Mark 2
1A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
6Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7“Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
8Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11“I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” 13Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.
In this passage, two things are happening. First, Jesus is healing people; physically and spiritually. Miracles are occurring all around and He is the reason!
But, the people who are jealous of Him, who are suspicious of Him, who don't want to change, who ignore what the scripture said about Jesus, these people are mad! Jesus angers them more and more with every good thing He does and the truth that he speaks. So the second thing happening is His opposition, because of the good works He is doing, because He is proclaiming Himself to be God, because He is healing people spiritually and physically. The current leaders are angry!
The religious leaders are doing everything in their power to make Him look bad, to make people doubt Him. Eventually they find a way to kill Him, although that was a part of God's plan!
Do you ever feel like you have done everything like you should only to be faced with people growling and hissing at you? Well, Jesus already knows how you feel. Granted, Jesus was perfect, and I, we, are not, but if we are doing what is right, what is God's will, we will see and receive opposition. We will feel the hate of the devil through other people.
Yesterday, I looked around me and wondered what was going on, there was so much hate. I didn't understand it, and it hurt my feelings. At first, I started to lash out verbally. I then realized that was wrong, so I backed off and started asking questions. I don't believe they were really any nicer, but I was.
In these situations, I need to remember that although Satan is currently reigning on earth, Jesus has already won the battle and will return to restore the earth to goodness and love. For now though, I need to trust God will see me through these hateful situations. It isn't easy, and I failed at first yesterday, for which I need to apologize today. That doesn't mean these people will be any nicer, but I need to be, because I have a hope that they probably do not have!
Father, please help me be strong for your message of love to be passed on. In Jesus name I pray! Amen.
Monday, September 5, 2016
How great is our God????
Mark 5
1They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. 6When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. 11A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. 14Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[b] how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
I have read this passage many many times. Today what really stood out was the onlookers. The crowd. Can you imagine being there. Seeing this demon possessed man? Hearing the demons ask Jesus for mercy? Hearing Jesus give then permission to enter in the pigs from the man? Hearing that even the demons acknowledge Jesus's rule over everything by their request? Then seeing a herd of pigs, thousands, run into the water only to drown?
Wow! If I were the town's people I would have been afraid also. There was no doubt who is in charge of the universe or how powerful He really is. I would have been stunned! Speechless! Scared! Bewildered! In awe!
What about you? Do you understand the awesome power of God? Are you stunned by it? Do you see his care for the man afterwards? He didn't just perform a miracle, He then took time to tell the man to go back to his people and tell them what happened. He commissioned him to tell the Gospel...Jesus saves! Jesus saves eternally!
Father, you always amaze me! I think I know the stories, but then you show me more depth of understanding about you and your love and protection for all of us. Thank you! Love, your daughter!
1They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. 6When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. 11A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. 14Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[b] how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
I have read this passage many many times. Today what really stood out was the onlookers. The crowd. Can you imagine being there. Seeing this demon possessed man? Hearing the demons ask Jesus for mercy? Hearing Jesus give then permission to enter in the pigs from the man? Hearing that even the demons acknowledge Jesus's rule over everything by their request? Then seeing a herd of pigs, thousands, run into the water only to drown?
Wow! If I were the town's people I would have been afraid also. There was no doubt who is in charge of the universe or how powerful He really is. I would have been stunned! Speechless! Scared! Bewildered! In awe!
What about you? Do you understand the awesome power of God? Are you stunned by it? Do you see his care for the man afterwards? He didn't just perform a miracle, He then took time to tell the man to go back to his people and tell them what happened. He commissioned him to tell the Gospel...Jesus saves! Jesus saves eternally!
Father, you always amaze me! I think I know the stories, but then you show me more depth of understanding about you and your love and protection for all of us. Thank you! Love, your daughter!
Do you think you have messed up so bad it can't be fixed?
Mark 6
31Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 32So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. 35By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages[e] ! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” 38“How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” 39Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42They all ate and were satisfied, 43and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. 45Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. 47Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.
Mark 9
21Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23“ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
I saw on Facebook yesterday a post that said:
"You are incomparably made, uniquely loved, and powerfully purposed. God's promises for your life are without rival, and his plans for you are beyond compare. Perhaps you've felt like you've veered off course, but God's pursuit of us is greater than our ability to wander. If you think you've blown God's plan for your life, rest in this. You, my beautiful friend, are not that powerful. He is a God of restoration and redemption, and He makes all things new." Lisa Bevere
If you think you've blown God's plan for your life, rest in this. You, my beautiful friend, are not that powerful. Insightful! So, three disciples in the Mark passage above can't figure out how to feed 5,000 people and they can't figure out how Jesus walks on water either. In fact, they are afraid when they see Jesus walking on the water even though they are His disciples and have seen his miracles over and over and over again.
I think if these disciples can have moments of doubt, then when I have moments of doubt, I shouldn't dwell on the moment afterwards, but what God accomplished in that moment instead. After all, the disciples were right there standing next to Jesus. They saw and heard everything He said. Yet they still had doubts. Jesus still showed them great miracles!
So, that indicates to me, that I should just work through my moments of doubt and fear, knowing God, who is all powerful, will guide me through it! As Lisa Bevere said, I am NOT that powerful, but God isl! He will get me through it! And as the "boy's father" in Mark 9 said, "I believe, help me overcome my unbelief"!
Thank you, God, for your love and mercy and grace and power and constant care! Thank you for being all powerful and in control of everything. Thank you that when things look the worst, you are still there. The situation may not turn out as I had planned, but it will turn out for your glory! To You be the glory! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
31Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 32So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. 35By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages[e] ! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” 38“How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” 39Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42They all ate and were satisfied, 43and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. 45Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. 47Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.
Mark 9
21Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23“ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
I saw on Facebook yesterday a post that said:
"You are incomparably made, uniquely loved, and powerfully purposed. God's promises for your life are without rival, and his plans for you are beyond compare. Perhaps you've felt like you've veered off course, but God's pursuit of us is greater than our ability to wander. If you think you've blown God's plan for your life, rest in this. You, my beautiful friend, are not that powerful. He is a God of restoration and redemption, and He makes all things new." Lisa Bevere
If you think you've blown God's plan for your life, rest in this. You, my beautiful friend, are not that powerful. Insightful! So, three disciples in the Mark passage above can't figure out how to feed 5,000 people and they can't figure out how Jesus walks on water either. In fact, they are afraid when they see Jesus walking on the water even though they are His disciples and have seen his miracles over and over and over again.
I think if these disciples can have moments of doubt, then when I have moments of doubt, I shouldn't dwell on the moment afterwards, but what God accomplished in that moment instead. After all, the disciples were right there standing next to Jesus. They saw and heard everything He said. Yet they still had doubts. Jesus still showed them great miracles!
So, that indicates to me, that I should just work through my moments of doubt and fear, knowing God, who is all powerful, will guide me through it! As Lisa Bevere said, I am NOT that powerful, but God isl! He will get me through it! And as the "boy's father" in Mark 9 said, "I believe, help me overcome my unbelief"!
Thank you, God, for your love and mercy and grace and power and constant care! Thank you for being all powerful and in control of everything. Thank you that when things look the worst, you are still there. The situation may not turn out as I had planned, but it will turn out for your glory! To You be the glory! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Religious institutions - are they ALL good enough since they are "religious" institutions?
Mark 14
55The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. 57Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’ ” 59Yet even then their testimony did not agree. 60Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 61But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 63The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64“You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.
John 8:19
They said to him therefore, "Where is your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also."
I always thought Jesus was spit upon and ridiculed by the Romans. That the Jews instigated the trial, but the Romans carried it all out. However, in Mark 14, I see that Jesus was already blindfolded and spit on and slapped by the Sanhedrin...and convicted of any crime they could come up with because Jesus made then look bad. Jesus disagreed with them. He made them look bad in front of the crowds because he could explain the scriptures and they couldn't. They didn't even stand up for what the scriptures meant even though they had learned the scriptures more than anyone.
The Sanhedrin were part of the religious institution in Jesus day. I find it very interesting that they were the ones who initiated/instigated Christ's death. The Romans did crucify him, but only because the Sanhedrin insisted and then coaxed the Jews into following their lead. Even so, Jesus did not fight back. His own people betrayed Him and He still bore their scorn in order to give them a chance to be reconciled to God!
So, the next time you rely directly on a human religious institution to direct your life, think about Jesus. Test your institution. Do they know the scriptures...and follow the scriptures? Do they believe and practice John 8:19? If they believe in God, then they should believe in Jesus. If they believe in Jesus, then they should believe in God. If they miss just one part of that, Jesus or God, then they are just an institution, not a body of believers. If that is the case...Run! Run to the nearest body of believers that believe in the scriptures, practice the scriptures, and believe John 8:19. Associate with them. The other religious institutions will bring about your downfall!
55The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. 57Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’ ” 59Yet even then their testimony did not agree. 60Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 61But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 63The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64“You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.
John 8:19
They said to him therefore, "Where is your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also."
I always thought Jesus was spit upon and ridiculed by the Romans. That the Jews instigated the trial, but the Romans carried it all out. However, in Mark 14, I see that Jesus was already blindfolded and spit on and slapped by the Sanhedrin...and convicted of any crime they could come up with because Jesus made then look bad. Jesus disagreed with them. He made them look bad in front of the crowds because he could explain the scriptures and they couldn't. They didn't even stand up for what the scriptures meant even though they had learned the scriptures more than anyone.
The Sanhedrin were part of the religious institution in Jesus day. I find it very interesting that they were the ones who initiated/instigated Christ's death. The Romans did crucify him, but only because the Sanhedrin insisted and then coaxed the Jews into following their lead. Even so, Jesus did not fight back. His own people betrayed Him and He still bore their scorn in order to give them a chance to be reconciled to God!
So, the next time you rely directly on a human religious institution to direct your life, think about Jesus. Test your institution. Do they know the scriptures...and follow the scriptures? Do they believe and practice John 8:19? If they believe in God, then they should believe in Jesus. If they believe in Jesus, then they should believe in God. If they miss just one part of that, Jesus or God, then they are just an institution, not a body of believers. If that is the case...Run! Run to the nearest body of believers that believe in the scriptures, practice the scriptures, and believe John 8:19. Associate with them. The other religious institutions will bring about your downfall!
Mark 9 - How easily we do wrong things...
Mark 9
2After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. 11And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 12Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”
30They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. 33They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 36He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Human nature is so naturally sinful. In the first part of Mark 9, we see Jesus with Moses (I think Moses represents the law) and Elijah (representing the prophets). These two represent all of Israel's past with God. Jesus is with them and then God speaks and glorifies Jesus. The disciples are in awe enough to want to build a shelter for them, but they totally missed that they were seeing Jesus transfigured and God reconcile the law and the prophets in Jesus.
Later, they argue about who is the greatest among them. That is incredible in that they have just seen Jesus transfigured...shining with glory...with Moses and Elijah who have been dead for a long time. I am amazed that they can turn to thinking about themselves so quickly and easily, but Jesus brings them back to reality quickly.
Then I think about myself. How quickly I go from concern about others to concern about myself. Why do people say and do such rude, mean, disrespectful things...whether on purpose, carelessly, or just not thinking about others. I want to say something back to let them know how it makes me feel to hear those things...and then I realize I am thinking/doing the exact same thing as the person who hurt me...and it happened so quickly and so easily!
I observe some people who seem to be able to let every rude/mean/disrespectful comment go and still be considerate. I really don't know how they do that! I struggle with that all the time. It is not easy for me to do, but I am trying! I will keep trying! Just as the disciples went completely off track right after seeing Jesus transfigured, I know I will go off track quickly also! I also know, and trust, that Jesus/the Holy Spirit/God will bring me back very quickly also!
Thank you, Holy Spirit, for always working on me! I need your help!
2After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. 11And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 12Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”
30They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. 33They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 36He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Human nature is so naturally sinful. In the first part of Mark 9, we see Jesus with Moses (I think Moses represents the law) and Elijah (representing the prophets). These two represent all of Israel's past with God. Jesus is with them and then God speaks and glorifies Jesus. The disciples are in awe enough to want to build a shelter for them, but they totally missed that they were seeing Jesus transfigured and God reconcile the law and the prophets in Jesus.
Later, they argue about who is the greatest among them. That is incredible in that they have just seen Jesus transfigured...shining with glory...with Moses and Elijah who have been dead for a long time. I am amazed that they can turn to thinking about themselves so quickly and easily, but Jesus brings them back to reality quickly.
Then I think about myself. How quickly I go from concern about others to concern about myself. Why do people say and do such rude, mean, disrespectful things...whether on purpose, carelessly, or just not thinking about others. I want to say something back to let them know how it makes me feel to hear those things...and then I realize I am thinking/doing the exact same thing as the person who hurt me...and it happened so quickly and so easily!
I observe some people who seem to be able to let every rude/mean/disrespectful comment go and still be considerate. I really don't know how they do that! I struggle with that all the time. It is not easy for me to do, but I am trying! I will keep trying! Just as the disciples went completely off track right after seeing Jesus transfigured, I know I will go off track quickly also! I also know, and trust, that Jesus/the Holy Spirit/God will bring me back very quickly also!
Thank you, Holy Spirit, for always working on me! I need your help!
It is the little things that count! What about a new car?
Mark 12
The large crowd listened to him with delight. 38As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” 41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
The big things we do for others are important, don't get me wrong, but the little things...they show our true heart, I think.
In the scripture above, Jesus demonstrated how the widow gave so much more than the others, because she gave everything she had. To others it was a little bit! To Jesus? He knew she had given everything she had.
I find it amazing that Jesus sat and watched people put money in the temple treasury. On Sunday morning, I would never dream of watching how much everyone puts in the offering plate as it passes...although I have accidentally noticed some. I briefly wonder what people think of us, since we give online! Perhaps they are judging us as we pass the plate and put nothing in it. To others, we have given nothing. To us, we have given our best. We are so used to tithing that we sometimes forget that our giving our tithe is part of what sets us apart from the rest of the crowd here on earth. God knows what we do and don't give. He sits right there and watches every Sunday (online or in person).
By this world's standards, my husband and I are living at a much lower level than we could, because we tithe. We could afford two new cars if we didn't tithe (...as little as that amount may be in comparison to others), as it is we cannot afford even one new car! However, God has provided in return for our faithfulness and sacrifice. We do have two cars. They are old. They have been paid off for years ,and they have not required much more than routine maintenance. We have done nicely financially and feel blessed that these cars have lasted as long as they have and as reliably as they have!
We can see that the cars are getting old and will need to be replaced, and occasionally I think about the money I tithe and a new car. I am kind of jealous of all those who buy/lease a new car every two years...for just a moment. Then the Holy Spirit brings me back. We are following what God wants us to do. It doesn't match up with this world's standards, but this world's standards aren't here forever. God is. Heaven is. We are storing up treasures in heaven with our tithes. We don't need a new car. We will have a new body someday! We will have eternity with God! A new car? That is nothing compared to heaven!
Father, thank you for always bringing me back to YOUR reality, focusing on the eternal things rather than the earthly things. Please continue to make our cars last until we can afford to replace them with reliable, newer cars with less mileage in your time...if it is your will! In Jesus name I pray. Amen!
The large crowd listened to him with delight. 38As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” 41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
The big things we do for others are important, don't get me wrong, but the little things...they show our true heart, I think.
In the scripture above, Jesus demonstrated how the widow gave so much more than the others, because she gave everything she had. To others it was a little bit! To Jesus? He knew she had given everything she had.
I find it amazing that Jesus sat and watched people put money in the temple treasury. On Sunday morning, I would never dream of watching how much everyone puts in the offering plate as it passes...although I have accidentally noticed some. I briefly wonder what people think of us, since we give online! Perhaps they are judging us as we pass the plate and put nothing in it. To others, we have given nothing. To us, we have given our best. We are so used to tithing that we sometimes forget that our giving our tithe is part of what sets us apart from the rest of the crowd here on earth. God knows what we do and don't give. He sits right there and watches every Sunday (online or in person).
By this world's standards, my husband and I are living at a much lower level than we could, because we tithe. We could afford two new cars if we didn't tithe (...as little as that amount may be in comparison to others), as it is we cannot afford even one new car! However, God has provided in return for our faithfulness and sacrifice. We do have two cars. They are old. They have been paid off for years ,and they have not required much more than routine maintenance. We have done nicely financially and feel blessed that these cars have lasted as long as they have and as reliably as they have!
We can see that the cars are getting old and will need to be replaced, and occasionally I think about the money I tithe and a new car. I am kind of jealous of all those who buy/lease a new car every two years...for just a moment. Then the Holy Spirit brings me back. We are following what God wants us to do. It doesn't match up with this world's standards, but this world's standards aren't here forever. God is. Heaven is. We are storing up treasures in heaven with our tithes. We don't need a new car. We will have a new body someday! We will have eternity with God! A new car? That is nothing compared to heaven!
Father, thank you for always bringing me back to YOUR reality, focusing on the eternal things rather than the earthly things. Please continue to make our cars last until we can afford to replace them with reliable, newer cars with less mileage in your time...if it is your will! In Jesus name I pray. Amen!
If you think you are having a bad day, check this out.
Read Mark 15:1-45.
Wow! I had a bad day this week. The students were rude and disrespectful, things didn't go as planned, I hadn't slept well the night before, I felt like a failure. It was a bad day. I felt sorry for myself.
Now read Mark 15 again. My day was nothing compared to what Christ had ensured. In chapter 14, all the religious leaders of His day, who knew the scriptures backwards and forwards, denied He was the Son of God. They were mad because He caused them to face the truth...that they were not serving God or believing in the scriptures...they were in it for the power and recognition. They didn't like the truth. In fact the truth made then so mad, they, the religious leaders, plotted to have Him killed. Can you imagine that? The people who should have seen who He was, wanted to kill Him instead. So, they spit on Him, they ridiculed Him, then they sent Him to Pilot.
In chapter 15, they force Pilot to do their killing for them. The soldiers mock and beat Jesus. The crowd yells insults. The other two on the cross, at first, mock Him. His followers are silent...they don't want to get crucified. Besides that, Jesus was supposed to be the Messiah, the King. They assumed that would mean He would rescue them from Rome. They were in for a bigger surprise than they could have ever imagined!
So, Jesus gives up His life at 3:00 p.m. in chapter 15. He gave it up so that on our bad days, we could have hope in forgiveness of our sins and an eternal home in Heaven with our heavenly Father.
Christ had a "bad day"" like none we could ever imagine. Christ ensured the rejection and passion and suffering so we could have a great day knowing the hope His death and resurrection gave us with an eternal, fantastic, afterlife! What a sacrifice! What a gift!
Father, please help me not to complain and feel sorry for myself. Holy Spirit, help me to remember the hope and joy I have knowing all my sins are already forgiven and I have a home in Heaven. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Wow! I had a bad day this week. The students were rude and disrespectful, things didn't go as planned, I hadn't slept well the night before, I felt like a failure. It was a bad day. I felt sorry for myself.
Now read Mark 15 again. My day was nothing compared to what Christ had ensured. In chapter 14, all the religious leaders of His day, who knew the scriptures backwards and forwards, denied He was the Son of God. They were mad because He caused them to face the truth...that they were not serving God or believing in the scriptures...they were in it for the power and recognition. They didn't like the truth. In fact the truth made then so mad, they, the religious leaders, plotted to have Him killed. Can you imagine that? The people who should have seen who He was, wanted to kill Him instead. So, they spit on Him, they ridiculed Him, then they sent Him to Pilot.
In chapter 15, they force Pilot to do their killing for them. The soldiers mock and beat Jesus. The crowd yells insults. The other two on the cross, at first, mock Him. His followers are silent...they don't want to get crucified. Besides that, Jesus was supposed to be the Messiah, the King. They assumed that would mean He would rescue them from Rome. They were in for a bigger surprise than they could have ever imagined!
So, Jesus gives up His life at 3:00 p.m. in chapter 15. He gave it up so that on our bad days, we could have hope in forgiveness of our sins and an eternal home in Heaven with our heavenly Father.
Christ had a "bad day"" like none we could ever imagine. Christ ensured the rejection and passion and suffering so we could have a great day knowing the hope His death and resurrection gave us with an eternal, fantastic, afterlife! What a sacrifice! What a gift!
Father, please help me not to complain and feel sorry for myself. Holy Spirit, help me to remember the hope and joy I have knowing all my sins are already forgiven and I have a home in Heaven. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
John 21
By the time John wrote this, Peter was already dead. This was the last gospel written.
Luke 5:11 - Jesus provides a full catch and calls two disciples.
John 21:1 - Jesus has risen. Jesus again provides a full catch. John is the first to recognize the Lord. Peter is first in the water.
V15. Agape love was John to Jesus. When Jesus speaking to Peter, used Greek agapako. Arapaho (agape) is deeper love. Peter responds with love word that is friendship and familiar (phileho). Peter and Jesus are probably speaking in Aramaic which is difficult to interpret love easily. So, Jesus repeats question using agape. Peter uses phileho again. Jesus asks a third time using phileho. Peter responds with phileho again. Jesus goes back to agape. Do you love me the way I want you to love me. Tells Peter how he will die, showing him that he will love Him with agape love. Repeats request that they follow Him.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Heaven - are there people there now?
Mark 13
26“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
We heard John Piper speak this past weekend! What a phenomenal theologian! He emphasized reading the scriptures and really taking in every point, every single word that you read in the scriptures. Not just reading for the overall message, but reading the details also. God is the God of details. He has great plans for us with d,etail we will not understand until we are in heaven.
So, when reading scripture, don't skim over them. Note the details and think upon them. Research them. Pray about them. Before reading pray the Holy Spirit will open your mind and heart. Then you will really start seeing the details.
Today I read Mark 13. Tons of details! As I read the verse above stood out. I hadn't seen it before, but today, I noticed it. "He will gather his people...from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens." We have been studying heaven in our small group and that has helped me watch for what the Bible says about what will be in heaven. This verse gives us a glimpse.
There are a lot of different points of views about death and heaven: if people sleep when they die until the second coming (soul sleep) or if they go straight to heaven, etc. However, the scripture above seems to indicate that "soul sleep" is not the case. "...to the end of the heavens" people will be gathered up by the angels in the end times. So, applying what John Piper brought to light, read for the details, there has to be somebody in heaven to gather right? They can't all be angels or why would the Bible say they were gathered by angels and not say gathered by each other? So, reading for the details, I am now convinced that there is no soul sleep, but that we will be in heaven when we die, not in a slumber until Jesus comes again!
Amazing truth! Amazing Word of God! Amazing details! How amazing is heaven! Thank you, Father!
26“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
We heard John Piper speak this past weekend! What a phenomenal theologian! He emphasized reading the scriptures and really taking in every point, every single word that you read in the scriptures. Not just reading for the overall message, but reading the details also. God is the God of details. He has great plans for us with d,etail we will not understand until we are in heaven.
So, when reading scripture, don't skim over them. Note the details and think upon them. Research them. Pray about them. Before reading pray the Holy Spirit will open your mind and heart. Then you will really start seeing the details.
Today I read Mark 13. Tons of details! As I read the verse above stood out. I hadn't seen it before, but today, I noticed it. "He will gather his people...from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens." We have been studying heaven in our small group and that has helped me watch for what the Bible says about what will be in heaven. This verse gives us a glimpse.
Amazing truth! Amazing Word of God! Amazing details! How amazing is heaven! Thank you, Father!
Heaven - are there people there now?
Mark 13
26“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
We heard John Piper speak this past weekend! What a phenomenal theologian! He emphasized reading the scriptures and really taking in every point. Not just reading for the overall message, but reading the details also. God is the God of details. He has great plans for us with detail we will not understand until we are in heaven.
So, when reading scripture, don't skim over them. Note the details and think upon them. Research them. Pray about them. Before reading pray the Holy Spirit will open your mind and heart. Then you really start seeing the details.
Today I read Mark 13. Tons of details! As I read the verse above stood out. I hadn't seen it before, but today, I noticed it. "from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens." We have been studying heaven in our small group and that has helped me watch for what the Bible says about what will be in heaven. This verse gives us a glimpse.
There are a lot of different points of views about heaven: if people sleep when they die until the second coming (soul sleep) or if they go straight to heaven, etc. However, the scripture above seems to indicate that "soul sleep" is not the case. "...to the end of the heavens" people will be gathered up by the angels in the end times. So, applying what joIn Piper brought to light, read for the details, there has to be somebody in heaven to gather right? They can't all be angels or why would the Bible say they were gathered by angels and not say gathered by each other? So, reading for the details, I am now convinced that there is no soul sleep, but that we will be in heaven when we die, not in a slumber until Jesus comes again!
Amazing truth! Amazing Word of God! Amazing details! How amazing is heaven! Thank you, Father!
26“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
We heard John Piper speak this past weekend! What a phenomenal theologian! He emphasized reading the scriptures and really taking in every point. Not just reading for the overall message, but reading the details also. God is the God of details. He has great plans for us with detail we will not understand until we are in heaven.
So, when reading scripture, don't skim over them. Note the details and think upon them. Research them. Pray about them. Before reading pray the Holy Spirit will open your mind and heart. Then you really start seeing the details.
Today I read Mark 13. Tons of details! As I read the verse above stood out. I hadn't seen it before, but today, I noticed it. "from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens." We have been studying heaven in our small group and that has helped me watch for what the Bible says about what will be in heaven. This verse gives us a glimpse.
Amazing truth! Amazing Word of God! Amazing details! How amazing is heaven! Thank you, Father!
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Is everyone's God the same God?
Old Testament shows Jesus and Jesus shows God. New testament confirms Old Testament.
John 5:31-46
John 6 - manna - bread of God comes down from heaven and gives life to the world
Isaiah 54:15 me = Jesus
John 7:38 scripture said
John 7:42 Messiah born in Bethlehem - Micah 5:2
John 10:35 reference to authority of OT. The scripture cannot be broken. Matt 5:17 (the law-waa m what is the Greek?)
John 12:37-41 Isaiah said these things because He saw Jesus's glory (God's glory). Implies where God is manifested Jesus is manifested
If you meet God as he truly reveals himself in the OT then you will know Jesus when he comes.
John Ch 13 to end of book. References to Old Testament confirming Jesus - bears witness to God.
1 John 2:23
Implications:
Islam God - is He the God in the Bible? Jews - do they worship the God in the Bible? Are these the same God? Ask them these questions:
Q1. Do you know God? Jn 8:19 - where is your Father? You know neither me nor my father. If you knew me you would know my Father also.
Q2. Do you honor God? Jn 5:23 - whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who singe him.
Q3. Do you love God? Jn 5:42-43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me;
Litmus test for claim to know God. They know, love and honor Jesus also. If they claim to know/honor/love God but do not honor Jesus they are not telling the truth though they think they are.
If someone asks you if Islam and Jews bet glitter in the same God, Instead of do we believe in the same God, focus on"do we worship the same God." Jesus said if you love God, you love me. You worship God, you worship me. Jesus who is the center of the NT is the same God is the OT.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Six implications in reading the Bible
To glorify God, see the glory by hearing and reading the Word!
Six implications:
-The infinite worth and beauty of God are the ultimate value and excellence of the universe.
-The supremely authentic and intentional worship of God's word and beauty is the ultimate aim of all His works. Jn 4:23, Rev 3:16, Rom 12:11
-We should always read God's word in order to see this supreme worth and beauty. Eph 3:4, 8, Col 1:27
-We should aim in all our seeing to savor His excellence above all things. Jn 15:11, 17:13, Psalm 1:3? , Psalm 119:7, 11,
-By this seeing and savoring we aim to be transformed into the likeness of His beauty. 2Cor 3:18, 4:4
-...So that more and more people would be drawn into the world hoping family of God until the Bride of Christ--across all nations is complete in its goal and beauty. Jeremiah 1:12
Supernatural Bible Reading.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, rely on Him and He will make your paths straight.
Obstacles - 2Cor 4:3-4
-Our sinful nature - 1Cor 2:14, Rom 8:7-8
How not to read the Bible - Matt 12:1-8-have you not read, P Pharisees knew the Bible backwards and forwards. Matt 19:3-6-have you never read.
-The devil. What went wrong with the Pharisees? Luke 16:14-loved money and ridiculed Him, Jn 5:44-received glory from one another not seeking glory from God. Not into mercy but into ego which skewed their reading of the Bible. Jn 8:43-44
Three pictures of supernatural help in reading the Bible.
-Opening of our minds: Luke 24:25-26-slow of heart, Luke 24:32-hearts burned & scriptures opened, Luke 24:44-45-opened minds to understand Scriptures,
-shown in our hearts: 2Cor 4:4-6-knowledge of glory of God shines in our hearts
-enlightening of our eyes: Eph 1:16-18-having the eyes of your hearts enlightened that you may know the hope
The word is implanted in us and we desire it.
James 1:18-21-He brought us forth by the word of truth...receive with meekness the implanted Word--received AND implanted
1Peter 1:23-born again, imperishable seed, pure spiritual milk
Q&A
How do you convince people the Bible is God's word and not just another book. Explain, I prayed to God to show me what He wants me to know through His word. That is how I know. You should try reading it and praying to God to show you what He wants you to know. Try it!l
How about people who say they are free without God? They don't want God's authority. Ask them questions. They are probably a slave to doing what they want...So they really are not free.
How do you explan to intellectuals that the Bible is true about the peculiar glory of God? Read Book together and show arguments from the way Jesus taught to the Pharisees. They can see Jesus through Jesus. The book validates the book.
What about anti gay aspect of Bible? Bible points out gay practice is wrong. The gospel is believe in Jesus and you will be forgiven of your unrighteousness. If it becomes an issue on the table, Bible doesn't say you can hold onto your gay practice and be a Christian. Must be ready to submit to Jesus is Lord concerning things you are very aware of at this point in time. Other sins God's will work on over time.
Should social/racial issues move into Christian ministry. Blood issue not a social issue. Jesus shed His blood for all. Affirmative action has a negative connotation, but isn't intentionally diversifying our church the same thing? Rev 5:9, Ephesians. Don't say "I tried" and go back to your comfort zone.
The Natural act of reading the Bible Supernaturally.
Natural-your ability to see and hear and learn the meaning of phrases and words to think, evaluate, sleep for alertness. Use natural powers and rely on supernatural power at the same time to read the Bible. Be desperate that God will use your reading to see His glory. Matt 16:15-17. God showed Peter that Jesus was the Son of God not flesh and blood. This probably felt pretty natural to Peter. In Timothy Paul tells Timothy to think over the scriptures; God will reveal His meaning as you think through it. 2Tim 2:7
..1Cor 15:10- "I worked harder than any of them, thought, not I , but the Grace of God"
..Biggest challenge in Bible Reading - 1Peter 4:11-serve by the strength God applies:
Acrostic - APTAT
Admit-I am a sinner. I don't know what to do. I can't change myself. I can't understand the Bible on my own. Psalm 25:9, James .
Pray - Matt,7:7. I O U S - L - Incline my heart to God, to want God and the Bible. Open- Psalm 119:18-open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things. Unite - my heart to fear your name Psalm 86:11.Satisfy - us with your steadfast love Psalm 90:14. Lead/love- God doesn't want invisible glory. He wants to see it...others should see you value (glory) God. Psalm 119:35, 23:3, 25:5
Trust.-Isaiah 41:10-think of a specific or general promise of God. James 1:5-6. Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 25:8,,9, 12,-God promises if we humble ourselves before His word that help will come.
Act-in obedience to God's word Phil 2:12-13
Thank-Thank God for whatever God comes. Eph 5:20. 1 Cor 15:10-MiMi worked hard and Grace did hard work with me.
Thank Him.
John 5:31-44
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Public acceptance and affirmation
Mark 8
25Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into[a] the village.” 27Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” 28They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” 30Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. 31He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Jesus, the one who gives the world a chance to be saved from hell, wants to be a secret! Why?
Was it because He didn't want others to be saved? No! He came to save us all! Was it because He was afraid! No, He eventually died an excruciating death on the cross for all of us. Was it because, He didn't need the affirmation and approval of others? Now there is an interesting thought!
Jesus is healing people in this passage. He is helping people understand He is the God of all the universe. He is also helping them understand that Satan is the ruler of the earth...for now, that there is more to our lives than this earth, that we are more valuable to God than the affirmation and approval of our peers.
So, the next time I do something, I have to check myself. Am I doing this for God's approval and affirmation, as Jesus did, or am I doing it for this world's approval and affirmation?
Father, please help me to keep my eyes, my focus, on you, and not on this world's approval and glory. It is so easy to worry about what other's will think about what I say and do, and I should be careful not to be a stumbling block, but please help me be even more careful and cognizant of your approval and affirmation of my words and deeds. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
25Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into[a] the village.” 27Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” 28They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” 30Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. 31He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Jesus, the one who gives the world a chance to be saved from hell, wants to be a secret! Why?
Was it because He didn't want others to be saved? No! He came to save us all! Was it because He was afraid! No, He eventually died an excruciating death on the cross for all of us. Was it because, He didn't need the affirmation and approval of others? Now there is an interesting thought!
Jesus is healing people in this passage. He is helping people understand He is the God of all the universe. He is also helping them understand that Satan is the ruler of the earth...for now, that there is more to our lives than this earth, that we are more valuable to God than the affirmation and approval of our peers.
So, the next time I do something, I have to check myself. Am I doing this for God's approval and affirmation, as Jesus did, or am I doing it for this world's approval and affirmation?
Father, please help me to keep my eyes, my focus, on you, and not on this world's approval and glory. It is so easy to worry about what other's will think about what I say and do, and I should be careful not to be a stumbling block, but please help me be even more careful and cognizant of your approval and affirmation of my words and deeds. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Do I care about injustice? The oppressed?
Proverbs 29:7
7The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.
Isaiah 1:17
17Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. [a] Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
Hebrews 13:3
3Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Psalm 94:18-19
18When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. 19When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
We are supposed to be concerned about "justice for the poor" and "defending the oppressed" and remembering those who are mistreated. Usually, I would be on board with those ideas. That seems like a tall order to me today, though!
On a good day, I would say that I think about others. I would say that I do things for others. I would like to think that I help people out. However, are these people the fatherless, the oppressed, the imprisoned? Must they be these people? What about the regular people you meet everyday who are having a bad day and you help them? Do you have to help the imprisoned, the oppressed, the widow, etc. to be in God's will? To be doing what He wants? If I just go through my regular day and try to be kind and uplift people, is that enough?
Well, maybe it is enough, if it is about the other person because of your faith. Recently, though, things have been about me. How I feel about things. How I am mistreated. How unfair things are at work right now. How my opinion isn't valued. I feel like I am the oppressed!
I see the pattern! Me. Me. Me. You would think by now, I would have realized how incredibly self-absorbed all my complaints are! Are they really important? Well, they are to God! Psalm 94:18-19
18When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. 19When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Well, anxiety is great within me today. I know it is because I am concerned for myself and my "oppression!" The good news is, God is concerned about my concerns! They might not be monumental and I am definitely not oppressed as people are in third world countries, but isn't it fantastic that Gud is still concerned about me! I am not alone in this! He will support me!
During those times when helping others seems far away from my thoughts, and my problems are the focus, God doesn't point a finger and say shame on you. Satan does; God doesn't! Satan wants us to feel bogged down by the simple things that can add up to a seemingly big problem if we let it get that far. However, if we remember God is for us...who can be against us...well, them we have victory!
My day may not be any better today than it was yesterday, but I will stand strong with God at my side. Actually, God will stand strong...I will just be there with God helping me through. I will be able to see the oppressed and the mistreated even through the eyes of a person who feels that way themselves! I can still help others while God helps me and maybe while others help me!
So, back to the original question. Am I concerned about the oppressed? Do I do something about that? I don't think I spend a great deal of time genuinely worried about the oppressed and I don't spend much time doing anything for them. I do need to change that. I know the only reason I came to that conclusion is God. God wants me back on track. He knows I won't feel good about myself and my situations until I have my eyes on Him and His will and not on me!
Father, please help me! I am weak! I am selfish! I am worried about myself and my feelings! Forgive me! I trust You! I know You will stay close to me even when I am lost and confused. You will bring me back! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
7The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.
Isaiah 1:17
17Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. [a] Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
Hebrews 13:3
3Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Psalm 94:18-19
18When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. 19When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
We are supposed to be concerned about "justice for the poor" and "defending the oppressed" and remembering those who are mistreated. Usually, I would be on board with those ideas. That seems like a tall order to me today, though!
On a good day, I would say that I think about others. I would say that I do things for others. I would like to think that I help people out. However, are these people the fatherless, the oppressed, the imprisoned? Must they be these people? What about the regular people you meet everyday who are having a bad day and you help them? Do you have to help the imprisoned, the oppressed, the widow, etc. to be in God's will? To be doing what He wants? If I just go through my regular day and try to be kind and uplift people, is that enough?
Well, maybe it is enough, if it is about the other person because of your faith. Recently, though, things have been about me. How I feel about things. How I am mistreated. How unfair things are at work right now. How my opinion isn't valued. I feel like I am the oppressed!
I see the pattern! Me. Me. Me. You would think by now, I would have realized how incredibly self-absorbed all my complaints are! Are they really important? Well, they are to God! Psalm 94:18-19
18When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. 19When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Well, anxiety is great within me today. I know it is because I am concerned for myself and my "oppression!" The good news is, God is concerned about my concerns! They might not be monumental and I am definitely not oppressed as people are in third world countries, but isn't it fantastic that Gud is still concerned about me! I am not alone in this! He will support me!
During those times when helping others seems far away from my thoughts, and my problems are the focus, God doesn't point a finger and say shame on you. Satan does; God doesn't! Satan wants us to feel bogged down by the simple things that can add up to a seemingly big problem if we let it get that far. However, if we remember God is for us...who can be against us...well, them we have victory!
My day may not be any better today than it was yesterday, but I will stand strong with God at my side. Actually, God will stand strong...I will just be there with God helping me through. I will be able to see the oppressed and the mistreated even through the eyes of a person who feels that way themselves! I can still help others while God helps me and maybe while others help me!
So, back to the original question. Am I concerned about the oppressed? Do I do something about that? I don't think I spend a great deal of time genuinely worried about the oppressed and I don't spend much time doing anything for them. I do need to change that. I know the only reason I came to that conclusion is God. God wants me back on track. He knows I won't feel good about myself and my situations until I have my eyes on Him and His will and not on me!
Father, please help me! I am weak! I am selfish! I am worried about myself and my feelings! Forgive me! I trust You! I know You will stay close to me even when I am lost and confused. You will bring me back! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Sunday, August 7, 2016
Should we blame God for the bad things?
Ruth 1
19So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?” 20“Don’t call me Naomi,[a] ” she told them. “Call me Mara,[b] because the Almighty[c] has made my life very bitter. 21I WENT AWAY FULL, BUT THE LORD HAS BROUGHT ME BACK EMPTY. WHY CALL ME NAOMI? THE Lord has afflicted[d] me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.” 22So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.
Ruth 2
1Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz. 2And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.
These passages appear to make God the reason for their suffering. At the same time, yhey also indicate Naomi's belief in God. She calls Him "Almighty God." Just before this, Ruth professes she will love Naomi's God. So, it is apparent Naomi considers God "almighty" and has shown her belief and trust in Him or Ruth wouldn't have chosen Him also.
However, Naomi also says in these passages that she is bitter. That God has "brought misfortune" her way. So, does God bring misfortune to us? Isn't that the devil's job?
Well, I know God allows things to happen to help us grow in our faith, Proverbs 3:5-6 (”Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” ). Where does the devil fit into to this? Did he? Did God allow these things to happen to grow our faith and the devil can do no more than what God allows like in Job? Is God doing these things or is God allowing these things to happen for a reason we might not understand?
God provides for us. In chapter 2, Ruth goes to the exact field of the person who will become her husband and take care of her and Naomi for the rest of their lives. The Christ will come from this lineage!
Maybe these bad things happen, so God can give us the good things? Things that are better than we could ever imagine? How many times have you wanted to buy a certain house our car or do something and it fell through. You were disappointed, unhappy, wondering"why me?" Then you find out there is a better opportunity, or house, or car, or situation than what you could have dreamed of. Or you find out the opportunity you thought was so great, was not so great after all. Again, Proverbs 3:5-6, lean not on your own understanding...lean on God!
God is in control. He has a plan. He does put us through the fire to refine us. He also has better things in store for us than what we can plan.
Father, thank you, as always, for having our best interests even when we think we know better. Thank you for putting us through the fire so we will grow in faith and trust you more. Please help me not focus on the bad, but the good. Thank you for loving us. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
19So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?” 20“Don’t call me Naomi,[a] ” she told them. “Call me Mara,[b] because the Almighty[c] has made my life very bitter. 21I WENT AWAY FULL, BUT THE LORD HAS BROUGHT ME BACK EMPTY. WHY CALL ME NAOMI? THE Lord has afflicted[d] me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.” 22So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.
Ruth 2
1Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz. 2And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.
These passages appear to make God the reason for their suffering. At the same time, yhey also indicate Naomi's belief in God. She calls Him "Almighty God." Just before this, Ruth professes she will love Naomi's God. So, it is apparent Naomi considers God "almighty" and has shown her belief and trust in Him or Ruth wouldn't have chosen Him also.
However, Naomi also says in these passages that she is bitter. That God has "brought misfortune" her way. So, does God bring misfortune to us? Isn't that the devil's job?
Well, I know God allows things to happen to help us grow in our faith, Proverbs 3:5-6 (”Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” ). Where does the devil fit into to this? Did he? Did God allow these things to happen to grow our faith and the devil can do no more than what God allows like in Job? Is God doing these things or is God allowing these things to happen for a reason we might not understand?
God provides for us. In chapter 2, Ruth goes to the exact field of the person who will become her husband and take care of her and Naomi for the rest of their lives. The Christ will come from this lineage!
Maybe these bad things happen, so God can give us the good things? Things that are better than we could ever imagine? How many times have you wanted to buy a certain house our car or do something and it fell through. You were disappointed, unhappy, wondering"why me?" Then you find out there is a better opportunity, or house, or car, or situation than what you could have dreamed of. Or you find out the opportunity you thought was so great, was not so great after all. Again, Proverbs 3:5-6, lean not on your own understanding...lean on God!
God is in control. He has a plan. He does put us through the fire to refine us. He also has better things in store for us than what we can plan.
Father, thank you, as always, for having our best interests even when we think we know better. Thank you for putting us through the fire so we will grow in faith and trust you more. Please help me not focus on the bad, but the good. Thank you for loving us. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
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