And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, "Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household." And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

Is this a message and lesson to the Western Church? Stories circulate in respected publications and among reports from missionaries regarding miraculous works in the 10-40 window. Similar reports here in the West are met with arched eyebrows and poorly concealed skepticism.

But He is willing and does heal. I know for I walk today; the result of a divine healing about 10 years ago. I'm trying to recall my attitude that Lord's Day morning, but not too sure. I know it was not skepticism, probably more of acceptance but by the end of the day, it was conviction and belief.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 122

Mid-day: 119:33-40

Evening: Psalm 47

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Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.  A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/item/7251-2016-voices-together-weekly-format. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.