Friday, September 2, 2011

Mark 1:35
New King James Version (NKJV)
   
35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

I am so happy for the habit, formed many years ago when my daughter was a toddler, of getting up very early in the morning.

There is great joy in starting my day with the Holy Spirit in the quiet and peace of early morning.

Today I am sitting in a valley, totally surrounded by mountains and giving thanks to Almighty God for His many blessings.

I am here because I was told that one of my oldest friends was dying. The report was that she had days only, at best a couple of weeks.

Before I left home in Florida I engaged the prayers of my church family. We had been told that there was nothing left for my friend, Charlotte, except a miracle; therefore, we boldly asked God for just that.

September 2
Morning by Charles Spurgeon
"But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her."
Mark 1:30
Very interesting is this little peep into the house of the Apostolic Fisherman. We see at once that household joys and cares are no hindrance to the full exercise of ministry, nay, that since they furnish an opportunity for personally witnessing the Lord's gracious work upon one's own flesh and blood, they may even instruct the teacher better than any other earthly discipline.
Papists and other sectaries may decry marriage, but true Christianity and household life agree well together. Peter's house was probably a poor fisherman's hut, but the Lord of Glory entered it, lodged in it, and wrought a miracle in it.
Should our little book be read this morning in some very humble cottage, let this fact encourage the inmates to seek the company of King Jesus. God is oftener in little huts than in rich palaces. Jesus is looking round your room now, and is waiting to be gracious to you.
Into Simon's house sickness had entered, fever in a deadly form had prostrated his mother-in-law, and as soon as Jesus came they told him of the sad affliction, and he hastened to the patient's bed. Have you any sickness in the house this morning? You will find Jesus by far the best physician, go to him at once and tell him all about the matter. Immediately lay the case before him. It concerns one of his people, and therefore will not be trivial to him.
Observe, that at once the Saviour restored the sick woman; none can heal as he does. We may not make sure that the Lord will at once remove all disease from those we love, but we may know that believing prayer for the sick is far more likely to be followed by restoration than anything else in the world; and where this avails not, we must meekly bow to his will by whom life and death are determined.
The tender heart of Jesus waits to hear our griefs, let us pour them into his patient ear.
I come boldly to my God in intercessory prayer for my friend. I find this morning's “Daily Word” an affirmation and a comfort as I pray.
I thank God for all of those who have joined me in keeping her blanketed in the warmth of sincere prayer.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!