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Thursday March 19, 2026V Week Of LentToday's readings move us from stubborn resistance to Spirit-filled freedom and restored vision. In Exodus 7:25–8:19, plague after plague confronts Pharaoh, yet his heart remains hard. Even when relief comes, repentance does not follow. It's a sobering picture of how easily we can want God's help without truly wanting God Himself.In 2 Corinthians 3:7–18, Paul contrasts the fading glory of the old covenant with the surpassing, lasting glory of the new. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. As we turn to the Lord, the veil is removed, and we are transformed—beholding His glory and becoming more like Him.And in Mark 10:46–52, blind Bartimaeus cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Though others try to silence him, he persists—and Jesus stops. His faith leads to sight, and he follows Jesus on the way.This episode invites us to move beyond hardened resistance, to live in the freedom of the Spirit, and to cry out to Jesus with bold, persistent faith—trusting Him to open our eyes and lead us forward.
Today we walked through the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46–52; a man who couldn't see physically, but spiritually saw something the crowd missed. When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And his faith literally stopped Jesus in His tracks. We were reminded that faith sees Jesus for who He really is, faith refuses to stay silent, and faith moves when Jesus calls. We also heard an incredible testimony of God's faithfulness and healing that reminded us that the same Jesus who stopped for Bartimaeus still moves today. If you cried out to Jesus today, know this; He still hears, He still stops, and He still changes lives.
[Mark 10:46-47] Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. [47] When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"Our ________________ can often sense what our ________________ cannot.[2 Samuel 7:16] Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.'"Sometimes ________________ produces spiritual ________________.[Mark 10:48] "Be quiet!" many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"When ________________ is within reach, ______________ is not an option.[Mark 10:49] When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, "Tell him to come here." So they called the blind man. "Cheer up," they said. "Come on, he's calling you!"Jesus is still ________________ for those who ___________ out to Him.[Psalm 34:18 NIV] The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.God is ________________ far away.[Mark 10:50] Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.Faith often requires letting go before the ________________ is guaranteed.[Mark 10:51-52] "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked. "My rabbi," the blind man said, "I want to see!" [52] And Jesus said to him, "Go, for your faith has healed you." Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.[2 Corinthians 5:17] This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!When you encounter Jesus, your ________________ changes.
What would you say if Jesus looked you in the eye and said, "What do you want me to do for you?" In this week's episode, Craig and Colin unpack one of the most disarming questions Jesus ever asked — and why the answer matters more than you might think. We're kicking off the Answer Honestly sermon series, and this first episode dives into the blind man Bartimaeus, whose bold, unfiltered ask to Jesus is a masterclass in honest prayer. Craig and Colin explore why Jesus asks questions He already knows the answer to, what gets in the way of us being that honest with God, and how to hear His voice clearly when life feels loud and crowded. Plus: Craig goes deep on a fascinating biblical rabbit hole — why the Gospel of Mark doesn't include a resurrection account, and what that might actually tell us about the heart of the gospel message.
Deep down we all want more than just going through the motions. What we are really longing for is Jesus. He invites us into an encounter that heals, restores, and makes all things new. As Jesus traveled through Jericho on His way to the cross, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me." While the crowd tried to silence him, his faith stopped Jesus in His tracks. This powerful story reminds us that when we truly see who Jesus is, mercy leads to transformation and transformation leads to following Him.
After descending through gravity and affliction, the journey toward grace begins with attention. Drawing on Simone Weil's insight that attention is the rarest form of generosity, this sermon explores how easily we replace true listening with explanation, advice, or quick solutions. In Mark's Gospel, when the crowd tries to silence Bartimaeus, Jesus does something different—he stands still and asks a question. Attention leaves the space open long enough for another person to speak.
Jesus now meets the blind man Bartimaeus who shows us what it looks like to see Jesus clearly, and how to enter the Kingdom.
In this episode, community member Troy Caldwell — a retired psychiatrist with decades of training in spiritual direction — presents on the Jesus Prayer as a practice of contemplative recollection. Originally prepared for a spiritual formation class at his church, this teaching invites us into one of the oldest and most widely practiced forms of Christian meditation. Troy begins by distinguishing petition from contemplation: where petition asks God for things, contemplative prayer is simply about being with God — and allowing that proximity to transform us. The still point, drawn from T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets, is the inner axis of the soul: the place where the ego's striving falls quiet and the living water of God's presence can be found. The Jesus Prayer — Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner — has been used continuously for over 1,500 years in Eastern Christian traditions. Troy walks us through its technique (breath-synchronized repetition, gentle return from distraction), its biblical roots (the blind beggar Bartimaeus, the parable of the tax collector), and a careful unpacking of its words. Sinner means one who has missed the mark — a person in need, not a condemned person. Mercy translates from the Hebrew chesed — steadfast love, covenant faithfulness, enduring kindness. The group practices three minutes of the Jesus Prayer together, then opens into shared reflection. Members describe varied relationships to the prayer's language, adaptations that have made it their own, and the consistent experience of being carried to stillness — a drop from head to heart where something larger than the self moves through. The Law of One is woven in: Yehoshua carries the meaning "the Whole incarnates as a particular," and Ra's teaching in Session 10.14 provides the metaphysical complement — "The moment contains love. That is the lesson/goal of this illusion. The exercise is to consciously seek that love in awareness." The mercy asked for in the Jesus Prayer is precisely this: eyes opened to the wholeness already present. The episode closes with a discussion of sin, separation, and paradox. If sin is the active reinforcement of the illusion of separation — and if separation itself is the necessary condition for the experience of return — then both the fall and the recovery, as Julian of Norwich saw, are expressions of divine mercy. The opportunity for wholeness is always available. Every catalyst is an invitation to choose it. "The moment contains love." — Ra, 10.14
Service isn't soft power; it's the backbone of real leadership. We open with Mark 10's bracing call to be different—leaders who become servants—and then press that truth into the places that test us most: our marriages, our parenting, and our public courage. The heartbeat of the conversation is simple and sharp: love is proven by priorities, and freedom survives only where virtue has roots.From the disciples' scramble for status to Bartimaeus shouting for mercy while the crowd sneers, we explore how faith resists social pressure and how the world changes its tune when conviction gains attention. We talk frankly about screens that steal presence, the quiet joy and chaos of raising children, and why almost no one dies wishing they had worked more hours. Along the way, Psalm 45's picture of order and honor challenges our confusion about roles, showing how structure can shelter joy rather than suffocate it.We widen the lens with hard history and current events: coordinated terror in Paris, the moral rot of ideologies that sever power from truth, and a courageous publisher in Hong Kong whose sentence tries to cage a soul that refuses to bow. The throughline is not politics-for-sport; it's the deeper question of character. Generals and founders agreed: weapons and laws matter, but victories and liberty hinge on spirit, discipline, and moral ballast. If we want a nation of the free, we need homes of the brave and churches that form conscience.Listen to be challenged, encouraged, and re-centered on what lasts: serving before leading, loving before posting, and standing when standing is lonely. If this episode sparks something in you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review to help others find the show. What will you risk, and whom will you serve, today?#JimmyLia #DailyScripture #MedalofHonorSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe Countryside Book Series https://www.amazon.com/Countryside-Book-J-T-Cope-IV-ebook/dp/B00MPIXOB2
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Numbers 32-33,; Mark 10 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, where we journey together through the pages of scripture and let the Word of God direct our hearts to the living Word, Jesus. In today's episode, Hunter guides us through Numbers 32 and 33, exploring the story of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh as they negotiate their inheritance and responsibilities on the east side of the Jordan. We then move into Mark 10, where Jesus' teachings challenge our understandings of marriage, wealth, service, and faith. Through the encounter with blind Bartimaeus, we witness the importance of spiritual sight—of hearing and recognizing Jesus before ever physically seeing. Wrapping up with heartfelt prayers and encouragement, Hunter invites us to live in the freedom, hope, and love found in Christ, encouraging us to share this good news with others. Whether you're new to the Bible or a seasoned reader, there's something in this episode that will inspire, challenge, and remind you: you are loved, no doubt about it. TODAY'S DEVOTION: He opens the eyes of the heart. In today's readings, we see the story of Bartimaeus, a blind man who, before his eyes are ever opened, seems to see what others do not. The miracle begins not with sight, but with hearing—Bartimaeus heard about Jesus, this one who pays attention to the poor, stands up to religious leaders, and is a friend of sinners. He recognizes that Jesus is the one the world has been waiting for, the Son of David, and cries out for mercy. When Jesus calls Bartimaeus to himself, he asks him, "What do you want me to do for you?" Although the answer may appear obvious, what's truly remarkable is that Bartimaeus, though blind, truly sees. He calls Jesus "My Rabbi." Somehow, the eyes of Bartimaeus's heart were already being opened by the love and presence of God. When God's heart awakens us and we hear of his love, our eyes are opened, too. Bartimaeus's physical sight is restored, but even more, his understanding—his inner vision—guides him. And upon receiving his sight, he does the only thing there is to do: he follows Jesus. Bartimaeus gets up and follows Jesus on the road, even toward Jerusalem and the cross. He is being made new. The story shows us that real sight, real transformation, often begins when we have ears to hear the good news of who Jesus is. That's a prayer for all of us—for open eyes, for hearts that catch a glimpse of the love of God, so that we, too, will see and, seeing, will follow. May your sight and your steps be guided by the love and mercy of the One who calls you by name. That's a prayer I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters and my son—and that's a prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
In this episode, Pastor Nate continues the Jesus Glorified series with Mark 10:46-11:33 following Jesus on the road to Jerusalem as His glory is revealed and hearts are exposed. The central theme we see in this teaching is the contrast between religious appearance and genuine faith.Mark 10:46 begins with a blind man named Bartimaeus in Jericho, who recognized Jesus as the Messiah and cried out for mercy. Though others tried to silence him, Jesus stopped, healed him, and declared that his faith had saved him. Bartimaeus then followed Jesus on the road, being an example of true, responsive faith.As Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, He intentionally fulfilled Zechariah's prophecy from 9:9, declaring publicly his identity. Crowds shouted “Hosanna,” welcoming Him as King, quoting from Psalm 118, yet many would soon reject Him when He did not meet their expectations, thus fulfilling the prophecy found in that same Psalm verse :22.Through the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple, Jesus revealed God's judgment on empty religion: outward religious activity without fruit. This theme is further addressed by Jesus when His authority was questioned by the religious leaders. Their refusal to answer a questions posed by Jesus honestly exposed their heart which was more concerned with religious appearance than true faith and repentance.
In this epic episode, Krish dives into the brilliantly imagined world of Bartimaeus : The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud. Set in an alternative London, this thrilling fantasy follows Nathaniel, a gifted apprentice who is publicly humiliated and hungry for revenge. When he summons the ancient and extremely sarcastic djinn Bartimaeus to steal the mysterious Amulet of Samarkand, a dangerous political conspiracy begins to unfold. With magical break ins, shifting disguises and a nail biting final summoning that descends into chaos, this story is packed with humour, danger and unforgettable twists. Krish shares why Bartimaeus might be one of the funniest characters in fantasy, explores the genius of the hilarious footnotes and reflects on the incredible moment he met Jonathan Stroud in person at a London book launch. He is then joined by fellow podcasters Sam and Dana from New York City, the dynamic duo behind The Bookwards Podcast, for a brilliant conversation about book clubs, family reading and why kids sharing their voices in the book world really matters.Whether you love clever fantasy, enjoy action packed adventures or want to discover how young readers are becoming book ambassadors, this episode is one you will not want to miss. Follow The Bookwards Podcast Website: https://www.bookwardspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookwardspod/Follow KrishInstagram https://www.instagram.com/krishthepodcaster/Follow The Fourth BookmarkInstagram https://www.instagram.com/thefourthbookmark/
Alexa Absalom preaches from the story of the blind man Bartimaeus and what we can learn about being audacious, persisting, pushing on and being obedient.
Sandyhills Parish Church: Let Glasgow flourish by preaching of God's word and praising his name
Mark 4:42-52 What is the moral lesson of the blind Bartimaeus? In Bartimaeus' case he chose to pursue God despite blindness and despite the negativity of the crowd. He banked everything on God and Him only. Like Bartimaeus we should be so desperate for Jesus that we chase after Him despite what others may say to us, despite the encumbrances such as blindness.
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.
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.
Opening Our Eyes: Healing Our Vision Living Compass Spirituality and Wellness Podcast — Lent, Week 1 This episode explores the theme of "Opening Our Eyes" as part of the first full week of Lent, connected to the daily devotional booklet Cultivating Wholeness and Healing with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind. Scott reflects on the many healing stories in the Gospels involving sight, noting that healing doesn't always happen all at once. Drawing on the story of the blind man in Mark 8 — who is healed progressively, first seeing blurrily and then fully — Scott invites listeners to recognize that moving from blindness to blurry is still grace, still progress. He then explores the different kinds of "blindness" Jesus addresses beyond physical sight — spiritual, emotional, and relational — and how each can leave us seeing life less clearly and with less love and hope than we'd like. Whether it's a faith stuck at an early stage of development, emotions we've numbed to protect ourselves, or patterns of "othering" people in our relationships, these forms of blurriness are not causes for shame but invitations to healing. Scott closes with the image of Bartimaeus crying out, "My teacher, let me see again" — reminding us that Jesus is in the business of opening eyes, and that Lent is a season to nurture and restore our vision in all its dimensions. Free PDF of the devotional booklet and daily email reflections available at livingcompass.org. Contact Scott at scott@livingcompass.org.
In this teaching from Luke 18, Pastor Landon walks through Jesus' prediction of His suffering and the healing of blind Bartimaeus near Jericho. Though the disciples had walked closely with Jesus, they still struggled to understand His clear words about the cross. Their spiritual blindness reminds us that proximity to Jesus does not automatically mean clarity. Meanwhile, a blind beggar sees what others miss — that Jesus is the Son of David, the promised Messiah. When Bartimaeus cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me,” the crowd tries to silence him. But faith persists. Jesus stops. He listens. He restores the man's sight. This teaching explores: • Spiritual blindness from Genesis to the Gospels • How Satan blinds minds from seeing the gospel (2 Corinthians 4) • Blind spots in every season of life • Identity confusion in today's culture • Misplaced hope in politics, relationships, and self • The humility required to cry out for mercy • Why Jesus' healings point toward the coming resurrection The deepest blindness is not cultural or political — it is failing to see Christ clearly. Like Bartimaeus, we are invited to pray: “Lord, have mercy on me.” “Lord, let me receive my sight.” When Jesus gives sight, the response is simple: he followed Him. May Christ Himself be our peace. Speaker:Pastor Landon Churchill Sermon Date: 2/22/2026 ComeToFreedom.com
“What a God! What a God!” we sang as His presence filled the room. Pastor Josiah reminded us that Faith Chapel's mission is to culture like Christ and our vision is Jesus. Continuing from past messages of “Championship Faith” and Bartimaeus' healing, we encountered Zacchaeus—the rich tax collector who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. Though Zacchaeus tried to hide, Jesus saw him, called him by name, and brought salvation to his house. Pastor Josiah emphasized that we can't hide forever; God sees us even in our shame and calls us into His light. Just like Zacchaeus, one encounter with Jesus transforms everything—He seeks, He saves, and He restores what was broken.
The Bible tells a story of a man named Bartimaeus. He had been blind since birth. He would sit by the roadside, listening to the footsteps of people passing by, living their lives, seeing. Then one day, he heard that Jesus was coming. And he shouted out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped. He called for Bartimaeus and asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “I want to see.” Jesus healed him on the spot. Light flooded into his eyes—and into his heart. Sometimes we may feel so trapped in our own darkness—we wonder if change is even possible. But Jesus still opens eyes—physical eyes, spiritual eyes. He can bring light into the places that you've given up on. Always remember, there is hope with God. I'm Andrew Palau. Scripture Reference: Mark 10:51-52 radio.hopewithgod.com
It's Thursday, February 19th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark British preacher challenges buffer zones around abortion mills A preacher in Britain is challenging the country's abortion buffer zones which effectively censor the Bible. Officials arrested, charged, and convicted Stephen Green for holding a sign with a Bible verse near an abortion mill in 2023. The verse was Psalm 139:13 which says, “For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb.” Green stated, “As a Christian, I should be able to preach freely all over the land. Psalm 139 is about how we all belong to God from conception. Buffer zones and this conviction [are] a direct attack on the Bible and free speech.” Elon Musk endorsed new conservative political party in England Billionaire Elon Musk endorsed a new conservative political party in Britain last week. On Friday, Member of Parliament Rupert Lowe launched the Restore Britain Party. Musk shared the launch video on X which has received nearly 40 million views. The party is devoted to ending mass immigration and the creeping Islamification of Britain. Rupert Lowe also stated the party will openly recognize the country's Christian heritage. Listen. LOWE: “Restore Britain will openly recognize the Christian heritage that shaped this country's moral and civic foundation. (applause) Duty, restraint, forgiveness and, most importantly, fairness. These values created a high trust society. “Restore Britain will end the creeping Islamification of Britain. (applause) Unfettered immigration from Islamic countries will end. (applause) Britain is a Christian country, and under Restore Britain government, it will remain a Christian country.” (applause) Church of England votes against blessing homosexual couples Last week, the Church of England voted against proposals to allow blessing services for homosexual couples. The General Synod did not shut the door on the issue though, voting to investigate it in the future. The move keeps the church from performing marriage services and blessing services for people living in unnatural relations. However, the Church of England's rules already allow blessing prayers within regular Sunday services for such couples. Proverbs 25:26 says, “Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.” Franklin Graham preached in world's southernmost city Evangelist Franklin Graham preached in Ushuaia, Argentina. It's known as the southernmost city in the world. Listen. GRAHAM: “What makes Ushuaia so special are the people. We love the people. If you can't remember anything else tonight, remember this: God loves you. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take our sins. We deserve death. We're guilty of sin. “Bartimaeus had no hope. There are many of you here tonight. You have no hope. Now, Bartimaeus cried at the right time. Jesus was passing by. The Bible says that ‘God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but he should have everlasting life.' “Will you invite Christ into your heart? Will you trust Him? Come. Come to Jesus.” Hundreds of people turned to Christ through the evangelistic outreach event. Graham wrote on X, “We give God the glory for each one who responded to the invitation to repent of their sins and put their trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.” Eighty-two percent of South Americans identify as Roman Catholic, but evangelicalism has been growing in recent decades. Graham also plans to visit Peru next month. 21 states challenge mail-order abortion kill pills In the United States, 21 states and 60 members of Congress are challenging mail-order abortion drugs. Louisiana initiated the case, challenging a Biden-era rule from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The rule removed the in-person dispensing requirement for the abortion drug mifepristone. Erik Baptist with Alliance Defending Freedom stated, “The Biden FDA's unlawful authorization of mail-order abortion drugs was meant to be a loophole around states that choose to protect life.” 41-year-old mother Olympic bobsledder wins gold (audio Olympic theme song) American Olympic bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor won her first gold medal on Monday. The 41-year-old mother triumphed in the women's monobob event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. She is now the oldest gold medalist in an individual Olympic event. After the victory, she said this on Instagram: “The moment we prayed for. Glory to God.” Norway has won the most gold medals Nearly 2,900 athletes from over 90 countries are competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics. So far, Norway has won the most gold medals and the most medals overall. In the medal count, Norway is followed by Italy and the U.S. A podium finish can mean big prize money for athletes. A gold medalist from the U.S. can win $38,000. Athletes from Singapore can make the most for winning an individual event at $792,000. Christian missionaries sharing Christ & Bibles in Olympic crowds And finally, Evangelicals are sharing the Gospel at the Winter Olympic Games this year. Hundreds of Southern Baptists alongside International Mission Board missionaries are joining the crowds to share Christ and distribute Bibles. Karen Herfurth is in Italy with a group from Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama. She said, “This is a chance for Southern Baptists to reach more people and impact more lives! We may never know the difference this makes until we are in Heaven.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, February 19th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
The Question That Reveals Your Heart, Your Purpose, and Your Faith This is for you if: You've been following Jesus for years but feel your spiritual passion cooling. Your prayer life feels repetitive — or self-focused. You're wrestling with whether you're truly surrendered or just spiritually comfortable. You want to move from spectator Christianity to active discipleship. You've been asking God for things… but aren't sure what that reveals about your heart. Sermon Description Big Idea True spiritual sight is revealed not in what you see — but in what you seek. Scripture: Mark 10:46-52 What if one question from Jesus could expose your deepest desires — and redirect your entire spiritual life? In this powerful two-part message from Mark 10, we explore the moment Jesus asks two very different people the same question: "What do you want me to do for you?" One seeks status. The other cries out for mercy. One walks away disappointed. The other follows Jesus on the road. This sermon confronts the heart behind our prayers, challenges passive Christianity, and calls us to persistent, desperate faith. If you've ever wondered whether you're truly following Jesus or simply asking Him to fix things, this message will press into that tension. Topics: Christian discipleship, Mark 10, Bartimaeus, prayer life, spiritual growth, faith and persistence, following Jesus, surrender, biblical teaching, Gospel transformation. Sermon Notes Jesus asks one question that exposes everything: "What do you want me to do for you?" Same question. Two people. Two completely different hearts. One asks for status. One cries for mercy. Your prayers reveal what you really believe about Jesus. Are you asking to be elevated… or transformed? Bartimaeus refuses to be silenced — desperate faith gets louder. Spectator faith sits comfortably. Discipleship gets on the road. Jesus doesn't heal just to improve your life — He heals to lead it. What you seek reveals whether you truly see. When Jesus looks at you and asks, "What do you want?" — how will you answer? Resources + Links: Episode Site: gospeldaily.org/podcast-1456-1457 Visit the site - www.gospeldaily.org to subscribe to our email ➡️ Read an additional resource from Josh Weidmann entitled: Pastor Josh's Blog Site: www.joshweidmann.com Series: Marked for Glory
The Question That Reveals Your Heart, Your Purpose, and Your Faith This is for you if: You've been following Jesus for years but feel your spiritual passion cooling. Your prayer life feels repetitive — or self-focused. You're wrestling with whether you're truly surrendered or just spiritually comfortable. You want to move from spectator Christianity to active discipleship. You've been asking God for things… but aren't sure what that reveals about your heart. Sermon Description Big Idea True spiritual sight is revealed not in what you see — but in what you seek. Scripture: Mark 10:46-52 What if one question from Jesus could expose your deepest desires — and redirect your entire spiritual life? In this powerful two-part message from Mark 10, we explore the moment Jesus asks two very different people the same question: "What do you want me to do for you?" One seeks status. The other cries out for mercy. One walks away disappointed. The other follows Jesus on the road. This sermon confronts the heart behind our prayers, challenges passive Christianity, and calls us to persistent, desperate faith. If you've ever wondered whether you're truly following Jesus or simply asking Him to fix things, this message will press into that tension. Topics: Christian discipleship, Mark 10, Bartimaeus, prayer life, spiritual growth, faith and persistence, following Jesus, surrender, biblical teaching, Gospel transformation. Sermon Notes Jesus asks one question that exposes everything: "What do you want me to do for you?" Same question. Two people. Two completely different hearts. One asks for status. One cries for mercy. Your prayers reveal what you really believe about Jesus. Are you asking to be elevated… or transformed? Bartimaeus refuses to be silenced — desperate faith gets louder. Spectator faith sits comfortably. Discipleship gets on the road. Jesus doesn't heal just to improve your life — He heals to lead it. What you seek reveals whether you truly see. When Jesus looks at you and asks, "What do you want?" — how will you answer? Resources + Links: Episode Site: gospeldaily.org/podcast-1456-1457 Visit the site - www.gospeldaily.org to subscribe to our email ➡️ Read an additional resource from Josh Weidmann entitled: Pastor Josh's Blog Site: www.joshweidmann.com Series: Marked for Glory
Our expectations often shape what we see—and what we fail to see. In this sermon, Rev. David Buchs explores how the disciples' fixed expectations left them blind to Jesus' mission, while blind Bartimaeus saw clearly enough to cry out for mercy. True faith begins not with certainty, but with honesty about our weakness and a bold trust in Christ's compassion.Sunday Worship – February 15, 2026 (Quinquagesima)Grace Lutheran Church | Little Rock, ArkansasKey themes in this sermon include: • How false expectations can blind us to God's work • Bartimaeus as a model of faith that asks for mercy • Why Jesus invites us to name our weakness aloud • Love, blindness, and mercy in light of 1 Corinthians 13#LutheranSermon #ChristianPodcast #JesusChrist #Faith #Mercy#GraceLutheranLittleRock #LittleRockChurch #ArkansasFaith#LawAndGospel #SundaySermon #ChristianTeaching
[Mark 10:46-52] When faith meets obstacles—both situational and relational—the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46–52 invites us to persist in calling out to Jesus.
In Mark 10, we meet a blind beggar sitting on the side of the road while Jesus is passing by. His name means “son of honor” or “son of worth” — yet he's living like a beggar. In this message, we walk through the story of Blind Bartimaeus and explore the tension between who God says we are and how we often see ourselves. What does it mean that he threw off his cloak? Why does Jesus ask such a specific question — “What do you want me to do for you?” And why is it sometimes easier to believe in Jesus than it is to ask Him for something specific? Healing wasn't the end of Bartimaeus' story — following was. But following began with an honest answer to the question, “What do you want me to do for you?” From Sunday 02.08.26
What do you want most from Jesus? Are you asking for comfort, success, or something deeper? Can you see your sin clearly? In today's episode, Tanya shares how Mark 10:32–52 uses the story of Bartimaeus to show us that spiritual blindness often keeps us asking for lesser things, while Jesus invites us to receive true sight and lasting healing. Read the Bible with us in 2026! This year, we're exploring the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Download your reading plan now. Your support makes TMBT possible. Ten Minute Bible Talks is a crowd-funded project. Join the TMBTeam to reach more people with the Bible. Give now. Like this content? Make sure to leave us a rating and share it so that others can find it, too. Use #asktmbt to connect with us, ask questions, and suggest topics. We'd love to hear from you! To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @TenMinuteBibleTalks. Don't forget to subscribe to the TMBT Newsletter here. Passage: Mark 10:32–52
Have you ever said, “I don't even know what I want anymore?”You're not alone. Life is full of decisions. Some feel urgent, others overwhelming, and often we're caught between choosing what brings peace and what brings purpose. Let's talk personal development for introverts.In this episode of The Driven Introvert Podcast, I'm walking through Chapter 8 of The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman, and we're digging into a question we all need to answer—What do you really want… and what do you want more?I share a personal story from 2020, a quiet season where life slowed down and work was steady—but something was missing. I wasn't juggling a big personal project or working toward a dream, and while that brought peace, it also stirred something else in me.Purpose.Desire.Impact.Sometimes the thing we want (like calm, simplicity, or comfort) isn't the thing we want more (like meaning, movement, or mission). And often, those two don't always go hand-in-hand. This is personal development for introverts.We also explore:Why naming your desire out loud matters more than you thinkWhat we can learn from blind Bartimaeus and how Jesus responded to himThe hidden cost of indecision—and why not deciding is still a decisionHow to move past fear of judgment and be honest about what you wantWhy a pro/con list might not be serving you—and what to do insteadWhether you're deciding between two good options or navigating a situation with no clear answer, this episode is for you.You'll walk away with clarity on how to:Listen inward, not outwardPray from an honest placeDiscern what's life-giving versus life-drainingTrust that God is guiding even when things feel uncertainFriend, if you've been stuck in indecision or afraid to name what's really in your heart, this is your gentle nudge forward. There's more ahead of you than there is behind you. And your next right thing starts with being honest about your desire. Looking for personal development for introverts? This is it!Support the showContact Us Ask a question or leave a comment, visit shepact.com/voicemail Follow me on Instagram at instagram.com/remiroy Email us: thedrivenintrovert@shepact.com Enjoying the podcast? Share the podcast with a friend: shepact.com/TDIPodcast Leave a review: We'd appreciate it if you could WRITE a review for us. Your support and feedback mean a lot to us. Thank you! For the driven introvert, the introvert leader, the lonely introvert, introvert entrepreneurs, the confident Introvert, dreamers, faith driven entrepreneur, passionate leaders and anyone who wants to close the gap between where they are and where they need to be. We discuss Leadership for Introverts, career development for introverts, introvert success, introvert success strategies, networking for the introvert, and other pertinent issues to help you as an introvert grow personally and professionally.
It's easy to mistake quietness for strength, but sometimes silence is really pride in disguise. In this message, we encounter Blind Bartimaeus, a man on the margins who refuses to stay quiet when Jesus passes by.As the crowd moves forward and tries to silence him, Bartimaeus cries out in faith, throws off what once defined him, and comes honestly to Jesus. What follows is more than physical healing, it's restoration that leads to discipleship. Bartimaeus doesn't just receive sight; he follows Jesus “on the way.”As part of the Find Your One series, this sermon reminds us that Jesus hears the one who cries for mercy, stops for the overlooked, and invites us to respond with bold, dependent faith. And when Jesus meets us, He always turns our hearts outward—calling us to see, pursue, and point others to Him.
In Week 1 of our new series Questions Jesus Asked, we sit with one of the most personal and revealing questions Jesus ever spoke: “What do you want Me to do for you?” Walking through the story of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10, this message reminds us that Jesus doesn't ask questions to expose us—He asks questions to heal us. On His way out of Jericho, surrounded by crowds and urgency, Jesus stops for a man everyone else ignored. Before restoring Bartimaeus' sight, Jesus restores his voice, dignity, and agency. This sermon explores the power of honest desire, the courage to speak without shame, and the kind of faith that trusts Jesus with more than survival. Bartimaeus doesn't ask for accommodation—he asks for transformation. And Jesus honors it. If you've been managing pain instead of pursuing healing, adjusting to brokenness instead of believing for restoration, this message is an invitation to hear Jesus asking you the same question today—and to answer Him honestly. Jesus isn't asking what you can live with. He's asking what you're willing to trust Him for.
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. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 49 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." 52 "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
There's a moment in Mark 10 where Jesus stops everything for a blind man crying out on the side of the road.Bartimaeus doesn't pray a polished prayer.He doesn't say the right words.He just asks for mercy.And when the crowd tells him to be quiet, he cries out even louder.In this short devotional, we talk about why so many men stay vague with God, why the crowd often pressures us to keep it together, and why Jesus asks a simple but confronting question:“What do you want me to do for you?”You don't need to clean it up.You don't need to stay quiet.You just need to be honest.
A blind beggar cries out for mercy while a leafy fig tree stands barren of fruit. In this penultimate episode of The Magnificent 37, we explore a stark contrast between faith and fruitlessness. Jesus heals Bartimaeus, whose physical blindness is replaced by spiritual sight and discipleship. Conversely, the cursing of the fig tree serves as a living parable of judgment against a temple system that had the appearance of life but produced no fruit of repentance. Together, these accounts teach us about the power of persistent prayer and the danger of spiritual hypocrisy. The Rev. Peter Burfeind, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Union City, MI and Agnus Dei Lutheran Church in Marshall, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 10:46–52 and Mark 11:12–25. To learn more about Our Savior and Agnus Dei Lutheran, visit facebook.com/oursaviorunioncity and agnusdeimarshall.com. Thy Strong Word kicks off the new year by dedicating our time to study "The Magnificent 37: The Miracles of Jesus." Christ didn't just speak the Word; He demonstrated it with power. From the quiet intimacy of water turning to wine at Cana to the earth-shaking reality of the empty tomb, the Gospels record thirty-seven distinct moments where Jesus suspended the laws of nature to reveal the power of his grace. This isn't just a list of "neat tricks" from history. It is a systematic walkthrough of how God breaks into our broken world to fix it. Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? Why did He need mud to heal a blind man? What does the coin in the fish's mouth teach us about being citizens of heaven and earth? Host, Pastor Phil Booe and a lineup of guest pastors will take you through each event, verse by verse. We'll move past the Sunday School summary and get into the meat of the text, including the Old Testament connections, the cultural context, and the immediate comfort these signs bring to your life today. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
In this powerful message, Pastor Josiah reminds us that our mission is to culture like Christ and our vision is Jesus. Looking at the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10, we see how our true identity in Christ should shape our circumstances—not the other way around. Like Bartimaeus, we are called to throw off the old coat, cry out in faith, and pursue Jesus with everything in us. When we understand who we are in Him—chosen, redeemed, forgiven, and loved—our breakthroughs become moments that lead us into deeper devotion. May this message stir your heart to trust, surrender, and follow Jesus wherever He leads.
In Week 3 of Wrecked But Rescued, we're reminded through Bartimaeus' story that even when we feel sidelined, Jesus still stops, still sees, and still saves. Connect with Journey Christian Church: Website: journeychristian.com New Here? journeychristian.com/new Need Prayer? journeychristian.com/prayer Next Steps: journeychristian.com/nextsteps Instagram: @fljourneychurch Facebook: fljourneychurch
What do you do when life tells you to be quiet… to sit down… to stop believing?Blind Bartimaeus refused to quit.In this powerful message from Mark 10:46–52, we dive into the story of a man who would not let opposition, disappointment, or the crowd silence his cry for Jesus. When others tried to shut him down, Bartimaeus cried out even louder—and that persistent faith changed everything.If you've ever felt ignored, overlooked, or tempted to give up—this message is for you. Don't quit. Keep crying out. Jesus is passing by.
It’s time to let go of your security blanket. Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe concludes Bartimaeus’ powerful story. Be ready to leave old habits behind, be clear about declaring your needs to God, and watch what happens when you finally speak up with crazy bold faith. Listen to Bold Steps with Mark Jobe. Bold Step Gift: Growing In Christ – 52 Devotionals For A Year Of FaithBecome a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldstepsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some of us are stuck in life, accepting where we are instead of where God wants us. Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe shares the inspiring story of blind Bartimaeus. Faith activates boldness—and when we refuse to let others silence our desperate cries to Jesus, breakthrough is possible. Listen to Bold Steps with Mark Jobe. Bold Step Gift: Growing In Christ – 52 Devotionals For A Year Of FaithBecome a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldstepsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are you allowing the opinions and expectations of others to dictate the most critical decisions in your life—both spiritually and practically? In a world where voices constantly compete for your attention, telling you what to prioritize, what to fear, and what to ignore, faithful preppers must learn to tune out the noise and take ownership of their own path. This episode examines a powerful biblical account that reveals what happens when we refuse to let the crowd determine our course of action. Todd explores the story of blind Bartimaeus from Luke 18, a man who refused to be silenced despite stern warnings from those around him. Through this passage, we uncover essential principles for making godly decisions that align with your faith and your preparedness responsibilities. The episode addresses why so many believers allow external pressures—whether social stigma, family skepticism, or cultural mockery—to derail their prepper decisions, and what it truly means to take personal responsibility for your household's readiness. You'll discover why clarity and intentional planning must replace reactive, trend-driven prepping. For Christian preppers serious about their calling, this devotional challenges you to stop outsourcing your decision-making to others who may not share your values or understand your mission. These principles aren't optional add-ons to your preparedness lifestyle—they're foundational to becoming someone who leads rather than follows when circumstances demand decisive action.
As Jesus travels toward Jerusalem, He stops along the way for a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. When Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus for mercy, the crowd tries to silence him, but Jesus beckons him close, restores his sight, and invites Bartimaeus to follow Him.
What happens when revelation awakens desperation?In this message, we walk through the story of blind Bartimaeus and uncover a pattern that still shapes lives today:Revelation creates desperation.Desperation produces a demonstration.And desperation always precedes transformation.Bartimaeus doesn't just see Jesus—he recognizes who Jesus is. That revelation refuses to let him stay quiet, passive, or comfortable. His desperation becomes visible. His faith becomes audible. And his willingness to move disrupts the crowd, the moment, and ultimately his future.This sermon is an invitation to examine where comfort has replaced hunger, where silence has replaced faith, and where proximity to Jesus is asking for a response.If you're longing for more—more clarity, more freedom, more transformation—this message will challenge you to make your move.
Ever feel surrounded by noise, pressure and opinions? Jesus is closer than. we think! In Mark 10:46–52, w. meet Bartimaeus, a blind man who refuses to stay quiet when he realizes Jesusis passing by. While the crowd tries to shut him down, he keeps cryingout for mercy, and Jesus gives him His full attention. In this message from our Gospel of Mark series, we see how faith often looks like persistence, honesty and surrender. Bartimaeus throws aside what once felt like security, names what he truly wants, and then follows Jesus with his new life. This is not just a story about sight – it is a story about salvation, about worth, and about learning to slow down enough to recognize the presence of Jesus in the middle of our everyday lives. For more info and resources on this series, visit crosspoint.tv/mark. If this message encouraged us, let us know in the comments. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today.
In this episode of The Mountain Podcast, Jebron Thompson shares a heartfelt sermon centered on the story of blind Bartimaeus from Mark 10, emphasizing the power of faith and the importance of recognizing and addressing spiritual "blind spots" in our lives. He encourages listeners to boldly seek Jesus for healing—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—highlighting that faith comes by hearing the word of God and acting on it. Jebron also expresses gratitude for the church community, acknowledges the dedication of volunteers and leaders, and calls for prayer and support for pastors and those in need. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to respond in faith, receive prayer, and experience personal breakthrough through Jesus.
We loved this introduction to the Bartimaeus Trilogy! It's taken us far too long to discover Jonathan Stroud's work, and we're now absolute Bartimaeus heads. We break down the appeal of Nathaniel and Bartimaeus' alternating angry/gleeful perspectives, the burgeoning anticapitalist themes, and why history continues to repeat itself (spoiler humans are the worst). Grab your sassiest djinni footnotes and join us!
Mark Francis and Cole McQueen sit down with Tim Sanford to unpack topics of faith, miracles, dependency on Christ, and more with a conversation that reviews the sermon from Mark 10:46-52.Listen to the sermon we're talking about: fbcva.org/current-sermon-series or fbcva.org/podcastsBe a part of the conversation by submitting your thoughts and questions: fbcva.org/sermon-spotlight-podcastWatch this episode and subscribe on YouTube: @fellowshipbiblechurchvaFind out more about Fellowship Bible Church: fbcva.orgSubscribe to emails from Fellowship: fbcva.org/subscribeEngage with us:Facebook: facebook.com/groups/fellowshipfamInstagram: instagram.com/fellowshipbiblechurch/ #SermonSpotlight #FBCVA #FellowshipBibleChurch #Mark10 #Bartimaeus #Advent #LightOfTheWorld #ChristianPodcast #FaithJourney #SeeingJesus #ChristmasReflection
John the Baptist had heralded Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Coming One, and the Messiah. John had pointed to the Advent of the Christ. But in our reading on this third Sunday of Advent, we see John in a much different setting. You have to wonder if John, who was now sitting in a dungeon, had begun to think he might have made one of the biggest mistakes in history. And you can also imagine that he had a great need to know that the person he'd been prophesying about was the real thing. Join Pastor Chris as he compares Blind Bartimaeus and John the Baptist in their encounter with joy in this sermon for Gaudete Sunday. Note: The artwork associated with this podcast (viewable on the Epiclesis website, but not in the Apple Podcast platform), is "St. John the Baptist in Prison Visited by Two Disciples" (detail) by Giovanni di Paolo.
Bartimaeus knows that he is blind, he knows that Jesus is passing by, and he knows what Jesus can do for him. Jesus, would you help us see?
On this Freedom Friday, we had Asheritah Ciuciu join us to talk about how to reroute distracting thoughts during quiet time to focus more on the Lord. Asheritah is a national speaker, bestselling author, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries, an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus. She has also written several books, including “Unwrapping the Name of Jesus: An Advent Journal.” We also had Dr. John Mabus join us to discuss how God receives us when we come to Him for help. We turned to Mark 10:46-52, where we see how, when Blind Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for sight, He received Bartimaeus and gave him sight. Dr. Mabus is an Associate Professor of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. For the past 14 years, Dr. Mabus has served as a Navy Chaplain, sharing the gospel and caring for military personnel. We then turned to the phone lines to ask listeners, “What pressing need in your life has revealed your ultimate need for Jesus?” Then we had R. York Moore join us to discuss how we know God really loves us. York is a gifted speaker, revivalist, and abolitionist. He is also the President, CEO, and National Evangelist of the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO). He has also authored several books, including “Seen. Known. Loved. 5 Truths About God & Your Love Language”. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Asheritah Ciuciu Interview [04:59] Dr. John Mabus Interview [24:23] Call Segment [36:01] R. York Moore Interview [48:04 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read OnlineAs Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Luke 18:35–39This beautiful story of the healing of this blind man, named Bartimaeus in the Gospel of Luke, sets for us a model of how we must come to Jesus in prayer. Bartimaeus and his encounter with Christ is an icon upon which we must meditate so as to imitate him in his weakness, openness, confidence and perseverance.To begin, this “blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.” We must see this as an ideal image of how to begin our prayer. When we start to pray, we must see our littleness, weakness and extreme poverty in our spiritual life. We come to God with nothing. Unable to see. A beggar. And one who is incapable of meeting our own spiritual needs. This is Bartimaeus, and this must be the way we come to our Lord in prayer. Sometimes we can fall into the illusion that our prayers are so elevated and pious that God must be very impressed. If that's your struggle, then you are more like the Pharisees. This blind man, however, is the ideal to aim for. So when you begin your prayer, come to our Lord as a spiritually poor and needy beggar.In this state of humility, just as it happened in this Gospel story, you can be certain that “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” So as you sit in your humble and needy state, wait and be attentive to Jesus passing by. Wait upon His gentle voice, His quiet inspiration, His calming and unmistakable presence. If you can humble yourself this way and then sense our Lord's divine presence touching you in some way, then further imitate Bartimaeus by calling out interiorly, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The cry from the depths of your heart in prayer must come as a result of Jesus “passing by.” It must be a response to Him coming to you on His own. As Jesus passes by, spiritually speaking, He waits for you to call to Him. He desires that you call to Him. And He desires that you do it with firm confidence and perseverance.Notice that as this blind beggar cried out, there were obstacles put in his way. The people “rebuked him, telling him to be silent.” But even this was a gift, because it enabled Bartimaeus to cry out all the more. So also with us, when obstacles arise in our prayer, such as distractions, temptations, a lack of consolation, or any other challenge to our prayer, we must see these obstacles as hurdles that must be overcome. Doing so will deepen our union with Jesus, turning that apparent obstacle into a source of blessing. Reflect, today, upon these four aspects of a deep prayer life that are presented to us through the witness of this blind beggar. First, ponder your weakness and poverty as you turn to God in prayer. Second, be attentive to the presence of God as He passes by, waiting for you to call to Him. Third, cry out to Him and beg Him to come closer. And fourth, work to overcome every obstacle to prayer and see those obstacles as opportunities to call out to God all the more. My compassionate Lord, I come to You in my weakness and poverty, I come in need of Your divine touch and healing. As You do pass by, I acknowledge Your presence and call to You. Jesus, please do come to me, have pity on me. Help me to overcome every obstacle to Your love and to trust in You always, never wavering from my commitment to You. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: Workshop of Fernando Gallego, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.