By Ramesh C.Reddy
Pittsburgh Standard

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

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SCRIPTURE:
“That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.” (Mark 1:32-34, NIV)

Observations:
I asked myself what the people did?

1. That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.

2. The whole town gathered at the door.

Interpretations:

I asked myself the significance of their actions!
It is very interesting when there were those who were sick and demon-possessed, other people were the ones that brought them to Jesus. They intervened on behalf of the sick and demon-possessed so Jesus could heal them.

It is also very interesting that the whole town gathered at the door of Simon and Andrew’s home. This is evident from the previous verses (Mark 1:29-31) regarding where Jesus was staying. They were ready and expectant for a healing service!

Observations:
I asked myself what Jesus did!

1. Jesus healed many who had various diseases.

2. Jesus drove out many demons.

3. Jesus did not let the demons speak because they knew who He was.

Implications:
I saw important implications for my own life. When others are sick with various diseases, I can take them before the Lord and be expectant for healing. The people were expectant and ready for a healing service and Jesus did not disappoint. Jesus answered!

Not only that. Jesus made Himself available for the people. Jesus had spent time earlier in the synagogue, then went to Peter and Andrew's home for fellowship time, healed Peter's mother-in-law. Now it is evening and Jesus still spends time healing people who were looking for an answer to their problems.

I ask you now dear friend, where do you need answers  in life?
Dear friend, there will be times when you do not know when the answer you are looking for will come. There are other times when you will be placed in a position to help someone else out. In either case, expect an answer from the Lord. It does not matter what area of life it is.

The Lord Jesus will answer! Whatever situation you are faced with whether it is the death of a loved one (I know for my dad went to be with the Lord few months ago), the loss of a job, the sorrow of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, travel plans, family problems, etc, you can bring yourself before the Lord Jesus for an answer and you can bring others to Jesus. Jesus wants to help, yes He does friend! He will reach us where we are!

The people went expecting Jesus to do great things and Jesus did not disappoint. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I believe what He did in those days, He still can do today. He uses His followers to accomplish His great works in these last days. At other times, Jesus intervenes directly!

Expect the Lord to send the answer in your life for He is the Answer for what you are going through. He is your Tower of refuge and strength. We may not understand why things happen the way they do but Jesus answers in His perfect timing.

You can also be the one to show the Answer to one who is suffering. You have the awesome opportunity of bringing people to Jesus for healing no matter what kind of various diseases they are facing. What people face are not always physical but they can be spiritual, psychological, emotional, mental, etc but Jesus has the power to reach all areas of life. That is exciting to know friend. I believe that with my whole heart and as you look to Scripture and to the One who made you and me, you can have that faith too!

More than anything people around the world need the Answer to their life no matter what prestigious jobs they have, how rich or poor they are, how popular they are, etc because only the Answer can deliver them from the question of 'Why should God let them into Heaven?'

You see friend, we all have been marred by sin and separated from God. Just as the people brought the sick to the Answer, we need to do the same. Jesus is the Answer. We need to bring ourselves and others to Jesus Christ for His healing in our lives. We need Jesus Christ because He will be the Answer to the question.

God can allow us into Heaven not because of all the good works we think we do, far from it because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. All our good works are like filthy rags to the Lord but He can allow us into Heaven because of Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross for us and our acceptance of His free gift of grace.

Friend, God demonstrated His love towards us that while we were yet sinners Jesus Christ died for us. Jesus knew He alone can become the bridge between man and God which started at the cross. So, Jesus shed His precious cleansing blood on the cross to become our redemptive sacrifice. Jesus paid the ransom to free us from the bondage of sin with His blood.

Now when we accept the antidote Christ has for us and are covered by His precious blood, when God looks at us He sees Christ's righteousness covering over us and His judgment will pass over us. This is exciting to know friend.

Friend, there are so many that are lost and only Christ's healing touch and redemption can free them. We have the opportunity to take people to Christ by our words and mostly by our actions. They need the Word of God and the healing that comes from God's Word.

May you know the Lord Jesus Christ answers in your life and waits for you to come to Him with all your wants and needs! Amen! May you know the One who loves you so much and wants to be your Answer and the Answer to all humanity!  May you bring souls to Christ after bringing yourself to Christ!Amen!

"Almighty Nurturing Savior, Wonderfully, Enthusiastically Redeems Situations!" (A.N.S.W.E.R.S)/”Where do you need answers in life?”

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for staying in Peter and Andrew’s home after the worship service and healing Peter’s mother-in-law. Then, after sunset you patiently healed so many  who had various diseases when people brought them to you and the town gathered at the door. Just as you healed Peter's mother-in-law, I believe you healed each one individually and personally. I thank you Jesus. This makes me really happy because you are a God who loves and cares for our needs. You can heal us now too and answer us in our distress. I thank you Jesus. You know the answers we are looking for in our lives. There are areas which we need an answer and wait on you for your help. Help us also to bring people to you so they can be healed and see that you are the Answer. I thank you Jesus. Thank you for hearing us and answering us! In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen

"May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

If you would like to invite Jesus Christ into your heart and make Him a daily part of your life, you can this very moment. You will never be alone. You can claim God's promises for you in the Bible and see them come true, before your eyes, in His wonderful timing. You don't have to wait for a special time to come to the Lord. You can come right now as you pray the prayer below, meaning it in your heart.

Prayer:
God I am a sinner. I am invaded by this deadliest virus. Many times I feel so guilty and yucky inside. I need forgiveness. I am so sorry for my sins. I have not obeyed you with my whole heart! I have gone my own way and done my own things. I still struggle with sin. I need you Jesus in my life so I can receive forgiveness and a new beginning. In the process, I can forgive others as you help me to. Thank you so much Jesus. I accept the antidote you have sent me. I believe Jesus you died for me and your cleansing blood will cleanse me from all my sins. You came back to life to save me. Thank you God I am set free, free from the bondage of sin. Hear my cry Oh Lord. I accept you Jesus into my heart. I make you my Lord and Personal Savior of my life. Thank you Father God for giving me Salvation. Thank you Jesus for coming into my heart and making my heart your home. Thank you for living in me Jesus and I will live for you and serve you the rest of the days of my life. Thank you for being my Lord and personal Savior! I can live a life of peace with you on my side. Thank you that you have heard my prayer and answered me! In your Name I Pray Jesus! AMEN!