I realize I did not get this written on day 51 of 2017… that as I write this it will soon be day 54.

I cannot lay the blame anywhere, but at my own feet.

I would just skip it, but this Psalm has brought me through some rough times over the years.

Specifically verses 10-13.

Psalm 51:10-13 (KJV)

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”

There have been times I have prayed these verses repeatedly over several days and even weeks.  Seeking Relief….

I think I am beginning to realize.  Why?  

After Bible School,  I was sure I was called to preach, yes, even to Pastor. 

When I worked as an Evangelist, we saw some people get saved, but I was no Billy Graham.   

So I tried my hand at being a Pastor.  Maybe my job was to train those already saved.

My first error…  I wasn’t ready.

It could be I wasn’t even called…  I had been a pretty good Worship Leader…  I just couldn’t understand people. 

I got saved and devoured the Bible, spent hours in my prayer language… one on one, with the Lord.

I really believed, everyone that has been saved sought Him, as I did.  That all knew the word, as I did.

I crashed and burned.  I quit the ministry and was miserable for many years.   I prayed those verses, often.

They never seemed to rise through the roof of my car.   

I was then asked to substitute for an ill piano player at Franklin Memorial United Methodist Church. 

The first time I sat at the piano….  I realized,I was back in the place of Grace.

Since, I have started teaching and preaching once more.

I have found, many Christians are ignorant of the word.  Whether in the Spiritual or Physical. 

In any case the Lord, restored the joy of Salvation to me, He upholds me.  

Now, it is easier to speak of Jesus.  To point the way and hope others follow.

Ask, keep on Asking,  Seek, keep on Seeking, Knock, keep on knocking…

Eventually, your request will be answered, what you seek will be found, the door will open.

Will you step through?    Amen

God the Judge of the Righteous and the Wicked.

A Psalm of [a]Asaph

50: 1

 “The mighty One, God, the Lord, has spoken,
And summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting [from east to west].”

The mighty One, God, the Lord: 

To those who believe,  that is who He Is. King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  The Creator and Ruler of the world.

He is speaking.

Yet, ears to hear and eyes that see, are few and far between. 
2
“Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God has shone forth.”

His light shines forth, it warms, comforts He makes it available:

“So that they may see and know,
And consider and understand together,
That the hand of the Lord has done this,
That the Holy One of Israel has created it.” Isaiah 41:20 (AMP)

3

“May our God come and not keep silent;
Fire devours before Him,
And around Him a mighty tempest rages.”

The Psalmist, is crying out for the day of judgment.   
4
“He summons the heavens above,
And the earth, to judge His people:”
5
“Gather My godly ones to Me,
Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”

He would speak to His people first:
6
“And the heavens declare His righteousness,
For God Himself is judge.

 Selah.”  (Stop and consider this)
7
“Hear, O My people, and I will speak;
O Israel, I will testify against you:
I am God, your God.”

He is speaking to His children, not to the world.
8
“I do not reprove you for your sacrifices;
Your burnt offerings are continually before Me.
9
“I will accept no young bull from your house
Nor male goat from your folds.
10
“For every beast of the forest is Mine,
And the cattle on a thousand hills.
11
“I know every bird of the mountains,
And everything that moves in the field is [b]Mine.”

You are only sacrificing to Me what is already Mine.  The Lord, instituted, the sacrificial system,  the people, like the people today did not understand what the Lord desires. 
12
“If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
For the world and all it contains are Mine.
13
“Shall I eat the flesh of bulls
Or drink the blood of male goats?
14
“Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving
And pay your vows to the Most High;”

He doesn’t need those things.  He desires, heartfelt Praise, true Worship, genuine Thanksgiving. 

Then He welcomes us to:

15
“Call on Me in the day of trouble;
I will rescue you, and you shall honor and glorify Me.”

Only then does He promise to rescue us out of the bondage of sin and shame.  Only then will we truly Honor and Glorify Him.

He now speaks to those who are not, (by their own decisions), His.
16
“But to the wicked God says:
“What right have you to recite My statutes
Or to take My covenant on your lips?
17
“For you hate instruction and discipline
And cast My words behind you [discarding them].
18
“When you see a thief, you are pleased with him and condone his behavior,
And you associate with adulterers.
19
“You give your mouth to evil
And your tongue frames deceit.
20
“You sit and speak against your brother;
You slander your own mother’s son.”

The world today, everything is upside down, evil is acceptable and expected.  The Righteous are feared, ridiculed, rebuked, shunned. 

Men act like Women, Women think they are Men.  

They train up their children to hate authority, to question their own sex, to disrespect themselves and each other. 

21
“These things you have done and I kept silent;
You thought that I was just like you.
Now I will reprimand and denounce you and state the case in order before your eyes.
22
“Now consider this, you who forget God,
Or I will tear you in pieces, and there will be no one to rescue [you].”

Here, once again… offering one more chance to change their way.  To turn to and accept His Gift of Mercy and Grace, Salvation…
23
“He who offers a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving honors Me;
And to him who orders his way rightly [who follows the way that I show him],
I shall show the salvation of God.”

This last verse, is a wonderful Praise song.  (In KJV).

We really should learn and lift it up to the Lord.

Psalm: 50. 23. 

“Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.”
Our Praise glorifies, lifts up, exalts the Lord.  Tells Him we know He is: “The mighty One, God, the Lord:“

Praise, and the word of our confession:

Revelation 12:11 (KJV)

” And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

Amen

Footnotes (Amp)

Psalm 50:1 

Asaph was a Levite and one of the leaders of David’s choir. He was the head of one of the three families permanently in charge of the temple music. 

His family formed a guild that bore his name and is frequently mentioned (2 Chr 20:14; 29:13, 30). Twelve psalms (50; 73-83) are attributed in the titles to the family of Asaph. 

A hundred and twenty-eight of Asaph’s family members, all singers, came back from Babylon and took part when the foundations of Zerubbabel’s temple were laid (Ezra 2:41; 3:10).
Psalm 50:11 Or in my mind; lit with Me.

I am reading a Psalm a day this year. So far they have been relatively short, and not all have touched me.

Today’s warning to the rich, (not me,  I can only wish, lol), did touch my heart.

I have selected verses first from the Names of God Bible.   I just like the ease of understanding.

But for the last verse, no other translation compares with the Amplified Bible.

Psalm 49:1-3  (NOG)
For the choir director; a psalm by Korah’s descendants.
“Listen to this, all you people.
Open your ears, all who live in the world

common people and important ones,
rich people and poor ones.

My mouth will speak wise sayings,
the insights I have carefully considered.”

This is such a sad truth.  So many refuse to listen.  I saw a meme on FB, this morning, “worthless things in 2017.”

There were several things, a floppy disk, a pay phone, a VCR,  last on the list was a Christian Bible.

The comments were so sad… the gist was, all lies, not even good poetry,  we can learn more from Dr Seuss.

I pray you don’t agree.

Psalm 49:7-10 (NOG)

“No one can ever buy back another person
or pay Elohim (God), a ransom for his life.

The price to be paid for his soul is too costly.
He must always give up

in order to live forever and never see the pit.

Indeed, one can see that wise people die,
that foolish and stupid people meet the same end.  They leave their riches to others.“

Everyone can see, we all die.  Our wealth cannot keep us from Hell.  We must give up, let go of our desires, plans, our sins and shame, and give ourselves to God.

All we gain on earth is left to others.  The temporary riches of this world, or we can share the eternal riches of Salvation. 

Psalm 49:15. (NOG)
“But Elohim (God), will buy me back from the power of hell,  because he will take me. 

Selah”  (stop and consider this)

Oh that people would stop and consider:

John 3:16-17(AMP)

 “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.   For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him.”

That the world might be saved.   Individual choice.  We must deside for ourselves. We must repent, turn towards God, He is always within reach.

Just a “HELP LORD” away.

This last verses is a great Spiritual Truth.

Psalms 49:20. (AMP)

“A man [who is held] in honor,
Yet who lacks [spiritual] understanding and a teachable heart, is like the beasts that perish.”

He Who Lacks Spiritual Understanding,  lacks the Wisdom, to recognize and accept a personal, loving God, who longs to Save us from the pit.

The Lord also desires, we would Draw Near, spend time, to love and learn from Him.

Salvation is just the start of an eternity filled with love and life.

I pray you will continue to draw close, and recognize the Power of His Mercy and Grace.

Amen

Mark 6:45-53. Matthew 14:22-33

He had just fed the 5,000, yet they still couldn’t believe.   I have a few points to make.

Mark 6:45-52 (KJV)

45 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.

(Matthew 14:28-32)
(28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.)

Mark 6:51-52

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.
***********

straightway:

It is funny how far our faith has fallen.  When we lay hands on the sick, do we really expect instant healing?

No we don’t believe.   He said if we did, the sick would be healed, the dead raised, the lame to walk.

Immediately and straightway were the normal, healed, when Jesus was present.  That it isan’t the expected today, brings into question,  is Jesus truely  present,  in our lives?

“These signs shall follow those who believe.”

Straightway,  Jesus sent His Disciples to cross the water while He, went up the mountain to

he saw them:  

Jesus alone, on the mountain, had a Word of Knowledge, or a vision,  He saw them struggling to cross the water.  It was during the forth watch.  (3 to 6 am)
 he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea,  and would have passed by them:

Jesus and Peter, both walk on water.  Matthew adds the news about Peter.  Peter took his eyes off Jesus, saw his circumstances and cried out for help.  Mark states they thought they saw a spirit.

Jesus is always just a call away, whether for Salvation,  Healing, Provision….  Jesus is always within range to help.

went up unto them, the wind ceased:  they were sore amazed.

So sad, such a short memory.

For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

How soon we forget the miracle of Salvation.  We really don’t trust Him for much past that. Our hearts are hardened?

How?  Why?  

We do not, study to show ourselves approved, we don’t, fast and pray, just to be closer to Him, to Know Him better, to learn how to love Him.

(Matthew 14:33)

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Help us to Worship You, to recognize:  thou art the Son of God.

Lord, draw us close, help us to Know You, Walk with You, to Do Your Will.   Amen
*********

Matthew 14:22-33 (KJV)

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

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

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

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