Possibility

Mark 10: ²⁶ And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?”

²⁷ But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

²⁸ Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.”

²⁹ So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife^[e] or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, ³⁰ who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. ³¹ But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

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Excited about our new home I quickly drew up plans for a fish pond. I broke out a shovel but did not get far before recognizing the ground was extremely hard. I used a pick which helped but did not get me much further. I felt like giving up. Then a local person told me to rent some equipment made for this kind of work. I never would have thought of it.

• There are times when I do not have direction and feel like giving up.
• There are times when I do not understand how to overcome an obstacle and I feel like giving up.
• There are times when I have a desire but do not know how to fulfil it and I become frustrated.

“Who then can be saved?” was a question posed by the disciples after JESUS said the rich and arrogant, who trusted in money, may be too blind to need GOD. BUT GOD says something quite incredible.

• GOD says to me “With men it is impossible, but not with GOD, for with GOD all things are possible.”
• GOD says to me “If you have left anything for my sake of the gospels sake, I will take care of you.”
• GOD says to me “If you are last, I will make you first.”

The reason JESUS can say the word “Assuredly” is because HE owns it. HE owns health, wealth, jobs, relationships, businesses, schools and definitely churches where people may not get along. HE sees what I think is impossible and has the exact answer to the problem.

HE made me and can fix me when I am broken. HE knows just what to do when things look absolutely impossible. When I feel like giving up, JESUS is right there saying “hold on” I specialize in impossibility. All things are possible with GOD.

• Are you facing something that seems impossible?
• Do you think your power can fix the situation so you are exhausting yourself?
• Can you stop trying so hard and ask GOD to help your unbelief so HE can do the impossible?
• Will you believe HE can heal you today?

Service Choice

Mark 10: ²³ Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” ²⁴ And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

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“If I get the next promotion, then I will serve GOD a little more” were the rational words I thought. I mean look at all the poor people. If I just became rich, then I could give to the poor. When I got the promotion I was paid well but more responsibilities were heaped onto the pile. I had less time to serve because I had so much work. “Maybe when I retire, I will serve GOD more.”

• With riches come demands.
• With riches my life is not as easy as it seems.
• With riches I am shackled to the time it takes to make the riches.

“Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!” was JESUS’s statement. The trust part was the problem. HE was illustrating that wealth is a mindset, not a bank account. Those who had a mindset of trusting in wealth may never trust in GOD’s deliverance in HIS way and HIS time.

• JESUS wants me to trust HIM regardless of how little or how much I have.
• JESUS wants me to obey HIM, so some of my time needs to be spent with HIM.
• JESUS wants me to love HIM for the simple reason that HE wants a relationship with me.

Having riches is not the problem. Trusting in riches makes me doubt GOD’s ability to deliver me I mean sometimes when I don’t have the riches I think I need at “that” very moment, I blame GOD for not giving me what “I” want.

HE forgives me and gently guides me back to a place where I can see HIS grace and love for me in spite of my wealth. “Open your eyes” JESUS says to me. “Look beyond false riches and look at ME, your true wealth.”

• Are you giving up on GOD because you are in a bad financial situation?
• Do you think having more wealth would ease your burdens?
• Are you waiting on wealth to serve GOD?
• Can you stop believing the “wealth” lie and start believing that GOD is your deliverance?

Window Pane

Mark 10: ¹⁷ Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

¹⁸ So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. ¹⁹ You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”

²⁰ And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”

²¹ Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

²² But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

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 “Why did you do that?” a person inquired of me as they were trying to get to the bottom of my untruth. My lie was falling apart and I said something else that could not support the lie I had just told. They could see through my lies.

• People have seen right through my lies.
• People have looked at my face and knew I was not telling the truth.
• People have listened to a story I have said and quickly deciphered I was not telling the truth.

JESUS spoke to the rich man who seemed to be an achiever. The rich man’s words “Do” and “Inherit” shows he thought he could earn GOD’s approval. BUT JESUS saw right through HIM and told the rich man of only one fatal flaw, namely he was greedy.

• JESUS sees my heart and forgives my sin.
• JESUS sees my plans and alters them to bless me and others.
• JESUS sees my deepest desires and saves me anyway.

At one point I thought this story was only about greed, but it is much deeper than that. Pride, bitterness, hatred, lust, and envy are just some sins JESUS could have substituted in this message. If a murderer approached HIM, JESUS would have changed the action.

HE sees me desperately trying to achieve what HE has already done. JESUS has already forgiven me, already healed me and has already restored my soul back to HIM. HIS desire is that I open my eyes to HIS blessings daily because HE did it while seeing right through me.

• Are you trying to achieve GOD’s free gift of grace?
• Do you think you are in control of GOD’s love by your actions?
• Will you stop thinking your “level of good” merits you special favors from GOD?
• Can you start opening up your eyes to grace and spit out your bitterness?

Becoming Somebody

Mark 10: ¹³ Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. ¹⁴ But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. ¹⁵ Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” ¹⁶ And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

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“One day you could be a programmer” a teacher told me. I had no idea what she was referring to. “Would you like to take my class?” she said. I took the class and a whole world opened up to me.

• There have been people who have given me wisdom.
• There have been people who have provided me with a direction.
• There have been people who have touched my mind and motivated me.

What intrigued me about this passage were the children. I mean, why were they there? What were they going to get? Were they sick? It does not say why they were there. I can only speculate that JESUS was blessing them to become something great.

• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall have peace.”
• JESUS says to me “Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.”
• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.”

Being blessed by JESUS means being blessed enough to follow HIM no matter the circumstance. HE has the power to lay hands on me and clear my paths to do HIS will. Only HE can touch my soul.

• Do you need help?
• Are you feeling low?
• Can you give JESUS a chance instead of trying to do everything under your own power?

Saying it plainly

Mark 10: Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again.

² The Pharisees came and asked Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” testing Him.

³ And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?”

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

⁵ And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. ⁶ But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ ⁷ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, ⁸ and the two shall become one flesh’;  so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. ⁹ Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

¹⁰ In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. ¹¹ So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. ¹² And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

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“How did you socialize?” I said to the person. “I didn’t” was their response. My plan did not work. What I really wanted was permission to go to a party but was afraid to ask.

• There were times when I wanted something in my heart, but could not express them.
• There were times when I was afraid to say what I was really thinking.
• There were times when I desired something but could not say what I desired.

JESUS saw through everyone’s desires as they discussed divorce. HE knew the Pharisees and the disciples were looking at the law as an escape clause in order to fulfill their lusts. HE told them the law but they still questioned it. HE made it plain.

• JESUS says to me “Leave your parents and become one flesh.”
• JESUS says to me “I have put married people together for MY purpose.”
• JESUS says to me “Do not dream up reasons for divorce because I will classify it as an act of adultery.”

Seeing through lust filled plots is what GOD can do best. HE sees through my sordid plans and lets me know I should not continue down that path. HE speaks to me plainly so I can hear HIS words.

• Are you trying to twist your words because you are trying to create your own version of the truth?
• Are you amassing evidence for your version of the truth?
• Can you drop the hardness of your heart and find a place of peace where GOD wants you to dwell?

Salt is Good for You

Mark 9: ⁴⁹ “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. ⁵⁰ Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

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“Boring, sneaky and money hungry” were just a few labels I applied to church-goers. I mean they don’t help “me” when “I” need it. I left the church to strike it out on my own.

• There have been times when I labeled people quickly.
• There have been times when I was going through a trial I caused myself and wanted to blame others.
• There have been times when I looked at what was good as bad and what was bad for me as good.

I was no good to anyone during this period. Mad at the world, I had lost my perspective. JESUS warns everyone of losing perspective.

• GOD says to me “Salt is good.”
• GOD says to me “I will season you with fiery circumstances and preserve your sacrifices through them.”
• GOD says to me “Have peace with those who want to pick fights with you.”

Salt is a preservative. Salt stings. Sale penetrates. Salt adds flavor. JESUS says “Be salt” and I take it to mean preserve people and give them HIS messages with may sting me and them and penetrate our hearts with HIS goodness. My flavor on each relationship brings a taste that GOD has given me. Having salt in me helps me have peace with others.

• Have you given up on people?
• Have you given up period?
• Will you seek GOD and ask for restoration?
• Will you become HIS servant again and follow HIM with your heart?

Protected Responses

Mark 9: ⁴² “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. ⁴³ If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— ⁴⁴ where

‘Their worm does not die
And the fire is not quenched.’

⁴⁵ And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— ⁴⁶ where

‘Their worm does not die,
And the fire is not quenched.’

⁴⁷ And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire— ⁴⁸ where

‘Their worm does not die
And the fire is not quenched.’

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As a sign of bravery and strength I was instructed to punch the cement wall harder than the guy next to me. Judging was totally subjective as far as who “won.” Being the frail guy I was I punched the wall with a soft touch. “I’m not breaking my hand!” I said to myself.

• Many times I preserved myself.
• Many times I protected myself from harm.
• Many times I made sure I was safe.

JESUS shocks the disciples with a strict message of warning. HE warns them against causing others to fall into sin. The warning is extreme saying it would be better to maim yourself than to cause someone to sin because of lack of control.

• GOD wants me to control myself enough to keep others from falling into my sin.
• GOD wants me to refrain from hurting people and turn to helping them instead.
• GOD wants me to put a leash on my carnal urges long enough to encourage and grow people.

JESUS knew I would try to protect myself when HE said these statements. HE wanted to get down to the core of my wretched, rotten sin by saying it would be better to lose a hand or a foot or an eye than to drag others into my sinful world. But what does HE want me to do? HE wants me to pray for others, encouraging them to follow HIM.

• Are you trying to drag people into your sin?
• Can you stop for a moment and figure out a way to encourage that person?
• Will you turn from your sin today so you can help others do the same?

You’ve Been Served

Mark 9: ³⁸ Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.”

³⁹ But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. ⁴⁰ For he who is not against us is on our side. ⁴¹ For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.

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“Would you like some food?” the people asked me as I sat in a hut. This was a gift to me and the team as we finished building shelves for a library. I ate heartily.

• There have been times I have received gifts.
• There have been people who have given me things I did not expect out of the goodness of their heart.
• There have been times I have been served by the people I was supposed to serve.

“They aren’t doing things the way we do things” is the argument placed at JESUS’ feet. JESUS corrects the disciples letting them know other people can serve HIM their way as long as the power comes from GOD.

• JESUS says to me “Love one another as I have loved you.”
• JESUS says to me “A kingdom divided will soon fall.”
• JESUS says to me “Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in MY name, because you belong to CHRIST, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

Being humble also means accepting help and being served. At one point in my life, “I” had to do all the serving. GOD has sent many people to serve me who do not look like me or act like me. I am glad HE accepts more people than I can ever understand.

• Are you turning down help because of someone’s music, clothes, hair or skin color?
• Do you think the way someone serves GOD is inferior to the way you serve GOD?
• Can you stop judging and start accepting help from others GOD sends to you?

Front of the line

Mark 9: ³³ Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?”³⁴ But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. ³⁵ And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” ³⁶ Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, ³⁷ “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”

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All day long I could feel the pressure of competition at work. I mean did he have to say “that” during the meeting! As I replayed these words I on my drive to wherever I was going I stepped on the gas more and more forcefully. At least no one would pass me on the road. I was pulled over.

• There are times I desire to be on top.
• There are times when I just want to win.
• There are moments when I want to be ahead of everyone at all costs.

Who would be the greatest was the equivalent of being at the front of the line. The disciples were in for a rude awakening. JESUS, who was and is the greatest, told them they had to be like HIM, a humble servant.

• GOD wants me to learn to serve others.
• GOD wants me to classify serving as being great.
• GOD wants me to exchange my currency for souls.

Rich and powerful to GOD means how many people have I served. I’m not talking about human metrics, I am truly speaking about servitude that only GOD guides. HE gives me opportunities to accept those HE sends to me. Shall I turn them away? No. GOD desires that I serve someone in HIS name daily.

• Are you trying to get on top?
• Are you trying to learn how to be the best?
• Can you learn that being the best means being the best “true” servant of GOD?

Direct Statement

Mark 9: ³⁰ Then they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know it. ³¹ For He taught His disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.” ³² But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him.

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“You are being moved to a division and will be in charge of your own department” was the statement. “Why, what did I do?” was my reply in horror.

• Sometimes good news has to be spelled out to me.
• Sometimes good news sounds like bad news to me.
• Sometimes good news is hidden from my worried ears.

I can only guess what the disciples were thinking when JESUS told them HE would be murdered and will rise from the dead. What an absurd statement! No one had ever made that claim and fulfilled it. BUT GOD knew what HE was talking about.

• JESUS says to me “I love you dearly”.
• JESUS says to me “I have placed MY SPIRIT inside of you to comfort you.”
• JESUS says to me “I will be with you always.”

Clear and direct statements have been said to me, yet I fear, worry and doubt. HE makes it very easy and clear that HE cannot love me more than HE already does. HE has wiped away all of my sins. I do not have to wonder about HIS love for me. In fact I can embrace HIS love daily.

• Are you worried that GOD has left you?
• Do you think the sin you did is holding you back?
• Can you look at GOD differently as the ONE who forgives, cleans and loves?

Not Alone

Mark 9: ²⁵ When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” ²⁶ Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” ²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.

²⁸ And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”

²⁹ So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”

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Nighttime seemed darker as we rounded approached the campsite. When I got out of the van, I immediately stepped in some mud. I avoided mud at all costs up to that point. By the next day everything I owned had mud on it. The final straw was one of my lenses popping out in the mud. I used some less muddy water to clean it.

• When times are tough I try to “clean” myself up.
• When I go through trials I try to sin less so maybe the trial can go away faster.
• When there are difficulties ahead of me I try to act better so maybe if I were being punished, then I can show I got the lesson.

Amazingly JESUS drives out an unclean spirit and makes an effort to teach the disciples how they can do the same. My focus is on the boy. From childhood he was attacked relentlessly. He did not ask to be attacked by demonic forces and could not speak or hear any words of comfort. He was helpless.

• JESUS sees my situation and knows what I am going through.
• The HOLY SPIRIT knows I cannot speak on my behalf so HE cries out for me.
• The FATHER forgives my circumstance because of JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT.

Trying to pretend I am clean is like taking more mud to form a pretend bar of soap to wash my body and declaring myself clean. In other words, no matter how much I try to follow the “rules” it won’t make me any cleaner or holier. I am helpless, like the boy.

BUT GOD does not leave me helpless. HE raises me out of the mud and cleans me up with everlasting water. HE restores my soul when the well of my heart is empty. Even when I cannot utter a word, the HOLY SPIRIT is there providing strength like none other. Yes JESUS loves me.

• Are you in a difficult circumstance?
• Do you feel exhausted because you thing the power has to come from you?
• Can you understand that GOD loves you enormously and knows your needs and wants you to let go so HE can clean you from the inside?

Partial Assistance

Mark 9: ¹⁹ He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” ²⁰ Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth.

²¹ So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?”

And he said, “From childhood. ²² And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

²³ Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

²⁴ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

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“Don’t worry, I have been practicing for over 20 years” the doctor said to me. “I understand, but I’m still nervous” was my reply as I was about to have four wisdom teeth ripped from my mouth.

• Sometimes explanations don’t help me.
• Sometimes examples don’t calm me down.
• Sometimes knowing just isn’t enough for me.

The father came to JESUS probably knowing JESUS could heal his son. JESUS says something strange to the father. HE says “Believe” to the father. I like and understand the father’s response.

• JESUS tells me to believe but sometimes I must as HIM to fill in on the areas I can’t believe.
• JESUS tells me to expect things to happen but sometimes I need HIM to fill in my unbelief.
• JESUS tells me to know that anything is possible with belief, but sometimes I need HIM to provide the extra part of the belief that will enable a miracle.

“I believe; help my unbelief” is a great statement. I do believe that GOD can do marvelous things, but the part of me that has been worn down by the world may not fully believe, so I need help with my belief. JESUS is willing and able to supply the missing part to my belief.

When life deals out yet another crushing blow, JESUS is there saying “I got this.” HE is there when no one else is.

• Have you been dealt yet another piece of bad news?
• Do you feel you don’t have the belief to continue on with GOD’s work?
• Can you ask HIM for a dose of belief so HE can carry you through?

Common Treatment

Mark 9: ⁹ Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead. ¹⁰ So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.

¹¹ And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

¹² Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? ¹³ But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.”

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Relaxed, I responded with a hug to a person I recognized. I was interviewing to be fast-tracked and I did not know every step I took was being watched. Though I answered the questions well, I did not get the position.

• There were times when I treated the higher ups as common.
• There were times when I treated my boss’s boss as regular.
• There were times when I treated people with a higher level, with contempt.

JESUS warns HIS disciples not to tell that they saw Elijah and Moses. They kept their promise and questioned the scribes teaching that Elijah must come first as prophesied by Malachi. JESUS explained that Elijah had come and was treated as common, just like all to other prophets and JESUS HIMSELF.

• I should treat JESUS with reverence instead of commonplace.
• I should look at GOD as GOD, not as a genie or swear word.
• I should view what JESUS did as awesome incredible, not boring forgetful.

GOD becoming man is something that should be discussed daily. Sometimes I forget to even think of GOD due to my mind being pulled towards the worries of the world. BUT GOD reminds me of HIS presence and I appreciate what HE has done.

• Are you treating GOD as common?
• Do you use HIS name I vain?
• Can you talk to HIM with the reverence HE deserves today?

Hearing is Believing

Mark 9: ⁷ And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” ⁸ Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.

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Stunned, I just sat there. I heard the store guard say “Listen to me” and I came out of my dazed stupor. I guess the shock of being chased by yet another gang got to me this time. I could now hear.

• Sometimes I am so shocked that I cannot hear.
• Sometimes I am so wrapped up in my world that I cannot hear.
• Sometimes things are so overwhelming that I cannot hear.

Stunned is what the disciples felt when they saw Elijah and Moses and knew who they were. Their minds could not grasp what was going on. Suddenly a voice out of the cloud spoke to them. “This is MY beloved SON. Hear HIM!” They could now focus.

• GOD says to me “Believe in MY one and only SON.”
• GOD says to me “Listen to the ONE who can save you and the rest of the world.”
• GOD says to me “HE is the only way, the only truth and the only life.”

Hearing is truly believing. When I can hear with my “heart” then I can believe. Unfortunately my heart attacks truth when it is filled with anger, hatred, lust, envy or doubt. BUT GOD is faithful and just to clean my heart and clear my thoughts long enough to hear HIM. HIS SON is who I should listen to.

• Are you stuck?
• Are the ears to your heart closed and you cannot hear GOD?
• Can you stop fighting GOD and release what you are holding onto?

Talking Scared

Mark 9: ² Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. ³ His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. ⁴ And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. ⁵ Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— ⁶ because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.

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“What were you all doing?” said one of the pledge leaders in the fraternity. Scared out of my wits, I blurted out the truth. “We got delayed looking for our line brothers” I said. “Wait a minute, they said they were with you.”

• There have been times when I was in trouble.
• There have been times when I thought I had to say something.
• There have been times when I needed to keep my mouth shut long enough to understand the situation.

I was actually not trying to get anyone in trouble, just save our hides. Peter had no clue what he was saying. He did not question the fact that Elijah and Moses were right there in front of them after being written about hundreds if not thousands of years prior. He was so scared that he blurted what was top of mind.

• GOD wants me to recognize HIS amazing power.
• GOD wants me to be prepared when HE shows me HIS face.
• GOD wants me to seek out HIS amazement on a daily basis.

JESUS will return soon someday and I need to be ready for an amazing appearance. I don’t know how prepared I can be, but I do know I would prefer HIM to catch me in the act of doing something HE wants me to do.

• When you get frightened do you blurt out the first words that come to mind?
• Before you speak, can you ask GOD “Is this what you want me to say?”
• Will you slow down when you are frightened and let GOD give you the right words?”

Holder of Life

Mark 9: And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.”

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“You can extend your life by 10 years” is what the personal trainer said to me as he challenged me to do another rep. Eat right, sleep right, exercise right were all terms used to say I would live longer.

• Sometimes I think I can “extend” my life.
• Sometimes I think I am in control of “my” life.
• Sometimes I think death is an arbitrary date that I have control over.

JESUS clearly knew who HE was speaking about when HE said this simple statement. HE knew when people would live and when they would die.

• GOD says to me “There is a day and time appointed for you.”
• GOD says to me “Death has no power over you when you love ME.”
• GOD says to me “Everlasting life is what I came to the world to give you.”

When JESUS rose, HE got up with great power. HE had overcome ALL sin. Belief in HIS power enables me to have everlasting life with HIM in HIS kingdom. HE holds my life in HIS hands.

• Are you trying to “extend” your life?
• Do you think you are in control of your life?
• Will you give your life to JESUS and let HIM guide you today?

Soul Matters

Mark 8: ³⁴ When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. ³⁵ For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. ³⁶ For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? ³⁷ Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? ³⁸ For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

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“What kind of job will I get?” was the only thing on my mind at the time. Seven jobs later I found myself with another question, “What is my purpose?”

• There were times when I thought life meant “How much money can I make?”
• There were times when I thought life was about the insurance carrier I could obtain.
• There were times when I thought life equated to houses, cars and gadgets.

“Now that’s living” were the words in my mind as I lusted after people with lavish lifestyles. BUT GOD broke things down differently.

• JESUS says to me “Take up your cross and follow me daily.”
• JESUS says to me “Your soul is more important to me than the lusts of this world.”
• JESUS says to me “Seek ME without being ashamed of me and I will remember you upon MY return.”

Telling a group that my life matters is noble, BUT GOD tells me “Souls Matter.” HE has a place made for me where the quality of life never diminishes. There is no anger, no guilt, and no shame. HE wants all souls which includes race, gender and other forms of discrimination. HE is excited when I follow HIM and wants others to do the same.

• Are you trying to gain more of the world?
• Do you feel bitter and rage when someone else gets ahead?
• Can you stop trying to become bigger in humans eyes and give your soul back to GOD who created you?

Top of Mind

Mark 8: ³¹ And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. ³² He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. ³³ But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

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Bored was probably the best word I could use to describe the Sunday school students. Their parents had dragged them there and the person I was co-teaching with sounded monotone. “We need to entertain the students!” I exclaimed. I wonder what kind of gimmicks we can use.

• There were times when I thought people needed to be tricked into believing.
• There were times when I thought people would get bored by teaching what’s in the Bible.
• There were times when I thought entertainment was the best approach.

Peter had just heard the greatest lesson of mankind. He got the inside track on JESUS about to show HIS GODHOOD by being raised from the dead. Unfortunately he rejected JESUS’ statement as if JESUS needed a pep talk to stay in the political game.

• GOD says to me “Keep your thoughts on MY ways.”
• GOD says to me “Pray without ceasing.”
• GOD says to me “Test the Spirit from where people are coming.”

Gimmicks and entertainment can be problematic if they become the end goal. Leading someone to CHRIST must include the HOLY SPIRIT guiding that person. I must have enough faith to allow GOD to give me the right words to tell to people HE sends me.

• Do you think you need gimmicks to trick people into believing in CHRIST?
• Are you trying to attract people by football games and dinners without telling them about CHRIST?
• Can you keep GOD top of mind when reaching out to people?

Revealed

Mark 8: ²⁷ Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?”

²⁸ So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”

²⁹ He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.”

³⁰ Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him.

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Walking down the hallway, I noticed a different gleam in a friend’s eye. He whistled loudly as he entered the work area as if to cheer up everyone around him.  I asked another friend what was going on. “He has been chosen to run the company, but don’t tell anyone.”

• There have been times I have been in the inner circle.
• There have been situations that I have had to hold information in secret.
• There have been circumstances in which I have had to remain silent until the right time.

JESUS, through the HOLY SPIRIT, revealed HIS deity to the disciples. They may not have fully understood what this meant at the time, but they had inside information that no others had. There were still many prophecies that HE needed to fulfill so HIS request for silence needed to be said.

• JESUS tells me “I AM GOD.”
• JESUS says to me “I AM the One you seek.”
• JESUS informs me by saying “I AM the way, the Truth and the Life.”

GOD wants a solid relationship with me that is full of faith towards HIM. HE wants to reveal HIS power to me and has an awesome plan for me that cannot be erased. Life is not about “me” rather it is about JESUS, who has revealed HIMSELF to me.

• Has JESUS revealed HIMSELF to you?
• Do you think HE is just another concept of belief or can you open your eyes to HIS deity?
• Will you stop trying to create your own god and seek the true and living GOD today?