The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Advertising in Public" for Thursday, 17 November 2016 with Scripture: Mark 5:1 Yeshua and his talmidim arrived at the other side of the lake, in the Gerasenes’ territory. 2 As soon as he disembarked, a man with an unclean spirit came out of the burial caves to meet him. 3 He lived in the burial caves; and no one could keep him tied up, not even with a chain. 4 He had often been chained hand and foot, but he would snap the chains and break the irons off his feet, and no one was strong enough to control him. 5 Night and day he wandered among the graves and through the hills, howling and gashing himself with stones.6 Seeing Yeshua from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him 7 and screamed at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Yeshua, Son of God Ha‘Elyon? I implore you in God’s name! Don’t torture me!” 8 For Yeshua had already begun saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of this man!” 9 Yeshua asked him, “What’s your name?” “My name is Legion,” he answered, “there are so many of us”; 10 and he kept begging Yeshua not to send them out of that region.
11 Now there was a large herd of pigs feeding near the hill, 12 and the unclean spirits begged him, “Send us to the pigs, so we can go into them.” 13 Yeshua gave them permission. They came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering around two thousand, rushed down the hillside into the lake and were drowned. 14 The swineherds fled and told it in the town and in the surrounding country, and the people went to see what had happened. 15 They came to Yeshua and saw the man who had had the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were frightened. 16 Those who had seen it told what had happened to the man controlled by demons and to the pigs; 17 and the people began begging Yeshua to leave their district.
18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been demonized begged him to be allowed to go with him. 19 But Yeshua would not permit it. Instead, he said to him, “Go home to your people, and tell them how much Adonai in his mercy has done for you.” 20 He went off and began proclaiming in the Ten Towns how much Yeshua had done for him, and everyone was amazed.
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[Jesus] said to [his apostles], “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”[Mark 16:15 (NIV)]
I was traveling by bus when a well-dressed young man stood up and started talking about a new herbal product. He was moving from the front of the bus to the back, making sure all could hear him. I appreciated this man’s courage. He had a job to do, and he did it with conviction. He did not worry what passengers thought of him or whether his continual babbling disturbed them. In the end two persons bought the product. He waited a few more minutes before getting off the bus, probably to board another and continue selling his product.
In today’s reading the healed man wanted to accompany Jesus, who had given him a new life. But Jesus asked him to go back and share the goodness of God with his family and friends. So he went proclaiming his healing in the decapolis and people were amazed. He obeyed the Lord.
The same command to share the good news is given to all who have received new life in Christ. We may not all go to far- off places or public gatherings to proclaim the gospel, but we can share it with our family members, friends, colleagues, and others we see in everyday life.
Read more from the author, here."More from Pramila Barkataki"
I retired from the service in October 2014 and moved to a rural area in the state of Assam. We had heard that this place was a troubled area. Apart from illiteracy, poverty, and alcoholism, it was also known to be insurgents' headquarters. But God was leading us and we both went in faith despite suggestions from relatives and friends not to go there. For the last two years, we have not faced any problem here in relation to the insurgents or in relation to our faith. Rather, we learned from a family recently that when the people heard about a retired doctor couple moving to the area, the village heads from 12 or 13 surrounding villages went to the insurgent groups to request that they not disturb the doctors. Praise God!
Sharing the gospel has not been as easy as it would be in metropolitan cities. After retirement we joined the Primary Health Centre in the village as medical doctors. Because of our profession God gave us opportunities to pray in the name of Jesus for the sick and dying, for pregnant women who came to our center for delivery, and for those struggling with alcoholism. The local people who were strongly opposed to Christian faith have been accepting us slowly. Now we share God's work by our lives and the work we do. Small medical camps in the neighboring villages have helped us come close to the local people.
We have also been visiting the small village churches around us. They belong to various denominations. We are encouraged by them and have been encouraging them to stand firm in faith despite persecution.
Please pray for this state that many may come to the Saviour and find rest for their souls.[Pramila Barkataki]
PS - The internet coverage in my area is limited, so if you leave comments for me below, it may take awhile for me to respond.
The Author: Pramila Barkataki (Assam, India)
Thought for the Day: Today I will not hesitate to share the good news.
Prayer: Dear God, give us the courage to share the good news with others. Thank you for helping us overcome shyness, hesitation, and fear so that we can share the message of your love. Amen.
Prayer focus: FOR THE COURAGE TO WITNESS
I was traveling by bus when a well-dressed young man stood up and started talking about a new herbal product. He was moving from the front of the bus to the back, making sure all could hear him. I appreciated this man’s courage. He had a job to do, and he did it with conviction. He did not worry what passengers thought of him or whether his continual babbling disturbed them. In the end two persons bought the product. He waited a few more minutes before getting off the bus, probably to board another and continue selling his product.
In today’s reading the healed man wanted to accompany Jesus, who had given him a new life. But Jesus asked him to go back and share the goodness of God with his family and friends. So he went proclaiming his healing in the decapolis and people were amazed. He obeyed the Lord.
The same command to share the good news is given to all who have received new life in Christ. We may not all go to far- off places or public gatherings to proclaim the gospel, but we can share it with our family members, friends, colleagues, and others we see in everyday life.
Read more from the author, here."More from Pramila Barkataki"
I retired from the service in October 2014 and moved to a rural area in the state of Assam. We had heard that this place was a troubled area. Apart from illiteracy, poverty, and alcoholism, it was also known to be insurgents' headquarters. But God was leading us and we both went in faith despite suggestions from relatives and friends not to go there. For the last two years, we have not faced any problem here in relation to the insurgents or in relation to our faith. Rather, we learned from a family recently that when the people heard about a retired doctor couple moving to the area, the village heads from 12 or 13 surrounding villages went to the insurgent groups to request that they not disturb the doctors. Praise God!
Sharing the gospel has not been as easy as it would be in metropolitan cities. After retirement we joined the Primary Health Centre in the village as medical doctors. Because of our profession God gave us opportunities to pray in the name of Jesus for the sick and dying, for pregnant women who came to our center for delivery, and for those struggling with alcoholism. The local people who were strongly opposed to Christian faith have been accepting us slowly. Now we share God's work by our lives and the work we do. Small medical camps in the neighboring villages have helped us come close to the local people.
We have also been visiting the small village churches around us. They belong to various denominations. We are encouraged by them and have been encouraging them to stand firm in faith despite persecution.
Please pray for this state that many may come to the Saviour and find rest for their souls.[Pramila Barkataki]
PS - The internet coverage in my area is limited, so if you leave comments for me below, it may take awhile for me to respond.
The Author: Pramila Barkataki (Assam, India)
Thought for the Day: Today I will not hesitate to share the good news.
Prayer: Dear God, give us the courage to share the good news with others. Thank you for helping us overcome shyness, hesitation, and fear so that we can share the message of your love. Amen.
Prayer focus: FOR THE COURAGE TO WITNESS
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The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "When There Are No Words" for Wednesday, 16 November 2016 with Scripture: Job 2:11 Now when Iyov’s three friends heard of all the calamities that had overwhelmed him, they all came. Each came from his own home — Elifaz from Teiman, Bildad from Shuach and Tzofar from Na‘amah. They had agreed to meet together in order to come and offer him sympathy and comfort. 12 When they saw him from a distance, they couldn’t even recognize him. They wept aloud, tore their coats and threw dust over their heads toward heaven. 13 Then they sat down with him on the ground. For seven days and seven nights, no one spoke a word to him; because they saw how much he was suffering.
The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "When There Are No Words" for Wednesday, 16 November 2016 with Scripture: Job 2:11 Now when Iyov’s three friends heard of all the calamities that had overwhelmed him, they all came. Each came from his own home — Elifaz from Teiman, Bildad from Shuach and Tzofar from Na‘amah. They had agreed to meet together in order to come and offer him sympathy and comfort. 12 When they saw him from a distance, they couldn’t even recognize him. They wept aloud, tore their coats and threw dust over their heads toward heaven. 13 Then they sat down with him on the ground. For seven days and seven nights, no one spoke a word to him; because they saw how much he was suffering.
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The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.[Proverbs 12:23 (NIV)]
“I can’t imagine how you must feel.” The grief my friend experienced when her husband died was palpable, but I realized there was nothing I could say to make it better. Sometimes the insecurity we feel for not saying the “right” thing can lead us to say the “wrong” thing.
Jewish tradition has held that mourners are to keep silent until the bereaved person speaks. It’s a good practice because it can give us time to consider what we should say, preventing us from saying something that is not helpful. Even after this time of silence, our responsibility to choose our words with care remains. Job’s friends may have been silent until he spoke; but when they did speak, their questions turned into accusations against Job and God. Their words were tinged with judgment and blame, causing Job even more pain.
Like Job’s friends, I have often felt the need to offer my opinion or question circumstances in an attempt to explain God. Such an attitude has done little to show me and others who God is. By listening to God’s guidance we can discern when and how to comfort those who are hurting.
Read more from the author, here."Quietude"
By nature I’m a “filler” uncomfortable with silences. But wouldn’t you know my husband can soak in silence like a hot tub. He and I have driven hundreds of miles with nary a word. It drove me crazy in those early years of marriage to sit for hours alongside someone without talking, but now it’s the most natural thing in the world. It has allowed me to see the gift quietness can be. Now I’m not saying I always feel comfortable or at ease with silence, but I can see how God has used it in my life.
When I read back over today's devotion I realized my struggle with quietness was at its core. To listen when I want so badly to fill that space with what I think is right is a challenge.
I’m a verbal gal, and I struggle with keeping my own counsel. Unfortunately I have a reputation for telling things the way they are, with what I’ll call mixed results. I’ve had my share of regrets, and have hurt others when I had meant only to help. So I know firsthand that speaking into someone’s life isn’t always the best thing to do.
But there are other ways we “speak” without uttering a word. Most people can tell by looking at me how I feel or what I think in certain situations. The term “open book” applies to me. Perhaps it is the same for you.
Notice it wasn’t only what Job’s friends said in today's reading but how they said it. I can picture it, can’t you? Leaning in, talking like white noise--it must have grated on Job’s nerves. How often have I done the same?
Learning to be quiet when needed and keep a sound countenance is important. Leaning on God for strength and direction quiets my soul, giving me time to pray for discernment for those in my circles.[Deanna Baird]
The Author: Deanna Baird (Michigan, USA)
Thought for the Day: Sometimes God’s greatest comfort comes through our silent presence.
Prayer: Teach us, Lord, to sit quietly with those who are grieving. Fill us with peace so that we can comfort them in their time of sorrow. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE COMFORTING THE BEREAVED
“I can’t imagine how you must feel.” The grief my friend experienced when her husband died was palpable, but I realized there was nothing I could say to make it better. Sometimes the insecurity we feel for not saying the “right” thing can lead us to say the “wrong” thing.
Jewish tradition has held that mourners are to keep silent until the bereaved person speaks. It’s a good practice because it can give us time to consider what we should say, preventing us from saying something that is not helpful. Even after this time of silence, our responsibility to choose our words with care remains. Job’s friends may have been silent until he spoke; but when they did speak, their questions turned into accusations against Job and God. Their words were tinged with judgment and blame, causing Job even more pain.
Like Job’s friends, I have often felt the need to offer my opinion or question circumstances in an attempt to explain God. Such an attitude has done little to show me and others who God is. By listening to God’s guidance we can discern when and how to comfort those who are hurting.
Read more from the author, here."Quietude"
By nature I’m a “filler” uncomfortable with silences. But wouldn’t you know my husband can soak in silence like a hot tub. He and I have driven hundreds of miles with nary a word. It drove me crazy in those early years of marriage to sit for hours alongside someone without talking, but now it’s the most natural thing in the world. It has allowed me to see the gift quietness can be. Now I’m not saying I always feel comfortable or at ease with silence, but I can see how God has used it in my life.
When I read back over today's devotion I realized my struggle with quietness was at its core. To listen when I want so badly to fill that space with what I think is right is a challenge.
I’m a verbal gal, and I struggle with keeping my own counsel. Unfortunately I have a reputation for telling things the way they are, with what I’ll call mixed results. I’ve had my share of regrets, and have hurt others when I had meant only to help. So I know firsthand that speaking into someone’s life isn’t always the best thing to do.
But there are other ways we “speak” without uttering a word. Most people can tell by looking at me how I feel or what I think in certain situations. The term “open book” applies to me. Perhaps it is the same for you.
Notice it wasn’t only what Job’s friends said in today's reading but how they said it. I can picture it, can’t you? Leaning in, talking like white noise--it must have grated on Job’s nerves. How often have I done the same?
Learning to be quiet when needed and keep a sound countenance is important. Leaning on God for strength and direction quiets my soul, giving me time to pray for discernment for those in my circles.[Deanna Baird]
The Author: Deanna Baird (Michigan, USA)
Thought for the Day: Sometimes God’s greatest comfort comes through our silent presence.
Prayer: Teach us, Lord, to sit quietly with those who are grieving. Fill us with peace so that we can comfort them in their time of sorrow. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE COMFORTING THE BEREAVED
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The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Expectant Prayer" for Tuesday, 15 November 2016 with Scripture: Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who by his power working in us is able to do far beyond anything we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the Messianic Community and in the Messiah Yeshua from generation to generation forever. Amen.
The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Expectant Prayer" for Tuesday, 15 November 2016 with Scripture: Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who by his power working in us is able to do far beyond anything we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the Messianic Community and in the Messiah Yeshua from generation to generation forever. Amen.
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The psalmist wrote, “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”[Psalm 5:3 (NIV)]
A friend was telling me about a Christian concert at which she was going to sing. She and others had spent long hours organizing and practicing for the event. Worry began to show on her face as she confided in me that she had hoped for 200 people to attend but expected only about 50. I told her to continue to pray and then to expect amazing results. The night of the concert came, and people began to enter the church — 217 of them! Beautiful music filled the air, and the message of God’s love was expressed to everyone in the crowded sanctuary.
This experience caused me to wonder how often I pray without expecting an answer. When I pray I always hope for the best, but in reality I haven’t always expected the best. I’ve come to understand that God’s answer may not be revealed immediately or may be different than what I was hoping for. But I can trust that God’s answer will always be the best answer for me.
The Author: Jerry Bragalone (Pennsylvania, USA)
Thought for the Day: God never leaves prayers unanswered.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for hearing us and helping us to wait in expectation. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE PLANNING CHURCH EVENTS
A friend was telling me about a Christian concert at which she was going to sing. She and others had spent long hours organizing and practicing for the event. Worry began to show on her face as she confided in me that she had hoped for 200 people to attend but expected only about 50. I told her to continue to pray and then to expect amazing results. The night of the concert came, and people began to enter the church — 217 of them! Beautiful music filled the air, and the message of God’s love was expressed to everyone in the crowded sanctuary.
This experience caused me to wonder how often I pray without expecting an answer. When I pray I always hope for the best, but in reality I haven’t always expected the best. I’ve come to understand that God’s answer may not be revealed immediately or may be different than what I was hoping for. But I can trust that God’s answer will always be the best answer for me.
The Author: Jerry Bragalone (Pennsylvania, USA)
Thought for the Day: God never leaves prayers unanswered.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for hearing us and helping us to wait in expectation. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE PLANNING CHURCH EVENTS
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