Nicknames

Mark 3: ¹³ And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. ¹⁴ Then He appointed twelve,  that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, ¹⁵ and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: ¹⁶ Simon,  to whom He gave the name Peter; ¹⁷ James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”; ¹⁸ Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; ¹⁹ and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. And they went into a house.

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“Professor”, “Captain Naps” and “Skinny Minnie” were a few nicknames I was given based on my appearance. I wore glasses thus the nickname “Professor.” Sometimes the nicknames given to me were flattering like “He-Man” while others were degrading and need not be mentioned.

• I have been called all sorts of names.
• People have labeled me based on their perceptions
• Many labels given to me were not pleasant.

JESUS saw something in a few of HIS disciples that needed to be called out in a different name. HE saw a solid foundation in Simon so HE named him Peter meaning “The Rock.” HE gave James and John the name Boanerges meaning “Sons of Thunder.” Later HE named Judas “The Betrayer.”

• JESUS names me based on my actions.
• JESUS names me based on my heart.
• JESUS names me based on my relationship with HIM and my attitude towards HIS ways.

GOD sees all that I do and hears every word I say. HE sees my sin as well as any deeds HE deems as good. HE then says to me “And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.” GOD’s name for me is based on love and when I receive my new name I will understand my fulfilled purpose.

• Is your current name “doubter” or “worrier” or “full of fear?”
• Do you think you are ugly based on what mean people have called you?
• Can you see the beauty inside of you that GOD sees?
• Will you accept HIS new name for you?

Overwhelmed

Mark 3: ⁷ But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea. And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea ⁸ and Jerusalem and Idumea and beyond the Jordan; and those from Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they heard how many things He was doing, came to Him. ⁹ So He told His disciples that a small boat should be kept ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should crush Him. ¹⁰ For He healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about Him to touch Him. ¹¹ And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw Him, fell down before Him and cried out, saying, “You are the Son of God.” ¹² But He sternly warned them that they should not make Him known.

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With a troubled heart I woke in the middle of the night. Papers were due, bill collectors were calling, and my car was broken down. It was raining that day. I sneezed and my nose began to bleed. The episode seemed to last forever, but eventually gave way. I sat there overwhelmed.

• Sometimes I feel pressure.
• Sometimes I feel pressed on all sides.
• Sometimes I feel like so much is coming at me.

JESUS was literally overwhelmed with the crowds from all the surrounding cities. Word had spread about this healer and everyone wanted in on the action. JESUS understood their needs and healed them but HIS purpose was more than temporary healing.

• JESUS became a human to die for my sins.
• JESUS became a human so HE could be the sinless one to pay for my sins.
• JESUS became a human to empathize, sympathize and show compassion for me.

The people who surrounded JESUS did not understand HIS purpose at the time. Demons wanted to reveal HIS true purpose probably to throw people off, for if they knew HE was and is GOD they may not have killed HIM.  JESUS withdrew by boat to continue on HIS true journey.

HE understands when I get overwhelmed, in fact HE expects it. HE knows just how much I can handle and HE sends relief at just the right time. JESUS is my Savior on earth and eternity.

• Are you overwhelmed?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you take a moment to slip away and take a break so you can return rejuvenated to serve CHRIST?

Setting Plots

Mark: And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. ² So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. ³ And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” ⁴ Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. ⁵ And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other. ⁶ Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.

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From sneaky bosses to sneaky workers I remember setting plots to catch them in the act. I spent numerous hours setting traps containing fake information left precariously on my desk. I would then tell the powers that be to watch out for this fake info. I caught a couple of rats.

• There were times when I sought to be right.
• There were times when I looked for others to be wrong.
• There were times when I searched for the bad in people so I could catch them in the act.

Looking for the bad in others had become a norm for me. Suspicions, doubts and sub-plots all danced in my head as I raised my shields and dropped my trust. BUT GOD wanted something different.

• GOD wanted me to seek the lost no matter how shady.
• GOD wanted me to look for those who want to follow HIM but may be caught in the way of the world.
• GOD wanted me to search for the good in people rather than seeing their obvious faults.

When I started looking for the good in people, it was hard to find. I mean that same homeless person was outwardly counting a roll of money in front of me; meanwhile I was eating peanut butter and jelly for lunch! GOD said to me “Drop your judgement on them too. Forgive those as I have forgiven you.”

Instead of setting traps, GOD wants me to set training. HE wants me to wish the best for the scoundrel and train those who desire to follow HIM in HIS ways. HE wants me to seek the lost.

• Are you suspicious of people?
• Is your trust in others low?
• Can you stop looking for the bad in people and search for those who are seeking GOD today?

This is How You Do It

Mark 2: ²³ Now it happened that He went through the grainfields on the Sabbath; and as they went His disciples began to pluck the heads of grain. ²⁴ And the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why do they do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”

²⁵ But He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and hungry, he and those with him: ²⁶ how he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the showbread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and also gave some to those who were with him?”

²⁷ And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. ²⁸ Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”

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Confusion finally led me to make a phone call to my uncle. He was a master carpenter and I had a project that required his expertise. He patiently told me what to do but his tips were counterintuitive. “Use sandpaper after staining the wood?” that sounds crazy!

• Sometimes the rules seem strange.
• Sometimes the steps don’t make sense.
• Sometimes the instructions seem wrong.

GOD rested on the seventh day which is strange within itself. I mean GOD can’t get tired so why rest? HE wanted me to see HIS example of what should be done on a regular basis. HE created a Law for me to follow but HE did not create me to follow Laws.

• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways because HE loves me.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS methods because HE knows they will lead to great things.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS heart so I can apply the Law with the right motive.

Pharisees and legalists hold people to the letter of the Law without regards to how the HOLY SPIRIT should guide them to apply it. Instead of the Good News of “freedom” they spread the shackles of bondage to laws. GOD wants me to remove any fear that may cause me to control people with the Law.

GOD wants me to see that HIS love is freeing, whole and full of healing. HE made the Law for me, to guide me and protect me. I was not made for rules, they are made for me.

• Are you trying hard to follow the rules?
• Are you exhausted trying to follow what churchy people are telling you?
• Will you ask GOD to show you how to follow HIM with the right heart today?

Old and New

Mark 2: ¹⁸ The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. Then they came and said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?”

¹⁹ And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. ²⁰ But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.²¹ No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. ²² And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.”

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“You’re doing that the old way” someone said to me. They quickly showed me the “new” way of doing things and while it was pretty good, there were still some remnants of the old way that still needed to be done. I learned the new way but respected the old way because it had a solid foundation.

• Sometimes I think I can throw away the old for the new.
• Sometimes I think I need to do only new stuff because the old no longer has purpose.
• Sometimes I think I need to change because it is time to change.

JESUS’ disciples faced criticism of not following deep tradition of the Law of Moses that the Pharisees and even John’s disciples were following. Since HE made the laws in the first place, HE knew how they applied and why.  JESUS explains the law to me.

• JESUS says to me “The law is MY first covenant but I AM the second.”
• JESUS says to me “I wiped away all of your sins in a way the Law could not.”
• JESUS says to me “I AM the only way, the truth and the life.”

But what about the law? JESUS addresses the need to continue to love the Law while recognizing the second covenant, namely HIM. HIS disciples did not need to fast while HE was there, but would need to when HE would be murdered. 

JESUS wants me to not throw away the Law in lieu of HIS resurrection rather respect why HE made the Law in the first place. HE wants me to follow the “heart” of the Law and the application won’t become sterile and traditionalized. JESUS wants my heart.

• Are you trying to follow GOD out of habit?
• When is the last time you were led by GOD out of the SPIRIT?
• Can you look at the Law of Moses and apply it with the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT today?

Sick, Not Blind

Mark 2: ¹³ Then He went out again by the sea; and all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them. ¹⁴ As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.

¹⁵ Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. ¹⁶ And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”

¹⁷ When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

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Broke and confused, I had no guidance from my counselors. I mean, how was I supposed to pay my rent, have my car fixed and pay for tuition? What good was school anyway? Seeing how I was stewing over my situation, someone invited me to church.

Maybe I can tell these people about my problem, I thought to myself. When I arrived, the church was so focused on some kind of celebration that I could not express what was going on in my life. I left distraught.

• There were times I wanted help from “churchy” people and was met with an invitation to give.
• There were times I desired to say “I’m hurt” to the “churchy” people but was met with “Come to our fashion show.”
• There were times when I longed to get sound advice from “churchy” people and was met with clap at this song a little harder.

JESUS sat with sinners who knew they were sinners. They were the outcasts of society and knew they needed help. They did not fit in with “churchy” people so they hung out with each other. HE was accepted by them yet criticized by the “churchy” people. GOD wants me to follow HIS lead.

• JESUS wants me to seek the lost just like HE sought me.
• JESUS wants me to look for he hurt instead of gathering to feel comfortable.
• JESUS wants me to find those who need HIM rather than going to a club week after week.

Blind is what JESUS accused the Pharisees of being. HE challenged them to trade in their blindness for sickness but they refused to do so. They would never admit they were spiritually dying so they continued down their “churchy” blind path. JESUS wants me to open my eyes and admit “I am sick and I need JESUS today”, only then can HIS power be shown in me.

• Are you blinded by society?
• Do you think you are well when you are really spiritually sick?
• Will you admit to GOD you need HIS help and HIS help alone?
• Will you stop looking around at others and seek the lost for CHRIST?

Heart Comparison

Mark 2: And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. ² Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. ³ Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. ⁴ And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.

⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”

⁶ And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, ⁷ “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

⁸ But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? ⁹ Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? ¹⁰ But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, ¹¹ “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” ¹² Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

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Dressed in my best suit, I went off to church. I observed the behaviors of those around me and thought to myself, “Maybe I should act like them so I can fit in.” One deacon was flirting with many of the women another bragged about his car. A person approached me and said “I like your suit.”

• There were times when I did not know how to follow GOD.
• There were times when I was just guessing about GOD by observing others.
• There were times when my faith was based on the opinions of others.

JESUS saw two hearts in this passage. HE saw the heart of faith that believe in HIM so much that friends tore through someone’s roof just to get to HIM. The friends knew HE was the only hope.

On the other hand, JESUS saw the heart of the church leaders criticizing HIM for claiming to be who HE really was and is, namely GOD. They had a picture in their mind of who the Savior should be, but they were dead wrong!

• GOD wants me to follow HIM without boundaries.
• GOD wants me to follow HIM without pretense.
• GOD wants me to follow HIM without trying to get pats on the back from people.

JESUS showed HIS amazing power over human problems. While the paralytic laid there, helpless JESUS leveraged the faith of his friends to heal him, showing everyone that HE in fact is GOD. JESUS wants me to have total faith in HIM.

• Are you facing incredible problems?
• Does it seem like you are paralyzed and cannot get through to GOD?
• Will you simply ask GOD for help and allow HIM to rescue you HIS way?

Willingness

Mark 1: ⁴⁰ Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”

⁴¹ Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” ⁴² As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. ⁴³ And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, ⁴⁴ and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

⁴⁵ However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.

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“Will you allow me to be on your team?” was the question I asked. Things were moving quickly and they were deciding who would move to what part of the country. “Yes” was the answer and I was allowed on the team.

• Sometimes I need help.
• Sometimes I need guidance.
• Sometimes I need something and I have nothing to give in return.

Having to ask for help is tiring at times. It means I can’t “stand on my own two feet”, in other words I cannot do for myself. My pride gets hurt and I try to hide my need. The leper could not hide his need. His skin obviously showed his ailment. He begged JESUS. An amazing thing happened.

• JESUS is moved with compassion when I give HIM my problem.
• JESUS is willing to cleanse me of all unrighteousness even when I am filthy.
• JESUS is waiting to hear from me daily no matter how repetitious it may seem.

JESUS is willing to be my leader, my guide, my protector and my healer. HE does not get mad or impatient at me bringing the same problem to HIM over and over. HE knows how I am made up and knows the holes in my character, yet HE is willing to be my GOD. I owe HIM all.

• Are you tired of asking GOD for the same thing over and over?
• Do you think GOD is upset with you?
• Can you stop thinking GOD is mad at you and accept HIS love and compassion for you today?

Time to Go

Mark 1: ³⁵ Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. ³⁶ Simon and his companions went to look for him, ³⁷ and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

³⁸ Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” ³⁹ So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

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Bright stars clearly shone as I woke very early in the morning that day. Another opportunity had dried up and I was facing my last two weeks at this particular place.  GOD had provided my next location and I was on a new journey.

• GOD doesn’t want me to sit in one place too long.
• GOD wants me to go and preach the gospel wherever I am.
• GOD desires that I go to nearby villages to preach HIS word.

Many times I have asked GOD. “Why are YOU moving me from this place?” especially when I liked the city or the people. GOD says to me “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the LORD of the harvest to send out laborers into HIS harvest.”

I now understand that GOD sometimes wants me to venture to a new place for HIS purposes. HE has a plan for me to speak to “that” person and I should be willing to go. HE enables circumstances to arise so I can move to where HE leads me. GOD sends me to HIS harvest at the right time.

• Are you being sent?
• Is GOD calling you to a new harvest of HIS?
• Will you accept HIS calling and go to where HE is sending you?

Quiet Healer

Mark 1: ²⁹ As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. ³⁰ Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. ³¹ So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

³² That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. ³³ The whole town gathered at the door, ³⁴ and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

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“I’m going to really go fast this time” I thought to myself. As I stepped on the pedal, my pant leg got caught in between the sprocket and the chain of my bike. All I could do was cry. One of my neighbors came out, freed my pants from the relentless grip and rolled the pant leg up so I could ride continuously. I thanked him but he did not say much at all. I never saw him brag about it.

• Sometimes I need help.
• Sometimes I feel like crying out.
• Sometimes I need a healer or a comforter, or someone who can solve my problem.

JESUS was that quiet healer. HE healed thousands of people in this passage but what is intriguing to me is HE told the demons to be quiet because they knew who HE truly was. The timing probably wasn’t right to let people know HE was and is GOD so HE thanklessly served the people.

• JESUS protects me without thanks from me.
• JESUS heals me even when I am complaining.
• JESUS guides me to a better place even when I have freshly sinned.

Not once is it mentioned that JESUS scolded anyone for getting sick or demon possessed. HE simply showed compassion on the people without bragging about who HE was and is. JESUS is my quiet healer.

• Are you in trouble?
• Do you feel like crying out?
• Can you recognize all the times JESUS quietly brought you out of trouble without your thanks?
• Will you thank JESUS today?

Call the Authority

Mark: ²¹ They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. ²² The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. ²³ Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, ²⁴ “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

²⁵ “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” ²⁶ The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

²⁷ The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” ²⁸ News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

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“What is that weird sound?” I asked myself with a grimace as I turned on the air condition. It was a very hot day and my luxury item was acting like it was dying. I tried to look at it but my lack of knowledge was quickly revealed. “Well, it’s not the filter, now what?” I had to call an expert.

• Many times I need help.
• Many times I feel lost ad hopeless.
• Many times I try something where I am clearly out of my league.

JESUS spoke with authority like no one had heard before. HE knew the heart behind the law because HE wrote the law. HE wasn’t guessing nor manipulating people by twisting the words, like the church leaders were doing. HE showed HIS authority by casting out a demon. All were amazed!

• When I need help I can call on JESUS because HE has authority over my issue.
• When I am in trouble I can call on JESUS because HE can handle any trouble with ease.
• When I need help JESUS steps in even when I cannot call for help.

The demon possessed man could not ask for help, yet the very presence of JESUS made the demon nervous. JESUS helped the man without being asked and HE did it with authority. HE does the same in my life as well. HE steps in when I am petrified and rescues me when I am in trouble. JESUS has authority in my life.

• Are you stuck?
• Do you think everything around you is crumbling?
• Can you look to the only one who has authority and ask JESUS for guidance today?

More to Life

Mark ¹⁶ As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.¹⁷ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ¹⁸ At once they left their nets and followed him.

¹⁹ When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. ²⁰ Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

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“Finally a real job” I thought to myself. I had enough of dumping cigarettes in the garbage and cleaning toilets! It wasn’t long into the job that I became restless. The job was repetitious and boring. “There has got to be more to life than this!”

• There were times when I wondered what my purpose was.
• There were times when I wondered what the existence of life meant.
• There were times when I wanted to do more and be more than what I was.

Purpose and meaning were two words that truly resonated with me. I mean if I was doing something were fruitless, I saw through it and desired to run in the opposite direction. What is meaningful?

• GOD said to me “I want you to come, follow ME.”
• GOD said to me “I WILL send you out to fish for people.”
• GOD said to me “There is no failure when I give you purpose.”

When GOD gives me something to do, it is part of HIS intricate plan. Nothing I do goes to waste. I may not see all the steps or components, but HIS plan is perfect. HE calls me into this perfect plan and gives me a higher calling. HE wants me to bring people back to HIM.

• Are you searching for meaning?
• Do you think your job or school is your sole purpose in life?
• Can you stop thinking you are at the end of your rope and allow GOD to use you for a greater purpose?

What’s the Good News

Mark 1: ¹⁴ After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ¹⁵ “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

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Waiting and waiting, I looked for a reply. When the phone rang I could sense something great was going to happen. I could hardly keep from hollering, but I was at work. I got the job and I was moving out of the city I wanted to leave!

• Getting “Good News” feels great.
• Getting “Good News” makes me want to shout with joy.
• Getting “Good News” is something I heed when I have heard a string of bad news.

An oppressive leader had just put the one ray of hope into prison and the people knew this usually meant death for the person. John was now in jail and those who were baptized by him were probably very nervous. JESUS came out and said “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

• JESUS wants me to repent of my sins and follow HIM.
• JESUS wants me to recognize the HE IS the Good News.
• JESUS wants me to seek HIM in the middle of all the difficulties of life.

When the oppressor was really putting pressure on people JESUS knew exactly what to say. HE spread a message of true hope and that hope was in HIM. HE wants me to do the same. Many people need hope right now, not just me. HE wants me to give hope to a hopeless world. HE wants me to give the world the Good News of JESUS CHRIST.

• Do you feel down?
• Do you feel low?
• Can you accept the Great News that JESUS cares about you, your current situation and your relationship with HIM?

Pep Talk

Mark 1: ⁹ At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰ Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. ¹¹ And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

¹² At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, ¹³ and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted^[g] by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

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“What if I lose” ran through my mind as I got ready for my first race. I must have had the look of terror on my face because my teammates started talking to me. “You can do this!” they screamed. I shook off my nervous jitters and ran the race.

• Sometimes I need a pep talk.
• Sometimes I need to be encouraged.
• Sometimes I need someone to say “You can do it!”

JESUS publicly showed HIS ministry by being baptized. This ministry would be far more than healing people of their physical ailments. HE needed to die and be blamed for every sin that ever happened. The FATHER gave HIM a pep talk by saying “YOU are MY SON, whom I love; with YOU I AM well pleased.”

• JESUS knows I need words of comfort.
• JESUS knows I need words of encouragement.
• JESUS knows I need words to pick me up when I am down.

“LORD guide me” are my words to HIM and HE does just that on a daily basis. When those around me are petrified and cannot console me, HE is there to pick me up. HE knows how I am tempted because HE faced temptations of every kind, yet HE resisted. HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT who speaks on my behalf.

JESUS went through great lengths to protect me. All I can do is praise HIM!

• Are you feeling down?
• Do you need a pep talk?
• Can you understand that JESUS loves you and is well pleased with you?”

How to Spread

Mark 1: The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, ² as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way”—
³ “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.’”

⁴ And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁵ The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. ⁶ John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. ⁷ And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. ⁸ I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

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One of the hardest things for me to do was to talk about JESUS to someone. What if they didn’t want to hear it? What if I am laughed at? What if they reject what I am saying?

• There were times when I did not want to talk about CHRIST.
• There were times when I feared speaking about JESUS.
• There were times when I thought more about my reputation than GOD’s reputation.

John was truly the second greatest human to ever live. He dedicated his entire life to telling people about CHRIST. He had the right attitude and the right message.

• JESUS wants me to understand I have a purpose, namely to speak about HIM.
• JESUS wants me to know I am not the center of attention rather HE is the primary subject.
• JESUS wants me to believe in HIS return so I can point people to HIM rather than fixing their ills.

Preparing the way is still desired by CHRIST, HE wants me to tell people there is still hope in a hopeless world. JESUS is that hope, not mankind. HIS message is simple, just believe.

• Are you trying to get people to pay attention to you?
• Do you want to be the center of attention?
• Will you point people to JESUS today instead of yourself?

For This Reason

Matthew 28: ¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

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“Why should I?” was my question after someone barked orders at me. I knew “What” I was supposed to do and “How” I was supposed to do it, but “Why” I was doing it eluded me, so I asked. “Because I said so” was the answer” given to me.

• Sometimes I have questioned authority.
• Sometimes I wondered if those in charge had it together.
• Sometimes I checked to see if those in charge were really in charge.

JESUS did what HE said. HE rose from the grave. Lazarus was raised from the dead before JESUS, no one before or after said “I will rise from the dead” and actually do it. 

• JESUS says to me “Go and make disciples of all nations” because all authority has been given to HIM.
• JESUS says to me “Baptize all nations in the name of the FATHER and the SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT” because of HIS authority.
• JESUS says to me “Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you” because HE is in authority.

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to JESUS. HE decides who has eternal life and eternal death. HE decides what happens in a given day for me and has wonderful plans for me each day. JESUS assures me that I am not alone and never will be. HE is in charge and HE loves me.

• Are you questioning GOD and HIS authority?
• Do you feel GOD should be doing something different in your life so you have a right to question HIM?
• Can you allow HIM to take care of you and let HIM decide your path today?

Covering Power

Matthew 28: ¹¹ While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened.¹² When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, ¹³ telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ ¹⁴ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” ¹⁵ So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

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Stepping into the house, I went to get the meat I prepared to put on the grill for the friends who had arrived. Engrossed in conversation I forgot to watch the fire and it grew a little more than I desired. I quickly ran outside and put the lid on the grill which doused the flame. I brought the meat out, took the lid off and the flames jumped out even more than before!

Covering up fire is similar to the cover up the guards were trying to do. They tried to cover up the greatest thing that happened in the history of all humans. The more they covered it up the faster the message spread.

• GOD wants me to continue the message of JESUS’ resurrection with the same fervor.
• GOD wants me to tell the world of JESUS’ resurrection as if it happened a few minutes ago.
• GOD wants me to speak to many about JESUS because apathy has set in.

“When will JESUS return?”, people wonder. Few sermons are preached on what will come because so many have died saying the same thing that the message falls on deaf ears. BUT GOD says different. HE wants me to act like this very day is the day so I should not waste it.

HE allows me to pursue dreams but wants me to ask for HIS guidance and direction. HE says go out and make disciples of the many I will give you.  My dreams must include a plan to tell people about HIM to break through the cover up.

• Are you distracted by what the world offers?
• Has the notion of JESUS’ return become a boring story for you?
• Can you pursue your dreams while carrying the message of GOD with you somehow?

End of the Trial

Matthew 28: ⁵ The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

⁸ So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. ⁹ Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

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“I finished!” was my exclamation as I put the last words on my last “final” test. College was grueling and I was now finished! I breathed a sigh of relief and was ready to tell everyone! I mean this was great news, well at least to me!

• When the trial is over I feel elated!
• When the trial is complete I feel alive!
• When the trial is over I feel so relieved that I want to tell everyone about coming through my trial!

“Will this trial ever finished?” was my thought on so many occasions. I mean some trials lasted a day, some weeks, some years, while others stretched into decades. When I was through the trial, however, I wanted everyone to know.

The trial was over for humanity. JESUS rose from the dead and the angel said “Do not be afraid.” When the women saw JESUS, HE said the same thing, “Do not be afraid”. Then HE said “Go tell…”

• JESUS wants me to tell people “HE rose from the grave just like HE said HE would.”
• JESUS wants me to tell others “HE loves you and cares deeply for you.”
• JESUS wants me to tell everyone I can “HE wants to be with you forever.”

Overcoming death itself solves the biggest fear of humanity. I don’t mean other fears won’t be larger than death at some point in our lives. I mean everyone will face their own mortality at some point and JESUS knew people would be afraid.

HE wants people to have comfort that HE overcame death and so can you and I. This is exciting news that I can tell many people and be happy about it!

• Are you going through a trial?
• Do you remember coming through any other trials in your life?
• Can you start practicing your excitement by praising GOD in spite of your situation?

Powerful Earthquake

Matthew 28: After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

² There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

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Lying in bed I felt the house shake a little. It did not move too much, just enough to wake me up. I immediately went back to sleep only to find out the next day that the area had a mild earthquake. Cool I thought to myself!

• Sometimes I underestimate the power of GOD.
• Sometimes I get desensitized to things happening around me.
• Sometimes I read devastation in the news and don’t even think twice about it.

Earthquakes are not cool! In fact a huge earthquake happened when CHRIST died. This passage describes a second earthquake and an appearance of an angel. Fear filled the guards and they fainted at the sight of the angel. I thought about the recent earthquakes around the world.

• GOD wants me to know that HE is still in control of the earth and when it quakes.
• GOD wants me to know that humans do not control earthquakes, but HE does.
• GOD wants me to know that through devastation, HIS love is still there for all.

Wait! An earthquake showing love!? Yes! JESUS’ resurrection was so powerful that it caused a major earthquake. Something wonderful happened that all the doubters could not believe. The liars tried to seal the tomb to keep someone from stealing the body, but they did not account for this person being GOD.

HE shook the earth and rose from the grave. This powerful earthquake was just a sign of the power of CHRIST! 

• Is your life quaking right now?
• Do you feel things are falling apart and you have no way to fix them?
• Can you look for the power of GOD to come through in a mighty way today?

Dedicated to the earthquake victims around the world

Think Like One

Matthew 27: ⁶² The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. ⁶³ “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ ⁶⁴ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”

⁶⁵ “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” ⁶⁶ So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

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“What will I say to them” ran through my mind. I thought up my “story” and worked it out in my mind. When I told the person what had “happened” they began to question and I had no good answers. My lie had not gone that far.

• There were times when I lied to cover myself.
• There were times when I made up stories just to be seen in a good light.
• There were times when I tried to get others to say a lie with me.

Unfortunately for the Pharisees and chief priests, they were thinking like liars and thieves. They thought they could cover their murder by sealing the grave. They even agreed on their lie. GOD saw it all.

• GOD wants me to tell the truth even when it hurts me.
• GOD wants me to not hide my sin so others can be healed.
• GOD wants me to stop being a fraudulent religious person and be transparent.

What good is it to be evil and attend church regularly? I mean on the outside I may look good, BUT GOD sees my heart. HE knows when I am covering something up and will not stand for it. “Every hidden thing will come to light” GOD says, so it is better to bring my sins to the surface than have GOD expose them in a more difficult way.

• Are you covering something up?
• Do you think your lie is not going to be found out?
• Will you stop hiding your sin and confess it so GOD can use it for good?

Rich and Saved

Matthew 27: ⁵⁷ As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. ⁵⁸ Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. ⁵⁹ Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ⁶⁰ and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. ⁶¹ Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

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Reading the news, I discovered a movie star who’s cell phone bill was more than my salary and pretty close to half the value of my first house! Enraged, I looked at GOD’s words “It is harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven than a camel to go through an eye of a needle.” I found solace in the fact that “all” rich people were going to hell. I mean what about “my” bills!

• There were times I was jealous of the rich and powerful.
• There were times that I wanted what the rich had in order to show them how “I” would do what they do better.
• There were times that I judged those in fancy cars, big homes and fame.

I figured when JESUS said it is hard for rich people to go to heaven, it meant they were arrogant, boastful and all around thieves of the poor. As I read this passage I pondered the rich. Joseph stood out.

He was rich, powerful and well respected amongst the higher ups. HE was able to approach Pilate himself with a rare request for JESUS’s body that was granted immediately. It struck me that JESUS has rich, not so rich and poor followers.

• JESUS wants me to serve everyone, no matter their status.
• JESUS wants me to look at everyone the same and serve them.
• JESUS wants me to stop judging the rich and perhaps I can reach them.

One reason that dawned on me of why I thought rich people were destined for hell was my judgement towards them. “Why should I help them?” came to mind. In fact, in my judging state, I was quite alright with seeing people go to hell if I felt they squandered their life on being snooty!

GOD wants me to act different. No matter how rich a person is, they still need a savior. HE wants me to pray for the rich, not so rich and the poor to have salvation in CHRIST.  HE wants me to drop my judgement and start serving.

• Do you judge the rich?
• Do you think all rich people are going to hell?
• Can you drop your judgment of the rich and powerful and ask GOD to be sent to anyone HE pleases?