"I have not found such great faith"....

Luke 7:9 “When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed him, ‘I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel.” Heavenly Father, This account differs in detail from Matthew’s. Here the Centurion does not approach Jesus directly. He sends some elders to the Jews to ask Jesus for help. This man is not Jewish, but he has “friends in high places”. He desperately wants Jesus’ help so he sends those whom he thinks can get what he wants. He doesn’t know if Jesus will listen to him---a Roman---but figures he will listen to these respected Jewish elders. How ironic, that the elders themselves don’t have the same respect for Jesus. The elders plead for Jesus’ help on the basis of the worthiness of the Centurion---he has been helpful and sympathetic to them rather then oppressive--- a “friendly enemy”. They want to keep him happy and think he deserves Jesus’ attention. This may be true, but the worthiness of the individual is not important to Jesus. All of us have prayed for worthy and good individuals, but Jesus doesn’t always answer our prayers for healing. However, Jesus is agreeable to going to the man’s house. The Centurion doesn’t recognize his own worthiness---he is humble. He still feels embarrassed to bother such a great and busy person as Jesus. The Centurion sends word through friends telling Jesus not to go to the trouble of coming to his house. He knows Jesus has the authority to heal and he can just say the word without having to make a special trip. He believes that Jesus can “give orders” to a disease whether he is present with the patient or not. He believes that Jesus is in charge! Jesus marvels at this faith and this understanding. Most of us want to see Jesus and hear him and feel his touch. We want some tangible evidence of his presence and his attention and his willingness to give us what we ask for. We neither trust nor really hope and expect to get results. We ask weakly and we hope for the best, but secretly doubt we will get it. Do we have real faith that Jesus will speak up for us? Faith without doubt is so hard! This man respected and trusted Jesus’ authority and acted on that trust. I want Centurion faith more than anything---faith that knows your authority and completely trusts it. Increase my faith each day as I remember your past faithfulness in my life. Thank you, amen.

"When he saw their faith"....

Luke 5:20 “When he saw their faith, he said to them, ‘Man, your sins are forgiven you.” Heavenly Father, This paralyzed man is forced into Jesus’ presence. His friends were so persistent that they opened the roof and lowered the man down in the midst of everyone! When you are in great need that is the kind of friends to have! Jesus was teaching and he was surrounded by Pharisees and scribes. Why does Jesus choose to say, “Your sins are forgiven” rather than “you are healed”? They were looking for healing for their friend. Jesus knows that the Pharisees will see his words as blasphemy. Is that why he did it? To make a point? He points out that being able to heal someone is just as amazing as forgiving their sins---and he has the authority to do both. He heals the man as well. Is this to indicate that his real purpose is to forgive our sins? Does it point out that we often ask for the wrong thing, but he knows what we need? Or does it indicate that our physical ills are deeply rooted in our spiritual ills---sin cripples us? No matter how many interpretations I can come up with the main points are the same. Jesus is the source of your power. He has the authority to do anything----heal, forgive, calm storms, raise the dead. We can’t find our way around that. Jesus is your power, your Son, the only way to be healed. We all need Jesus. Sometimes it takes the persistence of others to bring us in front of Jesus. Paralysis takes many forms. Jesus must forgive us as well as heal us. Faith is necessary to the process. Faith is what brings others or us to Jesus. We need the strength of strong persistent friends. We can force others into Jesus presence by our persistence. Others will see the results. I don’t think I am finding anything new here, but we all need to be reminded of Jesus’ power, the importance of bringing those who can’t bring themselves, the importance of persistence, and that forgiveness is more important than healing but they can occur together in Jesus’ presence. Teach me real faith, Lord! Amen.

"Have faith in God".....

Mark 11:22 “So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God…” Anyone who says to this fig tree, ‘go throw yourself into the sea’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.” Heavenly Father, Four words---“have faith in God”. It sounds so simple, so why do we still fail when we ask for things? I write these prayers believing fully that you hear them, but yet my belief never seems complete, never seems to be without some shade of doubt, never seems strong enough to receive the things that I ask. I think it is normal for humans to have these vague doubts, but it is also frustrating. I’ve never moved a mountain or cursed a fig tree. I’ve never healed someone or raised anyone from the dead. I’ve never saved anyone from sin and death. Those are things that Jesus did easily and with authority. If Jesus is within me, why do I fail to do them in his name? When will my faith move beyond sustaining me to having an impact on the world around me and on the lives of others? Sometimes I think it is because I keep my faith too private, not speaking out loud when I pray. But the bleeding woman didn’t speak out until publicly accosted by Jesus. Her faith healed her before Jesus spoke to her. The faith of the disciples was up one minute and down the next. They didn’t really believe fully until after the resurrection. They didn’t serve you best until after Pentecost. Increase your Holy Spirit in me! Increase my faith in your Spirit’s power. Help me know your Holy Spirit in my heart better. I want o “have faith in God” to the maximum degree! I want to help others have faith. I want your salvation and love everywhere in the world. How can I always “believe that what he says will happen”? Only in Jesus Christ. Remove my doubts as you did with Thomas. Restore my separation as you did with Peter. Build my faith one block at a time that I might know you, that I might have no doubts, that my prayers will reach your ears and find answers. “Believe that you have received it.” Help me pray with confidence and expectation. Make me aware of your will in all things. You are my Refuge! You are my Strength! You are my Stronghold! You are my God! No other! Help me hear clearly every word of Jesus Christ and believe whole-heartedly at all times. Thank you, Father! Thank you, Lord Jesus! Thank you, Holy Spirit! Amen.

"Go your way, your faith has made you well"......

Mark 10:52 “Then Jesus said to him, “go your way, your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” (vs. 51) “What do you want me to do for you?” “Rabbi, I want to see.” Heavenly Father, Blind Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus for mercy. What must it be like to sit day after day begging for everything you need, dependent on the mercy of others? When Bartimaeus hears Jesus is passing by he has hope for a greater mercy---permanent mercy. He cries out to Jesus, son of David. He has never seen Jesus, perhaps never even heard him speak, but he has heard of him and the miracles he can do. He knows about the Messiah who was promised, and addresses Jesus as Son of David. He persists in crying out, despite the attempts of others to keep him quiet. This may be his only chance! Just like the bleeding woman, he has no other option, no other place to go, nothing to lose and much to gain. Jesus tells the disciples to bring Bartimaeus to him and asks him very directly, “what do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus is just as clear in his response, “Rabbi, I want to see.” No question of “if you can do this” or “If you are willing”. He asks boldly and Jesus responds with, “Your faith has made you well.” Bartimaeus had faith in Jesus’ authority, faith in his ability, and faith in his willingness to help him. He was in direct contact with the source of the healing power. Is this where I fail? I don’t fight my way into Jesus’ presence? I don’t cry out and demand Jesus’ attention? Am I too wishy-washy in my requests? Am I not single-minded enough and want it badly enough? Do I realize that Jesus is my only hope? Do I give up too easily? Bartimaeus cried out for healing while the bleeding woman moved in silently. Both were healed by their faith in Jesus as their only hope. It seems what they most have in common is their unwillingness to “back off”, to give up. “I will not let you go until you bless me”----Jacob wrestling with God. Bartimaeus’ faith healed him and he began to follow Jesus. If I had just received sight would I respond by following, or go out and marvel at the wonders my eyes could not behold? Our response to Jesus’ healing touch is important. Does it turn us inward or outward? It should make us his devoted slave! Jesus told Bartimaeus to “go your way”---he set him free to go, but Bartimaeus chose to follow Jesus as his response. This is true discipleship----following in response to the healing touch of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Teach me, Lord, to depend on you for healing at all times and to serve you better. Amen.

"O faithless generation"......

Mark 9:19 “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me.” Mark 9:22-23 “If you can?----Everything is possible for him who believes.” “I do believe; help me over come my unbelief!” Heavenly Father, This appears to be the same story as in Matthew 17, but with a lot more detail, which changes the things I see in it. Jesus has just come down from the mountain of transfiguration. Something must have been different about him. God’s glory shining from him? Verse 15 says, “As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.” That seems like more than the normal curious reaction to him. These people see something that fills them with wonder and awe. This crowd contained the disciples, the teachers of the law, and a man seeking healing for his son, plus many onlookers. Jesus asks what they are arguing about. The man explains about his son and that the disciples failed to heal him. As in Matthew, Jesus speaks of the “faithless generation”. Who does he mean? The man seeking healing and miracles? The disciples who fail to provide healing for him? The scribes who are arguing with them? The people who are hanging on every word waiting to see what will happen? Jesus has just come from talking with his Father, and Moses and Elijah and having his mission affirmed and being transfigured. From the mountaintop of ecstasy he comes down to the valley of normalcy. Once again the world closes in and demands something of him. I’m sure that no one Jesus could see at that moment seemed to have an ounce of faith or to have a clue to who he really was an what was going to happen very soon. Frustration is a human emotion. Was Jesus frustrated at this point? He was in control, as always. When the boy is brought to him and the father asks if Jesus can help, Jesus says, “If you can? Everything is possible for him who believes.” I think this man speaks for all of us when he says, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Only Jesus can help us overcome our unbelief. We have to remember his glory on the mountain in your presence and hear you say, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” No one else. We must listen only to Jesus. Our faith depends on every word. Our life is in his hands at all times. Overcome my unbelief! Amen.

"Daughter, your faith has made you well".....

Mark 5:28-30, 33, 34 “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed. Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. Jesus realized power had gone out from him. .......The woman knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.” Heavenly Father, The bleeding woman, outcast, unclean, unwelcome, ignored. She takes great risk to approach Jesus in her unclean condition. She doesn’t ask for help and she doesn’t touch him, but she believes that just touching his clothes will be enough. She stakes everything on this hope, this belief in his great power. She sees him as her “Savior” even if not in the spiritual sense. She is determined and persistent. Jesus senses the power released by her touch, even though she only touches his clothes. Many others are touching him and his clothes, but he feels the difference in her touch of faith rather than the casual accidental touches of the others. Accidentally bumping up against Jesus releases no power. Jesus can be in our presence without us being really aware of him. He is always there, but we are not reaching out in faith, we are not seeking him. He will know when we are determined to touch him and receive healing. Jesus wants to speak to her. He seeks her out in the crowd. She fearfully confesses what she has done and tells of her healing. Jesus tells her three things: “Your faith has made you well”---“go in peace”----be healed of your affliction”. He affirms that it was her faith that drew the power from him. We can touch Jesus with our faith and achieve great results. I’m never quite sure how to interpret that in my own life, other than to never give up hoping or praying or seeking out Jesus. He gives her peace. Jesus is always the source of true peace. A successful meeting with Jesus in the presence of faith brings peace. Even though she had already been healed, Jesus puts his verbal blessing on her healing with assurance that her affliction is gone. Jesus removes afflictions and not just the symptoms. We can only be rid of our afflictions by coming to him in faith. It’s all right to be a bit afraid of his response, or his power, or his greatness, or even the world’s reaction to our seeking him out. But we can come in great faith knowing he is the only source of power we need to heal us of our afflictions. He will know when we reach out in faith. Thank you! Amen.

"Do you still have no faith?".......

Mark 4:40 “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” “They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the winds and waves obey him!” Heavenly Father, When the storm threatens to swamp the boat, the disciples wake Jesus with fearful cries and want him to do something or at least show some concern. What did they really expect? This is early in their life of following Jesus. They know he is the messiah, but what does that mean to them? They think he is a strong leader who has come to save the Jews from the Romans. They have no concept of his real mission. They have seen him perform some healing miracles and such and probably see him like the great prophets and leaders of old---Moses, Elijah, Abraham, etc. Someone “great”, but how great they don’t yet realize. Jesus asks them, “Do you still have no faith?” When would they begin to put it all together and realize that Jesus can do anything. Jesus is God! Jesus is their Savior and Lord, not just a teacher or future leader of the Jewish people. With a few words, he rebukes the winds and waves and calms the storm! Wow! Unlike Moses parting the Red Sea, he has no “magic rod” and didn’t visibly call upon God to do this…..because he is God! This is raw power and authority over the earthly elements unleashed by a few spoken words from Jesus himself. They are terrified now by his power, rather than by the storm. This is something new. This is “God work” being done by a “man”. There is a new element, a shift in their vision as they glimpse his true nature and power. Only God can command the winds and waves! Only God speaks and nature obeys! Our faith has to behold the power and authority of the Christ, God’s Son. We can only believe on the One able to speak miracles into happening. We can only trust the One who can rebuke winds and waves. As our eyes open to what Jesus can do and who he really is, our faith becomes invincible. We hear you, the Father say, “This is my Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him!” The winds and waves listen. The demons listen. We must unstop our ears and listen to our Lord and Savior and believe him, trust him, have faith in him, obey and follow him! Give me faith to listen! Amen.

"Well done, good and faithful servant".....

Matthew 25:21 “His Lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’” Heavenly Father, I think we can look at this parable as the Church and also as individuals. Jesus has left his servants---the Church---behind to take care of his Kingdom while he is gone. The size of each church is not important. The Lord gives to all of his representatives an amount of “talent” that they can use to take care of his property. If a church has 500 members it should be striving to do the work of 500. If a church only has 20 members, you don’t expect it to do the work of 500. But you gave what was necessary to each to grow and increase your kingdom. We focus a lot on numbers in the church rather than on taking care of the property entrusted to us by our Lord so it will produce fruit. Both the servant with 5 talents and the servant with only 2 talents used their gift and doubled what they were given. Jesus gave equal commendation to them. The servant with 5 was no more successful than the servant with 2 despite the “numbers”. If 3 people meeting in a home increase to 6 people meeting in 2 homes they have used the talent you entrusted them with successfully. It is the using that is important. The 3rd servant didn’t use what he was given. He saw his Master as “unfair”----reaping what he didn’t plant. He wanted to keep what he earned for himself and merely return to the Master what he already owned and had entrusted to him to use. I think when we become inward turned as a church----only caring for our building, our history, and our own people, and living on past accomplishments that we become like the 3rd servant. Preserving what already is there, not sharing it to increase its value to you, the Master. All of this can be seen on an individual level also. Each of us has gifts you have given us for your kingdom. We can use them to further your kingdom or we can hide them to preserve our own salvation and seek our own spiritual satisfaction, with no thought of using our talents for others. We have secured our own salvation and now bask in its warm glow----never letting the light shine on others so that they may come out of the darkness, too. Selfish hoarding of Christ’s precious love! Forgive me when I try to keep you to myself! Show me how to give all that I have so that it will produce fruit for you! I have much to learn and much to ask forgiveness for. Teach me how to teach others about your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

"Who is the faithful and wise servant".........

Matthew 24:45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?” Heavenly Father, “A faithful and wise servant.” This is a description of the one whom the Master puts in charge while he is away. During the time Christ is gone from the earth, the Church is the “faithful and wise servant” left in charge. The Church is Christ’s representative who is to be in charge seeing that all are fed in his absence. Spiritual food. The Church is responsible to see that Christ’s “Bread of Life” is being offered everywhere. No one is to be left out. The “faithful and wise servant” takes this job seriously and doesn’t slack just because the Master is gone. The Church has been set up and trained by Christ himself and the Hoy Spirit left behind to provide power and Christ’s presence. Nothing is lacking to prevent the Church from doing the job. However, the attitude of the Church is important. The servant can become “wicked” in the absence of the Master. What causes wickedness in the Church or is evidence of it? “My master is staying away a long time”----impatience. The Church can get tired and lose its enthusiasm and focus. It then turns inward and becomes self-absorbed. The desires of the members become more important than the work of the Master. “He begins to beat his fellow servants and eat and drink with drunkards.” Beating is evidence of cruelty, a feeling of superiority, and a lack of love for others. How do we “beat” others in the Church? Clashing over denominational worries, fighting over buildings and territories, harming anyone else who believes, judging others while praising our own actions. “Eating and drinking with drunkards”----excess in the church at the expense of others, straying from doctrine to please our own wants, encouraging wrong behavior and ignoring the work the Master wants done, lowering our standards of behavior. All of these things and anything else that makes us “unfit” for Christ’s work. Once again Christ uses the term hypocrite. When his chosen Church, following in his name, serving through his character, becomes a bored, apathetic, unfruitful, self-serving entity, then the Church is only wearing a mask like a hypocrite. The “faithful and wise servant” has become a fake who convinces no one of the Truth found in Jesus Christ and shares no “Good News” and brings no hope or peace to this world. Forgive us when we are not “faithful and wise” servants. Make us better representatives of your Son, Jesus Christ to all we meet. Amen.

"Important matters....justice, mercy, faithfulness".......

Matthew 23:23 “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint, anise and cumin and have neglected the more important matters of the law---justice, mercy, faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.” (NIV) “…..justice, mercy, good faith” (Phillips) “….fairness, compassion, commitment” (MSG) Heavenly Father, We like to think that the scribes and Pharisees are the only hypocrites, but we all are hypocrites---frauds, actors wearing masks. It is our sinful nature. Spices are nice, but measuring our love----compassion, justice, mercy, faith, faithfulness, commitment---are more important parts of the law. Giving you a 10th of our belongings reminds us where our provisions come from. We are blessed and cared for by a loving Father, so we return a portion in gratitude. We owe you much more than a 10th------we owe you all we have! The hypocrites are very careful about small matters concerning possessions and trivial duties that are visible for others to see. This is the “easy stuff”. They can do it, check it off their list, and feel good about themselves. This is duty, not love. Jesus says it is the character-rich things that we neglect----showing justice to those around us, loving our enemies, caring about the needy, forgiving those who wound us, putting others first, giving beyond a tithe when it comes to heart matters, showing love to everyone. All of his teachings dwell on these matters. “Love your neighbor as yourself”. This is where we drop the measuring scales and just do whatever is needed to show our love. The word here concerning “faith” is more rightly faithfulness or good faith or commitment. Not so much believing, as living the life of one who believes in a loving God and follows him. Developing character and being consistent in living it. If we are followers of Jesus Christ we drop the masks of the hypocrite and stop looking for easy ways to fulfill our “duty”. Instead we live a new sort of life that focuses outward rather than inward. No mask, no measuring scales, no checking and comparing lists----just living as Christ lived. The tithing will come naturally when we are focused on---“justice, mercy, and faithfulness.” Your law is to love others. To follow your law we must learn to love at all times. Throw out the measures and scales and counting up wrongs and scoring rights. Love as Jesus loved us. Give as you, our Father have given to us. Thank you, O LORD, for showing me when I am a hypocrite. Change my heart, O God! “Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.” Amen.

"If you have faith and do not doubt"......

Matthew 2:21 “So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also say to this mountain, “be removed and be cast into the sea”, and it will be done.” Heavenly Father, I’ve never understood the fig tree story. Why would Jesus do this to the fig tree? I know a tree is not an important thing and this one didn’t produce, but it is a use of power that seems unnecessary---even frivolous---and it seems to be done in anger. However, my focus here is on what Jesus says about faith or lack of it. Jesus clearly tells the disciples that “if they have faith and do not doubt” they could do this same thing. Verse 22 says, “if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Two factors concerning faith----not doubting, and believing and asking. Faith without doubt----is that possible for most of us? There are so many kinds of doubt and we all have some of them. Most often we don’t doubt what you can do, we doubt what you will do. We have little confidence in whether we are acting or praying in your will. We assume if we don’t get what we ask for that it was not your will to do it. We assume that we cannot really have the faith to wither a fig tree or move a mountain. To receive what we ask for (vs. 22) our asking is first of all “prayer”. Prayer is not exercising our own power, but calling on you in close communion to exercise your power. This is not something we do, but something you do in response to our asking. We don’t pray to convince you that what we want is right, we pray to find out what you will to do. We seek your mind, your heart, and your presence. It isn’t about withering fig trees or moving mountains for a whim. The size of the task is not important. The praying, the believing, the faith, the not doubting are the important issues. Praying brings us into your presence. Only in your presence do we have access to your power. The disciples were strong in power whenever they showed confidence in your power. When focused on Jesus, feeling his presence, trusting his character, they acted with his strength. “Doubting Thomas” ceased to doubt when he became convinced that Jesus was raised from the dead. Doubt holds us earthbound----belief sets us free. Faith has to see and know the risen Christ. If we believe, we will receive. Father, please give me stronger faith, fewer doubts, more awareness of your presence at all times and in all things. “Help my unbelief” every day. Teach me to pray effectively. Thank you, Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Amen.

Mustard seed faith.....

Matthew 17:20 “So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief, for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there’, and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” “….Because you have so little faith….if you have faith the size of a mustard seed….you will find nothing is impossible.” (Phillips) Heavenly Father, I’m not sure I will ever understand “mustard seed faith”. We cannot rebuke demons because of the size of our faith---our “unbelief”. How do we increase our faith? How do we have the faith that will move mountains? If it only takes faith the size of a mustard seed, than what does that say about the size of our present faith---non-existent? I know many who seem to have great faith, but who still can’t “move a mountain” or heal someone. I see nothing that indicates the problem has to do with whether it is your will or not. Whenever someone asked Jesus for healing, he healed them. Healing is obviously part of your will. Jesus sent his 12 disciples out earlier with the “authority” necessary to “drive out demons and heal every disease and sickness”. Was this just for them? Do we have mistaken belief when we try to do this now? Do we have to have your authority given to us through the Holy Spirit to have the gift of healing? I do believe there is truth to that. Paul makes it clear that we all have the Holy Spirit given to us, but he also says, “to one there is given through the Spirit (various gifts)….to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit….” To me this clearly states that we are all given different gifts. No matter how strong my faith is, only the Holy Spirit can give me the gift of healing. Today’s verse is for the disciples who were given Jesus’ authority to heal and drive out demons. Their faith in him was too small to do the job while he was away on the mountain. He is not yet the risen and glorified Christ of Easter. Their faith will increase and strengthen when the Holy Spirit comes to them later. “Nothing will be impossible for you.” Later---when he is resurrected---their faith will grow. Mustard seed faith will become mountain-moving faith in the presence of the risen Christ! The Holy Spirit will move all the mountains that stand in the way of spreading the Good news of the resurrected Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! I think this verse compares present faith with future faith. It compares pre-resurrection following of the man, Jesus Christ with post-resurrection following of the risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Help me always have my risen Savior in my sight, fill me with your Holy Spirit’s power and authority where you wish me to act in your name, teach me to discern your will in all things. Amen.

"O faithless and perverse generaton".....

Matthew 17:17 “Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear you? Bring him here to me.” “….unbelieving and difficult people” (Phillips) “….too stubborn to have any faith” (CEV) Heavenly Father, Jesus, Peter, James and John have just returned from the mountain of transfiguration. While they were gone a man brought his demon-possessed boy to the other disciples for healing. They couldn’t drive out the demon, even though they tried. Jesus calls them “faithless and perverse.” Who is he referring to? The man who brought the child? All who seek only his healing? The disciples who failed to drive out the spirit? All of the above? Jesus wasn’t around so the men brought the child to whoever was there… some of the disciples. Does this mean he didn’t consider Jesus’ presence necessary, and didn’t care who he came to as long as he got what he wanted? Does it show a belief that if anyone says they are following Jesus we expect them to do miracles? How often do we lift loved ones up to a minister or “faith healer” rather than go straight to Jesus? Jesus wasn’t present in person, but should the man have gone to God directly with his request if he believed, rather than seeking someone else to provide what he wanted? Did the disciple’s lack of success stem from the fact that Jesus wasn’t there, so they lost confidence in his power? Jesus knew he would not always physically be there and that their faith had to increase to trust his unseen presence. Healing others is only possible f we have Jesus’ authority to do so. We have to know his power is backing our requests. Faith will assure us of your authority even when your presence is unseen. Few have that level of faith. Jesus said “bring him here to me.” The child had to be brought to the source of power, Jesus. Jesus’ faith and authority was backed up by his position as your Son, loved by you and given your authority. I’m still not totally clear on this passage and the role of faith. How do we develop faith fully backed by your authority? How do we become faith-filled rather than faithless? Increase my faith in your authority over all things and your presence in my life. Help my unbelief! Show me your will in all things! Amen.

"You of little faith".....misunderstanding Jesus

Matthew 16:8 “Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand?” (NIV) Heavenly Father, Talking at cross purposes----a habit many of us have. Jesus is warning about the Pharisees and the Sadducees and their teaching---calling it “yeast” because of how it spreads and infiltrates. The disciples are discussing the fact they forgot to bring bread with them for lunch. Do you ever think you hear Jesus sigh in exasperation? I just heard him here. Twice he has done bread-producing miracles that fed 5000 and 4000, yet the disciples are still worrying about such earthly things! Did he want to scream at them, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God!” “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled!” “I am the Bread of Life---he who comes to me will never go hungry!” Do you ever listen to me? Do you ever understand? When I say “you give them bread”----will you know what I mean, will you be ready?? Once again he says, “O you, of little faith”. He has more trouble getting through to their hearts and minds, then to many who barely know him and don’t follow him every day. Like the disciples we get so caught up in our trivial worries and earthly existence that we forget that Jesus Christ is in our presence. He is all that matters. He will take care of all that is needed. Jesus Christ is our daily bread, our salvation, our peace, our all-sufficient One! Listen to him---really listen beyond surface words and meanings---and all else will fall in place. Jesus is warning them about false teaching among the religious leaders and how easily it spreads to the people. Be alert and read the word yourself. Be discerning and compare all that is said by others to what Jesus says. Stop any spread of the Pharisee’s “yeast” immediately. This is more important than where your earthly food is coming from! Spiritual food comes from Jesus Christ and he is with us----so stop obsessing and worrying about stuff that doesn’t matter! Our faith is in him! Thank you, Lord for the Bread of Life! Amen.

"Woman you have great faith!".....

Matthew 15:25 “Lord, help me!” Matthew 15:27-28 “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table. Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” (NIV) “Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.” (NKJV) Heavenly Father, Once again Jesus says, “You, have great faith” to someone and answers her request. Why is this woman’s faith great? She is a Gentile, not a Jew, yet she comes to Jesus as “Lord, Son of David”, showing recognition of who he is and his authority and power to help her. People outside the chosen people often showed more willingness to believe than the religious Jews. Perhaps the “chosen” have become too complacent, take too much for granted, become too comfortable. If all of your life you have been told that you are part of a “chosen people”, God’s special people, you have no reason to stretch your power of faith. This woman is desperate for the sake of her daughter. She is driven by motherly love. The daughter is demon possessed so she is not able to ask for help for herself. Her mother’s love is strong enough to propel her into action, seeking this “Messiah” of the Jews to help her. Jesus’ response always seems cruel and unnatural----comparing her and her race of people to “dogs” and stating his mission to the Jews. There are undoubtedly other Gentiles around when he says this as well as Jews. However, this woman is willing to humble herself and even be insulted and called names. None of that is important at this moment. This is not the time to argue about who is superior. She is asking one, whom she acknowledges as superior to help her and she desires his help above all else. She makes an insightful reply----she is willing to be called a dog, but even dogs get to have crumbs that fall from the table. You don’t see a lot of hungry dogs if they are allowed scraps! She doesn’t care about names, or who is better or chosen---she wants help from someone able to provide it. Scraps are fine---they nourish just as well as “real food”. Masters who offer scraps are Master’s with loving hearts who care even about the “dogs”. Those who eat scraps are those who are desperate but also wise enough to accept them. They are “seekers”. She is seeking and that shows great faith. Jesus heals her daughter and faith among the gentiles is rewarded in front of our audience who will spread the word to others. Great faith against great odds. Thank you, Lord, for rewarding our faith. Amen.

"Lord save me!"...."You of little faith".....

Matthew 14:30-31 “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out. “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Heavenly Father, The disciples were terrified when they saw Jesus walking on the water in the middle of a storm. Jesus speaks to assure them that he is real and not a ghost. Peter sets a challenge---“If it is you tell me to come to you on the water.” Is this brave or foolhardy? Is this belief or a desire for some sort of power? Why would Peter even suggest such an idea? Because he is Peter---a little of all of those characteristics. Peter always has a response to Jesus---whether right or wrong. He acts. He wants to believe in Jesus. Faith begins with a desire to believe. That desire causes us to seek answers, ask questions, test the waters. Peter has to satisfy himself that Jesus is who he says he is. Our lives depend on being convinced that Jesus is the Son of God, who is Lord and Savior. The challenge that Peter sets here is a challenge of his own belief. Does he believe in Jesus enough to get out of the boat? Is he willing to put his life in Jesus’ hands? Peter’s faith causes him to try. But he allows the winds swirling around him to cause doubts. Suddenly he realizes how crazy---from a human standpoint----walking on water really is! I can hear Satan whisper in the wind---“look down---what are you doing?---water won’t hold you up---what if you drown?” Peter begins to sink. Keeping our faith strong is hard at times when the winds of the world are swirling around us. “You of little faith”----all of mankind….”why did you doubt?” This is what we must answer. What causes our doubts? We must confess them and be rid of them. Then call on Jesus to save us. He has and he will. Our faith in our Lord and Savior will grow every time we stretch it. We have to keep taking faith chances like Peter. We have to desire to believe in him with all our heart. Peter’s faith grew with each step of faith and each step of failure. Jesus was still there to reach out and catch him. That is what a Savior does---saves us. If we could walk on water on our own, we wouldn’t need a Savior. We must focus our belief on Jesus and keep challenging ourselves to believe more. Every step on the water is a miracle only possible in Jesus’ presence. We won’t drown---we have a Savior to catch us. Thank you! Amen.

2-13-97 Mark 6:50 "It's all right! It is I, don't be afraid" (Phillips) IT'S ALL RIGHT! IT IS I! DON'T BE AFRAID! When the world is spinning faster, and our dreams are crashing down When we see no hope for all the plans we've made. That's when we hear the Savior come along and whisper softly, "It's all right! It is I! Don't be afraid!" When the winds of tribulation swirl around us in confusion, When the waves of worry grow too deep to wade, That's when we see Him coming by our side to whisper softly..... "It's all right! It is I! Don't be afraid!" We may be startled by His presence, not expecting Him to show up, Forgetting that our debts in life He paid, But no matter what the problem, Jesus shows up there to whisper, "It's all right! It is I! Don't be afraid!" I will trust Him in the darkness! I will trust Him in the light! I will follow Him 'til in the grave I'm laid! I hear my Savior calling me, to come and live with Him! "It's all right! It is I! Don't be afraid!" Chorus: It is I! Don't be afraid! I am with you every minute of the day! Just hold my hand and walk with me, I will always be beside you all the way

"According to your faith it will be done to you"....

Matthew 9:28-30 “Do you believe that I am able to do this? 'Yes, Lord', they replied. Then he touched their eyes, saying, 'according to your faith it will be done to you'; and their sight was restored.” Heavenly Father, You, O Lord, are love! Everything about you shows love and teaches us about your love. Everywhere Jesus went he was sought out by those who suffered, who wanted healing. Jesus didn’t come to be a miracle worker who went around “fixing” all the physical ills of the world---he came to heal souls, to save us, to draw us back into your holy presence. But Jesus was the incarnate word, the only begotten Son, the manifestation of you, the Father, here for us to see. How can a God who is love not show compassion and mercy when confronted by suffering? These men like all the others come in desperation and also in great faith. They have heard about Jesus. They believe what they have heard. These men have not “seen” Jesus’ miracles for themselves, because they are blind. They only know what they have heard about Jesus and the miracles he does. Jesus embodies hope. Jesus is the Messiah they have waited for. Jesus is worth seeking and asking for healing. “Ask…seek…knock…it will be given to you.” They take Jesus at his word. They expect love and healing based on what they have heard about him. I don’t think Jesus was capable of rejecting a cry for help. It would be out of character for one who is the incarnation of the loving Father. Love responds to the needs of others with love. Even though these public healings might give a false idea of who he is----not just a miracle worker----he is compelled by his loving character to have pity and respond to their faith. He tells them not to tell others----an attempt to keep his main mission from being sidetracked. Of course, they tell anyway----wouldn’t you? Word spreads and helps build the tension that will lead to his death. Love is not always welcomed or understood. However, faith is always rewarded. True faith in the One who loves us will reap rewards. Our sight will be restored. We will be healed of all that matters. Your love will enfold all who believe on your Son. “According to your faith”. Our faith will determine our condition in life now and in eternity. Thank you, Loving Father, Precious Jesus, Holy Spirit! Heal me that I might see. Amen.