SHARING BREAD³ He told them: “Take nothing for the journey–no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Luke 9:3 (NIV)In the above verse Jesus gives His disciples no less than six “no” directives – take nothing, no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, and no extra tunic.  According to the previous verses, they were only to go in His power and in His authority – that would be sufficient and they were obedient to the command.  Later we learn in verse six that they went forth from village to village spreading the good news and healing miraculously:⁶ So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.   Luke 9:6 (NIV) So why did Jesus want them to go away empty handed according to the worldly way of thinking? While not all circumstances in Scripture are the same regarding this particular issue, I believe in this incidence Jesus had several reasons.  One would certainly be that the disciples could not be found trusting in their own resources because they simply had none. This, of course, would result in the strengthening of their faith. Perhaps another reason would be as a benefit for those that they were ministering to.  This would provide them an opportunity to offer more than a verbal thank you but rather something tangible that would minister back to the disciples in taking care of their physical needs.  Jesus tells us this in Matthew: ¹⁰ take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.   Matt 10:10 (NIV)  The Bible Knowledge Commentary states the following reasons: “People would evidence their belief in the Twelve—and thus in the Messiah—by showing hospitality to these men who were ministering in Jesus’ authority. This helps explain Jesus’ rather strange instructions concerning a method of their ministry. The mission was not to be long—they came back to report to Jesus. Why were the Twelve not to take supplies or money with them? This was because of the brevity of their mission and also because people’s reactions to them would indicate whether or not the nation was accepting Jesus’ claim as the Messiah. People who believed the message and the messianic healings would be glad to share with the Twelve. People who did not believe would be judged. If a town rejected the Twelve the latter were to shake the town’s dust off their feet. When Jews returned home from a Gentile country, they would shake the dust off their feet to signify their breaking ties with the Gentiles. In this way the Twelve signified that certain Jewish townspeople were like Gentiles who would not listen or believe. Jesus was thus giving the entire area opportunity to believe His message and mission.” Interestingly, Paul and Barnabas did this exact display in Acts due to the unbelief of the Jews there: ⁴⁹ The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. ⁵⁰ But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. ⁵¹ So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.  Acts 13:49-51 (NIV) Jesus gives us this same principle in Matthew: ¹¹ ”Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. ¹² As you enter the home, give it your greeting. ¹³ If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. ¹⁴ If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. ¹⁵ I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.   Matt 10:11-15 (NIV) The idea was that as the apostles ministered, their recipients would in turn minister to them.  Showing, of course, a belief in the message they brought.  The warning was not very pleasant for the inhospitable!  Sodom and Gomorrah ended up “smokin”- not a very pleasant end to say the least!   Like the disciples of Jesus’ day, we too have a priceless message to extend to our sphere.  Paul tells us:⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.   2 Cor 4:7 (NIV)Our message is powerful and comes with authority.  Paul also tells us:

¹⁷ For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel–not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. ¹⁸ For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Cor 1:17-18 (NIV) 

Lastly, we are told again through the pen of Paul:

 ¹⁴ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵ And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”  Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)“Carrying God’s gracious offer involves human beings whom God has brought to Himself and then uses as His heralds. They share God’s message of salvation because He will save everyone who calls on His name.”   Bible Knowledge CommentaryWhat I glean from this:

• As a disciple of Jesus, I am to go in His power and in His authority.
• As a believer in Jesus, I carry around in my “jar of clay” a priceless treasure.
• I am responsible to share the message of the cross but I am not responsible for the results.

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SHARING BREAD¹ When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, ² and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:1-2 (NIV)The disciples were sent out on a twofold mission.  First, they were to preach the kingdom of God and secondly, to authenticate their message, they were to heal the sick.  All of this, of course, was to be accomplished through the power and the authority of our Lord.  Demons cower at His all achieving power and supreme authority.  Christ has the ability to heal every disease.  In fact, let’s just remind ourselves of His job description given first in Isaiah – which we read below- and then read by Jesus Himself in Luke Chapter four:¹ The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, ² to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, ³ and provide for those who grieve in Zion–to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.   Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)Teaching on the Sabbath at the synagogue in Nazareth and in the power of the Spirit, with all eyes fixed on Him, Jesus reads these same words from the prophet Isaiah. He then follows it by stating plainly that the offer of the favorable year of the Lord was being held out to them through Him:²¹ and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:21 (NIV) The same is true for all of His disciples today. He continues His desire for us to be “a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor” too – no matter where He plants us.  No matter what circumstances we are placed in.  This is a high calling indeed for the child of the King!  Jesus “was sent” with very good news.  The gospel is good news indeed!  Once alienated from God because of our sins, through Christ we now have access.  We no longer have to be slaves to sin we have been freed to become slaves of righteousness.  He binds up our broken hearts and He sets us free giving us a firm place to stand.  He comforts all of us who mourn and gives us beauty, gladness and praise instead of ashes, mourning and despair.  Sounds like a good trade off to me! We must always remember that to be a “display of His splendor” comes only through His indwelling all-achieving power – the power of the precious Holy Spirit.  Jesus tells us:⁵ ”I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  John 15:5 (NIV) “Jesus Christ is God’s everything for man’s total needs.”   Richard Halverson How often we strive in our own strength to accomplish His purposes ending up weary and downcast.  He woos us to come to Him:  ²⁸ ”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matt 11:28-30 (NIV) In every encounter and in every circumstance God allows in our lives we are to be the aroma of Christ to a perishing world.  How are we doing with this?  Are we striving against the wind in our own strength or are we allowing the Holy Spirit to manifest all-achieving power within our beings?  This is not easy.  As humans we all have a tendency to fall back into the two year old “I can do it myself” behavior – we all know how much two year olds are able to accomplish in their own power. Yet Christ tells us that we will do even greater works than He – always remember the greatest miracle of all is a changed heart from a fallen man: ¹² I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.  John 14:12-13 (NIV) Is it our desire to bring glory to the Father?  Is it our desire to display His splendor?  We will have what we ask.  “Our actions disclose what goes on within us, just as its fruit makes known a tree otherwise unknown to us.”  Thalassios the Libyan   What I glean from this: ·         I am called to be a “display of His splendor” through His all-achieving power.·         Jesus gives me strength:  “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry.”  Psalm 34:15·         I am to be the aroma of Christ to a perishing world.  *****************************************************************************

SHARING BREAD⁵² Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”

⁵³ They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. ⁵⁴ But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” ⁵⁵ Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. ⁵⁶ Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened. Luke 8:52-56 (NIV)Ever been so certain about something only to discover that you were dead wrong?  I have.  The people “wailing and mourning” in the above verse had.  Many other examples of Scripture flood my mind right now dealing with this exact same issue.  Let’s just take a look at a few of these.  I believe we will be encouraged by our quick glance!Let’s first begin with Sarah, elderly wife of Abraham.  Upon overhearing the Lord discuss with Abraham the following and what ensues:¹⁰ Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”   Gen 18:10 (NIV)Being well advanced in years and past the age of childbearing, Sarah reasons:¹² So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Gen 18:12 (NIV) The Lord replies to Abraham regarding her thoughts: ¹³ Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ ¹⁴ Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.”

¹⁵ Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.” But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.” Gen 18:13-15 (NIV)The scene almost appears comical – “I did not laugh”; “Yes, you did laugh”.  Thank God such human nature is portrayed in Scripture so that we will not grow weary ourselves and loose hope!  I don’t know about you, but I can certainly relate to Sarah here!  By the way, Sarah does have a son – the next year.  His name is Isaac meaning one laughs or laughter!Let’s take a look at a New Testament example, Mary and Martha and, what they presumed to be their deceased brother, Lazarus.  The story unfolds in the following manner:  Lazarus was sick.  Mary and Martha send for Jesus stating:³ So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” John 11:3 (NIV) Jesus responds in the following manner: ⁴ When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” ⁵ Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ⁶ Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days. John 11:4-6 (NIV) When the time had fully come, He states to His clueless disciples: ⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”  John 11:7 (NIV) ¹¹ After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” ¹² His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” ¹³ Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. ¹⁴ So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, ¹⁵ and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” ¹⁶ Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”  John 11:11-16 (NIV) Upon arrival to the scene, Scripture tells us that Lazarus has been dead for four days. Martha approaches Jesus stating the following: ²¹ ”Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. ²² But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”  John 11:21-22 (NIV) Mary, when she reached the place where Jesus was fell at His feet and said the same thing: ³² When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”  John 11:32 (NIV) We know the story all too well.  Jesus orders that the stone be taken from the entrance to the tomb.  Martha resists stating that there would be a bad odor since he had been dead already for four days.  But Jesus gently reminds her: ⁴⁰ Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40 (NIV) They remove the stone.  Jesus calls the dead man out by name (Augustine once remarked that had Jesus not specifically stated Lazarus, all the other dead would have come forth too!).  Clad in his burial clothes, Lazarus comes forth. Jesus responds:  Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”  John 11:44 (NIV) This is a vivid picture indeed!  We are all called to remove the stone that blocks the entrance to our belief of all of God’s good promises towards us.  We need to take off those grave clothes and go forth in the power and in the sweet aroma of Christ. What I glean from this: 

• Through evidence that appears real, I may be dead wrong.
• God is able to do all things even if it seems to be impossible to me.
• I must remove the stone that blocks the entrance to my belief of His good promises.

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SHARING BREAD⁴⁹ While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher any more.”

⁵⁰ Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” Luke 8:49-50 (NIV)Jesus has just healed the woman with the issue of blood and was proceeding on to the house of Jairus to heal his daughter when our verse for today takes place.  The news delivered to Jairus was blunt and to the point appearing very cold and heartless. Don’t bother the Teacher, your daughter is dead.  There is no one that can help you now, it’s hopeless, don’t waste His time, just give up.  Ever felt that way in your circumstances or am I the only one?  It’s useless, give up!  Upon hearing this “uplifting” news Jesus speaks directly to Jairus stating:  “Don’t be afraid, believe!”  After just witnessing the healing that has happened, Jairus chooses to trust in the God of all hope.  Can you only imagine how fast his heart was beating as he picked up his pace to get to his daughter’s side?  What thoughts could have been racing through his head?  Perhaps he just kept telling himself, “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid!”  The word rendered “afraid” is the Greek word “Phobeomai” meaning to be terrified; to cause to run away. I can certainly relate here too!  Sometimes running away seems very appealing – the only problem is that it does not normally make things better.Jesus is telling Jairus to be persuaded in the truthfulness of what He is stating – “she will be healed” – commanding him to give assent to and have confidence in His Word.  He stresses this to us too – give assent to and confidence in His Word:We proclaim:  “It’s hopeless!”God responds: ³⁷ For nothing is impossible with God.   Luke 1:37 (NIV) ²⁷ Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”   Luke 18:27 (NIV)We proclaim:  “I’m afraid!”God responds:⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Phil 4:6-7 (NIV) ¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19 (NIV) We proclaim:  “The burden is too heavy!” God responds: ²⁸ ”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matt 11:28-30 (NIV) ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) We proclaim:  “I’m weary from this battle!” God responds: ²¹ Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  ²² Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. ²³ They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ²⁴ I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lam 3:21-24 (NIV) We proclaim:  “I’ve lost my way!” God responds:   ⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  John 14:6 (NIV)² Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.   Heb 12:2-3 (NIV)We proclaim:  “God has forgotten me!”God responds:¹⁵ ”Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?  Though she may forget, I will not forget you! ¹⁶ See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. ¹⁷ Your sons hasten back, and those who laid you waste depart from you.   Isaiah 49:15-17 (NIV) What I glean from this: 

• With God, nothing is impossible.
• God will meet all my needs according to His glorious riches in Jesus.
• God will never forget me.

SHARING BREADAs Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. ⁴³ And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. ⁴⁴ She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. ⁴⁵ “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” ⁴⁶ But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” ⁴⁷ Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. ⁴⁸ Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Luke 8:42-48 (NIV)Crowds follow healers.  Need has been rampant since Eve took that first bite.  Our Healer has one hundred percent success.  You can only imagine the throngs crushing in on Him.  Jesus was on His way to yet another healing when this sweet infirmed woman comes up behind Him just to touch the edge of His cloak.  No one had had the ability or power to heal her.  For twelve long years she had been subject to an issue of blood making her ceremonially unclean and anything she touched became ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 15:25-30).  Think about that for a minute.  For twelve years no one had desired to touch her.  No hugs, no pats on the hands, no kisses on the forehead – no normal human interaction for this lady.  Weary from battle, she pushes forward to grab the edge of Jesus’ cloak thinking “If only I could just touch Him”.  Immediately (don’t you just love that word – it is so Jesus), the bleeding stops.  Many Scriptures are flooding my mind right now on how quickly Jesus comes to our aid. While physical healing may or may not be His response, His presence, comfort, grace and peace are always provided as we walk through our valleys. David tells us:¹⁷ The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. ¹⁸ The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. ¹⁹ He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. ²⁰ The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.   Psalms 145:17-20 (NIV) Jeremiah adds: ² ”This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it–the LORD is his name: ³ ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’   Jer 33:2-3 (NIV) Lastly, Paul states: ¹¹ As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” ¹² For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile–the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, ¹³ for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  Romans 10:11-13 (NIV)Jesus is in the business of making us whole.  His longing is for us to reach His intended purpose and goal for our lives so that we may be complete, perfected, proficient, full-grown and mature – not lacking anything.  He desires for us to bring glory to God through our lives by equipping us with the achieving power of the Holy Spirit.  He may accomplish this through physical healing or through death; through changing our circumstances or through giving us the grace to persevere in them.   James the half brother of Jesus tells us: ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴ Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.   James 1:2-4 (NIV) One purpose of our trials is to grow us up in Him. Remember that it is Jesus who is the Perfecter of our faith.  He does not want us to grow weary and lose heart.  In Jim Cymbala’s book Break Through Prayer, he tells a story of a near death heroin addict and Jesus’ subsequent rescue.  While a bit gory in details, it is a modern day story of a swift rescue by our Lord: “Then, in the midst of all my pain, something or someone whispered words I had heard before:  The day you call on the Lord, He will set you free.  All the other voices tried to drown it out, but they couldn’t!  I don’t know if it was an angel or the Holy Spirit, but the words came through clearly:  ‘The day you call on the Lord, He will set you free.’  In absolute desperation I screamed from my bed, ‘Jesus, help me!  O God, help me with everything!  You’re my only hope, so please help, Jesus!’  I didn’t understand anything about prayer, so I even used ‘personal references’e willH as I cried out:  ‘Jesus, Wanda said that when I called on your name, you would deliver me.  So help me now, O God.’” “At that moment Almighty God swept over me and around me.  I knew He was real because all the voices in my head suddenly stopped their hellish screaming and the ball of fear that had been weighing on me lifted.  I knew everything had changed even though nothing outwardly had – I was still lying in my vomit in a hospital bed in the Bronx.  But I was a million miles from where I had been before I said that prayer.  The day I called on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, He did set me free!” Praise Jesus for His healing and thank God for people like Wanda who are faithful to witness for our Lord to those who are perishing. What I glean from this: ·         Jesus heals.·         When I call on Him in faith, Jesus always responds.·         Jesus desires to make me whole.  *****************************************************************************

SHARING BREAD³⁸ The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ³⁹ “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. Luke 8:38-39 (NIV)Believer, how much has Jesus done for you?  Has He set you free from bondage?  Has He set your feet upon a Rock giving you a firm place to stand?  Has He let you rest your head “between His shoulders”?  Has He bestowed upon you His love and joy and peace and patience and kindness and goodness and faithfulness and gentleness and self-control in ever increasing measures?  Then by all means, let others know.  Paul tells the believers in Philippi:¹ If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴ Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil 2:1-4 (NIV) Our demoniac turned disciple begged to go with Jesus.  The word translated “begged” is from the Greek word “Deomai” meaning to want, need; it is necessary, it must be, making a request as an inferior of a superior (The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible New Testament Lexical Aids).  He greatly desired to go with Jesus in much the same way as others in Scripture whom Jesus had released from bondage.  Interestingly, all believers have been set free – some of us just do not seem to have that awareness or appreciation.  Shame on us!  If this man was not allowed to continue on with Jesus then he was certainly going to tell others about his experience.  I am reminded of the encounter of the Samaritan woman at the well with our Lord.  After their conversation she became quite the evangelist! John tells us: ³⁹ Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” ⁴⁰ So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. ⁴¹ And because of his words many more became believers.   John 4:39-41 (NIV) Personal testimony plus the message of Jesus is still God’s modus operandi for the salvation of others.  There is no greater testimony that bears witness better for our Lord than a changed life and one that is willing to share that change with others.  Every believer has a story to tell and every story ministers for Christ.  Our stories are most passionately told by ourselves and who can refute what has happened to us personally?  Again, I am reminded of Scripture that addresses this matter. A man, blind from birth, healed by Jesus then subsequently questioned by the Pharisees:  ²⁴ A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”  ²⁵ He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”  John 9:24-25 (NIV) ²⁸ Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses! ²⁹ We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where he comes from.” ³⁰ The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. ³¹ We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. ³² Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. ³³ If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”   John 9:28-33 (NIV) This man’s witness was clear and he refused to deny what he absolutely knew for certain.  Believers across our nation need to speak out about what we know for certain.  As a friend of mine wrote me yesterday, “We must keep sharing our faith.  God is the only answer to this sinful, sad, sick world”.  Do not think for a moment that Christians are the only group out to “evangelize” America.  I recently read an article about a new breed of atheists on the scene mounting an aggressive crusade to “evangelize” our country.  The article goes on to say: “Atheists are a minority of the population, but they have made startling inroads into centers of national influence:  the media, the educational system, movies and television, and more.  Famed market researcher George Barna ominously warns Christians:  ‘The new evangelists are atheists’.” We sit back silently and do nothing.  Again, shame on us!  God has placed us in this time of His-story to be a beacon of light in this dark world.  We are to shine like stars.  We are to be salt that has not lost its saltiness – the preservative that permeates this decaying world.  May we take seriously Jesus’ command at His ascension when He states: ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”   Matt 28:18-20 (NIV) What I glean from this: 

• I am to tell others what Jesus has done for me.
• My testimony and the message of the cross is God’s path for reaching the lost.
• I am not to sit back silently and do nothing.  Jesus tells me to go and make disciples in the power of His authority.

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SHARING BREAD³⁶ Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. ³⁷ Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left. Luke 8:36-37 (NIV)The crowds were seized, affected and afflicted by fear – held fast, so to speak by what they had seen.  Instead of rejoicing over the triumph of evil these people chose to remain paralyzed by fright to the point of expelling from their premises their only hope for salvation.  Fear – the Oxford Dictionary states is an unpleasant emotion; a state of alarm; a dread or fearful respect; anxiety for the safety of; danger or likelihood of something unwelcomed; uneasy expectation; and apprehensive about.  Fear is commanded against in Scripture.  Paul tells us:⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.   Phil 4:6 (NIV) This was not a call to a care-free life but rather a Christ dependant life.  David tells us in Psalm31: ¹⁴ But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” ¹⁵ My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.  Psalms 31:14-15 (NIV) It is a choice between trusting in Christ in the midst of our circumstances and worrying over them. This does NOT mean that we sit around doing nothing waiting for God to drop quail in our laps. It is a position that is obtained, of course, by all the while aggressively doing everything He calls us to as unto the Lord.  Paul states:  ²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.   Col 3:23-24 (NIV)I love a quote from Frederick Buechner speaking of the awesomeness of God by citing parts of the Lord’s Prayer.  It certainly gives credence to our verse for today as to why the crowds were so fearful:“‘Thy will be done’ is what we’re saying …. We are asking God to be God.  We are asking God to do not only what we want but what God wants.  We are asking to make manifest the holiness that is now mostly hidden, to set free in all its terrible splendor the devastating power that is now mostly under restraint …. ‘Thy kingdom come …. on earth’ is what we are saying.  And if that were suddenly to happen, what then?  What would stand and what would fall? …. To speak these words is to invite the tiger out of the cage … You need to be bold in another way to speak the other half.  Give us.  Forgive us.  Don’t test us.  Deliver us.  If it takes guts to face the omnipotence that is God’s, it takes perhaps no less to face the impotence that is ours.  We can do nothing without God.  Without God we are nothing.  It is only the words ‘Our Father’ which make the prayer bearable.  If God is indeed something like a father, then as something like children maybe we can risk approaching…”I think one problem we certainly have in our society today is that we have lost the fear of God.  This fear is the only fear commanded in Scripture – we are to fear Him and Him alone. We make a BIG mistake when we anthropomorphize God by placing Him on our level.  Hell-o, we are not on equal playing fields here!  If the reactions of the saints in Scripture when coming face to face with angelic beings that have just been in God’s presence cause them to fall as dead men, what, can you imagine, would happen if we were to be ushered into the very presence of God?  Remember what the Scriptures tell us:⁷ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Prov 1:7 (NIV) We would do well to ponder this point before flippantly entering into His presence.  He is approachable ONLY through Christ’s work on the cross. Without that, we are all as dead men!  To further seal this point, I am reminded of Hebrews 12 describing Moses’ (called God’s friend in Scripture) reaction to God’s holiness at Mount Sinai where the Old Covenant was given and the awesomeness and fearful nature of His holiness is described: ¹⁸ You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; ¹⁹ to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, ²⁰ because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” ²¹ The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”   Heb 12:18-21 (NIV) As believers in Christ we have access to God in all of His splendor and power and awesomeness and holiness.  We can approach His throne only on the merits of Christ’s atoning sacrifice for our sins.  The blood He shed took away our sins and has allowed us to be ushered back into the holy presence of the great “I AM”. What I glean from this: ·         I am not to be anxious about anything rather pray about everything with a thankful heart.·         I am to work at what God gives me with all my heart – as doing everything as unto Him.·         God is God and I am not.  *****************************************************************************

SHARING BREAD³⁵ and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Luke 8:35 (NIV)The demoniac had turned disciple and this sweet spirit was not about to go back to the darkness!  Like Mary of Magdalene of whom seven demons had been driven out (Luke 8:2), this man clung to the feet of Jesus.  He had no intention of retracing his steps!  Once one has truly experienced freedom from horrific circumstances, it is no wonder that they cling to the One who bestows their freedom. That, my friend, is a blatant example of true repentance – a turning from one way of life to another. I came across a wonderful quote from Billy Graham speaking to the heart of this very issue:“From time to time I have had people pour out their heart to me because their sins had been discovered…They wept bitterly because they had devastated their marriage or ruined their reputation.  But later…they were back in the same situation…What was the problem?  The problem was lack of repentance.  Their tears were tears of self-pity – but not of repentance.  True repentance is a turning from sin – a conscious, deliberate decision to leave sin behind – and a conscious turning to God, with a commitment to follow His will…The Bible says, ‘Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret’ (2 Corinthians 7:10).”“A conscious, deliberate decision to leave sin behind – and a conscious turning to God with a commitment to follow His will” is an apt description of our demoniac turned disciple.  In his right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus, dressed in the “clothes of righteousness” and filled with sweet peace. I am reminded of Isaiah 26:³ You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.  Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) I love the definition for “Salom” the Hebrew word used in the Original text translated “perfect peace” in the above verse.  It means “to be safe, to be complete, health, security, tranquility, welfare, well, peaceful, whole, safe, and sound.  Though “Salom” can mean the absence of strife, it usually signifies much more.  It essentially denotes a satisfied condition, a state of peacefulness, a sense of well being, both externally and internally” (The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible Old Testament Lexical Aids). God’s perfect peace is not dependent upon our circumstances.  A child of the King can be at peace in the midst of all of the torrents of life. That is one of God’s special evangelistic tools!  When a child of God is peaceful in the midst of horrible circumstances it gets the attention of others.  Why?  Because the power portrayed within that soul is super-natural. It speaks volumes to those in that person’s sphere. Truth proclaimed and fleshed out is a marvel and unfortunately a rarity in our day.  On the whole, we have become whinny two year olds when our circumstances turn sour and complain, complain, and complain again.  Who may I ask would want to emulate that???  Flee, I can understand, but emulate – NO!  A verse I used often when my kids were growing up comes out of Philippians and hits the bull’s eye of this truth: ¹⁴ Do everything without complaining or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe ¹⁶ as you hold out the word of life–in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.   Phil 2:14-16 (NIV) The Bible Knowledge Commentary expounds on the above verses and while lengthy, worth it: “Everything was to be done without complaining or arguing (v. 14). The order of the Greek words here places emphasis on everything a believer does. The present tense of the verb do suggests that this was to be done continually. “Complaining” is the translation of a word which reflects a bad attitude expressed in grumbling. The apostle may have had in mind the behavior of the Israelites who often complained to Moses and in turn to God (cf. 1 Cor. 10:10). “Arguing” reflects a legal connotation of disputing and may refer, at least in part, to the practice of going to civil courts to settle their differences (cf. 1 Cor. 6:1-11).The importance of the kind of behavior called for is set forth in Philippians 2:15-16. Before their testimony for Christ could ever be effective in the community where they lived, the Philippians needed to set some things straight in their own assembly.Evidently the believers were complaining (to God and each other) and arguing (with each other). As a result they were not without fault among the unregenerate; they were not shining like stars in their world (2:15). The Philippian assembly needed to show themselves as united and as one in Christ. Non-Christians were not being attracted to Him by the saints’ strifes and contentions.Blameless (amemptoi, v. 15) means “above reproach.” This does not mean sinless perfection. The corporate testimony of the church is in view. All believers are called on to live out the salvation God has worked in them—to progress in their spiritual maturity. The people were to live so that those outside of Christ could not rightfully point an accusing finger at them. Pure translates akeraioi, a word that was used of wine which had not been diluted and of metal which had not been weakened in any way.”A high calling indeed yet carrying with it incredible benefits!What I glean from this:

• I am truly repentant when I turn from sin, leaving it behind, and make a conscious turning to God with a commitment to follow His will.
• God will keep me in perfect peace if I maintain a steadfast mind.
• I am to do everything without complaining and arguing.

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SHARING BREAD
     ³⁰ Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

     ”Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. ³¹ And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. Luke 8:30-31 (NIV)This demoniac portrays perfectly what Satan has in store for humankind – no matter how enticing the apple he thrusts in our faces.  All the enticements end up with the same results – alone in blackest darkness, naked and homeless.  We would do well to play out in our minds this end result before ever taking a bite of his malignant fruit.  Jesus tells us:¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.   John 10:10 (NIV)Remember also how Jesus describes Satan:⁴⁴ You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.   John 8:44 (NIV) When Jesus asks this demon possessed man his name, He is asking for more than just what he is called.  In those days people’s names were reflective of their character, their reputation. Interestingly, the name “Legion” means a division of three to six thousand men in the ancient Roman army indicating a large organized body, a vast host, a multitude or number.  A pathetic sight for certain – hopeless and helpless to change anything about his dire condition.  We prayerfully have no idea what it means to be possessed by such monsters but I am certain we can relate to circumstances that we have felt totally powerless. Jesus desires to remedy our situations too – whatever they may be.  Oftentimes it takes these instances to remind us of our total dependency upon Him.  We have a tendency to start thinking and acting like two year olds who stomp their feet and say, “I can do it myself!”  Sometimes He lets us and we see where it gets us!  All the while He is gently whispering in our ears:  ²⁸ ”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”   Matt 11:28-30 (NIV) Come to Me, learn from Me, find rest from Me, and place upon you My easy yoke and light burden.  Let us not be like those in the time of Jeremiah: ²⁰ ”Long ago you broke off your yoke and tore off your bonds; you said, ‘I will not serve you!’
Indeed, on every high hill and under every spreading tree you lay down as a prostitute.²¹ I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock.  How then did you turn against me
into a corrupt, wild vine?   Jer 2:20-21 (NIV) The Bible Knowledge Commentary says of the above verse: “Judah’s spiritual apostasy was matched by her spiritual adultery. By describing Judah as a spiritual nymphomaniac Jeremiah pictured her insatiable lust for false gods. Jeremiah painted four verbal pictures of Judah to describe her wayward state. The first picture was an animal that had broken its yoke. Judah broke off her yoke that had bound her to the Lord and followed after the gods of her heathen neighbors. She set up worship centers on every high hill (frequently called “high places”) to serve these gods. Spiritually Judah was acting like a prostitute, though Jeremiah’s words could also refer to the sexual perversions that accompanied the worship of Baal.”God loves us and knows exactly what is best for us.  It is the deception of Satan to dangle false gods in our faces inferring that God is holding out on us.  If we fall for the tempter’s treats along with it comes an added bonus for an insatiable lust for more.  We are never satisfied with any of it.  It always takes more and more and more – no matter what the more is.  A little sin is never enough. He longs to rescue us from this deep pit.  I love what David says in 2 Samuel:¹⁷ “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. ¹⁸ He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 2 Sam 22:17-18 (NIV) ³³ It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. ³⁴ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.   2 Sam 22:33-34 (NIV) God’s desire is for us to stand on the heights.  Praise Him! “The devil tempts that he may ruin; God tests that He may crown.”  Ambrose What I glean from this: 

• Satan desires my ruin and strikes at my faith.
• God is a Specialist and can work my failures into His plans.
• God desires to be my all.

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SHARING BREAD²⁷ When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. ²⁸ When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” ²⁹ For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. Luke 8:27-29 (NIV)Our verse for today certainly gives assent to the definition of demonic possession as being one of the worst forms of human suffering known to mankind.  Naked, homeless, living amongst the dead, chained, and driven to solitary places this poor man’s spirit was in dire pain and distress.  Blackest darkness certainly prevailed until Jesus appears bringing Light onto the scene.  Interestingly, demons always recognized who Jesus was in Scripture and that He had power over them.  I am reminded of the first chapter of Job (one of the oldest books of the Bible).  The scene is heaven:⁶ One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. ⁷ The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.” ⁸ Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” ⁹ ”Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. ¹⁰ ”Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. ¹¹ But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” ¹² The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”   Job 1:6-12 (NIV)God is ultimately in control.  Satan, the accuser, cannot buffet the child of God apart from God’s Divine permission – God, all the while being ever-present on the scene so that He may “skim the dross off the top of the gold as the heat rises” conforming the child to the image of His Son. God’s purposes are never thwarted (Job 42:1).  Yet, for a time, Satan has dominion over the earth and its people.  “Satan, of course, is “the god of this Age” (2 Cor. 4:4; cf. Eph. 2:2) and “the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19)”—Bible Knowledge Commentary.For believers, Satan’s power and authority has been disarmed by Jesus by the cross.  Scripture tells us: ¹³ When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, ¹⁴ having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵ And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.    Col 2:13-15 (NIV) Indeed, Satan has no right over the life of a believer, only what the believer gives assent too.  While Satan’s power has been disarmed through Jesus, he certainly continues to shoot plenty of his fiery darts at us seeking our ruin.  If he cannot keep us from being saved, his modus operandi is to keep us from being used.  Peter gives us this command: ⁸ Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.  1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV) Just as Jesus has a wonderful plan for our lives, Satan has a counterfeit plan.  Paul tells us: ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Eph 6:10-11 (NIV) The word “scheme” in the above verse is translated from the Greek word “Methodia” meaning method, the following or pursuing of an orderly and technical procedure in the handling of a subject (Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible NT Lexical Aids).  This is why the Christian is commanded to put on the full armor of God each day! ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.   Eph 6:13-18 (NIV)It is profitable for us to heed these instructions!  Our job is to don the armor, Jesus’ job is to cause us to stand – He alone is able to keep us from falling: ²⁴ To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy– Jude 1:24 (NIV) What I glean from this:·         Satan is under God’s control.·         Nothing is allowed in my life by God that is not ultimately for my good.·         I must dress myself in the full armor of God everyday so that I may stand my ground.  *****************************************************************************