April 2013

"spirits"

April 30, 2013

“spirits”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 12:43-45
Luke 11:24-26


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Jesus continues to explain the unclean spirits.

Look at the truths.
These are still applicable today.

  • When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, does not find it.
  • The spirit, when it cannot find rest, returns to “my house” from which it came
  • If it finds the house “unoccupied, swept and put in order”, then it goes with seven other spirits more wicked than itself and they go in and live there

The man is worse than before.

Then Jesus applies the truth of the example…”that is the way it will also be with this evil generation.”

So many exchange one spirit for another, thinking they are improving.
Such is not the case.

There is only one “spirit exchange”… Salvation brings the Holy Spirit.

Under what spirit do you live?

"Give Us A Sign"

April 25, 2013

“Give Us A Sign”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 12:38-42
Mark 8:11-12
Luke 11:16
John 6:30

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The religious and the world always want a sign.
They profess belief will come if a sign is provided.

The scribes and Pharisees demanded a sign from Jesus.

Jesus calls them what they were...are...an evil and adulterous generation.
Yet, Jesus tells them of a “sign” that they would receive.
As Jonah was in the belly of the sea monster three days and three nights…
Jesus, the Son of Man, would be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.

Jesus then tells them that the evil men of Nineveh would condemn this generation in judgement. Nineveh repented at the word of Jonah.

Something greater than Jonah is here - Jesus.

This generation would not repent.

The Queen of the South will condemn them...she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon...but, something greater than Solomon is here - Jesus.

One last thing.

Did you notice that Jesus said He would be in the heart of the earth 3 days/nights?

This proves Jesus did not die on Friday (“Good Friday&rdquoWinking.
He died on “our” Wednesday afternoon...Jewish day begins at sundown, therefore, evening/morning - Thursday, evening/morning - Friday, evening/morning - Saturday, evening - Sunday. Resurrection sometime prior to sunrise.

The “sabbath” mentioned in the Word related to “getting Jesus off the cross” was not the weekly sabbath. It was the high holy day of the first day of the feast of unleavened bread - Nisan 15.

Does it matter?

Yes.

Why not be accurate?
Why not be correct?
Why not know and adhere to the Word?

"Blaspheming the Holy Spirit"

April 28, 2013

“Blaspheming the Holy Spirit”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 12:31-37
Mark 3:28-30
Luke 12:10

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Our reading in Matthew begins with “for this reason…”
Very important to catch the flow of the context as we move through the Word.

The religious rulers were equating the works of Jesus with the work of the enemy and demons.

We learn some difficult truths here.

Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven...to those who repent, confess, etc.
Whoever speaks against the Son of Man will be forgiven.

But, whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
Whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

Of course, the ultimate “speaking against” and “blaspheming” the Spirit is to reject the salvation provided by Jesus, thereby rejecting the Spirit.

I believe this to be the primary truth.

But, there are other things to note.

We are to produce good fruit.
We should bring forth from the good treasure that is the Spirit in us.
By our words we will be justified.
By our words we will be condemned.
We will recognize them by their fruits.
The bad tree will be cut down and thrown into fire.

Mark gives us more insight and ties things together.
Verse 30, “(because they said, “He has an unclean spirit&rdquoWinking

Be careful, little children, what proceeds from your mouth.

"For? Against?"

April 27, 2013

“For? Against?”

Blessings folk!

Matthew 12:22-30
Mark 3:22-27
Luke 11:14-15
John 7:20



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Jesus heals another man…again.

Look at what the man’s problems were and what caused them.
He was blind.
He was mute.
He was demon-possessed.

Jesus healed him.
He could see.
He could speak.
He was set free.

Of course, the Pharisees, the experts in law - the religionists - accused Jesus of operating in the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons.

The same occurs today.

Jesus knew their thoughts.
He gave them examples of how a kingdom divided against itself will not stand.

He then inferred that He cast out demons by the Spirit of God and that the Kingdom of God was present.

We learn some other truths:
  • whoever is not with Jesus is against Him
  • whoever does not gather with Jesus, scatters
  • one must first “bind up the strongman” before plundering a house

On Whose side are you?

"Lost His Mind"

April 26, 2013

“Lost His Mind…”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Mark 3:19b-21

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When Jesus came home such a crowd gathered that they could not eat a meal.

Jesus’ family was concerned.
They thought He had lost His senses.
They thought He had lost His mind.
They thought He was beside Himself.

This was His family.

If we truly live the life of the Kingdom, then some of our family and friends will think we have lost our minds.

The world will definitely think so.

Such will be used by the forces of evil against us.

It is already occurring.

The day will soon be upon us when faith in the Lord and living the Life of the Kingdom will be considered “mental illness”. Attempts will be made to “quarantine” and “concentrate” the believing populace.

Do not doubt.

Small, incremental steps have been taking place for years, usually in the guise of “code”, “regulation”, “for the children” and “for public safety”.

Determine today to stand strong in the faith.

Fear not when people think you have “lost your mind”.

Do as Jesus did.

"Wondered, Amazed, Marveled"

April 25, 2013

“Wondered, Amazed, Marveled”

Blessings Folk!!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 9:35
Mark 6:6b
Luke 8:1-3
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We learn several things in these passages.

One we have seen repeatedly - Jesus went about from city to city, village to village proclaiming and preaching the Kingdom of God.

Another: Jesus wondered...was amazed and marveled… at their unbelief.

Then, we learn much about who those were that traveled with Jesus.
Yes, the twelve were with Him.
But, there were also women.
Mary called Magdalene from whom seven demons had gone out.
Joanna, the wife of Herod’s household manager!
Susanna.
And many others.

Note what the women did.

They provided for Jesus and the twelve out of their own resources.

Not what most expect...

"Jesus Anointed"

April 24, 2013

“Jesus Anointed”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 26:6-13
Mark 14:3-9
Luke 7:36-50
John 12:1-8

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I suspect that we have an account of two separate events here.

In Luke we see Jesus having dinner with a Pharisee that invited him.
A “woman of that town who was a sinner” learned that Jesus was at the Pharisee’s house.
Apparently she crashed the dinner.
She stood behind Jesus at his feet. A curious position. Humbling.
She wept.
She covered Jesus’ feet with tears.
She wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair.
She kissed Jesus’ feet.
She anointed Jesus’ feet with perfumed oil.

The Pharisee, named Simon, thought to himself that Jesus was not much of a prophet if He did not know who this woman was and if He allowed such.

Jesus answered Simon’s unvoiced thought with a parable-like story of a creditor who forgave two debtors. You read the story.

Who loved the most?
The one who had the bigger debt cancelled.

Jesus noted how Simon had not granted the customary greetings.

Jesus then states that her sins are forgiven.
Why? Because she had cried, washed/anointed his feet?
No. “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

The other gospels give an account of Jesus being anointed shortly before His death.
Jesus states that the woman, Mary, “did what she could.” She anointed Jesus’ body for burial.

Simon is described as a leper.
Is this the same Simon we saw earlier, the Pharisee?
If so, earlier he did not believe.
Now, apparently, he does.
Healed? Likely.

Mary anoints Jesus extravagantly.
Of course the religious complain.
Of course the thief, Judas, would desire the money for his personal use.

Nothing has changed.
Thieves always are concerned for “the poor” and “the children”, especially when they can use other’s money to “meet the need”...line their pockets and expand their influence.

Jesus quickly deals with the issue.
We can always do things for the poor, but Jesus would be with them for only a short time.
What the woman did in preparing His body would be proclaimed all over the world in memory of her.

Do as the Lord leads.

"Jesus: Hope, Healer, Deliverer of the Nations"

April 23, 2013

“Jesus: Hope, Healer, Deliverer of the Nations”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 12:15-21
Mark 3:7-12
Luke 6:17-19

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The Pharisees were plotting to assassinate Jesus.
Jesus learned of the plot and left from there.

Still, many followed Him.
Jesus healed them all.
Jesus warned them not to tell who He was.
Why?
So that the words spoken through Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled. Look at what we learn about Jesus the Messiah through this prophecy...spoken hundreds of years before.

Jesus:
  • God’s servant
  • Chosen by God
  • Beloved by God
  • God is well-pleased in Him
  • Has the Spirit of the Lord upon Him. God placed it there.
  • Proclaims justice to the Gentiles
  • Will not quarrel
  • Will not cry out
  • Will not break off a battered reed...those wounded, hurt, barely hanging on
  • Will not put out a smoldering wick...those barely clinging to the fire of life
  • Will lead justice to victory
  • In His name the Gentiles hope.

Jesus, the Hope of the Nations.
Jesus, Healer of the Nations.
Jesus, Deliverer from unclean spirits of the Nations.
Jesus, the Power of God to the Nations.

"Anger, Grieved, Withered, Healed, Rage"

April 22, 2013

“Anger, Grieved, Withered, Healed, Rage”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 12:9-14
Mark 3:1-6
Luke 6:6-11

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Jesus departed from there and went into their synagogue. (I’m intrigued by the oft-repeated phrase in the Word “their synagogue”.)

A man with a withered hand was there.
This man would not have been allowed in the Temple due to his hand.

As was their course of action, the religious attempted to setup Jesus - “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath”. (So much of their strategy of attack centered around adherence to man’s interpretation of observing the Sabbath.)

We need the full counsel of the gospels to see the flow of the conversation.

Jesus gave an example.
Would not any one of us seek to rescue a sheep that falls in a pit on the Sabbath?
Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save life, to destroy it?

How much more valuable is man.
Therefore, Jesus declares that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.

Did you notice Jesus’ attitude/countenance?
He was angry with the religious.
He was grieved at their hardness of heart.
Angry and grieved, yet without sin!

Jesus then told the man to stretch out his hand.
Interesting.
How does a man with a withered hand stretch it out?
By faith.
By believing.
By obedience to the Word.
Stretch out.

A wondrous event.
The healed rejoiced.
The religious raged.
The religious (Pharisees in this case) went out and conspired with the Herodians as to how to destroy Jesus.

Determine to be a Believer that stretches out in faith.
Do not be numbered among the raging religious.

"Sabbath"

April 21, 2013

“Sabbath”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 12:1-8
Mark 2:23-28
Luke 6:1-5

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As always, the religious were questioning the actions of Jesus and His disciples.
As always, they were following Jesus...lurking on the periphery to trip Him up.

Jesus’ disciples were hungry.
They ate from the grain of the field.
Gathering such was considered to be work by the rules of the religious. (We have many such “man-made-man-interpreted” rules in the Body.)

The religious immediately declared the action to be unlawful, a breaking of the Sabbath.

Jesus replied with examples…
  • had they not heard of how David and his men when they became hungry ate consecrated bread...an unlawful action since the priests alone could eat it.
  • had they not read how the priests breaks the very law of which they were concerned when carry on the priestly duties on the Sabbath.

Jesus was revealing to them that though they knew the Law, they did not apply properly.

Jesus then declares “something greater than the temple is here”.
That surely sent them over the edge...Jesus makes the statement three times as we will see.

Jesus then reveals their heart…”If you had known what this means, ‘I desire compassion and not a sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.”

The disciples were innocent of the Sabbath.
The religious had no compassion.

Jesus then states “for the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.
Sorry Andy and Barney.
You can imagine how that went over…

Know this…
Jesus is not interested in the great things we do for Him or in His name.
He is interested in us...knowing us.

Jesus is not interested in impeccably executed religious exercises (do you know how many “pastor’s” absolutely “freak-out” if the lighting is not “just right” on them...or the sound is less than perfect? You know who you are...repent).
Jesus is interested in compassion.

We will see more about the Sabbath.
As for today, there is no Sabbath in the New Covenant.
Jesus is our Sabbath rest.

"Come"

April 20, 2013

“Come”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 11:28-30

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Jesus, after…
  • speaking of what would occur to the disciples
  • exhorting them to fear not
  • telling them that division would come within households
  • explaining conditions and rewards
  • answering John’s disciples inquiries
  • explaining who John was to the people
  • pronouncing woe over Galilean towns
  • giving thanks to Father
...then makes this profoundly simple statement/invitation.
“Come to me”.

The folk understood what Jesus was saying.

To “come” is more than just a mental assent to truth.
To “come” is not just adding another religious activity to our pantheon of gods.

To “come” is to submit to change and transformation.
To “come” is new life.

Fear not.

The Lord calls the weary.
The Lord calls those who are burdened.
The Lord promises rest.
The Lord is gentle.
The Lord is humble in heart.

He is rest for us.
He is the source of knowledge.

His yoke is easy.
His burden is light.

Live in Him.

"Pleasing Way"

April 19, 2013

“Pleasing Way”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 11:25-27
Luke 10:21-22
John 3:35


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After pronouncing judgment upon the Galilean cities Jesus lifts up a declaration of praise to Father.

So much to be gleaned here.

Note:
  • the Son praises Father
  • Jesus rejoices greatly in the Holy Spirit
  • Father is Lord of heaven and earth...why?
  • He hides things from the wise and intelligent and reveals them to His little children
  • This way was pleasing to Father
  • Father handed all things over the Jesus
  • No one knows the Son/Jesus except the Father
  • No one knows Father except the Son… and anyone to whom the son wills to reveal Father.

Because of this Jesus makes a great invitation we will examine tomorrow.

For today, live in the truth that if you are a Believer then Jesus has willed to reveal to you Father. This is not by happenstance. It is the pleasing way of God.
It is through Jesus, and Jesus alone, that man is reconciled to Father.
Rejoice.
Live in the pleasing way.
Praise the Lord.

"Woe to you…"

April 18, 2013

“Woe to you…”

Blessings Folk!!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 11:20-24
Luke 10:12-15

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Jesus denounces Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum.

Why?

They did not repent.

The Word tells us that Jesus did most of His miracles among them, yet they did not repent.

Judgment is coming to those who believe not.
It will be worse than judgment received by Sodom.

Repent.
Be not shocked if folk reject the Truth you share.
They rejected Jesus also.

"John"

April 17, 2013

John”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading...
Matthew 11:7-19
Mark 1:2
Luke 7:24-35

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The messengers from John left...returning with the Word of the Lord (see yesterday).

Jesus turns to the crowd and asked the same question three times… “What did you go out into the wilderness to see?”

Many questions folk have are answered in this passage.

John was not a shaking reed in the wind.
John was a strong voice of repentance.
John was a prophet...the last prophet of the Old Covenant.
John was the messenger prophesied to come and prepare the way before the Lord.
John was Elijah to those who accept it...to those who believe that Jesus is Messiah.

Jesus then gives some amazing statements…

  • From the days of John the Baptist until the moment Jesus spoke this statement the Kingdom of Heaven was suffering violence. Violent men were seeking to take the Kingdom by force. The same occurs today...though we are far more subtle in the violence.
  • There is not one born of women who is greater than John...yet…
  • The one who is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than John.

Vivid insight into the salvation of the Kingdom of heaven.

Jesus then speaks of the foolish inconsistency of the generation...we are the same.

Rejoice that you are in the Kingdom!

"Are You the One?"

April 16, 2013

“Are You the One?”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 11:2-6
Luke 7:18-23

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Poignant moment.
Are you the One?
Why would John be doubting?
He declared, Behold the Lamb of God.
He testified that the One on Whom He saw the Spirit land was Him.

Why the question now?
Was it the intensity of the moment?
He was about to die...but he likely did not know that.

John preached repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
John preached judgment to come.

I suspect he anticipated the judgment to be now...quick.

The judgement is yet to come.

God’s is merciful.
God is patient.
He desires all to be saved.

Jesus stated that those who do not take offense at Him are blessed.
What does that mean?

Jesus was letting John, and the others, know that they were not to be offended by His timing, His work.

They were expecting judgment.
Judgment is coming.

They were expecting a Victorious Warrior Messiah.
He is coming.

They were expecting these things immediately.
We still await...the day draws ever closer.

Meanwhile, may we do the works of the Lord…
  • the blind see
  • the lame walk
  • the lepers are cleansed
  • the deaf hear
  • the dead are raised up
  • the poor have the gospel preached to them

Do not take offense at the Lord.

"Teach, Preach, Press On"

April 15, 2013

“Teach, Preach, Press On”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 11:1

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A good, brief Word for a Monday morning.

In recent days we have examined the instructions that Jesus gave His disciples upon sending them out to preach the Kingdom.

He finished with the Word of instruction.
Jesus then departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.

Jesus did not just speak.
Jesus did.
He went out to where the people were.
He did not build great edifices unto Himself and then sought to lure people in.
He went to the folk.

So should we.
Teach.
Preach.
Press on.

"Receive…"

April 14, 2013

“Receive…”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 10:40-42
Mark 9:41
Luke 10:16
John 13:20

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We have seen that Jesus has been encouraging, exhorting and warning the disciples of the cost of following Him.
  • Evil men would come against them
  • Families would be divided

Today, we read that there will be “rewards”.

Jesus tells us that whoever receives us, receives Him.
Whoever receives Him receives the Father.

Luke makes the truth very clear…
The one who listens to you listens to Me.
The one who rejects you rejects Me.
The one who rejects Me (Jesus) rejects the One (God) Who sent Me.

The “listens to you” is interesting.
Undoubtedly it speaks of the time we are sharing the Truths of the Kingdom.
Could it also refer to any time that we are speaking?
The world is listening to every word.

Less clear is the reference to the “prophet”.
Whoever receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward.

What does it mean?
There is varied interpretation.
Usually commentators speak of the “prophet” being a teacher of Kingdom Truths. True.
Therefore, whoever receives these Truths will share in them with the prophet.
Good.

But, I think there is more.

Might not it be saying that those who received the Lord Jesus as a Prophet will received a prophet’s reward?

Many today acknowledge that Jesus is a Prophet, yet they deny that He is Messiah.
Such will receive the reward proclaimed by the Prophet - judgment for violating the Word of the Lord.

He who received the righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward - the Truth.

Might there be a juxtaposition here between “receiving the Prophet” and not believing unto salvation thereby receiving the judgment of God and “receiving the righteous man” and believing unto salvation?

Just a thought...

"The Cost"

April 13, 2013

“The Cost”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 10:37-39
Mark 8:34-35
Luke 14:25-27
John 12:25



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There is a cost to being a True Believer of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus was very forthright.
I suspect...and I think the Word gives some evidence...that many who profess to believe have not believed unto salvation.

A true Believer will…
Love the Lord more than their father and mother…
Love the Lord more than their sons or daughters…
Take up their cross and follow the Lord…
Lose his life for the sake of the Lord.

Luke drives home the point vividly.
We should love the Lord to such a degree that our love for family will seem to be “hatred”.

Do you love Him?

"Peace"

April 12, 2013

“Peace”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 10:34-36
Luke 12:51-53

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Know this.
When one calls upon the Name of the Lord in repentance and confession unto salvation, a peace that passes understanding occurs.

But also know this.

The Lord did not come to bring peace to the earth.
There will be conflict.
There will be strife.
It will begin at home

Faith in Jesus brings division.

What is the division?

Division between true Faith and true Belief and false faith/belief.

Be not shocked if you suffer for the name of Christ.
We have been promised such.

Do not be surprised if it begins with your household...even those who profess to be of the “household of faith”.

"Fear Not! Confess!"

April 11, 2013

“Fear Not! Confess!”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 10:26-33
Mark 4:22
Luke 12:2-9

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Picking up on what we saw yesterday…
Jesus said to beware of men, verse 1.
Then Jesus tells us not to fear them.
Being aware does not necessitate fear.

Why?

Because there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed.
There is nothing hidden that will not be known

Note what we are to do.
- Speak in the light what Jesus tells us in the darkness.
  • Proclaim upon the housetops.
  • Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul.
  • Fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
  • Confess the Lord before men, He will then confess us before Father and angels.
  • Do not deny Him before men, or He will deny you before Father and angels.

Remember, you are valuable.
Fear not.
Confession before men is evidence that you are truly saved.
Denying before men is evidence that you might not be...

"Handed Over"

April 10, 2013

“Handed Over”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 10:17-25
Mark 13:9-13
Luke 12:11-12; 21:12-19
John 16:2b, 14:26, 13:16, 15:20

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So much of what passes as the “gospel” today is deceptive.

Jesus gave us the bold truths of the Gospel.

If one is a true believer, then trial, persecution and tribulations are to be expected.

Look at what Jesus said.

He warned to beware of men, then told why.
Men will hand us over to the religious and political systems, to courts.
But, we are to fear not and not worry.
The Lord will use these times as a testimony to the Gentiles for His sake.
The Lord will give the words that we are to speak.
The Spirit of the Father will speak through us.

We will be handed over.

Look at the degree.
Brother will betray brother to death…
Fathers will betray children…
Children will rise up against parents…
To death.

We will be hated by all because of the name of Jesus.
It will come to the point that those who kill us will think they are offering a service to God.

In most of our cultures such in yet the case.
But, the days are coming soon.
Endure to the end.
You will be saved.

Jesus endured such.
So will we.
Trust the Holy Spirit.

"Authority"

April 9, 2013

“Authority”

Blessings Folk!

Matthew 10:1-16
Mark 6:7
Luke 9:1



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Jesus called some of His disciples to Himself...He called them apostles.

He sent them out with specific instructions.
He sent them out with authority.
We have this authority.
Authority over unclean spirit/demons to cast them out.
Authority to heal every kind of disease and sickness.


They were to preach the Kingdom of God
They were to go only to the sheep of the House of Israel...not to the Gentiles nor the Samaritans.
They were to heal the sick.
They were to raise the dead.
They were to cleanse the lepers.
They were to cast out demons.
They were to manifest the Love, Power and Presence of God.
They were not to withhold anything.
Freely they had received.
Freely they were to give.

Notice how they were to go out.
These were not “small” journeys, yet, they were…
  • to no acquire gold, silver, copper for their money belts
  • take not bag
  • to not take any extra clothes, sandals, staff
  • they went in pairs

Why?

A worker is worthy of his support.
God would provide the support.
The disciples were about to experience this truth.

The Lord would lead them to a “worthy” house where they could stay.
They were not to “hop about” from house to house in the town.

If the town refused to heed the words of the Kingdom, then they were to shake off the dust from their feet and move on.

Jesus warned them.
He was sending them out as sheep in the midst of wolves.
They were to be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.

Give heed.
As a Spirit-filled Believer you have the authority.

"Harvest"

April 8, 2013

“Harvest”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 9:35-38
Mark 6:6b
Luke 8:1
John 4:35



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Jesus went...through all the cities and the villages.
Jesus taught...in their synagogues.
Jesus proclaimed...the gospel of the kingdom.
Jesus healed...every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.
Jesus saw the people...and felt compassion.

The People were distressed.
The People were dispirited.
The People were like sheep without a shepherd.

This is the work of the Kingdom.
Jesus set the example.

People today are distressed and dispirited.
The sheep picture means little to most of fus.
Sheep will wonder about without a shepherd.
Sadly, far too many men seek to shepherd in the flesh.
What is needed is greater obedience to The Shepherd.

Jesus saw all this and turned to His disciples.
The harvest is plentiful.
Workers are few.
Beseech..seek the Lord of the harvest.
Seek Him to send out workers into His harvest.

We are a portion of His harvest.
We are His workers.
Go.
Teach.
Proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom.
Heal.
Manifest the compassion of the Lord.

"Demonic Muteness"

April 7, 2013

“Demonic Muteness”

Blessing Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 9:32-34
Mark 3:22
Luke 11:14-15
John 7:20

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Some simple truths.

Demons can cause muteness.
Jesus frees people from demons. Muteness healed.
Religious rulers will give satan glory for what God does.

Give God glory.
Fear not satan.
Move in the power of the Lord to set the captive free.

"According to Your Faith"

April 6, 2013

“According to Your Faith”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 9:27-31
Mark 10:46-52
Luke 18:35-43


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We see a couple of accounts about Jesus healing the blind.

Two blind men.
They had heard about Jesus.
How do I know?
Why else would they have been crying out?

They cried for mercy.
A cry of faith...faith declared in the phrase “Son of David.”

Apparently Jesus did not immediately stop.
Upon arriving at a house the blind men made their way to Jesus.

Jesus asked an interesting question: “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

Faith/belief has much to do with what we receive.

They answered in the affirmative.
Jesus touched their eyes.
Their eyes were open...according to their faith.

Jesus warns them to tell no one.
Sure.
How does one who was once blind go about seeing and not explain. Happy

Bartimaeus is similar.
He declares “I want to receive my sight.”
Jesus states “Go, your faith has made you well.”

Faith is an intriguing thing.
Related to healing we see the faith of the affirmed, the faith of friends, the faith of parents, the faith of overlords, the faith of the Lord.
Is faith a thought?
Does faith require action?
Is faith a force?
Watch what the Word says about faith.
Walk by faith and not by sight.

"12 Years"

April 5, 2013

“12 Years”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 9:18-26
Mark 5:21-43
Luke 8:40-56

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What an intense moment.

Most have heard about the woman “with the issue of blood,” but did you know the context.

Jesus had been approached by an official of the synagogue.

This would likely cost this man his “career”, but he cared not.

His daughter was at the point of death...as good as dead.
He came to Jesus in despair and worship, bowing before Him.
He came to Jesus in faith, “Come, lay Your hand on her and she will live.”
Jesus got up and followed him.

It is while Jesus is on the way to the official’s place that the woman reached out and touched Jesus.

She had suffered.
Suffered a 12 year illness of hemorrhaging.
Suffered at the hands of the physicians.
Suffered the rejection of the people...she was considered unclean.
Suffered in not being able to worship before the Lord...unclean.

But she believed something.
She knew.
If she could just touch Jesus.
So, pressing in among the crowd she did.

By faith, her faith and belief, virtue flowed from Jesus and healed her.

Jesus inquired who had touched Him.

She came forward.

News came.
The imminent death of the official’s (Jairus) daughter had come.

Hear the Word of the Lord.
“Do not be afraid.”
“Only believe.”

When Jesus arrived at the house he removed all the distractions of doubt, fear, sorry and weeping over death.

Note how the people mocked Jesus.

Still, He pressed on.

Up arose the girl...at the Word of the Lord.

She was 12.
The lady had been ill 12 years.
(There as some interesting parallels beyond the scope of our time together here.)

For us…
Fear not.
Doubt not.
Believe.



"Fasting"

April 4, 2013

“Fasting”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 9:14-17
Mark 2:18-22
Luke 5:33-39
John 3:29-30

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The old ways are not the same as the new.
The New Covenant being revealed by the Lord was not as the Old.

Fasting would occur, but it would be different.

The disciples of John had been fasting, as had the Pharisees…apparently a fast related to the Law of man’s interpretation thereof.

Jesus’ disciples were not fasting.
John’s disciples want to know why they did not fast.

Jesus gave the picture of a bridegroom and bride.
They had the bridegroom, Him.
They had no need of fasting.
They would fast when the Bridegroom departed.

Luke gives us more detail.

Jesus gave a parable example...old vs. new...cloth/garment, wine skins.

The Kingdom could not...would not...will not...be pressed into conformity of the Law.

The Kingdom does not do away with the Law.
The Kingdom fulfills the Law.
Not by the works and strategies of man, but by the Spirit.

Be Kingdom people.
Be Spirit people.

"Follow Me"

April 3, 2013

“Follow Me”

Blessings Folk!
Today’s reading:
Matthew 9:9-13
Mark 2:13-17
Luke 5:27-32

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Jesus calls all into the Kingdom.

Here we have an example of Jesus calling someone who was especially despised.
Matthew (Levi) was a Jew.
Matthew worked for the “enemy” - the oppressive Roman government.
Matthew was a bureaucrat, a tax collector.
Matthew was greatly hated.

Yet Jesus saw something.

We can learn so much from watching how Jesus did things “as He went.”
He saw Matthew.
He called Matthew to follow Him.
(The recent miniseries “The Bible” presented this account in an excellent way.)

Jesus called.
Matthew followed.

But, Matthew did more.
He called all of his friends and hosted a large banquet for the Lord.
He wanted his folk to experience Messiah.

There was a great crowd of tax collectors and sinners.
Jesus went.

So many will have nothing to do with those that are sinners.
This is wrong.

I know of local “churches” that will literally “fire” “their pastor” if he fellowships with the “wrong” portion of the Body of Christ.

Jesus did not play these games.
He went where Father directed.

Jesus ate and drank with sinners.
He ate and drank the food set before Him.

Of course the religionist had a fit.
They grumbled at Jesus’ disciples.
But Jesus addressed the grumbling.
Jesus came for those who are sick.
Jesus came not to call the righteous...but to call sinners to repentance.

We should live likewise.

It will often not be comfortable...especially due to the religionist...but God honors manifested love.

"Take Courage…Sins Forgiven"

April 2, 2013

“Take Courage...Sins Forgiven”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 9:1-8
Mark 2:1-12
Luke 5:17-26
John 5:17

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The paralytic was brought by others to Jesus.
They were hoping for a healing.
They had faith. Jesus saw it.
I suspect few were expecting what Jesus did.
He exhorted the paralytic to “take courage.”
He told the paralytic that his sins were forgiven.

Take courage?
Sins forgiven?

The scribes were beside themselves.
It was blasphemy to equate oneself with God.

Jesus knew their thoughts.
He told them that He had authority on earth to forgive sins.
As an example...which is easier?
To forgive?
Or to heal?

He then commanded the man to arise, pick up his bed and go home.
The paralytic…he will go by a different moniker now...did so.

The crowds were amazed.
They glorified God because He had given such authority to men.

Let us not be as the religious leaders, thinking evil in our heart at the outpouring of the mercy of the Lord.

Rather, let us be vessels of His mercy.

"Demons"

April 1, 2013

“Demons”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading is an extended one...press on!

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


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This is one of my favorite moments with the Savior.

Note the condition of men/man…
  • demon-possessed
  • extremely violent
  • forbade passage through the area
  • dwelled in the tombs
  • unchainable
  • screaming day and night
  • cutting themselves
  • saw the demon-possessed man...who was no longer demon-possessed!… clothed and in his right mind
    • wanted to go with Jesus
    • Jesus told him to go home and tell his people
- he did so throughout all the Decapolis


Note the reaction of the demons…
  • cried out to Jesus
  • leave us alone...begged...
  • do not torment us...before our time!
  • they know Jesus is the Son of the Most High God


Note how the Lord reacted…
  • the Lord has “started commanding the evil spirit to come out of the man”
  • spoke with the demons…”what is your name?”
  • allowed them to enter pigs
  • said “go”...they went


Note the reaction of the people
  • herdsmen spread the story of what happened
  • all the folk came out to see Jesus
  • seized with fear
  • when they heard and saw the man in his right mind...they asked Jesus to leave.

So much of the Body of Christ is fearful of such.
We refuse to move in the power of the Lord.
We do not do what He has called us to do.
We ask Jesus to leave.
We want things to be comfortable.

Some will say “I’ve never encountered a demon-possessed person”.
Yes you have.
Even the world has a phrase for it… “I don’t know what came over him?”

We must trust in the Lord rather than ourselves.
He wants to use His Body to set the captive free.
Do it.