JESUS, today YOU will SAVE me
Eat This Book
Read Proverbs Chapter 11
Matthew 8
1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
14 And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.
15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.
16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
18 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.
19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
33 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.
34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
The POFW Daily Bible Reading 
When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. -Matthew 8:1
And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. -Matthew 8:2
As I read the scripture today I am remind that in life we have ups and downs. Verse 1 says that Jesus came down from the mountain.
I love the mountain top experiences in my life, but realize that I don’t always live there. I understand also that there are valleys in my life as well.
David said – Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. -Psalms 23:4
I have come to learn the mountain top has taught me that I am more than a conquer. The valley has taught me to trust in The Lord.
Verse 2 says that when he came down from the mountain he touch the life of a leper. My prayer today is let my mountain top experience bring me to a place that I can minister to someone else.
Let me me them at their point of need.
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. -1 Corinthians 9:22
1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Out of the multitude of people, one steps forward. He pushed fear aside and took a step of faith toward the messiah while everyone else stood back and watched a man with leprosy(unclean).
I wonder what was going through their mind, some will be just spectators, some will believe, follow, and activate their faith as they hear the word of The Lord.
All praise and glory to an all mighty GOD who is willing to see the body of believers healed, and willing for the body to have miricales, signs, and wonders. Not only in the church but outside of the church. For we are ” reaching out to reach in.”
I’m encouraged this morning as I am reminded of Bobby being filled with the Holy Ghost. Thank you JESUS💙
“And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.” The Lord (Jesus) was not seeking fame or recognition. One will be most blessed when one can learn to serve with the same discipline, humility and commitment that Jesus (God) did. What a mighty God we serve, thank God for his word! God bless America, Jerusalem, and you all, in Jesus name, Amen.
demons know who He is. James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Acts 19:13-16 “Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”
Luke 4:41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.
I began with a lower case for I won’t even give an upper case letter to the enemy. My mother use to say you give them an inch and they take a mile. LOL. We should not entertain any demons, arguments, etc. for the word of God says: Matthew 5:25 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 thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
If the devil and his demons recognize and bow down to the most high God, what it is wrong with Society??? They go through life without a care for eternity. We as Christians can not allow for those in the world to see worldly characteristics in us. Now, I do understand we do have bad days; but I promise you, if you do thousands of good deeds but fail once in action, Your neighbor will only remember that one failure.
29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
I REJOICE IN VERSE 30!!!!! Why you may ask?? Simple they know their ending!!!!! for the demon said “are you coming to torment us before the time?” Not before time (a generalization that uses a space or duration of time) but THE TIME (specific moment).
Thank you Jesus for your teachings. Always remember the devil & his demons will only be as big as you make them in your head. They will only have the power you allow them to have over you. GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN YOU THAT him that is in the world. STAND AND SHOUT FOR the devil is defeated, JESUS HAS ALL POWER AND HE HAS GIVEN US THE VICTORY.
HALELUJAH!!!
27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
What manner of GOD DO WE SERVE!!!
THE ALMIGHTY!!! HALLELUJAH!!! NONE BESIDE HIM!!! GREAT AND MIGHTY IS OUR GOD!!! JESUS IS HIS NAME!!! HALELUJAH!!! JESUS YOU ARE AWESOME!!! I LOVE YOU DADDY!!! ONLY MY GOD CAN!!! HALELUJAH!!! ONE NAME, JESUS JESUS JESUS!!!
And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Faith sounds so easy but it seams to be the hardest thing for us to do. There are times that my faith is great but other times it falters. Lord help my disbelief. We have heard this message from several people the last couple of months. As soon as we figure out that we have all the power through Jesus there is nothing we can’t do
In reading this chapter, I am in awe of my God. The leper came to Him saying “Master, if you want to, you can heal my body” and I love the Lord’s response “I want to. Be clean.” Boom the spoken word! Its not a matter if the Lord wants to; but, if we will only allow Him to. The end of verse 4 says “Your cleansed and grateful life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done.” Just as the Roman captain had the simple trust, the Lord said “Go. What you believed could happen has happened.”
Verse 22 MSG reads “Jesus refused. “First things first. Your business is life, not death. Follow me. Pursue life.” These verses remind me to not only pursue life for myself or my family; but, to show others and introduce them to the giver of that life. I have felt this very strongly in my life recently with some things that have happened. I pray Lord that you help me to reach and teach as many young people (My little Sovereign Soldiers) that there is life in You. This world tries to tell them that they don’t belong, they don’t fit in; but, that is a lie from hell. There is life in Jesus name.
Verse 27 says “The men rubbed their eyes, astonished. “What’s going on here? Wind and sea come to heel at his command!” Wow, once again I am in awe of my God. I can only imagine that moment of calmness and peace that came about after the spoken word.
Job 26:14 says “These are just the beginning of all that he does, merely a whisper of his power. Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power?”
34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
I saw this skit one time, where a young man had asked Jesus to save him, and later, decided he wanted to go out with his buddies. The young man wanted to go to this party, and didn’t want Jesus to go too, so he scolded Jesus and finally tied Jesus up so that he could go to this “party” without feeling conviction, because he knew he was sinning, dragging Jesus along.
Many of us do the same, as we return to our “secret sins”, day after day, either kicking Jesus out of our daily lives, or tying Him up so that we might use Him when it is convenient for us.
This shows the level of repentance and submission. When we act this way, we display selfish-submission and half-hearted repentance.
What a mighty God we serve!
It only takes a “touch” from the Lord to be healed. It only takes His “spoken word” for our lives to be changed, the storms in our lives to be calmed, and for our situations to change.
Thank You JESUS for your Touch and for your Word that brings healing, deliverance, and restoration to us.
Faith and authority
The roman centurion, a gentile, approached a Jewish nazarite after hearing of his ability to do great miracles.
His servant was sick of the palsy and could die. When Jesus says he will come go to the servant the gentile said no just speak the word.
He was a man under authority and knew how it worked. Jesus then makes a startling statement.
Matthew 8:11-12 (Weymouth)
11 And I tell you that many will come from the east and from the west and will recline at table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of the Heavens, 12 while the natural heirs of the Kingdom will be driven out into the darkness outside: there will be the weeping aloud and the gnashing of teeth.”
Jesus prophesied of gentile revival. Many souls would be saved from the east, and the west. These were gentile people. Yet the natural heirs of Abraham will be cast out!
Why?
Submission to authority!
Just like the roman army the church is one unit with one purpose. First we are to war against the forces of darkness so that spiritual blindness will be removed. This opens up people to repent and gain entrance into their spiritual inheritance.
This is our commission. Commission means with, or together in the common mission. As we support the mission of the church, of pastor, or God we will see miraculous supernatural things happen.
Bro Bob was filled with the Holy Ghost when Bro Morgan prayed for him, not because Bro Morgan is super spiritual, but because he partnered together to fulfill the mission.
Romans 8:16-17
16 The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God.
17 And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory.
When we go to do the work of The Lord, under authority, we do so with the power of the kingdom to back us up!
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Authority; giving and receiving, for too many people it’s a foreign concept. However, there is great power here. Our country was built on the authority of the chain of command. Most Americans think that questioning or defying authority is our inalienable constitutional right. If our President begins to act as if he were the king, we would rally to throw him out of office. It carries down through our society, all the way to rebellion in our families. Sometimes, we resist the concept of authority.
However the act of submitting to pastoral authority is a key to spiritual growth. Some pastor’s take this divine authority too extreme and believe they rule the church and every decision from the color of the curtains in the nursery to the types of air freshener in the bathroom needs his approval. Pastors are held responsible for the souls in his flock. Allowing and granting our Pastor the authority to speak into our lives and obeying his instructions has been enlightening and empowering to me and my family. I believe we are closer to the Lord’s will now than we ever have been.
You can’t have reservations if you are sold out
21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
In surface reading here we could make the assumption that Jesus didn’t have compassion for the man that just lost his father. That was not the case however. What Jesus was trying to teach by leading here was, the dead are already dead so let us go quickly before anymore die. Jesus knew his time was short and he had to do what he was placed on the earth to do and there was no time to waste. When we live for God we have to realize that we are called to have no reservations, no plans that he can’t interrupt because his work is more important that the things of this earth. Truly being sold out comes with sacrifices.
Fear or faith
And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. (Matthew 8:25-26 KJV)
The spirit of our city is intimidation. Intimidation causes fear. The reason this spirit is over our city is because of our faith. All we have to do is rebuke it in JESUS name. He will calm the storm.
No need to fear,
Jesus is here!
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Faith
How much faith do you have? Everyone is given the same amount of faith. But faith is like muscle. We must exercise it. To have more faith we must go through the tests and trials that are before us. Being in the army. The centurion had gone through his share of faith building situations. Yet at the same time he stayed under the authority. When we do this the flow of the Holy Ghost can stay true. Stating in the line of authority ,and having faith will allow great things to happen.
Jesus is willing to help in any situation if we have but the faith to believe will. Often those outside the church have more faith in what Jesus can and will do than saints within the church.
It’s encouraging to read about the many times that Jesus did so much with just a word or a touch…sometimes we act like miracles are so hard for Him to do when they are so easy for the One with all power. When we have the faith to believe what we ask for, He only has to speak a word or touch the situation and all is made well.
When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! (Matthew 8:10 NKJV)
Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour. (Matthew 8:13 NKJV)
It’s by our faith we live by daily. We have to have big faith! More faith then just walking into a room and reaching for the light switch and expecting for the light to turn on. As believes as people that know the truth we should live with great faith cause we know what Jesus can do. We know he can heal the sick, bring life into dead bones and allow then to live again. We know he can give redemption to us that never deserved it.
I know faith as a mustard seed is enough but we should have more. Living by faith not by sight.
Lord help me have great faith I want to believe and never doubt again. I trust in you lord I love you. You are my foundation.
23And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” ESV
Why do we get nervous or afraid when we/I ask God to do something and then when he does we don’t know what to do? I admit my faith has been low at times and I wonder how God is going to do such and such, and behold God has never failed me yet with his wonderful works and answered prayers. I want to see as God sees and love as God loves and be there to help the hurting and unloved. We see everyday thru our jobs people are hurting and need our help. Wake up and notice the people around sometimes all they need is a smile and a hug. Thank you Jesus for loving me.
Be the ONE!
Matthew 8:4 “And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.”
“Tell no man” Jesus was not looking for publicity but He was here on a mission. Go show yourself to the priest and let them know you are clean. In those days the priest had to approve a leaper being clean in order for them to return to society. He challenged the man to be obedient to the law and take his offering to the preist and return to his new life. “The gift that Moses commanded”: A sacrifice of two birds, one of which was killed and the other set free (Lev. 145:4-7). “As a testimony to them”: The priests.
Mark chapter 1 tell the same story but give more information:
44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.
Sometimes good intentions can cause a crowd. Some love a crowd, and a crowd is ok but at the right time. I believe the leaper was so excited that he just felt he couldn’t help himself. Yet, there where specific instructions given to him. Miracles will always draw a crowd which is great but in this instance the crowd was so great that Jesus had to leave the city and go to a desert place.
Jesus drew a crowd everywhere He went but remember, it was only 12 that He took with him and out of the 12 only one new who He really was. I don’t want to be the crowd but I want to be the ONE!
Being the ONE means being obedient even when it does not make since.
“make sense”
With one touch, one prayer God can take care of everything! 🙂
Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone. (Matthew 8:34 NLT)
Ha! So many people want to see God but never want Him involved in their lives. We want to see the glory, the miracles, the magnificence of who He is and then run and hide our faces because we don’t want to be watched or associated with the image of Christ. It’s sad and pathetic but many people are ashamed. I wonder how ashamed he is of us?
21-22
Christs reply was not heartless for the mans father was still living. The phraise means let me wait till my father dies and i fulfill my obligation to him. Gods answer reminds us that our first obligation is to the Lord. Dont volunteer for discipleship unless you intend to put God first.
2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
God did so many miricles back then and he is still doing them today!
24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
There are times when we get fearful about our situation and wonder just what are we going to do,but a little talk with the master will assure us not to worry He has this!! When we turn it over to God and have faith enough to leave it with Him and to quit worrying about it, He will then speak to our storm and say” peace be still “.
Lord help me to see that your hand is stretching out to help me , if I will only I will stretch mine out to you because Today You will SAVE me !!!!
26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
God did not give us a spirit of fear, so when we express fear that shows where our faith level is at. Jesus has all the power over everything, there is not one thing that isn’t subject to him. Jesus is power. Jesus is also the Holy Ghost. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you ” this is what is talked about in the book of acts this same power. The same Holy Host that we have is the same Holy Ghost that calmed the storm, raised the dead, spoke to word and others afar off were healed. So if this is the power that we have and we ate not doing any of these things what does that say about our faith….
Mark 16:17-18 says “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”. If these signs ate not following us then we need a serious faith check. What do we believe if its not that we have power. This city, this region, this world is counting on moves of God like the apostles had, we are indebted to give them that experience through the power we get from the Holy Ghost
Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:26-27 NLT)
The followers of Jesus didn’t really know who Jesus was. They asked who is this man? If they had known who He was. That He was the Creator of the universe and salvation with her soul perhaps they wouldn’t of been so afraid. Thankfully we have that knowledge today. We know He’s God,He’s Lord, He’s Creator of the universe, He is the I AM. I pray that our faith would be healed and that we would put our full confidence in our Lord and Savior. Let’s be strong than the strong man of this world. I pray that fear and intimidation would be removed, the sick would be healed, God be glorified and we would be a continuation the book of Acts church.
Be Church
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
What is your measure of faith? The bible says everyone has a measure of faith, but how much faith are you letting come out of you?
Some people in their mind say that they will believe God will do this or that. But this Roman soldier not only believed this, but he spoke it out to Jesus. We got speak out what we believe in faith. For if you don’t…. why are you holding back? Because of fear it won’t happen? That will make your faith worthless. We need to speak out our faith, and not only speak it out, but put it into action.
James 2:14 What doth it profit my brethen, though a man say he hath faith and have not works can faith save him?
GREAT FAITH
6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
This chapter is FULL of revelation and teaching, I struggle to choose which verse to expound on. However when I examine the IMPACT of revelation and what the LORD will seek in HIS return to the earth. (Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?) I am compelled to share what JESUS revealed to me about FAITH.
When most of us think about an individual that we would consider to have GREAT FAITH, we think of someone that has the Gift of FAITH to heal the sick, raise the dead, convert sinners, give large sacrificial offerings and all of these are the FRUIT of FAITH.
What is FAITH?
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
JESUS said because this man was under authority (submitted) and had authority he was confident the JESUS didn’t have to make the journey to his house to heal his servant. The centurion hoped for healing for his servant, but wasn’t even there to see it. Is this what impressed the LORD JESUS to use the expression of GREAT FAITH?
I believe the 2 conditions together is what compelled JESUS to use the term GREAT FAITH.
1. He was living his life as a LEADER in SUBMISSION to another LEADER
2. He believed that the WORDS of JESUS will heal his servant. (Matthew 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:)
SPEAK the WORD – JESUS demonstrates again!
Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
SPEAK the WORD – JESUS demonstrates again!
31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
In this 1 chapter we see 4 places where the LORD utilized the authority of HIS WORD to reveal GREAT FAITH.
1. Healed the SUBMITTED servants, servant.
2. Healed the multitudes brought to HIM.
3. Calmed the storm and the waters.
4. Cast the demons out of the men.
We are wise to not do the WORKS of the LORD to impress men with our FAITH and FOCUS on doing the WORKS of man to impress the LORD with our SUBMISSION.
GREAT FAITH is only attained in the eyes of the LORD through HUMBLE SUBMISSION. We at The Pentecostals of Fort Worth witnessed this on Wednesday.
I, being a man under authority received a call from my Pastor, to pray for a man in Fort Worth that was dying of cancer and had never received the Holy Ghost. Pastor Foster knew I was over 1000 miles away and could not go. However, I said I have a man that can go and pray. I then called Michael Morgan and sent him in my stead and in Bishop Fosters stead and the LORD said that is GREAT FAITH. Bob, having been baptized in JESUS name already is now FILLLED with the Holy Ghost, because of GREAT FAITH.
iRepent
iRejoice
iPraise
iPray
iWork
iGive
iReap
AMEN
This chapter is full of great teaching. I to struggled with what To write but I followed the spirit as I was lead!
GOD BLESS YOU AND SISTER WATTS
I BID YOU GOD SPEED
iLove to eat the Word
“The Mountain that Ran into the Sea”
Matthew 8:28 “And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.”
Here in this chapter the Bible states that there were two men full of the devil. The Bible states time and time again that the “mountain” is the spiritual force of the enemy.
Several examples of demonic activity being referred to as “the mountain” can be found in the following scriptures.
Matthew 17:18-20 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. (19) Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? (20) And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this “mountain”, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Jeremiah 51:25 (NLT) “Look, O mighty mountain, destroyer of the earth! I am your enemy,” says the lord. “I will raise my fist against you, to knock you down from the heights. When I am finished, you will be nothing but a heap of burnt rubble.
Zechariah 4:6 Then he said to me, “This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. 7 Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place, the people will shout: ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!” Zechariah 3:1 And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
What Jesus did on that day in country of the Gergesenes, is he spoke to the spiritual “mountain” and the mountain ran into the sea. Look at verse:32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
Lets speak to that spiritual mountain and remove the bands that are holding ourselves and others down.
4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.😄
The chapter of miracles…. many great signs and wonders followed Jesus when He came down off the mountain. He was empowered through His prayer and fasting to perform the works of the Spirit.
We must prepare ourselves spiritually so that signs and wonders follow us.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
It is not the fancy lights, and the let down of standards that is going to draw people and keep people to a church. They are going to be drawn by the Spirit and Glory of God. When we are prepared spiritually and allow the Spirit of God to work with through us it will be noised abroad the Spirit that is evident in our midst at POFW and they will come from the north, south, east and west to be part of what Jesus is doing in our midst.
26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
Here Jesus didn’t ask them where is your righteousness or where is your fruits but said ”o ye of little faith.” They panicked when they looked at the storm and didn’t realize God was with them the whole time.
26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
In our trials when everything seems going wrong lets not forgot that we have a GREAT & MIGHTY GOD that can do ANYTHING!!!!!!! if we ask we shall receive it and he will never leave us because we are his children.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 (AMP)
Matthew 8:23-24 Resting
I think the only reason Jesus could sleep was that He knew without a doubt that they were not going to sink. The disciples who were with Him were afraid because they didn’t yet understand that the God who created the very water their boat sailed in was in the boat with them. They were just beginning to understand His full power.
The only way you can sleep in a storm is by realizing that God is with you. Isaiah said: You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
I thank God for being with me thru every raging storm!!!
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Under authority
I’m reminded of bro Morgan’s message last night. Just two things but with great meaning, I’d like to mention. In order to speak the word, in the form of praying for healing or casting out devils or speaking to a situation, you must be under authority; verse 9, for I am a man under authority. The scribes even asked Jesus, “by what name do you do this things?” We must submit to authority to have authority. Also, we must have Faith in the authority that we submit to. From verse 10, Jesus told the centurion, I have not Lund so much faith… Submit and believe. As bor Mo stated he went obeying his man of God believing that God will do. And the greatest miracle took place. The man that was prayed of received the Holy Ghost.
Thank you Jesus
If we look closer to what the leprous man requested we can see his humbled heart. He asked Jesus to make him “clean”. He didn’t ask Jesus to “heal” him though they have the same meaning. He asked Jesus if he was “willing”. This man was also “willing” to go through a lengthy and in depth process. Jesus told him to “Be clean!” and immediately he was cleansed of leprosy, then Jesus said to go and show himself to the priest and “offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” The gifts and process commanded of Moses for the cleansing of a leper is found in Lev 14.
The 2 Birds: One bird was killed in an earthen vessel over running water, and its blood was applied to a living bird, to some cedar wood, to some scarlet fabric, and to some hyssop. Then, using these things, the blood was sprinkled on the one who was cleansed from leprosy. Then, the living bird was let go. This is an antitype of Jesus’ death and its spiritual application; (dove is a type of the Holy Spirit) and it dies in an earthen vessel, while remaining clean (because of the running water). The death of the bird is associated with blood and water (John 19:34); the blood is connected with life (applied to the living bird), and then applied to the one cleansed. So is the blood of the Lamb once we applied His blood to our lives. We too were set free, cleansed by the blood of Jesus.
The Cedar Wood: Is extremely resistant to disease and rot, and these qualities may be the reason for including it here – as well as a symbolic reference to the wood of the cross. Dogwood was used at Calvary. But, 39 lashes were struck upon Jesus’ back an antitype of the 39 major deadly diseases. For by His stripes we are healed.
The connection with hyssop is also important. Jesus was offered drink from a hyssop branch on the cross (Matthew 27:48), and when David said purge me with hyssop in Psalm 51:7, he was admitted that he was as bad as a leper.
Shave the hair on his head, beard and eyebrows: Usually they would only shave themselves in moments of grief and shame. But this is symbolic to starting over a new creation in Christ “born again”.
On the eighth day he shall take two male lambs without blemish: In completing the sacrifices for the cleansed leper, offerings were made on the eighth day and sacrificial blood was applied to the right ear, the right thumb, and the right big toe, to sanctify and consecrate the cleansed leper (same time frame as circumcision) the way that the priest was consecrated.
The rest of the oil in his hand, the priest shall put some on the tip of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed: It was both sprinkled on his body in general and then applied to the ear, thumb, and toe just as the blood was. Each of these places on the body was meant to be anointed with oil. Salvation takes the same process: Repentance (death and purging of sin) Baptism (buried in His likeness, applying His blood) Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost (anointing with oil). Therefore, a cleansed leper had a special calling and a special anointing. One could not go through such a ritual as this and not be changed. Since leprosy is a picture of sin, we see how this ritual has spiritual application to ever sinner set free by Jesus. Since leprosy had no natural cure, it was certain that this ritual was rarely performed – and when it was performed at the command of Jesus (Luke 5:12-14), it must have been a great testimony to the priests at the temple. Our testimonies are great victories we get to share, and strengthen ourselves with.
24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
Sometimes the winds and storms of life grab our attention so much that we react in fear, in our human nature. But Gods nature is one of faith. To live in a godly nature we must take our eyes off the world and focus on Jesus. The creator is greater than the created. God set everything in motion, even the storms, he has control over them. And so do we, if we have the Holy Ghost and faith to speak to the storm.
19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
I did this this morning and when I posted it all disappeared! So I will try again.
Many people are so excited about doing something they never count the cost.
This certain scribe just goes up to Jesus and says I will follow you wherever you
go. He never asked Jesus where he was going or how he was going!
Many times when young people first get in church they have a zeal to do something for God. The first thing you know they begin to feel their call to the ministry, thinking it is filled with a lot of pomp and driving nice cars or eating out after church.
Notice: Jesus said to this scribe, you said you would follow me and I don’t even have a place to lay my head. I don’t own a home or have a Cadillac or even know where my next meal is coming from.
The real story is you are trying to get people to leave their selfish ways behind to follow God. You can counsel people in your office and they will tell you: I knew you would not understand my situation. Have you ever considered the will of God?
No most people want tell you what a great message you preached just how long you preached!
What I am trying to say is before we jump on board with I will follow you, we might better see where we are going. What is this trip about? Study the Word and see where we are!
COUNT THE COST!!!
Then Jesus said to the centurion , go your way, and as you have believed, so let it be done for you. And his servant was healed that same hour. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him saying, Lord save us! We are perishing!. But He said to them, Why are you fearful, O you of little faith? Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. This scripture teaches me about faith and how sometime we forget and lose faith.
Jesus was so compassionate & loving that he healed the sick & cast out devils everywhere he went. If all the books in the world could not tell of all his wonderous works, then Jesus labored tirelessly to impact as many lives as possible in his 3 1/2 year ministry. He traveled by foot as far as I know & as he said in verse 20:
And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
He was humble and truly servant to all as he ministered to the needs. To be like him is what we each strive to be. And what an honor it is to considered Christ like.
17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
JESUS healing touch” did not just help way back then, but is still healing people today. It is the power of Jesus (not our name). We just touch and allow His power to flow through us. Pray and believe in the name of Jesus and expect miracles.
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:12-14 (NIV)
Faith
25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
The disciples focused on the miracle while Jesus focused on their faith. We will find ourselves in situations in life where the situation is not “our situation” but rather our faith. Jesus sees our circumstances differently than we will through carnal eyes. When we break through to see with spiritual eyes, we can begin to move past the natural obstacles to make the spiritual advancements God desires.
Psalm 34:8
O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
Being under authority gives us authority not just in the spiritual sense but in our daily lives as well. We can get and keep the victory by living under authority. We can speak to our situation, our sickness and whatever we may be facing by living under authority.
26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
Jesus responded, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Jesus is powerful, I serve a mighty God.
27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
Jesus teaches us to obey his commands just like the wind and the sea obey him.
Lord I seek you! I need more of you, allow my faith to reach others because I am a testimony of your good works.
But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:22)
This illustrates how we should not let concern over physical matters distract us from serving God once He has called us to do His work.
But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)
We should always have faith in what God can do for us. And never doubt.
34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
All the things that Jesus did, the healing and miracles, and people would still persecute him. There would still be unbelief among the people after witnessing Christ do the impossible. A sort of a picture of our today’s society, seeing miracles and healing and still not believing God is real.
I pray God would keep a heart with in me that would not faint and persecution or a faithless response from some one I witness to.
Cast out !!!! 28. And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Ger’-ge- sense, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Je’-sus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? 30. And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31.So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. 32. And he said unto them, GO And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into sea, and perished in the waters. I AM VICTORIOUS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS !!!!
34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
Amen.