SCRIPTURE
(Mark 9:47) "And if your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into hell."
OBSERVATION
Jesus is giving a discourse on hell and our choices that pave the pathway to this place of punishment and seperation from God. In verse 43 He says if your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. In verse 45 it says to cut off an offending foot. Here in verse 47 it says to gouge out your eye. I don't think Jesus is telling us to literally cripple ourselves, I think the intent is to chose to stop the offense. If you're lusting chose to stop, if you're going places you shouldn't, stop. Choice is the pavement on the pathway of life.
APPLICATION
Most people are looking for an easy solution for their habits and obsessions. God has given each of us a free will and a choice to honor Him in our thoughts, emotions, and actions, or to dishonor him through selfish gratification. If you are doing something that is not pleasing to God, stop it. Cut it out or off according to Mark.
PRAYER
God, give me eyes to see and ears to hear and a spirit in tune with yours. I chose the pathway to Heaven.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Power of an Oath
SCRIPTURE
26The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.
OBSERVATION
In this passage the daughter of Herodias danced before the king and she pleased all who were present. Much like the Ballet Magnificat group that ministered to us this past Sunday. Everyone was touched who were present. This dance pleased Herod so much that he told her to ask for anything you want and I will give it to you. Because Herodias nursed a grudge against John the Baptist (vs. 19)she instructed her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. It is here that I made two observations: 1. There is great evil power that grows within you when you hind a hurt and stuff your feelings. You begin to develop resentment, bitterness, hatred, anger and all sorts of flesh. Watch out if you are nursing a grudge. It is only a matter of time before it acts out. Like a pan of water left on the back burner of a stove with the fire burning, it eventually boils over. 2. There is also tremendous power in an oath. When you give someone your word, it is significant. The power of a contract is contained in the words that you speak. Be careful what you say.
APPLICATION
I commit myself to uprooting any hurt that is in side. All anger must be released on a daily basis so that the enemy will not get a foothold in my life. If I give him a foothold, it will soon become a stronghold.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to take the garbage out on a regular basis and guard our tongues.
26The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.
OBSERVATION
In this passage the daughter of Herodias danced before the king and she pleased all who were present. Much like the Ballet Magnificat group that ministered to us this past Sunday. Everyone was touched who were present. This dance pleased Herod so much that he told her to ask for anything you want and I will give it to you. Because Herodias nursed a grudge against John the Baptist (vs. 19)she instructed her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. It is here that I made two observations: 1. There is great evil power that grows within you when you hind a hurt and stuff your feelings. You begin to develop resentment, bitterness, hatred, anger and all sorts of flesh. Watch out if you are nursing a grudge. It is only a matter of time before it acts out. Like a pan of water left on the back burner of a stove with the fire burning, it eventually boils over. 2. There is also tremendous power in an oath. When you give someone your word, it is significant. The power of a contract is contained in the words that you speak. Be careful what you say.
APPLICATION
I commit myself to uprooting any hurt that is in side. All anger must be released on a daily basis so that the enemy will not get a foothold in my life. If I give him a foothold, it will soon become a stronghold.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to take the garbage out on a regular basis and guard our tongues.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Keeping Secrets by Cullen Cooper
SCRIPTURE
Mark 4:21-25 (New International Version)
21 He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a
bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand?
22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is
concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.
23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
24 "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure
you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.
25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he
has will be taken from him."
OBSERVATION
WOW! God expects a return on His investment. What good is it for Him to
bring “light” (gifts, grace, talents, revelation, prosperity and so
on) in our darkness if we hide it in a secret place and in keep it for
ourselves! What good is that? That’s like that fine china and silver
setting you may have set away that you never use and many times never
even seen. It seems funny that when it comes to hearing some good old
fashion gossip, we have no trouble letting it spew out of our mouths,
but we seem to have trouble as a witness for Christ. God seems to
be telling us to be “Spiritual or a Holy Gossiper’s “, you know
disciples…
God’s telling us in vs. 23 that it’s not enough just to hear, but
heed to His word. Listen to me and be careful not to listen to the
world. Listen real good, pay close attention. Scripture tell us that
God’s will not give us more than we can handle, that means if we
can’t handle a little, He won’t give us a lot for the good or
bad. Generosity breeds’ generosity and stinginess breeds’ poverty!
APPLICATION
It’s time for me to become a better communicator and a real ( Loud)
voice of the gospel. To know what I’m talking about and talk about
what I know. Giving God the freedom to give me freedom by choosing to
become the disciple (communicator) I have been called to be, by
fulfilling the horizontal relation part of the cross.
PRAYER
Lord… forgive me for my backwards way of living. Replace this spirit of
selfishness with your spirit of generosity in my heart. Release me with
your courage and grace to be the grace-filled disciple You have called
me to be, and give me more as I release more. Thank You for Your grace
and my hope is in You in all things.
Mark 4:21-25 (New International Version)
21 He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a
bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand?
22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is
concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.
23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
24 "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure
you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.
25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he
has will be taken from him."
OBSERVATION
WOW! God expects a return on His investment. What good is it for Him to
bring “light” (gifts, grace, talents, revelation, prosperity and so
on) in our darkness if we hide it in a secret place and in keep it for
ourselves! What good is that? That’s like that fine china and silver
setting you may have set away that you never use and many times never
even seen. It seems funny that when it comes to hearing some good old
fashion gossip, we have no trouble letting it spew out of our mouths,
but we seem to have trouble as a witness for Christ. God seems to
be telling us to be “Spiritual or a Holy Gossiper’s “, you know
disciples…
God’s telling us in vs. 23 that it’s not enough just to hear, but
heed to His word. Listen to me and be careful not to listen to the
world. Listen real good, pay close attention. Scripture tell us that
God’s will not give us more than we can handle, that means if we
can’t handle a little, He won’t give us a lot for the good or
bad. Generosity breeds’ generosity and stinginess breeds’ poverty!
APPLICATION
It’s time for me to become a better communicator and a real ( Loud)
voice of the gospel. To know what I’m talking about and talk about
what I know. Giving God the freedom to give me freedom by choosing to
become the disciple (communicator) I have been called to be, by
fulfilling the horizontal relation part of the cross.
PRAYER
Lord… forgive me for my backwards way of living. Replace this spirit of
selfishness with your spirit of generosity in my heart. Release me with
your courage and grace to be the grace-filled disciple You have called
me to be, and give me more as I release more. Thank You for Your grace
and my hope is in You in all things.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Dealing with Pressure
SCRIPTURE
Mark 3:1 ¶ He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered.
Mark 3:2 They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him.
Mark 3:3 He *said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!”
Mark 3:4 And He *said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?” But they kept silent.
Mark 3:5 After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He *said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
OBSERVATION
It’s fair to say that Jesus was under the magnifying glass of the religious leader’s of the day. They were ‘watching’ Him! The N.T. Greek word indicates more than observing something or merely looking at someone. It reveals the inspection or investigation of someone with the motive of doing something insidious or unscrupulous. How would you like that pressure? How would you feel if people were looking at you and the purpose was to belittle or pick you apart? What about a boss who is looking for a reason to fire you? The religious people found plenty of things in Jesus that didn’t live up to their idea of godliness and proper leadership. I have discovered that what you look for will usually be found and the motive will reveal the purity of your pursuit. This was surely true of these people.
Jesus, however, did not allow their twisted view of leadership and life to thwart His decision to follow the Fathers lead. He healed on the Sabbath day, knowing this would be like wood the religious leaders could use to fuel a fire. They should have repented for their misguided understanding of the Sabbath day principle but they used this as an opportunity to accuse Him. Verse 5 tells us that Jesus, with anger and deep distress about their stubborn hearts, told the man to stretch out your hand. When he obeyed, the hand was restored and made whole like the other one. Our anger is often self serving but this was a righteous anger. JESUS is my hero!
APPLICATION
I refuse to allow any opinion that emanates within man to override the opinion of God.
I will continue to do what God has shown me to do rather than yield to the pressures of public opinion. I am reminded of Romans 12 when Paul reminds us that we will face pressures from the world and these pressures will seek to shape us into the worlds image. He says this: Rom. 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. NIV. We must ever forget that we are created in God’s image and must resist any plan, people or pressure that seeks to alter God’s original intent.
PRAYER
O Lord, give me the courage to stand in the midst of opposition and fulfill the assignment given to me by you.
Mark 3:1 ¶ He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered.
Mark 3:2 They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him.
Mark 3:3 He *said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!”
Mark 3:4 And He *said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?” But they kept silent.
Mark 3:5 After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He *said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
OBSERVATION
It’s fair to say that Jesus was under the magnifying glass of the religious leader’s of the day. They were ‘watching’ Him! The N.T. Greek word indicates more than observing something or merely looking at someone. It reveals the inspection or investigation of someone with the motive of doing something insidious or unscrupulous. How would you like that pressure? How would you feel if people were looking at you and the purpose was to belittle or pick you apart? What about a boss who is looking for a reason to fire you? The religious people found plenty of things in Jesus that didn’t live up to their idea of godliness and proper leadership. I have discovered that what you look for will usually be found and the motive will reveal the purity of your pursuit. This was surely true of these people.
Jesus, however, did not allow their twisted view of leadership and life to thwart His decision to follow the Fathers lead. He healed on the Sabbath day, knowing this would be like wood the religious leaders could use to fuel a fire. They should have repented for their misguided understanding of the Sabbath day principle but they used this as an opportunity to accuse Him. Verse 5 tells us that Jesus, with anger and deep distress about their stubborn hearts, told the man to stretch out your hand. When he obeyed, the hand was restored and made whole like the other one. Our anger is often self serving but this was a righteous anger. JESUS is my hero!
APPLICATION
I refuse to allow any opinion that emanates within man to override the opinion of God.
I will continue to do what God has shown me to do rather than yield to the pressures of public opinion. I am reminded of Romans 12 when Paul reminds us that we will face pressures from the world and these pressures will seek to shape us into the worlds image. He says this: Rom. 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. NIV. We must ever forget that we are created in God’s image and must resist any plan, people or pressure that seeks to alter God’s original intent.
PRAYER
O Lord, give me the courage to stand in the midst of opposition and fulfill the assignment given to me by you.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Eyes of Faith
SCRIPTURE
Mark 2:1 ¶ When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home.
Mark 2:2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them.
Mark 2:3 And they *came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men.
Mark 2:4 Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying.
Mark 2:5 And Jesus seeing their faith *said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
OBSERVATION
As I read this text today, I realized when we encounter pain, turmoil, difficulty, suffering or some type of struggle we reach out for help. Maybe we go to the doctor or consult a book. Today many look for answers and direction on the Internet. The friends of this man went to Jesus. I had to ask myself: Do I go to Jesus as a last resort or do I make Him my first priority. Is He the one I run to when I am in need of help?
I also noticed they were hindered because of the crowd and couldn’t easily reach Jesus.
Do you remember Zaccheus who couldn’t see Jesus because of the press of the crowd? (Luke 19:3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.)
Zaccheus didn’t let that stop him, however. He climbed a tree so he could get a new perspective. These men would not be hindered either. They did what they had to do. By doing what they did, Jesus in vs. 5 sees their faith. I observed that true faith can bee seen!
APPLICATION
I make a decision to seek Jesus today and if I can’t see him immediately, I will not give up. Seeking means I will have to put some effort into my desire. You don’t work FOR your salvation but you must work OUT your salvation. (Phil 2:12)
PRAYER
Oh Lord please fulfill the word that says if you ask you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened. If I persistently seek you, I believe I will find you. Thank you Jesus for revealing your self to us and helping us in out difficulty.
Mark 2:1 ¶ When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home.
Mark 2:2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them.
Mark 2:3 And they *came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men.
Mark 2:4 Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying.
Mark 2:5 And Jesus seeing their faith *said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
OBSERVATION
As I read this text today, I realized when we encounter pain, turmoil, difficulty, suffering or some type of struggle we reach out for help. Maybe we go to the doctor or consult a book. Today many look for answers and direction on the Internet. The friends of this man went to Jesus. I had to ask myself: Do I go to Jesus as a last resort or do I make Him my first priority. Is He the one I run to when I am in need of help?
I also noticed they were hindered because of the crowd and couldn’t easily reach Jesus.
Do you remember Zaccheus who couldn’t see Jesus because of the press of the crowd? (Luke 19:3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.)
Zaccheus didn’t let that stop him, however. He climbed a tree so he could get a new perspective. These men would not be hindered either. They did what they had to do. By doing what they did, Jesus in vs. 5 sees their faith. I observed that true faith can bee seen!
APPLICATION
I make a decision to seek Jesus today and if I can’t see him immediately, I will not give up. Seeking means I will have to put some effort into my desire. You don’t work FOR your salvation but you must work OUT your salvation. (Phil 2:12)
PRAYER
Oh Lord please fulfill the word that says if you ask you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened. If I persistently seek you, I believe I will find you. Thank you Jesus for revealing your self to us and helping us in out difficulty.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
shake it off
SCRIPTURE
1Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live." 5But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
OBSERVATION
Paul went through all types of trials and tribulations during the time he was preaching the gospel. I think sometimes we think that being a christian and used by God is going to be easy and everything should go smooth. I believe that the enemy was trying to stop Paul from going to Rome and he tried everything he could to detour him. Some people look down on you when you are having hard times and think that God is punishing you. "Shake it off!" I know that Satan has been trying to stop some of us from doing God's will and he will try every tactic and scheme to disappoint you or discourage you from accomplishing your mission today. Do not let it happen! Shake It off.
APPLICATION
I often times I get plagued with hardship and disappointment and have the wrong attitude. Satan wants us to feel sorry for ourselves and give up. This is the time that we need to develop perseverance and long suffering. I recently had to shake off a bad attitude and discouragement. What is it that God is asking you to shake off today?
PRAYER
Lord, I pray that you will help us to be strong. Do not allow us to sink in the mud or have our faith falter. Send your Holy Spirit to help us and encourage us to press on. We pray that we will make it through all the trials and tribulations that the world has to offer and trust you.
1Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live." 5But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
OBSERVATION
Paul went through all types of trials and tribulations during the time he was preaching the gospel. I think sometimes we think that being a christian and used by God is going to be easy and everything should go smooth. I believe that the enemy was trying to stop Paul from going to Rome and he tried everything he could to detour him. Some people look down on you when you are having hard times and think that God is punishing you. "Shake it off!" I know that Satan has been trying to stop some of us from doing God's will and he will try every tactic and scheme to disappoint you or discourage you from accomplishing your mission today. Do not let it happen! Shake It off.
APPLICATION
I often times I get plagued with hardship and disappointment and have the wrong attitude. Satan wants us to feel sorry for ourselves and give up. This is the time that we need to develop perseverance and long suffering. I recently had to shake off a bad attitude and discouragement. What is it that God is asking you to shake off today?
PRAYER
Lord, I pray that you will help us to be strong. Do not allow us to sink in the mud or have our faith falter. Send your Holy Spirit to help us and encourage us to press on. We pray that we will make it through all the trials and tribulations that the world has to offer and trust you.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The WAY
SCRIPTURE Acts 24:10-15
10When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 14However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
OBSERVATION
Paul was being accused of stirring up trouble and gathering crowds in the synagogues. This was not true but the charges were real. Even though Paul tried to spread the gospel in a non threatening way, the pharisees and high priest still were intimidated and upset that Paul was in their town. Sometimes when we are sent to speak to someone or minister to a certain area we are not going to have open arms or a red carpet. As Christians we sometimes think that everyone is going to accept our beliefs and treat us like royalty. This was not the case for Paul. They put him in jail and falsely accused him. One thing was sure, Paul knew that he was on the right path and he was following the Way. Paul was leading people to Christ and there was going to be no obstacle that would block the Way. We are serving Christ today because Paul had perseverance and did not give up.
APPLICATION
We are following the Way. The way to the Kingdom is through Jesus. John 14: 7 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus let his disciples know that if they wanted to go to the father they would have to go through him. Paul let others know and preached this gospel to everyone he came into contact. Paul did not hide the truth. He did not teach that you can get to the father through any means or anyone. Today's message that is being preached through talk show host and new age teachers is that there are several ways you can get to heaven. This is false and needs to be confronted by the church. We need to speak up and let people know that Jesus is the Way the truth and the life.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to be bold like Paul and tell people the good news. Lord you have made the way for us to come into your presence today. It is not through meditation or chanting prayers but it is through seeking after you that we can have access to the Kingdom of God. Thank you for going to the cross so we could go to the father. It is only through the remission of sin that we can stand pure and holy in the presence of God.
10When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 14However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
OBSERVATION
Paul was being accused of stirring up trouble and gathering crowds in the synagogues. This was not true but the charges were real. Even though Paul tried to spread the gospel in a non threatening way, the pharisees and high priest still were intimidated and upset that Paul was in their town. Sometimes when we are sent to speak to someone or minister to a certain area we are not going to have open arms or a red carpet. As Christians we sometimes think that everyone is going to accept our beliefs and treat us like royalty. This was not the case for Paul. They put him in jail and falsely accused him. One thing was sure, Paul knew that he was on the right path and he was following the Way. Paul was leading people to Christ and there was going to be no obstacle that would block the Way. We are serving Christ today because Paul had perseverance and did not give up.
APPLICATION
We are following the Way. The way to the Kingdom is through Jesus. John 14: 7 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus let his disciples know that if they wanted to go to the father they would have to go through him. Paul let others know and preached this gospel to everyone he came into contact. Paul did not hide the truth. He did not teach that you can get to the father through any means or anyone. Today's message that is being preached through talk show host and new age teachers is that there are several ways you can get to heaven. This is false and needs to be confronted by the church. We need to speak up and let people know that Jesus is the Way the truth and the life.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to be bold like Paul and tell people the good news. Lord you have made the way for us to come into your presence today. It is not through meditation or chanting prayers but it is through seeking after you that we can have access to the Kingdom of God. Thank you for going to the cross so we could go to the father. It is only through the remission of sin that we can stand pure and holy in the presence of God.
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