. So, to facilitate a much-needed revival in our country, believers must confront ulterior motives when we see them. We must share the simple and unadorned gospel. And we must pray for people’s eyes to be opened to the truth of Jesus. The restoration and refreshing that will heal our nation requires more than an appreciation of who Jesus is and what He’s done. It requires a wholehearted commitment to Him. Reflection question: What would a wholehearted commitment to Jesus look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Robert Tisdale continues the “Cloaked” message from Mark 10:46–49, teaching that miracles begin when you stop obsessing over what you've lost and start using what you have left. Using blind Bartimaeus, he urges the church to sense the urgency of the moment when Jesus is passing, respond immediately, and refuse distractions or ambivalence. He highlights Bartimaeus' cry—calling Jesus by name, recognizing Him as “Son of David,” and pleading for mercy—as worship and deliverance language that cuts through the noise despite social pressure to be silent. Tisdale warns against offense, skepticism, and relying on flawed messengers to block God's call, then emphasizes Bartimaeus casting away his cloak as rejecting labels and identity, calling listeners to throw off shame, bondage, and negative self-description and move toward the altar in faith.00:00 Cloaked Theme Intro01:08 Sensing The Moment04:04 Information To Revelation07:51 Power In The Name10:44 Deliverance Language Mercy14:11 Silencing The Crowd18:31 Jesus Stood Still20:49 He Calleth Thee31:06 Casting Off The Cloak41:19 Altar Call Move Now

Pastor Levi continues in this sermon series called Son of David and preaches on how Jesus heals Bartimaeus and his decision to then turn and follow Jesus! Key Scripture:Mark 10:47-52Follow The Wild Youth Ministry on social media! @thewildythhttps://www.instagram.com/thewildyth/

Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus has heard that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. Bartimaeus knows what this means for him and he is NOT letting this wonderful opportunity slip through his hands. May we all be more like him in our desire to stand before the Lord.

What do you want most? When blind Bartimaeus finally got Jesus' attention, he knew exactly what to ask for. But his story reminds us of something even deeper: Our greatest need isn't what Jesus can give us. It's Jesus Himself. If Jesus answered every prayer you're praying today, would it lead you closer to Him? Jesus... more than anything else... I want You.

It's possible to read the Bible, know the story, and still completely miss the point.In today's episode, we continue our sermon series from the archives, The Gospel According to Mark, as Paul examines Jesus' healing of blind Bartimaeus and explains the difference between reading this familiar story through the lens of religion and through the lens of the gospel.To hear more sermons from Paul, visit PaulTripp.com/Sermons

Kam reminded us that Jesus invites us to bring every need to Him by pursuing Him with desperation, asking in faith, and following Him in response. Because Jesus has already met our greatest need through the cross, we can trust Him with every other request.Pursue Jesus in desperationAsk Jesus in faithFollow Jesus in responseLife Group Discussion:Jesus asked Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” How would you honestly answer that question today, and what keeps you from bringing that request to Him?Bartimaeus pursued Jesus despite the crowd trying to silence him. What distractions, fears, or obstacles are you currently pushing through, or need to push through, to pursue Jesus more intentionally?Bartimaeus didn't just receive healing; he followed Jesus. How can you respond to God's work in your life this week in a way that draws you closer to Him, regardless of how He answers your prayers?

Kam reminded us that Jesus invites us to bring every need to Him by pursuing Him with desperation, asking in faith, and following Him in response. Because Jesus has already met our greatest need through the cross, we can trust Him with every other request.Pursue Jesus in desperationAsk Jesus in faithFollow Jesus in responseLife Group Discussion:Jesus asked Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” How would you honestly answer that question today, and what keeps you from bringing that request to Him?Bartimaeus pursued Jesus despite the crowd trying to silence him. What distractions, fears, or obstacles are you currently pushing through, or need to push through, to pursue Jesus more intentionally?Bartimaeus didn't just receive healing; he followed Jesus. How can you respond to God's work in your life this week in a way that draws you closer to Him, regardless of how He answers your prayers?

Pastor Robert Tisdale preaches from Mark 10:46–52 about blind Bartimaeus, emphasizing that miracles begin with what you hear, not what you see. He teaches that faith is awakened by the right word entering your spirit and warns that wrong voices, circles, and social pressure can keep people seated in dysfunction, silent in worship, and stuck in an old identity. Using Psalm 1's progression of walk, stand, and sit, he explains how influence shapes posture and identity, while the right voices push people to rise when Jesus calls. He highlights Bartimaeus' refusal to be silenced, the crowd's sudden change after Jesus' command, and Bartimaeus' cry—“Jesus,” “Son of David,” and “have mercy”—as recognition of Christ's authority and humility in need.00:00 Welcome And Connect00:16 Series Setup And Scripture02:24 Faith Starts With Hearing04:33 Guard Your Inputs07:32 Rise He Calls You09:55 This Is Your Moment14:55 Crowd Pressure And Praise20:09 Desperate Worship Allowed24:34 Threefold Cry For Mercy28:23 Encourage Someone Today

North Campus 10:30AM

A @Christadelphians Video: **YouTube Summary/Description**In this **thought-provoking** and **insightful** Bible study, Brother Roger Lewis delivers an **outstanding**, **expositional** look at one of Scripture's most **wonderful** and **revealing** characters – Bartimaeus. Why is he the only healed person named in the Gospels? What does his name really mean? And how does his story unlock a powerful truth about Jew and Gentile together in God's plan?Join us as we explore the harmonisation of Matthew, Mark and Luke, the significance of “Son of David”, the crowd's rebuke, and the beautiful Old Testament background in Isaiah 35. This is far more than a miracle – it's a picture of spiritual blindness, the call of Christ, and what it means to follow Jesus “in the way”.**Chapters** (based on the full transcript)00:00 – Introduction: The Puzzle of the Gospels01:58 – Two Meetings with Jesus (Entering & Leaving Jericho)04:15 – Bartimaeus Cries Out: ‘Son of David'07:04 – Overcoming the Crowd's Rebuke08:39 – Jesus Calls: Casting Away the Garment11:37 – ‘Lord, That I May Receive My Sight'14:00 – Healed and Following ‘In the Way'17:53 – Isaiah 35: The Way of Holiness Fulfilled22:20 – Why Was Bartimaeus Named? ‘Son of the Unclean'28:42 – Conclusion: The Moment We Receive Our Sight (to 31:30)**Bible Verses**

Pastor Jamie Crawford delivers an encouraging sermon urging listeners to remain persistent in prayer, faith, and obedience even when answers seem delayed. Drawing on Habakkuk 2:3, Luke 18:1, biblical examples (Jacob, Bartimaeus, Noah, Elijah, the woman with the issue of blood) and personal testimonies, he shows how persistence produces breakthroughs and increases faith. The episode ends with practical calls to keep praying, keep giving, and join Epicenter Church and the Wow God podcast for ongoing encouragement and revival.

Today's Scripture passages are Psalm 71 | 2 Samuel 16 - 17 | Mark 10:46-52 | Luke 18:35-43.Read by Christina Edmondson.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPWORD40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeTo reach the IVP podcast team, please use this form.Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Jesus asks a blind beggar named Bartimaeus: "What do you want me to do for you?" While the answer might seem obvious, humans are often inept at knowing what we really want. By looking closely at Bartimaeus's cry for mercy, we see a man who wasn't just begging for physical sight—he was longing to be seen, loved, and freed from a lifetime of shame and marginalization.

5th Sunday after PentecostSermon Series: Once a Pastor, Always a PastorSermon Title: Go Ahead, Take Off Your CoatScripture: Mark 10:46-52This Sunday, we kick off a new sermon series, Once a Pastor, Always a Pastor, with a message titled "Go Ahead, Take Off Your Coat."In Mark 10:46-52, Bartimaeus is sitting on the sidelines when everything changes. When Jesus calls his name, he doesn't hesitate—he throws off his coat, leaves his old spot behind, and heads straight toward Jesus.That coat may have been comfortable. It may have felt safe. But sometimes the things we cling to can keep us from stepping into what God has next for us.As we begin this new series, we'll explore what it means to respond when Jesus calls, to let go of what holds us back, and to trust God enough to take the next step—even when we don't know exactly where it will lead.Join us this Sunday as we discover that sometimes faith begins with a simple but courageous decision: go ahead, take off your coat.Summer Worship Schedule9am: Sunday School10am: Worship11am: Summer Fellowship Time

This powerful message centers on a profound truth: Jesus is constantly passing by our lives, but we must choose to respond. Drawing from multiple Gospel accounts—the disciples in the storm, the woman at the well, blind Bartimaeus, and the woman with the issue of blood—we discover that divine encounters don't always happen on our schedule. Sometimes the greatest moments aren't the ones we plan, but the ones when God interrupts our plans. The sermon challenges us to recognize that proximity to Jesus doesn't equal transformation. We can sit in church, feel His presence, sing the songs, and still miss our moment if we don't actively reach out in faith. The contrast between the disciples who responded and Judas who betrayed reveals a sobering reality: being around Jesus doesn't automatically mean we belong to Him. There must be surrender, desperation, and action. When Jesus comes near—whether in our storms, our emptiness, or our brokenness—He's looking for us to cry out, to push through the crowd, to refuse to be silenced by opposition. The question isn't whether Jesus is present, but whether we're desperate enough to engage with Him when He passes by.

In her message on Mark 10, Katy explores the discipline of empathetic listening as a profound method for embodying the healing love of Jesus in a divided and isolated world. True listening extends beyond basic conversational skills; it requires paying attention to both spoken words and unspoken emotions, granting dignity to those society often overlooks. This compassionate posture is perfectly modeled by Christ's encounter with the blind beggar Bartimaeus, where He purposefully interrupts His own vital journey, defies the crowd's impatience, and asks a transformative, open-ended question that draws out the man's deepest desires. Emulating this "Jesus Way" means actively cultivating a willingness to be interrupted, slowing down to offer undivided attention, and asking thoughtful questions designed for deep connection rather than simple information gathering. Ultimately, believers are commissioned to serve as a tangible, healing presence in their communities by mirroring this attentive and dignifying love.

What do you do when you have a need, a prayer, or a situation you desperately want God to change? This Sunday, Sara explored the story of Bartimaeus and Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, challenging us to consider two questions: What do you want God to do? and Can you trust Him with the outcome? As we learn to bring our requests honestly and specifically before God, we're also invited to surrender our plans, desires, and timelines to His will. What if true freedom isn't found in getting exactly what we want, but in trusting the One who knows what's best?---Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM.Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decidedStay Connected!Website: http://localchurchgr.orgFacebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgrInstagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgrWeekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLCVisit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expectEvents: http://my.localchurchgr.org/eventsIf you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/giveNeed prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

Monday, 22 June 2026   So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him. Matthew 20:34   “Having gut-wrenched, also Jesus, He touched the ‘eyes, theirs', and immediately they up-looked, their ‘the eyes', and they followed Him.” (CG)   In the previous verse, the blind men told Jesus they desired that their eyes be opened. With that noted, it next says, “Having gut-wrenched, also Jesus.”   A great multitude of the city of Jericho had followed Jesus as He traversed the city. It would have been a scene of chaos as people vied to get close to Him and get His attention. And yet, at the calls of these two men, He has stopped His exiting of the city and waited as the blind came to Him. Because of their appeal to have their sight restored, Jesus was moved with compassion.   Instead of basking in the accolades of a multitude of “fans”, Jesus was concerned about a few blind beggars. This was so much the case that “He touched the ‘eyes, theirs'.”   Instead of reaching out for a stalk of reed with ink on it to sign someone's parchment, and instead of stopping for a “memory photo” with a group of mid-yeshiva students, Jesus took the time to reach out and touch the unusable eyes of the blind. The people around Him would have watched curiously as the scene unfolded. Sure enough, Matthew next records, “and immediately they up-looked, their ‘the eyes'.”   This is the third time the word anablepó, to up-look, has been seen. Thus far, each has been in connection with the healing of the blind. But this is not its only usage. At times, it is when a person stops and looks up for one reason or another. With the blind, however, the meaning is clear. They didn't just look up with dead eyes. They did so with their sight restored. And because of this, Matthew notes, “and they followed Him.”   As Jesus is heading out of Jericho on His way to Jerusalem, it is likely that they followed for a while and then returned to their city, but it is also possible that one or both of them continued the long walk to Jerusalem. Bartimaeus is remembered by name in Mark, so that could be the reason why.   Life application: In the world, it is a rare thing for the rich or famous to pay attention to such people in need as the blind men at Jericho. Think of Hollywood actors. They step out of expensive limos and are conducted to whatever award ceremony they are attending with fanfare, photos, and idolizing eyes watching their every step.   Not only would they not think of stopping to talk to a blind man begging for money, but there would also be no blind people in sight. Such dregs of society would have been moved away from the area to ensure these more “important” people would not be bothered by people like that.   The same is true with politicians. The people they have been called to serve are ignored at the expense of wealthy builders, entrepreneurs, and famous people. The only time they get anywhere near the lowly masses is when they are stomping for their next reelection.   Jesus, however, despite all of the masses hemming Him in, repeatedly stopped to tend to the lowliest of society. He has set the example, and innumerable souls have followed in His footsteps, tending to the masses of humanity throughout the world, helping them when even their own leaders ignore or abuse them.   The Bible never tells people that they shouldn't be rich or famous. But it does provide warnings for those who have many possessions that such things are not the priority in life that God is evaluating. Rather, He is concerned about our hearts, motivations, and interactions with Him and with those around us. Are we willing to emulate Jesus in how we honor God and treat our neighbor?   This is what is ultimately of eternal importance. Someday, we will be separated from our possessions, bank accounts, and even the bodies we so carefully maintain. All such things are temporary and fleeting. Be sure to keep your priorities straight, holding to biblical values as you interact with this world.   “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19   Lord God, help us to keep our priorities in line with Your word. May we not squander our lives in pursuit of that which perishes when there are heaven's riches awaiting us that will be eternal in nature. May our “right now” be dedicated to that wonderful goal, all our days. Amen.  

Sunday, 21 June 2026   They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” Matthew 20:33   “They say to Him, ‘Lord, that they might be opened the ‘eyes, ours'.'” (CG)   In the previous verse, it said that Jesus stood and called the blind, asking what He could do for them. Matthew next records, “They say to Him, ‘Lord, that they might be opened the ‘eyes, ours'.'”   They use the same wording, open, as Isaiah concerning the blind. It was as if their eyes were doors that had been shut and were incapable of opening to the light. They are asking for that to be rectified. What Isaiah had said would have been known and anticipated by the people of Israel concerning the promises of the messianic era to come –   “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing.” Isaiah 35:5, 6   As noted in previous commentaries, Mark and Luke focus on one person. Matthew focuses on two. Did both come forward as seems to be the case from Matthew, or did one speak on behalf of the other? The text leaves us guessing, but there is no reason to dismiss Matthew's account.   It is generally assumed that Mark was written first. As such, he may have specifically written about Bartimaeus, having personally come to know him, or because he became known among the people. Later, however, Matthew, remembering the fuller aspect of the account, would have presented the event, acknowledging that there were two blind men.   Whatever the case is with these subtle differences, the request has been placed before Jesus.   Life application: Reading Scripture and comparing what Jesus did to what was promised concerning what the Messiah would do, it makes one wonder how Israel missed the significance of Jesus' coming. It seems so obvious when the patterns, parallels, and prophecies are laid side by side to see how He fulfilled everything necessary to prove He is the Messiah.   And yet, they missed Him. To this day, they continue to do so. Why is this the case? The reason is the same as how many people treat Scripture, their relationship with God, and their interactions with the world around them.   If we look at the contents of the Bible from a me-centric focus, we will have pity parties when things don't go well or when we think things are unfair about how our lives are in comparison to what is recorded in the word. If we look at God as the Giver of this word and think we should have been dealt a better hand, we will naturally find fault in God.   And when our interactions with others don't put us ahead of everything and everyone else, then those around us will never meet our own misdirected expectations. But the world is not about us. The Bible, though including God's redeemed in the overall plan, is not about us. And our interactions with God are no more difficult or unbearable than those presented in Scripture.   And more, seeing what God was willing to do to bring us back to Himself through the life and torturous death of Jesus, we should realize that God does love us despite whatever we are going through.   Understanding this, why did Israel miss the coming of their Messiah? It is because they have, and they continue to think that Scripture is about them. Their attitude is a culturally me-centric view of how things should be. When things don't go well for them, they simply stop believing in God, pushing Him out of their mind, as innumerable Jews live today.   Whether it is Israel as a nation or humanity as individuals, in order to receive the full understanding and blessing of what Scripture is telling us, we need to remember that it is first and foremost about God, the infinitely good and gracious Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer.   The fact that we have been included in what God has done should humble us and redirect our focus away from ourselves to Him. By doing this, we will have a fuller appreciation of Scripture, and we will have a much more directed focus on how to conduct our personal relationships with those around us.   “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrew 12:1, 2   Lord God, thank You for having loved us enough to send Jesus despite our sin and turning from You. May we have the right attitude concerning our position before You, accepting what You have done in our lives, even if it is difficult, painful, or tedious. This is a temporary walk. You have given us sure promises that the best is yet to come. May we patiently endure this present walk with our eyes focused on You. Amen.

Saturday, 20 June 2026   So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Matthew 20:32   “And having stood, Jesus, He vocalized to them, and He said, ‘What you ‘will' I should do to you?'” (CG)   In the previous verse, the two blind men continued to cry out to Jesus, begging for His mercy upon them. Their persistence paid off, as noted by Matthew. He notes, “And having stood, Jesus.”   Eventually, Jesus neared the blind men enough so that their voices could no longer be drowned out by the crowds. As such, and certainly wanting to know why they remained at a distance, it next says that “He vocalized to them.”   A new word is seen, phóneó, to emit a sound, and thus, to vocalize. It is used when a rooster crows. It was used to describe when Jesus cried out on the cross. One can see the etymological ancestor of our modern word “phone.” Of this word, the Topical Lexicon says –   “Strong's Greek 5455 portrays the purposeful use of the voice—whether summoning, exhorting, pleading, or proclaiming. It occurs forty-three times across the New Testament, spanning the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, the life of the early church, and a single eschatological scene. The verb's settings cluster around five broad spheres: personal encounters with Jesus, miraculous works, parabolic instruction, apostolic ministry, and final judgment.”   Mark and Luke give different details concerning this. Mark says that Jesus commanded (using the word “vocalized”) that the blind should be called. They called Bartimaeus, telling him that he was being called. With that, he cast aside his garment and went to Jesus. Luke agrees with this, leaving off the details about the garment.   Each account agrees, but is given from a different perspective that builds into one full scene. With the details of the calling stated, all three accounts agree on the next words, “and He said, ‘What you ‘will' I should do to you?'”   In Matthew, the address is plural. In Mark and Luke, it is singular. The attention being on one as opposed to two was addressed in an earlier verse. If there are two, then there is one. For whatever reason, Matthew chose to focus on both while Mark and Luke focused on one individual.   One possible explanation for the difference is that despite being at the exit of the city, they were on opposite sides of the gate. If two were sitting side by side, it may be that people would only give to one, and some would go to the opposite side to avoid giving at all. But with both sides of the gate covered, the potential for more givers would be realized.   As such, Matthew, being a tax collector, would have been keenly aware of such a system. The other two accounts focused on the one specifically called first, Bartimaeus. This is speculation, but it is a logical reason why the two accounts differ in this detail.   Life application: If you have ever been to a place where people beg, you will see the proposed scenario played out. Beggars don't just lump together, as if a person will stop and give every person a coin. Rather, they divide up in order to avoid overwhelming someone to the point where nothing is given.   Having both sides of the gate covered reasonably resolves the variation between the two accounts. The two could talk between the two of them, both raised their voices as Jesus neared, and one could speak for the other if he were called. Bartimaeus could have been called and directly asked what he wanted, and then said, “I want to see, but so does that guy over there. We are blind, Sir.”   We should not have any doubt that the accounts happened exactly as all three gospels describe, even if the details seem contradictory at first. A little thought about how things actually work in such a situation makes the entire scene understandable.   Lord God, Your word is a treasure that we can study and contemplate for all our days. Even doing this, we will never be able to fully plumb its depths. Thank You that we have it to guide us, instruct us, and challenge us as we walk before You. Amen.

In this message Pastor Troy Smothermon urges us to follow the Bible's way of handling offense by pursuing reconciliation, expressing expectations, and forgiving even without an apology. Drawing from James 5 he teaches that those who need healing should actively seek prayer and that faith is often built through persistent pursuit—asking, seeking, and knocking without quitting—illustrated by biblical examples like the woman with the issue of blood, blind Bartimaeus, and the persistent widow. The sermon then explains redemption as Jesus paying the price for sin and reconciliation as Jesus making peace and restoring relationship with God, giving believers the ministry and word of reconciliation. Using the prodigal son story, it emphasizes repentance, God's welcoming mercy, and the call to forgive others, intercede for them, and live as witnesses.

Thursday, 18 June 2026   And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” Matthew 20:30   “And you behold! Two ‘blind' sitting beside the road, having heard that Jesus, He passes, they croaked, saying, ‘You compassionate us, Lord, ‘Son, David'!'” (CG)   In the previous verse, it was noted that as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Jesus. Along with that, Matthew records, “And you behold! Two ‘blind' sitting beside the road.”   The issue of the seemingly contradictory time of Jesus encountering and healing the blind in this account, as recorded by Matthew, Mark, and Luke, was dealt with yesterday. Though getting ahead in the narrative, it was necessary at some point to rectify that.   However, that is not the only discrepancy between the accounts. The words “two ‘blind' sitting beside the road” are also problematic for some. This is because Mark and Luke say –   “Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging.” Mark 10:46   “Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging.” Luke 18:35   As such, detractors of the Bible immediately claim that there is a contradiction in Scripture. One account says two men, the other accounts refer to a single individual. The fact is that if there are two, there is one. This is not a contradiction at all. It is a way of focusing differently on a matter.   This “two as opposed to one” is seen elsewhere in the gospels, such as the two demoniacs in Matthew 8 as opposed to a single one in Mark and Luke. The same thing occurs in the accounts at the time of the resurrection, where one or two are mentioned. This is an issue of focus and presentation, not a contradiction.   Mark goes beyond both Matthew and Luke and names the blind person he focuses on. The reason for this could be that the blind person who was healed became well known later among the believers, whereas the second man faded out of the spotlight. There is no contradiction in a “two” or “one” record. Understanding this, Matthew continues, saying, “having heard that Jesus, He passes.”   This was explained yesterday. The commotion of Jesus traversing the city, from one end to the other, means that they had a chance to encounter Him as He did so. Those who could see would have rushed to meet Jesus as He entered, passing the blind on their way. As the people passed the blind, “they croaked, saying, ‘You compassionate us, Lord, ‘Son, David'!'”   The present tense verb “He passes” tells us that they were fully aware of Jesus passing through Jericho. This was probably the main route for one who had traveled south on the east side of the Jordan and then passed over the Jordan on a trek to Jerusalem. As such, it makes complete sense that Jesus would pass right through the city. It would also be why the blind sat at the exit gate, hoping for some pilgrim heading to Jerusalem to have mercy on them with a blessing.   The men were strategically positioned to be in the most favorable spot for such things. Calling Jesus “Lord, ‘Son, David'” means they fully accepted that He was the promised fulfillment of the messianic promises. Surely, they had heard of His miracles and believed that He had the ability to perform what no one else but the Messiah could do.   Life application: As with the previous verse, there is no reason to assume there is a contradiction between Matthew's account and that of the other gospels. Matthew was there with Jesus. He would have seen the two men calling out to the Lord for healing.   Mark may or may not have been there, but his focus was on someone who became well known enough to be remembered by name. Luke was not there, but gathered his information from various sources. He focused on a certain blind man, maybe having spoken to Mark, who was excited to mention Bartimaeus.   The fact is that if all three accounts were identical, or even if they were a bit differently worded, but said the same thing, they would be considered forgeries, ripped off from a single writer, something the Jesus Project is famous for claiming.   Don't get discouraged by those whose seeming sole purpose in life is to destroy people's faith in God and in the surety of His word. Press on with the understanding that if this is God's word, it is completely reconcilable with His perfect character.   Just because we do not understand a difficulty does not mean that there is a problem with what is presented. Most of us do not understand how a nuclear bomb is made, but we know that they explode. Nobody would say, “I just don't see how such a little bit of plutonium can make an entire city disappear. Therefore, it can't happen.”   And yet, this is how we treat the Bible when we believe some knucklehead's assertion that the Bible is in error. When his claim proves to be incorrect, who then is the knucklehead? Don't be a knucklehead! Accept that what you don't know simply means there is a limitation in your knowledge, not a problem with what you are trying to understand.   Glorious Lord God, thank You for guiding us as we read and contemplate Your word. As we continue to read it, study it, meditate on it, and accept it as Your word, the more profitable it is to us in our walk with You. Thank You that this is so. May we be diligent in our study of it all our days. Amen.  

Praying with Biblical Characters

The story of Bartimaeus reveals a powerful contrast between physical and spiritual blindness. While Jesus' disciples struggled to understand his true identity despite walking with him daily, a blind beggar immediately recognized Jesus as the Son of David and Messiah. When the crowd tried to silence Bartimaeus, he refused to be quiet and cried out even louder for mercy. Jesus stopped his urgent journey to Jerusalem to respond to this desperate faith. Bartimaeus threw off his cloak, abandoning his old life, and immediately followed Jesus after receiving his sight. This story challenges us to examine our own spiritual blindness and develop the kind of persistent, courageous faith that refuses to be silenced.Support the showVisit communitybrookside.com or facebook.com/communitybrookside for more information!

In the middle of pain, disappointment, and brokenness, many people wonder if real healing is possible. In this message, Pastor Ben Young looks at the story of blind Bartimaeus and shows how humility, bold faith, and the compassion of Jesus lead to restoration. Discover how Christ meets us in our need and begins transforming us into healed healers who bring hope to others.

Jesus begins His final approach to Jerusalem after raising Lazarus, a miracle that causes many to believe but also intensifies the Pharisees' resolve to kill Him. Along the way He teaches about surrender and true discipleship through encounters like the rich young ruler—who refuses to give up his wealth—and blind Bartimaeus, who joyfully follows Jesus after being healed. Jesus prepares His disciples for His coming death and resurrection and uses the Parable of the Ten Minas to show that while He will soon depart, His followers must remain faithful and use what He entrusts to them until He returns.

MAY 31 | Who Is This King? | Mark 10:46-52 ...Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

MAY 31 | Who Is This King? | Mark 10:46-52 ...Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

After having his sight restored by Jesus, Bartimaeus immediately begins to follow the Lord. (Lectionary #350) May 28, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Gospel – Mark 10:46-52 – As Jesus was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”  And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to Him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Him on the way. Bishop Sheen quote of the day

Original Post Date: May 30, 2024 === Gospel Mark 10:46-52 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. Reflection The request of Bartimaeus is radically different than the disciples, who often asked, Lord, give us a position of authority. Let us sit at your right, and another one will say, let me sit at your left and what Jesus is not calling us to is not a worldly authority over people, but he's calling us to an insight to see and understand who we really are, the beauty that we have, the dignity that we have, and to encourage others to see it for themselves. Nothing is easier for God, in Jesus, to give you what you ask for when you ask for sight. I want to see. I want to know. I want to experience your love. Closing Prayer Father, we often find ourselves in a kind of dark place where we're confused. It's a perfect time to turn to you in that darkness and say, Please give me the light that I miss. Give me the understanding I don't see. Open my eyes to a way that I've never thought of before. And that is always answered, because it's what he longs to give to the world. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Read OnlineAs Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Mark 10:46–48Though the Torah commanded kindness and justice toward the blind, they were often treated poorly by the wider community. Unable to work or provide for themselves, the blind were typically reduced to begging. They also bore the stigma of being seen as suffering God's judgment, whether for their own sins or the sins of their parents. While today's story about Bartimaeus vividly illustrates the pitiful social and economic position of the blind at that time, it even more powerfully presents him as an ideal model to imitate.First, we should humbly see ourselves in Bartimaeus. On a spiritual level, we are all blind and in need of God's mercy. Like Bartimaeus, we must identify as people who are poor, ostracized, and incapable of seeing all that God wants to reveal to us. Pride gives us a false sense of who we are and blinds us to the truth of our spiritual poverty. Humility, on the other hand, opens the eyes of faith, enabling us to recognize our need for God's mercy and His healing grace so that we may see and understand life as He wishes to reveal it.Bartimaeus is not only a model of the humility we need; he is also a model of faith and prayer. In his humility, as soon as he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, he cried out in a twofold way. First, he called Jesus the “Son of David.” This was a profession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah. “Son of David” was a messianic title rooted in Nathan's prophecy, in which God promised King David that his descendant would establish an everlasting kingdom (cf. 2 Samuel 7:12–16). By calling Jesus the “Son of David,” Bartimaeus professed his belief that Jesus was the fulfillment of that prophecy.With his profession of faith, Bartimaeus also prayed the ideal prayer: “Have pity on me.” The word “pity” is a translation of the Greek eleison, which is also rendered as “have mercy.” For example, at Mass, we pray in Greek, “Kyrie eleison,” or “Lord, have mercy.” This prayer is ideal because every gift from God is an act of mercy. We do not earn or deserve His grace; it is a freely bestowed gift, and our prayer should reflect this profound truth.As Bartimaeus prayed, many people told him to be silent. Despite their rebukes, Bartimaeus intensified his prayer, “calling out all the more.” This persistence serves as another model for the ideals of prayer. The “many” who rebuked him and tried to silence him symbolize the numerous obstacles we face in our pursuit of God's mercy.Though the greatest obstacles we face are our own sins, which discourage us from approaching God in prayer, we also encounter challenges in the form of temptations. These temptations, like the “many” who sought to silence Bartimaeus, try to lead us away from prayer. They urge us to give up, doubt God's care for us, or remain complacent in our spiritual lives. Bartimaeus' response—to pray even louder and more fervently—teaches us the importance of perseverance in prayer, even in the face of discouragement or opposition.Reflect today on this poor blind man, Bartimaeus, sitting on the roadside. With him, profess your faith in Jesus as the Messiah and cry out for mercy. When sin hinders you, have the courage to admit it, confess it, and plead for forgiveness. When temptations try to silence you, resist them and cry out all the louder. In the end, Jesus called Bartimaeus to Himself and healed him. Jesus desires to do the same for us. He will, if we humbly identify with Bartimaeus, see ourselves in his condition, and imitate his unwavering faith and persistent prayer.Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! With Bartimaeus, I profess my belief in You as the Messiah, the Savior of the world. With him, I also plead for Your mercy in my life and in the world around me. You alone are the source of all grace and mercy, and though I am unworthy, You freely bestow it upon the humble. Lord, I want to see. Open the eyes of my heart and grant me the reward of Your mercy. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

What does Bartimaeus' healing represent? - Fr. Lucas Laborde. Click here for today's readings.Is your life diminished in some sense because there are steps you are reluctant to take? How has Jesus opened your eyes? Have you fully embraced the consequences of the grace Jesus has given you?

In Mark 10, Jesus encounters religious leaders, a wealthy young man, his own disciples, and a blind beggar - all revealing different forms of spiritual sleep. While the Pharisees used God's mercy for comfort, the rich ruler trusted in his possessions, and James and John sought status, only blind Bartimaeus truly saw Jesus for who he was. When Jesus asks 'What do you want me to do for you?' our answer reveals whether we're living in false stories of self-sufficiency or nightmares of hopelessness. The goal isn't spiritual self-sufficiency but deeper dependence on God, recognizing that Jesus creates loving tension to wake us from spiritual sleep.

Sometimes the presence of Jesus comes strangely near. Of course, God's presence is everywhere, but there are times we experience a sense of the proximity of His presence. Jesus passed blind Bartimaeus' way. The beggar cried out for mercy, and Jesus healed him. In this teaching from Luke 18:35-43, we learn how God responds to faith and the importance of persistence in asking God for what we need. This message is available at https://www.preachtheword.com now in MP3 audio format...

The sermon examines the story of blind Bartimaeus in Luke 18 to illustrate how sinners should approach God for salvation. By contrasting Bartimaeus with the rich young ruler, the text emphasizes that true faith requires acknowledging one's spiritual blindness and crying out to Jesus as the Messiah and Lord for mercy. The preacher argues that recognizing this desperate need is essential to understanding the magnitude of Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. Ultimately, genuine salvation is demonstrated not only by receiving healing but by following Christ in obedience.

In this episode of The Conquer Addiction Podcast, host Ken Pounders shares insight from the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10, exploring how authentic, determined faith can lead to profound transformation and freedom from addiction. He unpacks the journey from desperation to hope, highlighting the power of surrender and the call to pursue a new life purpose. Listeners are guided through practical steps for embracing change, as well as a heartfelt prayer for those seeking a fresh start. Tune in for compelling encouragement rooted in biblical truth and decades of real-world experience.   Website: https://omainc.org Email: OMADirector2017@gmail.com or priorityev@mac.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/165704310121828/ Website: https://priorityev.info Instagram: instagram.com/bro_ken   Outreach Ministries of Alabama, Inc., PO Box 98 Valhermoso Springs, AL  35775 Phone:   256-778-8096  

In this week's message, we continue the neighboring series by reflecting on the story of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10 and the simple but often overlooked practice of listening. As Jesus pauses to hear one person's cry, we're invited to notice how distraction and hurry can keep us from doing the same. This message creates space to consider what it might look like to slow down and truly listen to the people around us.

Learning to recognize monumental moments, defining decisions, and pivotal points in your life. Woven throughout your life are monumental moments, defining decisions, and pivotal points that can literally change everything from that moment forward. The question isn't whether yours is coming . . . the question is whether you'll recognize it when it arrives. In this one-time message, Pastor Jim unpacks the Bartimaeus blueprint for seizing your moment and reminds you that it's never too late to become the person you might have been. Maybe today is the day you cast aside what's been holding you back and rise up to be the man or woman of God you were created to be. Maybe this message is your monumental moment.

What do a shepherd-king writing poetry and a blind beggar on the roadside have in common? More than you think. In this Wednesday Night Bible Study, Dr. Val draws a stunning parallel between David's declaration in Psalm 23 and Bartimaeus' desperate cry in Mark 10. The two men standing between darkness and light, between who they were and who God called them to be. One had everything and still needed the Shepherd. The other had nothing and still recognized the King. So, when life puts you between two images of yourself, the question becomes: Do you know who you belong to? Through deep scriptural analysis, Dr. Val explores day blindness and night vision — why some can't see in the light, and how shepherds navigate the darkest valleys. Message: “Day Blindness or Night Vision” Speaker: Dr. Val Scripture: Psalm 23:1-4 (KJV); Mark 10:46-52 (ESV) Date: Feb. 25, 2026 ✨ Welcome to Your Moment of Transformation You don't have to walk this journey alone. Let Jesus guide your steps and fill your life with purpose and peace.