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
What a privilege my family had over the years, to know the Smith family. I have the hymn book with that composition (and others of Oswald J Smith’S) but that piece is a favourite! Our children were one of the families that attended the Christian school from the first year it opened. What a privilege. Thank you, thank you, Lord.
This poem jumped into my mind as I finished David’s words.I love that story about the teen who went from being posessed by demons to being possessed by love.
I only typed what I was given.Because ‘my’ poems were used in a ministry there are some with notes attached.This was written after I surrendered on my knees but before I was baptized.(Why the stanzas are 6 lines was not my choice.)It actually only took 10-15 min to write:
The melody started in my head,over and over, followed by the first line of the chorus,then I had to get up and this is the result.I corrected two typos but this is as it was written.I firmly believe it was an inspired writing but at the time I felt too unworthy to believe this:
G W (Bill) Marshall
Salvation
Sweet Jesus I owe everything to you and to you alone,
You have shown me my home,you are my anchorstone,
You have saved me always when stormy winds have blown,
You have always been my rock,the truest friend I’ve known,
So why do you think me worthy as a seed you have sown
What can I ever do to earn all the love you’ve shown .
Ch:
Let me know sweet Jesus, let me know beyond my days
Let me know my savior,when I bow down to you in praise,
When my time here is drawing short and coming to a close,
As they carry me away after leading the life I chose,
I pray that I will leave not sorrow for those that I love,
But instead to know the joy that waits for us above.
I am not a wealthy man but I am very rich by far,
When I walk my journey you’re my guiding star
And you know that I am honest in all the things I do,
I have never born false witness,I only say what’s true,
You have strengthened my soul before I even knew
Of life’s losses with your love to see me through.
You have always had your hand placed within my soul,
You have shown me your light that has made me whole,
I have never known this love that comes from your grace,
Nor have I known compassion that shines from your face,
For I am still a sinner and you are the son of God
I can only meet you at the end of the road I’ve trod.
G W(Bill) Marshall (No copyright intended)
Note:Couldn’t sleep after listening to ‘Salvation’ from Springhill.The melody (I had no means to record the melody.) started in my head,over and over, followed by the first line of the chorus,then I had to get up at 3:30 AM and finished this at 4:16 AM.June 6/2011…I typed what I heard.
My thoughts and sentiments are all expresses in Wm. Marshall’s poem. Thank you and may God Bless you.
Blessings on all who participate in this blog
Mark 5–one of my favourite books of the gospel. And such a prophetic photo, Reynold–thank you. Wow–the healings of Jesus, stir my heart with thanksgiving to our Lord. Oh, such faith–for we believe in miracles. Amen, saints? Blessings to all of you, this day, as we sing praise to our precious Saviour, Adonai!
You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
Psalm 139:5 NIV
Your Presence Heals Me (Live) (feat. John Wilds & John Dreher)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwRb68q3yNs
Enjoyed the link with all the Gospel hymns, especial with George Beverly Shea “When Jesus comes , the Tempter’s Power is broken”.
” Yes, When Jesus came,the tempter’s power was broken!”
All my sins were washed away! Thank You Jesus, You set me free, and washed my sins away!
How wonderful, how marvelous, is my Savior’s love for me!!!
Have a great day all bloggers!