Category: Bible Studies

Note the specifics…

Mark 11:1-11
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”

4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

“Hosanna![a]”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b]
10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

As I feel that I have been called into ministry, I find myself trying to figure out where He is calling me into ministry specifically. I imagine lots of things, from leaving my current job as coach and teacher, to maybe “applying” for ministry positions around the world. However, the more I read His words in the Bible, and the more He begins to take possession of my heart, the more I realize that He is in control.

I am exactly where He wants me to be right now. This is it. A place where I can learn and grow in life and in spirit. An “uncomfortable” and sometimes very painful place of growth. I am in a state of growth, and just like my mother soothed my legs through my growing pains, His word is here to comfort me and get me through.

I now know that His call to me will be the clearest call that I have ever heard. His plan for my life will be the most amazingly perfect and orchestrated plan to ever take shape. It will be flawless. And as in this passage Jesus was welcomed with royal treatment, all those who are called and chosen will be greeted in the same way in Heaven.

It is at that time that I hope and pray that God will gaze upon me and say, “Well done, my faithful son.” #JesusSaves

Amen. Maranatha.
DK

Jesus had performed miracles before. Why is this one so different…

Mark 10:46-52
46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

The man called Him Son of David. There is power in that. There is power in asking for mercy. It is His graciousness that will take care of it all.

Because of the man’s faith. His FAITH, he is healed. Jesus tells the man to go, for he has demonstrated the ultimate faith in the face of adversity.

Teaching and Healing at the same time. Every move calculated by the Father. It would soon be time. #JesusSaves

Amen.
DK

Sometimes we just don’t know what we are asking for. However, don’t keep silent. ASK…

Mark 10:35-45
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”

39 “We can,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

You wanna say whoops, don’t you? Man, I walked right into that one. But that is not what Jesus tells us to feel. He actually tells us to go for it!

He says, you want to be first? Then go get it. Go become what I was. A servant. Not a King, but a servant. He gave Himself to us. He instructs with an incentive. He offers those seats to whoever is greatest among us. But how to get to them is not what this world expects.

What a magnificent teacher Jesus is. Wow! I am overwhelmed with His love and ability to teach me. Thank you God. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

Who then can be saved? I love that question…

Mark 10:23-31
23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is[e] to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”

27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

28 Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!”

29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Jesus tells us that all things are possible with God. He tells us that being rich can distract man. That this world is full of distractions, and that it is easier for the impossible to happen in man’s eyes if it is given to God.

So the Disciples ask the question of what is possible and who can be saved. As we know, they have given all to the cause. They are all in. So Jesus tells them that what they have given will be returned a hundredfold, which is to include persecution and wealth. The promise is real, but it must be given to Him.

To those that have much, much is required. Be it wisdom or wealth, much is required. He tells us that here on Earth, what appears to be first is last in Heaven, and what is last here on Earth is first in Heaven. The best advice we are given with these contradictory ideas as we look through our eyes is…lean not on our own understanding. But rather, trust in the Lord your God with all of yourself. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

Who then can be saved? I love that question…

Mark 10:23-31
23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is[e] to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”

27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

28 Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!”

29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Jesus tells us that all things are possible with God. He tells us that being rich can distract man. That this world is full of distractions, and that it is easier for the impossible to happen in man’s eyes if it is given to God.

So the Disciples ask the question of what is possible and who can be saved. As we know, they have given all to the cause. They are all in. So Jesus tells them that what they have given will be returned a hundredfold, which is to include persecution and wealth. The promise is real, but it must be given to Him.

To those that have much, much is required. Be it wisdom or wealth, much is required. He tells us that here on Earth, what appears to be first is last in Heaven, and what is last here on Earth is first in Heaven. The best advice we are given with these contradictory ideas as we look through our eyes is…lean not on our own understanding. But rather, trust in the Lord your God with all of yourself. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

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