I REPENT

"Jesus answered and said to them, 'Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:  The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.'"  (Matthew 11:4, 5)

In the previous chapter we read that our Lord Jesus told His Followers to go and do this.  Mark's Gospel closes with Jesus sending us into all the world to do the same.

Remember how in the early days of the "Renewal" we all came to believe that this was possible, indeed, a part of the "Great Command," O, I'm sorry, "The Great Commission."  We saw many of the "signs following."  What happened?

Time happened.  We saw so many prayers for so many people not go the way we prayed; therefore, somewhat subtlety, and somewhat not so subtlety, we stopped believing for such.  It is time for all of us who claim to be Followers of Jesus Christ to pray the impossibles again, no matter what, no matter who, no matter where.  It is integral to "The Gospel."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I confess to unbelief in such matters.  I repent and commit to pray for what you tell us to pray for.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

PSALM NUGGET, OT LESSON, NT LESSON

PSALM NUGGET:

"God is...a very present help....Therefore we will not fear, even though...."  (Psalm 46)

OT LESSON:

"When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation."  (Proverbs 10:25)

NT LESSON:

"He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."  (Matthew 10:39)

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

ALONE AND ABANDONED

"Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me."  (Psalm 41:9, NIV)

I was at a prayer gathering the other night and saw an individual who just seemed so alone, even abandoned.  There are millions just like that person out there.

What about you?  Do you ever feel alone, abandoned?  Apparently David did.  It's okay to be in such a state; so many Biblical characters experienced such. 

The exhortation is, however, that we do not remain in such a state.  This is the reason we, "....run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus."  This is why we are of those who are, "forgetting those things which are behind and...press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

If you are currently feeling this aloneness, let me know so that I can pray with you.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray to be an encourager to any who are as that person I saw the other night.  Amen. 

.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

PSALM NUGGET, OT LESSON, NT LESSON

PSALM NUGGET:

"For I wait for You, O Lord; You will answer, O lord my God."  (Psalm 38;15)

OT LESSON:

"Let the outcasts of Moab stay with you; be a hiding place to them from the destroyer.  For the oppressor has come to an end, destruction has ceased, oppressors have been removed from the land."  (Isaiah 16:4, NASB)

NT LESSON:

"Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, 'I am willing; be cleansed.'  Immediately his leprosy was cleansed."  (Matthew 8:3)

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

PSALM NUGGET, OT LESSON, NT LESSON

PSALM NUGGET:

"The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations."  (Psalm 33:11)

OT LESSON:

"But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever."  (Daniel 7:18)

NT LESSON:

"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:16)

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2