Burunche’s Blog

Luke 9:57-62 The Cost of Discipleship

“Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”

And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Jesus is on his way his way to Jerusalem and knows that his time with the disciples is dwindling. Now he’s doing everything he can to prepare the disciples for his eventual departure, although there are times when the disciples aren’t listening. There are also people who want to curry favor with Jesus but who aren’t really serious. As one friend in the American South used to say, “You want to get credit for singing in the choir without showing up for choir practice.”

Three men approach Jesus, claiming they want to be his disciples. The first guy rushes up to Jesus and gushes, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.”  Sounds great, right? What a believer! But Jesus knows this man isn’t serious. “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Jesus doesn’t rebuke the man for desiring to follow him; he simply points out the nasty facts of his situation. Jesus doesn’t own a house anywhere; in fact, he doesn’t even own a donkey. The disciples have turned their backs on thriving businesses to travel with Jesus and hope that God continues to feed and shelter them. This poor fellow quietly moves to the back of the crowd, for he has anticipated far different results. Jesus doesn’t run after this man, enticing him to follow, for he knows the man is enthusiastic but shallow.

Then another fellow struts up. Certainly, Jesus will want this man as a disciple, for he is wealthy, or at least he anticipates being wealthy when his father dies. “Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” Wow! An invitation from Jesus. Surely, this man will choose to become a disciple.

“But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”  Is this man’s father even dead? Perhaps this man’s father is in perfect health and has no intention of dying. Now the truth comes out; this guy wants credit for being a disciple while he’s sitting in the house waiting for his father to die so he can claim his inheritance by assisting with the funeral. But Jesus knows his time is short, and there’s no time for this kind of shilly-shallying.

“And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” What does this guy want? A going away party where he can swan around, getting praised for his “selfless dedication?” Jesus knows that this man isn’t any more serious than the other two men.

What about us? Certainly, we are willing to follow Jesus as long as we can attend church and take part in interesting and inspiring programs. But what if we live in northern Nigeria, where Boko Haram can sweep in at any moment and slaughter us simply for attending church that Sunday morning? Or what if we live in a country in which it is illegal to lead people to Christ? One believer in North Korea was run over by a bull dozer in the public square in front of his horrified family, simply for having shown a Christian video in the privacy of his own home. Men from South Korea told us this story in 2011, even as they were training in Community Health Evangelism, gaining skills so that they would be able to aid those in North Korea.

Two hundred years ago, West Africa was known as “the white man’s graveyard.” Malaria and yellow fever killed thousands, and missionaries coming to places such as Ghana packed their belongings in coffins so that they would have a fitting burial should they die on the field. Those leaving for West Africa said their final good-byes to family and friends, anticipating that they might never see loved ones again this side of eternity. Although many of those coffins did get used swiftly for their intended purpose, other missionaries survived to carry the Gospel throughout West Africa.

How committed are we to the cause of Jesus Christ? Do we love Jesus for what he has done for us? Are we willing to leave our comfort zones and go out with no idea of the dangers we might face? And if we are already on the mission field, have we gotten into a comfortable rut there, refusing to consider that Jesus might want us to reach out in new directions?

There are always more unreached people who need the good news of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. One missionary couple had a highly effective ministry to taxi drivers in Hong Kong. Those drivers essentially lived in their cabs, and this couple would charter taxis and then engage the drivers in conversations about Christ. Another missionary engaged factory workers in Taipei in outreach. Some workers share rooms-when one shift is working, the others are sleeping.

Never reject the idea that God has new avenues of service for you. Perhaps you live in a community with several colleges and universities. Many foreign students would love to be invited off-campus. Your kindness might help someone make a decision for eternity. Or perhaps you have friends in nursing homes. Those in nursing homes have plenty of time and few visitors. You can brighten someone’s day and introduce them to Jesus at the same time.

May God help us, so that we will never “put our hands to the plow and look back.” May we whole-heartedly follow wherever God leads us.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to follow You, even when it becomes difficult. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Luke 9:46-50 Who Is the Greatest?

The”n a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”

Luke 9:49-50 Jesus Forbids Sectarianism

“Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.”

But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.”

Luke 9:51-55 A Samaritan Village Rejects the Savior

“Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?”

But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.”

Jesus is slowly but surely making his way toward Jerusalem, where he knows he is going to suffer and die. Meanwhile, the disciples are much more concerned about their positions in the Kingdom of Heaven. Right now, the disciples are arguing about which of them has performed more miracles or bigger miracles, has cast out more demons, or has healed more people. Jesus listens for awhile and then looks around and draws a six year old little girl to himself. “Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”

The disciples stop, shocked. “Jesus, what do you mean?” Jesus only smiles, for he knows that further explanations are useless. Until these men have actually suffered for the sake of the gospel, explanations won’t help.

After receiving Jesus’ rebuke, the disciples lurch into another controversy. “Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.”

But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.”

Hoo-boy! Are these guys full of themselves or what? The disciples have witnessed a man successfully casting out demons using Jesus’ name. Now here’s the kicker: If this man did not truly believe in Jesus, the demons would not only laugh at him, but would also attack him. This man’s success means that he truly believes in Jesus, even though he is not part of Jesus’ inner circle. The disciples aren’t rejoicing that this man has a successful ministry; they are jealous because they might not be as special as they have believed. For the disciples, it’s all about status and they are clawing and biting one another in efforts to get to the top of God’s Kingdom.

And there’s still even more. Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem and must pass through a Samaritan village, so he sends James and John ahead to make preparations. But the Samaritans are embroiled in religious controversy. When the Assyrians conquered the Northern Kingdom and slaughtered or carried off its inhabitants, they brought in people from other areas who began worshiping their own gods. But God sent lions to attack these people. Eventually priests were sent to teach these people the worship of the One True Living God; however, they continued to mix traditional Jewish practices with their own pagan practices. Evidently, they did worship God sufficiently that He stopped sending lions. But as far as pure-bred Jews are concerned, Samaritans are pagan mongrels to be shunned and avoided. Samaritans refuse to worship in Jerusalem, but on Mount Gerizim.

When these Samaritans learn that Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, they want nothing to do with him. Horrified, James and John are anxious to take revenge. After all, these two men have just witnessed Jesus speaking with Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration. Surely, Jesus will let them call down fire on these blasphemous Samaritans!

“And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?”

But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.”

It’s not every Samaritan village that rejects Jesus. Perhaps the village that Jesus and the disciples visit next is the village described in John 4, where Jesus witnesses to the woman at the well. There, the entire village winds up begging Jesus to stay. Perhaps the village that rejects Jesus is full of demons inciting the inhabitants to reject Jesus on religious grounds. Satan loves to employ religious arguments to cause as much destruction as possible.

Throughout these verses, you can see that Jesus has an unwavering sense of purpose; he knows he is headed for Jerusalem. Jesus wants the disciples to realize that their standing in the Kingdom of Heaven is not based on performance but on humility and service. And Jesus wants the disciples to realize that he has come to seek and save the lost, not to curse them or destroy them with heavenly fire. Jesus knows his time is short and that he must teach the disciples as much as possible, as completely as possible, and as memorably as possible.

How about us? How many times do we consider ourselves as Greatest of All Time, if not nationally or internationally, at least locally? Have we become “Legends in our own minds?” Do we hope for recognition on social media, so that we can bask in the glow of positive comments? C. T. Studd was a missionary with China Inland Mission for years and then founded the Worldwide Evangelism Crusade, WEC Mission. Studd once wrote, “Only one life-twill soon be past. Only what’s done for God will last.”

There are many benefits to aging, and one of them is that if you are honest, you can reflect and see numerous times where you missed opportunities to serve, to help, and to heal. Reflection should keep us humble, not proud. The day we begin to think of ourselves as G.O.A.T.-Greatest of All Time, we are in danger of becoming GOATS-stubborn animals that resist being led and that always want to go off on our own.

May God help us so that we remain humble, teachable, and willing to learn from our mistakes. And may God deliver us from our desire to justify and promote ourselves!

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to serve You in all humility, knowing that You are the Source of anything good in our lives. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Luke 9:37-42 A Boy Is Healed

“Now it happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met Him. Suddenly a man from the multitude cried out, saying, “Teacher, I implore You, look on my son, for he is my only child. And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out; it convulses him so that he foams at the mouth; and it departs from him with great difficulty, bruising him. So I implored Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.”

Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” And as he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him. Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father.”

Luke 9:43-45 Jesus Again Predicts His Death

“And they were all amazed at the majesty of God.

But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.”

Mark 9:14-29 And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?”

Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.”

He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth.

So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?”

And he said, “From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.

And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”

Here I have included the account from Mark because it is far more extensive and throws additional light on spiritual warfare. Jesus, Peter, James, and John have come down from the Mount of Transfiguration to find a huge crowd waiting for them. A local man has brought his only son who suffers severe epileptic fits. Although Luke does not mention it, Mark 9:14-29 tells us that the demon has frequently thrown the boy into both fire and water, attempting to kill or maim him. The disciples waiting at the foot of the Mount of Transfiguration have been trying to cast out the demon; after all, they have just returned from successful ministry trips during which they have cast out many demons. But this demon is particularly stubborn and refuses to go. The poor father is at his wit’s end, begging for the life of his only son. This is the boy who should carry on the family name and who should take care of this man in his old age, but nobody wants to marry an epileptic, particularly one with a demon.

After learning the details from the boy’s father, Jesus tells the man, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

Jesus speaks very briefly and authoritatively, casting out the demon and freeing the boy. Later, the disciples corner Jesus. “Lord, why couldn’t we cast this demon out?” Jesus answers, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”

Mountaintops are great places for visions, but we can’t live on mountaintops. We are to gain glimpses of God’s glory so that when we return to the valleys, we will be fully prepared to minister. The father of the demon-possessed boy is frantic for the attacks are undoubtedly becoming more severe. Having just received confirmation as the Son of God with the visit from Moses and Elijah, Jesus readily casts out this demon. But Jesus also points out the fact that some demons only come out after those praying for the demoniac have prayed and fasted. There’s another part of this story that is equally important. When Jesus tells the father that all things are possible if he will believe, the father cries out, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” That heart-felt cry should be our prayer, for only when we believe can God move.

Immediately after casting out this demon, Jesus predicts his death to his disciples. Why the juxtaposition of this prediction with a miraculous deliverance? Jesus wants the disciples to remember that all his actions are preparing them for his death. It’s likely that each time Jesus performs another miracle, the disciples take it as evidence that Jesus isn’t really going to suffer and die. Surely Jesus is simply being unduly gloomy. But Jesus is absolutely serious; he is warning the disciples so that they will not become complacent and fail to learn everything they can while he is still with them. The disciples might be trying to ignore nasty facts, but Jesus knows that eventually his ministry will lead him to his death on Calvary. Before that happens, Jesus must ensure that the disciples are prepared.

Today, as we consider this story, let us echo the words of the distraught father. “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, we believe, but our faith is tiny. Help our unbelief so that we will truly trust You as the Son of the Living God. In Your matchless Name we pray, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Luke 9:28-36 Jesus Transfigured on the Mount

Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.

While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.’”

You would think that by now, the disciples would realize just how magnificent Jesus is and that Jesus is really the Son of God. And you would be wrong! Even though Peter has just avowed the Jesus is the Christ, the disciples still don’t really understand what that means. But Peter, James, and John are about to receive an amazing revelation.

“Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.”  Peter, James, and John think they’re just accompanying Jesus up another mountain to pray. But as Jesus is praying, suddenly his face begins glowing and his robe becomes blindingly white and glistening. As if this isn’t enough, Moses and Elijah suddenly appear and begin discussing Jesus’ upcoming death and resurrection in Jerusalem.

Overcome by the glory of God, the three disciples lie stunned while Jesus, Elijah, and Moses continue to converse. Just as Elijah and Moses are about to leave, Peter comes to. Peter is a man of action so his immediate response is to offer to build three booths, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah, even though this is a ridiculous suggestion. God the Father delivers Peter from his embarrassment by shrouding the mountaintop with a cloud and announcing, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”  When the cloud clears, Moses and Elijah are gone, and Jesus has assumed his normal appearance. Peter, James, and John are so awe-struck by this experience that they don’t even tell anybody else about it for a long time. The three men might also fear that if they say anything to the other disciples, it will appear as if Jesus is playing favorites.

Why does Jesus allow these three men to have a brief glimpse of his heavenly glory? All three of these men will become fathers of the early church. Peter will write major epistles. James will be the first Christian martyr, slaughtered by Herod. John will write his gospel, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation. God is revealing Jesus as His Son to these men because they will soon need the assurance this vision will give them. Later, when Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, these three men will also accompany him while the other disciples wait at a distance. When Jesus is crucified, only John will steadfastly remain at the foot of the cross along with the women who have followed Jesus. Jesus will delegate John as the one to care for Jesus’ mother Mary. Eventually, all of these men will play pivotal roles in establishing the early church.

How is it that Luke knows this story? Luke was a physician and delighted in conducting extensive research. Prior to writing his gospel, Luke interviewed several eye witnesses and also drew much of his material from the Gospel of Mark. Mark, in turn, got most of his information from Peter while Peter was in Rome.

Why do Elijah and Moses appear on the Mount of Transfiguration? Elijah fearlessly confronted wicked King Ahab and Queen Jezebel and performed miracles of faith. Moses gave the Law and the Ten Commandments and led the Israelites out of Egypt. During their earthly ministries, each of these men faced overwhelming odds and risked their lives to follow God’s will. Undoubtedly, these men know what Jesus is about to face and are encouraging him to remain strong and resolute in the face of betrayal and death. The appearance of these two men on the Mount of Transfiguration also graphically demonstrates that there IS life after death, and that Jesus’ death will not be the end of the story.

What can we learn from this passage? Sadly, much of the time, many of us might have bought into the “my pal Jesus” thinking to such an extent that we have forgotten who Jesus really is. We refuse to remember that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Heavenly Father, one member of the Trinity, and has been given all power in heaven and on earth. We have lost our sense of awe and respect, a serious mistake. Let us ask God to reveal Himself to us in such a way that we gain new visions of His power and might.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, please forgive us for failing to grasp how magnificent You are. Help us to truly worship You, realizing that You are all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving, and all-forgiving. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Luke 9:18- 20 Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

“And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”  

So, they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.”

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”

Luke 9:21-22 Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection

And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”

Luke 9:23-27 Take Up the Cross and Follow Him

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”

Finally, Jesus has gotten some time to pray by himself when the disciples show up. Jesus poses a question: Who do people say Jesus is? The disciples recite a number of standard answers before Jesus asks, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answers properly, “The Christ of God.” Although Peter is speaking on behalf of all the disciples, some of the disciples might still be cherishing different answers. Why if all the disciples truly believe Jesus is the Christ, will Judas eventually betray him?

What’s interesting is Jesus’ reaction to Peter’s statement: Jesus orders all the disciples not to tell anybody. “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” There are several reasons Jesus might say this. First, Jesus doesn’t want the disciples to be put out of the synagogues at this point. Second, Jesus doesn’t want the disciples to suffer unduly on his behalf, even though eventually most of them will die as Christian martyrs. Timing is everything, and it’s not yet time for this information to be widely spread.

But there’s more. Jesus proceeds to issue a chilling warning. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”

Crucifixion is one of the most painful deaths as well as one of the most shameful. Criminals condemned to be crucified are forced to carry their crosses to the site of crucifixion so everybody will know how they are about to die. This cruel action is taken as a deterrent to other criminals. Now Jesus is advising his followers that they must be willing to deny themselves…what? Deny food? Water? Family loyalties? Job satisfaction?

Jesus is advising his followers that becoming his disciple means putting the Gospel and the needs of the Kingdom of God ahead of everything else. One such individual who did exactly that was William Whiting Borden. William Borden was born into a very wealthy family in Chicago who were also dedicated Christians. As early as age eight, Borden stated that “I want to be an honest man when I grow up; a true and loving and kind and faithful man.” Borden proceeded to Yale University, where he distinguished himself academically, athletically, and in his faith. While still a college student, Borden funded and worked in several outreach programs, both in New Haven and in New York City. Borden received divinity training at Princeton. Eventually, William Borden moved to Egypt to prepare for ministry as a missionary. Sadly, Borden died from meningitis before he could ever begin the ministry toward which he had been working.

Wealth, fame, luxury-Borden had all these things and more. But none of that mattered because he was totally dedicated to the cause of Jesus Christ. What was Borden’s final assessment of his own life? “No reserve, no retreat, no regrets.” This was Borden’s statement even as he realized he was dying.

William Borden gave up everything for the sake of Jesus Christ, carrying his cross daily. What ae we doing? How many of us want to tell Jesus, “Lord, I’m willing to go this far but no farther? I’ll give up everything else but _____.” And notice something else: we are to yield to Jesus daily. We must continue to die to ourselves; this is not a one-time thing. We must remain faithful even when the cause of Christ appears foolish. May God help us to continue to die to ourselves and to follow hard after Jesus, no matter what happens.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to die to our own interests and follow You, no matter what. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Luke 9:10-17 Feeding the Five Thousand

“And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.”

But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.”

And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men.

Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.” And they did so, and made them all sit down.

Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.”

“I feel like I’m a Coca-Cola and everybody has a straw!” This was the sentiment of one of the old-time missionaries in Ghana, and most of us can probably relate. There are times when we have given out everything we have and we are exhausted, feeling that we are barely hanging on by our teeth and our toenails. The disciples probably feel like this.

Jesus has sent the disciples out to minister, to teach, preach, heal, and cast out demons. The disciples have been incredibly successful, but now they are also incredibly tired. Ask many preachers how they feel after they finish speaking on Sunday morning, and they will tell you they are exhausted. Yes, the power of God has flowed through them to bring God’s message to His people; however, preaching involves intently listening to the Holy Spirit to make sure the message is being given correctly.  

Now Jesus has gathered the disciples for a retreat in some quiet land belonging to the city of Bethsaida on the north side of the Sea of Galilee. But the crowds have followed. As the disciples groan within themselves, Jesus teaches the multitude and then heals all their diseases. But evening is approaching, and the disciples would really like some food and some rest. Coming up to Jesus, the disciples ask, “Lord, it’s late. Why not allow these people to go seek food and shelter for the night?” While this question sounds lovely and spiritual, the disciples are actually thinking of themselves and their exhaustion. The disciples hoped for a quiet retreat, not another mass meeting. There are five thousand men; that means there might be another five thousand women and children in the group. All these people are tired and hungry and the disciples feel wrung out. Besides all this, the disciples are hungry as well, and there are no food venders appearing on the horizon.

Jesus smiles at the disciples, for he knows exactly what they’re thinking. “You give them something to eat.”

And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men.

Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.” And they did so, and made them all sit down.

Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.”

God really has a sense of humor. Not only does God multiply the bread and fish to feed everybody, but there are twelve baskets of fragments left over, one for each disciple. Jesus is fully aware how exhausted the disciples are; that’s why he’s brought them out here rather than remaining in Bethsaida. Jesus knows the disciples need time to retreat, to relax, to regroup, and to be debriefed. But at the same time, Jesus also cares about this huge crowd of people who have followed them.

One pastor, speaking about the need for periodic retreats and refreshing in the ministry, has said, “You need to sharpen your axe regularly.” Abraham Lincoln is quoted as having said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Renewal before and after ministry ensures preparation for further ministry.

Notice what Jesus does not do. Jesus does not send his tired disciples scurrying across the countryside searching for food. Jesus works with the resources available and multiplies them, caring for the disciples as well as for the crowd. Sometimes, we feel that we must make human sacrifices of ourselves or of our families for the good of the Kingdom of God. But in the history of the world, God has only approved one human sacrifice: Jesus, when he died on the cross at Calvary. We don’t help ourselves or anyone else when we refuse to rest because we feel we are too important. Face it, if we drop dead today, tomorrow someone else will take up the work we have been doing. They might not do it as well as we have, but the work will go on without us.   

What should we learn from this story? Jesus wants us to rest sufficiently to be fit to minister. Jesus can provide not only our needs, but also the needs of those who come to us. And we need to prepare for ministry and then regroup after ministry, “sharpening our axes” both before and afterwards. May God help us, so we don’t try to become amateur providences, preventing God from doing what only He can do!

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to take our cues for ministry from You. Help us to rest when You tell us to rest, so that we will be fit for Your work. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Luke 9:1-6 Sending Out the Twelve

“Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.

“Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”

So, they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

“Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” It’s only been a short time since Jesus has chosen his twelve disciples. Now Jesus calls them together and gives them an assignment. Look at that list: power and authority over all demons, curing diseases, preaching the kingdom of God, and healing the sick. By now, the disciples are looking at one another in wonder thinking, “Who us? Jesus, do you really know us? Sure, we’ve been watching you, but you’re the Messiah. We’re just ordinary!” And things get even more challenging.

“And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.”

“Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”

Now the disciples are really griping! “Take nothing for the journey? Don’t take staffs or bags or food or money? Don’t even carry an extra tunic? Jesus, this could wind up in disaster!” Peter, James, and John look at Jesus with questions in their eyes, but Jesus simply smiles and nods his head. Peter shrugs his big square shoulders and turns to the other disciples. “OK, boys, guess we’d better get going, hadn’t we?”

The disciples start walking, preaching as they go. The first time Peter has to deal with a demon, there’s no chance to prepare. A man comes screaming out from behind some rocks, behaving very much like the Gadarene demoniac and threatening to strike Peter with a jagged rock. Peter finds himself shouting, “In the Name of Jesus, come out of him, you foul spirit and go back to the abyss!” Peter stands amazed as the man’s entire being changes, the evil leaves him, and suddenly the man begins to speak in a normal tone of voice, asking “What’s happened to me?” Stammering, Peter explains, and the man goes away rejoicing.

Then at the edge of town, Peter encounters two lepers. These poor fellows have lost most of their fingers and toes and one of them has only a stub of a nose left. But Peter remembers that Jesus has sent him, and he says, “In the Name of Jesus of Nazareth, be healed!” It’s tough to know who’s more surprised, the lepers or Peter. Suddenly, fingers and toes are restored, and all the leprosy sores disappear, replaced by clean new flesh. While these things are happening to Peter, the other disciples are having similar experiences. All the disciples can really do is to copy what they’ve seen Jesus do, but that’s enough.

 In this age of certificates and diplomas, it’s tough to realize how short a preparation the disciples have had before going out to minister. Certainly, the disciples probably are hoping for more time, but Jesus wants them to learn something. Jesus wants the disciples to learn that the power is not in them, but in God. When the disciples are doing kingdom work, the King will show up and help.

I was a third-year surgery resident when we handled a very sad case. This nice lady had uterine cancer that had spread throughout her pelvis. Despite chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the tumors had continued to grow until you could see tumor distending the abdominal wall. The lady’s right leg was swollen due to venous occlusion, and she was suffering from blood clots going to her lungs. We had to insert a filter in the big vein bringing blood from her lower body to catch the blood clots. Then the lady had an appendicitis and we had to remove her ruptured appendix. This poor woman was about to be sent home to die when I anointed her with the hospital lotion at her bedside and prayed for her. All either of us was hoping for was for the pain in her right leg to get better, for nothing would touch that pain.

Two years later, I was making rounds on patients to be operated the following day. I entered a room, only to have the female patient tell me, “You don’t recognize me, do you?” It was this same lady! God had healed this lady completely, and now the only reason she was returning was because she had developed a small incisional hernia in one of her incisions. The tumors were gone, and the lady’s legs were both the same size. We had a glory party right there in the room!

Did I have faith for this lady’s healing? No. Did the lady herself have faith for her healing? No. But God showed up! The power wasn’t in me, but in God. God in his infinite kindness healed this woman, and I’m sure she was an encouragement to everyone who knew her or who heard her story.

Want to do miracles and heal people? Ask God to help you pray fearlessly and then trust Him to work. But realize that God might answer your prayers in many different ways. Edith Schaeffer, wife of the famous theologian Francis Schaeffer, has written a book entitled Affliction. In that book, Schaeffer describes different answers to prayers for God to relieve affliction. There are those who are miraculously healed, like the lady I described. These cases prove that God’s power is sufficient to heal. But far more common are those who are not healed miraculously but who are given the strength and courage to survive and even thrive in the midst of suffering. Sometimes people suffer for years, only to be healed miraculously after they have succeeded in giving God complete control over their situation, no matter what happens.

Why does God allow some people to have healing ministries while others don’t? Katherine Kuhlman saw nearly two million people healed through her healing ministry. Sometimes, people who were entering the building would be healed without even being prayed for. What such events tell us is that God is sovereign and can do whatever He wishes. When we trust God as faithful children, we never know how God might use us.

May God help us to go forward in the Name of Jesus, spreading the good news that the Kingdom of God can come into the lives of anyone who will ask and repent.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, thank You that the same power You gave the disciples is still available today and that You do not worry about our ability but only about our availability. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.  

Luke 8:40-56 A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed

“So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him. And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying.

But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him. Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.

And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?”

When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”

But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.

And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.”

But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.

But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.”

Having freed the Gadarene demoniac, Jesus and the disciples now return to Capernaum and Bethesda. Word has already gone out about their coming, and an enormous crowd is waiting. Chief among these people, is Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue and a doting father whose only daughter is dying. Falling to his feet, Jairus begs Jesus to come quickly and heal his daughter before it’s too late. Jesus, Jairus, and the disciples immediately head for Jairus’ house with the rest of the crowd following.

In the crowd is Miriam, a poor woman who has suffered with vaginal bleeding for twelve years.  At the beginning, Miriam was wealthy; however, she has spent all she has on physicians without any improvement. This flow of blood means Miriam cannot enter the temple or even go out in public. Today in an act of desperation, Miriam has gathered her courage and has joined the crowd. There is a tradition that says that even if someone touches the tassels of the Messiah’s talith, his prayer shawl, that person will be healed. Creeping as close as she can, Miriam reaches out and touches one of the tassels. Immediately, Miriam feels a jolt in her body as things come back into alignment, and she knows the power of God has healed her. Meanwhile, despite being jostled by the crowd, Jesus too feels the power of God flowing through him to Miriam. Stopping, Jesus asks “Who touched me?”

The disciples are aghast. The disciples are being pushed around by the crowds as they attempt to protect Jesus. Now Jesus asks who touched him? But Jesus knows power has gone out from him, and finally Miriam comes forward. Trembling, Miriam admits that she is the one and that God has healed her. Smiling, Jesus tells her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Now there’s a new problem. Someone comes smirking out from Jairus’ household to inform Jesus that there’s no need for him to proceed further, for the little girl is dead. Poor Jairus! Although Jairus has pitied Miriam, has this delay cost his daughter her life? Again, Jesus smiles and tells Jairus, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.”  Ignoring the mourners and the hired flute players at the house, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John and enters the girl’s room. Soon grief turns to unbounded joy as Jairus’ daughter rises from the dead.

When the centurion’s servant was deathly ill, Jesus healed him with a word. Why has Jesus allowed this situation to play out differently? Jesus knows that he is not only doing things for today but that he is modeling ministry for his disciples. The disciples must learn that God’s timing is perfect and that there is always time for a healing. Jesus heals Miriam on the way; he doesn’t demand that she wait. The disciples also must learn that Jesus has power over sin and death; that’s why Jairus’ daughter is dead by the time Jesus arrives.

Although there are evangelists who have special healing ministries, God can use anyone He chooses. Several years ago, a lady came over to our hospital from Togo. After several days in hospital, she appeared to have recovered, so we discharged her. The lady was related to a local pastor, who prayed for her and then brought her to his compound. But that night, about 7:30, the lady died. In a culture where early deaths are common, the family knew that the woman was dead. As is the custom, several of her female relatives remained with her body in the room. Two hours later, the lady suddenly sat up and began speaking. God raised this woman from the dead and she remains alive today!  The pastor prayed the same prayers over this lady that he had prayed many other times; this time, God sovereignly chose to raise her from the dead.

We never know what God wants to do in a crisis; our job is to trust and remain faithful. When we obey the Holy Spirit, wonderful things can happen. And God is not bothered by crowds, for He sees the hearts of individuals. It was God who put the desire in Miriam’s heart for her to risk social ostracism to join the crowd that day. But there’s something else to learn from this story: God is not in a hurry and there’s always time for Him to work, for He can work in an instant. We become hot and bothered when things don’t work out the way we have anticipated; meanwhile, God knows exactly what He’s doing. So the next time you are called to minister but someone’s need holds you up, don’t worry. God is already ahead of you, and He can make all things right.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to trust where we cannot see and to remember that when we are doing Your work, You will always arrange the timing. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Luke 8:26-39 A Demon-Possessed Man Healed

“Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.

Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?”

And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.

Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned.

When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned.

Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.”

Without a map of the Sea of Galilee, these place names can be very confusing. Capernaum and Bethesda, two of the places where Jesus ministers the most, are on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. This story takes place at Kursa, or Gergesa, on the east shore of the Sea of Galilee. The population here is a mixed one, with some people raising pigs to sell to the Greeks and the Romans, for the Jews want nothing to do with pigs.

It’s interesting that Jesus steps out of the boat precisely at the right spot to meet this demon-possessed man. The disciples are probably muttering things at one another under their breath. “Peter, I thought you knew where you were going! How could you possibly find the one place where we would encounter the local demoniac?” Peter replies, “Well, John, I thought you knew where we were going! What are we going to do now?”
 

The disciples aren’t going to do anything because Jesus is already out of the boat and is climbing up the shore as the demoniac falls to his knees and begins screaming at him. “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!”  This poor fellow actually is infested with demons, none of whom want to be ordered to return to the abyss. Jesus allows the demons to enter the huge herd of swine, and the demonized pigs promptly rush off a cliff, drowning in the sea.

The swine herds have already rushed back to town, and when the townspeople arrive, they find the previously demonized man clothed and in his right mind. Now you might think that the townspeople would be grateful to Jesus and invite Jesus and the disciples for a meal. Wrong! The townspeople are terrified and just want Jesus to leave as rapidly as possible. The poor demoniac fears that he will be rejected and begs Jesus to allow him to accompany him. But Jesus has a better idea. Jesus tells the man,“Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.”

Jesus and the disciples get back into the boat and leave for another destination. Meanwhile, the man freed from the demons is rejoicing and telling as many people as possible about Jesus. Eventually, Jesus will return to this area, and next time the townspeople will be thrilled to receive Jesus.

Everything Jesus does is one step closer to Calvary. Here the demons recognize Jesus as the Son of the Most High God. While some Jewish religious leaders refuse to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, the demons know he is. As Jesus moves on, increasing numbers of people will recognize him as he continues to demonstrate powers that only the Son of God can wield.

Perhaps you find yourself in a difficult situation. Some of those with whom you work appear to be demonically influenced. There’s power in the Name of Jesus, and you can call on him for help at any time.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to remember that Your power over evil is always available when we pray. Deliver us from Satan and his wicked schemes and from all those serving him. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Luke 8:22-25 Wind and Wave Obey Jesus

Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. But as they sailed, He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”

Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?”

And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” 

What can be simpler than a short passage on the Sea of Galilee? An hour or so, and Jesus and the disciples will be at their destination. But there’s a major problem. The valleys in the mountains to the east of the Sea of Galilee run east to west, forming natural wind tunnels that cause hurricane-force winds to descend onto the lake without warning. The sun might be shining and the sky might be blue, but howling winds can still appear suddenly, swamping small boats.

Jesus is in the bottom of the boat, sleeping on the leather pillow that is traditionally kept there when one of these storms suddenly descends, churning the water into froth. Is Satan moving this wind, trying to drown Jesus? Perhaps. At any rate, the disciples are justly terrified, for now the boat is filling with water faster than they can bail it out.

Panicked, the disciples grab Jesus by the shoulder and shake him awake. “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Jesus wakes up, realizing that his gown is now soaked by the water that has come in over the sides of the boat. Standing and holding out his hands, Jesus tells the wind and the waves to be still. Suddenly, there is an eerie calm. The disciples realize they are so close to shore that they can hear birds singing. Flowers are blowing in a gentle breeze, and there isn’t a cloud in the sky.

Awe-struck, the disciples turn to Jesus. Make no mistake, these men know how dangerous these ferocious storms are; after all, they have lost many friends whose small boats have been swamped. Jesus smiles at the disciples and asks, “Where is your faith?” What are these men supposed to reply? A few minutes ago, the boat was about to sink and they were about to die. While these men have seen Jesus do miracles, those miracles were all on land, not water. Certainly, the disciples have watched Jesus heal people and cast out demons, but control the wind and the waves? That’s a whole different matter. Luke tells us, “And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” 

God allows storms! Let me repeat that more emphatically. GOD ALLOWS STORMS!!! There are storms of ill health, financial loss, job loss, alienation within families, and all kinds of other problems. Many times, we may feel that God has handled other people’s storms all right, but ours is different, ours is more complicated and challenging. Sure, God has helped some of our friends, but our storm is so terrible that perhaps the power of an almighty God will fail….Or perhaps the problem is us.

In this story, Jesus asks his disciples, “Where is your faith?” Where is our faith? Do we believe God can only handle small stuff but we fear some problems are too big for him?

Jeremiah 32:27 tells us, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” The story behind this verse is worth remembering. Jeremiah is imprisoned in the king of Judah’s house and closely guarded. God tells Jeremiah that one of Jeremiah’s relatives is going to come to him, offering him the opportunity to purchase some of the family land in Anathoth and that Jeremiah should do it as a sign that land deals will eventually be carried out again. Jeremiah argues with the Lord. “‘Look, the siege mounds! They have come to the city to take it; and the city has been given into the hand of the Chaldeans who fight against it, because of the sword and famine and pestilence. What You have spoken has happened; there You see it!And You have said to me, O Lord God, “Buy the field for money, and take witnesses”!—yet the city has been given into the hand of the Chaldeans.’ ”  (Jeremiah 32:24-25)

This is when God reminds Jeremiah that nothing is too difficult for Him. We see things in the short term while God sees the end from the beginning. If God does not allow a storm to overtake Jesus and the disciples on the Sea of Galilee, the disciples will fail to realize that Jesus has power over nature as well as over sickness, disease, demons, and death.

My father suffered from chronic depression for most of his life. In July 1955, my father suffered severe injuries in a near-fatal car accident; in fact, he had a near-death experience in which he saw his relatives in heaven before returning to his broken body. This “storm” had several long-lasting effects. My father may have been near-suicidal at that point; however, the outpouring of love from his home community was overwhelming.

At one point, the walls of Dad’s hospital room were covered with get-well cards from family and friends. Dad would look at those cards and weep for joy. That fall, local farmers helped get in the harvest. Many families sent food so Mom wouldn’t have to cook while she was running to the hospital. My parents had been agonizing over whether to expand our dairy operations; this accident caused them to sell off most of our milk cows just as the dairy industry was moving toward factory-size operations. I also believe that this accident helped my parents decide for Mom to return to college to complete her Bachelor’s degree to teach. Mom taught high school and junior high English for fifteen years, blessing innumerable children in the process.  

We have friends who have been enduring a storm for the last several months. Our pastor friend suffered severe gall bladder and pancreatic infections in a remote part of Guatemala. After weeks in a hospital in Guatemala, our friend is now back in Upstate New York, but the crises just keep coming. All any of us can do is to pray that Jesus calms this storm as he has so many others.

Perhaps you are in the midst of a storm, and you feel that God has abandoned you. NEVER! God will never abandon us! God may take you through untold suffering, but he is still in the boat with you. God hasn’t bailed out of your boat. And God doesn’t play favorites. You can ask Jesus to help you just as he did the disciples. God still calms storms.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, many of us are facing giant storms and we need Your help and deliverance. Please calm our hearts and reassure us that You are still working and that You will never leave us or forsake us. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.