Exodus 20:19-21
“And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.”

The Ten Commandments had been given to Moses:

“The people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.”

When people witness the Power and Presence of God, they react.  Unlike Firemen and Policemen, most run away.  The Lord would have us emulate Moses.

“Moses drew near.”

Saints, God wants us to be like Moses.   He wants us to desire more of God, to desire to draw near.

In the Church where I play piano, the thing I miss most, is just singing God’s Word in true praise.

Yes, the simple tunes that lift up the Lord, that we can meditate on, forget ourselves, that cause us to concentrate on the Lord, and His Word.

We can then enter into His Presence.  Where He inhabits the Praise of His people.

When we sing:

Psalm 5:1-3(KJV)

Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.

Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

This tells Him, I need You, I look for You in my life, I lift up my concerns, my problems, diligently, daily.   I will look up to You and listen for Your answer.  

I long for Your direction.  Your place in my heart, is sacred.

Psalm 91:1-2 (KJV)

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

This lifts up the Lord, tells Him who His is in our lives.  Tells Him we love, trust, rely on, desire to be with Him.

Psalm 84:11-12 (KJV)

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.”

This again lifts up God, tells Him we know all that is good in life comes from Him, that we desire to walk with Him.   Trust in Him.

Saints,  for me this is the easiest way to get into the Presence of the Lord. Singing His Word, to Him.   He watches over His Word to preform it.

We need, God desires, that we desire to draw near to Him.  In Praise that leads to Worship.

By lifting Him up, we humble ourselves, we bow to Him, we learn to Worship in Spirit and in Truth.    Amen

Mark 6:7-13;30-32. Mark 3:7-15 Matthew 10:1,5-15. Matthew. 12:15-16, 10:1
Luke 9:1-6 6:12-13

The twelve sent out.  As I study this Harmony of the Gospels, I am continuing to be surprised.

We find in Matthew, Mark and Luke, that Jesus sends 12 out to preach, two times in each Gospel.

He gave them the power of the Holy Spirit.   A preview of what was to come, on the Day of Pentecost. 

One time, Jesus emphasized,  they were to take nothing but the clothes on their backs, nothing extra, and no money.

He was teaching them and us, (if we would listen),  His provision.   They were to find food and shelter from the worthy.  (Whosoever accepts the Gospel).

If people do not accept the Gospel, they were  to shake the dust off their feet and move on.

When the Church sends out Missionaries today, they need sponsors.   

We no longer, trust in the Lord, to supply.  So why should He?   

Church leaders demand we need a safety net.

The lack of Faith of the Leaders, flows down to the flock.   We need to rethink this, and follow the Word.

Too many, know not the Scriptures and deny the power of God. 

What I find even more interesting is who He sent out and how they were equipped. 

First off, He sent, only 12.  He had multitudes, of people following, wherever He went.

Why only 12, and why this 12?

These were ordinary working men.  Just like you and I.   The reason He chose them.  

They were willing, able and obedient.

That is what made them special.  He would send me, if I qualified. (See above, lol). 

In all three Gospels, He gave them:

“He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”

He gave us this Power also, on the Day of Pentecost.   The Talents the Master left us, are the Gifts of the Spirit.

We leave them on the shelf, a Gift given but not received, ignored,  misunderstood, feared.

Do you want the Church to Grow, to fulfil the Great Commission?

Seek the Lord and His righteousness,  accept the tools He gave us, then, build His Kingdom.

If you have no power, it is because you haven’t asked.

James 4:3,10 (KJV)

“Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

Like Salvation,  we must ask for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.   We must ask, not so we will be exalted,  but to EXALT THE LORD. 

He Commanded them:

“As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.   Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”

Is this happening in our Churches?

NO…  THE POWER OF THE LORD IS NOT PRESENT  TO HEAL THE SICK, CLEANSE THE LEPERS, OR TO RAISE THE DEAD.

Freely Given…. YET, NOT ACCEPTED.  WE DO NOT BELIEVE. 

Our Faith can be seen, by how serious we are to seek His face, to seek the Power of His Resurrection. 

If His power, were present,  we could not contain the people who would seek His Touch.

Church, it is time to repent, ask forgiveness for our evil hearts of unbelief.  Ask for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Power.

It has been freely given.

We only need to ask and receive. 

Amen

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Matthew 10:1,5-15 (KJV)
10 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.
13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
*

Matthew 12:15-16, 10:1
“But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; And charged them that they should not make him known:”
“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”

Mark 6:7-13 (KJV)
7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
11 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.
12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

Mark 6:30-32 (KJV)
30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
31 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.
32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

*
Mark 3:7-15
“But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.
And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.
For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.
And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.
And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.
And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:“

Luke 9:1-6 (KJV)
9 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.
5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

Luke 9:10 (KJV)
10 And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

*
Luke 6:12-13
“And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;”

Psalms 37, is full of directions and promises, to each of us. Standards, we should live by.

There is a blessing tied to each command. If you do this, the Lord promises that.

I am interested to see if anyone will read through, and connect, which directive and promise, comforts you most.

I invite you to leave a comment, such as:  Trust in the Lord. –  you will dwell in the land…

It will show, I believe where our hearts are.

Please just choose the most important one, for your life today.

Fret not
Trust in the Lord
do good
Delight thyself also in the Lord
Commit thy way unto the Lord
trust also in him
Rest in the Lord
wait patiently for him
fret not
Cease from anger,
forsake wrath:
fret not
Depart from evil
do good
dwell for evermore.
Wait on the Lord
keep his way
Mark the perfect man,
behold the upright

Thanks….  Blessings, I look forward to your input.  

Jesus visits His home town.  He could do no mighty works,  because of their  unbelief.

Mark 6:1-6  (KJV)  Matthew 13:54-58 (KJV)

***************

Jesus returns to His home town, preaches in the Synagogue.  They were astonished.  Where did He learn this?

They remembered Him growing up, full of energy and mischief like any other young man.

What happened to Him?  We know His brothers and sisters,  He is different.  He does mighty works, He speaks with power and authority.

“A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.”

What happened to Jesus?   He was baptized in water and by the Spirit.    He was  full of the Spirit, lead by the Spirit, walked in THE POWER,  of the Holy Spirit.

He was a changed man.  As we are sanctified, (set apart), after accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.   People look at us differently, act and think differently, about us.

“What wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?”

They were astonished,  by His speech, they were astonished by His Mighty Works. 

Yet we find Jesus: “Marvelled because of their unbelief.  He could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.”

I believe He looks down at His Church, His people and MARVELS TODAY, BECAUSE OF OUR UNBELIEF. 

We see a few colds healed, maybe even someone slain in the Spirit.  We are astonished by this Power.

Meanwhile, He is in heaven, saying, “If only you believed,  the works I do and more would you do.  Signs, wonders and miracles would follow you.  People would be healed by your shadow, by simply touching your clothing.”

So He continues going from place to place, seeking today’s Abraham, David, Peter, Paul or Mary.
“And he went round about the villages, teaching.”

The Lord is seeking those who will be FULL OF, LEAD BY, AND WILL WALK IN, THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, NOW, FOR TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION.  

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND. 

Will it be anyone we know?  Only time will tell.

Amen

******************

Mark 6:1-6. (KJV)

“And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
2 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?
3 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.
4 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.
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.”

Matthew 13:54-58  (KJV)

54 “And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.”

Matthew 9:27-36

The Healing of two blind men and one possessed with a devil. Then healing every sickness and disease.
Matthew 9:27-36 (KJV)

27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us.
28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.
31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.
34 But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.
35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

***********************************

The stories here are much like the other healings of Jesus.

People cry out to Jesus, to get His attention.

Jesus reaches out to touch and heal the afflicted.

According to their faith, so be it.

Jesus sees the measure of our faith, by the amount of effort we put into calling out to Him.

How important is it to us?  Have we fasted, prayed, humbled ourselves.  Have you asked more than once?

Are your prayers, effectual, fervent are we groaning, hardly able to express ourselves.   Is our faith visible?

There is a crowd of prayers, a multitude,  surrounding Jesus.

Our prayer, needs to push through and touch Him.  This kind comes by prayer and fasting.

He ordered them to be quiet about being healed.   Why?

So He could continue to travel among the needy, doing good.  They weren’t.

They brought a man possessed with a devil.  He was dumb, could not speak.  Jesus, cast out the devil, the man spoke. (Again immediately), and the people marvelled.

They had never seen this display of power and authority.   The Religious, said, He casteth out devils, by the Power of the devil. 

The Religious today, still, “Know not the Scriptures and deny the power of God.”

Jesus went about teaching and preaching the  Gospel of the Kingdom.

That the Kingdom is at hand.

Here, now available to whosoever will.   Salvation, Comfort, Peace, Joy, Forgiveness Healing every sickness and every disease, among the people.

Do you have a need?   Only Believe.  The Kingdom of God is at hand. 

Jesus saw the multitudes He was moved with compassion.   That compassion is still in Him, today.

He still longs to be our Shepherd.  When He is, we shall not want.

Are you in want?

Allow Jesus Christ to be your Shepherd,  your Savior, your Lord.   Reach out, push through to the Holy of Holies, receive the mercy and grace you need for this time of trouble. 

Amen

James 1:12-16King James Version (KJV)

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

The problem in my life is I do not Endureth Temptation.   I enjoy Temptation. 

Since  I enjoy the Temptation,  I tend to enjoy the sin.  When we enjoy any sin, we begin a downward spiral. 

Lust of the flesh…  Lust of the eye….  Pride of life.

Who among us isn’t tempted in one of these areas?   The same is a perfect man.

That man is not me.

Sometimes, I look on a woman with lust.

Sometimes, I look at my neighbors stuff, yup,I am jealous, he has more than me.

Sometimes, I see others doing things, and I think to myself, I could do that so much better.

My life is full of choices. 

I often choose wrong.  

My only consolation is, the Lord promised to forgive if we repent.   

I must learn to Submit myself to God, resist the devil, so that he flees.  To often, I submit to the devil and resist God.

Lord, save me from myself.  It is no one else’s fault, that I find myself, repenting once sgain.

Lord, help….  May I  be a Holy, Sanctified, Worthy vessel, of Your Love.  

Help me to walk with You, to be obedient, trustworthy, and faithful.

Amen 

In Psalms 34, we find David, victorious, singing God’s Praise.  Encouraging us all to join him.  

Telling us why we should.

Psalm: 34:1-3.
“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.”

David loved the Lord, and was a great example of how to love and praise the Lord,  and why we should love and praise Him also.

Deliverance 

Psalm: 34. 4

“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” 

If we will seek Him, He hears and saves us.

Psalm: 34. 6. 

“This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.” 

If we fear Him, hold Him in awe, in reverence, He will encampeth, all around us, He will hear our cry and Deliverer us out of our troubles. 

Psalm: 34. 7. 

“The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.”

Psalm: 34. 17. 

“The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.”

He draws close to the brokenhearted,  saves those who are repentant.  If we are afflicted, sick, concerned, troubled, He delivers us from all.

When we trust Him, we will not want.

Psalm: 34. 18. 

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

Psalm: 34. 19. 

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”

We that love Him, can look on Him, with no shame, and receive His light.

Psalm: 34. 5. 

“They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.”

Psalm: 34. 22. 

“The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.”
Psalm: 34. 8. 

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”

Those who have tasted of His Salvation and Love, are blessed and never in want.

Psalm: 34. 9. 

“O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.”

Psalm: 34. 10b  “but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.”

Psalm: 34. 15. 

“The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”

The Lords eyes and ears, see and hear our cries, He will deliver us from our troubles. 

Psalm: 34. 17. 

“The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.”

Psalm: 34. 18. 

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

Psalm: 34. 19. 

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”

Psalm: 34. 22. 

“The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.”

Are His promises, are truth and life…  We must seek Him, love Him, trust Him, rely on Him…

He is God, and is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.   Amen

There is much the Lord does, and will do,so that we will know, He is God.

Moses reminding the people of the Exodus.  

Deuteronomy 4:34-35. (KJV)
“Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?

Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the Lord he is God; there is none else beside him.”

If You have a need, physical, mental or spiritual?   There is nothing the Lord won’t do, for those who love Him.

 Amen

Psalm: 33:18-19
“Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.”

The eyes of the Lord is upon those of us that fear Him, who hope for His mercy.

To deliver our souls from death and to supply our need in times of famine.

Psalm: 33:1-5 

“Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.  Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.  

Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.  

For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.  He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.   

Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.”

We need to learn to Rejoice, Praise, with your voice and instruments. 

Sing, play skilfully, with a loud noise.

His Word is right, His Works are done in truth.

“He has shown thee oh man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of thee.   But to do justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.”

He  loves righteousness and judgment, the earth is FULL OF HIS GOODNESS.

My soul waits for the Lord.  He is my help and my shield.    Amen

Mark 5:21-24;35-43
Matthew 9:18-19;23-26
Luke 8:41-42;49-56

Our CALLING-BE NOT AFRAID, ONLY BELIEVE. 

Mark 5:21-24 (KJV)

21 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.
22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
23 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.
24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

Mark 5:35-43 (KJV)

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.
37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
40 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.
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.  (Luke. her spirit came again,)
42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

The story of Jairus, a Ruler in the Synagogue. His daughter lay dying.  He sought out Jesus.

Jesus, once again out among the people, teaching, preaching, healing everywhere, to all who had need.  As usual in a crowd of people.

Jairus, found Him, fell at His feet.    A Ruler, a big shot, when in need,  forgot his pride, and social  standing.

Bows and worships the Lord.  Besought Him greatly, (cried out, pleaded,..  with effectual,  fervent, prayer….please come and lay hands on and heal my daughter).

Jesus answered, by going with him.

Imagine,  how Jairus felt, when interrupted by the woman with the issue of blood.

Hurry, hurry, she is sick,  dying….

Yet, Jesus, knowing the end, from the beginning,  heals the woman with the issue of blood.  “Thy faith hath made thee whole, go in peace.”

Then the news arrived,  your daughter is dead.

Jairus, heartbroken, maybe upset that Jesus had taken a moment to help another, while he had such a great, immediate need.

Jesus, having heard,  replied:  “Be not afraid, only believe.”

Taking with Him, only Peter, James and John, He arrived at the house of Jairus.

He found weeping, gnashing of teeth, despair, grief. He spoke life.

“The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.”

Speaking that which isn’t, into existence. “Let there be light.”   “And there was light. And it was good.”

God, Jesus spoke, and it was so.

Romans 10:9 (KJV)

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Confess Jesus, and believe….  Which came first?   Why?

We must build up ourselves on our most Holy Faith, by Praying in the Holy Spirit. (Jude)

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  (Romans 10)

You hear me, recite certain verses, faith verses, I speak them confess them out loud.  To remind me what God said.

Because God spoke, it was done, it was good.

We should speak what God spoke.  We should know what God spoke.  We need to know it, before we can believe.

Jesus said: “The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.”

All who were gathered, laughed Him to scorn.

He sent the unbelieving out, took with Him, the three Disciples, and the girls parents.

Took her hand and said:  “Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.“

Her spirit returned to her, she rose up, and walked… immediately, straightway… no long recovery time…  Jesus, a Fix-it Shop-Filling Station kind of guy.

Heal them, fill with the Spirit… send them forth.

The people, “were astonished with a great astonishment.”

He charged them to tell no man. 

People flocked to hear Him, to be touched by Him, to be changed by Him.

Folks, if we allowed Him into our Services, people would flock to them also…

Make room for Him in your Church  Services.

Allow Him room to show Himself Strong, by meeting your needs.  Amen

Matthew 9:18-19 (KJV)

18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
19 And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.
King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain

Matthew 9:23-26 (KJV)

23 And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,
24 He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

Luke 8:41-42 (KJV)

41 And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:
42 For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

Luke 8:49-56 (KJV)

49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

 

While writing my post “They limited the Holy One”, I realized, I have not heard the Ask, Seek and Knock, scriptures taught in the seven years I have been at this UMC.

Why?    The same reason the miracles of Jesus aren’t being taught.   These things are relegated to children’s church. 

Along with the stories of Noah and Jonah, the Exodus. The miraculous, supernatural, unbelievable. 

  The things, as adults, we believe must be parables or stories,  the could not possibly be true.

We are too intelligent to believe these Bible stories, really happened. 

Why then, do we believe in Salvation?   To me that is the most unbelievable story told.

Yet, I believe.  

I also believe Noah, Jonah, Moses, Abraham and their stories are real and did happen.

Just as they are recorded.   I must, and do,  believe and act on the rest of His Word.

So let us look at these scriptures, we find them recorded in:

Matthew 7:7-11 and Luke 11:9-13

If you will take a moment to read both accounts,  you will see how similar they are.

  Two different writers,  yet, almost identical. 

Matthew 7:7-11 (KJV)

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Luke 11:9-13 (KJV)

9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Luke adds an egg and serpent,  and more importantly, the Holy Spirit, while  Matthew, speaks of good things.

Matthew 

“Your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

GOOD THINGS

Luke

“Your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”

THE HOLY SPIRIT 

Saints the Holy Spirit is a good thing,  He was promised to those who believe.   He was given on the Day of Pentecost. 

Both Peter and Paul asked new believers, “Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?“

Saints if you are Saved, Ask, for the Baptism  of Holy Spirit. 

It is an additional Blessing,  He is real, alive and desirous to lead, Guide, teach and comfort us. 

 To teach us truth.  To bless us with all Spiritual Blessings in Christ Jesus.   If only, we could believe. 

Do you believe? 

Will you believe? 

Will you ask?  

Notice, we may have to Seek and Knock for other desires.   Somethings must be captured. 

TO RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?    ONLY ASK!!!

Amen

We limit the Holy One:

Do we realize how we limit God?  Do we even believe, we can, and do, limit God?

How often do we think or hear, God speaks to man through the Bible, He doesn’t speak to us personally any longer. 

Signs and wonders stopped with the death of the Apostles, or Disciples….  

We are living in the silent years, like the 400 years between the Old Testament and New.

Many believe this.  Many teach this.  Many are GRIEVING THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

This scripture,  Psalms 78:41.
“Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.”

Psalms 78 talks of how the Hebrews, verse 40:
“How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!”

This Psalm recites all the miracles they were witness to and benefited from.  

     >Deliverance from slavery

     >Crossing the Red Sea on dry land

     >Angels food from heaven

     >Water from a rock

And many, many more miraculous acts.  What was it that GRIEVED THE HOLY SPIRIT? 

“They turned back and tempted God.”

They didn’t believe God, to go in and take the land.

The author of Hebrews called it:
Hebrews 3:12
“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”

An evil heart of unbelief. 

The Church is plagued with unbelief. 

How often did Jesus ask, where is your faith?  According to your faith….  only believe. 

Fear not, only believe….

The problem with the Church today?

WE DO NOT BELIEVE. 

We have limited the Holy One of Israel.

Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness? 

Do you long to serve a LIVING GOD?

Set your face like flint to SEEK AND SERVE THE LORD.

“Believe God is and He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”

Ask, Seek, and Knock….  Then be ready to receive. Amen

Mark  5:25-34. Matthew 9:20-22.  Luke 8:43-48

The woman with the issue of blood.

Mark 5:25-34

King James Version (KJV)

25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
30 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?
31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

A certain woman:

A person, an individual, you, me, Sally, Joe or Melvin.   God deals with us one at a time.  A multitude of people, thronging Him.  He knew a certain women.

We all are at different places in our lives, we have wildly diverse needs, desires, joys and sorrows.

Jesus, meets us where we are, whether in want or triumph.

This woman had a problem,  a big one, she was plagued with an issue of blood, for 12 years.

She suffered at the hands of (at the time), modern medicine, till her finances, insurance, all she had was gone.

She only got worse.

Some have the same problem today.  We seek man’s wisdom, spend all we have, searching for the cure to our afflictions.

Somehow she knew, she had a Word of Knowledge that, “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be made whole.”

She pushed her way through,  and She Was Immediately  Healed.

Straightway,  Jesus knew, someone touched Him.

He knows today, when we push through and touch Him.  If you have a need, physical, material or spiritual,  learn how to touch Jesus.

Then, Receive Your Request.

Jesus asked her to tell her Testimony.  She fell down before Him in Worship, and told all.

” He said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.”

THY FAITH HATH MADE THEE WHOLE.

Do we have the faith to push through to the Holy of Holies, to receive the grace and Mercy we need?

Have you ever pushed through, to the place of power, of Blessings, healings, comfort and joy.

Learning to Praise, can lead you there, Prayer, Fellowship with God, will lead you there, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you will bring you there.

Saints, push through the trouble and strife of this world, enter into the Spirit and be set free.

Go in peace, and be whole.

Amen

Matthew 9:20-22

King James Version (KJV)

20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Luke 8:43-48

King James Version (KJV)

43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

 

A blind man came to Jesus and asked to be healed.

“​Believe ye that I am able to do this?” They said unto him, “Yea, Lord.”

Do we really?

Believe, with our heart, confess with our mouth…  Only believe . .. Where is our faith?

Faith is a two way street.  We all have received a measure of Faith. The Faith to believe. 

The Faith of Salvation,  we believe Jesus died for us, we are forgiven. That God loves us.

Why don’t we believe He is able?   Or maybe we do believe, but do not know if it is His will?

What have we done with our measure of Faith?  Have we increased it, or let it wither away?

We do not see signs and wonders following us. 

 So obviously, God doesn’t do that anymore!!!

Sad, the Book tells us in Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

After Jesus ascended into heaven, His followers healed the sick, rose the dead, caused the lame to walk.

Are we followers of Jesus?   

 “Believe ye that I am able to do this?“

We should be seeing signs and wonders.  If we only believed. 

Why don’t we?

We have failed to take up His Yoke.  We don’t really walk with Him.  We love Him, we try to be obedient, but we haven’t really learned to be one with Him.

This kind comes only by prayer and fasting.  

That sounds like work.  It is.

Matthew 11:12
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.”

We must become violent, in our prayers:

James 5:16
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

We must learn to battle in prayer.  Fasting, helps, as it humbles us, it helps us to be focused,  it shows the Lord, we are willing to deny ourselves. 

Our prayers, petitions, desires must be for more of God in our lives.  Not for material things, not even for healing,  but to  SEEK THE SPIRITUAL. 

To Seek more of Jesus, to know God, and the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His suffering, to be conformed to His image.

 We must seek to be more like Jesus, ask the Holy Spirit to guide, direct and protect us, to lead us to Truth.

“GOD IS, AND IS A REWARDER OF THEM THAT DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM.”

If we diligently seek Him, we will be rewarded with whatever Gift, Talent or Anointing that He would have us have.

Billy Graham was used mightily by God. 

 Why?  I do not know His story, but I would bet He was a man, like David, who longed for the heart of God.

I know and understand, most of us are happy to be saved… to know the Lord…  to love Him and live our lives.  It is enough. 

I am calling out the Abraham’s, Noahs, the David’s, those who want more.

I am calling those who “HUNGER AND THIRST, FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

Jesus is alive, well and still able to heal the sick, cause the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear…even to raise the dead.

He needs  willing vessels, sanctified  (set apart, for His Service), who are open and able to walk by the Power of, and Obedience to, the Holy Spirit.

This comes by time with the Lord, Reading His Word, Meditation, Praise and Prayer, and finally, walking in His Ways.

Then we will turn around and realize signs and wonders are following. 

Amen

The calling of Levi.  This story is listed twice in my Thompson Chain Reference Bibles, Harmony of the Gospels.

It is interesting, one listed the Calling of Matthew, this one the calling of Levi.  The same scriptures,  but I  find myself writing slightly different posts.

I hope you enjoy.

Mark 2:14-20. Matthew  9:9-15.  Luke 5:27-35

Mark 2:14-20

King James Version (KJV)

“And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.
And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.

But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.”

Once again, we find Jesus out among the people.  He didn’t wait in the Sanctuary for people to come to Him.

He was out looking to find those who needed Him.

We have no idea why Levi stood out, unless it again was a Word of Knowledge,  that Jesus knew that which was impossible to know.

Except it be revealed by God.   Levi, if asked, would follow Him, and immediately, he did.

He didn’t just follow,  he prepared a feast, called all his fellow tax collectors and sinners to meet the Man, Jesus. (His Disciples joined them).

It tells us many followed Him.

When we first meet the Master, we desire to share Him with everyone.  Unfortunately, our zeal cools down.

Why?  Sorry to say, sometimes it is because of the Religious, the Scribes and Pharisees.   You say we have no Scribes or Pharisees today?

Well open your eyes.  So many of our church leaders, are more concerned with the Law then the Spirit.

They really do, Pat us on the head, and say there there, you will see, God doesn’t do that anymore.

Apparently, Jesus lied, when He told us in John 14, that these things I do and more, will you do.  ONLY BELIEVE. 

Jesus goes on to tell us, He hasn’t come for the Righteous, but the sinner.  Not to bring the Law, but Liberty.

The Lord used signs and wonders in Egypt. To convince Pharaoh and the Hebrews that He was real.  Jesus, used signs and wonders for the same reason.

He told us to continue therein and build His Kingdom.  What happened?  Who changed?

They asked about fasting.  Some Denominations do not practice or teach on fasting.

I guess they reason, we have Jesus in our hearts, there is no need to fast.  What does it accomplish anyway?

We forget, to heal the young man, who was vexed by an unclean spirit, that they could not expel.

He said:  “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”

Fasting is a way of humbling ourselves before the Lord.  It gets His attention, when we deny ourselves, when in search for answers.

We can fast pleasant foods as Daniel, one meal a day or week, 3,7,14,21, or 40 day fasts.  They are all represented in the Bible.

I think He would even honor fasting our favorite things. TV, the Internet, secular music… ect.

The important thing is to Seek His Face.   Draw close to God and He will draw close to you.

AMEN

 

Matthew 9:9-15

King James Version (KJV)

9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
Luke 5:27-35

King James Version (KJV)

27 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.
28 And he left all, rose up, and followed him.
29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.
30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
33 And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?
34 And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?
35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

As a teenager I watched as my Mom, suffered the debilitating pain of rampant arthritis. 

Dad, had to carry Mom up the stairs to enter the house.  We could almost see her hands and feet as they became crippled,  in real time.

She soon, learned to survive, through the use of prescription pain pills.   (I don’t think it removes the pain as much as makes you not care).

I was abnormally concerned with my own problems, oblivious to her pain and suffering. 

As I got older I began to think her bad attitude, lack of faith, and snide smile, as she said something she thought, was clever,was the cause of her sickness. 

Even as my wife and daughter reminded me, that I had the same faults….    Can you believe that?   lol

I was redeemed, forgiven, blameless in the beloved.   Yet hateful,  seeking vengeance, a miserable, unforgiving son of a gun.   

Yes, then arthritis in my feet and ankles, began to open my eyes.  

Gee, maybe Mom couldn’t help being short with people, couldn’t control her attitude. 

Now, into my hands.  

I could push through, damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.  When it was just a problem, moving from here to there.

Now, it’s my hands.   One in particular,  not able to play octaves, painful to play single notes, never mind chords and melodies. 

Now, the Lord has my attention.   My livelihood is in jeopardy.  Sure I can tune pianos using my left hand, but a lot of my income, is derived from playing. 

Seek ye the Lord.  He has promised.

Deuteronomy: 28. 1. 

“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:  And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.”

What is going on?  This pain is not a blessing? There are 13 verses of Blessings,  why am I experiencing the curses?

Deuteronomy: 28. 15.
“But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:”

Deuteronomy: 28. 22.
“The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.”

Deuteronomy: 28. 35.
“The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head.”

Isn’t it strange, arthritis, seems to be part of the curse, for not obeying, seeking and serving the Lord?

I haven’t always.  There were almost as many years of rebellion as there have been serving.

Is this arthritis a punishment for my past?

No, as with Job, (and I am not saying, I am the modern day Job), but we are all,  at times tested, tried, encouraged by the devil, to abandon our faith.

Job: 1. 8. 

“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?“

When tested, do we stay true?  Do we remember the will of God?  Do we turn to or away from our salvation? 
Deuteronomy: 28. 63.
“And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.”

“that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you;“

The Lords will is that we prosper and be in health, even as our soul prospers. 

Turn to the Lord, Harken diligently to His Word and Ways.

  He tells us, He is our Shepherd,  we SHALL NOT WANT.

We must learn to stand on His Word.   We must know His Word, We must know Him.

In the midst of trials and tribulation, turn to Jesus, the Author and finisher of our faith. 

Amen

Mark 5:1-20. Matthew 8:28-34 Luke 8:26-39

The story of the Legion.  In 3 Gospels, the only major difference is Matthew has two men instead of one.

Mark 5:1-20

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

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

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

4 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.

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

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

7 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.

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.

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

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

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

13 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.

14 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.

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.

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

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

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

19 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.

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

The things that stand out to me:

~  Jesus, once again on the move…

Jesus would go somewhere, those in need would find Him.  Immediately…    Are folks flocking to your Church?   Is Jesus, really there?

Saints, we need to invite Jesus into our Services, we all want to grow our Church.

We need to grow His Kingdom.   Is there room for Him in our Services?

NO, for the most part.   We have a little music, Rituals, a message and bye, have a good week.

STOP…  SEEK JESUS… ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO MOVE IN OUR MIDST.

~  He was immediately met by one in need.

The man, with an unclean spirit.  This man was truly possessed.  Under the control of many unclean spirits.  Unnaturally strong, able to break chains and fetters, naked, crying, cutting himself.

Yet, when seeing Jesus, he ran to meet Him.

~  He fell to his knees, and Worshipped.

He cried out for mercy, torment me not…  The spirits sought release into the swine.

The whole world is tied up in chains and fetters, of sin, shame and torments. If they had the chance to experience the Power of the Lord, present, willing and able to set them free, they would flock to our Services.

The evil spirits, would cry out for mercy,  not parade around dressed as sex organs.

As people see the Power of God, something else happens.

When some see the Work of God, they ask the Worker to leave.  It isn’t possible in their lives, they haven’t or won’t spend the time and effort themselves.

It isn’t fair, that you have…  that the Lord answers your prayers.

So depart, go someplace else.  So the one who was healed, changed, set free… is left to tell of the great things God hath done.

If God moves in the midst of you.  People will marvel, be amazed.   Some will ask for more, others will ask Him to leave.

How do they know, unless they experience His Presence.

I pray our Churches our Hearts will invite Him to MOVE IN OUR MIDST.

Amen

Matthew 8:28-34

28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.

29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.

31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.

32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.

33 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.

34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
Luke 8:26-39

26 And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

27 And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.

28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

29 (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

31 And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.

32 And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

33 Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

35 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

36 They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.

37 Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

38 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

39 Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

I am happy to report, I have dressed myself, (buttons, socks and belt), for the last three days.

I even managed to put two hands on the keys Sunday a.m.  (Simple one note lead lines).

This morning I have a tuning scheduled.   It will be my first left handed tuning in 20+ years.

A real learning experience.   (Help?  lol..)

Thank you for your prayers, the Lords answer is  the reason for my progress thus far.   Please pray I get full (painless)  use, back to my right hand.  

Thanks once again,

Blessings, 

Bill