~Bridgett Owens
Bridge-ing The Gap
Sharing strength for your journey and light for your way!
Thursday, October 10, 2024
Demons Enter Pigs | Miracles of Jesus Christ
~Bridgett Owens
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Calming the Storm | Miracle of Jesus Christ
Have you ever been in a situation where it felt like there was no way out? Maybe you were facing something so overwhelming it felt like you would not make it? Was there ever a time when you felt like if God did not intervene you would lose everything?
When we think of the miracles of Jesus Christ we may think of how He healed lepers, opened blind eyes and deaf ears. Those are actual miracles Jesus performed. These historical accounts serve to deepen our faith and remind us that God loves us and wants to help us. While those miraculous events are encouraging, sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where we need God to move quickly and that is what we will see today as we read from Matthew, Mark, and Luke. As we read what happened in a life-threatening situation long ago, we can hold onto faith knowing Jesus is still able to meet our needs rapidly today.
God bless you!
Bridgett Owens
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Healing the Sick at Evening | Miracle of Jesus Christ
The Bible gives us many examples of Jesus healing people, delivering people, and setting the captives free. We also know that many more miracles were done by Jesus but not ever recorded. Think back to after the resurrection when Jesus revealed Himself to Thomas, and said, "Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." (John 20:29) John writes in verses 30 and 31 of that same chapter, "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name." So the point in reading these miraculous accounts of what Christ did is to build our faith and that faith will cause us to accept Jesus as Son of God and Messiah, so then we will receive everlasting life. We must continue to share these stories because everyone needs to know the truth about who Jesus is and what He actually did while He was on the earth.
The first account of this miracle is in Matthew 8:16-17. It reads:
When the even was come, they brought unto Him many that were possessed with devils: and He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
Jesus had a reputation that He could do the miraculous and that drew desperate people to Himself. Many were possessed with devils. This is an important statement. This was an issue in that area at the time. We see today in 2024 there are many in this nation, and around the globe who are possessed with devils and they are in need of deliverance that can only come from Jesus. We are told in the Holy script that Jesus cast out the evil spirits with His word. He didn't have to beg them to go, or ask them to leave. Jesus Christ had all power given to Him by His Father and He had authority over unclean spirits and they had to obey Him. Why did Jesus heal the sick and afflicted? We are told it was to fulfill the prophecy Isaiah gave.
Isaiah 53:3-5 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our face from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He hath born our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.
Jesus was most certainly despised and rejected of men. We see how he sorrowfully opened His arms wide to Jerusalem and with a heavy heart said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen doth gather her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:37) Yet He still healed the sick and tormented. He still carried our sins and our penalty and paid the price to redeem us all, including those who to this day will reject Him.
Mark gives an account of these miracles as well in chapter one, in verses 32 through 34.
And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto Him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew Him.
Mark gives a little more information on what is happening this particular evening. An onslaught of people have come to be healed and delivered by Jesus. They are gathered at the door. The Bible tells us Jesus is the door that we must go through to get to God. "Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before Me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, He shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." John 10:7-9
Jesus healed many that came and delivered those possessed with devils. Mark goes on to say that Jesus did not permit the demons to speak because they knew Him. These evil spirits knew Jesus is the Christ and they would have said so if they were allowed to speak. Jesus was very sensitive to the timing in which His Heavenly Father did all things and this was not the time, so they were not allowed to speak.
Luke's Gospel gives account of this story in chapter 4 verses 40 and 41.
Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them, and healed them. And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And He rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that He was Christ.
I like reading Luke's account because of the details he included. He said there were divers diseases, like we read in Mark's Gospel. Luke says Jesus laid His hand on every single one of them and healed them. There was no blanket prayer or a group session. Jesus went to each individual and healed them all.
The devils also came out proclaiming Jesus is the Son of God, the Christ. Jesus had to rebuke them and not allow them to speak because He knew it was not time for that. Jesus knew His life was on a timeline designed by His Father and we see over and over again how Jesus continues to lay down His own will and yields to His Father.
Jesus was familiar with suffering and sorrow. We know this if we study His life. He felt pain and grief. He knew what it felt like to be with someone day and night for three and half years and they still would betray Him with a kiss in the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus knows what we are going through and Peter reminds us that Jesus set the tone for how we should respond when we are hurt, strongly criticized, and wounded. Let's read that final passage in closing of today's study.
1 Peter 2:21-25 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not: but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously: Who His own Self bare our sins in His body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by Whose stripes ye are healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Friends, Jesus still heals, delivers, and saves. Call upon Him now and He will meet your needs. Just ask Him to do it and He will. He has given us proof today in His Word that it is His desire for us to be whole. Let's keep our confidence in the One who can do what no one can: Jesus our miracle working Savior!
God bless you,
Bridgett Owens
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law | Miracle of Jesus Christ
Matthew 8:14-15 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. And He touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.
Mark 1:29-31 And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell Him of her. And He came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.
Luke 4:38-39 And He arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought Him for her. And He stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.
Bridgett Owens
Monday, March 25, 2024
Healing Paralysis | Miracle of Jesus Christ
I have had the privilege to work for many different organizations through the years. It has been my experience that not every employer is kind and caring toward their employees. While some were fair, not every boss had compassion for the welfare of their workers. When we think of military leaders, compassionate and generous may not be the top two adjectives that come to mind. Yet, in today's reading we will see how Jesus was impressed with a Gentile Roman Centurion's faith, more than anyone else in Israel.
Matthew and Luke are the two disciples who chose to record this miracle. You can read along in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10. The miracle Jesus performs is for the servant of a Roman soldier. We do not ever know the servant's name, if he was a Jew or Gentile, or if he even knew Jesus at all. We learn a great deal about the unnamed Centurion, though, and it is his great faith that moves Jesus to grant this man's request.
Centurions were not just soldiers. These were leaders over 100 or some accounts say several hundred. This man of war knew how to submit to authority and how to exercise his authority over others. He understood the power of a command. Beyond his military experience, we read in Luke that this man was also generous. He loved his country and funded the building of a synagogue for the Jews to worship.
MATTHEW 8:5-6 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto Him a centurion, beseeching Him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
LUKE 7:1-5 Now when He had ended all His sayings in the audience of the people, He entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto Him the elders of the Jews, beseeching Him that He would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought Him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom He should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
The centurion sent for Jesus but he did not tell the men to say nice things about him. They spoke of this man's character and integrity because of who this man was publicly and privately. He was deeply concerned about his servant and the Bible tells us that the servant was dear to him. He is not worried about losing a good worker or how this will impact his bottom dollar. He genuinely wants his cherished servant to be well.
Jesus must have been asked to a lot of people's homes to perform miracles and to heal diseases. Yet, Jesus did not hesitate to go this man's home. Just like Jesus told the leper who asked to be healed, Jesus is saying to this centurion, "I want to. I will."
MATTHEW 8:7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
LUKE 7:6a Then Jesus went with them.
What would you do if you found out Jesus was coming to your house? Would you be glad? Would you panic? The Roman soldier humbled himself to request this healing but he did not want to trouble Jesus. He had deep respect for Jesus. But he did not want Jesus to come to his home. He wants Jesus to heal the servant but his faith is so strong that he tells Jesus to just command the miracle to be and he believed that it would be just as Jesus said. He knew the power of Jesus' words could bridge the distance and his servant would be healed.
MATTHEW 8:8-9 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
LUKE 7:6b-8 And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying unto Him, Lord, trouble not Thyself: for I am not worthy that Thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto Thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
Remember the centurion did not speak to Jesus face to face. He did not feel worthy to even be in His presence. He just wanted the Lord to command the illness to leave his servant and he had no doubt that it would be done. Scripture tells us what Jesus thought about that. A Gentile career military officer had so much faith in Jesus to heal his servant that Jesus said this man had more faith than anyone else in all of Israel!
How is our faith? What are we asking God for? Do we believe in the authority Jesus has over cancer, chronic pain, financial distress, chaos with our children, anxiety and depression? Can Jesus do what we are asking of Him? The centurion did not doubt for one moment what Jesus could do. He was bold enough to ask and courageous enough to believe. We must ask ourselves if we are that bold and courageous.
MATTHEW 8:10-13 When Jesus heard it, He marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the Kingdom of heaven. But the children of the Kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so shall it be done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
LUKE 7:9-10 When Jesus heard these things, He marvelled at him, and turned Him about, and said unto the people that followed Him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
Why did Jesus say all that about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? What could that have to do with healing the centurion's servant? The point Jesus is making is that not all the Israelites would be in heaven. This man was not a Jew and yet he would be sitting at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of heaven. The children of the Kingdom who are cast into outer darkness refer to the lost sheep who refuse to listen to the Good Shepherd. The Gentile has a place in God's Kingdom because he had great faith in Jesus. We all have the opportunity to make heaven our Home. Have you believed on Jesus? Do you recognize that He is the Son of God, the Holy One? If you do, then you are saved. If you do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, the Savior of the world, then you need to put your trust in Him today. Let today be your day of salvation.
This is a wonderful miracle that impacted the centurion and his servant and countless others connected to these two men. We know that it is to increase our faith that Jesus can do anything we ask, think, or even imagine. There is more to this story, though. This is an invitation for whosoever will to receive the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Do you know Him as Lord and Savior? I pray that you do!
I hope that you are encouraged today as you read this miracle of Jesus Christ. Jesus healed the centurion's servant who was paralyzed and near death. What a Savior indeed! May today's blog post be strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!
~Bridgett Owens
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Jesus wants to. Jesus will. | Cleansing A Leper Miracle
Matthew, Mark, and Luke each share a glimpse into what happened when Jesus changed one man's life forever. Mark gives the most details on the background story. Let's look at it together.
Mark 1:35-39 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. And Simon and they that were with Him followed after Him. And when they had found Him, they said unto Him, All men seek for Thee. And He said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. And He preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
Matthew confirms Jesus comes down from the mountain where a huge following of people are gathered.
Matthew 8:1 When He was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him.
Before doing great miracles or ministering to the masses, Jesus got up early in the morning a long time before the sun was coming up. While others slept, Jesus rose early to be alone and pray.
There are so many amazing things we can do for the Kingdom of God. It is important to share our testimony, offer words of encouragement, and do great things to honor Jesus, but we must first begin our day with Him. How often do we scramble to the kitchen for a quick breakfast as we rush kids off to school and run through the morning routines without first stopping to talk with the Master?
The disciples went looking for Jesus and when they found Him, they let Him know everyone wants to see Him. They did not ask about His solitary prayer time. Jesus did not ask how many followers there were, sign autographs and take photos with "fans." He is clear on His mission to preach the Gospel. We cannot let followers sway us from keeping our shoulder to the plow. This is not the time to get caught up in the numbers. Instead, let's remember why we are here and allow God to work through us.
Luke's account begins with one man's story. Let's read it.
Luke 5:12 And it came to pass, when He was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought Him, saying, Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.
Mark shares how this man is so desperate for Jesus to heal him, he begs Him.
Mark 1:40 And there came a leper to Him, beseeching Him, and kneeling down to Him, and saying unto Him, If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.
It is repeated in Matthew's account:
Matthew 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.
We do not know this man's name or how he knew Jesus and the power of His touch, but it is clear in all accounts this man has faith. He tells Jesus, "If You want to, You can heal me." Have there been times you have had such tremendous faith? Do you believe that if Jesus wants to, He can heal you, save you, forgive you, restore you, deliver you, or love you? If you ever wondered if Jesus wants to do those things, we will see what Jesus' response always is to those who have faith in Him.
Luke 5:13 And He put forth His hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.
Mark 1:41-42 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth His hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will: be thou clean. And as soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.
Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
“I will.”
“I will.”
“I will.”
Each account, Jesus tells the man, "I want to heal you," and immediately the leprosy is gone. Jesus is saying the same thing to each one of us today. If we have faith that Jesus has the power to heal, save, forgive, restore, deliver, and love, His response is, “I want to. I will.”
Jesus gives the man specific instructions on what to do according to the Old Testament law, then He tells the healed man to tell no one else. That may seem strange to us. Wouldn’t Jesus want others to know what the power of God can do? Wouldn’t the man’s family and friends, coworkers, others in his life who knew he was once a leper, wouldn’t they all know something miraculous happened? How could he keep this to Himself?
Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
Mark 1:43-45 And He straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to Him from every quarter.
Luke 5:14-16 And He charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. But so much the more went there a fame abroad of Him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. And He withdrew Himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
Jesus no longer had the freedom to walk into a city and preach the Gospel. Now people sought Him for miracles. Yes, it is wonderful when Jesus performed miracles and helped so many people, but salvation is not in physical healing alone. The most important thing Jesus wanted to share was the free gift of salvation for whosoever will.
Sometimes we get so caught up in wanting to experience something supernatural and miraculous that we forget about the most miraculous thing…salvation. We can pray for others to be healed, delivered, set free from addictions or perhaps get a financial miracle. Those are great things to pray for. How often do we pray for their salvation? How often are we asking our friends and family about their walk with God? How concerned are we about where our loved ones will end up in eternity?
I have had a lot of prayer requests this year from others about specific needs being met and just like Jesus said to the leper, He is saying to us, “I want to. I will.” How about we pray just as much for our lost loved ones and acquaintances because His answer is the same. He wants to. He will.
I pray this blog post has been Strength for your journey & Light for your way. God bless you!
Bridgett Owens
Thursday, October 13, 2022
Home Sweet Home | Thankful Thursday
Today is Thankful Thursday and my family and I have a LOT to be thankful for. On Saturday we finally get the keys to our new home. We are going to be renting a house in town and the four of us can hardly wait. Javan has an away football game Saturday, so we want to go support him and show him some love and then we can start moving in!!
PSALM 40:1 says, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.”
We have been praying and seeking God for 22 months to give us a home. We had one disappointment after another. We tried to buy a house and that all fell through over and over. We tried to find a home to rent to no avail. We sought God with tears and many times in desperation. Friends and family were praying for us. Sometimes we were judged and treated unfairly because people thought they knew us and that living in a crowded environment where we were told we were not welcome was more appealing to us than having our own home. The comments were meant to hurt us. It just caused the four of us to become closer.
People will talk; let them! It may be giving someone else a break. Keep your eye on God and you will find His Word is full of promises He will keep! Don’t give up!!!!
Today my family and I are finally free. The shackles that held us for so long did not stunt our spiritual growth. These chains that held us much longer than we wanted are finally gone!! God has provided for us like only He can and we are blessed beyond measure.
If you’re still in the waiting season; do not give up and do not lose heart!! God is up to something!! What are you thankful for today? God bless you!
~Bridgett Owens