Mark 1:23
It might make us wonder how that a man possessed could be in the synagogue. But, this is not really that surprising for several reasons. Demonic possession, as we see throughout the gospels, does not always manifest itself in the same way. Some appear very ill or deranged. Others are very clearly overrun by an evil influence. Yet others might go for a time and not seem possessed at all. Thus, possession is not as clear cut as we might think. Also, even if the man was known to be a problem, it may be that the synagogue leaders thought they could help the man, or had admitted him out of a sense of openness to all of the community. Indeed, what is even more likely is that this particular outburst was quite uncharacteristic for the man’s condition, and that before this time no one had suspected the influence of the enemy.
Bible Reading: Zechariah 1:1-6:15
Scripture Memory: James 5:3 “Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I keep coming back to this idea that you have my best interests at heart. Oh Father, help us to trust you implicitly, because you are worthy. I know that if I had the power to make the best possible plan for my life, and then carry it out, it would be exactly what you had in mind all along. I can’t outdo you when it comes to what is best for me. You can guide us, dear Father, even when we can’t see how to put one foot in front of the other. Why then do we often fail to follow your lead when we think that we can see clearly? Lord may we always let you guide. May we always be surrendered to your will. Thank you for your love! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for a woman who will be having surgery in a week. Pray for a little girl who is sick. Pray for a man with high blood pressure problems.
Journal Entry #15007