Post by Woody Williams on Aug 14, 2005 7:31:38 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Matthew 15:21-28
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Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, 'Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.' But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, 'Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.' He answered, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.' But she came and knelt before him, saying, 'Lord, help me.' He answered, 'It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs.' She said, 'Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus answered her, 'Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.' And her daughter was healed instantly.
Devotional
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One of the key ingredients in Jesus' ministry was the the healing he brought to people. Disease, evil spirits, rejections and injustice were all touched by God's power to bring healing, freedom and new life. The woman in the story is perceived as an outsider. Her
persistent affirmation that she and her daughter were legitimate heirs of God's love and grace brought healing words and power from Jesus. If the church can be known as a healing agent of God, bold in proclaiming and carrying out the healing work of the Gospel, many who might be perceived as on the outside, would be drawn to the church. There is an immense need for healing of all kinds in the world.
Prayer
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Empower your church, O God, so that it will recognize and carry out the healing work you want to do among us. Amen
WW - FAITH is not in knowing that God can, but in knowing that God will..
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Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, 'Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.' But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, 'Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.' He answered, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.' But she came and knelt before him, saying, 'Lord, help me.' He answered, 'It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs.' She said, 'Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus answered her, 'Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.' And her daughter was healed instantly.
Devotional
----------
One of the key ingredients in Jesus' ministry was the the healing he brought to people. Disease, evil spirits, rejections and injustice were all touched by God's power to bring healing, freedom and new life. The woman in the story is perceived as an outsider. Her
persistent affirmation that she and her daughter were legitimate heirs of God's love and grace brought healing words and power from Jesus. If the church can be known as a healing agent of God, bold in proclaiming and carrying out the healing work of the Gospel, many who might be perceived as on the outside, would be drawn to the church. There is an immense need for healing of all kinds in the world.
Prayer
-------------
Empower your church, O God, so that it will recognize and carry out the healing work you want to do among us. Amen
WW - FAITH is not in knowing that God can, but in knowing that God will..