Jesus Drives Out Evil and Heals Many

Prayer Practice: 

Lectio – Read today’s passage through once. Then spend some time praying and asking God to show you what you need to pay attention to in the text. Read it again. Now ask God to help you see what this text, and the part that has stood out, may mean for you. Don’t expect to get a clear word every time but always be ready to really hear from God through His Word.

Daily Reading: Luke 4:31-44

Devotional:
by Pastor Jeff Morlock

Words are potent. They have power to uplift or discourage. They have power to heal or destroy (the old “sticks and stones” adage notwithstanding). A torrent of words pours forth from mass media and from every political platform and soap box. Words move people to buy and sell, to hate and to love. They can depress, distort, and deceive, poisoning the springs of our common life. Hence need to be careful about what we hear and what we say.

Which brings us to the Word of God. Do you hear it with selective submission or with the full faith and obedience? Jesus spoke God’s Word as no one had spoken it before. The prophets spoke with delegated authority – “Thus says the Lord.” The Scribes and Pharisees leaned on supporting quotes from other sources, often punctuating their teaching with question marks. Jesus’ teaching was punctuated by exclamation points and needed no human authorization, for he was authority incarnate - the Word of God made flesh. 

When Jesus spoke, it was God’s voice the people heard. At his command, sickness and disease fled, for the Spirit of the Lord was on him to set the oppressed free. Even evil spirits obeyed. And if even demons believe in the Son of God, how much more can we trust his Word and receive it expectantly, with engaged minds? How much more can we eagerly submit to his wise counsel, in the knowledge that his Word always does what it says, and accomplishes every purpose for which he sends it?

In what way has God’s Word (spoken, written, or incarnate) been calling you to yield or obey lately? In what way has the Word encouraged you or set you free?

Lord, your word is power and life. Help me to obey your teaching and to never doubt  the ability of your promises to save, heal, and restore. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Disciples Sent Out to Preach and Heal

 Prayer Practice

Spoken Prayer – Out loud, pray for God to speak to you through your reading. Praise God for giving us His word. Ask the Spirit to help you read with faith, and to live out what you hear from God through the passage.

DAILY READING

Luke 9:1-62

REFLECTION

Disciples Sent Out to Preach and Heal

by Pastor Jeff Morlock

Jesus’ disciples have received his teaching and witnessed his authority over disease and the demonic. Now Christ gives them the responsibility and authority to do what he himself has been doing - proclaim God’s kingdom and demonstrate its power (verses 1-6). Jesus sends them without the necessary provisions of bread, money, or extra clothes, asking them to trust him for daily provision. Their faith will grow in proportion to their experience of  God’s faithfulness (verses 10-17). Of course, this is all preparation for the day when Jesus will ascend to heaven, and they’ll be given the task of taking the Gospel to the nations. Like their master, these disciples will receive from God a cross and a crown (verses 23-27). And as they obey him, they'll experience his triumph and truth (verses 37-45).

This is a long passage, but its bottom line is simple: to answer Jesus’ call is to be in over your head and out of your comfort zone. When you go in the authority he provides, with his promises in your heart and on your lips, when you dare to speak his good news in word and deed to the people around you, you’ll be desperate for the Lord to supply even the simplest of needs. Are you desperate yet? If what Jesus asks of his disciples then and now seems risky, consider this: you, me, and all of us together are like a conduit that the Spirit of God uses to deliver his grace and power to those trapped by sin and its consequences. So the real question is, “What blocks the flow of the Spirit's power in your life and mine? What blocks the flow of the Spirit's power in our life together as church?”

Joining Jesus in his mission always demands adjustments of us. Our text highlights four attitude adjustments that are necessary in order for Jesus’ disciples to be conduits of the Spirit who are able to effectively reach others for the kingdom. Spend some time reading, praying and meditating on the need for these adjustments. Which one is most applicable for you right now?

- He turns us from pride to humility (verses 46-48)
- He turns us from tribalism to cooperation (verses 49-50)
- He turns us from vengeance to mercy (verses 51-56)
- He turns us from security to sacrifice (verses 57-62)

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I confess that I have often been too comfortable and content to be sent. I’ve been silent when you’ve called me to speak, and timid about operating in the
authority you’ve given me. Please forgive me, and make the necessary adjustments
in my attitude, so that your Holy Spirit can freely flow through me to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and to set the oppressed free. In your holy name. Amen.

Do As the Roman Does

Luke 7:1-10

What a powerful story of faith this is. This is the first account so far in the book of Luke where Jesus has dealt with a Gentile. And that, in part, is what makes this story so amazing.

The man was a Roman officer, a centurion. He'd heard of Jesus' amazing miracles and because of his love for his servant, sent for Jesus. This man, who did not believe in God, believed that Jesus could command healing. And on top of that, he believed Jesus could do it without even being present. As a Roman centurion, he understood authority and saw that Jesus had it. And, he realized that Jesus' authority was much greater than his own. This faith amazed Jesus. People, his own disciples included, saw him heal and still didn't believe he was the Son of God. But this man had such faith in Jesus' healing power and authority and he wasn't even a Jew. And Jesus did a miraculous work of healing, like he so often did and still does today.

This story makes me think about faith and its power, about our belief in the authority of Jesus as the Lord of all creation. How often do I doubt God's authority in my life? How often do I think I need to do things on my own, or make a decision out of my own interests because I lack the faith to trust that God is holding me?

When I look at this story more closely, I find an interesting insight. The centurion's faith in Jesus' healing power comes out of desperation, and that desperation comes out of love. His love and care for his servant causes his need for healing; his hopeless situation drives him to have faith in the only option left to him: a miracle from the one they're calling "the Son of God." And he has no choice but to have faith.

I know that in my life, I tend to have stronger faith when I am desperate and hopeless. When I feel the need for Jesus is when I give my life up to his power and authority. It's when things are fine and dandy that I struggle to have that powerful faith that submits to Jesus' authority, because I feel like I'm doing just fine on my own. Maybe you're the opposite, and your faith is strong in good times and you fail to cry out to God when times are tough. Whatever your faith looks like, we all struggle at times to recognize the complete authority of Christ. But when we do recognize it, the pressure comes off of us to always know what to do, to be perfect, to make the right decision. When we put our full faith in the power of Jesus, no matter the circumstance, he will always guide us through.

Reflect:
1. What are the ebb and flow patterns of faith in your life? Does your faith grow stronger in times of desperation or do you rely more on yourself or others during those times?
2. How can you give your life up to the power and authority of Jesus on a daily basis? Pray and ask God for this.

It's Not the "OK" Commission

Sometimes I forget about the Great Commission. As if it’s hiding away in Matthew - a passage of power, directive, and promise, just slipped into the book as an afterthought, a little “by the way.” But that’s not true. It’s not the “lousy commission,” or the “maybe commission.” It’s the Great Commission! It’s got oomph!

So maybe I don’t forget so much as avoid it. With His authority, this is what Jesus tells His followers to do. He tells them to travel far, speak boldly, make a difference. That’s a pretty big deal. What if I’m too afraid, don’t know what to say, or feel insignificant? What if I don’t know how? 

Jesus tells the disciples to share of the miracles they saw, the things they learned, the risks they took; the bruises and blisters, cuts and scars they acquired; the long and cold nights, the responsibility, the meltdowns and times of doubt; when they leaned on each other and laid their heads in Jesus’s lap, and when they discussed and laughed with each other and with the Son of God over food and drink, or around a fire. He tells them to speak from where they are, and who they are. He tells them to share an opportunity with those who don’t yet know the wonder of living life with the King. He knows the gravity of this send-off; He knows what’s coming for His followers: ridicule, persecution, exile, death. And yet He still tells them to go. Because it’s not the “meh commission.” It’s great. It’s one of the most important things a follower of God will ever do. It’s no surprise, then when Jesus tells His followers that He’ll be right by their side, no matter what. 

When the One who has all authority, who gave me this responsibility and gift and path to take, says that He's with me until the end of the age, I know I’m covered. And I know, despite the fear and risks, that I want to be a part of something great. 

Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus’ Authority Questioned

JANUARY 3                                                                          

Scripture Reading
Read Mark 11:27-33 and reflect on the passage.

Every few years you hear a story about someone who feels the U.S. Government has no authority to collect personal income taxes.  April 15 comes and goes and in an act of defiance, no tax check is sent. How do you think this turns out?  As much as someone might not like it, believes it is bogus, wishes it weren’t so, there is an entity called the IRS that will settle the matter.

There exists in human nature a tendency to vilify authority.  We don’t want anyone telling us what we can and cannot do.  To undercut authority, we will rail against it attempting to declare it in some way illegitimate.  But, what if most of the problem resided with us?  What if in fact, the authority is completely legitimate? 

In our scripture reading, the chief priests, scribes and elders haughtily approached Jesus. Was it a real question they asked or was it more, "Just who do you think You are?"  It did not matter what they thought, felt or believed, they were speaking to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  To avoid His authority they even killed him.  How do you think this turned out for them?

QuestionsWhat do you think was Adam and Eve’s largest character flaw and how does it relate to authority?Are there any areas of your life where you are hesitant to acknowledge God’s authority?

Prayer

Lord, search, test, and show me anything in my life that refuses to acknowledge Your authority as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

                                                                                                                                    Lee Miller

Armed with Armor

13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. -Mark 3:13-15

In today’s passage, we see Jesus appointing twelve apostles from all the disciple who were following him.  He pulls out of the crowd, a select few, giving them the charge to preach and he gave them authority to drive out demons.

It is no mistake that Jesus did both things.  You see whenever Jesus is talked about, Satan is near.  He will do his best to distract people from the gospel message.  Jesus is not concerned though, he has all authority over Satan and his demons.

The disciples Jesus picked were not perfect men.  We see time and again how they failed Jesus. Jesus does not need perfect people he needs loyal people.  Men who won’t walk away when times get tough, because they were going to get tough.  He picked men who would trust that God had a plan and it wasn’t always going to be what they expected.

Jesus knew that our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against the evil forces in our world. Jesus picked men who could be taught to understand where the fight lies.

We all need that same understanding.  If we are going to talk about Jesus, Satan will be near, trying to distract those around us.  Our fight is not with our neighbor though, it is with the devil and his demons. We need to put on the armor of God daily and stand firm against the devils schemes.

Jesus Delegates, Jesus Supports

When I was perhaps 25, on the job less than a year, my boss went on vacation and made me his “delegate.” I was excited by the prospect.

 After two days, reality hit. I was really a “go-for”; instead of calling my boss for support, others in the organization were now calling me. It was my job to figure out what assistance was required and then to figure out who was best positioned to provide the help.

 Perhaps most important, since I had no real authority, I had to figure out what words to use to motivate my co-worker to follow up with the necessary assistance.

I soon realized being delegate in this case was not all it was cracked up to be.

Today’s reading is Matthew 28:16-20, the Great Commission.

 The Great Commission did not come from God the Son, but rather from God the Father. Jesus tells us that “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” What Jesus is about to say is not what he wants, but rather what his Father wants!

 Jesus continues by delegating his most important responsibility to his disciples – his church – and that includes you and I. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

 Our job is to find and identify those who will be with Jesus for life eternal.

 Yet, there is more. We are to teach, “them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Not only do we find and identify Christians, but we are to teach them what it means to be a Christian.

 Unlike my delegate story above, being a part of Jesus’ delegate story is rewarding. In my story, I had no real authority, but Jesus clearly gives us his Father’s authority to find and train disciples.

 In my delegate story I often felt like I was on my own. As a member of his church, Jesus reminds us, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” We are not on our own; Jesus is there with us.

 Jesus delegates to us; Jesus also empowers and supports us.

1 Timothy 2:1-8

Pray

Do you want the dash on your tombstone to represent something significant? Pray, and pray like you mean it! Join the symphony!

1 Timothy 2: 1-2 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

We often criticize those in positions of authority as they act and react in ways that contradict our belief system. Perhaps they know things we do not. Just maybe they see the big picture we are not privileged to view.

We justify our disappointments by saying it is part of God’s plan that we do not understand because we are not entitled to knowing all the details. We settle into our circumstances because we know we are not in control. God is.

Paul urges us to do the same in regards to those in authority because God has placed them there for our good. He tells us not to criticize, but to pray for them, for more people in authority knowing Jesus means more Godly decisions will be made, leading to quiet and peaceful lives.

It is difficult to believe my little prayer will make a difference, but think about the power in numbers. Every quiet little prayer adds to the volume and effectiveness. Envision a musical performance as you sit back in your seat in a crowded theater.  The performance begins with a single, slow, sincere, a Capella voice. Then a duet ensues. Soon, the chorus fades in with gentle harmony, followed by glimpses of instrumental interludes. As the tempo gradually increases, the voices and instruments merge. The auditorium is saturated with a beautiful melody.  Together the individual tones, pitches and intervals create an intense symphony like crescendo that fills the music hall with spirit and power!

Prayer is like that. If we pray as God and Paul have instructed, we can be part of a breath taking symphony that creates passion and brings about love.  

Read/Listen to 1 Timothy 2:1-8 

As deceived as Eve

“I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.  For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.”
2 Corinthians 11:3-4

“She was deceived by the serpent's cunning.”  If Eve had a tombstone, this could well be its epitaph.  For this is how she has been remembered; it is her tragic legacy.

I don’t think Satan uses serpents much anymore, other than to scare the bejeebers out of us, perhaps.  Oh, he’s still hell-bent on leading us astray, but he's deceived plenty of people by now and he is more than pleased to use them to dupe more dupes!  Including you and me if we’re not careful.

So let’s sign the guest register at the First Church of Corinth, settle into a comfortable pew and consider Paul’s warning against three false promises: a different Jesus, a different spirit, and a different gospel.

We don’t often hear reports of a “different Jesus,” per se.  Our “different Jesus” is the one we create in our image by bending, stretching and twisting the Biblical Son of God like a toy-box Gumby until he looks the way we think he should look.  But God intends that we be conformed into the image of his Son (Romans 8:29), not the other way around.  And his complete Word is the complete authority on his Son.

Jesus is God, come in the flesh; any assertion to the contrary arises from a “different spirit.”  In one of the Bible's great “trinity” passages, Jesus instructed his disciples: “... I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. (John 14:16-17)”  And it is so crucial we follow this Holy Spirit of truth, that John warned against “different spirits,” even giving us this litmus test by which to discern among them: “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. (1 John 4:2)”

As Paul told the Galatians, “a different gospel ... is really no gospel at all. (Galatians 1:6)”  Only Jesus fulfilled the gospel announced in advance to Abraham (Galatians 3:6-9) and to the prophets (Romans 1:1-4).  Only God himself in human flesh could fulfill the rigid demands of the Law.  Only Jesus’ blood could remove our sin; only God's life could atone for our life.  This being true, there is, as Paul said, no other gospel; indeed, perfection needs no other “good news.”

Winding its way throughout eternity is the Word of God.  God displayed its authority upon speaking it.  Satan acknowledged its authority by twisting it.  Eve recognized its authority in misquoting it.  Moses and the prophets submitted to its authority when writing it.  Jesus attested to its authority by declaring it, living it and fulfilling it – everything “that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms. (Luke 24:44)”  And when we trust in its authority, it proves to be our rock, our safe place amid the tempest of deception.

As our wacky world turns wackier, let us not be as deceived as Eve.  Rather, let us hold onto these unchanging truths: there is no other Jesus; there is no other Holy Spirit of truth; there is no other gospel.

Our God is true to his Word.  We have it on good authority.  We can trust it with our lives.

[Today’s reading is 2 Corinthians 11:1-15.  For NIV, click here.  For The Message, click here.]

Keeping Cool When Things Heat Up

Acts 7:1-16 (NIV) Then the high priest asked him, "Are these charges true?"  

Stephen, while being questioned by the religious leaders, found himself accused by liars planted in the crowd. Even though innocent of these crimes, Stephen was calm and collected as he responded to his accusers. Using wisdom of the Holy Spirit he painted a picture for his enemies of their family tree.

The Sanhedrin, as religious scholars, likely studied scriptures more than most. The story narrated by Stephen would be familiar to these men and they would be able to discern the truth Stephen told. One would think they knew better, but it was obvious there were ulterior motives involved.

At times we operate with questionable ethics; we act out of selfish ambition or greed to obtain a place of power or authority over others. As humans we place our desire for comfort and convenience over sound morals and good principles.

The Sanhedrin acted out of fear. What are our motives? How often do I know better, but operate out of my own selfish ambition and desire for fame or fortune? Some days I have to remind myself over and over that a Christian doesn't act the way I just did. 

My impatience with drivers on the road is a good example of sin in my life. I found myself praying for God to change my heart but within the time it took me to drive five miles I had caught myself scolding two drivers.  It doesn't matter if they were in the right or not, it was not my place to even think the thoughts I was thinking.  Muttering under my breath only fills me with angst and puts me in a foul mood for the rest of the morning. This is not the behavior God wants his children to practice.

How do we overcome this type of behavior? I know that I need to stay close and in constant communication with Jesus.  I must call upon him, listen to praise and worship music on the radio, and remind myself minute by minute of Jesus' love for me and the grace He lavishes.  Practice, practice, practice.

Acts 7:1-16

Love thy neighbor - 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

Do you have trouble getting along with people?  Most of us do not as a rule, but perhaps once in a while we will disagree with someone's opinions or actions.  How do you settle tensions in a relationship?  Do you avoid dealing with a difficult situation and live in denial that anything is amiss?

I think we all, at one time in our lives, struggle with a difficult personality.  This may be a family member, a co-worker or a neighbor or an acquaintance.  Any one of us could be that disagreeable personalty as well.  We all have bad days or weeks.  There are times when the issue could be more serious, a time when we need the intercession of someone else to help us mend the break.  Scripture encourages us, as believers, to heal the rift without taking our Christian brother to court where a non-believer has authority,

"If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people?" (1 Corinthians 6:1)

The issue here isn't who we turn to for help in these difficult times but rather what is the example we are setting for the world.  Paul's words go on, "The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?" (1 Corinthians 6:7)  We are being called to get along with one another.  Paul is reaffirming the need to stop any division in the church and love our brother.

Like most of the teaching in the Bible this is all contrary to our human nature, proving Heaven is an upside down world.  Oh, how we long for those topsy turvy times.



Read the 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 text here.  Listen to audio of the 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 text here.

John 10:25-30

As someone who is in charge of a project will testify, many times decisions they have made and orders given are questioned by those who have been charged with the job.  Even little children challenge authority.  Many years ago one of my girls was spending time with their grandmother.  The child was in the car and instructed to sit down.  (This was in the day before child restraint laws.)  Her response was, "You're not the boss of me."

I cannot count the number of times I defied authority and lived to regret it.  It takes wisdom to get to the place of recognizing, believing and ultimately obeying those who have earned and deserve our trust.  Experience is generally the teacher of this lesson.  The Jews in Jesus' day had experienced, but still they were stubborn, they did not believe nor trust His authority. “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep." (John 10: 25-26)

I cannot imagine the feeling of being told by Jesus, "You are not my sheep." I know there are times I too, challenge His authority by taking my life into my own hands, by ignoring the command to, "pray continually," or to turn my back on my neighbor in their time of need.  It is time I open my eyes to the reality of Jesus' love as the Shepherd of my life.  When He leads me from danger I willingly will put my hand in His.



Read the John 10:25-30 text here.  Listen to the text reading here.

You're Not the Boss of Me! Acts 15:22-35

Even young children recognize "real" authority.  With some instruction early on, they come to know who does and who doesn't have the right to tell them what to do.  Years ago when I was a student in grade school there was no doubt who was in charge when the Sister Superior would enter our classroom.  The entire class would rise and greet her, waiting for her to acknowledge the greeting and tell us to sit down.

I also remember when an older child in the neighborhood would try to tell me what to do, when he would bark orders I would tell him, "You're not the boss of me!"  Again, I knew he was not a force to be reckoned with like the nun was.  I knew this because at one time I obeyed his orders and got in trouble.  My parents taught me about authority, and who I needed to listen to and who I needed to just ignore.

The Scripture today tells us about a time in the early church when followers of Jesus needed a lesson in who was in charge and who wasn't.  After all, they were still children in the faith, they had lots to learn as I did so many years ago.  Just because someone speaks like they know everything, doesn't mean they do.  In the scripture today we learn about authority.

"We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing." (Acts 15:24-27) 

Read the entire text for today here.

But, that's the way we always did it! - 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

Almost 35 years ago, my husband and I packed up the family and moved from Wisconsin to Ohio. We left our family and friends and started over; new home and friends, new job and new traditions to create. 

Our first Christmas in Ohio seemed empty, so different from how we lived for so many years. It soon became apparent that we needed to create new traditions. That doesn't mean the way we had done things before was wrong or outdated, it simply meant today was a new day and change was to be embraced. Family traditions can promote togetherness and love. 

The reading for today highlights tradition established in a specific country, society or period of history when head coverings were very important. A man did not cover his head while worshiping, but a woman did. The Catholic Church I grew up in followed this custom. It was a tradition signifying respect and authority.

Today, we do not practice that rule, but we still recognize the authority signified by it. Christ is the head of the church; a man is the head of his household. This means a man is responsible to Christ and a woman responsible to her husband. This teaching is not about who is the boss, it is about relationships and love.

"It pleases me that you continue to remember and honor me by keeping up the traditions of the faith I taught you." (1 Corinthians 11:2)

Read today's text in the Message translation, right here.

Handle With Care Matthew 8:23-9:8

We continue today with the theme of authority. Think about your past experiences with those in authority, what have you encountered? Many people have had negative experiences; I bet some of you have too. Have you dealt with someone abusing or misusing the weight they have been given?

Jesus paints a different picture for us. As we see Jesus’ authority over nature, we see a Rabbi trying to teach his disciples about faith. When Jesus is casting out demons he does not abuse his authority and “torture them before the appointed time.” But we see a God of order following the plan he has set in motion.

Finally, Jesus shows his ultimate authority over sin. By forgiving the paralytic first and then healing his infirmity, Jesus shows us what he really came to do by saving us from an area where we have no authority.

If you have had a negative experiences with those in authority, rest in the knowledge that the One with true authority will handle you with care. He will teach you his ways and not take advantage of his power and will never get distracted from saving us from our sin.


Read today's passage at Biblegateway Matthew 8:23-9:8

ALL Authority is God's Matthew 8:5-13

When I read today's passage I can't help but think of my own father, a Marine through and through. I grew up hearing the proud Semper Fi, followed by a mighty Ooh-Rah. Anyone who knows about the Marines also knows there is no such thing as an ex-Marine.

Being a soldier my dad, like the centurion in our passage, understands the concept of authority. He was trained to faithfully obey the orders of those who outranked him.

The centurion asks Jesus to heal his servant and when Jesus replies, "I will go and heal him", we see the true character of the centurion emerge. Understanding what obedience to authority was, the centurion tells Jesus that there is no need for him to come to his home. Knowing Jesus even has authority over illness, he need only command the illness to leave and it must obey.

I am tearfully smiling as I reflect on this passage. My own Marine daddy is lying in a bed with cancer taking life from his body and I have complete faith that Jesus still has authority over that cancer and with just a word my father will be free.

And I will love and praise God weather the word is,
"Be healed" or "Welcome home good and faithful servant"


Read today's passage on Biblegateway Matthew 8:5-13

Who's The Boss, Romans 13:1-7

A few weeks ago my husband came home for lunch and as we were eating, we noticed our four-year-olds feet kicking our dog under the table. Steve told him to stop and Evan did, until Steve and I were distracted again in our conversation. Again my husband said stop. Again Evan obeyed until we started talking. A third time Steve looked at Evan and said, “If you don’t stop kicking Bo you will go to time out.” Without hesitation Evan looked at his father and said, “But dad, it’s no big deal.”

Do you treat those in authority the same way? I know I do. I push the speed limit thinking, “eight is great but nine your mine”. When did I become in charge? I have also been known to sneak food into the movie theater justifying it because of the over-priced snacks the theater tries to sell me. It’s no big deal; they make plenty of money off the ten dollars I paid to see the movie.

Reading today’s scripture we see that subverting authority, authority of any kind, is a big deal to God. He clearly says. “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” Ouch! That smarts. But remember the promises in this verse, “Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good.”

Read today passage on Biblegateway Romans 13:1-7

Living Free - 1 Peter 2:13-25

Are you living free? Peter tells us that as Christians we are free, but we are never free to do evil. Those who do not know Christ remain slaves to sin. True freedom comes with stepping up and obediently serving God.

Peter clarifies that our freedom comes with responsibilities. Authorities over us are humanly sinful just like every one else. However, God puts these authorities in place and they are to be respected. We have obligations to people with power over us, but our responsibilities to God and to other believers are more important. We love God and do not want to displease Him by sinning, nor do we want to lead others off track. Therefore, we must not obey if we are tempted or told to sin by those in power over us.

Jesus took our sins to the cross. We are set free by His death. Peter describes how Christ suffered and responded to unjust treatment. He never sinned or deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when insulted. He didn't threaten. Jesus was intent on obeying God's will.

I am reminded that experiencing difficult times while doing the right thing is part of what God asks of me. God is pleased when I am conscious of Him, and acknowledging He cares for me. I am to follow Christ's example in my daily life—at work, in my relationships and marriage, and towards the government. I pray daily that I might obediently follow Him, patiently face hard times, serve the Lord, and be an example of living free to others.

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Mother May I...? Matthew 14:22-36

My son has a new phrase that I love, “Mom may I…” He is finally realizing my authority in his life. I don’t want to lord power over him, and I don’t need him to stroke my ego acknowledging I am in charge.

I simply want him to know he is not in charge. It is important to ask permission, some things are not good for us and he will not always be able to identify danger at four years old.

There are two instances in our passage today where people acknowledge Jesus authority. First, seeing Jesus walking on water, Peter says, “"Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." Peter knows he can’t do it without Jesus’ permission. Peter does not have the authority to command the water to hold his body weight, but Jesus does.

The second time is later when, “People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.” Those bringing the sick knew that with Jesus permission all they needed to do was touch the clothes he was wearing and their sick would be made well.

What area of your life needs surrendered to God's  authority? He desires to do amazing things for all who believe in Him. He is waiting for us to acknowledge we are not in charge and simply say, “Father may I…”

Read the entire passage on Biblegateway Matthew 14:22-36