Walking With Jesus Part 8: The Evening Crowd

Walking With Jesus Part 8: The Evening Crowd

by | Sep 30, 2024 | Bible Studies, God in the Details, Walking With Jesus

“That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.”

Mark 1:32-34, NIV

After hearing about the cleansing of the demon possessed man in the synagogue of Capernaum, and possibly the testimony of Simon’s mother-in-law, the whole town seemed to show up at Simon Peter’s house.

They brought their sick and demon possessed.

The Bible says the people waited until the evening – so once the Sabbath had ended. Although keeping the Sabbath was an instruction from God Himself, the law had twisted it into something other than God had intended.

Where it was supposed to be a day of resting in the Lord, it had become a day of restriction and bondage – Jesus did many ‘controversial’ things on the Sabbath, but He never broke God’s law regarding the Sabbath, only the Pharisee’s interpretation of this law.

The Sabbath was supposed to be a day of refreshment and renewal, benefit and blessing.

It is significant that, as the day ended, the people brought there sick and possessed to find freedom. They were moving out of the position of resting in their own understanding and into the true rest of God – that place where our afflictions melt away in the glorious light of His mercy, grace and love.

Jesus came to give us rest (Hebrews 4) – the true rest of God. This rest implies freedom from those things that burden us – our affliction, our malady, our illness and infirmity.

The rest of God implies freedom from the shackles and torment of sin and iniquity – and silence to the voices in our head – the voices of fear, doubt, anxiety and insecurity.

God came to restore us – soul, body and spirit – a complete work of redemption and renewal.

Another interesting point is the fact that we see, for the second time in this chapter, Jesus commanding the demons to be quiet – because they knew who He was…

The first time is in the synagogue, and now at Simon’s house we see a pattern.

Why did Jesus command the demons to be quiet?

The first reason is that the time for the full revelation of who He is was still to come. Jesus did not want it made known publicly to the people – He did not want them to be confused as to His role and the purpose of His coming.

John McKinnon shares the following in his commentary on Mark: “Jesus needed to lead people gradually into the fuller meaning of his redemptive mission and how it would be fulfilled in practice. People needed to convert, to change their assumptions and to question the accepted wisdom, if they were to understand him and the Kingdom he would introduce. Jesus needed to keep strictly in check the destructive conclusions of the forces of evil; so he insistently silenced the demons.”

The other reason that Jesus silenced the demons testimony of Him is found in a commentary by Calvin: “He refused to have, as heralds and witnesses of his divinity, those whose praise could have no other effect than to soil and injure His character. This latter reason is undoubtedly true: for He must have known, that the prince of death, and his agents, are in a state of irreconcileable enmity with the Author of eternal salvation and life.”

Demons were known as lying and deceitful spirits. Vile and evil beings. Christ would have no association or perceived familiarity with them – the ignorant Galileans could easily misunderstand, as we see later in Mark chapter 3 – when the scribes accuse Him of being possessed by Beelzebub.

Jesus comes to address the things that attack and affect us spiritually, but also physically.

In saying this it is also important to note that there is a clear distinction made here between demonic afflictions and everyday physical illness. Not all physical illness is a spiritual attack – often it is just the consequence of the fallen state of our natural world.

A final observation is that Jesus healed the sick and drove out demons to restore people to community. Those suffering from illness or possession were often ostracised and excluded from society because of their perceived sinfulness. These people – healed and cleansed – would now be allowed to see their families again, they would now be allowed to go back home, to get jobs, to partake in public life – Jesus does not just restore us to good health and sound mind, but also restores us to community – communion with Him and with our neighbours.

Reflect:

1. Jesus focused on bringing those who were excluded from public life back into community. How can we reach out to those who are ostracised and rejected? Where might be a good place to start?

2. Why is it important to keep the Sabbath – or a specific day on which we rest in the Lord? What are some of the benefits of practising the spiritual discipline of rest?

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that Your heart and mind for us has always been restoration. Lord, restore me – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. And as I am restored give me opportunities to share this hope with others, so that they too might find You and be restored in body, soul and spirit. Give me wisdom in how to reach out to those who are often overlooked, so that they might be restored to community in the fellowship of Your Body. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Walking With Jesus Part 7: TESTIMONY (Mark 1:28-34)

Walking With Jesus Part 7: TESTIMONY (Mark 1:28-34)

by | Sep 17, 2024 | Bible Studies, God in the Details, Walking With Jesus

“News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.”

Mark 1:28, NIV

After the cleansing of the man with an unclean spirit in the synagogue, we see that news about Jesus spread like wildfire.

Jesus and His handful of disciples left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon and Andrew.

Simon’s mother-in-law was ill and in bed with a fever.

The Bible says that Jesus went to her, took her by the hand and helped her up – and out of her illness.

Thus far, in Jesus’ public ministry, we see God taking action – Jesus demonstrating His authority as the Hand of God stretched forth – against impure spirits (that which ails the mind and soul) as well as sickness (that which ails the body) – bringing not only relief, but also restoration.

This has always been the Will of God – that He might see His children restored – in mind, body and spirit!

Jesus came to free us from the shackles that hold us back from both wholeness and holiness.

We see that after the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law, the whole town gathered at her door to see, hear and meet Jesus. The Bible says “that evening, after sunset…” – in other words, some time had passed. This time was certainly enough for people to have heard the testimony of the man from the synagogue, as well as the news about Simon’s mother-in-law.

The whole town brought their sick and tormented to Jesus.

This is the power of testimony right here.

Speaking from my own experience, I have seen Jesus move as my healer, my protector, my provider – He has been there in the valley and on the mountaintop.

I have more than 20 years of testimonies in my pocket. He has never let me down.

And I am sure that, no matter how long you have known and walked with Jesus, you also have testimonies of His goodness, His mercy and His grace. I am sure that, if you have in any way or form encountered Jesus, you will have a story to tell – a story of redemption and restoration – even if the story is still a work in progress.

This testimony has the power to bring others to Jesus.

The news about Jesus didn’t spread because of some massive marketing campaign or targeted ads on social media – it didn’t go viral because of well-produced content or billboards next to the side of the road – the news about Jesus spread by word of mouth.

One person telling the next what they had seen, heard or experienced.

If the Gospel is the light of the world – that original spark or flame – shouldn’t we all, like candles be set alight to show the way to the Cross of Christ in a world darkened by depravity and hopelessness?

Let your little light shine.

The testimonies of one or two people in the first chapter of Mark – the man in the synagogue and Simon’s mother-in-law – led a whole town to Jesus.

Imagine if we all – all of us who believe, all of us who have seen God move, who have encountered Jesus – imagine if we all let our light shine! Imagine if we would all share our stories with who-ever might be willing to hear – we could turn the world upside down and right side up for Jesus!

Perhaps we could take action today – in this very simple way – and tell someone about how God took action on our behalf today.

Reflect:

1. Can you think of a way in which God has taken action in your life? What did He do for you? Now think of the people you know. Is there anyone going through a similar situation or circumstance? How can you share the good news of Jesus with them today?

2. The Bible compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. How can the mustard seed of your testimony become a plantation unto the Lord? Is there a specific type of person who should hear your testimony? Where will you find them?

Prayer: Lord, give me opportunities to share my story with others today. Give me boldness to speak of the wonders you have done in my life. Remind me, oh Lord, of the blessings you have poured out in my life, and help me remember them out loud. You have saved me from eternal demise. Help me today to share my story of redemption and restoration, the story of how Your grace rewrote my life – with someone who needs it. Let my testimony be like a mustard seed which bears much fruit. In Jesus name. Amen.

Walking With Jesus Part 6: Authority (Mark 1:21-28)

Walking With Jesus Part 6: Authority (Mark 1:21-28)

by | Sep 9, 2024 | Bible Studies, God in the Details, Walking With Jesus

21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 

Mark 1:21-22, NIV 

Early on in His ministry Jesus made waves in the synagogues through His radical teaching.

The teachers of the law had a lot of knowledge – they had authority over the letter – they could quote and interpret the scriptures with ease. 

But Jesus taught as one who had ‘authority’ – a different kind of authority. 

The Bible uses the word ‘Exousia’ here. Exousia refers specifically to the authority to act or do. It specifically refers to a moral authority – the liberty to do as one pleases. In most cases, in the New Testament, this refers to the spiritual authority of God delegated to believers, but is also used to refer to Pilate’s authority to choose who lives and who dies.

This is the authority that Jesus functioned in – as God made flesh – all authority was in Him.

Authority over eternal life and death – authority over the Heavens and the Earth. Authority over all things.

And it was clear in His teaching. He spoke and taught – not just as one who believed, but one who KNEW.

There was a certainty and a boldness in His teaching.

When Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven, it was not merely an allegory or a parable, but a vision waiting to take root. A thing that was, although not seen by mortal eyes, surely real and tangible – Jesus spoke of the Kingdom and the rule of God, not just as metaphysical ideas or philosophical constructs – but as a real and tangible thing you could touch and experience.

He spoke with the authority of one who HAD experienced eternity. He spoke with the authority of one who had seen, and touched, and lived the Kingdom – because He had!

He WAS the Kingdom made flesh.

He spoke as one who had the authority to not only choose who would live and die (like Pilate, a right reserved for kings) – but as the One who had the authority to turn dry bones into armies and crush death itself.

Even the gates of hell trembled when He spoke.

While teaching in the synagogue a man with an impure spirit cried out: “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” (v.24, NIV)

And Jesus responded simply with: “Be quiet, come out!”

And the Spirit obeyed. The people marvelled at this – “even the impure spirits obey Him…”

The authority of God was in Jesus. Not just authority to speak – but authority to DO.

This is the same authority promised to all believers. Jesus does not just teach – He demonstrates.

Paul again and again urges believers to realize that Christ is alive – not just seated in the Heavens upon His eternal throne – but within us. He works in us and through us through His Holy Spirit living in us.

Let us live every day, walking like Jesus walked. Let us learn from Him. As we explore the scriptures further we will learn more about this authority that Jesus had and how it translates into the life of the believer.

For now, I leave you with this thought: The Word is always backed up with action. Jesus did not just teach. He DID. He took action.

My prayer for you today is that God’s Word will come alive in you. That it will be more than just letters on a page, but that, through His Holy Spirit, you will be able to translate it into action.

Reflect:

  1. John calls Jesus the Word Made Flesh (John 1). Jesus is the heart and the will of God, the very Word of God made manifest in the earth. The Holy Spirit is ‘Christ in us’. How should this affect our daily lives?
  2. What is one way that you can preach the Gospel without using words? What does it mean to be, not just a hearer, but also a doer of God’s Word? What does it look like?

Prayer: Lord, help me today to not only be a hearer of Your Word, but also a doer. Be present in my understanding and in my deeds, Lord. Help me understand the authority given to all believers through the indwelling of Your Holy Spirit – and help me walk in this authority. Help me walk in this victory – and help me share this victory with others. Victory over sin and temptation, situations and circumstances – let me understand and function according to Your Word. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Walking With Jesus Part 5: Fishermen (Mark 1:16-20)

Walking With Jesus Part 5: Fishermen (Mark 1:16-20)

by | Sep 2, 2024 | Articles, Bible Studies, Called, God in the Details, Walking With Jesus

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 

Mark 1:17, NIV

The first disciples are called on the shore of the sea of Galilee – humble fishermen, Andrew and Simon who would later be called Peter, and a little later James and John – the Sons of Thunder.

They were everyday working men.

Where other Rabbi’s and Teachers called disciples from religious schools and places of higher learning, Jesus called the Everyman. Diamonds in the rough, with calloused hands and tough demeanors.

They were not seminary educated. They were not wealthy and had no status in society. They were common men, hard working men – although they might have been respected as small-time business men in their communities, they were often overlooked and underestimated in the other arenas of life – and dismissed altogether when it came to religious, spiritual and more philosophical things.

But Jesus sees deeper. 

Jesus arrives announcing the coming of The Kingdom – He has come with a mission and He needs strong, willing men to help Him establish, proclaim and expand the boundaries of this Kingdom.

Of course the core of His group would consist of fishermen – tough, rugged tenacious men. Courageous men. Hard working men.

Jesus looked at the fishermen and saw team-players (fishermen seldom worked alone) with great courage, stamina, faith, energy and patience – the ability to endure.

The Gospel of Jesus has always been practical.

God does not call the qualified – there were many who were qualified – who knew the scriptures, who understood the prophecies, who were willing and ready to believe – even in Jesus day. We see this in Nicodemus.

Nicodemus was willing to believe – but not willing to endure the hardship that would come with the Cross of Christ.

God qualifies the called. And on this day, by the sea of Galilee, He called four humble men. 

“Follow me… and I will make you fishers of men.”

And the Bible says they left their nets, they left their boats – and they followed.

They simply followed.

The Gospel of Jesus is practical. In training others for the work of ministry I have often found that courses, studies and endless reading lists are not effective – but the concept of ‘journeying’ is. There is power in ‘walking together’.

And this is what Jesus invited them to do. “Come and walk with me, and I will make you fishers of men…”

Jesus, in the book of Mark, teaches primarily through action. His training of the disciples is very much hands on, through demonstration more than discussion. And perhaps, for some of us, this is exactly what is necessary. 

Jesus is still calling fishermen today – not just the seminary student – God doesn’t need a degree to work through us – He only needs a willing heart with a yielded yes.

The biggest impact is not made from behind the pulpit, but through His presence in our daily lives – if He is present in us, and we are present in the lives of others, they will see Jesus! They will see Jesus in us.

As we walk with Jesus, learning from Him – as we do what we see Him doing, and as we live as we see Him living – we will see change, lasting change, not only in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us.

Jesus is calling you today to come and ‘walk’ with Him – and in so doing, to learn from Him – so that you might also become a fisher of men.

How will you answer this call today?

Reflect:

1. Is there anything you would have to leave behind to follow Jesus fully? What people, places or things might you have to leave behind to follow Jesus? How about sin, shame or fear?

2. Are you willing to take up the call of Christ? How can you start learning from Jesus today? What practical next steps can you take?

Prayer: Lord, let me heed Your call to discipleship today. Open the eyes of my heart and my imagination. As I read Your Word, show me what discipleship looks like. As I walk with You, Jesus, show me a better way. Let me learn from You Lord, let Your life speak volumes into my own. And, as I walk with You, let me be transformed – and as I am transformed, to look more like You, let others see You in me and be transformed as well. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Walking With Jesus Part 4: Political Language (Mark 1:14-15)

Walking With Jesus Part 4: Political Language (Mark 1:14-15)

by | Aug 26, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Walking With Jesus

“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news (Gospel)  of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Mark 1:14-15, NIV

After coming out of the wilderness, Jesus starts preaching a very simple message.
Repent. The Kingdom has come near.

The Bible says that Jesus was preaching good news. The word used in the Greek here is ‘euaggelion’. In the pagan Greco-Roman world this word had very specific connotations.

There exists, for example, an ancient inscription from somewhere between 9 and 6 BC called the Priene Calendar Inscription. This inscription marks Caeser Augustus’ birthday as the beginning of the ‘gospel’ of his kingdom.

‘Euaggelion’ was often used to indicate an announcement of celebration – most commonly in political and military settings – to celebrate a conquest, or the coming of a kingdom – specifically the announcement of the arrival of a kingdom (especially a divine authority) that brings with it SALVATION from DESTRUCTION for all who would pledge allegiance to it.

Jesus came proclaiming exactly such a gospel. The Gospel of His Kingdom.     

The word for Kingdom used in Mark 1:15 is basileia which according to Strong’s refers to: kingship, sovereignty, authority, rule, especially of God, both in the world, and in the hearts of men; hence: kingdom, in the concrete sense.

Jesus came proclaiming the Kingdom come.

When we say the Kingdom is at hand it is not a Kingdom on the way, but rather the Kingdom close enough to touch.          

Jesus comes and starts preaching – a revolutionary message – declaring that the Kingdom has come and urging us to repent and believe in this good news – to take this declaration seriously. Jesus comes to confuse the norms; He comes to interrupt the status quo. His followers, those listening to His message, were quite familiar with the term ‘kingdom’. They had heard of the kingdom of Herod, they were familiar with the kingdom of Rome, but now they are introduced to a new kingdom – the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. He comes to bring us a revolution – to overthrow the ruler of this world, and to establish His throne and dominion in the earth.

We understand that there were many sects within Judaism waiting for a militant Messiah – a warrior-king, much like David, who would bring military conquest and the overthrow of their oppressors. This is what many expected from God’s gospel.

But they had the wrong ‘oppressors’ in mind – they had their eyes set on temporary tyrants and human empires.

Jesus very much came preaching a revolution. A revolution of the heart and mind. This is where He longs to establish His rule – to overthrow and dethrone the tyrants of sin and death.

His Gospel is first and foremost accompanied by the word ‘repent’. In the Greek, the word used here is metanoeō (G3340 in the Strong’s concordance), and can be defined as follows:
to think differently or afterwards, that is reconsider. (Strong’s)

The proper definition of metanoeō therefore is to have a change of mind – it does not just imply a sense of regret, but rather a call to action, calling us – not to just stop sinning – but to start thinking differently. Calling us to be transformed through the renewing of our minds. Paul admonishes us over and over to be imitators of Christ. We must adopt the mind of Christ.

This is true repentance – becoming one with Christ. Being united with Christ and the change of mindset that comes with it.

This is what Christ was encouraging all who heard His preaching:

1. The Kingdom of God, the rule and reign of the Lord has come through the birth of Jesus Christ.
2. Repent – change the way you think to align with this Kingdom and its principles.
3. Believe the Gospel – entrust your life – pledge allegiance to receive salvation from judgement.

Jesus says ‘the time has come.’ The word for ‘time’ here is ‘Kairos’ referring to a time when conditions are right for the accomplishment of a strategic and crucial action. A decisive, opportune moment.

The time is now. The time for you to encounter the Kingdom of God is now. Don’t wait. Take action today.

Reflect:

1. ‘Metanoeō’ means to change your thinking – not just your actions. How does this affect your definition of repentance? How will changing your thinking affect your tendency to sin? Would it have any other effect on the way you live, besides in regards to sin and temptation? What would it look like to have the mind of Christ?

2. Christ preached the Kingdom Come. He promised us – in this – a spiritual, military-like conquest and salvation from destruction. He asked us to believe – in this context, to entrust our lives and pledge allegiance to this Kingdom – what does it mean to believe? What does it mean to entrust our lives and pledge allegiance? Is it as simple as just having a bit of faith and confessing it? Or do you think Jesus encourages something more?

Prayer: Lord, I am not content with merely being a citizen in Your Kingdom. Help me Lord to live a life worthy of the One You gave by being an ambassador of Your Kingdom. Lead me Lord, to not only be a hearer but a doer. Let my faith be reflected in action. Let my thinking be changed, I ask for the Mind of Christ. Transform my thinking, and through that, transform my life and the lives of those around me. In Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

 

 

Walking With Jesus 3: The Wild Things (Mark 1:12-13)

Walking With Jesus 3: The Wild Things (Mark 1:12-13)

by | Aug 19, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Walking With Jesus

“At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness,and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.”

Mark 1:12-13, NIV

After His baptism Jesus is sent to the wilderness. The other narratives found in Luke and Matthew give us a lot more detail regarding the temptations that Jesus had to face.

Mark on the other hand, strikingly keeps it short – so short that if you’re not careful you might miss it.

Mark only gives us five points in these 2 verses.

  1. Jesus is sent out by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness (Matthew 4:
  2. He spends forty days in the wilderness.
  3. He is tempted by Satan.
  4. There are wild animals.
  5. And angels attended Him.

When we look at the narratives in the other Gospels (Matt 4 and Luke 4) we find that all these points are there as well – except for one.

Mark chooses to specifically mention that Jesus was in the wilderness with the wild animals.

The word used in the Greek to describe these animals is ‘thérion’ – translated in the King James Version as ‘wild beasts’ it more properly and specifically indicates a brutal, savage and ferocious creature.

A few things come to mind.

First of all is the idea that the wilderness is a dangerous place – full of wild, feral things.

Yet Jesus makes His journey unscathed – unafraid – and victorious.

He makes it through safely and soundly.

In Isaiah 35 we read about the highway – the Way of Holiness that runs through the desolate wilderness of this life – and in verse 9: 

No lion will be there,
   nor any ravenous beast;
   they will not be found there.
But only the redeemed will walk there, (NIV)

Where Jesus is, the wild things are kept at bay.

He is our shield. He is our protection. He is the Hand of God upon our lives.

But it doesn’t stop there.

The wilderness is a desolate place, a barren place.

Isaiah 35:1-2: 

The desert and the parched land will be glad;
 the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;
    it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
    the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the Lord,
    the splendor of our God. (NIV)

We see, here in Isaiah, a story of transformation and change. The parched land becomes glad. The wilderness rejoices and blossoms.

In Ezekiel 34 we see a similar promise. The Lord promises the coming of ‘a second David’. We read in verse 25: “‘I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of savage beasts so that they may live in the wilderness and sleep in the forests in safety.”

We see in the Book of Mark a compelling narrative of transformation and renewal – similar to those found in the prophetic passages above. We see exorcisms and deliverance taking place, we see healing, we see restoration – we see Jesus coming into the fray to ‘tie up the strong man’ (Mark 3) – those things that seek to attack the mind, the body and the soul. 

He does so without fear, confronting the spiritual forces of darkness and evil with boldness and power – driving the ‘wildness’ out of a man in the synagogue (Mark 1:21-26). He is found driving the ‘wildness’ out of the man in Gadara (Mark 5:1-20). 

Jesus comes to restore creation.

His creation.

This is what Mark is hinting at. He shows us a Jesus who walks amidst the feral things, the wild things – and brings them to peace. There is no bloodshed with Jesus in the wilderness. He walks through unharmed.

And He shows us the Way of Holiness: Jesus resisting the temptations that the Devil throws at Him. 

When we walk through the desolate places – the wilderness places – surrounded by the brutal, savage, wild things of this world – we are not walking alone. Jesus has gone before us. He is there with us through the indwelling of His Spirit – to guide us through, to lead us onward through the desolation upon that road where there is no lion, where the ravenous beast does not come.

And as long as we walk upon the Way – the Way He came to show us – resisting the Devil, standing firm in our faith and pursuing holiness – as long as we follow Jesus, not looking to the left or the right, our hearts set upon His Way and His Way set within our hearts – the wild things will not devour us.

The wild things of sin and shame will not devour us.

The wildness will be driven out of us by the peace that comes from His presence in our lives.

Reflect:

  1. What are some of the wild things you have encountered in your life? How has Jesus banished them from your land?
  2. Read James 4:4-10. What does it mean to walk on the Way that Jesus has prepared? What does resisting temptation look like? How do we pursue holiness in our daily coming and going in the wilderness of this life?

Prayer: Lord, You are my source and shield. Your hand rests upon me. I pray that You will be with me in the wilderness of this world today and that Your presence will keep the wild things, the brutal things, the ravenous things at a distance. Shut the mouth of the roaring lion that seeks only to devour. Quiet the growling of the enemy. Let Your Word be a light unto my feet today. Help me Lord to submit to You fully – to live a life of purity, obedience and holiness. Help me not look to the left or the right, but give me the wisdom to keep my eyes and my heart set upon You. Keep me from temptation, keep me on Your Way – strengthen me through Your presence. Give me strength to stand strong against the onslaught of the enemy. Let me enter this day boldly, knowing that You are with me. In Jesus Name. Amen.