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.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Divorce
Scripture: Mar 10:2-12 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away [his] wife? tempting him. And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you? And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put [her] away. And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same [matter]. And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
Observation: After Jesus gave this message, his disciples came to him afterwards and told him "this is a hard saying". Today, this is still a hard saying. We have cases of abuse, neglect, and various other crimes committed in marriage. With our divorce rate over 50%, marriage is in trouble!
Application: This scripture, combined with others on the subject gives us a fairly complete instruction on marriage, separation, and divorce. In this scripture, we see that divorce is clearly called out as being wrong. In all cases, divorce is sin. One partner or the other is always in sin. And in most cases, both are in sin. This is a hard teaching, but it is the truth. When we try to gloss over, or adapt the truth into something it is not because it is difficult, we get into all sorts of trouble. There are other scripture on this subject that allow, and even encourage, separation. Separation is a Godly alternative to Divorce, and it is Biblical. If someone is already divorced, this should be handled like any other sin; confessed, forgiven, and cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. If we are divorced, or married, or single, we are admonished to be content in that state.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to have marriages that reflect well on you. Help us to take your love, and give it to each other. Help us to forgive those who have sinned against us. Let us be content where we are. In Jesus Name.
Observation: After Jesus gave this message, his disciples came to him afterwards and told him "this is a hard saying". Today, this is still a hard saying. We have cases of abuse, neglect, and various other crimes committed in marriage. With our divorce rate over 50%, marriage is in trouble!
Application: This scripture, combined with others on the subject gives us a fairly complete instruction on marriage, separation, and divorce. In this scripture, we see that divorce is clearly called out as being wrong. In all cases, divorce is sin. One partner or the other is always in sin. And in most cases, both are in sin. This is a hard teaching, but it is the truth. When we try to gloss over, or adapt the truth into something it is not because it is difficult, we get into all sorts of trouble. There are other scripture on this subject that allow, and even encourage, separation. Separation is a Godly alternative to Divorce, and it is Biblical. If someone is already divorced, this should be handled like any other sin; confessed, forgiven, and cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. If we are divorced, or married, or single, we are admonished to be content in that state.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to have marriages that reflect well on you. Help us to take your love, and give it to each other. Help us to forgive those who have sinned against us. Let us be content where we are. In Jesus Name.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The Greatest
Scripture: Mar 9:35-36 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
Observation: Whoever wants to be the greatest, should be the least? How can this be. Jesus teachings often follow what I call "the backward principle". This scripture is perhaps the most explicit of the backward principle. Spiritual things are often backward of natural things. The spiritual and natural world fit together more like two pieces of a puzzle. Each piece of a puzzle is the mirror opposite of the other, two pieces that are the same would not fit together ... only opposite pieces fit together. And yet the two pieces to not provide a picture without each other. In the spiritual sense, a leader must be humble and must serve others. Real influence is only granted be those being lead, it cannot be taken or coerced.
Application: Do you want to be a leader at your work, at your home, in your social circle? If you are a Christian, you are called to lead. Our place is to rule and reign with Christ Jesus, and that place begins here an now. You must serve others to lead, and you must consider their needs before your own. You must give of yourself, expecting nothing in return. This is the way of Jesus, the path of the cross, laying down your life for others. That is leadership!
Prayer: Dear Jesus, let us lay down our lives for those whom you died for, daily. Let us give and expect nothing in return. I pray that I would have the strength of Jesus Christ in my daily ministry to others. Amen.
Observation: Whoever wants to be the greatest, should be the least? How can this be. Jesus teachings often follow what I call "the backward principle". This scripture is perhaps the most explicit of the backward principle. Spiritual things are often backward of natural things. The spiritual and natural world fit together more like two pieces of a puzzle. Each piece of a puzzle is the mirror opposite of the other, two pieces that are the same would not fit together ... only opposite pieces fit together. And yet the two pieces to not provide a picture without each other. In the spiritual sense, a leader must be humble and must serve others. Real influence is only granted be those being lead, it cannot be taken or coerced.
Application: Do you want to be a leader at your work, at your home, in your social circle? If you are a Christian, you are called to lead. Our place is to rule and reign with Christ Jesus, and that place begins here an now. You must serve others to lead, and you must consider their needs before your own. You must give of yourself, expecting nothing in return. This is the way of Jesus, the path of the cross, laying down your life for others. That is leadership!
Prayer: Dear Jesus, let us lay down our lives for those whom you died for, daily. Let us give and expect nothing in return. I pray that I would have the strength of Jesus Christ in my daily ministry to others. Amen.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Prayer and Fasting
Scripture: Mar 9:28-29 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Observation: Jesus told his disciples that they needed to pray and fast in order to see his power and purpose come to pass in their lives. We know that God told us that he came so that we would be free; and most certainly it was his will that the young man who was demon possessed would be free of that oppression. However, his disciples were not able to cast out the demon. The purpose of prayer and fasting is not to break the demonic oppression, that somehow a session of prolonged spiritual warfare would have set the young man free. We know this because when Jesus set the young man free, he simply commanded the Demon to come out. He did not have a 24 hour prayer and fasting session. Rather, what Jesus demonstrated was prolonged times of prayer and fasting daily. His discipline was to go to a quiet place and have fellowship with the Father in prayer and fasting. Evidently his disciples were not so disciplined. At the garden of Gethsemane on the night of Jesus crucification, recall that his disciples could not pray for even an hour. Jesus however, was very comfortable spending hours in prayer and fasting.
Application: We need to be people of prayer and fasting. How many of us could pray for even an hour? How many of us spend a significant amount of time every day in prayer, worship, fasting, bible reading? How can we expect to see God's power and purpose come to pass in our lives if we don't?
Prayer: Dear Father, Help us to live our lives fully devoted to you. Help us turn our lives up side down and begin to make you first in our lives. Let us be your people, and let us declare that you are our God in word and deed. May our lives be a testimony to your love and grace. May we act like your children, and may we not act like children of this world. In Jesus name, Amen!
Observation: Jesus told his disciples that they needed to pray and fast in order to see his power and purpose come to pass in their lives. We know that God told us that he came so that we would be free; and most certainly it was his will that the young man who was demon possessed would be free of that oppression. However, his disciples were not able to cast out the demon. The purpose of prayer and fasting is not to break the demonic oppression, that somehow a session of prolonged spiritual warfare would have set the young man free. We know this because when Jesus set the young man free, he simply commanded the Demon to come out. He did not have a 24 hour prayer and fasting session. Rather, what Jesus demonstrated was prolonged times of prayer and fasting daily. His discipline was to go to a quiet place and have fellowship with the Father in prayer and fasting. Evidently his disciples were not so disciplined. At the garden of Gethsemane on the night of Jesus crucification, recall that his disciples could not pray for even an hour. Jesus however, was very comfortable spending hours in prayer and fasting.
Application: We need to be people of prayer and fasting. How many of us could pray for even an hour? How many of us spend a significant amount of time every day in prayer, worship, fasting, bible reading? How can we expect to see God's power and purpose come to pass in our lives if we don't?
Prayer: Dear Father, Help us to live our lives fully devoted to you. Help us turn our lives up side down and begin to make you first in our lives. Let us be your people, and let us declare that you are our God in word and deed. May our lives be a testimony to your love and grace. May we act like your children, and may we not act like children of this world. In Jesus name, Amen!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Can You?
Scripture: Mar 9:22-24 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
Observation: In verse 22, we see the father of the demon possessed child ask Jesus if he "Can" do anything to help him. The Greek word for "Can" is a variation of the word "dunamai" of which we get our word dynamite. The term implies having power or authority to do something. "Can" is a good translation of this word, but the implications of what the father was asking are significant. If the father had known that Jesus was God, would he have really asked him if he had authority or power to do anything? We know that all authority and power was given to Jesus. This father evidently didn't know that. It was this unbelief that Jesus had to counter to help the man and his child. In verse 23 Jesus uses a play on words to show the father what he is missing. The father had asked Jesus if he "Can" and so Jesus tells the father that if HE "Can", then he "Can" believe then he "Can" do all things. The issue was not Jesus' power and authority, but rather the father's lack of belief was inhibiting the power and authority of Jesus being demonstrated in his life. The father saw his mistake, and his son was healed.
Application: We don't so much need to be concerned with God as we do with our lack of belief in God. If we "Can" trust in God fully, then we don't to worry about what God "Can" do in our lives. If we "Can" belief in him fully, then we "Can" do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us. We have the authority as believers, in his name, to do all things. However, to the degree that we trust and believe in him, we will see those things come to pass.
Prayer: Lord, We believe in you, God help us with our lack of trust. Amen
Observation: In verse 22, we see the father of the demon possessed child ask Jesus if he "Can" do anything to help him. The Greek word for "Can" is a variation of the word "dunamai" of which we get our word dynamite. The term implies having power or authority to do something. "Can" is a good translation of this word, but the implications of what the father was asking are significant. If the father had known that Jesus was God, would he have really asked him if he had authority or power to do anything? We know that all authority and power was given to Jesus. This father evidently didn't know that. It was this unbelief that Jesus had to counter to help the man and his child. In verse 23 Jesus uses a play on words to show the father what he is missing. The father had asked Jesus if he "Can" and so Jesus tells the father that if HE "Can", then he "Can" believe then he "Can" do all things. The issue was not Jesus' power and authority, but rather the father's lack of belief was inhibiting the power and authority of Jesus being demonstrated in his life. The father saw his mistake, and his son was healed.
Application: We don't so much need to be concerned with God as we do with our lack of belief in God. If we "Can" trust in God fully, then we don't to worry about what God "Can" do in our lives. If we "Can" belief in him fully, then we "Can" do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us. We have the authority as believers, in his name, to do all things. However, to the degree that we trust and believe in him, we will see those things come to pass.
Prayer: Lord, We believe in you, God help us with our lack of trust. Amen
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