Thursday, January 30, 2014

Reflecting God’s Devotions for Holy Living – Thursday, 30 January 2014 “All Things Are Possible. . .” Scripture Mark 9

Reflecting God’s Devotions for Holy Living – Thursday, 30 January 2014 “All Things Are Possible. . .” Scripture Mark 9: The Healing of a Boy with a Spirit
14 When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them. 15 When the whole crowd saw him, they were immediately overcome with awe, and they ran forward to greet him. 16 He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; 18 and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.” 19 He answered them, “You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy[a] to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy,[b] and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus[c] asked the father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.” 23 Jesus said to him, “If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out,[d] “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!” 26 After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand.
Footnotes:
a. Mark 9:20 Gk him
b. Mark 9:20 Gk him
c. Mark 9:21 Gk He
d. Mark 9:24 Other ancient authorities add with tears
“All Things Are Possible. . .” by J. Timothy White
Our church built a new sanctuary in 1980. Five years later, the board received a letter from the local electric utility. “When you built your facility, we installed new electric meters. They have been recording only half of your electricity usage. We will work with you to care for the accumulated $25,000 bill.” Everyone on the board was in shock (the pun is intended!).
Our wise treasurer introduced strategies to meet the need. When he finished, the pastor spoke up. He said he believed that God could work through the prayers of His people to meet this need. On Wednesday night and Sunday morning he simply invited the people to trust, pray, and fast intentionally that God would provide. The following week, when we came to church, he told the congregation he had received a follow-up letter from the utility company. Its essence was, “Since we were the ones who had installed the meter improperly, we have decided to forgive the entire amount due!”
We can trust God with any need–when we are obedient, He gives us the faith to unleash the miraculous in our lives in His ever-creative and unexpected ways.
Hymn for Today:
“It Is Truly Wonderful” by Barney E. Warren
1. He pardoned my transgressions,
He sanctified my soul;
He honors my confessions,
Since by His blood I’m whole.
Refrain:
It is truly wonderful
What the Lord has done!
It is truly wonderful!
It is truly wonderful!
It is truly wonderful
What the Lord has done!
Glory to His Name.
2. He keeps me every moment
By trusting in His grace;
’Tis through His best atonement
That I may see His face.
Refrain:
It is truly wonderful
What the Lord has done!
It is truly wonderful!
It is truly wonderful!
It is truly wonderful
What the Lord has done!
Glory to His Name.
3. He brings me through affliction,
He leaves me not alone;
He’s with me in temptation,
He keeps me for His own.
Refrain:
It is truly wonderful
What the Lord has done!
It is truly wonderful!
It is truly wonderful!
It is truly wonderful
What the Lord has done!
Glory to His Name.
4. He prospers and protects me,
His blessings ever flow;
He fills me with His glory,
He makes me white as snow.
Refrain:
It is truly wonderful
What the Lord has done!
It is truly wonderful!
It is truly wonderful!
It is truly wonderful
What the Lord has done!
Glory to His Name.
5. He keeps me firm and faithful,
His love I do enjoy,
For this I shall be grateful,
And live in His employ.
Refrain:
It is truly wonderful
What the Lord has done!
It is truly wonderful!
It is truly wonderful!
It is truly wonderful
What the Lord has done!
Glory to His Name.
6. There’s not a single blessing
Which we receive on earth
That does not come from heaven,
The source of our new birth.
Refrain:
It is truly wonderful
What the Lord has done!
It is truly wonderful!
It is truly wonderful!
It is truly wonderful
What the Lord has done!
Glory to His Name.
Thought for Today:
“This thing does not turn on my power, but on thy faith; I can do all things, canst thou believe?” (John Wesley, commenting on Jesus’ outlook in Mark 9).
Prayer Needs:
Many people in Poland will come to know Jesus the Christ (Yeshua the Messiah) and receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
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