A Fathers Prayer. [Luke 15v11-31]

We continue to look at Mark9 v14-29 the story of the demon possessed boy,and the desperate father , a thought comes to me, the boy needed his father to intercede for him, it did not appear that he could do this himself. This boy was demon possessed one cannot begin to imagine, how serious this condition is, how controlling the demons were, but the father who loved his son felt dearly for him ,it must have been awful in the extreme for this family, so the father came to Jesus. Let me say there are many sons and daughters, who for what ever reason are unable to pray for themselves, they need the prayers of Godly parents, and the good news Jesus answered that fathers prayer.[ Father in the name of Jesus , remember our children, Amen.]

Standing on your own feet.. [ John 21v20-23 ]

Following on with Mark 9v14-29, were we have the man with a son possessed with a demon,the disciples were unable to cast it out of the boy, so the man goes to Jesus. Many people still go to the disciples of Jesus , think how many people look to the preacher, come to the front to be prayed for, there is nothing wrong with this, but mybe the Lord wants us to just simply come to Him, so many people ride on the back of others faith, instead of developing their own faith walk, why ?, there may be many reasons, whatever the reason, the challenge for us all ,is to learn to walk on our own, in our faith walk . [Father I thank you for the example of godly people, but I know you want me to begin to be a Christian who developes my own personal relationship with you, help me to do this , I ask this in Jesus name.]

The Enemy. [ James 4 v7 ]

In Mark 9v14-29. we read how the disciples failed for lack of prayer,v29. the reading is about a father with a son, who was possessed by a demon, this demon continually tried to destroy the young man, let us remember that the devil and his demons have only one aim , to destroy humanity, if you are not a Christian you are in great danger, if you are a Christian, be on your guard , you have a very dangerous enemy, who will do his best to draw you away from your Lord. [Father I thank you that Jesus defeated Satan on the cross, yet I know he is not destroyed, but is still very active, help me today to resist him in your power, help me not to be taken in by his lies, in Jesus name I ask this, Amen.

Happiness. [ Psalm 144v 15.]

Lets get serious, or lets lighten up, Humor has its place in life , laughter is a blessing, to have the gift of making people laugh is wonderful.I have a joke book beside my P.C, here is a joke from it, Doctor, Docter- My wooden leg is giving me a lot of pain. Whys that ?, My wife keeps hitting me over the head with it. Anyway I am going to keep my day job, but I do like to laugh , do like reading silly jokes, mybe we do need to lighten up. [Father life is a very serious bussiness ,it is a continual challenge, yet I do thank you for the lighter side, when we can laugh, thank You in Jesus name, Amen]

Ignorance no excuse. [Romans 3v23 ]

In Leviticus 4v27, we read, If any of the common people sin by violatimg one of the Lords commands, but they dont realize it, they are still guilty. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, you break it you pay the price, it is no good making excuses you have broken the law, you must pay the price. When it comes to breaking Gods law the price is judgement, the price is high, Hell is real, thats the bad news, but here is the good news, Calvary, if we but look to God for mercy by acceptlng Jesus, then we are forgiven. [Father I give you thanks for your mercy, that comes through your Sons death on the cross, I thank you for Jesus my saviour, Amen.]

Substitute. [Isaiah 53]

If you follow sport you will be firmiliar with the the term substitute, when one person is taken off and another goes on in their place. Taking anothers place ,I am reading from the book of Leviticus, its about the regulations in regard to the priests, and sacrifices,and it is in relation to the animal sacrifice, we have the truth of substitution taught. A person would bring an animal, with no defects, before it was slain , the one offering the sacrifice, would lay their hand on the animal head,why? ,then the Lord will accept its death in the place of the one offering the sacrifice, purifying them , making them right with Him,[Lev.1v4]. When we come to consider our Saviour on the cross,the great truth of His sacrifice, is when we put our trust in Him we are acknowledging Him as our substitute, we are purified, forgiven, and made right with God. Upon a life I did not live , upon a death I did not die, wrote the poet,meaning ,Jesus is my substitute. [Father I give you thanks from the bottom of my heart , for Jesus my substitute, Amen]

Remembering. [Isaiah 49v16]

A friend in work was standing in the corridor transfixed, then as she moved off she said to me ,I had a senior monent, we do equate forgetfulness with senior citizens, but let me say this, we all whatever age we are have those moments of forgetfulness. We forget that the Lord is always with us ,we forget that He is watching over us in love, that all we have to do is to call on him in every situation, and he will come to our aid, we forget He has promised to look after us, so this day dont worry be happy. [ Father thank you that though at times I forget You, You never forget me, thank You in Jesus name, Amen]