SO, YOU HAVE PROBLEMS
Today’s Reading: Mark 5
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).
This is the hill on the east side of the Sea of Galilee that is said to be the place where Jesus encountered and delivered the demoniac. Jesus cast the demons into the pigs and they ran down this hill into the water and drowned.
GOOGLE MAPS – See where Reynold took the photo Click HERE.
Key Verse: Mark 5:15
Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.
Three more times the word “immediately” appears. That makes 17 times so far in Mark. Do you think God wants action? The man in our key verse had BIG problems! That’s an understatement. He was full of evil spirits, cut off from all human contact. He constantly tortured himself and could not be restrained because of demonic strength. His home was a graveyard. Jesus solved these fearsome destructive results of satanic activity with Words of deliverance. With what little free will this man retained, he chose Jesus! On the other hand, the local townspeople were afraid of what Jesus might continue to do. Obviously the pork business was a mainstay of their economy. According to the historian Josephus, there was a huge non-Jewish population in the Galilee at that time who, unlike the Jews, would eat pork. Their message to Jesus was, “Don’t mess with our finances.” What message are we sending Jesus today?
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, You are my Deliverer from ALL the works of the devil. In Your all-powerful NAME I am free and in my “RIGHT MIND.” You are welcome as Lord of my life, and Lord Mayor of our community. I yield to Your AUTHORITY in all things! Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
It was a Sunday night after service when several young people came to me and said, “Kenny is downstairs!” Kenny was experimenting with drugs and dabbling in the occult. His parents and grandparents were church members, but this 19-year-old was not attending church. There he was, lying on the floor, writhing like a snake. As Pastor, I sensed divine authority come upon me. I knelt beside him and commanded him to say the Name of Jesus. I heard “J…J…J…” and then “JESUS!” in a loud cry. Immediately, he was delivered. His Dad picked him up like he was still a child, and they hugged and we all cried for joy. Kenny became a minister, specializing in children’s TV.
Oswald J. Smith wrote a song, “When Jesus comes, the tempter’s power is broken.” It’s about the deliverance of the demon-possessed man. I encourage you to read and meditate on all the lyrics of this hymn (you can find them by clicking HERE). You can also hear it sung at a 1992 Billy Graham Crusade by George Beverly Shea by clicking HERE.
Yours because of the fact that “JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER” (Hebrews 13:8),
David
Often times God demonstrates His faithfulness in adversity by providing for us what we need to survive. He does not change our painful circumstances. He sustains us through them.
– Charles Stanley
Seems to be so true Scott. Many of my friends think God is like Santa Clause and they should get everything they ‘pray’ for. If only they would study our Bible and take this blog. Such a beautiful, true quote. Thanks.
Amen! … free will…
I love that hymn that Oswald J. Smith wrote (and he wrote many, many, along with much poetry). We were privileged to know the family and Oswald. As a child I listened to him on the radio! As a teen I visited his church in downtown Toronto (the old one). As a family we attended the church on Sheppard Ave. E and our children attended the Christian school. What a privilege we had. Deliverance is much more needed these days with all the attacks and tempting of Satan. Jesus still delivers! He is the same today as back then. He came to set the captive free. Hallelujah! He is near.
Amen Pastor David Mainse!
Your blog friend in Christ Jesus,
david loewen
Then Jesus Came
One sat alone beside the highway begging
His eyes were blind, the Light he could not see
He clutched his rags and shivered in the shadows
Then Jesus came and bid the darkness flee
Chorus
When Jesus comes the tempter’s power is broken
When Jesus comes, all tears are wiped away
He takes the gloom and fills my heart with glory
For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.
“Unclean! Unclean!” the leper cried in torment,
The deaf, the dumb, in helplessness stood near;
The fever raged, disease had gripped its victim
Then Jesus came and cast out ev’ry fear.
From home and friends the evil spirits drove him,
Among the tombs he dwelt in misery;
He cut himself as demon pow’rs possessed him,
Then Jesus came, and set the captive free.
So men today have found the Saviour able,
They could not conquer passion, lust and sin;
Their broken hearts had left them sad and lonely,
Then Jesus came and dwelt, Himself, within.
Amen. Thank you for that prayer, David. God’s blessings fellow saints in the Lord. May all be at peace on this beautiful day.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 NKJV
The Love of God
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjj2kZ1qoqw
Thank you for the links…I also clicked on the celebration of Beverlea Shea’s homegoing…Thank you Pastor David. Great photo of the hill the demon-possessed pigs ran down.
Amazing …the people were more concerned about their pigs…than the demon-possessed man being set free!!!