Banquet With The King

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Temptation Sorrows

Millstone at an Israeli heritage museum.
Don't let a millstone be tied around your neck!

But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. "What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting. Matthew 18:6-7

But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck. Mark 9:42

One day Jesus said to his disciples, "There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin. Luke 17:1-2

Meditate. Consider God’s love and protection of others—especially children.

Jesus said…What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting. Temptation is inevitable. We can’t escape it. It hovers like a dark cloud waiting for a moment to pounce upon you—pulling you into its grasp and haughtily laughing in your face. It forces a wedge between you and others…a wall between you and God as you disobey His commands. No! May it never be…but as a human, it is unavoidable. No! You can avoid the evil grasp.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7

Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. Psalm 34:14 and 1 Peter 3:11

Work to maintain peace with no evil—don’t be tempted. Remember what Jesus taught His disciples in what we call the Lord’s Prayer.

And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:13

There is an Old Testament story that describes this very action of the fact that God does battle against evil for His people.

As all the men of Judah stood before the LORD with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the LORD came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph. He said, "Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's. 2 Chronicles 20:13-15

There is a spiritual battle going on, and it is over all that we do…all that we are, but the battle then and now is God’s. Trust Him. Be courageous—don’t tempt others or give in to temptation. Pray.

What do we learn about Jesus from these Scripture passages?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, help us to be courageous and intentionally focused on You and on Your word, so that we will apply it to our lives. Do battle for us—for You are mighty and powerful. Thank You.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Monday, August 10, 2026

Are You For Us or Against Us?

John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn't in our group." "Don't stop him!" Jesus said. "No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us. If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded." Mark 9:38-41

"Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me. If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs. And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded." Matthew 10:40-42

John said to Jesus, "Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn't in our group." But Jesus said, "Don't stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you." Luke 9:49-50

Meditate on these verses. For or against?

Jesus was specific. Anyone who is not against us is for us. Are you for or against Jesus? Jesus had already spoken about the importance of not denying Him.

But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:33

To deny someone is pretty much being against them. Don’t stop, hinder, forbid, or refuse that person. They are doing the right thing—casting out demons. Or maybe they are healing, or just standing up for Jesus.

American and Jewish flags flying...
on a boat at the Sea of Galilee.
Israel

We have people here in the United States with hidden…or not so hidden agendas that want to do away with Jews and Christians alike. When I was growing up, I heard the Russian leader Khrushchev vehemently state that he would bury the people of the United States. Scary thought. Now, it is those of Islamic faith that want to destroy the infidels, or idolators. Are they considering Christians and Jews infidels? It appears so as they march through the streets of cities in the United States, chanting about killing. This is happening in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

Jesus has promised that He will never abandon us…but that we will have trials. In His last discussion with His disciples, He told them this very thing. It is for all believers.

Jesus asked, "Do you finally believe? But the time is coming--indeed it's here now--when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:31-33

Have peace in your heart. Much earlier in His ministry, Jesus spoke about persecution.

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. Matthew 5:10-12

It may be difficult to be happy…be very glad about being mocked and persecuted, but persevere. Remember Jesus’ letter to the church at Philippi in Revelation.

Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. Revelation 3:10

Hang in there. We are in this together. Encourage others as you see the day approaching. Don’t give up on Jesus. Be for Him. He is for you!

Prayer – Lord Jesus, hear our prayers and give us strength to endure whatever lies ahead for those of us who believe in You. Give us courage to stand up for You…never to deny or forsake You. Thank You.

Verses of Salvation as written by Paul to Timothy ~ So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. 2 Timothy 2:10-13

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Can You Welcome Jesus?

Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me." Mark 9:36-37

Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, "I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. "And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. Matthew 18:2-5

But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. Then he said to them, "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest." Luke 9:47-48

Meditate. Consider childlike innocence and trust.

Little children don’t stop to think about sins or who is greatest in a group of people. Well—most think their Dad and Mom are the greatest…and Jesus, if they know Him. It’s all about love for them. Their parents love them, and they love their parents. If they’ve been taught about Jesus, they probably know the song, “Jesus Loves Me” and are happy to sing it anytime!

Why did Jesus use a child as an example of humility for His disciples? Kids are generally happy, accepting, loyal, welcoming, humble, and genuinely loving. He said that that quality of humility was important. Recall that the disciples had just been arguing about who was the greatest. Jesus was showing them that none of them were—but that everyone needs to be humble and not focused on themselves, but on others to be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Can you be humble as Jesus suggested?

What do we learn about Jesus from these Scripture passages?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, humility is a true gift of God. We have to choose to be humble. Please give me the grace to accept Your gift of humility for my life—and humble myself before You…and others, that I would be a true servant, like You.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the LORD delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Psalm 149:4

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Am I Better Than You? Are You Better Than Me?

Who is the best?
Who is the greatest?

After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, "What were you discussing out on the road?" But they didn't answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, "Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else." Mark 9:33-35

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" Matthew 18:1

Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. Luke 9:46

Meditate on the thought of greatness.

Do the disciples seem a little egotistical? Sort of like second graders…I’m better than you! Wait…isn’t that what different denominations do today? Do you subconsciously set a tribal hierarchy similar to a caste system within any group you are in? It seems to me that is just what the disciples were doing, and it upset some of them. They were arguing—verbally fighting. They’d left their families, homes, and jobs to be with Jesus—and now they just wanted to be recognized within their group as the best. The best of the best? What was Jesus’ response? "Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else." First last. Jesus was the ultimate example of being a servant. Remember that He actually washes the feet of His disciples at their last meal together. That is a servant’s job. Jesus did it willingly and without complaining. God’s plan was for Jesus to be a servant to those around and after Him.

When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways." Acts 3:26

Paul gave Timothy some wise advice about being a servant and not quarreling.

Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. 2 Timothy 2:23-26

The disciples needed that lesson from Paul. No quarreling. Don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments. Do you need that advice from Paul?

What do we learn about Jesus from these Scripture passages?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You’ve been such a great example to all those who follow You—well, actually to all mankind, if we would just listen, observe, and obey. Help me to see those around me through Your eyes…and please give me the wisdom and grace to be a servant…like You. Thank You.

Verses of Salvation ~ The LORD is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? ... Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don't leave me now; don't abandon me, O God of my salvation! Psalm 27:1, 9

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Friday, August 7, 2026

Have You Been Fishing Lately?

On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, "Doesn't your teacher pay the Temple tax?" "Yes, he does," Peter replied. Then he went into the house. But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, "What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?" "They tax the people they have conquered," Peter replied. "Well, then," Jesus said, "the citizens are free! However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us." Matthew 17:24-27

Meditate on fishing and coins.

Have you ever caught a fish? What was in its mouth besides a hook? Usually nothing.

Fish with a coin? Catch it Peter!

Fish. Consider the fish in the Bible. God made the fish. Jonah was swallowed by a big fish. There was a Fish Gate in the wall surrounding Jerusalem. Jesus fed five thousand and then an additional four thousand men and their families with just a few fish and loaves of bread. Jesus blessed Simon Peter and the other disciples by filling their fishing nets full…yet they didn’t break. Jesus cooked breakfast, including fish, for His disciples after His resurrection. Jesus told Peter to catch a fish…and take a shekel out of its mouth to pay the Roman tax. Don’t offend the Romans…pay the tax.

Fish. Who would have thought that such a smelly creature would have provided so much for people across the ages? Food, protection, provision and tax payment. When was the last time you caught a fish and took a coin from its mouth? Jesus did not want to offend the Romans. Just pay the tax…give to Caesar what is due to him. Do you have the same kind of attitude towards your government and taxes? How will you respond to their request for tax payment this year…and to Jesus?

What do we learn about Jesus from this Scripture passage?

Prayer ~ Jesus, thank you for providing the resources for tax payment. Please continue to provide prosperity for our families, friends, community and nation. There is always a need for more fish.

Verses of Salvation ~ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:3-8

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

We can’t live on bread alone. Have some fish stew with that bread…but don’t stew about your relationship with God or with others. In doing a little research on fish stew on the internet I found that there are Fish Stew recipes from countries all around the world…Greece, Brazil, Italy, Moroccan, Basque, Mediterranean, Normandy, Portuguese, Spanish, Jamaican, simple and quick fish stews including at least one from North Carolina. You can Google and pick a country to try one that appeals to your taste and smell in flavors that you love.

Here’s a quick and easy one with which to start. Add the flavors like fennel, cumin, cayenne pepper, rosemary, or even dill to suit your taste.

Quick and Easy Fish Stew – adapted from Pinterest, Food Network and my own cooking attempts

Serves four.
1½ pounds filet fish – use what is available to you…rockfish, cod, mahi mahi, salmon, red snapper
Olive Oil – 6 tablespoons
Garlic 1-3 cloves grated
Onion – 1 white, yellow or sweet, finely chopped
Celery – 3 ribs, chopped
Oregano – pinch or 1 twig fresh, minced
Thyme – pinch or 1 twig fresh, minced
Bay leaves – 3 whole
Tomatoes – fresh or canned - 2 cups peeled and chopped
Green pepper – optional – 1 – chopped
Mild chili peppers – optional – seeded and chopped
Tomato paste – 2 teaspoons
Tabasco sauce – 1 shake or 1/8 teaspoon
½ cup dry white wine
1 cup water
1 cup chicken broth or fish stock
Parsley – ½ cup, chopped or snipped – last minute garnish
Green onions – 2 chopped – last minute garnish
Optional additions to suit your tastes:
1 cup chopped clams (canned)
Mussels or butter clams -1 pound in the shell, well washed
Shrimp – 1 pound thawed, if frozen

Crab - for a special occasion

Sauté the garlic, onion, celery, and peppers in the olive oil until tender. Add the desired herbs (except the parsley and green onion), tomatoes, wine, water and broth. Simmer for about one hour. Add the fish and any other optional meats. Add the parsley and chopped green onions. Cook about 5 minutes, until the fish flakes easily. Remove the bay leaves. Serve with a nice grainy roll, cornbread, rice and/or tossed salad.

Portions reused from November 16, 2014, and July 30, 2021, Banquet With The King blog.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Let Me Tell You What is Going to Happen!

Jesus going to the cross.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre - Jerusalem.

Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn't want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead." They didn't understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant. Mark 9:30-32

After they gathered again in Galilee, Jesus told them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead." And the disciples were filled with grief. Matthew 17:22-23

Awe gripped the people as they saw this majestic display of God's power. While everyone was marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, "Listen to me and remember what I say. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies." But they didn't know what he meant. Its significance was hidden from them, so they couldn't understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about it. Luke 9:43-45

Meditate. Consider Jesus’ death prediction.

This wasn’t the very first time that Jesus had mentioned His impending death and resurrection. Remember just a few days ago (see July 30, 2026 blog), Jesus and His disciples had been at Caesarea Philippi where, after asking who they said that He was, He frankly began to teach them about the suffering, death, and resurrection that would happen to Him.

Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. "Get away from me, Satan!" he said. "You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's." Mark 8:31-33

He told them then and now, and will tell them at least one more time (see Mark 10:33-34) before the actual events happen. But it was difficult for them to understand, and they were afraid to ask Him questions about it. God had a plan that did not include giving the disciples insight into what was going to happen. Jesus loved teaching His disciples—especially without others around to distract them. On this side of the cross, we can see what Jesus was predicting and are mystified by the disciples’ lack of understanding. No one wanted Jesus to be betrayed…except Judas—but that is giving away the coming story. These dear friends and followers of Jesus were afraid and filled with grief. How could this happen to their beloved Rabbi? He is revealing to them God’s plan. Let me tell you what is going to happen! No guesswork—but no comprehension. Would you have believed what Jesus was foretelling?

What do you understand about Jesus’ character from these passages of Scripture today?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I understand Your predictions to Your disciples—and I can read that it happened just as You said. Now, I’ve heard predictions about Your imminent return. Please give me, my family, and friends wisdom and understanding about this event. I trust You and look forward to seeing You blazing across the sky in all Your glory! May glory, honor, and power be Yours—as well as our Heavenly Father’s.

Verses of Salvation ~ I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. Let God's curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed. Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant. Galatians 1:6-10

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Will You Be Able to Move a Mountain with Your Prayers?

Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not drive it out?" And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:19-21 NASB

Do you have the faith of...
a mustard seed?

Mustard seeds are really small. When we were growing up my sister had a necklace with a mustard seed encased in plastic, magnifying it. It was small—but it was a reminder of this verse and the power of prayer. We were young—what did we know about prayer? As years went, by we learned to appreciate prayer and often asked each other to pray. Now she has gone to be with the Lord…in Heaven. Will we pray in heaven? Only time will tell for that. My granddaughters recently gave me a necklace with a mustard seed, bringing back a few old memories. Mustard seeds are still small and I’ve been told that the mustard seed to which Jesus referred to was even smaller than those we have here in the United States. The custom still reminds us of the power of prayer. But can you move a mountain by praying? Maybe it won’t be a physical mountain, like Mount Rainier, but a spiritual load on your shoulders that Jesus Christ will remove when you pray.

The whole issue of demon possession may be beyond most people’s comfort zone of prayer. Jesus instructed His disciples and us that this issue requires fasting along with prayer. Fasting focuses us on prayer, on the issue at hand and the Lord. Fasting isn’t something new in our time, or in Jesus’ time. Remember Esther called the Israelites to fast when they were facing persecution by the king (Esther 4:3). David writes about fasting when others were ill (Psalm 35:14). Of course, there is the time that Jesus went into the desert and fasted for forty days and nights after His baptism (Matthew 4:2). Fasting may make us hungry, but spiritually strengthens us. When our faith in the Lord is strong, it is possible that we will experience spiritual warfare. It may not seem like real a spiritual battle, just inconveniences, problems, discouragement or depression. That is the time to put on your armor (Ephesians 6:10-18). Protect yourself daily with God’s word and His armor. Then, if you’ve never fasted, the next time you have a deep prayer need, have faith. Try fasting.

Jesus is calling us to use our faith in Him to ask for what may seem like an impossible prayer request. How will you respond to Him today?

What do we learn about Jesus from this passage today? Does it give you encouragement to talk to Him more in prayer?

Prayer ~ Jesus, I have faith in You. You said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27. I trust You to hear my prayers and answer them…even if they seem impossible.

Verses of Salvation ~ Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him. All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen. Romans 16:25-27 NLT

Portions reused from Banquet With The King blog, November 13, 2014.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Faithless or Faithful? Anything is Possible if You Believe.

Help us to have the faith of a child.
And to pray.
For I can do everything through Christ,
who gives me strength.

When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them, and some teachers of religious law were arguing with them. When the crowd saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with awe, and they ran to greet him. "What is all this arguing about?" Jesus asked. One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, "Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won't let him talk. And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn't do it." Jesus said to them, "You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. "How long has this been happening?" Jesus asked the boy's father. He replied, "Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can." "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!" When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit. "Listen, you spirit that makes this boy unable to hear and speak," he said. "I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!" Then the spirit screamed and threw the boy into another violent convulsion and left him. The boy appeared to be dead. A murmur ran through the crowd as people said, "He's dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up. Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, "Why couldn't we cast out that evil spirit?" Jesus replied, "This kind can be cast out only by prayer." Mark 9:14-29 (Underlined for emphasis.)

At the foot of the mountain, a large crowd was waiting for them. A man came and knelt before Jesus and said, "Lord, have mercy on my son. He has seizures and suffers terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. So I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn't heal him." Jesus said, "You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me." Then Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy, and it left him. From that moment the boy was well. Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, "Why couldn't we cast out that demon?" "You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Matthew 17:14-20 (Some manuscripts add verse 21, But this kind of demon won’t leave except by prayer and fasting. Compare Mark 9:29)

The next day, after they had come down the mountain, a large crowd met Jesus. A man in the crowd called out to him, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, my only child. An evil spirit keeps seizing him, making him scream. It throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It batters him and hardly ever leaves him alone. I begged your disciples to cast out the spirit, but they couldn't do it." Jesus said, "You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you and put up with you?" Then he said to the man, "Bring your son here." As the boy came forward, the demon knocked him to the ground and threw him into a violent convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the evil spirit and healed the boy. Then he gave him back to his father. Luke 9:37-42

Meditate. Consider another healing and the power of faith.

Jesus, along with His disciples Peter, James, and John, had just had a truly marvelous mountain top experience. Jesus had gone through a transformation, glowing with spiritual enlightenment and fulfillment. They had heard God speak from a cloud saying, “This is my Beloved Son. Listen to Him.” Then they came down from the mountain to be confronted by this man and his demon-possessed son, whom the other disciples could not help. They tried to cast out the demon—but they couldn’t do it. Jesus rescues the boy and restores his health. We assume that the kid could speak after that.

The father asked Jesus to help him, if He could. IF! Jesus pronounced…Anything is possible if a person believes. Ultimately, the dad asked Jesus to help his unbelief. We all need that—help with our unbelief. More faith. We don’t read that Jesus prayed…just that He states that casting out demons requires prayer…and some translations add fasting. Fasting. Does that indicate that if we give up food, we are closer to God? He hears our prayers…always. Fasting may just help us focus on putting Jesus first in our lives—seeking Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength in the spirit—not the desires of our heart or stomach! I think that by bringing this to our attention, Jesus is challenging us to focus on Him, to trust Him, to believe and obey. Can you do that? I don’t want Jesus to see me as a faithless and corrupt person. Yet for me…it is not by my strength, but by the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Like that father…help my unbelief.

There is so much to understand and believe about Jesus from these scripture passages today. What is your take away?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, help my unbelief.

Verse of Salvation ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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