Excuse means an attempt to lessen the blame attaching to (a fault or offense); seek to defend or justify. As I was reading John 5, the question came to me, “What’s Your Excuse?” You and I have more excuses than there are opinions. Here in this chapter, we find a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years. Jesus approaches him in verse 6 and says, “Would you like to get well?” Instead of the man saying, “YES!!!!!” Look at what verse 7 says, “‘I can’t, sir,’ the sick man said, ‘for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.'” What?! Why do we give Jesus our excuses? Why do you allow distractions to keep you from reading God’s word? Are you using the time God has given you wisely? What is your excuse for not following Jesus with everything you have?

     This sick man didn’t even ask Jesus to heal him. However, so that the prophecies could be fulfilled, Jesus said in John 5:8, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” The sick man was immediately healed.

     You and I might have wasted our time yesterday watching Big Brother, Sisters, and Master Chef instead of fellowshipping with the Master. Today is not the day to have excuses. Today is a new day to read His word, worship Him, and live for Him because Jesus deserves more than your excuses. He desires your obedience!

Search yourself and go deeper:

          1.       God has given us 24 hours in a day. What are your excuses for not reading His word?

          2.       Do you think God is pleased if He is not the number one priority in your life?

Action Plan:

          1.       Repent.

          2.       Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you to prioritize your relationship with the Father.

          3.       Read and meditate on 2 John 1:6.