Expect It

Mark 13: ³ Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, ⁴ “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”

⁵ And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. ⁶ For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. ⁷ But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.⁸ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.

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 “This is going to sting a bit” said the doctor as he gave me a shot. I braced for the worst and while it was bad, I expected it.

• Sometimes bad news comes in droves.
• Sometimes I get bad news then some more bad news then some more.
• Sometimes it seems like there is nothing but bad news all around.

Two thousand years ago JESUS speaks about these days. HE does not paint a very good picture for mankind. It seems like all of humanity are doomed by the way this reads. BUT GOD said something that caught my eye.

• GOD says to me “Do not be troubled when problems seem to pile up.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be troubled when it seems like the trial keeps going on and on.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be troubled when issues develop.”

The reason JESUS can say “do not be troubled” is because HE already saw the outcome and it was victorious. HE, like the doctor, says to me “This may sting a bit” in order to warn me. BUT GOD sees beyond the surgery, unlike the surgeon. HE sees HIS victory in my life and says to me “hang in.” By expecting trouble, I can also expect HIS protection and HIS guaranteed love for me.

• Are you frightened by the trouble you are in?
• Do you feel a lot of pressure?
• Can you stop for a moment and expect the trouble and also expect GOD’s victory?

Tumbling Down

Mark 13: Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!”

² And Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

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Proud of my accomplishment I reminisced over how hard I worked to build the department to where it was. When I returned I asked if they were still doing things the way I had set them up. “No” was the answer. A new person had come in and changed everything.

• There were times when I was proud of my accomplishments.
• There were times when I felt what I built should have lasted forever.
• There were times when I tried to build a miniature kingdom.

Marveling at human accomplishments, the disciples pointed out how wondrous the temple was. JESUS replied with a harsh statement. “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

• JESUS says to me “No matter what you build on earth, it will be torn down.”
• JESUS says to me “MY kingdom will never be torn down.”
• JESUS says to me “Build MY kingdom and you will store up treasure in heaven.”

Building something is not the problem. JESUS wants my mind focused on heaven as well when I build something on earth. My tendency is to stop only at earth and get pats on the back from humans. GOD wants me to ask HIM if HE I pleased with my plans and accomplishments. HE wants to be asked first and included all the way.

• Are you trying to accomplish something?
• Do you have something large in mind but do not know how to accomplish it?
• Can you stop trying to be in the spotlight and ask GOD how does HE want things to go?

Check Marked

Mark 12: ⁴¹ Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. ⁴² Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. ⁴³ So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; ⁴⁴ for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

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When I stopped by the meeting, I saw faces I did not recognize. I said what I was supposed to say and left. I could not find my schedule so I called my administrative assistant. She told me what my next meeting was. “Who are these people?” I asked.

• There have been times when I went through the motions.
• There have been times when I did what I was supposed to do then left.
• There have been times when I got something over with, then check marked it done.

JESUS took an opportunity to watch “how” people were giving which many mistake for “what” was given. When HE called HIS disciples over, HE wanted to explain the difference between going through the motions versus true passion. HE says the same to me.

• GOD wants me to be passionate about what I am doing.
• GOD wants me to give my all to HIM on a daily basis.
• GOD wants me to live my life with abundance instead of complaining that I don’t have enough.

For some reason I used to picture this poor widow as being hunched over and old, wearing the darkest clothing and some sort of hood covering her worn face. I pictured her slipping the money shamefully into the till.

BUT GOD says something different. She may have had a smile on her face that brightened up the room because of her excitement that she could give again! When I am stuck on money I see this story being about money. GOD wants me to have passion for prayer, serving others and being able to sing again. HE wants my all!

• Are you going through the motions with GOD?
• Do you look at “going to church” as just something you do weekly?
• Can you stop checking off GOD and live a life with passion and abundance with HIM?

Servant Leadership

Mark 12: ³⁸ Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces,³⁹ the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, ⁴⁰ who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

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“Keep this confidential” they said as they handed me tickets to the island. All expenses were paid as a perk for doing such a good job leading a large team. “I could get used to this” I thought to myself.

• There have been times when I had the best.
• There have been times when my title made me feel like something special.
• There have been times when wanting first class upgrades seemed innocent.

Long robes, long titles and long prayers were not the problems JESUS was pointing out. HE was addressing a deeper problem, namely desire. The church leaders JESUS was talking to desired to be called by a title and have a wonderful office in the building they were trying to protect. This was theirs and annual celebrations would be bigger than any celebration of GOD.

• JESUS says to me “I want you to feed MY lambs.”
• JESUS says to me “I want you to tend MY sheep.”
• JESUS says to me “I want you to feed MY sheep.”

GOD’s concern is for everyone and HE needs some to serve others. The greater responsibility is to serve, not to be served. Not everyone is called to serve, but for those HE calls HE wants them to serve as HE served. GOD wants me to be a servant leader.

• Are you mad at GOD when the rich and powerful seem to get their way?
• Do you want your way to be in a “better” place?
• Can you ask GOD how HE wants you to serve others today?

Hard Concept

Mark 12: ³⁵ Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? ³⁶ For David himself said by the Holy Spirit:

‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’

³⁷ Therefore David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?”

And the common people heard Him gladly.

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“How was GOD always there?” is one of the many questions I thought about as I pondered HIS existence. “Don’t ask those kinds of questions” were the directions of those who were trying to keep me from asking my brazen words. But I wanted to know.

• There have been times when I wrestled with the concepts that were taught to me.
• There have been times when I wanted to find the truth instead of being led by blind guides.
• There have been times when I wanted to understand GOD but was met with superficial answers.

JESUS throws out a concept that the church leaders had not taught. “How is the messiah a decedent of David when David calls the messiah LORD?” Once again JESUS was speaking about HIMSELF and knew they were blind. HE does not want me to be blind.

• JESUS says to me “Come unto ME all ye that labor and I will give you rest.”
• JESUS says to me “Take MY yoke upon you and learn of ME for I AM meek and lowly at heart.”
• JESUS says to me “And you shall find rest unto your soul for MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light.”

Learn of ME is what JESUS wants me to do. HE doesn’t want me to sit back and let a blind person guide me to dark places. GOD wants to show me so much more, but when I do not seek HIM I cannot find HIS grace and peace.

JESUS talks about the battle being HIS in the example HE gave. The HOLY SPIRIT guided David to victory as David sat and watched. HE will do the same for me.

• Are you wrestling with hard concepts of GOD in order to know HIM or to push HIM out of your life?
• Do you want to truly know the power of the living GOD?
• Will you earnestly seek HIS direction for your life without piling on your constraints of HIM today?

Three Step Plan

Mark 12:²⁸ Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?”

²⁹ Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰ And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. ³¹ And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

³² So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. ³³ And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

³⁴ Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

But after that no one dared question Him.

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One day I woke up with a lot on my mind. As I adjusted the scattered thoughts into one cohesive list, I felt a slight bit of relief but the day would indeed be busy.

• Sometimes I get really busy.
• Sometimes I have so many thoughts running through my head that I can’t get them all nailed down.
• Sometimes I am so busy that every thought is dedicated to what I am working on.

“What is our purpose?” the church leader may as well have asked. This one church leader was truly seeking GOD and not trying to protect his status or his building. JESUS gave him a great answer that I can apply to my life.

• JESUS says to me “Believe that the HEAVENLY FATHER, JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT are one GOD.”
• JESUS says to me “Love GOD with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your soul and with all your strength.”
• JESUS says to me “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

GOD’s purpose for me is very simple, but sometimes I complicate it with the busy times of the day. I focus on the world and not on HIM or my neighbor. JESUS gives me an easy plan to follow; all I need to do is yield to HIS plan daily.

• Are you confused at what GOD wants from you?
• Do you think GOD wants you to do something extremely complex and elaborate?
• Will you yield to HIS three step plan and believe in HIM, love HIM and love your neighbor today?

Correct Description

Mark 12: ¹⁸ Then some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him; and they asked Him, saying: ¹⁹ “Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man’s brother dies, and leaves his wife behind, and leaves no children, his brother should take his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. ²⁰ Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife; and dying, he left no offspring. ²¹ And the second took her, and he died; nor did he leave any offspring. And the third likewise. ²² So the seven had her and left no offspring. Last of all the woman died also. ²³ Therefore, in the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be? For all seven had her as wife.”

²⁴ Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God? ²⁵ For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. ²⁶ But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? ²⁷ He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.”

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“It was two guys. One had on a green skull cap” was the best description I could give the police as I witnessed something being tossed from a window during a high speed chase down an alley. My description was not only useless but it was potentially wrong as I was not sure.

• Sometimes I describe things by the way I see them.
• Sometimes the way I see things are through eyes that are covered with doubt and fear.
• Sometimes I can see things the way I want to see things.

Trying to prove there is no resurrection to GOD was as useless as my description of the assailants. Unfortunately that’s what the bible readers were trying to do. The Sadducees were extremely knowledgeable of the bible, yet they did not believe in the resurrection. Therefore their description of GOD and HIS power was in question.

• GOD wants me to know HIS power is infinite.
• GOD wants me to know HE is not the GOD of the dead, but the GOD of the living.
• GOD wants me to know HE is the great I AM.

Dead for years and years, GOD says this “I AM the GOD of Abraham, the GOD of Isaac, and the GOD of Jacob’ which means HE still is. “Before Abraham was, I AM” is what JESUS said at one point, which was to say I AM the GOD you speak of.

JESUS sees when I try to test HIS power by trying to make HIM do my bidding. HE will never bow to me or yield to my tantrum. HE is the great I AM and deserves to be treated as GOD.

• Are you trying to twist scripture to make it fit your comfort?
• Do you think GOD is doing things the wrong way?
• Can you allow GOD to be the great I AM in your life, showing HIS mighty power?

Money Choice

Mark 12: ¹³ Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. ¹⁴ When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? ¹⁵ Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?”

But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.” ¹⁶ So they brought it.

And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.”

¹⁷ And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

And they marveled at Him.

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Having a little “disposable” money on my hands made me feel a bit experimental. I did a test with an amount that I felt was “small” at the time. I plunged into day trading along with others around me. Not knowing what stocks were good, I asked around and chose a penny stock. When the stock fell, I watched my experiment turn into zero.

• There have been times when I stared at “my” bank account.
• There have been times when I paid close attention to “my” investments.
• There have been times when I looked for other opportunities to diversify “my” portfolio.

The greedy church leaders wanted more money to support their lifestyle. They were accustomed to a certain lifestyle that JESUS was tearing apart.

They did not look for opportunities to give to the poor; rather increase their robes in their closet and possibly expand the building. JESUS saw right through their plot as they tried to approach HIM on the legal technicalities of giving and called them hypocrites.

• JESUS says to me “When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others.”
• JESUS says to me “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.”
• JESUS says to me “When you give to the needy, your FATHER, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Name the needy person you have served with your tithes and offerings. “Put a face to the person who has benefited from your sacrificial giving” is what the LORD says to me. “Give GOD the things that are GOD’s” such as compassion for those in need.

• Are you giving without knowing who you are giving to?
• What specific people are you helping right now?
• Can you start placing a name on those whom GOD wants you to show compassion?

Hostile Takeover

Mark 12: Then He began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a place for the wine vat and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. ² Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that he might receive some of the fruit of the vineyard from the vinedressers. ³ And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. ⁴ Again he sent them another servant, and at him they threw stones, wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated. ⁵ And again he sent another, and him they killed; and many others, beating some and killing some. ⁶ Therefore still having one son, his beloved, he also sent him to them last, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ ⁷ But those vinedressers said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ ⁸ So they took him and killed him and cast him out of the vineyard.

⁹ “Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others. ¹⁰ Have you not even read this Scripture:

‘The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.

¹¹ This was the Lord’s doing,
And it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

¹² And they sought to lay hands on Him, but feared the multitude, for they knew He had spoken the parable against them. So they left Him and went away.

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Seeing a crowded bus, I noticed a group of people who hung around the back door waiting for people to exit so they could slip on. A free ride was the goal. Wow! I thought to myself. I shimmied onto the bus and it worked. I tried it on the next bus and the driver stopped the bus and made me come to the front and pay. That cured my bus hopping in a single trip.

• There were times when I tried to force my way in.
• There were timed when I tried to sneak my way in.
• Three were times when I tried to get in places I did not belong.

The church leaders thought they had exclusive rights to heaven. They lorded their positions to the point of hating JESUS for exposing their sinfulness. This parable solidified their hatred as JESUS said they would kill HIM.

• JESUS wants me to confess my sins or HE will one day point them out.
• JESUS wants me to tell people my sins so the sin will lose its power over me.
• JESUS wants me to focus on HIS love instead of hating HIS methods.

GOD’s love requires that I believe in HIS SON. I can become a church leader and still rot in a place of eternal separation fro GOD if I do not truly believe in HIS SON. JESUS is the focus of the parable. HE was sent for my salvation.

• Are you trying to force your way into heaven?
• Do you think you goodness deserves a heavenly seat?
• Can you stop thinking you are good enough for heaven because of your title and start believing in JESUS?

Catch Statements

Mark 11: ²⁷ Then they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to Him. ²⁸ And they said to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?”

²⁹ But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: ³⁰ The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.”

³¹ And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ ³² But if we say, ‘From men’”—they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed. ³³ So they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.”

And Jesus answered and said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

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Collecting as much information as I could, I was on a quest. I asked several people and they gave me their version of the story. “Guilty” was my verdict, but I knew he was guilty all along. When I approached him I had my questions already prepared. I was going to catch him in a lie.

• There were times when I went out to interrogate.
• There were times when I demanded a confession.
• There were times when I wanted “that” person to say exactly what I wanted to hear.

The church leaders had their questions already prepared. They felt they were in charge and demanded an answer to their pointed question on authority. JESUS, being GOD, could easily see through their plot. HE asked them about something “they” were guilty about. They had no answer.

• JESUS wants me to stay away from twisting the truth.
• JESUS wants me to recognize when I am trying so hard to get my way that I would interrogate my opponents.
• JESUS wants me to grow up enough to seek grace instead of guilt.

When I choose to “get down to the bottom of this” I place myself in authority. This self-appointed search for “my” truth can lead to questions that pup people in catch 22 positions. In other words no matter what they say they would be wrong. BUT GOD wants me to set people up for success. No matter what they did, they are forgiven through JESUS. GOD wants me to seek grace.

• Are you looking for someone to be guilty?
• Do you like feeling you are in charge?
• Will you stop trying to be the one who catches people and see grace for them?

Them Too

Mark 11: ²⁵ “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. ²⁶ But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

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One guy pushed all my papers off of my desk. Another punched me in the chest so hard, I saw stars. One lady wanted to put a stupid label on myself so she would be more popular. This other person said “I’m going to wipe that smile off of your face” while I worked for him.

• There have been many people who have done some mean things to me.
• There have been some people who have low down things to me.
• There have been people who have slandered me, hit me, and hurt me physically and emotionally.

Asking GOD for whatever I wanted comes with a price. I can literally tell a mountain to move and ask GOD to do it and it will be done but first I must do something. I must forgive.

• JESUS says to me “I want you to pray to ME and ask me anything.”
• JESUS says to me “During your prayer, I want you to forgive those who hurt you.”
• JESUS says to me “When you practice forgiveness, your HEAVENLY FATHER will do the same for you.”

You mean I have to forgive “them too?” Yes! Asking JESUS to get me out of a jam gets nullified when I harbor hatred in my heart. Even bullies who call themselves CHRIST followers who seem to get their way at every turn will have to answer to GOD one day. GOD does not want me to be one of those bullies.

GOD wants me to be the person who is strong enough to recognize maleficent actions towards me and take the time to forgive them. It may take hours or days or sometimes years for me to truly get the poison out of my heart, BUT GOD can replace the poison with love. GOD wants me to forgive “them too.”

• Do you have hatred in your heart?
• Has someone hurt you on purpose and it is difficult to forgive them?
• Can you stop giving that person power over you and forgive them just as GOD has forgiven you?

Doubt Repellent

Mark 11: ²⁰ Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. ²¹ And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.”

²² So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. ²³ For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.²⁴ Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

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“I’m going to make it” I thought to myself. Immediately after thinking this marvelous thought another thought crossed my mind. “But what if you don’t make it? You may get hurt.” I tried anyway. I threw one leg over the fence, as I saw everyone else do, but hesitated with the other. My pant leg got caught in the link fence, slamming my face into the links.

• Sometimes I doubt.
• Sometimes I fear.
• Sometimes I hold back because there is a part of me that just does not believe.

JESUS pointed out special power that is available to everyone. HE had to get Peter to see that it wasn’t about the fig tree at all. But what am I supposed to do?

• JESUS says to me “Ask me for anything when you pray to MY.”
• JESUS says to me “Believe that you will receive them and you will have them.”
• JESUS says to me “Nothing is possible with humans, but with GOD all things are possible.”

By placing every request at JESUS’s feet enables HIM to be LORD of my life. HE has the right to say “No” to my request, yet I should believe that HE can grant the request if HE desired to. This, however, sometimes creates a conflict. “Am I praying for the right things?”

JESUS wants me to cut it out and move forward. Pray, believe and receive. That is my only concern.

• Are you dreaming of something but have doubts?
• Do you think you want something large but feel so small that you think you dream cannot be reached?
• Will you place your doubt in JESUS hands along with your dream and ask to be filled with faith?

Gimmicks

Mark 11: ¹⁵ So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. ¹⁶ And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. ¹⁷ Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”

¹⁸ And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching. ¹⁹ When evening had come, He went out of the city.

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“Should we throw a pizza party?” was my contribution to the suggestions to solve the dwindling church attendance problem. I mean everyone likes pizza. Who wouldn’t come for that?

• There have been times when I tried to bait people into church.
• There have been times when I tried to fool people into church.
• There have been times when I tried to use gimmicks to get people to listen to the word of GOD.

Church had become a place of business rather than a place of worship when JESUS walked into the temple. More activity was centered on what was sold rather than “who” it was sold for. Exploitation and corruption had entered the church because there was serious money to be made.

• GOD said to me “Gather with people to pray to ME.”
• GOD said to me “Gather together so you can pray for one another.”
• GOD said to me “Gather with people so you can bear one another’s burdens and experience joy with one another.”

JESUS is enough and HIS message of salvation is true. Entertaining bored, skeptical people will almost never be quenched. GOD wants me to find those who need HIS SON and tell them about HIM. That is all. HE is not impressed by gimmicks to raise money that only go back into the pockets of those raising the money.

Pure worship is what GOD is looking for and GOD will bless those who allow HIM to deliver droves of people. HE can and will guide people to me, all I need to do is believe.

• Are you trying to trick people to come to church?
• When they get to your church will they hear a message of HIS love or another gimmick?
• Can you stop trying to trick people into believing in JESUS and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to move them in HIS own time and way?

Expectations

Mark 11: ¹² Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. ¹³ And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. ¹⁴ In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.”

And His disciples heard it.

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After the orientation I had to sign a form. Looking back I signed it without reading what was on it. “You must be able to lift stuff and do stuff” is all I remember. Weeks later someone got fired for not performing their duties. There was a meeting before we punched out for the evening restating what we were supposed to be doing.

• Sometimes I am expected to do things.
• Sometimes I am entrusted with things to do.
• Sometimes I am given responsibilities that I need to carry out.

JESUS expected fruit but did not see it. HE cursed the tree and the disciples overheard the conversation between HIM and the tree. JESUS must have had an expectation.

• JESUS expects me to grow at some point.
• JESUS expects me to follow HIM since HE made me for HIS purpose.
• JESUS expects me to not just sit there and draw attention.

This passage is about expectations. Later JESUS will explain what it means, but for now JESUS’s actions were quite shocking. It wasn’t the season for figs so why was there an expectation figs would be there? JESUS could see that the tree from far off with leaves inviting HIM over. I am no botanist but the Maker of the tree expected it to have something and HIS expectations were not met.

• Are you maturing in CHRIST?
• Do you think just attending church is bearing fruit?
• Can you ask GOD to help you bear fruit today?

Following

Mark 11: ⁷ Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it. ⁸ And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹ Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

“Hosanna!

‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’

¹⁰ Blessed is the kingdom of our father David

That comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest!”

¹¹ And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.

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TV celebrities never really excited me. When a star, athlete or someone else famous was in the same room, I may have gotten an autograph but did not care. “The CEO is coming to your meeting” someone told me one day. My heart raced and I stayed awake planning for days. I guess I was affected by famous people.

• There were times when I followed certain humans.
• There were times when I wished humans would follow me.
• There were times when I recognized powerful people and raised them up on a pedestal.

By this time the fame of JESUS has spread throughout the region. HE healed people with ailments that had lingered for decades. HIS humble, servant approach was quite different from the church leaders. HE had people following HIM that did not even know exactly why they were following HIM.

• JESUS says to me “Follow ME and I will guide you to eternal peace.”
• JESUS says to me “Follow ME and I will lead you beside still waters and restore you.”
• JESUS says to me “Follow ME for I will be with you always.”

One main reason to follow JESUS versus following a human is HE never falls and never fails. Humans will disappoint me constantly. I will disappoint someone in the next five minutes. BUT GOD never fails. HE is the highest and no one is greater! I follow JESUS because HE provides something no other can provide… hope.

• Are you trying to get people to follow you?
• Are you following a lot of people?
• Can you start follow JESUS by looking at HIS examples today?

All Planned Out

Mark 11: Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples; ² and He said to them, “Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it. ³ And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it,’ and immediately he will send it here.”

⁴ So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it. ⁵ But some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the colt?”

⁶ And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go.

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“Surprise” was the word that filled the room as I stepped in. My family must have been planning for months. I did not see any cars in front of my house that I recognized. The plan must have been elaborate.

• There were times when other people have planned some great surprises for me.
• There were times when other people put wonderful plans in place for me.
• There were times when I was pleasantly surprised by what someone else had done for me.

Elaborate is an understatement when describing the plan JESUS was fulfilling. This plan had so many details that could have gone wrong, but didn’t. JESUS sent the disciples to an unknown place to get something that did not belong to them from people they had never met. But the plan worked!

• JESUS has a marvelous plan for me.
• JESUS has a plan that is ultra-elaborate for me.
• JESUS has a plan of love that HE is so excited about and HE made it just for me.

GOD did not come into the world to condemn the world, but through HIM it might be saved. HIS plan is definitely a plan of love and HE has it all planned out just for me.

• Do you think GOD has forgotten you?
• Do you feel left alone?
• Can you ask GOD to open your eyes to the marvelous plan HE has for you?

Keep Calling

Mark 10: ⁴⁶ Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. ⁴⁷ And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

⁴⁸ Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

⁴⁹ So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called.

Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.”

⁵⁰ And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus.

⁵¹ So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.”

⁵² Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.”And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.

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“Why don’t you just give up” one professor told me. I had a failing grade point average and a lot of classes ahead of me. With no guidance, I felt defeated.

• Sometimes I feel like giving up.
• Sometimes it looks as if problems will never stop.
• Sometimes it seems like there is no solution and on top of problems, people try to kick me when I am down.

With no regard of Bartimaeus’s blindness, the crowd tried to silence him as he cried out to JESUS. Bartimaeus knew this was possibly his only chance. How often would JESUS travel to Jericho? How often would JESUS be within ear shot of Bartimaeus? He probably screamed until he was horse and JESUS heard him.

• JESUS wants me to pursue HIM with conviction.
• JESUS desires that I scream for HIM when things look bleak.
• JESUS hears me when I keep calling to HIM in spite of my thinking.

“Do not be discouraged” is not a conviction from GOD; rather it is HIS cry out to me to tell me HE loves me. GOD wants to remove my spiritual blindness; all I have to do is cry out to HIM.

• Are you deserving of something?
• Are you mad at GOD about your situation?
• Can you call out to GOD today and ask HIM to remove your spiritual blindness?

Great Desires

Mark 10: ⁴¹ And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. ⁴² But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. ⁴³ Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. ⁴⁴ And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

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This time I had a plan. I would arrive a little early so I could position myself near the door. When the gym teacher would say “Go” I would burst out of the door and run to the fence. The first one to the fence would be the captain of the team and I wanted to be captain for a change. As I raced out the door the faster kids beat me profusely!

• There were times when I wanted to be on top.
• There were times when I wanted to be the one in charge.
• There were times when I wanted to be the person in the spotlight.

Competition and conflict spread through the disciples. Each one wanted to be great amongst men. JESUS saw what was going on so HE called them to teach them an important lesson about true greatness.

• JESUS says to me “If you want to be great you must desire to be a servant.”
• JESUS says to me “I did not come to be served, but to serve” so use this as you example.
• JESUS says to me “I came to ransom MY life for you and for many.”

Desire had to be put in check. JESUS wants me to desire to be great, but do it HIS way. HE came as a servant and wants me to be one too. HE knows the world would laugh at the things HE calls “great” like simply smiling at people or praying for those ahead of me in traffic.

“You call that great?” the world would say. GOD says “If you have served even a cup of water to these little ones you have served ME.” Yes, that is great! Now, back to the playground. I served as a person on the team as best I could and the team captain said, I want you on my team again. “Hmm, maybe there is something to serving after all.” I thought to myself.

• Do you desire to be great?
• Are you busy telling everyone how great you are?
• Can you redefine your definition of greatness as one who serve JESUS by serving others?

Drinking Age

Mark 10: ³⁵ Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”

³⁶ And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

³⁷ They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.”

³⁸ But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

³⁹ They said to Him, “We are able.”

So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; ⁴⁰ but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.”

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“This will require more work” the person said to me. “I can handle it” was my reply. At first things seemed rather easy, but after a while things got complicated. This was my first time managing a team and things were falling apart. I had to quickly “drink from the fire hose” of issue resolution techniques to get things back on track.

• Sometimes life comes at me too fast.
• Sometimes it feels like one problem compounds into twenty.
• Sometimes it seems like I am drowning because I have so many problems and not enough solutions.

“You will indeed drink the cup that I drink” was said to James and John, the sons of thunder. This was to say, “You will be pursued and persecuted.” Drinking in this instance was accepting the wrath of persecution summoned up by the enemy. James and John had to be strong.

• JESUS wants me to grow up enough to handle the persecution of these days.
• JESUS wants me to mature in HIM so I can face difficult situations and remain in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to graduate to another stage in life where I’m not just mouthing HIS words but living them.

Living in CHRIST means I need to expect the wheels to fall off of my plans at a moment’s notice. HE knows the adversary wants to rob me of joy so I must be prepared by asking JESUS for protection daily.

• Are you growing in CHRIST?
• Are you able to see persecution and ask GOD for strength to go through it?
• Can you ask GOD to open your eyes to how HE is maturing you to handle more of HIS responsibilities HE has for you?

Strange Timing

Mark 10: ³² Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: ³³ “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; ³⁴ and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”

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News of a reorganization spread rampantly throughout the company. Fear set in and not many people were working. I had not been through this before so I was ambivalent. One mentor approached me and said to me “I have been let go, I need you to take over the daily inspirational message.” “What!? You have been let go?” was the only thing I heard.

• Some messages have been given to me when I was shocked.
• Some messages have been delivered to me when I was not prepared.
• Some messages have been said to me when I was not mature enough to handle it.

Blah, blah, blah, Death, blah, blah was probably what the disciples heard. I mean they were stunned at the latest news that JESUS was not trying to become a worldly kind of king. They were afraid and all kinds of thoughts were running through their minds. They were probably thinking “What have I got myself into?” BUT JESUS had a purpose.

• JESUS wants me to know HIS death was because of my sin.
• JESUS wants me to know HIS resurrection took care of all my sins, even the ones I will commit five minutes from now.
• JESUS wants me to know HE now has all authority placed under HIM so I can mention HIS name with boldness.

When news about sickness, hurt, and sorrow come at the time when I at my lowest, I sometimes ask GOD, “What!” BUT GOD has a message of comfort HE is trying to get through to me. The disciple probably missed “And the third day HE will rise again” which is the good news!  HE wants me to hear the good when the news is difficult.

• Did you just get some difficult news?
• Did the tough news come when you already feeling low?
• Can you hear GOD’s message of deliverance even though it looks bleak right now?