That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. – Mark…

But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him. – Mark 1:45 A man identified only as Pastor…

And a leper came to Jesus, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.43 And Jesus sternly charged him…

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” And he said to them, “Let…

That evening at sundown they brought to Jesus all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. – Mark 1:32-34…

Those who counsel peace have joy. – Proverbs 12:20 Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9 Several pastor friends of mine have, “Peace” as their closing in letters and emails. Sometimes I wish I had defaulted to that, for it is a word rich in…

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I put my hope in your words. – Psalm 119:147 Paul wrote: Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. – Philippians 4:6 Few of us sign up for suffering and persecution. Few…

Reuben said to his brothers, “Shed no blood.” – Genesis 37:22 Jesus said, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” – Luke 6:36 I have no heart for politics. The battlefield is too brutal. The lines are poorly and inaccurately drawn. The tactics are too ruthless. This was especially true in last year’s Republican…

You, our God, have been just in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly. – Nehemiah 9:33 Paul wrote: When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according…

More majestic than the thunders of mighty waters, more majestic than the waves of the sea, majestic on high is the Lord! – Psalm 93:4 [Jesus says,] “In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” – John 16:33 I can recall only one time – and that was many years ago…