Good morning! Today we are beginning chapter 5 of Luke, specifically verses 1 through 11. Jesus had gained a lot of popularity by this time. People are wanting to hear him preach, and to heal. When he was by the lake of the Gennesaret, he saw some ships by the shore. They were empty, as the men were washing their nets. One belonged to Simon (Peter), and Jesus stepped into that ship to teach the people on the shore.
Afterwards, Jesus spoke with Simon and told him to go out into the deep and cast down his nets to catch some fish. Simon had already been out all night, and had caught nothing, but he did as Jesus asked. He let down the nets and they became so full of fish that the nets broke! He had to call the other ship, his partners James and John, sons of Zebedee for help. Both ships became so full of fish that they nearly sank!
In verse 9, Simon Peter had a reaction to all of this that made me stop. He fell down at Jesus' knees and said, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. He had a true humble, contrite heart. I wonder how I would be if Jesus stood near me like that and I realized who he was.
Jesus told Peter, Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men.(v 10). And when Peter, James and John reached the shore, they forsook all and and followed him.
In order to do these things -going out to cast nets where they had already been with no fish to show, and leaving everything behind to follow Jesus, these men had to have faith. I would venture to guess that there was slight doubt in Peter's mind when Jesus asked him to cast his nets, but he did it anyway. That's what sticks out in my mind. And although each path is different, we do give up things when we choose to follow Jesus. Some may give up home and family and country to go into other countries to be missionaries. Others of us give up life styles and sins. While we women are not called to be preachers or missionaries really, we have our ministries which are just as important to the church, and we can teach as long as we do not usurp the authority of a man. We each have our place in the body of Christ, our own ways to be "fishers of men."
Have a wonderful day.
Showing posts with label chapter 5. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chapter 5. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea: The Power of Touch
Jesus is now back on the other side of the sea of Galilee, and once again he's teaching the multitudes. We are beginning in Mark 5:21 and following.
One of the rulers of the synagogue, came to Jesus and fell at his feet. He explained that his daughter was very ill, near to the point of death. But if Jesus would come and lay hands on her, he knew she would be healed. Jesus went with Jairus to his home, and those who followed Jesus came along as well. Wherever Jesus went, he attracted attention.
This time, he attracted the attention of a woman. She'd heard of Jesus and wanted to see him herself. But she had an issue of blood. I'm not entirely sure what that means, but by Jewish law she was considered unclean and really wasn't supposed to be out in public. She'd seen doctors and suffered through what they thought would help her, but nothing had helped, and the problem just kept getting worse. Jesus couldn't go anywhere without being mobbed by people, but this woman was determined. She thought to herself, If I can just touch the hem of his garment I'll be healed. She got close enough and touched his clothes, and was instantly healed. The blood dried up. And Jesus knew.
He stopped in his tracks. Who touched me? He asked. His disciples were confused, for he had many people round about him, and many were probably touching him, whether by accident or design. But Jesus went straight to the woman because he knew. She was afraid, because she really shouldn't have been out in public to begin with according to the law, and also, she was just a woman. She had no idea what Jesus was going to do. She told him the truth.
34. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
While this was going on, someone from Jairus' house came to him and told him his daughter had died; there was no further reason to bother Jesus. Jesus told Jairus, Be not afraid, only believe.
Jesus went on to Jairus' house and saw everyone standing around crying and mourning. Jesus told them to stop that; she wasn't dead, only sleeping. The people did not believe him. They were scornful of Jesus and his sayings! Couldn't he see with his own eyes? Jesus sent everyone out of the house except the girl's mother and father, and he went in to where the girl lay. He took her by the hand and told her to arise. Talitha cumi. This little twelve year old girl got up and walked. All because of the faith of her father and the touch of the Master's hand.
One of the rulers of the synagogue, came to Jesus and fell at his feet. He explained that his daughter was very ill, near to the point of death. But if Jesus would come and lay hands on her, he knew she would be healed. Jesus went with Jairus to his home, and those who followed Jesus came along as well. Wherever Jesus went, he attracted attention.
This time, he attracted the attention of a woman. She'd heard of Jesus and wanted to see him herself. But she had an issue of blood. I'm not entirely sure what that means, but by Jewish law she was considered unclean and really wasn't supposed to be out in public. She'd seen doctors and suffered through what they thought would help her, but nothing had helped, and the problem just kept getting worse. Jesus couldn't go anywhere without being mobbed by people, but this woman was determined. She thought to herself, If I can just touch the hem of his garment I'll be healed. She got close enough and touched his clothes, and was instantly healed. The blood dried up. And Jesus knew.
He stopped in his tracks. Who touched me? He asked. His disciples were confused, for he had many people round about him, and many were probably touching him, whether by accident or design. But Jesus went straight to the woman because he knew. She was afraid, because she really shouldn't have been out in public to begin with according to the law, and also, she was just a woman. She had no idea what Jesus was going to do. She told him the truth.
34. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
While this was going on, someone from Jairus' house came to him and told him his daughter had died; there was no further reason to bother Jesus. Jesus told Jairus, Be not afraid, only believe.
Jesus went on to Jairus' house and saw everyone standing around crying and mourning. Jesus told them to stop that; she wasn't dead, only sleeping. The people did not believe him. They were scornful of Jesus and his sayings! Couldn't he see with his own eyes? Jesus sent everyone out of the house except the girl's mother and father, and he went in to where the girl lay. He took her by the hand and told her to arise. Talitha cumi. This little twelve year old girl got up and walked. All because of the faith of her father and the touch of the Master's hand.
Monday, September 26, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea: The Demoniac of Gadara, Healed
When Jesus came off the ship at Gadara (Mark 5) he was met by a man possessed by demons. The man apparently lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him with chains or fetters. He'd simply break them. He spent his time in the tombs crying and cutting himself. But when he saw Jesus, he came to him and worshiped him. The man, or most likely the demon inside him, addressed Jesus.
7. And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God that thou torment me not.
Even unclean spirits knew who Jesus was! They knew the power he had.
Jesus asked the demon his name, and he replied Legion, for we are many. They did not want to leave the area, and asked to be sent into a herd of swine, which Jesus allowed them. The swine then ran into the sea and were drowned.
The ones who took care of the swine saw this, and ran to tell the news far and wide. People came to see for themselves, and there was the man, in his right mind and fully clothed now. They heard what had happened and now they were afraid. They asked Jesus to go, which he did.
I've always wondered why the locals did not want Jesus to stay there. Were they afraid of that much power? Were they afraid the demons would be back?
The fact that the demons knew him on sight tells me that when he does come back for his bride (the church), there will be no doubt in anyone's mind. All unbelief will fall away. But it also shows that simply believing Jesus is the Son of God will not save. There is more to it.
Before Jesus left, the man who had had the possession wanted to go with him. Jesus told him no, but to go home to his friends and tell them what God had done for him. He went to Decapolis and told everyone. (v 19, 20)
Tomorrow we will begin on verse 21.
7. And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God that thou torment me not.
Even unclean spirits knew who Jesus was! They knew the power he had.
Jesus asked the demon his name, and he replied Legion, for we are many. They did not want to leave the area, and asked to be sent into a herd of swine, which Jesus allowed them. The swine then ran into the sea and were drowned.
The ones who took care of the swine saw this, and ran to tell the news far and wide. People came to see for themselves, and there was the man, in his right mind and fully clothed now. They heard what had happened and now they were afraid. They asked Jesus to go, which he did.
I've always wondered why the locals did not want Jesus to stay there. Were they afraid of that much power? Were they afraid the demons would be back?
The fact that the demons knew him on sight tells me that when he does come back for his bride (the church), there will be no doubt in anyone's mind. All unbelief will fall away. But it also shows that simply believing Jesus is the Son of God will not save. There is more to it.
Before Jesus left, the man who had had the possession wanted to go with him. Jesus told him no, but to go home to his friends and tell them what God had done for him. He went to Decapolis and told everyone. (v 19, 20)
Tomorrow we will begin on verse 21.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea: Jesus Speaks of the Law
Good morning. I am so thankful for rain and cooler weather these days and evenings. I slept very well last night and hope you did too.
We are continuing slowly through Matthew 5, and today we are focusing on verses 17-26.
Here Jesus states that he is not here to destroy the law, but to fulfill it (v17). We know that the law was completely fulfilled when he died on the cross, which means that we are no longer under Old Testament law, but under New Testament Grace. We no longer have to sacrifice a lamb for our sins --Jesus was a willing lamb-- but we are given life ever lasting if we accept it. The steps of salvation are a post I would like to tackle on another day. At this point in Jesus' speech, he is going over laws that his his listeners know well. But he is refining them a bit.
21. Ye have heard it said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill' and whosoever kill shall be in danger of the judgment;
22 . But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
23. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24. Leave thy gift before the altar, and go thy way;first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver the to the officer, and though be cast into prison.
26. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou has paid the uttermost farthing.
Jesus told us here, it's not just murder that is wrong. It is being angry with someone. We all have moments when we get angry at another. But most of the time we get over it and move on. When we let things fester, that is where our problem lies. Look at Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-15). Cain was angry. He let his anger boil to the point that he killed his own brother.
Does that mean we will kill simply because we are angry? Maybe, maybe not. Sadly, we've seen in the news where husbands, wives, children, and significant others /exes have been killed. All because of anger. Or we get to the point where we are estranged from family members. In our hearts we are saying you are dead to me, I want nothing more to do with you. Isn't that the same as murder?
Jesus tells us in the passage that if we have a problem that needs mending, we should go to that person we are angry with or who is angry with us and make amends.
Likewise with our other adversaries. Take care of the problem before the courts get involved. It was almost like he was talking to this generation, eh?
Again, I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments. Have a wonderful day.
We are continuing slowly through Matthew 5, and today we are focusing on verses 17-26.
Here Jesus states that he is not here to destroy the law, but to fulfill it (v17). We know that the law was completely fulfilled when he died on the cross, which means that we are no longer under Old Testament law, but under New Testament Grace. We no longer have to sacrifice a lamb for our sins --Jesus was a willing lamb-- but we are given life ever lasting if we accept it. The steps of salvation are a post I would like to tackle on another day. At this point in Jesus' speech, he is going over laws that his his listeners know well. But he is refining them a bit.
21. Ye have heard it said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill' and whosoever kill shall be in danger of the judgment;
22 . But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
23. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24. Leave thy gift before the altar, and go thy way;first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver the to the officer, and though be cast into prison.
26. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou has paid the uttermost farthing.
Jesus told us here, it's not just murder that is wrong. It is being angry with someone. We all have moments when we get angry at another. But most of the time we get over it and move on. When we let things fester, that is where our problem lies. Look at Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-15). Cain was angry. He let his anger boil to the point that he killed his own brother.
Does that mean we will kill simply because we are angry? Maybe, maybe not. Sadly, we've seen in the news where husbands, wives, children, and significant others /exes have been killed. All because of anger. Or we get to the point where we are estranged from family members. In our hearts we are saying you are dead to me, I want nothing more to do with you. Isn't that the same as murder?
Jesus tells us in the passage that if we have a problem that needs mending, we should go to that person we are angry with or who is angry with us and make amends.
Likewise with our other adversaries. Take care of the problem before the courts get involved. It was almost like he was talking to this generation, eh?
Again, I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments. Have a wonderful day.
Friday, July 15, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea; Salt and Light
Good morning! It's Friday, the week is almost over. I hope it's been a great week for you.
If you're just now joining me, we are doing a bible study of Matthew. For this chapter and the next two we are taking our time, letting it simmer. Jesus packs so much into his "Sermon on the Mount" I couldn't see rushing through it.
13. Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost his savour,wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under the foot of men.
14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Salt does two things: it flavors and it preserves. When cooking, you need a little salt to bring out the taste of some of the foods. In the olden days, and sometimes even now, things like pork were packed in salt to keep it from spoiling. When we are mixed in with other people, do we help bring out the goodness?
Sin is sometimes referred to as darkness. As you've just read, we are to be the light. Did you notice that light does something? It brightens. It doesn't whistle at you to get your attention, but simply does its job and people take notice. We should be like the light- doing good for others and living our lives , not to be boastful, but so that someone will take notice and say, I want to live like that. I want to learn more about Jesus.
My time for the morning is up. J has just let me know he is ready for breakfast. Have a wonderful day. : )
If you're just now joining me, we are doing a bible study of Matthew. For this chapter and the next two we are taking our time, letting it simmer. Jesus packs so much into his "Sermon on the Mount" I couldn't see rushing through it.
13. Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost his savour,wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under the foot of men.
14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Salt does two things: it flavors and it preserves. When cooking, you need a little salt to bring out the taste of some of the foods. In the olden days, and sometimes even now, things like pork were packed in salt to keep it from spoiling. When we are mixed in with other people, do we help bring out the goodness?
Sin is sometimes referred to as darkness. As you've just read, we are to be the light. Did you notice that light does something? It brightens. It doesn't whistle at you to get your attention, but simply does its job and people take notice. We should be like the light- doing good for others and living our lives , not to be boastful, but so that someone will take notice and say, I want to live like that. I want to learn more about Jesus.
My time for the morning is up. J has just let me know he is ready for breakfast. Have a wonderful day. : )
Thursday, July 14, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea : Matthew 5: 7-12
Good morning! I trust you had a good night's rest and are looking forward to beginning your day. No matter what you have planned for the day, I pray it's a good one for you!
Yesterday we discussed Matthew 5:1-6. Today we begin with verse 7 "Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy". I cannot help but think of the Casey Anthony verdict that came out last week.I do not wish to start a blog about her (there are forums for that already I am sure if you wish to really discuss the case) I just wanted to bring up a point about the public outcry that came about after the verdict was read. Only God knows what happened when Caylee died. The jury, for whatever reason, chose not to convict. In this country the books are closed on the case. Instead of being angry at Casey we should pity her and pray she eventually comes to know God. If we are not merciful with others, how can we expect mercy to be given to us?
V. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. When I see that verse I think of young children. They haven't learned yet to be malicious in their words or actions. They are innocent and have a fresh smile for everyone. It is when we focus on the worldly things and let day to day living and sin intrude that we lose that purity we should strive for.
V. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God. Are you a peacemaker? I try to be, but I'm not really sure I am that effective at it yet. My brother, I think, has always been a peacemaker. He has always tried to be a mediator. It breaks his heart when people argue. While we should stand up for what is right, we should know when to let things go. Is it really worth it to continue an argument just because you know you are right?
V 10 & 11. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
And verse 12, which brings it home: Rejoice, and be exceeding glad;for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they they prophets which were before you.
These days we see people who do not like us and therefore would love to make us miserable simply because we are Christians. But in this country, though we deal with people wanting to take God out of everything, we have not nearly seen the persecution that those in biblical times had, or even in some countries today. There is a young man I know of in another country who cannot even tell his family he is a Christian because in his culture he could be killed. Some of our missionaries face torture or even death because of their beliefs if the wrong groups find them. Please keep our Christians in other countries in your prayers. I pray you have a wonderful day.
Yesterday we discussed Matthew 5:1-6. Today we begin with verse 7 "Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy". I cannot help but think of the Casey Anthony verdict that came out last week.I do not wish to start a blog about her (there are forums for that already I am sure if you wish to really discuss the case) I just wanted to bring up a point about the public outcry that came about after the verdict was read. Only God knows what happened when Caylee died. The jury, for whatever reason, chose not to convict. In this country the books are closed on the case. Instead of being angry at Casey we should pity her and pray she eventually comes to know God. If we are not merciful with others, how can we expect mercy to be given to us?
V. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. When I see that verse I think of young children. They haven't learned yet to be malicious in their words or actions. They are innocent and have a fresh smile for everyone. It is when we focus on the worldly things and let day to day living and sin intrude that we lose that purity we should strive for.
V. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God. Are you a peacemaker? I try to be, but I'm not really sure I am that effective at it yet. My brother, I think, has always been a peacemaker. He has always tried to be a mediator. It breaks his heart when people argue. While we should stand up for what is right, we should know when to let things go. Is it really worth it to continue an argument just because you know you are right?
V 10 & 11. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
And verse 12, which brings it home: Rejoice, and be exceeding glad;for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they they prophets which were before you.
These days we see people who do not like us and therefore would love to make us miserable simply because we are Christians. But in this country, though we deal with people wanting to take God out of everything, we have not nearly seen the persecution that those in biblical times had, or even in some countries today. There is a young man I know of in another country who cannot even tell his family he is a Christian because in his culture he could be killed. Some of our missionaries face torture or even death because of their beliefs if the wrong groups find them. Please keep our Christians in other countries in your prayers. I pray you have a wonderful day.
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