Scripture: Mark 12:24 - And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?
Observation: How can we comprehend the power and ability of God? Consider all the stars and solar systems in the universe... created by him, spoken into existence? Consider the billions of people on this planet, he knew them all before the beginning of time. The scriptures tell us of his power and ability, it is there for us to understand.
Application: There are several other scriptures that use the same Greek word for power. They tell us that this power that Jesus spoke about is something that he gave to his disciples, and others. The scriptures also tell us that if we can believe, we can do all things in this same power. This authority is ours to use in his name, according to his will, and his purposes. His power is in the scripture, and in his spirit that lives inside those who are called by his name. Reference to this power and ability can be found in: Mark 5:30, Mark 9:30, Luke 9:1, Luke 10:19, Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for your word. Lord, just as you opened the eyes of your disciples to the scriptures, I pray that you would open my eyes to the scripture so that I might see your Glory. I pray that I would understand the power and purpose you have ordained for my life. In Jesus Name
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Healing the Blind
Scripture: Mar 10:46 - 52 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, [thou] Son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
Observation: Whenever Jesus would heal or deliver someone, almost without exception, he would ask them to say or do something. In this instance, he asks Bartimaeus what he would like Jesus to do for him. There are many things Bartimaeus could have said. If he had doubted that Jesus could have healed him, he could have asked for riches so that he could at least get off the street. It took faith for Bertimaeus to ask for healing.
Application: Jesus wants us to have faith. He wants us to demonstrate our faith, to speak it or do it. Faith enables the work of Christ to be manifest in our lives. We as children of the most high God are given free will, a choice, and we must choose to accept the best that God has for our lives.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, let us no longer suffer along with what we can provide for ourselves. Thank you that there is so much more for us as the children of the most high God. Let our yes be yes, and our no be no, and when we ask something let us ask in faith believing that you are more than able to meet our needs. Let your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven... this day. Amen
Observation: Whenever Jesus would heal or deliver someone, almost without exception, he would ask them to say or do something. In this instance, he asks Bartimaeus what he would like Jesus to do for him. There are many things Bartimaeus could have said. If he had doubted that Jesus could have healed him, he could have asked for riches so that he could at least get off the street. It took faith for Bertimaeus to ask for healing.
Application: Jesus wants us to have faith. He wants us to demonstrate our faith, to speak it or do it. Faith enables the work of Christ to be manifest in our lives. We as children of the most high God are given free will, a choice, and we must choose to accept the best that God has for our lives.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, let us no longer suffer along with what we can provide for ourselves. Thank you that there is so much more for us as the children of the most high God. Let our yes be yes, and our no be no, and when we ask something let us ask in faith believing that you are more than able to meet our needs. Let your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven... this day. Amen
Sunday, January 2, 2011
In what do you trust?
Scripture: Mar 10:24 - 25 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Observation: The Mark 10:25 hyperbole of a rich man and the camel through the needle's eye is often quoted. However, of greater significance is the preceding verse which really gives the hyperbole its context. The point is, that it is virtually impossible for someone who trusts in riches to go to heaven. Trust in the Textus Receptus is the greek word peitho, which implies trust, confidence, or persuasion. There is also a friendship aspect to the word. Our money tends to become our friend, and we tend to put our confidence in it. It will save us from poverty, provide for us, and provide for our family after we are gone ... right?
Application: How many times have we seen what we thought was a sure thing evaporate in front of us. We tend to be pretty sure of ourselves. The whole gambling industry is built around people's confidence in their ability to beat the odds. But the fact is, we can't trust in ourselves. The gambling industry does make a huge profit every year, and droves of people end up in bankruptcy. The only sure place to put your trust, and your money, is in the hands of the all mighty God. He is the only one who is always faithful. He is the only one who loves us without expecting anything in return. He is the only one who knows what is best for us.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus that we can trust in you. Let us put our trust and our confidence solely in you Lord Jesus. Let us seek you first, each day, and place our full love and attention on you. Amen.
Observation: The Mark 10:25 hyperbole of a rich man and the camel through the needle's eye is often quoted. However, of greater significance is the preceding verse which really gives the hyperbole its context. The point is, that it is virtually impossible for someone who trusts in riches to go to heaven. Trust in the Textus Receptus is the greek word peitho, which implies trust, confidence, or persuasion. There is also a friendship aspect to the word. Our money tends to become our friend, and we tend to put our confidence in it. It will save us from poverty, provide for us, and provide for our family after we are gone ... right?
Application: How many times have we seen what we thought was a sure thing evaporate in front of us. We tend to be pretty sure of ourselves. The whole gambling industry is built around people's confidence in their ability to beat the odds. But the fact is, we can't trust in ourselves. The gambling industry does make a huge profit every year, and droves of people end up in bankruptcy. The only sure place to put your trust, and your money, is in the hands of the all mighty God. He is the only one who is always faithful. He is the only one who loves us without expecting anything in return. He is the only one who knows what is best for us.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus that we can trust in you. Let us put our trust and our confidence solely in you Lord Jesus. Let us seek you first, each day, and place our full love and attention on you. Amen.
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