May 1, 2012 Why So Amazed?

Why So Amazed? Mark 10:24-27 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man 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.” JESUS had just told a rich young man “Give up everything!” Then you are qualified to follow me. This is an extraordinary call to faith. The disciples were shocked. They were amazed. Why? Were they suddenly wondering if they, too, qualified to follow Jesus? But then Jesus speaks of even greater obstacles to the Kingdom: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Many have said that Jesus is referring to a camel going through a small gate in the city wall called the “eye of the needle”. Truth is, Jesus is referring to the eye of a real needle. Amazed, the disciples are wondering what to do! “Who then can be saved?” Desperately they wonder, “How is it possible to enter the Kingdom of Heaven?” Then comes Jesus’ assurance: “all things are possible with God.” That is the Kingdom Truth. Only in God’s power will you enter God’s Kingdom. God has done a “God-thing” to save you as you faithfully confess Jesus as Lord. Recognize that truth. Rejoice in that truth. Nothing is impossible with God. Pause and consider what “impossible” thing are you dealing with? Give to the all-powerful God.

April 30, 2012 Why So Sad?

Why So Sad? Mark 10:21-23 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. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” JESUS answered the young man’s question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” telling him of the commandments and clearly loving him. What more did the man want? Apparently he wanted his way. That’s the thing isn’t it? You’re willing to ask Jesus, “What must I do?” but are you willing to do what the Lord requires of you? Since the dawn of time, humanity has said to its creator, “Lord, I like most of what you said, but I can’t quite do that ‘one thing’. I can’t keep my hands off the forbidden fruit. I can’t go into that city to preach repentance. I can’t go to worship you as you call me. I can’t give up my self-purpose for your purpose. I can’t offer my life to you. You can have most of my life, Lord, but you can’t have it all.” If that sounds too familiar, then pause and consider that you really don’t want to call Jesus “Lord”. Failing to give him all of your life, he is not Lord of your life. You remain your own lord. God will not tolerate competition. The young man went home worshiping his money more than Jesus. Do you think he inherited eternal life as he desired? Pause and consider what it means to you to call Jesus, “Lord”.

April 29, 2012 Jesus Loved Him

Jesus Loved Him Mark 10:19-21 “You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. WHY DO you think God gave to you the Ten Commandments? Do you think it was to restrict you or free you? Do you think it was to dominate you or to love you? When the young man asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17), Jesus responded with 6 of the Ten Commandments to point the man to God’s Law. Jesus’ reference to 6 commandments in no way restricts the rest of the Law. He was simply illustrating the source of Truth and the means to inherit eternal life began with the Law. Then Jesus looks on him and loves him. God giving the Law to his people was a loving act of the God who is love. Love pours forth from God’s Son to the young man as it had poured forth from the Father to Moses and as it pours forth from the Spirit onto you today. See in the Holy Bible that his love pours out onto you, so that you know the answer to the question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” God’s answer is clear: “I love you. Obey the commandments I lovingly gave you. Live in the grace and love I offer to you. Believe in me. Truly make me Lord of your life. Do this, and you will have eternal life.” Yes, Jesus loved the man with his answer. Jesus loves you. Listen to him. Pause and consider how knowing the right way is God’s love way.

April 28, 2012 Jesus isn't Good?

Jesus Isn’t Good? Mark 10:17-18 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.” DO YOU have the heart of this young man that caused him to run up to Jesus and fall at his knees before him? That’s a good kind of heart to have—a heart eagerly seeking Heaven’s eternal truths to know “what must I do to inherit eternal life”. When you have a question that needs a best answer, what do you do? Do you, as this mand did, find the best authority available to you? I hope so. That’s what this man was doing—seeking the truth of Heaven from the One who was demonstrating Heaven’s Truth come to earth. When Jesus replies to the man’s greeting, “Good teacher” by saying, “No one is good—except God alone.” he wants the man to recognize him as God. Before he teaches the man the truths of Heaven, Jesus wants the man to know he is talking not to a good teacher, but he is talking to the true God. Goodness is of God. Goodness comes only from God. Only God is good, and when you call Jesus “good” know he is not simply a teacher who teaches “good” things, but know he is God who teaches God’s truths. The man came running to the Truth to find the truth of Heaven. He dropped to his knees humbly willing to hear the truth. He did not come casually. He came passionately desiring answers. Is that what you do when you come to church? Pause and consider: how passionately do you seek the truth?

April 27, 2012 Blessed Touch

A Blessed Touch Mark 10:13-16 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch 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 I tell you the truth; 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, put his hands on them and blessed them. OUR culture has become a very “non-touch” culture. Part of it is based on a northern European heritage. Part of it is based on a great fear of inappropriate touch. And part of it is just plain ignorance of the power of a loving touch. Psychological, spiritual, medical and relational studies have repeatedly demonstrated that a loving touch from one person to another is an honoring, life-giving gesture. In a recent class at our church on John Trent’s book “The Blessing”, a group discovered that the Bible always records that Jesus touched those he healed. The Bible shows the power and the necessity of the loving touch as a means to pass forward a blessing—an honor, a validation—from one generation to the next. People didn’t just want him to speak to their children, they wanted Jesus to touch them! When the disciples said, “No.” he turned and said to them, “No.” Then he gathered them in his arms. How beautiful is this picture of a loving creator, honoring his creation. He’s showing you parents, grandparents, mentors, honored friends what you need to do—bless the children with loving touch. Pause and consider how Jesus’ reaches from the cross to bless you.

April 26, 2012 Speak of Jesus

Speak of Jesus Mark 10:10 When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about (divorce). 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.” DO YOU think Jesus is realistic here? After all, many marriages end in divorce. Surely this is the thing to do when we can’t get along isn’t it? Why would Jesus call a second marriage adultery? This “divorce discourse” in today’s and yesterday’s scriptures is a focus on God’s intended purpose in marriage. He created marriage to be a lifelong bond of a one-flesh relationship through God that (Matt 19:6) “man (shall) not separate” But then sin divided or “divorced” that relationship. Divorce came into the world just as murder, theft and idolatry came as people turned from God. They took their eyes from the Lord and fixed their eyes on themselves and their own desires. Thus, when we see this black and white command, we think, “What does it really mean? Divorced people aren’t married. They’re free to marry again.” Jesus’ commands are aimed at people who casually divorce without cause. Too many people initiate divorce to satisfy sensual pleasures. This is sin, and this kind of divorce is sin that leads to more sin. A sin-influenced mind has brought great destruction on marriages. Strive as you can to stay true to God. Protect your marriage. Read God’s Word together. Pray for each other. When you do these things, you will desire God’s ways for your marriage. Ask the Holy Spirit to focus you on Jesus. Stay strong against sin. Stay married. If sin has stolen your spouse, pray for their repentance and know God wants to ease the ache in your heart. Pause and consider how focusing on God will keep your marriage good.

April 23, 2012 Keep A Jesus Focus

Keep A Jesus Focus Mark 9:47-48 And if your eye causes you to sin, 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 “their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” THE hymn says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” The song is an offering to your mind and soul to keep a Jesus focus in your life. It is his glory that must guide and guard you. I hope Jesus’ scary words here frighten and stir you to action regarding the focus of your own life and the lives of your loved ones. I pray you are urgent to tell them to turn their eyes upon Jesus whether they like to hear it or not. Yes, they need to know they must focus their full attention on Jesus. One eye on Jesus and one eye on the world is no eye on Jesus. You get double vision. You think you see Jesus, but the world confuses your view. Confusion blurs your vision, and you don’t know what direction is the right direction. When you don’t know the right direction, you become lost, and “lost” is a word Jesus uses for people who have no eye on him. You don’t want to be lost. The lost go to Hell, where “their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” Consider the horror. Turn your eyes to Jesus, the way to Heaven. Pause and consider how joyful are they who fully see Jesus.

April 22, 2012 Harming Your Children?

Harming Your Children? Mark 9:42-45 “And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, 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. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. JESUS proclaims how deadly is the sin to destroy others by causing them to sin. A destroyer’s destination is sure. It is hell and death. Now I know you didn’t want to hear that. You want to hear Jesus is all-loving and all-compassionate. Well, he is. He has such love and compassion for his creation that he will destroy people who harm those who seek him. The millstone “necklace” is a deadly image. A millstone was a very large heavy stone used to crush grain. Jesus was the best at creating the perfect illustration for his teachings. And this millstone illustration is his teaching: Do not harm my own at the penalty of certain death. Now parents, stop and think. Is there any way you’re harming your children’s relationship with Jesus? Are you continually living an immoral life? Are you letting your children skip Bible class for sports? Are you neglecting God’s Word in your home? Are you modeling “skipping church”? What is your home’s priority—destroying God’s Word or building on God’s Word? Pause and consider the harm you do neglecting God’s Word.

April 21, 2012 Be Kind to Jesus' Own

Be Kind to Jesus’ Own Mark 9:41 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward. JESUS has been teaching his disciples about being humble and faithfully ministering to a world in need of Him. Then he gives them these encouraging words. In essence he is saying, “I will honor those who honor you. As you are my disciples, you belong to me. People who honor you, honor me.” This is an example of how your kind acts of love to one person will honor those whom that person loves and those who love him. Think of how intimate and wonderful is your relationship with Jesus, the Lord of Creation, Savior and Friend! As you confess Jesus as your Savior and follow his teachings, you lovingly belong to him. Jesus “owns” you as a loving and honored possession. You are so highly valuable to him, he will never let you go. Taking it even more personally, you are a member of his body. You honor and care for your body, don’t you? Jesus cares for you. However, sometimes parts of your body are challenged with injury or illness, and that part needs care. Jesus knows, as he tells his disciples many times, that following him may cause you, a part of his body, to experience physical deprivation—hunger, thirst, injury. When that happens you will be glad for a cup of cold water. Jesus will reward those who come to care for you because they are honoring you, one who Jesus loves, and they are honoring Jesus. Do you know a Jesus follower who needs some special kindness today? Care for Jesus’ own. Honor Jesus’ own. Honor Jesus. Pause and consider how kind Jesus is to save you. Be kind to his own.

April 20, 2012 Not One of Us

“Not One of Us”

Mark 9:38-40 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man 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. “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.

DO YOU think John learns slowly, if at all? In a series of teachings, Jesus has told his disciples, “The last shall be first.” Then, “Let the little children come to me.” And Jesus has shown the power of faithful prayer to heal.
Then John and the others report how they have tried to stop a man who was driving out demons. “He’s not one of us, Jesus.” Let’s see, John, the man is faithfully healing in Jesus’ name. How can he not be “one of us”?
Jesus’ reply encourages his disciples to give the faithful healer leeway. Yes, they could have been concerned about his beliefs and why he was doing what he was doing. But Jesus points out that this man cannot oppose him as he heals in Jesus’ name. Jesus has been calling his disciples to the kind of faith the man has. He tells them to celebrate the man’s work because he is demonstrating Kingdom truth. As he does so, he is “one of us”.
Be cautious of criticizing other ministries. They may not look the same as the church you’re used to attending, but God empowers faithful people in many, many ways to do his will on earth. Look to other Christians as “one of us”. And rejoice in their work. God uses different ministries for different purposes. Celebrate how he uses you.

Pause and consider the power God’s people being united for him.

April 19, 2012 Love Connection

Welcome the Son

Mark 9:36-40 He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him 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.”

THIS scripture is often used to point you to the truth that Jesus welcomed children—he loved and honored them. As he takes the child in his arms, you see the expression of a loving Savior who honors a child with his touch and his affirming words.
But look at something else. Do you see how Jesus equates honoring the child with honoring him? When you honor the child, you honor the one who loves the child—Jesus.
Then see how Jesus equates honoring him with honoring God, the Father. When you honor Jesus, you are honoring the Father.
How does this work in your family life? What about your home? Dads, when you honor your wife, you are honoring others who love her—her parents, her children and her siblings. Wives, when you honor your husband, you are honoring your children, his parents and his siblings. And children, when you honor your parents, you are also honoring your siblings and your grandparents.
Honor to one, whether it is the Son of God or the son of your parents, is an expression of love to those who love him. You are connected emotionally to many people. Wouldn’t it be good, wouldn’t it be godly to have that connection be love?

Pause and consider that love is the connected Jesus commanded.

April 18, 2012 First In Line

First in Line

Mark 9:33-35 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, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

DON’T YOU just hate it when your kids argue over who’s first? There’s such a “me” attitude in that argument, isn’t there? You wonder, “Why can’t they just let each other ‘go first’ without a hassle?”
Are you willing to let others “go first”? You want things when you want them, and if someone tells you, “Wait.” or “No, you must consider others’ needs, opinions or point-of-view also.” you get impatient, sometimes angry, and you say, “Me first!”
That’s your sinful pride pushing you to be first in line in your own mind. You just know that your desires and ways are more important than anyone else’s. After all, you have a right to be happy, to have all you want, to get what you long for, don’t you?
Not according to Jesus. Your first purpose in living a right life in the Kingdom of God is to serve. You are to serve to others’ needs with a humble and loving heart: (1 John 4:20(b) anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” John warns you that a loving attitude to everyone is essential for your right relationship with God. When you love, you eagerly serve. When you serve, you are pleasing God.

Pause and consider that pleasing God puts you “first” in line at the King’s throne.

April 17,, 2012 Private Talk

Private Talk

Mark 9:30-32 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 betrayed 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.

HAVE you ever been in a circumstance where you had to learn something really important, and you had little time to do so? Cramming for the test or memorizing your part for the Christmas play, there are thousands of reasons to know and remember knowledge that can make a big difference in your life temporarily or for a very long time.
Jesus teaches the disciples “need to know now” truth, but “they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.” Why not? Could it be the same reason you don’t understand the teaching from the Lord? Is the Bible so clear that you refuse its truth?
The disciples didn’t like what they heard. They were afraid to pursue the truth because Jesus’ words forced them to see their lives differently. They didn’t see that Jesus must die so they could live eternally. Too focused on their own understanding, their minds and hearts refused to listen. They couldn’t adjust to Jesus’ “right now” teaching.
Is your life that way? Do you “hear” God’s word as you read the Bible; yet, you neither believe nor understand? Do you hide behind ignorance in fear because accepting God’s word would mean dramatic change for you?


Pause and consider the truth is information you need to know right now.

April 16, 2012 Why Pray?

Why Pray?

Mark 9:28-29 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.”

YOU may ask, “Why pray if God already knows what’s happening?” Answer: He wants your faith. God desires you to be engaged in faithfully seeking his power to guide your life.
This entire incident we’ve viewed over the past few days is all about faith. Jesus sees that his disciples, can’t drive out the demon. He challenges the boy’s father to a believing faith, and he shows these witnesses that he, the Lord and Savior, will respond if faithfully asked.
“If I can?” Jesus asked the doubting father. “O unbelieving generation.” Jesus chastises his disciples. Yes, Jesus wants you to pray in faith that he will heal you, that he will change you, and that he will bring to you the will of God the Father.
Sometimes we parents do this with our children. You wait for them to ask for a ride to the store, a special treat, or a game of catch. You’re often willing to do what they desire. You often know what they desire. Yet you wait, because you want them to faithfully feel they can come to you. You want them to trust you, don’t you? Of course you do. You’re a good parent, and trust is a big part of a loving, close relationship.
That’s who your God is. He made you in his image. Your care for your child reflects his care for you. He wants you to faithfully ask him your desires and your needs, so you can grow into a faithful, loving friendship with him.

Pause and consider prayer will grow your love relationship with Jesus.

April 15, 2012 A Strong Hold

A Strong Hold

Mark 9:26-28 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.

THIS IS a scary scripture. If you don’t think sin is a serious problem in your life, think again. Sin desires a death grip on you. Sin sneaks in and grabs hold. Only the Holy God has the power to break its deadly grip.
I saw a news spot on television tonight about a man in a homeless shelter. Alcohol and gambling addictions have broken his life. He lost his wife, his family, his home, and even the barest essentials of a physical existence. Sin’s addictive grip had such a hold on him that it nearly killed him until the power of God rescued him.
It’s easy to judge him and say, “Why didn’t you stop?” But how does sin grip you? I look around, and I easily see so many “addictions” in people’s lives. It grieves me to see people refusing care because prideful sin firmly blocks their humility. I see couples unwilling to stop their sinful “me-first” hearts, refusing to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Eph 5:21). I see my own heart sometimes with the sin of “too busy’ to stop and “be still and know I am God” (Psalms 46:10).
Yes, sinful habits grab us, hold us and cause us to be deaf to hearing the word of God and mute to praising God. Jesus’ power is the only sin-conquering power.

Pause and consider Jesus strength is for your freedom.

April 14, 2012 A Good Prayer

A Good Prayer

Mark 9:23-25 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him 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 evil spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

YOU and I are like the boy’s father, aren’t we? We try to believe in all Jesus has for us—his unending love, his forgiveness and his healing to name a few. Especially in times of distress we wonder, “Will Jesus care for me in my need? Where is he for my sick mom, my lost daughter, my broken heart? Do I have the faith he requires of me?
Answering that faith question can challenge you. You have to look into our heart and ask, “What do I believe about Jesus?” You must examine our own lives to determine, “Do I trust the power the Gospel writers so readily demonstrate? Do I have the faith to believe “Everything is possible for him who believes”?
To get to that kind of faith, you must engage in a process of filling your mind with God’s Word, filling your heart with God’s love and praying the prayer the father prayed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Believe in Jesus to believe he will answer that prayer and grow your faith. He truly wants you to know “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Jesus often scolds his disciples for their lack of faith. But they grew in faith to do the work he needed them to do.
So can you.

April 13, 2012 The King's Authority

The King Takes Control

Mark 9:20-22 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.

IS JESUS around your life? I know he wants to be, but is he? Do you let his authority rule your thoughts, your desires, your actions, and your relationships?
How does that kind of life happen? You can look to the disciples to see how Jesus’ authority ruled their lives. As young men, they had little purpose. They survived.
But when Jesus showed up to say, “Follow me.” their lives began to come under his authority. Step-by-step they grew in their understanding of Jesus’ teachings, his love, his forgiveness and his healing. Mark 9 shows you they had many steps to go to fully know Jesus’ authority in all things. They couldn’t do a heeling Jesus expected them to do. He had to take control of the scene. But scripture shows us they would eventually learn (read Acts).
Under Jesus’ authority the disciples’ lives became purposeful world-changing lives. Their thoughts, desires, actions and relationships were totally based on their faith in Jesus Christ. They lived as few human beings ever have lived as Jesus anointed them with his Spirit in power and in truth.
What about you? What do you think God really wants you to do? Are you afraid to really ask? The task might be too crazy, too “out there”. But who knows, maybe you’ll get to change the world around you.
To find out, center your life on Jesus’ authority.

Pause and consider Jesus’ authority brings order and purpose to your life.

April 12, 2012 Can't You Do it?

Can’t You Do It?

Mark 9:17-19 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 “O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

JESUS approaches his disciples arguing with the teachers. What’s the argument? It seems to be over the disciples’ inability to heal the demon-possessed boy. The teachers are likely discrediting the disciples and Jesus, too, because they have no ability to heal in Jesus’ name. With their Lord gone to the mountaintop, they seem to lose faith in their Lord.
A similar faith lesson is found in Moses’ ascent to the mountain to get the Ten Commandments. When he returned, he found that his people, led by his brother Aaron, had made a golden calf idol to worship. When the prophet was gone, the people lost their faith in God.
That’s why Jesus is upset. He’s upset at the teachers of the law who knew of Moses and the many other times the Jews had lost their faith in God. And he’s upset his disciples have too little faith to do the work he has taught them to do. Their work is a faith work. They must be faith-filled to do the work.
Once again, the Lord comes to do what no one else can do. He is dismayed knowing someday he will be gone. His desire is to leave the world in faithful hands.


Pause and consider: are you Jesus’ faithful hands today?

April 9, 2012 Will Elijah Come Again?

Will Elijah Come Again?

Mark 9:11-13 And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”

ARE YOU confused? After all, the disciples are talking about Elijah, the prophet, 800 years gone from earth. And they’re asking Jesus about the teachers who say, “Elijah must come first and restore all things.” Who and what are they talking about?
Here’s who and what: Elijah was a prophet who lived around 850 BC. He lived in caves and was a pretty rough character—he needed a shave and some new clothes. God used him to speak significant judgment against Israel’s kings, and then God did this: In 2 Kings 2:11 As Elijah and Elisha were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.
He went right to Heaven! About 400 years before Christ comes Malachi, the prophet, says this: (Malachi 4:5-6) “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
The Jews expect Elijah’s return to bring healing and judgment to them. And it will come before the “day of the Lord”—the judgment of the Messiah. Having just seen Elijah at the transfiguration, the disciples are trying to confirm Malachi’s prophesy and ask, “Does Elijah need to come first?”
You’ll see Jesus’ answer tomorrow. The lesson to learn here is this: To know the true meaning of God’s Word, you must go to God’s word to uncover its grand meaning for your life now and forever.

Pause and consider how necessary God’s Word is to know.

April 8, 2012 Fearfully Wonderful

Fearfully Wonderful

Mark 16:1-8 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” 8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

ARE YOU fearful of life? Amid this the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the debilitating and freeing emotion of fear. These 3 women overcame fear then fear nearly overcame them.
As they arose that morning to go to the tomb, certainly they were afraid the Jewish authorities might stop them or arrest them. They were also afraid the stone would be too big to move. But they went anyway-no authorities, no stone-their fear was useless.
Then fear again. “He is risen!” Why do they flee in fear? They are overwhelmed with the reality that possibly Jesus is all who he said he is. And they are not ready to meet the Holy Savior, who said he will come again to judge the sin of the world.
As you consider your sin, as you consider Jesus, are you afraid of his judgment? Confess your sin to him. And know the joy of your salvation.

Pause and consider that the only real fear in your life must be the judgment of the Christ.

April 6, 2012 Crucify--Forgive

Crucify—Forgive

Mark 15:12-14 “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them. 13 “Crucify him!” they shouted. 14 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

HOW AWFUL these words are. “Kill him! Nail his body to a tree! Let him hang until he dies! He deserves the worst death imaginable! Crucify him!”
Surely Jesus felt the anguish from David’s prophecy: Psalms 22:6 “But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads…13 roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me.”
Oh, how these evil people screamed their hatred at the Savior, who is love. Oh, how deep the grief submerged his heart. Oh, how blind the eyes of evil that could not see the sin destroyer before them. What do you do, what do you say in response to the crowd who vilified your Savior? Could you say (Luke 23:34) “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
How do you respond to such a Savior? Here’s how: You can trust him completely to forgive your sins if you turn from your sin and turn to him. Do you think you have a sin so terrible that he will not forgive you? Then look at this scene. Hear the crowd cry, “Crucify him!” and hear Jesus say, “Forgive them, Father.” Hear his love against hatred. Hear his holiness against evil. Hear his peace against the rage.
Yes, you can trust such a Savior, who even forgives his killers. He loves you. Just ask him, and he’ll forgive you.

Pause and consider you can trust Jesus with your life.

April 5, 2012 Sounds Foolish

Sounds Foolish

Mark 9:9-10 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.

WHAT IF you went to a church, and the pastor told you that he must die to do God’s will? And then he would rise from the dead on the 3rd day after his death. What would you say?
You’d probably be as the disciples were—confused! “What does Jesus mean about ‘rising from the dead—coming out of the grave? Certainly not! No one’s ever done that. Maybe he means he’ll leave and come back on the 3rd day. Or maybe he’s going to go into seclusion for 3 days, and it will seem to be death. Jesus isn’t making any sense.’”
No, Jesus’ language of dying and rising again made absolutely no sense to the disciples. And the truth is, the Apostle Paul writes that it is even foolishness to the unbeliever:
(1 Corinthians 1:18-19) For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
Do you see how it is some will not believe? They will consider Jesus’ words and the testimony of the Apostles to Christ’s resurrection as foolishness.
So please, don’t be ashamed to tell the “foolish” story. Some will believe. Some won’t. Let God decide who does and doesn’t. After all, it’s God’s story.


Pause and consider the unbelievable wonder of God’s grace to save you—and rejoice!

April 3, 2012 More Than A Prophet

How Did They Know?

Mark 9:4-5 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 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.”

YOU likely have questions about biblical events. For example, in this passage, you might say, “How did the disciples know it was Moses and Elijah with Jesus? There weren’t any pictures of them.”
That’s a good question, so here’s a good answer. The disciples knew Moses’ and Elijah’s identity in the same way they knew God’s words and purpose for their lives. The Spirit of God came in power to these prophets to inspire (cause them to know) them to inerrantly (without error) proclaim and write the truth of God.
The Spirit of God moved over the disciples that day to reveal Moses’ and Elijah’s identity. God, the Father, desired to make a specific point to James, John and Peter. He needed them to know some things. And he used Elijah and Moses to show them.
Perhaps what he wanted to show them was Jesus’ glory contrasted to these great prophets. Jesus had come to complete the Law of Moses. And there are many comparisons with Elijah’s and Jesus’ ministry—Elijah’s survival in a wilderness, an unending supply of food for a widow, and Elijah’s resurrection of her son.
Moses and Elijah were grand and glorious prophets of the LORD, but they were not and are not the Son of God. God, the Father, has to make it clear to James, Peter and John that Jesus is more than a prophet. And so he does.


Pause and consider that none can compare to the Christ.

April 2, 2012 Transfigured

Transfigured

Mark 9:2-3 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.

HAVE YOU thought about “transfigured”? It means “to transform one’s appearance revealing great beauty and magnificence.” That’s what happened to Jesus that day. He became extraordinarily beautiful. Dazzling light and brightness overwhelmed the disciples. Peter, James and John saw a glimpse of Jesus’ heavenly existence.
I wonder why Jesus gave to them that special view of his glory on his way to the cross?
It seems to be a wasted effort. In the coming days, John and James would seek their own kingdom glory, requesting to sit at Jesus’ left and right hand in his reign. Peter would continue to push back against Jesus’ commitment to the cross. And, of course, there are Peter’s infamous denials of Jesus at his trial. Did it do any good for these men to see the power of the kingdom of God before their very eyes?
I really don’t know. Perhaps after Peter saw the resurrected Christ and after Peter related this account to Mark, he was able to be steadier in his witness. Perhaps John could write with more certainty the visions of Revelation. James died a martyr in the early church. Maybe he faced death with more certainty.
I don’t know how this glorious display of the power of the kingdom of God affected these three. I do pray that you pay attention to Jesus’ glory in your life—his saving death and resurrection, his love, and all the glory he offers to you, especially the glory of his salvation.

Pause and consider joyfully the glory of the Lord Jesus is for you.