Excited Compassion

Mark 6: ³⁰ Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. ³¹ And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. ³² So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.

³³ But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. ³⁴ And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. 

============

After long days of serving many, I returned from a mission’s trip. We had served hurricane victims not only with repairing homes but with prayer and teaching. Anguish was replaced with hope for a few people. While this was exciting, it was still overwhelming because thousands more needed help.

• Serving can be exciting to me
• Helping someone have hope is the most incredible feeling to me
• Seeing someone appreciate compassion is awesome to me.

When the apostles returned to JESUS they had wonderful stories to tell. They actually healed the sick, drove out demons and gave people hope like never before. For the first time in some folk’s lives, they could see a way out of their misery. One problem was the huge number of people.

• JESUS saw me and in my misery and had compassion for me.
• JESUS saw me without hope and filled me up with true hope.
• JESUS saw me wandering like sheep without a shepherd and decided to guide me to a better place.

Compassion needs hope and that is what JESUS taught. HE saw the crowds of people who needed help that wasn’t temporary. HE told them of a new kingdom that would surpass liars, thieves and manipulators of the Law. JESUS points me to hope.

• Are you out of hope?
• Do you need help in your journey?
• Can you move closer to JESUS in spite of those who manipulate the truth?

Sticking to Wrong Promise

Mark 6: ¹⁹ Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; ²⁰ for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

²¹ Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. ²² And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” ²³ He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”

²⁴ So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?”

And she said, “The head of John the Baptist!”

²⁵ Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”

²⁶ And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. ²⁷ Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, ²⁸ brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. ²⁹ When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.

============

“Get a pair of pants from the store” the person told me. The demand came from a person in an organization I wanted to be part of but alas I had no money. “Figure it out” were his words implying I should steal them. “Okay I promise I will get them!”

• There have been times I have made the wrong promises.
• There have been times I have followed the wrong crowd.
• There have been times I have wanted to be part of something so badly, I would do something that was wrong.

Herod’s position as king would be weakened if he went back on an oath. Unfortunately his daughter asked for a political nightmare, namely the execution of John the Baptist. He stuck with his promise and got nowhere with GOD.

• GOD wants me to make promises that grow HIS kingdom.
• GOD desires that I follow HIS ways without political affiliations.
• GOD longs for a relationship with me versus me building a kingdom of followers.

Desiring to be part of something can drive me to decisions that may not be centered on love. GOD sees through the loneliness and fills my heart with love for others. When HE does this I am never alone.

• Are you lonely?
• Do you look at GOD as a political affiliate or do you seek HIS face for HIS true power and love?
• Will you stop trying to follow humans and start following GOD today?

Guilty Decisions

Mark 6: ¹⁴ Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.”

¹⁵ Others said, “It is Elijah.”

And others said, “It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.”

¹⁶ But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!” ¹⁷ For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. ¹⁸ Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

============

“I wonder if I got away with it?” was my question. I cannot remember which thing I did, but I was definitely guilty. When someone came near me and asked any question I wondered if they knew about that thing I had done. “Why are people looking at me?” was my thought.

• When I am guilty I make guilty decisions.
• When I am guilty I think everyone around me is bringing up my infraction.
• When I am guilty I try to ignore my guilt but the guilt gets louder.

Herod was clearly guilty in many ways. He killed a person who told him of his infraction, now that JESUS was on the scene he thought it was his victim coming back to haunt him.

• GOD wants me to tell others about my sin so others can feel comfortable with telling their sins.
• GOD wants me to have peace and knows I will make mistakes.
• GOD wants me to avoid sin, but knows I can come to HIM even when I do.

Herod mistook JESUS’s arrival. He was so self-centered in his sinful lifestyle that he missed the possibility of grace, same with me. I was trying to hide sins instead of making them known so others could forgive them or even learn from them.

GOD doesn’t want me to have guilty decisions because they lead to more and more shame. HE wants me have peace that only comes form HIM.

• Are you guilty?
• Have you been hiding your sin for a long time?
• Can you be brave enough to confess your sin instead of trying to make others feel guilty?
• Will you accept GOD’s grace today?

A Job to Do

Matthew 6: ⁷ And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. ⁸ He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts— ⁹ but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.

¹⁰ Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. ¹¹ And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”

¹² So they went out and preached that people should repent. ¹³ And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.

============

“I’ve got a job for you to do” said one of my teacher’s. I was excited because I was chosen to do something. “Take this to the office” she said. I left the room of studying students and jumped down the hall. When I returned I asked “What else do you want me to do?”

• When I am chosen it feels great.
• When I am chosen I feel special.
• When I am chosen I pay attention to the one who chose me a little more than before.

JESUS felt HIS disciples were now ready to go out and preach HIS message of love and grace. I mean the message was so simple, “I AM GOD and I love you.” Just these simple words about JESUS would drive out demons and heal the sick if said by the believer.

• JESUS says to me “Go, make disciples and teach them to follow ME.”
• JESUS says to me “I have chosen you before I made the world.”
• JESUS says to me “Tell many people about MY love so they will not reject MY grace.”

Rejecting the love of JESUS was also addressed. Whoever felt the simple message was something other than love may not believe. JESUS says “Shake the dust off your feet against those who do not believe.” This was not an immediate “forget them” kind of message.

If you are rejected after showing patience, care and love then take the patience care and love to those who will receive it. Some may take many years, some a few seconds. GOD guides me and gives me a job to do.

• What has GOD said to you?
• What job has HE given you to do?
• Can you be excited about spreading HIS message of love today?

Finding Affirmation

Mark 6: Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. ² And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! ³ Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.

⁴ But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” ⁵ Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. ⁶ And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.

============

• GOD says to me “Look for honor from ME.”
• GOD says to me “Look to do mighty works with MY help alone.”
• GOD says to me “Search for those who will believe and focus them on ME.”

Getting affirmed by friends and family is nice but what happens if they reject me? How should I handle it? GOD wants me to seek affirmation from HIM by following HIS ways. HE wants me to have grace for those who poke fun at the way I serve HIM and serve those who flat out reject my efforts to be more like HIS SON.

Even JESUS was rejected by HIS immediate family. HIS neighbors could accept HIM being GOD. They saw HIM as a baby and wondered “What makes HIM so special?” As HE grew up they overlooked HIS deity because HE looked like other humans but HE acted very differently.

• JESUS was rejected by HIS neighbors.
• JESUS was rejected by HIS family.
• JESUS was rejected by those HE created.

GOD has a personal relationship with me that HE wants me to cherish. HE does not need me to ask people around me if my relationship with HIM is adequate for them. HE wants me to have grace enough to not be upset if those around me cannot understand how HE is moving me down HIS path.

• Are you seeking affirmation from friends and family and are not receiving it?
• Are you led by GOD to do something that will grow HIS kingdom and those around you are judging you instead of affirming you?
• Can you ask GOD for strength and seek HIS leading daily without judging them?

Where “Well” Comes From

Mark 5: ²⁵ Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, ²⁶ and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. ²⁷ When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. ²⁸ For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”

²⁹ Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. ³⁰ And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”

³¹ But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”

³² And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. ³³ But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. ³⁴ And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

============

“If I could study then I will pass the test.” “If I had a few more dollars then I could put a down payment on the car.” “If I could get the right job, then I could keep my stuff.” What I noticed about my “If/Then” statements is they were always elusive

• Sometimes I desire something that may be fleeting.
• Sometimes I want something so bad that it may blind me.
• Sometimes I put my hands in those whose solutions are temporary.

Doctors could not help the woman with the issue of blood. She was referred from one doctor to the next. They may have told her to do things with confidence to no avail. She no longer had money and was getting worse. “Then” she heard about JESUS and how HE healed people on command. She wanted to be part of that!

• JESUS shows me that HE can heal anyone who seeks HIS face.
• JESUS shows me that humans have temporary solutions but HIS are eternal.
• JESUS shows me a different meaning to the word “Well.”

What is being “Well?’ JESUS tells me that even the slightest belief in HIM makes me well. Even if my faith is faulty and I want to take control, I am made well by knowing JESUS can do anything if it pleases HIM. Even the difficult things I go through help me grow.

JESUS also knows when I touch HIM. When I reach out and ask HIM for help after I have nowhere to turn HE asks “Who touched MY clothes?” even though billions of prayers are being asked of HIM every second of every day. JESUS is the place and being I can get “Well.”

• Are you sick?
• Have you put your trust in humans and they are not helping you with the problem?
• Can you place even the tiniest bit of faith in JESUS so HE can heal you?

First Reaction Training

Mark 5: ²¹ Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. ²² And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet ²³ and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” ²⁴ So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.

-------

³⁵ While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

³⁶ As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” ³⁷ And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. ³⁸ Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. ³⁹ When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”

⁴⁰ And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. ⁴¹ Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” ⁴² Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. ⁴³ But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.

============

As a friend told his story to me, I immediately applied skepticism to his words. I mean how can he say “GOD” spoke to him? What made HIM special? I didn’t believe his story and chalked it up to him wanting to be special.

• Sometimes I do not believe.
• Sometimes I do not think other people can have incredible supernatural stories.
• Sometimes I do not trust in other folks words, instead I am skeptical.

“Prove it to me” was my thought. Years later I had an amazing experience that GOD had taken me through. As I tried to explain to people, the situation I was met with skepticism. “Wait, it really did happen” I explained. I remembered my skepticism of my friend and I believed his story.

• GOD wants me to believe.
• GOD wants me to believe early.
• GOD wants me to believe early enough not only to be rescued, but others to be rescued as well.

JESUS was summoned by one of the church leaders who truly believed in HIM. “Please heal my daughter” was the request, having nowhere to turn. JESUS raised his daughter from the dead though people ridiculed HIS diagnosis. HE healed her so they would “only believe.” HE wants my “first” reaction to be that of belief.

• Are you Skeptical?
• Do you doubt GOD’s Power?
• Will you put your trust in GOD today and Believe?

Obedience Told

Mark 5: ¹¹ Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. ¹² So all the demons begged Him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.” ¹³ And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.

¹⁴ So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened. ¹⁵ Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. ¹⁶ And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demon-possessed, and about the swine. ¹⁷ Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region.

¹⁸ And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. ¹⁹ However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” ²⁰ And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

============

“Take this test” were the instructions given to me by a teacher. I obeyed and when I got the results, I actually got into the school I desired. I had no fallback plan had I not passed. I ran to my small circle of friends and family to tell them the great news!

• When I have obeyed in the past, great things have happened.
• When I have trusted in the past, wonderful results were achieved.
• When I have followed something that I did not understand in the past, I was put on a road of amazement.

Obedience to JESUS was clearly told in this passage. The demons begged HIM for permission and HE granted their wish. The herders begged JESUS to leave, so HE did. But the demon possessed man begged JESUS to allow him to come along and JESUS gave him another task. HE says the same to me.

• JESUS says to me “Go home to your friends and tell them about ME.”
• JESUS says to me “Tell people about the great things the LORD has done for you.”
• JESUS says to me “Proclaim the message of compassion to as many as you can tell.”

When the man obeyed CHRIST, he went and told everyone he knew about JESUS. Everyone marveled at the power of GOD. JESUS is quite amazing! HE wants me to tell everyone about HIS amazing compassion.

• Are you telling people about JESUS?
• Will you obey HIS command and tell others about HIS compassion for you and everyone?
• Can you trust and obey JESUS today?

Powerful Mercy

Mark 5: Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. ² And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, ³ who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, ⁴ because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. ⁵ And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.

⁶ When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. ⁷ And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.”

⁸ For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!” ⁹ Then He asked him, “What is your name?”

And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” ¹⁰ Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country.

============

Driving on a sunny day made me feel great. I was on my way to a friend’s house to enjoy some company. As I drove through the intersection near his house, a car ran a stop sign and hit my old junker. With little apology they threatened me instead of providing their insurance. I wanted them arrested for the rest of their lives!

• Sometimes I want revenge!
• Sometimes I want “justice!”
• Sometimes I want “that” person to get what’s coming to them!

JESUS does something absolutely amazing in this slice of history. A legion of demons, whose job was to torment people, asked for mercy.  JESUS had the power to immediately speak them into being eternally tormented but restrained for it was not the right time.

• JESUS says to me “Vengeance is MINE.”
• JESUS says to me “I AM full of mercy and grace.”
• JESUS says to me “Judge not lest you be judged.”

This conversation between the demons and JESUS shows me that HE can give mercy to anyone who asks. I need to follow HIS example of giving mercy to those who may be against me.

• Did someone do something to you?
• Did they deliberately hurt you?
• Can you accept the power GOD is giving you by showing undeserved mercy on them?

Acquired Skill

³⁵ On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” ³⁶ Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. ³⁷ And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. ³⁸ But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

³⁹ Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”  ⁴¹ And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

============

“Impossible” I said. I mean this task placed in front of me was way too hard. The person tried explaining it to me and even showing me but I still could not see how to do this humungous feat. I acquiesced to try again. I got on the bike and rode past 4 maybe five houses this time! Maybe I can do this!

• Sometimes life seems difficult.
• Sometimes life seems hard to master.
• Sometimes life can have tasks that seem impossible.

JESUS was and is the ultimate teacher. As the boat was tossed about, HE laid silently asleep on a pillow. These skilled fishermen had seen storms before and probably knew of people who had died in similar squalls. “Don’t you care?!” is a familiar exclamation I use to GOD when times get tough and it is the same question the disciples used.

• JESUS says to me “I AM teaching you little by little to have faith in ME.”
• JESUS says to me “Do not focus on the storm, focus on ME.”
• JESUS says to me “I AM right here so do not worry.”

After reading this passage in the past, I thought JESUS was a little unreasonable. I mean this is a life threatening crisis, “Why aren’t YOU sending out legions of angels to save the people who follow you?” is my first thought. JESUS says “I AM not worried” IS your lesson.

JESUS knows more about the situation than I do. HE knew the storm would not harm the disciples and the storms of life cannot harm me. Somehow, through all the worry, fretting and doubting, JESUS has ALWAYS come through. HE wants me to grow up to accept HIS way of doing things and grow my faith as an acquired skill.

• Are you worried, fearful and doubtful?
• What has GOD brought you through in the past?
• Is GOD trying to mature you by appearing to be asleep during your crisis?
• Will you calm down for a moment to observe how HE can sleep even though HE is getting wet in the waves of life with you?

Alone

Mark 4: ³³ And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. ³⁴ But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.

============

Waving at people on the convention floor was the norm for my coworkers, but not me. This was my first convention and I did not know anyone. It was time for dinner and everyone made plans with one another. I ate in my room.

•  
• Sometimes I can be in a crowd and feel alone.
• Sometimes I can open my mouth and say something to people and still feel alone.
• Sometimes I can sit in a room with another person and feel more alone than when I am by myself.

Being alone can sometimes feel devastating, especially when I want to be around those who appreciate what I am doing and saying or even better, know who I am. GOD spoke in parables or analogies and did not speak directly to the crowd. But when HE was alone with HIS disciples HE spoke directly to them.

• GOD sometimes takes me to a place so HE can be alone with me.
• GOD sometimes wants to speak directly to me so HE moves me out of the crowd.
• GOD sometimes desires for me to quiet down instead of screaming while I am alone with HIM.

Maturing to understand “alone” time is important to GOD. HE wants me to spend some very important time with HIM to see HIS power on a daily basis. The world’s worries can be noisy and deafen me to HIS voice. It seems like the harder I try in life, the more GOD wants to spend time with me. HE sets me down besides still waters and speaks directly to me with HIS promises.

• Do you feel alone?
• Are you worried and feel alone?
• Can you remove your worries for a moment and listen to GOD’s voice through HIS word today?

Herbs and Spices

Mark 4: ³⁰ Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? ³¹ It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; ³² but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.”

============

“You should learn this new way of doing things” exclaimed one of my coworkers. Yes, the world had changed and a new way of thinking had emerged. I now had to go on a new road and learn. “I wonder when this road will change” I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I get busy chasing new philosophies.
• Sometimes I get entrenched into learning new ways of doing things.
• Sometimes I get involved with new thinking, new values and new beliefs.

Out with the old and in with the new was my way to stay ahead of the crowd. I would learn new ingredients to success by attending philosophical discussions and grab a new herb of knowledge. Many birds would flock with me to these spicy meetings. BUT GOD had another plan for me.

• GOD says to me “Tell people about the simple message of MY love for them.”
• GOD says to me “MY kingdom’s message is simple, just believe that JESUS died for all of mankind and you will be saved.”
• GOD says to me “MY yoke is easy and MY burdens are light.”

What a tiny seed GOD gave me. I mean HIS message of grace far exceeds any new herb and spice I could ever learn. In fact, GOD’s message of grace grows in me and in the hearts of mankind stronger than any other way of thinking. Branches of joy, love, forgiveness and peace flow from this simple message of HIS grace. GOD’s message is simple, HE loves me.

• Are you busy trying to learn the “new” thing?
• Do you think the new way of thinking will save you?
• Can you turn your thinking towards GOD for a moment and absorb the simple message of HIS love for you?

Helpless and Mighty

Mark 4: ²⁶ And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, ²⁷ and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. ²⁸ For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. ²⁹ But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

============

When the car stalled out for the fifth time it seemed like we would never get home. The two hour journey had now turned into six. My cousin and I sat there waiting yet again for something miraculous to happen. After fifteen minutes I started the car again. This time it made it all the way home.

• Sometimes I have problems I cannot fix.
• Sometimes I have a desire but no solution.
• Sometimes I have an immediate need but have no way to meet that need.

Helpless is never a fun feeling but it is definitely useful. Looking back on the car situation, I can truly say that it was only GOD that brought me through that situation. I had nothing to offer, no power to give.

• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.”
• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see GOD.”

In my weakness GOD’s might is made perfect. GOD is the one who knows how seeds sprout in this story. JESUS lets HIS disciples know that the power comes only from HIM. I am supposed to go out and plant seeds of love, knowledge and faith to many and let GOD grow the seeds.

As much as I may want someone to believe in CHRIST, I am helpless BUT GOD is mighty! HE wants me to be ready for HIS harvest so HIS glory will shine bright.

• Are you ready for GOD’s harvest?
• Can you stop fearing and allow GOD to deliver you the way HE wants to?
• Will you continue to spread the seeds of GOD wherever HE sends you?

Shining Light on the Subject

Mark 4: ²¹ Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? ²² For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. ²³ If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

²⁴ Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. ²⁵ For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

============

“Ooo… I’m telling” were the words I dreaded to hear. It meant that I was caught in the act and this person was going straight to the top, namely the teacher or the parents. “Wait, don’t tell!” were my begging words. “I could get in trouble.” They told and I got in trouble.

• Sometimes I try to hide my sins.
• Sometimes I try to pretend I am good when I really am a sinner.
• Sometimes I want to keep my sins to myself and let others think more highly of me.

My sins had come into the light and I received the consequence for them, but what about the person who told on me? I mean, they just wanted to get me in trouble so they could gloat. GOD has an answer for that.

• JESUS says to me “With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
• JESUS says to me “Judge not lest you be judged.”
• JESUS says to me “Pray for your enemies.”

All of my sins will be brought into the light, so it is better for “me” to bring them into the light than for GOD to do it. By confessing my sins, I realize they actually do not have power over me. This enables me to have a tiny amount of grace that understands why others may hide their sins.

GOD wants me to be extremely careful when shining light on someone else’s sins. Instead of saying “This person has sinned” I can say “We have similar sins” this way GOD is placed as the judge and I am not the accuser rather I am an advocate for forgiveness.

• Are you hiding your relationship with GOD from others?
• Are you hiding sin so you can look good in front of the crowd?
• When you “tell on someone” do you desire to feel superior to “that” person?
• Can you stop talking about others so GOD will stop taking even what little you have from you?

Overcoming Barriers

Mark 4: ¹³ And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? ¹⁴ The sower sows the word. ¹⁵ And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. ¹⁶ These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness;¹⁷ and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. ¹⁸ Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, ¹⁹ and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. ²⁰ But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”

============

Station four was my nemesis. It was the part of the obstacle course that I could not overcome. The gym teacher required that I do ten pullups before moving on to the rest of the course. “Ten? I can’t even do one!” I said to myself.

• Sometimes life feels like a huge obstacle course.
• Sometimes life has big things in it that seem hard to overcome.
• Sometimes life deals out difficulties that seem impossible to overcome.

Ailments, broken relationships, poor grades, job pressures, job loss and death of loved ones are a few obstacles that have kept me from shouting from the mountain that GOD is awesome! I mean how awesome is HE when I am standing out in the rain, getting soaked waiting on a bus? GOD wants me to get stronger.

• GOD wants me to open my eyes to see Satan trying to steal GOD’s promise of peace and his attempt to replace it with worry.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes to understand there will be tribulation and persecution so I need to prepare myself.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes to know I am susceptible to lust of money, lust of power, and lust in general.

When I feel scared, worried, lustful or judgmental, GOD wants me to get my answers from HIM instead of acting on impulse. HE enables me to see that in the middle of a trial, I can still bear fruit for HIM. HE wants me to quiet down, seek HIS face for direction and actually go where HE leads me. There is where I will find fruit for HIS kingdom!

• Have you given up on GOD?
• Do you feel more worried than full of praise?
• Can you look at what GOD has said about your situation in HIS word and act accordingly?
• Will you accept HIS message of peace for you today?

Spinning the Spinners

Mark 4: ¹⁰ But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable. ¹¹ And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, ¹² so that

‘Seeing they may see and not perceive,
And hearing they may hear and not understand;
Lest they should turn,
And their sins be forgiven them.’”

============

In an effort to make the situation better, my bosses told me to “Update the message to make it more palatable.” In other words they wanted me to put “spin” on the message. Instead of saying “This flat out does not work” they suggested “At this time, certain features are being reviewed.” I wonder if I try to “spin” the explanation of JESUS.

• There were times when I used “spin” to make the story easier.
• There were times when I used a more palatable story to explain things.
• There were times when I would take a lie and try to spin it to “a” truth that was close enough.

JESUS saw through the hearts of those who would never believe in HIM. HE spoke in parables because speaking in direct terms to someone who would never believe in HIM would be a waste of HIS time. HE wants me to believe in HIM whether HE speaks directly or indirectly to me.

• JESUS speaks to me through written history and letters compiled in a Bible.
• JESUS speaks to me through humans who speak highly of HIM.
• JESUS speaks to me through circumstances that only HE can orchestrate.

Amazement can happen on a daily basis if I allow it. I mean I could walk out my door and be absolutely amazed if I were to open my eyes and ears to what GOD is doing. Unfortunately the worries of the world blind me at times to the amazing things around me. GOD says “Relax. Let ME guide you with MY plan.” When I allow HIM to be GOD I can truly “perceive” and “understand.”

• Are you confused about something?
• Do you have a very specific answer for your problem that you are not getting no matter how hard you try?
• Will you open your eyes and ears to GOD so you can see what HE is doing in your life today?

Motivation

Mark 4: And again He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea. ² Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching:

³ “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. ⁴ And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. ⁵ Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. ⁶ But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. ⁷ And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. ⁸ But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”

⁹ And He said to them, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

============

“I wanna go!” was my immediate response when I heard that my siblings and some neighbors would possibly travel to the local amusement park. I just knew it would be fun and I imagined myself on all the rides. I also said “I wanna go” on vacations, restaurants visits to relatives and recreation.

• Sometimes I am motivated by getting something that I will enjoy.
• Sometimes I am motivated to work hard so I can get to some place where I can relax.
• Sometimes I am motivated to endure life’s trials so I can eventually reach society’s utopia.

Where there was fun I wanted to be there, but what about GOD? I mean HE has stuff for me to do as well right? Yes, but sometimes I am not motivated to do HIS work. I was quite amazed at the beginning of the parable. “A sower went out to sow.” What motivated the sower?

• GOD wants me to be motivated to seek the lost because HE sought me.
• GOD wants me to be excited to spread HIS Gospel because HE saved me with it.
• GOD wants me to be inspired to seek HIS kingdom first then HE will add to me what HE pleases.

Saving people from eternal death was the motivation of the sower. HE created me and does not want me to be lost. HE gives me seeds of wisdom, knowledge and understanding and it is up to me to allow them to grow. HE wants me to do the same to others.

• Are you stuck?
• Do you feel like hiding instead of running out and shouting in praise?
• Can you come out of your hiding place to serve JESUS today just because HE loves you?

Will Call

Mark 3: ³¹ Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. ³² And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.”

³³ But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?”³⁴ And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! ³⁵ For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”

============

“What do YOU want from me?” was my anxious cry as I did not get my expected outcome yet again. Here was my normal pattern. I would want something, ask GOD “Please let me have that something” then pout when that something does not come in the time or way or amount that I wanted.

• Many times I am not open to GOD’s will.
• Many times I secretly get mad that GOD doesn’t answer my prayers in my time, my way.
• Many times I question GOD’s will when something “I” consider “bad” happens to me.

From car accidents to robberies to failed careers to people leaving when I needed them the most, I prayed prayers I thought were earnest and sincere but did not get what I wanted. In frustration I would cry out “What!?” meaning “What is the will of GOD?”

• GOD says to me “I want you to tell people about ME in everything you do.”
• GOD says to me “I have a serious plan for you that will be met with opposition, but I AM there for you.”
• GOD says to me “MY will is that all will be saved and I need you as one of MY few laborers.”

When I realized my purpose I could see GOD’s will a little clearer. HE doesn’t need another selfish, attention grabbing person who feels a little too confident in themselves. GOD needs me exactly as I am, sin and all, to tell other people “JESUS loved me to the point of death for me and now that HE is alive I can live eternally with HIM, no sickness and no pain.”

I hear GOD tell me to “Help that person” or “Pray for those who harm you” or “Give what you can while praising ME to be able to give.” GOD then grows me up to complain about HIM less and less. When something “bad” happens I also understand that is part of HIS will as “All things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” GOD calls me to do HIS will.

• Are you complaining that you are not getting your way fast enough?
• Can you accept GOD’s timing and methods?
• Will you praise GOD and tell people about JESUS in the middle of your crisis?

Dangerous Road

Mark 3: ²⁸ “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; ²⁹ but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”— ³⁰ because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

============

Tired of traffic, I sought another way home. One day I saw a familiar cement truck poke out from a dirt road. “I think I saw that truck in my neighborhood” I said to myself. I followed the truck, lo and behold, it was a shortcut to my neighborhood. I tried to navigate the same route back to work the next day and almost drove off a cliff.

• Some routes I have chosen have been dangerous.
• Some roads I have driven on have been deadly.
• Some places I have driven have been very close to a fatal end.

One bad turn on this construction road would have been a final turn for me. Unfortunately the Pharisees and Scribes took the wrong turn and crossed the line with JESUS. When they said “HE has an unclean SPIRIT” they were saying “GOD is unclean or evil.” They went down a dangerous road where they had no return.

• GOD says to me “I AM love and I love you.”
• GOD says to me “MY ways are not your ways. My thoughts are not your thoughts.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the way.”

Sometimes I travelled down another dangerous road, namely the road of thinking GOD is evil. I mean what kind of GOD would allow “fill in the blank.” Instead of getting to know HIM, I would blame HIM for HIS existence and methods. This path was built on self-pity or selfishness.

GOD wants me to know that I know that I know HE has my best interest in mind. HE is not evil nor are HIS plans for me. HE protects me in spite of me. HE keeps me from driving off the cliff even when I try to go down the wrong road. HE is my forgiver and I love HIM.

• Are you blaming GOD?
• Do you call GOD evil?
• Will you turn onto a better road by praising HIM and HIS ways today?

Correct Description

Mark 3: ²⁰ Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. ²¹ But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, “He is out of His mind.”

²² And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebub,” and, “By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons.”

²³ So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? ²⁴ If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. ²⁵ And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. ²⁶ And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end. ²⁷ No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.

============

“May I have a glass of water” was my question posed to my aunt. “Sure” she said distractedly as people were pouring into her place for fun and laughter. She went off to take coats to another room and was gone for a while.

I went into the kitchen and saw a chilled glass filled with just the amount I liked. I reached up to the glass on the counter, took a swig and quickly realized it was not water so I cried out! It was vodka.

• Sometimes things appear as the right thing to me.
• Sometimes I misinterpret what is in front of me because of my desires.
• Sometimes I need a clear description.

Mislabeling JESUS was the problem of the Scribes. They tried to call HIM a follower of Satan and the people were going to fall for their deception. JESUS used common sense to correct their trickery. HE gave the right description.

• JESUS says to me “I AM the way, the truth and the life.”
• JESUS says to me “I AM the only way.”
• JESUS says to me “I AM the good shepherd, you are MY sheep.”

“How can I cast out demons if I am a demon?” was the logical question JESUS asked the scribes. With the question, JESUS placed HIMSELF in authority over the demonic world that I am so blind to. HE is GOD and many people have tried to lower HIS authority by explaining away HIS miracles and HIS power. HE wants me to know HE is my Savior.

• Have you mislabeled JESUS?
• Do you think the thing you are doing will save you?
• Will you allow GOD to guide you to the place HE wants you to go?