What Hushed A Crowd

By Mary Vee
Luke 8

From Luke's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee. View down to the Sea of Galilee from
the Mountain where it is believed Jesus was at this time.
Capernaum is down and to the left by the shore.

Jesus left Capernaum. He didn't walk by himself. Oh no. He'd recently taught crowds on the mountain then healed the Centurion's servant. People wanted to see if he would do more.

Let's see, there was the twelve close disciples, many other disciples, and a large crowd who walked with him from Capernaum. They didn't know where he was headed, but they did know they wanted to see what might happen next.

Needless to say, the journey took longer than if one person had traveled the twenty plus miles southwest to a town called Nain.

As Jesus approached the city gate, a group of people carried out a person who had died. It was a man, the only son of a mother. The mother was also a widow, so she had no one to help for her.

A large crowd of people had followed the widow to support her in her grief. 

Jesus stopped and looked at the woman. He said to her, "Don't cry."

Jesus walked to the coffin and touched it. Those who carried the casket stood still.

Jesus said, "Young man, get up!" The casket swayed. 

Those carrying it set it on the ground. "It's moving!" They said. Their eyes widened.

The man sat up then began to speak. Everyone was shocked. The crowd following Jesus and the crowd following the widow had silenced. That was a lot of quiet people!

Jesus said to the young man, "Go. Help your mother."

He stood and walked to his mother then he gave her a hug. 

She hugged him and wept and kissed him. 

Just like that, the silent crowd became noisy. 

People cheered and shouted praises to God. 

They laughed.

They cried for joy.

They talked.

And even though everyone there saw what had happened, they retold the story as if the retelling confirmed what they saw.

YES! THE boy really came back to life after Jesus commanded him to.

The people then said, "A great prophet has appeared among us. God has come to help his people.

And just like that, the news of what happened spread through all of Judea and the surrounding country.

 Come back to read the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

I Believe You Will, Jesus

By Mary Vee
Matthew 8 and Luke 7

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee. View down to the Sea of Galilee from
the Mountain where it is believed Jesus was at this time.
Capernaum is down and to the left by the shore.

We'd spent much of the day on the side of a mountain bordering the Sea of Galilee with crowds of people and Jesus. It was the most amazing time I'd spent under the teachings of a great rabbi. My name is Matthew, and I am a disciple of Jesus. 

Once the people left, Jesus walked down to the city located on the shore called Capernaum. 

Some elders of the Jews came to Jesus. "Please, rabbi. We were sent to ask your help."

Jesus said, "What do you need?"

One man seemed to be their leader. He said, "There is a centurion's servant who is highly valued by his master. The servant is sick and about to die. The centurion sent us to ask for your help. This man, we feel, deserves to have your help because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue."

Jesus chose to go with the men. The other disciples and I followed to see what would happen. 

We walked through the city, turning at side streets.

After turning one corner, the leader of the elders said, "His house isn't much farther."

About this same time, a group of men ran from the direction we were walking. They shouted, "Wait. We have a message from our master, the centurion. He says, 'Lord, don't trouble yourself, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not consider myself worthy to come to you. Please, simply say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes. I tell that one, 'Come' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this' and he does it."

Jesus smiled. His eyebrows raised. He turned to the crowd that followed us and said, "Please listen, I have not found such great man of faith anywhere in Israel. 

"Many will come from the east and the west and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 

"But those who lived in the kingdom beforehand, those who have no loyalty or belief in the king, or have a desire to serve will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Jesus turned to them and said, "Go. Tell your master the healing you asked for your servant has been done as you believed it would." 

The servants ran back to their master's home as Jesus said to deliver the message.

We went to the home a little later and saw the servant well. He was up and feeling fine.

What lesson did I learn from this? Well, I suppose it would be that when I ask God for help I should first believe that He will listen and help, then I should let Him take charge. His answer is best.

 Come back to read the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

Jonathan Goforth- His Last Breath

By Mary Vee
Year: summer 1936

Jonathan Goforth 77 years old

Jonathan Goforth's Journal

My name is Jonathan Goforth. My wife, Rosalind, and I are missionaries in Manchuria. I will always say that whether I happen to be whether China, in Canada or another country.

In all the years I have been in Asia, I have never wanted to do anything else with my life than to tell the people in China and, as it turns out, Manchuria, about the living God who loves them. 

My 77 years and Rosalind's 70's tattle on us with health problems. Dear Rosalind was so ill we had to return to Canada for intensive medical treatment. 

I am not a sit around kind of person and was anxious to speak at meetings while we were in Canada. If I spoke honestly, I hoped we would return to Manchuria.

A speaking schedule was set up for me. I went to ten meetings a week on average sharing the work in Manchuria and encouraging anyone to go and share the message of the living God who loves the world.

Thousands attended those meetings. One night after a meeting went especially late, I went straight to bed. Rosalind had recovered from her illness by this time. She helped me get comfortable. Before I close my eyes, I am going to give my pen to Rosalind. I'm tired. So very tired.


~~~
Hi. My name is Rosalind Goforth. I am finishing these words that my husband started. During the night he went to be with Jesus. He had a smile on his face even with being tired. Jonathan truly loved his work in China and I couldn't have been any happier being by his side.

We had a funeral for him at Knox Church in Toronto, the same place where he once said he would give his life to work for Christ in China. 

The service lasted a long time with many speakers wanting to step up to the podium and tell of Jonathan's work. 

They spoke about Jonathan's love and kindness. His determined spirit even after going blind. Everyone who spoke seemed to feel Jonathan Goforth was China's greatest evangelist who raised up many thousands of Chinese Christians now believing in The Living God.

Our lives have been blessed, even in the hardships, by a living God who truly loved us and took care of us. Both Jonathan and I hope you know Him too.





Resources Used for This Series
Being, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Jonathan Goforth: An Open Door in China. Seattle. WA: YWAM Pub., 2001.Print
Doyle, G. Wright. Builders of the Chinese Church: Pioneer Protestant Missionaries and Chinese Church Leaders. Eugene Oregon: Pickwick Pub, 2015. Print.
Goforth, Jonathan, and Rosaline Goforth, Miracle Lives of China, London" Marshall, Morgan & Scott, 1931, Print.
Goforth, Jonathan. "By My Spirit" Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1942. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Climbing; Memories of a Missionary's Wife. Chicago: Moody Pub, n.d. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How I Know God Answers Prayers; The Personal Testimony of One Life-time, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1921. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Jonathan Goforth. Minneapolis, MN: Bethan House, 1986. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How God Answers Prayer: The Mighty Miracles of God from the Mission Field of Jonathan Goforth. USA: Revival, 2016. Print Original copyright not stated.
Jackson, Dave, and Neta Jackson. Mask of the Wolf Boy: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1999. Print.
McCleary, Walter. An Hour with Jonathan Goforth: A Biography. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1938. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Jonathan Goforth: Never Give up. Seattle, WA: YWAM, 2004. Print.

.

Let Jonathan hear from you!

Leave a comment below.

Crowds Astonished-Sermon on the Mount

By Mary Vee
Matthew 7 and Luke 6

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee. View down to the Sea of Galilee from
the Mountain where it is believed Jesus was at this time.
Capernaum is down and to the left by the shore.

My name is Matthew. I am a disciple of Jesus. I am here with other disciples, so one or more may add something to today's post. 

We are sitting on the side of a mountain bordering the Sea of Galilee, and there is a large number of people here with us, some have traveled a long ways to hear Jesus speak.

Jesus has been speaking most of the day. You may know this talk as the Sermon on the Mount. The previous posts telling what he said already are below this one.  Just scroll down.

I am a witness and am here to tell you what Jesus said next on this day. A few moments ago, He spoke about our Father in Heaven who deeply cares for us. He then said there will be those who say they believe and obey in the living God, but they are liars.

Jesus said, "Then there are those who truly listen to my words. Those who live according to my teachings. Those who do are like the wise man who builds his house on a rock, a firm foundation. When a storm comes and the winds whip at the house and the rains pound down hard, the house stands strong because it was build on a rock.

"Those who say they are listening and don't prove they are willing to change and follow my instructions are like fool who builds his house on the sand. When a storm comes to this house, you know what would happen. The rains fall, soaking the sandy foundation away, and rise, flooding the house. The winds blow and the house collapses with a mighty crash."

And with those words, Jesus finished his message.

The people sat amazed. None of them stood. It was like they were replaying the words in their minds. 

The other disciples of Jesus and I saw the authority in His words. Everything Jesus said could be trusted and needed to be lived out. The crowds showed they saw it too. The difference between hearing Jesus speak and a Jewish rabbi, pharisee, or sadducee speak is Jesus taught in His own name, with His own authority.

Truly insightful. Hearing Jesus speak was like stepping on solid ground without any worry about falling.


The crowds eventually left. The only conversation I heard were words repeating what Jesus said. 

This was a day to remember.

Author's note, this section is from the Sermon on the Mount. Come back to read the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

Jonathan Goforth-A Sea of Manchurians

By Mary Vee
Year: summer 1934

Jonathan Goforth 75 years old

Jonathan Goforth's Journal

My name is Jonathan Goforth. My wife, Rosalind, and I are missionaries in Manchuria. 

In all the years I have been in Asia, I have never wanted to do anything else with my life than to tell the people in China and, as it turns out, Manchuria, about the living God who loves them. 

I'm not a young person any more. My desires to continue the work are young and spry, but my body is getting old. 

It wasn't my place to complain about being blind. The apostle Paul had asked God to remove his physical problem and God said no and he didn't complain. Blindness has forced me into listening to everything more. Sitting down and sharing with these people more. 

This year though, I had a terrible case of flu that turned into pneumonia. Being sick forced me to rest. Pray. Think. The word of my illness traveled back to Canada. Two pastors wrote, urging me to come home.

In my heart I just couldn't see doing that. This was my home. These are the people I have longed to be with. The pastors asked me to come back and kindle the desire to be missionaries among the college students. That was a work anyone there could do. God called me to work here.

But, when my wife, Rosalind became very ill, and the doctor said she would need special treatments and would die without them, I finally agreed to return to Canada. 

The farewell was packed with tears and hugs. The Manchurians and Chinese didn't want us to leave, and we didn't want to leave them. I felt torn from their arms and wept with them. Thousands of people showed from the now forty-eight churches we've started.

Rosalind described the sight to me since I couldn't see the people. She told me about their gifts and placed them in my hands to feel. How my heart ached. We boarded the train in Manchuria. Rosalind described a sea of Christians waving and bowing. 

I wanted some way to let them hear a response of gratitude from me. The window was closed, though. I bowed my head and touched my heart then I looked to the heavens to let them know we would see each other again one day in heaven. Then the most touching thing happened to show they saw me. The huge crowd erupted in weeping so loud I could heard them through the window and the noise of the train.

Goodbye Manchuria. Until we meet again.

Jonathan has many stories to share. Come back each Monday to find out what happened next.



Resources Used for This Series
Being, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Jonathan Goforth: An Open Door in China. Seattle. WA: YWAM Pub., 2001.Print
Doyle, G. Wright. Builders of the Chinese Church: Pioneer Protestant Missionaries and Chinese Church Leaders. Eugene Oregon: Pickwick Pub, 2015. Print.
Goforth, Jonathan, and Rosaline Goforth, Miracle Lives of China, London" Marshall, Morgan & Scott, 1931, Print.
Goforth, Jonathan. "By My Spirit" Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1942. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Climbing; Memories of a Missionary's Wife. Chicago: Moody Pub, n.d. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How I Know God Answers Prayers; The Personal Testimony of One Life-time, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1921. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Jonathan Goforth. Minneapolis, MN: Bethan House, 1986. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How God Answers Prayer: The Mighty Miracles of God from the Mission Field of Jonathan Goforth. USA: Revival, 2016. Print Original copyright not stated.
Jackson, Dave, and Neta Jackson. Mask of the Wolf Boy: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1999. Print.
McCleary, Walter. An Hour with Jonathan Goforth: A Biography. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1938. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Jonathan Goforth: Never Give up. Seattle, WA: YWAM, 2004. Print.

.

Let Jonathan hear from you!

Leave a comment below.

Watch for Deceivers-The Sermon on the Mount

By Mary Vee
Matthew 7

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee. View down to the Sea of Galilee from
the Mountain where it is believed Jesus was at this time.
Capernaum is down and to the left by the shore.

My name is Matthew. I am a disciple of Jesus. I am here with other disciples, so one or more may add something to today's post. 

We are sitting on the side of a mountain bordering the Sea of Galilee, and there is a large number of people here with us, some have traveled a long ways to hear Jesus speak.

Jesus has been speaking most of the morning. You may know this talk as the Sermon on the Mount. The previous posts telling what he said already are below this one.  Just scroll down.

I am a witness and am here to tell you what Jesus said next on this day. A few moments ago, He spoke about judging others before seeing the problems we have. When He finished He returned to the subject of prayer.

Jesus said, "All you need to do is ask the Father. If you ask, it will be given to you. Search and you will find it. Knock and the door will be open to you. Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find it. Everyone who knocks will find the door opened for them.

He looked at the crowd's faces. They seemed a bit confused. "Let me ask you this. If your son asked for bread, would you give him a stone?" He paused. "Of course you wouldn't. Or if he asked for some fish to eat, would you give him a snake? No, you would give him the best you had. All right then, if you, a sinful person, know how to give good gifts to your children, think of how much more you heavenly Father, who is perfect, gives good gifts to those who ask him! And so, in every circumstance, in everything you do, do for others what you want them to do for you. This alone sums up the Law and the Prophets.

"You have two choices. You may only pick one. One has a narrow doorway, the other one, wide. The wide doorway seems easier, and many will choose this way. But the road beyond will end with destruction. Few people will chose the narrow gate. The path is narrow and the road difficult, but it will end with life."

Jesus then gave a warning about which this choice:

"There will come those who will deceive you and steer you toward the wide path. Each day, watch for them. They put on the clothes of a knowledgeable person, they speak convincing words, but inwardly they are like a ferocious wolf. How will you know who these wolves are? By looking at the fruit of their work. 

"You wouldn't find tasty grapes on a thorn bush or juicy figs from thistles, right? People are like trees. Every good tree will bear only good fruit, and every bad tree will only bear ugly, bitter fruit. These rotten trees are cut down and used for firewood. Listen carefully when a prophet comes to you. Look for the fruit of his words if they are sweet or bitter. If his words are true what he says will come to pass.

"So watch. Not everyone who says, Lord, Lord is honest. Some are deceivers. These deceivers will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven will enter through this narrow way. The deceivers will say, 'But didn't we prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' I will say plainly to them 'Go away, I never knew you'--because I know they are deceivers and liars."


And so Jesus continued, but those words will be told next time. 

Author's note, this section is from the Sermon on the Mount. Come back to read the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

Jonathan Goforth-The Great Depression Stopped Funds But Not the Work

By Mary Vee
Year: summer 1934

Jonathan Goforth 75 years old

Jonathan Goforth's Journal

My name is Jonathan Goforth. My wife, Rosalind, and I are missionaries in Manchuria. 

In all the years I have been in Asia, I have never wanted to do anything else with my life than to tell the people in China and as it turns out, Manchuria, about the living God who loves them. 

It is June. A letter came in the mail. One I was very sad to read. Even with all the news we've sent about the good happening here in Manchuria, the mission board had decided to slash funds supporting the pastors, missionaries, and churches here in Manchuria.

The Great Depression hit America and Europe. Funds were at an all time low. There just wasn't the money to send.

I have to admit, the news concerned me deeply. I thought I would have to tell all the pastors they would have to leave their churches and the doors closed. We wouldn't be able to support them any longer. Just thinking about what would happen to the forty churches we'd set up broke my heart.

But I had to tell the churches.

I went to the first church and during a service explained to the people that money would not be sent to pay for their pastor any longer. I honestly didn't know how they would respond. I was ready for the worst, whatever that would be.

Instead the people from the first church and the other 39 churches said they would pay for their pastor and the other expenses for their church. It was a huge responsibility for them with their limited income. By the end of 1934, not one pastor had to leave or go hungry, in fact, 966 new believers joined the churches. 

I hadn't realized it at the time. But thinking back, I feel God wanted to test the faith of these Chinese people. Would they be willing to give some of what they had to support the church. The answer was an amazing yes.


Jonathan has many stories to share. Come back each Monday to find out what happened next.



Resources Used for This Series
Being, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Jonathan Goforth: An Open Door in China. Seattle. WA: YWAM Pub., 2001.Print
Doyle, G. Wright. Builders of the Chinese Church: Pioneer Protestant Missionaries and Chinese Church Leaders. Eugene Oregon: Pickwick Pub, 2015. Print.
Goforth, Jonathan, and Rosaline Goforth, Miracle Lives of China, London" Marshall, Morgan & Scott, 1931, Print.
Goforth, Jonathan. "By My Spirit" Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1942. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Climbing; Memories of a Missionary's Wife. Chicago: Moody Pub, n.d. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How I Know God Answers Prayers; The Personal Testimony of One Life-time, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1921. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Jonathan Goforth. Minneapolis, MN: Bethan House, 1986. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How God Answers Prayer: The Mighty Miracles of God from the Mission Field of Jonathan Goforth. USA: Revival, 2016. Print Original copyright not stated.
Jackson, Dave, and Neta Jackson. Mask of the Wolf Boy: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1999. Print.
McCleary, Walter. An Hour with Jonathan Goforth: A Biography. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1938. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Jonathan Goforth: Never Give up. Seattle, WA: YWAM, 2004. Print.

.

Let Jonathan hear from you!

Leave a comment below.

You Hypocrite-From the Sermon on the Mount

By Mary Vee
Matthew 7, Luke 6

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee. View down to the Sea of Galilee from
the Mountain where it is believed Jesus was at this time.
Capernaum is down and to the left by the shore.

My name is Matthew. I am a disciple of Jesus. I am here with other disciples, so they may add something to today's post. 

We are sitting on the side of a mountain bordering the Sea of Galilee, and there is a large number of people here with us, some have traveled a long ways to hear Jesus speak.

Jesus has been speaking most of the morning. You may know this talk as the Sermon on the Mount. Posts telling what he said already are below this one.  Just scroll down.

I am a witness and am here to tell you what Jesus said next on that day.

Jesus said, "Don't judge others for what they have done then you won't be judge for what you have done. Don't even condemn others if you hope to not be condemned. 

Instead 
Forgive others so that you also may be forgiven.

If you give to others they will give to you. When they do, you will receive a gift in full compensation, overflowing, then pressed down and shaken together to make room for more. Whatever you use to measure what you will give, whether too large or too small, the same will be used for the gift given to you."

Jesus paused for a moment then said, "There once was a blind man leading another blind man. You can imagine one eventually falling into the ditch and pulling the other one down with him. Think about this, does a student know more than the teacher? No. But if he works hard, he may learn as much.

"So, why fuss about a small thing? Isn't it nothing more than a speck in an eye? Take a look at what you've done. Your sin is like a huge board plunged into your eye. Is it really right to say you are helping your brother remove the tiny speck when you have a huge board in yours? You are a hypocrite.

"You must first remove the large board in your own eyes before dealing with the speck in your neighbor's eye.

"Giving holy things to a depraved man is like giving pearls to a swine. The swine will trample the pearls then turn and attack you.

And so Jesus continued, but those words will be told next time. 

Author's note, this section is from the Sermon on the Mount. Come back to read the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.