20151012 HEAL, RAISE, CURE, CAST FREELY

HEAL, RAISE, CURE, CAST FREELY

Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

Jesus is sending out His disciples to do the work of the ministry. Along with announcing the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven they are to perform these miracles. As they perform them they are to think about what they have “freely” received and they are to give freely.

God’s grace is given to each of us as a free gift. He grants salvation, healing, life and freedom from the bondage of demons. He gives these things to us. And Jesus commands that we give them to others. He grants us His authority to do so.

I urge you to be quicker to pray for the sick. Take this command seriously and have faith that God is Who He says He is, and that you are His child empowered to do the work He calls you to do.

Father in heaven, grant us the knowledge of Who You are and who we are in You. Grant that empowering in fresh anointing today and every day, along with the faith to heal the sick, raise the dead and cast our demons. And when we meet up with someone who is suffering for whatever reason may our first thought be, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand and I have freely received. Let me give freely.” In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!

20150915 WALKING WITH OR TALKING ABOUT JESUS?

WALKING WITH OR TALKING ABOUT JESUS?

Matthew 8:28-34 When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met Him. They lived in a cemetery and were so violent that no one could go through that area.  (29)  They began screaming at Him, "Why are You interfering with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torture us before God's appointed time?"  (30)  There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance.  (31)  So the demons begged, "If You cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs."  (32)  "All right, go!" Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.  (33)  The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men.  (34)  Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged Him to go away and leave them alone.

Here we have a couple of guys who have been aggravated by demons for quite some time. The demons have been ruling their lives and making them violent men, so much so that no one would even go into that area. Then… Jesus shows up. They know Who He is and they fear Him greatly.

There are many stories about demons in the Gospels. The thing I find important here is that when Jesus is around there’s nothing to fear. We have been given authority over the demons. The key is to be walking with Jesus, not just talking about Jesus.

One day as a preteen I was playing in the park across from our house. A gang of boys who were acting the part of bullies showed up and started picking a fight with me. I was always small (back then) and I was vastly outnumbered. As the leader was trying to berate me into throwing the first punch I just stood there because Dad always told me, “Don’t you throw the first punch, but don’t be afraid to throw the second.”

Suddenly a look of fear crossed the bullies face and all of the group took a step back. Unbeknownst to me my brother who is 4 years older than me and quite a bit larger stepped up behind me. After they all stepped back he asked, “Steven, are you alright?” The bullies all scattered and I said, “I think I’m fine… now.”

I think of that story often when dealing with the attacks of the enemy. My God is bigger and He has promised not to leave me nor forsake me.

Please take this warning to heart. Those who just talk about Jesus but don’t walk with Him will find themselves in grave danger if they attempt to take on demons. Read Acts 19:13-17.

Father in heaven, thank You that You are always with us. Thank You that we can trust You to be bigger and more powerful than all the demons of hell. Help us to truly walk with Jesus and fill us with Your Holy Spirit power to deal with the enemy whenever he raises his ugly head. May the enemy tremble when they see us coming because You are always with us. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!

20150902 LORD LORD

LORD LORD

Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who calls out to Me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of My Father in heaven will enter.  (22)  On judgment day many will say to Me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in Your name and cast out demons in Your name and performed many miracles in Your name.'  (23)  But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who break God's laws.'

Paul puts it like this… 1 Corinthians 4:20 For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power.

In keeping with the theme of this entire sermon preached on the mount, Jesus again points out the matter of the heart. The outward expression, “Lord, Lord!” is not necessarily indicative of the condition of the speaker’s heart. It is possible to prophesy, cast out demons and perform miracles in His name and have no love in your heart. Many such things and many heinous things have been done in “His name.” The Holocaust was even brought about in “His name.” The Crusades were carried out in “His name.”

Jesus met with and ate with sinners. He called them to follow Him. He does the same thing today. If we will follow, He will not leave us in the condition He finds us. Through the power of His Word and Holy Spirit He will bring about change in our lives. Unfortunately many stop at the point of saying only, “Lord, Lord!” They go no further. They do not let His Word penetrate their hearts and minds. They do not look to the Holy Spirit for conviction of sin and righteousness. When in crises they call upon Him, “Lord, Lord!” and expect the miraculous, which often happens in spite of us. But, once the crises passes they go back to the old life, the old ways of dealing with others. They go back to ignoring the rest of this Sermon on the Mount. And, Lord willing, as we will see tomorrow, they build on sand.

Father in heaven, thank You for the Words of Jesus. Please do not let them stop at our ears. Cause them to sink into our brains, deeper into our hearts and cause them to burst forth in new life through our thoughts, words and actions. In Jesus Name AMEN!!!