Center of the Centurion

Center of the Centurion

"And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour." Matthew 8:13

For the full story, read Matthew 8:5-13. I love this account. What was the at the center of the centurion? PURE FAITH!!!

He, being a military commander knew the power of authority... speak it and it's done! This man had no problem asking Jesus to speak healing over his servant. Jesus was amazed at his faith and granted his petition. Isnt that amazing!?

This story should resonate with every believer in Christ! Sure, we pray. We ask for deliverance and healing, for peace and protection. We ask even for the impossible! How often though are we asking in PURE FAITH? We need to take a serious look, not necessarily at what we are asking for, but more so at the level of our faith.

James reminds us, "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." James 1:6-7

Did you catch that KEY ingredient? "Nothing wavering"! What does that mean exactly? It means that we MUST cast away any doubt. Often times, we know God is able. We KNOW He can, but we 1/2 heartedly give it to Him.

In every petition, may we too have FAITH as the centurion. God knows, He sees. He knows the needs and He sees if we come to Him fully believing and trusting Him or if we kinda want to give it to Him, but allow doubts to excuse our holding on to the issue.

Heart check, can you see situations you've fully surrendered in faith? Now, consider the things you want to hold on to and in essence doubt God's ability, His timing and His authority. Can you see where doubt has won and where faith has had the victory?

The grave cost of backsliding

Have you ever known anyone beyond the Lord's deliverance? Isn't that a scary thought?

"O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee." Jeremiah 14:7

Here the prophet is pleading with the LORD for the backslidden state of the people. *Notice*, he included himself in this plea using "us", "we" and "our". He knew they were in desperate need of deliverance! He asked that the Lord do it for no other reason than for His own name's sake. Oh but here's the Lord's response... He was fed up! 

"Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins. Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good." (Verses 10-11)

The Lord didn't even want to hear it. His people had stomped on His heart so long in backsliding rebellion that He told Jeremiah, "Pray not for this people..." 

That's serious stuff! Wow! Woe to those whom the Lord has turned over to their own ways and granted a reprobate mind! Indeed, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Hebrews 10:31 Has the Lord ever stopped you from praying for good for anyone?

It's a DO IT day!

Wanna turn a manic or mundane Monday into a marvelous Monday?

Let go and let God!

"But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation." Psalm 69:13

"The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous." Proverbs 15:29

May we not be self absorbed, but be mindful of the needs and trials of others...

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16

Focus on the King of kings. Seek Perfect Peace by seeking the Prince of Peace! You'll be astonished & amazed when you lay down the day, its tasks and the week ahead PLUS those around you, lay it ALL at the feet of Jesus!

Are you going at it alone or surrendering it all before it begins?