HAVE A GORGEOUS DAY

It is a another gorgeous day here. Yet, I know in other parts of our country and the world folks are struggling with hunger, homes destroyed, loved ones missing and all sorts of tragedies where the "son" does not seem to be shining for them.

Have you ever had that feeling that the crises of the world were coming down on you? That you were loosing everything? That you had been kicked in the gut or had the rug rolled out from under you? We who know the "son" realize that suffering is part of life. But we have the hope and assurance of a love so great that it suffered much more than we ever will for us on the cross. Our "son" shines every day for us. But we have to open our eyes and ears and hearts to his precious assurance. He is there for us regardless of what is surrounding us. Every day can be gorgeous with his love.

" Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath. Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time." PS 34 17-19 (Msg)

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HOW MAJESTIC IS YOUR NAME

What a glorious day today with clear skies, mild temperature, and soft breeze. Yes, this is indeed a day the Lord has made and we should be very thankful and enjoy it to it's fullest. I pray that other parts of our country are now all clear of the devastating weather that thankfully passed by us.

Spring brings out the coloring of the countryside from the greening of trees and grass to the colorful flowers that are beginning to bloom. It reminds me of life. We go through change and storms in our lives. We have our dark periods, but in faith we know there is hope for brighter days, clearer minds and more colorful lives. On earth we can expect difficulties. But when we focus on the Lord, we are assured that his glory is above all. He gives us  comfort, hope and peace. Yes, how majestic is his name!

"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens." PS 8:1

BY HIS WOUNDS

"By his wounds we are healed!" Amazing. One person's torture and pain set us free to enjoy a peaceful life. Yet, how many of us actually live such a life? It's those recurring sins that hold us back. What sin are you addicted to? With God's help you can rid yourself of it. Focus on the sacrifice Jesus gave us and what that means.

"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:3-4

As we conclude our Easter season, let's not forget the true blessing Jesus life and death represents for us. Let's show our gratitude in the life we live.

by

PEACEFUL FRIENDSHIP

"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding."Romans 14:19

This verse rang so clear yesterday as I spent time with a friend who now lives in Florida. I had walked in to a kindergarten orientation with my youngest son and stood next to a lovely mother with her kindergartener and two sons. In my younger years I was a blond. She looked over at me an asked, "Do you color your own hair? I just moved here from Florida and a friend and I used to swap dying our hair and I need a touch up."

So bleaching each other's hair was the beginning of a long term friendship. Every third Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon we spent about 3 hours at one of our houses with plastic gloves and hair coloring products. Our kids were the same ages and enjoyed playing together. I loved her like a sister and people in town just put us together. I was crushed when she had to move back to Florida. We have shared so many good times and tragedies together. She is definitely the sister I never had. We both loved peaceful and upbuilding relationships. I let my hair grow out about a year after she moved. I never found another friend who enjoyed swapping bleaches. And I cherish what I learned from her about peaceful friendship and building each other up.

HAVE YOU SHARED IT?

Have you ever run into people who are so hard to convince that something is real? They will argue and before long, you just walk away. Some just need a miracle to convince them of truth.
Following Jesus resurrection don't you imagine it was the hottest news going around. Chanel 5 was not there with a reporter on the scene, so it was spread by word of mouth. And we all know how that can be changed as it goes from person to person.
The Road to Emmaus" is one of my favorite accounts. These two men had heard to word and were sharing it with a stranger they met along the road. They were astonished by his wisdom and knowledge and imagine their shock when they discovered he was the person this news was all  about.
Jesus was with them bigger than life itself. How many people have you told this story to?

" He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!  Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”  And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." Lk 24:25-27

" When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.  Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.  They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”Lk 24:30-31

And they rushed back to Jerusalem to share their experience!!!

THE WAY OF SUFFERING

Down the Via Dolorosa called the way of suffering
Like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King,
But He chose to walk that road out of His love
For you and me.
Down the Via Dolorosa, all the way to Calvary.

As I walked down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, I thought about the path of suffering of our lord. I had a good night's sleep, but it was difficult for me to walk this narrow path that has received some modernization along the way.

I could picture the beaten, broken and bleeding man struggling with the heavy cross, but determined to do his father's will. Why did he do this? He did it for you and me. He suffered humiliation, intense suffering and pain for our sins. This man died for us. Who would you die for? Would you die for him?

This famous walkway that led to our forgiveness and eternal life now leads to the Muslim marketplace before ending at the church that sits over where Calvary was to have been. Interesting, the Lutheran Church is located across the street.

But we walk that road with him each time we reflect on his love for us. Tonight we remember the journey as we celebrate Good Friday by reviewing the signs of the cross. We really don't need to review this road once a year, but it helps to be reminded of his passion and great sacrifice for us. Remembering this, we want to life the life he planned for us and be grateful. We remember the 10 commandments, but let's live his greatest commandment....THAT WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

BE WAKEFUL

I woke up to watch the lunar eclipse the other night but could not stay awake through the entire show of one of natures wonders. I remember the story of Jesus disciples sleeping when he asked them to watch and pray. I wonder, "could I have been faithful to remain awake and praying?
Oh, would I fall into temptation? Is my spirit willing, but my flesh weak? I am very sorry that I have to say yes to this question. That's why I need my savior. I need him to lift me up above my sinfulness and to strengthen me to be obedient to God's will. I can not do it alone. Yes, he died that I may live obediently through his grace.

Then He came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, "What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then He came to His disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. "Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand." MT 26:40-46

SOLID CHOCOLATE BUNNIES AND COLORED EGGS

Have you thought much about what legacy will you leave your family? Will it be a trust or will everything be in chaos? When we are young, it's hard to think about these things. But Jesus, at 33, did. He knew his days were numbered and he spent his last days praying to his father and giving his disciples instructions on what to do after his death. One of my favorite passages is the "High Priestly Prayer" from John 17 where he speaks to his father about these special friends and asks for his protection over them.

"Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."John 17:3-5

What he left behind was a trust for the world...for generations who followed. Eternal life is worth far more than silver or gold. How will you know the only true God and his son Jesus? Do you know what the work is that you were given to do? Have you done it to the glory of God? What is the legacy you will leave behind? What is the meaning of Easter or Resurrection Sunday to you? Let it be more than solid chocolate bunnies and colored eggs.

LOVE OVERCOMES BETRAYAL

The first time I recognized the pain of betrayal was when a relationship fizzled out. I was being faithful, but he was seeing another "on the side." When he broke up and then had the nerve to send me a wedding invitation about 6 weeks later, I was so devastated. I couldn't believe it had happened. I wanted to commit murder or suicide for awhile. I was extremely depressed for awhile. but with help from friends and prayer, I began to heal.

Betrayal is one of those situations where Satan can have a field day. The anger and helplessness really plays with our minds and emotions. We can do and say things we later resent. Things that harm us more than the betrayer.

Look at Jesus. One of his chosen disciples was going to betray him. He knew all about how and why. His loving father was putting him through this and he couldn't refuse. He told Judas just to go on and get it over with. Yet, this betrayal was necessary because without it we wouldn't have the reason we celebrate Easter and the resurrection.

"Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.  And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money.  He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present." Luke 22: 3-6

I can't say that all betrayal will result in good. However, in time, mine did, because I asked God to  help me get over it and move on. Betrayal is fertile ground for Satan, just like when he entered Judas. Be careful when you feel betrayed. Jesus is the answer, not Satan. Jesus was love and Judas was deception, mean spirit and jealousy. Remember Jesus forgiving spirit and ask him for healing of the wounds. His love is what matters. His is our most important friendship. In him we have no fear of betrayal. He laid down his life for us.

MEANING BRINGS VALUE

Have you ever gone shopping for a special gift for a special person and ended up in a very exclusive department, complete with expensive tags?
And right there in front of you was the perfect gift? Did you walk away or take a deep breath and figure out how many meals you had to skip to afford it? But you couldn't walk away. This gift expressed your love for this person like nothing else you have seen.

Perhaps this was the way the woman from Bethany felt as she entered Simon the Leper's home with the alabaster jar filled with very expensive perfume. She felt so good as she poured the perfume over Jesus head, only to be criticized by the disciples for wasting money. Ever experienced that attitude. But Jesus, the grateful recipient saw her expensive gift differently. I agree that we should consider the needs of the poor when being extravagant in gift giving, but should we deny a deserving person of a special gift just so we can give to another?

"While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”

Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you,[a] but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Mtt 16:6-13

It isn't the cost of the gift, but the meaning behind it that makes it valuable. Jesus saw the gift as preparing him for death and therefore more important that giving to the poor at that time. And giving to Jesus unselfishly from the love in your heart is the special gift with great value. 

Easter planning

Have you ever been responsible for planning a banquet? My first banquet planning experience came from working on the Blue and Gold banquets when my boys were in Cub Scouts. Later I found experience working on church and various organization banquets. My final experience was as Director of Student Services at Cleveland Chiropractic College in Los Angeles where as Student Services Director, I planned 3 luncheon banquets a year for graduates. The first task was always finding a location that was convenient and affordable. Planning was done quite awhile in advance, sometimes as much as a year or more to secure the right place.

Just like tonight, the annual Passover was being celebrated in Jerusalem. It was especially important to Jesus and the disciples to participate in this time of praising God for allowing the death angel to pass over Israel's first born sons when the final blow to the Egyptians who held the Israelites in slavery was to be delivered. Jesus was the consummate planner and had things under control. He knew that this would be his last supper with these special friends and followers and therefore wanted it to be just right.

" And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.” And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover." Mark 14:12-16

Jesus time is not like ours. He didn't need a year to plan his special banquet. He knew time was short. How do we respond knowing our time is short as we plan our Easter celebration? Is Passover included?

HOMECOMING

Easter is rapidly approaching. Can you believe Sunday is Palm Sunday.?How are you preparing for Easter? New clothes for the family? Ham or Lamb? Egg dying and egg hunts? There are many family traditions.

One year I decided to make my two sons Easter suits with the help of my friend who taught home ec and therefore had access to the high school department. We worked feverishly the entire Easter weekend up at the high school and got them finished. I promised myself that never again would I plan such a task and I never did. While the family dawned new Easter clothes, I put on pajamas and slept through Easter that year.

Yet, we are reminded in Isaiah 53, what the real meaning of Easter is about. It is about the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for our sins. The upcoming holy week is a time for deep meditation remembering Jesus pain and suffering. I've been focused on my own pain and the uncertainty that surrounds me and now I realize what the healer went through. As I focus on him, my own pain lessens, because I know that with him, I am in the very best hands. He is the healer of all our ills and where I go for healing. So Easter is a time to return home to the Lord and use Holy week to appreciate what he did for us.

"Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53 4-6

DISAPPOINTMENT HAPPENS

It's usually better to go ahead and get over a bad situation than to have to keep dreading it. So often we can begin to believe that we've moved past the worst, only to have it slapped in our faces again. This is so often the experience with major health problems. We live on a seesaw. We go up, then down. This has been my experience the past 6 months, but always hoping for the best. I suppose denial is a better reaction than just giving up.Yet, in all this, I realize that the power greater than all of us has the final result.

The bad news came Wednesday. I have an occlusion above the one that required removal of the femoral artery and dacron graft placement for circulation. Although a stint can be done, it will only be prolonging the removal of the leg. I appreciate each day that I can stand on my own two feet. I truly understand what that means. Am I discouraged? Of course. But I know that the Lord will get me through it. Discouragement is a happening in all of our lives. It's not the discouragement that gets us, it's what we do with it that matters. We are allowed a pity party or two, but not to dwell on. The quicker we get past it, the quicker healing comes. Physical is sometimes the easiest healing. We still have the emotional and spiritual to get through. This is where this Psalms comes in.

" God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." Ps 46:1-3 The Lord gives the strength to endure whatever disappointment comes out way. You can count on it. Just be patient, pray and believe. He can handle our tears and temper tantrums and always sends us shoulders to lean on and comfortable words to calm us and bring peace.

BYE, BYE SANTA PRAYER

As a young child I believed in a Santa Claus God. If I wanted something, I prayed for it and then waited for it to happen. After a few long waits, I decided I could get what I wanted faster somewhere else and sort of gave up on prayer. Oh, I prayed because it was expected, but I didn't really believe it would be answered, certainly not as I wanted it to be. So why bother?

Then as a young adult along came a good looking Presbyterian pastor named Peter Marshal who was married to a woman named Catherine. I started reading their books and my attitude toward prayer changed. I followed a prayer journal that she had published and it really helped to see that my prayers were answered, but not by Santa Claus. God is real and he answers in ways that improve my life, even ways that are not necessarily as I see it.

I like the following verse from James, who I refer to lovingly as Killjoy. He reminds me of the stern inflexible parent whose advice I resist, but know in my heart and mind that his advice is true and much better than what I can conjure up. God is not dead, but the Santa Claus concept is and for good reason. I asked with wrong motives.

"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:1-3

GOOD NEWS FOR ALL

In today's news, everything is either tentative or negative. In comparison, the news we hear from the Gospel of our Lord and Savior has so much meaning. It is indeed Good News and offers us hope. It is indeed the "good news gospel" and reminds us that it isn't in our hands, but in God's.

This Lenten season helps us to stop for awhile and focus on what the message means. We begin with a miracle birth, records of miracles and those who were blessed and then the price the Savior paid for us. Do we really realize what price he paid for us? Do we truly understand what his suffering on the cross means? The following verse is the best explanation I have read.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jn 16:33

So what does this mean? He ascended from the cross where he bore the punishment for our sins. He overcame sins and death. He rose to sit in the most honored seat at the foot of the father. Is he worthy of our worship and adoration? He is indeed the best newscaster we have. His news is neither negative nor tentative. It brings hope to this negative and tentative world. I like his news. What about you?

THE BLESSING OF RAIN

I love a rainy day. Today I woke to a wet world and am filled with thanksgiving. We lost a lot of landscape during the cold winter we had and the dry spring so far has not helped. Drought not only destroys our plant life, but our lakes are drying and therefore our sources of water are becoming limited. This rain will bring us such joy as our eyes become filled with the glorious blooms of spring. Hopefully enough will come that our lakes can be filled again.

It's the same when we dry up spiritually. Our resources become very limited. This happened in Jesus' day. The Lord knew that sin was drying up our spiritual resources. He sent Jesus to pour his blood over us so we could experience the joy of his salvation. So this long needed rain can be seen not only to water the ground and renew our landscape, but also to renew our spiritual lives. Allow this Easter season to remind you who brings us the joy of our salvation. Let Jesus rain down his glorious righteousness and renew us spiritually. Our joy will spring forth and our lives will flourish in the renewal.

"You heavens above, rain down my righteousness;
let the clouds shower it down.
Let the earth open wide,
let salvation spring up,
let righteousness flourish with it;
I, the Lord, have created it."Isaiah 45:8

PRAISE FROM MEN OR FROM GOD

We've all seen the fall of evangelists and Christian speakers. It usually happens when they get so big they forget who they are serving. They forget that the praise belongs to God and not to them. They love being praised by men. It's immediate. Praise from God may not bring immediate results, but these are the results that really matter. Satan knows our desires and definitely uses praise against us. We get the "big head" and forget about humbling ourselves before the Lord. So keep the focus on serving God and not man. Keep the focus on giving God the praise and not usurping it for yourself. It's all about him. Believe that!

"You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 39 "You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! yet you refuse to come to me to have life. And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want. "I do not accept praise from men, "I'm not interested in crowd approval. but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God's love, is not on your working agenda. I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. I came with the authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me. If another came, acting self-important, you would welcome him with open arms.
How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God ?" John 5: 38-44

PEACE THROUGH STORMS

"Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.  Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.  The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:23-26

Last night we experienced storms throughout this area. Winds blew, rain and hail fell on us, trees were felled, the power went out, flash floods ravaged some areas and property was damaged by all of this. More is predicted. Yet, this morning the sky is clear and the sun is shining brightly.  The air is crisp and fresh. It is calm and beautiful. It is the season for storms and fear of tornados and we pray for God's protection.

But, we have other storms that threaten our lives. These are the storms we feel inside ourselves because of situations and people in our lives who create chaos. Some of the storms are caused by our own mistakes or poor decisions. Yet, just like those storms we experience from nature, Jesus is there for us. Like with his disciples and the boat, he is there. We don't have to be afraid. We just have to call upon him in faith. He won't let us drown. In a little while, light will shine upon us, we will find a clear path and we will find strength and peace through him.

INHERITANCE INSURED

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."1Pet 1:3-6

A family waited most of their productive years dreaming of the inheritance their grandfather would leave them. A very sizable amount of property and interest in the lucrative oil fields south of Oklahoma City ended up going to lawyers and creditors. The family received very little of the huge inheritance they were counting on.

The inheritance we are promised in God's Word is insured through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. We are shielded by God's power, not lawyers and family members who can take it away from us. Our Lenten wait ends as we celebrate Jesus resurrection on Easter Sunday. We can trust in the Lord's word and his love for us. Are you ready to receive your part of this inheritance?

ARE YOU HEARING THE BEAT

"Better a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great wealth with turmoil." Prov. 15:16

I have found evidence of this scripture as I have traveled in many countries and it was prevalent on our recent Caribbean cruise. Several of the village gift shops had Christian music playing in the background and when I acknowledged them, they lit up. The cab driver who was listening to a Christian Radio station in St. Thomas was very anxious to discuss his beliefs. In the brick and mortar shops carrying international products like cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry and designer labels, the atmosphere was more stoic.

We like to find a cab driver who can take us around the islands and show us what is on the tours, but in a more intimate setting. We can stop when we want and that usually includes conversations with locals. The poverty is very prevalent, but the people seem happy. Dancing and singing seem to be their stress relief. And that Caribbean jazz and raggae beat is the best to encourage us to move our feet and clap our hands to the beat.

Tourism is definitely what keeps the island countries afloat. I was impressed with the individual entrepreneurism I witnessed. There were no large industrial centers, just small business operations. Even the ladies wit arm loads of beach wear dresses and jewelry who walked the beach areas were at least taking home a days expenses for their family. In contrast, we experienced people from all over the world vacationing. Wealth was present in the form of yachts, some half the size of our ship.

But going back to the scripture. The local folks seemed content to fear the Lord and live with his word. They benefitted from the wealth of those who supported their businesses. I wonder how many on board the yachts or sporting other signs of wealth were dancing to the beat of their hearts or more fearful of loosing all they had or trying to figure out what was wrong with their relationships. God does indeed reward those who fear him and peace of mind is probably the greatest reward. When we hear his heartbeat blended with ours we have hope.

A MOVING FAITH

 “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment." Mt. 17:17-18

I wonder if Jesus ever has this attitude toward us today? Are we another unbelieving and perverse generation? We've made honoring God and Jesus very difficult. We have passed laws limiting their access to public events. Or at least some would say so. But can we ever limit God's access? Or is it our faith and belief that is limited? A lot of thought has seeped into our world that for some has weakened our total dependency on the Lord.

Just like in Jesus time, we seek immediate relief from problems. We look for magic healing shows and instant gratification for our needs. When it doesn't happen now, we look elsewhere, often denying God's help. When they couldn't provide what the people were asking for, the disciples questioned Jesus about the loss of healing power they were experiencing. Is the answer he gave them the same answer he gives us today when we are not achieving or receiving the results we desire? What about our ability to bring others to him based on our own testimony?

"Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
  He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Mt. 17:19-21