GREAT FAITH
Today’s Reading: Luke 7
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
In the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, this octagonal baptismal font in the south aisle dates from the 6th-century church of Justinian; it originally stood near the high altar. The inscription reads, "For remembrance, rest and remission of sins of those whose names the Lord knows."
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: 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!”
From yesterday’s reading we are to be “talmudim,” disciples, students, of Jesus. Today we learn more from our Teacher, Jesus. In the last verse of chapter 7, we learn that the woman had “faith.” “Great faith” is not just believing for our sins to be forgiven, but a recognition of the absolute authority of Jesus. Authority is communicated by words. In the case of this Roman officer, he gave commands and was obeyed. His authority came from Caesar, the Emperor of Rome. His “great faith” was in recognizing that Jesus’ authority came from Almighty God. When Jesus speaks, it is done! We need to read and listen for His Word. Like the officer, ask Him to “speak the Word.” God’s Word for this new day is powerful. I suggest we read this chapter a second time. Jesus is speaking to us.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, I’m reading and listening. I’m learning as Your student about “great faith.” I recognize Your authority over me. Please give me the grace to obey You. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I remember being stopped on a busy Toronto street by a police woman. She raised her hand and I obeyed. Thousands of pounds of metal came to a halt at her gesture. I thought, “She does not have the power physically to stop all these cars, but she has the authority.” She is backed up by the city, the province, the government of Canada, and the Queen. I thought, how much more should I instantly obey Jesus. He’s backed up by all the authority of the cosmos. He said, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples [students] of all the nations” (Matthew 28:18b & 19a). I’m confident that this blog is done in obedience to what I believe Jesus has spoken to me. Please, if you have not already done so, check out the story of how this blog came to be. Click here.
Yours, recognizing the universal authority of Jesus,
David
Praise God for Jesus the Son of God for being our example of obedience to The Father
Help us Lord to have Great Faith
for when Jesus went to heaven leaving the comforter to live in us
To do the works of God through us
without Him we can do nothing
Praise be to You Lord Jesus Christ Hallajuah
I had never realized before that Mary stood behind Jesus before. I think I have seen art depicting her on her knees in front of Him but, of course, if He was seated at a table, that makes sense. Don’t you just Love Jesus? He is Love. Have a blessed day with Him all.
Great to see the updated version about how this blog came to be. As well, to read how you are actively involved in the blog now. University students (talmudim’s) in Florida listening to your lectures are fortunate and blessed to glean from your insight and experience. Thanks for all you are doing and to everyone involved in the process!
Amen!
I listened to Luke 7, twice. “Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” That is the message that spoke so clearly. Jesus forgives us our sins when we humble ourselves and bow down to Him. Our love for Him keeps us real. Our service to Him is what matters. We extend that to each other. Let us love but not hate. Let us help one another, and bypass being judgemental and ignorant as human nature dictates. Jesus set the example for us. It is up to us to follow. We are being tested here on earth. We must let down our egos and pride and touch the heart of one another through love. The headlines of Isis and beheadings and threats of war and retaliation are spawn by Satan trying to lash out against Jesus and the goodness of the earth. Our prayers to God are much bigger than that. I call to all saints today to bow down on bended knee, at home, in prayer, in churches. to lift up the mighty armour of God to save the world. I know God has a plan and scripture lays things out about the end of the world. Until He reveals that to us, let us pray for world peace and for an army of Angels to blanket the earth with protection for all who live in areas of turmoil. So many people around the world need our help through prayer. Our God is an awesome God and He is the One and Only Creator and Power of this world. Amen, saints. Amen! God bless you all, on this day that we worship the Lord. Amen!
Amen
Amen Beverlee, we must put God’s armour on everyday to protect us from the wiles of the devil Ephesians 6:11-17. My word for 2014 is FAITH so the reading today is a great encouragement to me. Hope you all are enjoying The Lord’s DAY.
Good morning David M 🙂 It was good to read through the updated version on the link you provided on how this blog got it’s start. It is such a wonderful way to begin, (or end) each day. I followed last time, and enjoying it just as much this time around. God’s Word IS always new and refreshing. Bless you and yours David M, and thank you for your faithfulness and obedience to His leading.
So great to read this part of our bible. So many miracles and the mention of John the Baptist.
I enjoy helping Ezra Levant. He is such a trooper for Jesus. Ezra works for Sun News and helps Christians as best he can. Please pray for Ezra’s good works.
Will tell all those I can about this study Rev. DM and thanks so much for your teachings.
Blessings to all this Sabbath.
Amen!!
In church this morning we witnessed the repentance and restoration of one of our leaders and what a rejoicing time it was!!! This passage on forgiveness and the awesome grace, mercy and love from Our Saviour just affirms His Majesty.
How great to be a child of The Most High God!!!
Thanks, David, for posting the link about the making/beginning of the blog. I am so perpetually grateful for your dedication and faithfulness to serving our Lord! Amen!!
Thanks David for your dedication to the Lord and this blog. Just watched Canadian Times tonight and Dr. Charles McVey. Thank God for what he is doing for the cause of Christ and standing up for righteousness in Toronto. Spoke today about my upcoming trip in church this morning. Whether we are strong or whether we are weak we win because of the power and grace of Christ to help us do what He asks us to do. Amen?
Just got back from “A Night to Honor Israel” sponsored by Christians United for Israel. Besides emphasizing the importance of supporting Israel at this, was an emphasis on our Prime Minister’s stand for Israel, and the importance for standing for him at this time, preparing for the election in 2015.
Thank you Pastor David for your obedience to the Lord in presenting this blog for us and guiding us through it.
What an awesome picture Reynold, thank you!
it’s so interesting! How many times I have read Luke and did Bibile studies over the years and yet those words “your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you. Go in peace” brings tears. this is a very good Bible study, as I said in yesterdays blog, I am #1 when it comes to mistakes, BUT GOD understands and when we confess, He forgives. So many people need to hear those words, so many people are carrying tons of guilt, Lord God I ask that You would speak to the people in our communities and if anyone of us can be a tool in Your Ministry, then help us to do so! In the Name of Jesus Christ, I pray all these things. AMEN.