Faith!

For Wednesday, January 31, 2024:

Mark 9:22b NLT, Father of a possessed boy pleading with Jesus: “Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”

The evil spirit repeatedly threw the young lad to the ground, often into fire or water, trying to kill him. The boy’s father brought him to the disciples, but they were unable to cast out the demon. When Jesus arrived, he shouted, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” He was going to solve the problem!

When the spirit saw Jesus, it threw the boy to the ground. It wasn’t giving up without a fight! Jesus commanded the demon to leave the boy and never return, and the spirit screamed and then left. Interestingly, evil spirits always scream as they’re being cast out. Jesus explained: “This kind (of evil spirit) can be cast out only by prayer.” We need to pray for God’s help in difficult situations.

There are many take-aways from this encounter. The obvious one is the healing power of Jesus. Then there’s the lesson that God can easily do what mankind cannot do. But another lesson is the importance of faith – faith in God, faith in Jesus, in who he is and in what he can do. Faith in Jesus resulted in a healing miracle. And faith in Jesus results in our ultimate salvation. That’s why we’re called “believers!”

O Lord, fill us with faith!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

Disciples!

August 8, 2022 Monday Message:

Mark 6:7 NLT: “Jesus called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits.”

Jesus called all believers to spread the Good News. It’s best to not go alone. With a friend, we persevere; we don’t give up! We don’t want to let the other person down! Together, we don’t want to let Jesus down!

We don’t hear as much about evil spirits nowadays, but they are still out there. I believe Satan is responsible for a lot of evil in our world. We don’t always put his name on it, but problems persist. Remember, the name of Jesus can shut down evil. After all, Satan and his minions know exactly who Jesus is!

So, “The disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God.” This is the same “repent and return” we talk about often. It’s been God’s desire ever since the Garden of Eden incident. His desire is that none would be lost. May we all be included with those who are not lost!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406