A Godly mindset!
Scripture reading for February 19: Mark 8
“And He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered Him, “You are the Christ.” And He strictly charged them to tell no one about Him. And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And He said this plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”” Mark 8:29-33
At the core of our world view is our settled opinion about Jesus Christ. Jesus drew out His disciples as He asked them, “Who do people say that I am?” Most world-views are shaped by peer pressure. Everyone has an opinion, even if they have not really done research or know someone personally. The people of that culture and time had various estimates of Jesus. Some said He was John the Baptist come back to life after his beheading. Others though He might be the prophet Elijah or one of the other Old Testament prophets. But Jesus was wanting them to state what they really thought after spending time with Him and participating in His ministry of preaching, healing and deliverance.
“Who do you say that I am?” was the key question for them and for us today. Peter’s answer, “You are the Christ,” was a godly mindset. After this great confession by Peter on behalf of all the disciples, Jesus began to tell them of the coming rejection by the elders of Israel and the crucifixion and ultimately the resurrection after three days. Peter quickly rebuked Jesus as this did not fit with his understanding of Jesus as the ‘Christ’! Jesus had to rebuke Satan who used Peter, and subsequently Peter, for allowing the mindset of the world to over-ride the revelation of God’s redemptive work through suffering on the cross.
Have you allowed others opinions of Jesus Christ to shape your world view? Who do you say that Jesus is? How do you react to the story of Jesus’ virgin birth, sinless life, crucifixion for sinners, and resurrection?
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for revealing Jesus Christ, Your Son to me and all who will humbly seek to know who He is. As I ponder the events of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, settle Your Son in me as my Lord and Savior. Use me to share these truths with others. Amen.
Crumbs for the ‘dogs’!
Scripture reading for February 18: Mark 7
“And from there He arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet He could not be hidden. But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of Him and came and fell at His feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she said to Him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” And He said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.” Mark 7:24-30
Jesus was on a mission to the Gentile region of Tyre and Sidon. He entered a particular house and wanted to remain anonymous but could not be hidden. A woman whose daughter was possessed by a demon spirit came and fell at Jesus’ feet. Although a Gentile, she humbly appealed to Jesus the Jew for deliverance. Jesus responded in a curious way–almost seeming to disrespect her for being a Gentile. The Jews of that day called the Gentiles ‘dogs’ and Jesus seemed to imply that deliverance belonged only to the Jews who were considered God’s ‘children’. Jesus was not disrespecting her but was drawing out her faith and perseverance. All God’s blessings are received by faith, whether in a Jew or a Gentile.
The woman would not be offended or angered, but simply responded that even ‘dogs’ (Gentiles) would be given crumbs from the table of the Jews! Jesus marveled at her faith and granted her prayer quickly! She went home and found the child was delivered and well! Her trust in Jesus is still being used to inspire faith and perseverance!
Have you ever had to persevere to get what you needed for yourself or your children? How might you have reacted to Jesus’ statement about not giving the ‘children’s’ bread to dogs? Do you have a tendency to discount your chances of receiving your answer because of your background or race?
Prayer: Father God, thank You that you do not show favoritism but whoever calls on Your Name will be saved. Thank you for helping us by testing our faith and our perseverance and drawing out of us faith confessions. I praise You that we all can be ‘children of God’ regardless of race or background! Amen!
Food for a multitude!
Scripture reading for February 17: Mark 6
“But He answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and by two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” And He said to them, “How man loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then He commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. And taking the five loaves and the two fish He looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And He divided the two fish among them all. And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of fish.” Mark 6:37-43
Mark tells us how Jesus had a large crowd of five thousand men plus women and children come out into the wilderness to hear Him preach and teach. When it was late evening, the disciples suggested to Jesus that He send them away to find food in the villages. Jesus turned the tables and told the disciples to provide food for them. Their brains thought about buying bread and how much money it might take to feed that large a crowd. Jesus asked them for an inventory of what they had. He had the disciples bring the five loaves and two fish that they found and to organize the crowd into family units. He blessed the food, broke it and gave it to the disciples, who, in turn, broke it and gave it to the people. When all had been fed, they gathered twelve baskets of left-overs! (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
Jesus was teaching His disciples to see things from a different perspective. They were to live by faith in what they had, not fear of what they did not have. They were to seek God’s blessing on what they had and act with that as seed to sow. As they gave in faith to those in need, God multiplied the bread and fish and met the need with an abundance left over! Amazing grace received through faith!
Do you live with feeling of lack and fear over provisions? Has God ever ‘multiplied’ the bread as you by faith gave! Have you tried to suggest a course of action and had the Lord tell you to do it yourself?
Prayer: Father God, thank You that you are always at work to expand our world-view. Forgive me for living in the natural world and fearing lack. Help me to stay calm, take inventory, and ask You to bless what I do have. Thank You for overflowing abundance every time I have believed You! Amen!
Only believe!
Scripture reading for February 14: Mark 5
“Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” And He allowed no one to follow Him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. And when He had entered, He said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at Him. But He put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with Him and went in where the child was. Taking her by the hand He said to her, “Talitha Cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking . .” Mark 5:36-42
Jesus confronted all kinds of sickness, demon possession, and now even death of a twelve year old child. This child was the daughter of the synagogue ruler. This ruler had come to Jesus pleading for His healing intervention. On the way, Jesus was interrupted by a woman who touched His garment and was healed. Then a messenger from the synagogue ruler’s household came with word that the child had already died. Jesus firmly instructed the ruler not to be afraid but to believe. Jesus took with Him only His inner circle of disciples and upon arriving, found the usual wailing and grief. He tried quieting the crowd by telling them that the girl was only asleep. This brought derisive laughter. All were put out except mother, father, and the three trusted disciples.
Contrary to the sentiment of the crowd of mourners, Jesus’ world view saw restoration and healing in response to believing faith. Contrary to those who laughed, Jesus calmly took the child by the hand and commanded her to arise. Immediately, (a term loved by Mark!) the girl arose and began to walk! Great joy filled the house where moments before there was grief and mourning. With those who by faith believe, nothing is impossible! Seeing from Jesus’ perspective brings vision for resurrection from death!
Have you ever been confronted with a situation that looked hopeless even though you had asked Jesus for help? What did the battle inside between fear and faith feel like? Have you ever had to remove yourself from those around you that refuse to act in faith?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for not always taking impossible situations to You and instead giving way to fear. Help me to be an encourager of faith and not a hindrance or a mocker. Let me walk with Jesus each day into impossible situations and see immediate victory in response to prayer and declaration! Amen.
Understanding the kingdom of God
Scripture reading for February 13: Mark 4
“And He said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of that air can make nests in its shade.” With many such parables He spoke the Word to them, as they were able to hear it. He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to His own disciples He explained everything.” Mark 4:30-34
Jesus used parables, stories or illustrations from everyday life, to help His disciples and seekers to understand the kingdom of heaven and God’s rule. The parables spoke of ordinary things like sowing seed, types of soil, weeds, hard soil, birds and growth. To His own disciples, He explained the deeper meaning of these ordinary things. As they opened their hearts, they began to understand unseen spiritual realities and grow in their world view from Jesus’ perspective. Those with hard hearts heard the stories but did not find truth or understanding.
The mustard seed in this parable represented the small and seemingly insignificant beginning of the understanding of God’s kingdom rule in Jesus. Jesus was the ‘Sower’ of Good News and a call to repent and believe. This seemed very insignificant to the world. Jesus explained that although small, the ‘seed’ would grow into a large and substantial tree with many branches. On the branches, the birds of the air would roost and make nests. Earlier, the birds of the air stole the seed that was sown. (Mark 4:4) They represented false teachers and Satan’s emissaries coming to oppose God’s kingdom and His people. Jesus explained the parable and its parts to help His disciples stand firm against spiritual conflict coming to the kingdom.
Have you studies Jesus’ parables and His explanation to better understand the kingdom of God? How does this parable of the mustard seed growing into a large tree with birds roosting help you navigate the church world today?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the parables of Jesus and how You always help Your people to grow in seeing the kingdom of God manifest in our world. Help me to discern the ‘birds of the air’ seeking to distort the simple truth of the Gospel. Deliver us from evil! Yours is the kingdom forever and ever! Amen.
Eternal sin?
Scripture reading for February 12: Mark 3
“And the Scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons He casts out the demons.” And He called them to Him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.”. . .”Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”–for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”” Mark 3:22-25, 28-30
As Jesus was preaching repentance and casting out demons, the Scribes, because of jealousy, labeled Jesus as working miracles and deliverance by Beelzebul, the prince of demons. It is amazing that Jesus called these religious leaders to Himself and tried to help them with a question and a parable that contained the answer and a startling truth about eternal sin. He asked them, “How can Satan cast out Satan?” He went on to state that a house divided against itself would not stand. God was in the business of forgiving sin and blasphemy in lost mankind, but there was a blasphemy of the Holy Spirit that would never find grace.
Thankfully, we serve a God of mercy Who has offered forgiveness of sins to all men and women who will repent and believe in Jesus Christ, His Son. But if individuals persist in resisting the Holy Spirit and Truth of Jesus Christ by blasphemy, no grace could or would be offered. Blasphemy is to attribute the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan and refuse to repent. Jesus personally called to Himself those blaspheming Him, and warned them. This is an eternal sin, never to be forgiven. It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit that forgiveness is possible. (John 16:8-11) Jesus wants none to perish. The Holy Spirit gently calls.
Have you ever wondered if you have committed this ‘eternal sin?` How is your heart attitude towards Jesus Christ, healing, and forgiveness of sins? Have you or are you currently resisting the work of the Holy Spirit drawing you to Jesus for forgiveness?
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for Your amazing patience and love in sending Your Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment. Use me to share the Good News of Your love and gift of the Holy Spirit through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. May no one be guilty of eternal sin! Amen.
Needing a ‘Physician’?
Scripture reading for February 11: Mark 2
“And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me.” And he rose and followed Him. And as He reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and His disciples, for there were many who followed Him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that He was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to His disciples, “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”” Mark 2:14-17
We all tend to think more highly of ourselves than we ought and also tend to judge others by the accepted norms of the culture we live in. In Jesus’ day, the Jews who helped Rome collect taxes were considered by others in their culture to be the lowest of sinners. It shocked the local religious leaders when, to their surprise, Jesus called Levi to follow Him as a disciple. Not only that, Levi hosted a dinner and introduced his fellow tax collectors to Jesus and they all reclined together at table for food and fellowship. Instead of asking Jesus, these leaders asked His disciples why Jesus would do such a defiling thing.
Jesus, hearing their question, answered them Himself: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” This statement was meant to probe their world view of themselves as well as those that they called ‘sinners’. All men are sinners, as all have sinned and come short of God’s glory. (Romans 3:23) All, consequently, need a ‘Physician’ to bring healing and forgiveness. Only those who will come to Jesus and humbly follow His prescription will be healed.
Do you find yourself looking down on certain people in your circle of relationships? What kind of self-talk comes from your heart about your own goodness compared to others perceived evil? Have you come to Jesus and reclined at table with Him to receive healing?
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You came to call sinners, of which I am one. Thank You for being my great Physician, offering me a place at Your table and feeding me true food and drink–Your body and blood which alone brings healing. Grant me boldness to share Your desire to forgive sinners. Amen.
Prayer, preaching, healing!
Scripture reading for February 10: Mark 1
“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed. And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him, and they found Him and said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” And He said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out. And He went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. And a leper came to Him, and kneeling said to Him, “If You will, You can make me clean.” Moved with pity, He stretched out His hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.” Mark 1:35-42
Jesus started each day of ministry with prayer, often alone with His Father. He did not care for popularity or fame, but had a purpose in every action of every day. He had an assignment from His Father to preach the Good News of forgiveness of sins and eternal life and to heal the sick and oppressed and cast out evil spirits, spoiling Satan’s kingdom. He was also modeling for His disciples the will of His Father to see lost and captive people set free by supernatural power.
The new disciples had experienced Jesus’ healing ministry first-hand as He had healed Peter’s mother-in-law the day before this. All those sick and demon oppressed were brought to Jesus and He cast out the demons with a word and healed the sick and hurting. Jesus was moved with pity and compassion at those hurting. In the next town He was approached by a leper asking for healing. Lepers were considered unclean and were ordered to maintain distance. No one was to touch them without defilement. Jesus stated His willingness to heal and touched this man for an immediate transformation.
Have you found your purpose and calling from God with as much assurance as Jesus had? How is your pity or compassion for those who are hurting? Do you believe that Jesus is willing and able to heal and provide?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for revealing Your calling on my life to preach the Gospel and pray and bring healing and deliverance. Increase my compassion for the lost and hurting! Let me see immediate results as I step out in faith. Amen!
Money buys an alibi!
Scripture reading for February 7: Matthew 28
“Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.” While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble. So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.” Matthew 28:10-15
On the morning of the third day since Jesus was crucified and buried in the tomb, the women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, went to the tomb. As they approached a great earthquake shook the area and the stone was rolled away by a descending angel who took a seat on the stone. The guards were shaken and became like dead men. Today we might describe this as being ‘slain in the Spirit’ This angel comforted and encouraged the women to have faith and not fear. He instructed them to go to the disciples and tell them to go to Galilee and there they would see Jesus. As they left there in fear, Jesus appeared to them, and repeated the encouragement to not fear but to tell His disciples to meet Him in Galilee.
The guards went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. They assembled the elders and came up with a plan: give the soldiers money to tell people that “His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we slept.” They promised the soldiers protection from the governor. This is the story that was spread around and gave the guards an alibi for their negligence and an explanation for the body of Jesus disappearing.
If you were one of the guards, how would you process these events in light of your own need to escape punishment? In what way do you relate to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary upon seeing the angel and the empty tomb? How does our world view hinder us from a real understanding of Jesus Christ?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your patience in working with Your people to help them shape their world view to accept the resurrection of Your Son. Forgive me for acting in fear and looking for excuses or natural explanations. Continue to expand my understanding of Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Amen.
Make it secure as you can!
Scripture reading for February 6: Matthew 27
“When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. . . .The next day, the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while He was still alive “After three days I will arise.” Therefore order the tomb to be made secure. . . .,Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.” Matthew 27:57-66
Jesus had willingly given His life and blood on the cross according to plan and gave up His spirit after proclaiming His work done. A disciple named Joseph from Arimathea came to claim the body for burial in his own newly made tomb. He was obviously a friend of the family and the other disciples as well. His actions fulfilled prophesy (Isaiah 53:9). Jesus was only to be there temporarily as He had said. It would be a three-day lease!
But those who had Jesus crucified were also aware of Jesus’ claim to rise again after three days. They came to Pilate asking for help. In their world view, the only way Jesus’ body would arise is if someone would steal it from the grave. Pilate agreed with their view and assigned soldiers to guard the grave. His instructions to the armed Roman soldiers: “Make it as secure as you can.” These soldiers would be no match for the fishermen and tax collectors that followed the ‘Impostor’ Jesus. They sealed the stone and surrounded the grave site thinking all was secure! After all, it was foolish to believe in resurrection.
How does the announcement of Jesus, “After three days I will arise,” square with your understanding of our world? Why do you think those who crucified Jesus were worried about Jesus’ body disappearing? Do you think Pilate was at all concerned that Jesus might actually rise from the dead after three days?
Prayer: Father God, I am amazed by the prophetic preparation and fulfilment of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection that is laid out in Scripture. Thank You for expanding my world view to include resurrection from the dead through Your Son’s resurrection. Jesus Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Amen!