A Great Multitude:

Where ever Jesus went, great multitudes found their way to Him. At the end of Mark 7, Jesus healed a deaf and dumb man, He charged them to tell no one. (This never works, people just cannot be quiet, when they witness the Power of God).

They were astonished and spread the word. ‘Jesus has done all things well.’

So there was a great multitude: Chapter 8 begins with feeding the four thousand, with 7 loaves of bread, and a few fishes. Once again a great miracle.

I submit another miracle, was that the crowd had been there for three days with no food. (They had been fed by the Word and Presence of God. Much like Moses on the mountain, 40 days with no food or drink).

The Miracles that God preforms, are done for a reason.

Why then?

Isaiah 43:10

Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

That we may Know; That God IS; and He is a rewarder, of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

That we would Believe; That God IS, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

That we would Understand; That God IS, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

In Isaiah 41:20, He had planted trees, and brought water, in the desert:

“That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.”

To SEE; KNOW; CONSIDER, and UNDERSTAND; That God IS, and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

If the presence of the Lord is active in our midst, we should expect and See His Power and Grace. (John 14:14)

Saints, we should have multitudes flocking to our meetings. It is a shame that we no longer believe He would or could. At least the leper knew He could be healed, he wasn’t sure that He would. (Matthew 8:2)

After this He departed on a ship, for the opposite shore, there He was met by the Pharisees, questioning and seeking signs and wonders, tempting Him for a performance. The signs are for those who will believe. Not for those who would persecute.

Many think we as Christians should not seek miracles, because of this verse. We must realize, He was dealing with the Religious, not Followers.

Signs, wonders, and miracles are not done to entertain the masses, but to relieve, to comfort to convince of the Power and Love of God. We are commanded to cast out devils and heal the sick.

They sailed to yet another town. The disciples had not brought bread, He told them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees.

Jesus had a Word of Knowledge, He perceived their thoughts and questioned them.

‘Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?’

He had to remind them of the miracle of feeding the 4,000. It is the same with us, we experience His mercy and grace and need to be reminded of it often.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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Mark 8:1-21

‘In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.

And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.

And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.

And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha. And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side. Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf. And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.

And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?

When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve. And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven. And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?’

As I was praying, (ready for sleep), last night, the Lightning Bolt of Revelation entered my heart and mind. I had to immediately put aside thoughts of sleep and check the Word to see if it, (this Revelation), was true?

I realized that the Multitudes found Jesus, wherever He went. In towns, cities, the mountains or by the sea.

Those who sought Him found Him.

When He was in the Synagogues, many of the rulers believed in Him but did not confess Him, so as not to be put out. (John 12:42)

Only in Matthew 4:23 and 9:35, does it mention Jesus healing all the people of all manner of sickness and disease, in towns where He preached in the synagogue.

We do not hear of multitudes flocking to the synagogues.

No the Multitudes where not in the Synagogues, they were about the towns and countrysides. After His death and resurrection, we find that God adds to the Church, (such as should be saved daily). (Acts 2:47)

The difference between the Synagogue and the Church? The Law versus Grace. The reason God is not adding to our Churches daily, is our Rituals and Ceremonies have become a law unto themselves.

Some preach a false love. (No need for holiness or repentance). Others preach the law. (How we are to dress, interact, and behave in our Church)

The Holy Spirit has no part, in either place. Jesus came and died on the cross, not to condemn, but to save the World. (John 3:17)

Jesus told of the people’s sin, but always gave them a way to escape the eternal consequences of that sin. We need to inform them of the truth but emphasize the Gift of God.

We need to allow the Holy Spirit to live and direct our Worship if we are to see the multitudes added to our Church daily.

Man’s wisdom says there must be order, and that is true, but we do not need the dressings of our favorite Services. The early Church sang some hymns and taught the Word.

There were no children’s churches, separate Sunday School classes, divisions of any type. A child was asleep, fell and died as Paul preached. With the Gift of Faith, Paul brought him back to life.

Our children need to see adults, pray, worship, believe and act out the Gospel. The miracles of both Testaments should be shared and expected to occur today as Christ meets the needs of His people.

These are not stories to entertain our children, but reminders from God to build our Faith, to accomplish His Work.

We should study the first-century church, and attempt to embrace their Wisdom. As we SEEK HIM, HE WILL BE FOUND.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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A Gift of Knowlege and a Walk on the Water: Mark 6:45-52

After feeding the 5,000 He sent His disciples to sail to the other side of the sea. He went up the mountain to pray.

It is amazing, in the dark, from the mountain He saw the Disciples in the middle of the sea, the storms wind against their forward motion. (He had a Word of Knowledge, the Holy Spirit showed Him something He couldn’t have known).

In the fourth watch, He came walking upon the water, and would have walked by them. This, to me, lets us know how the Lord is always walking beside us, waiting for us to call upon Him, in our time of need.

They feared, called out, and He calmed them and entered into the boat, He calmed the storm. They were amazed. (How could they have forgotten the feeding of the 5,000)?

Hardened hearts, it happens to all of us. We forget what the Lord has done in the past when we have a pressing need now. I don’t understand how our hearts and minds work?

They Brought their sick, they touched Him. Mark 6:53-56

To me, these few verses are some of the most enlightening verses in the New Testament.

• When they landed the people knew Him
• They ran to BRING ALL THEIR SICK
• They laid their sick in the streets in his path
• They begged to touch the border of His garment
• AS MANY WHO TOUCHED HIM WERE HEALED.

If we could get a handle on those last lines, we could change the current world, we all take miracle drugs, and they are. The people in Jesus’ time had none of the great discoveries we have today.

They had something we have lost, FAITH. We no longer bring the sick to Jesus, Why? Most of the time we cannot find Him.

I am sorry but, I don’t believe Jesus has room in our weekly Worship Services, to work. We have our Rituals and Ceremonies, our music leader, and preacher. (No one else need apply).

We need first to learn how to touch God. Next, we must bring people to Him, and teach them to touch Him themselves.

Saints, this kind comes from prayer and fasting. (Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29) We must learn to touch Jesus when we deny ourselves and go to Him when we pray in our prayer language, (1 Cor 14:14, our Spirit speaking to God’s Spirit).

We will see the results of our touch. We will begin to see the signs and wonders that He promised would follow those who believe.

Saints, Love Seek, and Find the Lord, with your heart, mind soul and strength. (Matthew 7:7-8; Mark 12:28-39) We can see His Power and Might as we Walk in and with Him.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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Mark 6:45-52

“And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. 46. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. 47. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. 48. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. 49. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: 50. For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. 51. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. 52. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.”

Mark 6:53-56

“And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. 54. And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, 55. And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. 56. And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.”

John the Baptist is dead, the Apostles return:

John’s Disciples buried his body. The 12 returned to Jesus and told Him all that they had done and taught. Jesus directed them to go to a desert place, and rest.

The multitudes anticipated His movements and arrived there before Him.

(Why do we not understand, people will flock to the presence of Jesus? Whether Churchs, homes, or fields, the Spirit of God, calls those who Seek Him).

When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, and ordered the Disciples to feed them. How they asked?

How will 5 loaves and 2 fishes feed 5,000 men plus women and children? The mystery of division, multiplication and Salvation.

• The offering is Blessed. When we come to the Lord, He first blessed us, accepts us and begins to multiply us, for His service.
• The offering is Broken. The military uses this method to build warriors. The Lords army, must be broken and rebuilt to become true Disciples and builders of His body.
• The people are fed.  The Lord uses the Blessed and Broken to grow His body. One will chase a thousand, two ten thousand.  (Deuteronomy 32:30).

The Miracle here shows us the way the Lord works in our lives. This is how He must work in some of us who are so hard hearted and headed, that we learn slowly or not at all.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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Mark 6:30- 44

“And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.     And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.    And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.    And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.     And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.     And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:     Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.     He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?     He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.  And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.     And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.  And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.     And they did all eat, and were filled.     And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.     And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.”

The Twelve Sent Forth:

He called unto himself:

Have you been called unto Jesus? Have you accepted Him as both your Savior and Lord?

Many want Him as Savior but deny Him Lordship. This is a problem. The sending out of the twelve, should encourage us to step out in the Power and Grace of the Lord.

He gave the twelve, (and also we who are His disciples), Power

• Power over unclean spirits (Sadly we neglect this power)
• Commanded them to take no extra clothing, or money, only their staffs.  (We must have financial support before we go).
• Abide in the house you enter to teach, until your work is done.  (We are more comfortable in a motel).
• If people reject you, shake the dust off your feet and move on.  (We hold on to those who reject our Lord).
• They preached repentance. (We preach Love, and all are accepted).
• They cast out many devils (Again we don’t really believe, ).
• Anointed the sick with oil (There are many sick, that are left alone).
• They healed the sick. ( We lack the Faith to see this through.

We the Church have a problem. We rely on our natural Wisdom, when we need to Trust in God.

The Church is in error, not fatally, but sadly, we have grown cold, and powerless in the face of our enemies.

The Lord sent those who believe out to build His Church.

Matthew 28:19-20

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:     Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:15-20

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.     He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.     And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;     They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.     So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.     And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Luke 24:47-49

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

The Word is quite clear, we have been empowered to do the Work of the Lord, we have decided to leave the Gifts and Power unopened, just sitting on the shelf. We are experiencing the results of our neglect.

A Powerless Gospel. People are not transformed, lives are not changed, our Churches are not growing.

The only way to reverse this decline is to Ask, Seek and Find, (receive the will of the Lord). Do you dare to Walk in His Power and Grace?

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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Mark 6:7-13

“And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;    And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:    But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.     And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.     And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.     And they went out, and preached that men should repent.    And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.”

The Trip Home – He Marvelled

This Chapter in Mark, has always been one of my favorites. The people that had watched Him grow up, were astonished at His teaching.

It often astonishes people when they see who you are today, when they knew you, in the bad old days.

I know they have a hard time reconciling the Christian I am, compared to the sinner I was.

More so especially for Jesus. They knew Him as a little boy, who played tag, hide and seek, and pulled the little girls pigtails.

A normal young man, who happened to Love God and His Word.

Here He is now, teaching with Wisdom and Authority, who even has the power to do what they think are mighty works. This offends them. He is not the child they knew. He has changed.

He has not just grown up. He is no longer just a man.

He is now a man, who has the Holy Spirit within, He has gained the Wisdom and Authority of the Almighty, not to just speak the Words of God, but has the Power to do the Works of God.

He is now a living example of who and what we should be. He promised that we would do the things He did and more, if we only believe. (John 14:12)

Jesus Himself marveled. He could do no mighty work, except to lay hands on a few sick and heal them. Because of their unbelief.

All He could do is Teach around the villages.

Mark 6:1-6

“And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.”

The best is yet to come. Chapter 6 has amazing examples for us to follow.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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The Word of God:

Hebrews 4:12

• Is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword,  
• is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Proverbs 6:20-23

• It shall lead you, when you go
• It shall keep you, when you sleep
• It shall talk with you, when you are awake
• It is a lamp and a light
• it will reprove and instruct us in the way of life

Psalm 119:103-106

• Is sweeter than honey
• It gives understanding,
• Helps us so we hate every false way
• Is a lamp and a light unto my path

Therefore have I sworn:

• I will perform it
• That I will keep Thy righteous judgements

How important is the Word of God?

As followers and lovers of God: it is like a refreshing breeze or a light rain to a parched and dry soul.

It is the air I breathe, or the food I eat, the very essence of life.

To Love the Lord is to Seek His face, Understand His will and to Walk in His way.

We are created for His pleasure, if we do these things He will be pleased.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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Jairus his daughter, and the woman with the issue of blood:

These two examples of Faith are combined in Chapter 5. I have seperted them to make discussion easier.

First thing First:

Jesus is no respector of people. A rich man, a ruler of the synague, and a woman, who had spent all she had trying to get well.

I am sure there were many who were afflicted and in need of a touch from God.

The only thing these two had in common was the belief that Jesus was able to help them. There were many people in the crowd. Yet, we only know of these two, who had the Faith to receive their requests.

It tickles me , that in that whole crowd there was only one who reached out and touched Him, believing she would be healed.

We find out in Mark 6:56 that all who touched Him were made whole.

Then we have Jairus, a Ruler of the synague, a man with standing, going himself to ask for favor. When he was told his daughter died, Jesus said only believe.

The people in his house did not believe, and laughed at Jesus, when He said she only slept, they knew she was dead.

Jesus only took the girls family and Peter, James and John into the room where He raised her from the dead.  We find out in Chapter 6, that unbelief, can cancel the healing power of God.

If we could only believe, all things are possible. (Mark 9:35)

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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Mark 5: 21-24; 35-43

‘And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?     As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.     And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.     And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.    And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.     And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.     And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.     And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.     And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.’

Mark 5:24-34

‘And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.’

The Legion:

The incident that inspired my chosen name, ‘theunfetteredpreacher’. The Legion was chained, shackeled and fettered to keep him from hurting himself and others.

After being Saved, I went to a study at a Catholic Church, I had my Bible and they said it would just confuse me, so to go away.

I took a lay speakers course so I could Preach in the UMC, I attend, again I brought my Bible, I do not remember any Scripture being taught in either of the two 8 hour classes.

The Doctrine of our Denominations is given us for the same reason. To keep us Safe. The Leaders believe we cannot read and understand the promises of God without their guidance and direction.

I grew up in the Catholic Church, was saved in a Full Gospel Church, and soon realized a lot of Church Doctrine, (both Catholicand Evangelical), kept us from realizing the Fredom and Power of the Gospel.

I felt ‘unfettered’ from the confines of Policy and Released to experience joy, peace and the love of the Holy Spirit. I learned to take the Word of God, at face value and believe, that God CAN DO ANYTHING.

We all know the facts of this story. Jesus arrived, the Legion came fell down and Worshiped Him. Calling Him the Son of God, and begging to be left alone.

He would rather cut himself and cry out, breaking the chains and fetters the normal people had0 imprisoned him with, than experience the Freedom of God. He asked if commanded to leave that he could go into the heard of pigs.

Jesus gave them leave, they entered into the swine and they ran into the sea and drowned.

The keepers of the swine ran to town and told all they saw, people came out to see for themselves, and found the man sane, clothed and at peace. He desired to follow Jesus.

Jesus sent him to his hometown to proclaim this miracle, and many marveled and came to believe.

To be ‘unfettered’, free to walk in the full power and grace of the Godspel, to come boldly to the throne to receive Grace and peace in our times of need.

To read and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us to all truth, not hindered by the unbelieving believers in our midst.

It is my prayer that you be inspired to seek out and find the truth of the Gospel. The Gifts and Calling are given us to build His Church, not ours.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote

Mark 5:1-20

And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:

Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.

And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,

And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.

And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.

And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.

Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.

And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.

And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.

And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.

And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.

And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

Amen

CONTROL OF THE WIND AND THE SEA

We hear people laugh when Pat Robertson and others pray for the Hurricanes to go away. We dismiss this miracle, as wishful or delusional thinking. We just don’t believe we could have this power.

As Christians we believe in the Creator of everything, and that He caused the Ten Plagues in Egypt, but that we could see these results, personally?  No Way.

Mark 4:36-41

“And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Jesus controlled the wind and sea and caused a fig tree to dry up and die. (Matthew 21:19-21) He told the disciples if they only had faith they could do the same to the fig tree and also move that mountain into the sea.

What has happened that that measure of faith is not apparent in our lives, our Preachers, or our Churches? We see very few true miracles, the multitudes do not flock to most of our Churches, and where they do, we blame it on the music or anything but the presence of God.

In Romans, we are told we are all given the measure of Faith. (Romans 12:3) We are told we must build up our faith by praying in the Holy Spirit. (Jude 1:20)

Our prayer language, our Spirit praying directly to God’s Spirit, our mind and will not in the way. (1 Corinthians 14:14)

Too often we reject the need for our prayer language. A Sad Situation, rejecting the Gift of God, out of fear or ignorance. Pray for Wisdom. (James 1:5). Ask for God’s best for your life.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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Once again we find Jesus teaching in a Synagogue, where He saw a man with a withered hand. The Religious watched, wanting to accuse Him of Working on the Sabbath.

He called the man forth and asked if it was lawful to do good on the Sabbath? To save a life or to kill? They failed to answer, He was Grieved because of the hardness of their hearts.

He then healed him, the Religious plotted to kill Him, but He slipped away.  (Mark 3:1-6)

Multitudes of people followed Him, seeking healings, and deliverance from devils.  The unclean again called out He was the Son of God.  He once again told them to hold their peace, He called Himself the Son of Man.   (Mark 3:7-12)

He then called the 12, and gave them the power to heal the sick and cast out demons.  (Mark 3:13-15)

Do we see the Ministry that was left to us to fulfill, are we disciples? Followers of Christ? Are we healing the sick and casting out devils? No? Why not?

Why do we have such a problem believing that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever? (Hebrews 13:8)

The mission has not changed, the tools are available to those who seek them, and will use them for God’s Glory.

Why did Jesus call Himself Son of Man and not acknowledge He was the Son of God. Everyone knew Him as a man, filled with the Holy Spirit, who could do things mortals could not. Including giving Himself up as a sacrifice for us all.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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The Miracles that Mark recorded in Chapter 1 of his Gospel are interesting. Jesus had just finished His 40 days of fasting and of temptation.

He called Simon and Andrew, James and John to follow Him, and become fishers of men. On the Sabbath He entered a Synagogue, (where surprise), He found a man with an unclean spirit.

Why would an unclean spirit be in church? To cause division and strife, to steal the Love, Joy and Peace of the Holy Spirit. (It doesn’t take a lot to distract us from Worship).

Saints, just because you are in church and worshiping God, does not mean you are free from the temptation of and even the leading of unclean spirits.

We must be aware and guard against the lies of the devil.

These unclean spirits, need to be rebuked and cast out. Then to stay free, we must fill ourselves with the things of God. (Mark 1:23-28; Luke 11:24-26)

Next we find Peters mother is sick of a fever. (Mark 1:30-31). He treated the sick quite differently, then the possesed.

He took her by the hand and lifted her up. She was immediately healed and served them.

When it was dark, they brought the sick and the possessed, and He healed many and cast out many devils. He wanted those who were possessed to hush, because they recognized Him as the Son of God, while He called Himself the Son of Man. (Mark 1:32-34)

Jesus at daybreak went off alone, Peter and the others followed Him and proclaimed: ‘All men seek Him’. It is as true today as then. Many know not what they seek, and look into booze, drugs, sex and rock and roll.

Never finding the Peace that passes understanding.  This is only found in life with Christ.

There then came a leper, seeking healing, knowing Jesus was able, and wondering if He was willing. Jesus touched the untouchable, He was full of compassion, and He healed him. (Mark 1:40-42)

We need to look at the Works of Jesus, and learn to Walk with and do the Work of the Ministry. Only believe, and do His Work. (John 14:12)

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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When we walk through the church calendar every year we hit the high spots of the church. The birth, death and resurrection of Christ.

We acknowledge He performed miracles, but fail to believe He would have us continue this work. We are satisfied with teaching and not experiencing the Full Gospel of Jesus Christ.

When Paul preached the Full Gospel, he had signs and wonders following. (Romans 15:19)

How do we get back to the place of signs and wonders? By reminding the flock of His life.

He would rebuke the devils, heal the sick, comfort the brokenhearted, raise the dead.

Mark 1: 25. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. 26. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

Mark 1: 30. But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. 31. And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

Mark 1: 32. And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. 33. And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

Mark 1: 39. And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils. 40. And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

Mark 2: 2. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. 5. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 11. I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

Mark 3: 4. And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. 5. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

Mark 3: 10. For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. 11. And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

Mark 3: 14. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, 15. And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:

Mark 4: 39. And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Mark 5: 6. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, 8. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. 9. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. 15. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. 25. And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 27. When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 35. While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? 36. As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. 41. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

Mark 6: 5. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

Mark 6: 13. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

Mark 6: 51. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. 52. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. 54. And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, 55. And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. 56. And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

Mark 7: 15. There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. 29. And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. 34. And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. 35. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. 37. And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

Why do we dought He would want to heal and set free today? We need to become vessels of His Love and Grace. Touching those around us in need.

We must simply believe, and walk in that Faith, and allow the Lord to work through us.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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Have a good time…. A Paul Simon song. I remember it like this.

‘Yesterday it was your birthday, you hung another year on the line. Imaginating this and imaginating that. … Have a good time.’

Imaginating:

When I was young a simple bath towel could be Superman’s cape as I flew around the yard and fought bad guys, or the cape of Zorro, helping me battle the corrupt establishment.

Often I was playing alone. Toy soldiers, (little green men), had me captivated for hours. I would also set chairs in a row and pretend they were an airplane or army jeep.

I spent a lot of time Imaginating. (I know it’s not really a word, but I like it). As I got older, things changed.

Playing catch was a major pass time. Often with Susan Navin, a beautiful, smart young lady, who was a much better athlete than I ever would be, and of course multiple hours with Joe Olivari.

He was also a much better athlete than I. We spent many enjoyable hours, throwing a baseball or football.

Mindless activities. Wonderful times.

Music was also a huge part of my life. Bruce Gibbs, I, and a few others spent hours working to be the next rock and roll success. What, you never heard of us? No joy there.

It was after these times that I fell off the rails. It took quite a while to find them again.

As an adult, I have spent much time at the piano, playing old standards, and earning a good part of my living. I never developed beyond basic skills.

I have spent many hours tuning pianos and making a living, enjoyable work. Making music from many neglected instruments.

Just random memories. I hope you have pleasant times you remember also.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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