He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come.”
MARK 1:38
Jesus sends you for a purpose. He has chosen you and called you by name. He has gifted you and equipped you with grace. He has commissioned you and sent you with power. He has a plan for you and a place for you. He has a work for you and a word for you. He has a people for you and a message for you. He goes with you and before you. He stands beside you and behind you. He lives in you and through you.
Keep in constant communication with the Lord. He listens to your prayers, and speaks to your heart. He cares for your concerns, and shares His thoughts. He delights in your praises, and reveals His glory. He is the Lord of communication, and He is the God of relationship. The Lord supports you in your trials, and comforts you in your troubles. He strengthens you in your weakness, and heals you in your sickness. He protects you from your enemies, and delivers you from your fears. He is the Lord of consolation, and He is the God of salvation.
29 On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. 31 He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. 32 When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. 33 The whole town was gathered at the door. 34 He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. 35 Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.36 Simon and those who were with him pursued him 37 and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.”39 So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee. (Mark 1:29-39)
The Lord overturns your misfortunes into great fortunes. He turns your sorrow into joy, your pain into peace. He lifts you up from the depths of despair, and sets you on a high place. He makes a way where there seems to be no way, and opens doors that no one can shut. He restores what the enemy has stolen, and gives you more than you can ask or imagine.
Always look at the positive side of life. There is beauty in every moment, and hope in every day. There is a lesson in every challenge, and a blessing in every delay. There is a purpose in every struggle, and a victory in every fight. There is a reason for everything, and a plan for your life. There is joy in every sorrow, and peace in every storm. There is grace in every failure, and strength in every weakness. There is light in every darkness, and love in every heart.
1 Job spoke, saying: Is not man’s life on earth a drudgery? Are not his days those of a hireling? 2 He is a slave who longs for the shade, a hireling who waits for his wages. 3 So I have been assigned months of misery, and troubled nights have been told off for me. 4 If in bed I say, “When shall I arise?” then the night drags on; I am filled with restlessness until the dawn. 6 My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle; they come to an end without hope.7 Remember that my life is like the wind; I shall not see happiness again. (Job 7:1-4, 6-7)
God heals you today. He touches your body, and takes away your pain. He soothes your mind, and calms your fears. He fills your heart, and wipes away your tears. He is the Lord of healing, and He is the God of love. He speaks to your spirit, and gives you His peace. He renews your strength, and restores your joy. He lifts your burden, and sets you free. He is the Lord of power, and He is the God of grace. He hears your prayers, and answers your cries. He knows your needs, and provides your wants. He sees your faith, and rewards your trust. He is the Lord of miracles, and He is the God of hope.
1 Praise the Lord, for he is good; sing praise to our God, for he is gracious; it is fitting to praise him. 2 The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem; the dispersed of Israel he gathers. 3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 4 He tells the number of the stars; he calls each by name. 5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; to his wisdom there is no limit. 6 The Lord sustains the lowly; the wicked he casts to the ground. (Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6)
The Lord has entrusted you with stewardship. He has given you talents, and resources, and time. He has called you to serve, and to bless, and to shine. He has made you a co-worker, and a partner, and a friend. He expects you to be faithful, and diligent, and wise. He rewards you for your efforts, and your sacrifices, and your love. He corrects you when you err, and forgives you when you repent. He empowers you by His Spirit, and His Word, and His Name. He guides you by His wisdom, and His will, and His plan.
Preach the gospel to every nation, and tribe, and tongue, to every creature, and soul, and heart, to every sinner, and saint, and friend. Preach the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, the power of God for salvation, the grace of God for transformation. Preach the gospel for the glory of God alone, for the honor of His name, for the praise of His grace.
16 Brothers and sisters: If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it! 17 If I do so willingly, I have a recompense, but if unwillingly then I have been entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my recompense? That when I preach I offer the gospel free of charge so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. 19 Although I am free in regard to all, I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as many as possible. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some. 23 All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it. (1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23)
Lord Jesus, You are my healer. Heal me today and restore me to the fullness of health. Remove all that is preventing me to pursue the purpose for which You sent me. Open all doors of opportunities for me to spread Your word. I am Your servant O Lord, chosen and called, commissioned and sent for the work that You have set before me. Thank You so much for overturning what seems to be misfortunes into great fortunes. You completely turned my sorrow into joy, my pain into peace. Truly, nothing is like You O God in whose hands my entire life depends. All glory and honor are Yours now and forever. Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Mystery of Jesus
THE CURE OF SIMON'S MOTHER-IN-LAW / OTHER HEALINGS / JESUS LEAVES CAPERNAUM
Mark 1:29-31 / 32-34 / 35-39
II: First Cycle of Speeches
JOB'S FIRST REPLY
Job 7:1-7
Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
GOD'S WORD RESTORES JERUSALEM
Psalm 147:1-20
III: Answers to the Corinthians' Questions, B. Offerings to idols
REASON FOR NOT USING HIS RIGHTS / ALL THINGS TO ALL
1 Corinthians 9:12-18 / 19/27
