Day 292

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A Ministry of Multiplication!

Scripture

October 18—Luke 7-9: Confrontations with the Son of Man

Observation

Preaching. Healing. Discipling. That in capsule form summarizes Christ's daily activities during much of his ministry. Luke records the healings with meticulous attention to detail, as befitting a doctor. When John the Baptist sends messengers to Jesus questioning whether he is the Messiah, Jesus has only to point to his miracles as proof of his claims. And as he preaches and heals, Jesus patiently prepares his followers to carry on the same kind of ministry. The stakes are high; the cost of discipleship is steep, demanding nothing less than self-denial and wholehearted commitment. But the goal of saving lives (9:56) makes it all worthwhile!

Application

There are few forces in the world today that can match the power of the personal testimony and surprisingly few Christians who have learned to use its awesome power. Have you?

In chapter 8, Jesus casts the demons out of a man from Gadara, a man who, under demonic control, could neither be clothed nor chained. Once delivered, however, the man sits clothed and in his right mind listening hungrily to the words of Jesus in sheer gratitude the Gadarene asks permission to accompany Jesus, but his request is denied. "Go back to your family," said Jesus, "and tell them what a wonderful thing God has done for you" (8:39). Don't preach a sermon, Jesus said. Just give personal testimony of God at work in your life. And the result? He went all through the city telling everyone about Jesus' mighty miracle."

Has God made a difference in your life? Then share that testimony with one person today. Firsthand experience with God is too precious to keep to yourself!

Prayer

Our Almighty God, we thank you that when we gather together in groups to worship your Holy name you are in the midst. We are so graceful to be in your presence and we are anxiously willing to share our personal testimony of how you changed our life. Help us keep our worship of you sacred to diligently seek your reward of our heavenly home. We want our whole spirit, soul and body kept blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray that you set us apart from all unholy and secular uses so that our worship and praise will be pleasing to you. For this we give you all the glory, the honor and praise in Jesus' name! Amen! 

God is in the Midst!




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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