The reward of no effort is atrophy.  This is true physically, mentally and spiritually.  The result of effort in exercise is strength; in relationships is sustainability; and in obedience is regeneration.  We must strive to achieve the promises offered by God. The opportunity is not something we can earn but our effort is required to bring the promises to completion. Actions and inaction bring consequences. Jesus asked this question, "Why do you call me LORD and not do what I say?" Jesus did his part to open the door; we must do our part by entering in. Spiritual victories in daily life require change.

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Ch. 32 - JESUS HEALS A GADARENE

JESUS AND HIS disciples came to the other side of the Sea of Galilee to the country of the Gadarenes.

As soon as Jesus was on the shore a man came to meet him, one who had been possessed of devils for a long time. He wore no clothes, and abode in no house, but in the tombs.

No one could bind this man, not even with chains. It had often been tried, but he had broken the chains. No man could tame him.

He spent his time both night and day in the mountains and tombs --crying loudly, and madly cutting himself with stones.

When he saw Jesus he ran and fell down before him, and in a loud voice said:

"What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not."

Jesus spoke, saying:

"Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit."

Then, to the man, Jesus said:

"What is thy name?"

The man answered:

"My name is Legion; for we are many."

And he asked Jesus not to send them out of the country.

Near by a large herd of swine was feeding.

The unclean spirits beseeched Jesus, saying:

"Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them."

Jesus gave them permission; the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the entire herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea and drowned.

The herdsmen fled and told what they had seen. Many came to see Jesus and found the demoniac, clothed and in his right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus.

Those who had seen Jesus drive the unclean spirits from the man told the latest arrivals how the man had been cleansed and made sane.

The Gadarenes were afraid and asked Jesus to leave their country. He started to enter his boat, when the man who had been cleansed of the unclean spirits asked to go with him.

Jesus would not permit it, but said to the man,

"Go hove to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee."

He who was healed departed and told in Decapolis the great things Jesus had done for him.

All men marveled.

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Scriptures: Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1; Luke 8:26-39