Category: Mark

We are rich. We just don’t know it sometimes…

Mark 10:17-22
17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’[d]”

20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

I consider myself very wealthy. I have all that I need, and more than I want sometimes. That must qualify as wealthy. Yet I am not always satisfied. I wake as want more.

As we walk this Earth, we are submerged in sin. Like water, we are encompassed by it. It trails us like a stalking lion ready to pounce at a moment of weakness. So how do we survibe. Surly something must be watching us, taking care of us, holding us upright. Yes…

It’s not money. Money fails us. It never gives us what we really want. It can’t buy live. Not true love anyway. When Jesus was speaking to this wealthy young man, all He did was tell him the truth. He simply said, “Your money is going to get in your way. It’s going to come between you and me.” That’s it. That’s all He meant. And with that, the young man’s heart was broken. Why? Because He was scared. He’s feared unconditional love. The love of Jesus.

I would have trouble too, if I was young and wealthy. It doesn’t mean that as this young man walked away that Jesus didn’t live Him. After all, just a short while mater Jesus would give His life for that boy. For all of us us.

Happiness comes from relationships. Those of you that have lots of money, use it to build more Christ-like relationships with the less fortunate. Take other to huge dinner parties, then share scripture. But out the Bible and pass it around and have someone share their favorite verse. Then ask why it is their favorite. Sounds like a beautiful night to me. I would love to come.

Share. Love. Use it for others. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

There is such innocence and beauty in a child’s eyes…

Mark 10:13-16
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

It is easy to be hardened by this world. After all, we have to learn to survive it, don’t we? So, at a young age we are taught things like “stranger danger” to help protect us from those that try to hurt us. Makes sense to me. Particularly when viewed from our human eyes.

Jesus tells us in this verse that we are to be like children. We are to receive the Kingdom of God like a child. Eyes wide open, hands stretched, with wonder in our eyes and smiles on our faces. After all, it is the most amazing gift ever given. It is complete and total forgiveness of all sin ever committed, that is being committed now, and that will ever be committed. The slate is clean. We should walk that way. Talk that way. Be His. #JesusSaves

Amen.
DK

So, what do you think?

Mark 10:1-12
10 Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them.

2 Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”

3 “What did Moses command you?” he replied.

4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.”

5 “It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied. 6 “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’[a] 7 ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,[b] 8 and the two will become one flesh.’[c] So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

10 When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. 11 He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”

Don’t mince words. Don’t try and clean it and try and avoid the fact that it is sin. I married a woman who was divorced. Guess what? I am a sinner. Guess what? Jesus died for those too. He forgave me of all of them.

Thank you Jesus. Thank you for cleaning my soul and saving me. You’re my God and my Lord and Creator. You saved us all. Sin is sin, and you took them all away. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

Causing others to stumble…sounds horrible. I wonder if I have ever done that before. The answer is yes, I am sure…

Mark 9:42-50
42 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. [44] [b] 45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. [46] [c] 47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where

“‘the worms that eat them do not die,
    and the fire is not quenched.’[d]
49 Everyone will be salted with fire.

50 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

That’s ok though. If you have caused another to stumble, I mean. Jesus covered that too when He hung on the cross. He died for that sin, and the thousands and millions of other sins.

But now I know. Ignorance is no excuse. Never was. God knows our hearts. He knows everything about us from the moment we are born, to the moment we die. And He loves us anyway.

Preserve each other. Don’t waste yourself or your loved ones. Use what has been given to you to expand and uphold the Kingdom of God. Every single day of our undeserved life we should give Him thanks and praise. #JesusSaves

Amen.
DK

It’s as easy as that. No rules required…

Mark 9:38-41
38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”

39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.

At one point in my life and my walk with Christ, I thought that perhaps I was unworthy to share the Word. I thought because I was a sinner, that I shouldn’t speak on His behalf. After all, I don’t want to “mess it up” for Jesus. No really…I did. Sound familiar?

Well, put those thoughts to rest. You are qualified. And even if you think you’re getting it wrong, or someone else thinks you’re getting it wrong. You’re not. You are with Him. Speak in His name. Profess your love for Him. He will take it from there. No rules required. No formal training. Just a man and His Bible, filled with His Words. You got that, then you’re ready. And you’re on His side. So start sharing today. #JesusSaves

Amen. Maranatha.
DK

I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to teach us. As He taught the disciples, He dealt with all of our human emotions and shortcomings. Yet He loves us…

Mark 9:30-37
30 They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 because 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.” 32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.

33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.

35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

36 He 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.”

As Jesus is telling them what will happen to Him in the coming days, they are arguing about who would be the greatest after He is gone. How Human is that? How shortsighted. How just like me.

It is through these very verses that we see the heart of Jesus. His patience, His love, His wisdom, His skill, His undying devotion to a people that would eventually torture and kill Him. As many do on a daily basis still.

Yet the Sun rises on another day. The birds still sing. I get to hear the lively voices of my children. I get to see my beautiful wife again today. How is it that we are blessed with such a wonderful God. We did nothing for Him. He did everything for us, and His love is still eternal. ETERNAL! A word that I am sure we will only grasp when we see His face.

When Jesus taught His disciples, He needed to be far away from the hordes of crowds. He needed to be intimate with them and to be able to engage their hearts. This could only be done in a personal setting. Jesus wants to do that with you today. He wants you to pull out some time for Him and read His words. He has a message for you. A message that will save your life and the lives of thousands of others when you share it. Go to Him today. #JesusSaves

Amen.
DK

Jesus will always heal us, it’s just a matter of faith…

Mark 9:14-29
14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.

16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.

17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

21 Jesus 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.”

24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

25 When 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.”

26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.[a]”

What a gem of a verse. I don’t mean to say that any other verse is not amazing or welcome. However, there is a treasure in here that I had no idea about. What a perfect instance for this to show up in.

The quote is from the father of the possessed boy as he is asked by Jesus if he believes. The response from the father is, “I do believe; help me with my unbelief.” When Jesus heard this, His heart must have been so full. It is an incredibly hope-filled statement, and whether or not it comes at a desperate point in his life or not makes no difference. He was full of Faith. That is all Jesus wants from us.

It is through our imperfect faith. Through our lack of tradition and lack of ritual, Jesus finds our hearts on display. Our true selves. He does not want us to pretend. If we hurt to understand Him, then He will show us. It is not necessary for us to pretend to know Him. It is simply necessary to want to know Him. That is enough. And our God is a God of Enough. He will then provide the surplus in our lives.

So tonight, Jesus I ask you, “I believe in You Jesus, help me with my unbelief!” #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

Peter, James, and John are first-hand witnesses to this amazing event…

Mark 9:5-13
5 Peter 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.)

7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

9 As 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. 10 They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.

11 And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”

12 Jesus 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? 13 But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”

The most obvious miracle in these verses is the Transfiguration itself. Jesus glowing, and Elijah and Moses appearing before the apostles. An amazing miracle indeed. Jesus is still teaching though. We must receive the lesson.

Peter asks if he should put up three tents for Jesus, Elijah, and Moses. He also says that it is good that they are there. Peter is eager to please. The issue here perhaps, is that Peter seems to be running ahead before instruction is given.

Many times I have tried to do what I think should be done without praying and placing the plans before the Lord. I will probably do it again soon. My intentions are good, but all that I plan to do must be placed at the feet of God for approval. To act on my own feelings will only bring either utter failure, or only a very small measure of temporary success.

Today we must not run ahead or fall behind where Jesus wants us to be. We must not assume we know what God wants us to do before asking Him. In prayer, we must place all of our well-intentioned plans before the Lord for His approval. If our plans are acted upon with the approval of God, we can never fail.

One of the most powerful, if not the most powerful lines in these verses is, “This is my son, whom I have sent. LISTEN to Him!” It ends with an exclamation point. This is our instruction. We must listen to Him in all we do. In order to listen, you must first be able to hear. To hear Him, you must pray to Him.

Amen.
DK

Truth…

Mark 9:1-4
1 And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.”
2 After 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. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

What a scene. Jesus is transfigured and transformed into something amazing. Proof of who He was was right before them. Not only did He change, but Elijah and Moses appear before them. It was a sign.

This sign was meant to be seen. Not for proof, but rather for confirmation in front of man. I love the responses to come from Peter, James, and John. You will see their hearts, as Jesus did. This was truly a miracle. #JesusSaves

Amen.
DK

Jesus is speaking to all of us…

Mark 8:34-38
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life[b] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

It is our turn. Our turn to do His will in our lives, and cast aside our own. It is time to listen to Him and heed His words of instruction. For the day will come, when we will stand in front of the Father and Creator of this Universe and answer to Him for what our lives have stood for.

Do not let another day pass by without calling out to Him. There is no formal way of doing it. There is no right or wrong way to call for Him. Try this…go find a room by yourself, close the door, lift up your arms to the sky and simply ask God to come into your life. That’s it. He will come into any area that you ask Him to. From there, it is now His responsibility to ensure your success and significance as a Christian.

Amen
DK