Our church service enjoyed strong worship music before our guest speaker shared a message. The speaker has a long ministry of revival for many years in the United States and now worldwide, in Africa and Mexico. He will be leading services Monday through Wednesday evenings. He will lead a healing service, a spiritual outpouring for all ages and concluding with a service for generational blessings. I hope to get to go at least two nights.
The pastor noted that Jesus is the divine healer, but pastor’s initial message was based on the scripture message from God's word in Matthew 14:35-36. The passages ends with a statement that ‘those who touched Christ’s garment were healed [or made whole].’
The pastor reminded us that healing doesn't always happen in an instant. There may be years of study or hearing of the word that is preparation for the healing.
We believe that before we call, God knows and answers. Isaiah 65:24.
Before the world was formed God knew us and formed us. Isaiah 44:24, Isaiah 49:15, Psalm 71:6, Jeremiah 1:5, Galatians 1:15-16.
We believe that God has been working on this community.
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Look back at the first line of this morning’s scripture. The key is they “recognized” Him!! The greatest thing God has ever done for the believer is to reveal Himself to us. Salvation is a miracle. We respond to His call and our salvation is by Jesus alone. Jesus is the Centerpiece of All. He is not just the final word, He is all the words.
Pray that God manifest himself to you!
God revealed himself to Abraham as El Shaddai – the God who is ‘more than enough’. And God made covenant with Abraham. God said to Abraham: ‘Can you count the stars or the grains of sand? I will give you more.’ Learn to see God as the God of More!
We don’t see God by one encounter. Just as a photo image captures only a moment – it might be a moment of sadness, love, joy, or other emotion. We need multiple contacts to know God.
We are often taught that the believer’s goal is eternal life. But going to heaven is a benefit, not the goal. The real goal should be to be like him, to reflect his characteristics.
When a woman has a baby, after learning that the mother and child are safe and well, the next question is often “who does he look like?”
God is looking to see the characteristics of His son in us.
I chose this song which speaks to me for today’s message: Who Am I?
Verses for Today (two translations):Matthew 14:35-36 NIV
35 And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him 36 and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
Matthew 14:35-36 King James Version
35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased.
36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
(Interestingly my Bible reading this morning before church included Luke 17:21. Although I am looking forward to God’s Kingdom to come, this reminded me that the Kingdom is here now if I have believed in Christ and allowed the Holy Spirit to dwell in me.)
God, please help me to recognize You and to become more like You.
