Great Faith (Mt. 14:22-33)

Read Matthew 14:22-33.

1. Great faith isn't afraid to test or attempt things.  Why?  It knows Jesus is near and acts upon His invitation.
2. Great faith is exercised alone.  No one else stood up and climbed out of the boat with Peter.
3. Great faith is stirred spontaneously at the awareness of Jesus' presence.  There is no record that Peter gave any prior thought to walking on water.
4. Great faith is exercised amid great turbulence.  When Peter got out of the boat, the situation was dark, late and stormy.
5. Great faith can easily become little faith due to distraction.  At the beginning of his walking on water, Peter looked at Jesus only.  Later, Peter looked at the threatening wind.  The way to minimize doubt is to maintain focus on Jesus.

Groups of Fifty (Lu. 9:14)

Read Luke 9:14. 

What's with arranging the men into groups of fifty each?

• Peter Pett calls them "covenant groups."  
• Perhaps Jesus referenced the work of Obadiah (1 Kin. 18:4, 13)?  Obadiah hid, fed and protected God's prophets in groups of fifty.  Likewise, these groups of fifty outside Bethsaida were under Jesus' covenant protection and provision.  
• Jesus referenced the miraculous multiplication by Elijah (1 Kin. 17:14-16) and Elisha (2 Kin. 4:42-44), suggesting that One greater than Elijah or Elisha was present.

Observations:

• There was definite reference to events 1 Kings or 2 Kings.
• Sitting in groups of fifty made it easier to number the crowd.
• Sitting in groups of fifty facilitated smoother distribution and easier movement, guaranteeing no one was bypassed or overlooked.

Fed And Satisfied (Mt. 15:29-39)

The same crowd that experienced the miracles was fed.  There are two things that happen when you are in Jesus' presence.

1. When you are in Jesus' presence, your body can be healed (Mt. 15:29-31).
2. When you are in Jesus' presence, your hunger can be satisfied (Mt. 15:32-39).

Jesus is the One who heals your body and satisfies your soul.  What was the link between the two? The link was worship (Mt. 15:31).

It is interesting to note that satisfaction came after the people were three days in Jesus' presence. Satisfaction comes to those who expend and extend themselves in His presence.  There is no substitute for investing long hours in the presence of Jesus.

Snap the Photo Anyway

Glendale Lake     02.20.16     6:15 P.M.

I snapped this shot, assuming that nothing would show up.  I assumed that the moon wouldn't provide enough light into the lens.  Was I ever wrong! No doubt, I've missed many pictures because I gave in to assumption.  What else have I missed in life because of it?  Assumptions can eliminate opportunities.  Jesus, overrule my assumptions when they interfere with Your intentions.

"There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” (Jn. 6:9)

Two Blind Men (Mt. 9:27-31)

1. The two blind men had faith in Christ's ability to heal them.  They followed after Jesus and cried out to Him loudly and publicly.  They seemed sincere, right?  So why did Jesus ask them if they believed in His ability?  Just because someone is desperate doesn't mean he has faith. Just because someone is demonstrative physically or emotionally doesn't mean he is positioned spiritually.
2. The two blind men  had no respect  for Christ's authority to direct them.  They wanted relief without responsibility, a miracle without a mandate, refreshed sight without restrained speech. They had faith to be healed, but not to be obedient.  "How dare this miracle-worker tell us what to do or what to say!"
3. Notice the generous mercy of Jesus.  He healed the two blind men, knowing they wouldn't obey.  Aren't you glad Jesus chooses to be kind, even when He knows our response won't be optimal? Let us not abuse His mercy and power by suggesting obedience is irrelevant.  What's accentuated here is mercy.

What Did Peter Have and Where Did He Get It? (Ac. 3:6)

"But Peter said, 'I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!'" (Ac. 3:6, NASB)

Peter couldn't give what he didn't have.  He could only give what he did have.  What did Peter have? He had boldness, courage, faith, power and sensitivity to what God was up to at that moment.

Where did he get these things?  He got them from a lifestyle of communication with God.

Here are a few observations.
1.  The miracle was spontaneous but the preparation wasn't.
2.  The way to prepare for a miracle tomorrow is during prayer today.

PS:  It wouldn't hurt, during your prayer times, to ask God for increased, sensitized hearing.

Why Don't We Have More Healing and Miracles? (Part 3)

SOME HAVE PRAYED FOR HEALING AND DIDN'T RECEIVE IT.

They're disappointed in God.  It is easier to blame God than it is to examine your heart. 

There could be a good reason God hasn't healed you yet, and it might not have anything to do with His will.  It might have everything to do with your will!  Do not expect God to heal you if your heart has bitterness, resentment or unforgiveness.  Do not expect God to heal you if you know you're living in sin and have no intent of changing that fact.

IT IS EASIER TO DISBELIEVE THAN IT IS TO BELIEVE.

 

In our society, disbelief has become fashionable.

• To disbelieve makes you reasonable.
• To disbelieve makes you postmodern.
• To disbelieve makes you popular.

"The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God...'" (Psa. 53:1).  The fool has also said in his heart, "There is no healing."  He would never say that aloud, since it sounds disrespectful.  He would never say that aloud, since someone would surely question him.

Disbelief is man's default mode of thinking.  You can disbelieve almost automatically, but you can't believe unintentionally.  This is why the Bible tells us to "set your mind" (Col. 3:1-2).  James reminds us not to ask with a divided heart (Jam. 1:6-7).

Conclusion:

I'm wondering...have we learned to become comfortable in a victim mindset?  Have we gotten used to pain as a way of life?  Have we stopped bringing our physical needs to Jesus?

Why Don't We Have More Healing and Miracles? (Part 2)

FAITH HAS BEEN RELEGATED TO THE EXTREME. 
We don't want to be labeled as fanatics.  Because of this, people are overly cautious with the word "faith."  God hasn't changed His mind.  His Word still says "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb. 11:6).  Don't let someone else's extremity eliminate your possibility.

WE ARE IN DANGER OF HAVING A PAPER THEOLOGY.

When I ask, "Do you have faith?" people nod their heads in agreement.  We know about faith, but we're hesitant to act upon it.  We don't want to eliminate it, but we don't want to exercise it.  What if God asked you to do something difficult?  Jesus told the paralytic, "Get up, pick up your bed and go home" (Mt. 9:6).  Peter told the lame man, "Walk!" (Ac. 3:6).  We like the idea of faith until some response is required from us.

Why Don't We Have More Healing and Miracles? (Part 1)

WE'RE IN TOO MUCH OF A HURRY.

• We choose to be somewhere else when the altar is opened at 12:00.
• We waited in line, but the preacher took too long to get to us.
• The Lord's Day has shrunk to the Lord's 2 hours.

OUR PRAYER MEETINGS ARE EMPTY.

• We want the benefits without paying the price.
• Whenever God moves, you know someone paid the price in prayer and fasting.
• When prayer meetings are forsaken we're saying to God, "We have it under control, thanks."  (How's that been working for us?)

Collision of Faithfulness (Ac. 3:1)

Acts 3:110 relates a miracle.  Where did it begin?  Was it when Peter and John noticed the beggar?

I think it had to do with faithfulness and discipline.  The supernatural followed the natural.  For Peter and John it seemed natural to be at the temple for the hour of prayer.  God's faithfulness then collided with theirs.

God doesn't have to add His "super" if you're not willing to provide the "natural."  Your faithfulness is a platform, an opportunity.  God cannot bless the faithfulness you didn't show.  Expect a miracle, but expect to have a part in it.  God doesn't have to use you, but many times scripts you into the plot.

Dig Another Trench (2 Kin. 3:16)

The explanation of filling the trenches.  There would be no wind felt, no rain seen, yet the trenches would be filled.  Thank God we have access to a supernatural infilling!

The exhaustion from digging the trenches.  Digging the trenches took effort and sapped energy.  The kings were instructed to make the valley full of trenches.  Digging trenches is hard work!  One large trench wouldn't be enough.  The more trenches that were dug, the more water there would be.  God scripts you in to have a part in His miracle.

The expectation of drinking the water.  God had to come through.  The soldiers had little strength to fight.  Their strength was spent digging trenches.  If you're going to obey, then you had better believe also.  The soldiers couldn't wait to verify that the trenches were filled!  There would be reward for their labor and refreshing for their bodies.

What's the "trench" you need to dig?  It could be a witness to be shared.  It might be a day of fasting to complete.  Perhaps it is a Scripture promise to memorize and proclaim.  Whatever it is, your "trench" will demand faith, strength, discipline and courage.  Get started today.  The trench won't dig itself.

The Behavior of Faith (Mk. 6:32-44)

1. Faith is not opposed to a plan, but faith comes first.  You don't have faith because you have a plan.  You have a plan because you have faith.

2. Faith is more concerned about the start than the finish.  Faith doesn't mean what Jesus asks you to do is rational.  Faith doesn't mean you have a 100% explanation, only a 100% authorization.   Take the first step.

3. Faith acts upon Jesus' word, even when there is little understanding or agreement.  If you wait to obey Jesus until you fully understand and agree, you could miss a great opportunity.  This is true about salvation, healing, baptism in the Holy Spirit, etc.

4. Faith doesn't need overwhelming provision up front.  Faith doesn't despise a small start.  What could five loaves and two fish do?  There were 5,000 men to feed!  Start with what you have, not with what you wish you had.  If you won't use what you do have, why would Jesus provide more?  You can't distribute what you won't contribute.  Every great work of God starts with one decision, provision or action.

5. Faith requires coming to Jesus again and again.  Jesus didn't give the disciples all the bread and fish at once.  The disciples kept coming to Jesus, and Jesus kept giving to the disciples.  What "impossible" thing has Jesus asked you to do?  Go to Him again and again, until the "impossible" happens.

The "What" and the "How" (Jn. 6:9)

We're continuing to read through the Gospel of John. Today's reading is John 6:1-21.
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Jesus had tipped off the disciples that He was interested in doing something. Specifically "what," they didn't know. What they knew was that Jesus was interested in feeding the crowd.

The "how" was more troublesome than the "what." This is because Jesus' "how" often isn't rational. It surpasses human solutions, such as financial provision. Most people's struggle in faith concerns "how." They have faith that Jesus can; they would just feel better knowing "how" and "when."

The "how" isn't always independent of human involvement. In this case, the miracle happened because Andrew surveyed the crowd to discover any raw provisions. Think of this: Jesus asked His disciples and, by extension, the little boy to partner in a miracle. Discover what you do have, small as it might be. Deploy that in Jesus' service.

What is the miracle you know God is interested in doing for you? Will you leave the "how" to Him?

Healing a Blind Man (Mk 8:22-26)

Sunday's reading was Mark 8, 10.

This material is unique to Mark. The other 3 gospels don't contain this account.

1. Bringing and begging. In context, "they" appear to be 2 or more of the disciples. They brought the blind man to Jesus, then begged Him to heal the man. Today, do we have to beg Jesus to work? We know Jesus is God, and that God is good. Jesus identified Himself as the Good Shepherd. We know God delights to give good gifts to those who ask (Mt 7:11; Jam 1:17). The begging had nothing to do with Jesus' ability or willingness. Begging reflects the intensity of the disciples' asking. They really wanted Jesus to do this for the blind man. What more might happen in God's Kingdom if we prayed earnestly and really expected something?
2. Interesting side note. The Greek for "begged" (HCSB)* or "besought" is parakalousin. This is the same root from which we derive paracletos (Paraclete -- one called alongside to help), a name for the Holy Spirit.
3. Isolation. Jesus brought the blind man outside the village. Why? Jesus did miracles, but that's not why He came. He came primarily to preach good news. Perhaps Jesus didn't want to be questioned about His method.
4. Unorthodox method. Jesus spit in the man's eyes. Gross! Humiliating! Yes, but the blind man didn't seem to care. No reaction. No repulsion. All he knew was that it worked. From the blnd man's perspective, nothing was worse than being blind. Jesus would be spit upon too (Mt 26:67). Just as this blind man said nothing when spit upon, neither did Jesus.
5. Two touches. Jesus twice touched the blind man's eyes. Most times, one touch was enough. (Jesus brought the blind man through 3 stages: (1) not seeing, (2) barely seeing, (3) clearly seeing. What a lesson in progressive revelation -- how God communicates truth.) There are those who need a second touch. Better to be touched twice and healed than to be touched once and still struggle.

*Holman Christian Standard Bible

Atmosphere for a Miracle (Lu 17:11-19)

Saturday's reading was Luke 14, 17.

1. Desperation. You become fully persuaded your miracle is only in Jesus. Then you cry out to Him for mercy. There is asking, and there is desperate asking. How badly do you really want what you say you do? Would you know it by listening to your prayers?
2. Obedience. The ten don't appear healed spontaneously. The record says they were being healed as they were on their way to the priests. The more steps they took in obedience, the more they were healed.
3. Testimony. One returned to give thanks. Testimony serves two purposes. It verbally gives God glory and it spreads God's fame to others. God hears the testimony and so do people.

Miracles and Repentance (Mt 11:20-24)

Yesterday's reading was Matthew 10-12.

1. Miracles don't automatically stimulate repentance. Amazement, yes. Thrills, yes. Entertainment, yes. Repentance, not necessarily.
2. Jesus prioritizes repentance. Could we use more miracles? Sure! What we really need is more repentance. Miracles produce a temporary change in the physical. Repentance produces a permanent change in the spiritual. Jesus is more concerned about a change in your core than a change in your circumstances.
3. Those who witness the most miracles have the least excuse. What more could Jesus have done in Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum to persuade people to repent?
4. While waiting for another miracle to settle the issue for you, you might lose your chance to repent. What if there isn't another miracle on the way? What if today is your last opportunity for repentance? Repentance first, miracles second.
5. Don't make an idol out of a miracle. Are you worshiping Jesus or are you worshiping anticipation of a miracle?

A Miracle Wasn't Enough (Jn 11:45-46)

Yesterday's reading was John 10-11.

1. Everyone there was exposed to the same facts. Fact: Lazarus was dead. Fact: Lazarus was in the tomb long enough to begin decaying. (At least the embalming spices began to fail.) Fact: Lazarus walked out of the tomb at Jesus' command. Fact: Lazarus was alive!
2. Many chose to believe in Jesus, based upon the facts. It would've been better had they believed based upon His identity or message, but at least they believed. Part of me is screaming, "How could they not believe?" I mean, Jesus just raised a dead guy back to life! Awesome, huh?
3. Not everyone believed. This minority was exposed to the same facts. This minority witnessed the same miracle. Lesson: Even a miracle is not enough to persuade some people. Yes, it is possible to have a heart that hardened!
4. The greatest obstacle to believing in Jesus might be preoccupation with someone else's opinion. Whoever "the Jews" were in particular, their opinion mattered a lot to these non-believers. There would be no chance of believing unless "the Jews" approved. The opinion of men mattered more than the glory of God.
5. What does it take for you to believe in Jesus? Is there anything holding you back?