The Daily Dose

One Team

For he who is not against us is on our side.  Mark 9:40

It’s summer time and baseball season if in full swing.  If you follow professional ball, you probably watch your favorite team a couple times each week.  You may have even gone to the field to watch in person once or twice.  Most games you watch or attend have the same elements.  There is a stadium where you sit and watch the game, venders that sell food and souvenirs, restrooms and aisles to get to your seat.  Mostly the only difference from city to city are the teams.  There is always an opposing team.  There is our team and the other team.

In today’s reading, Jesus is talking to the disciples about the difference between two different groups.  Those on our side and those on the other side.  Two different “teams”.  He explained to the disciples that if they are praying and doing good in His name, they are on our side.  Do not forbid them.  He continued saying no one who does miraculous things in His name will not speak evil of Him.

I believe this is a message we as the body of believer can get around today.  Just because other believers go to a different denomination or have doctrine that varies, if the pray in the name of Jesus, believe in His salvation to the world and serve others in His name, we are on the same team.  We do not need to distance or condemn other church people.  They are our part of the family of God and our brothers and sisters in the LORD. Jesus finished this conversation with: Anyone who gives/serves in My name will be rewarded for it.

Today I want to encourage you to help bridge the gap in the Church body.  Do not forbid others to pray and worship in the name of Jesus just because they go to a different church.  We are all on one team, the home team, the winning team.  Join together with all your kingdom of heaven family and serve one another in the name of Jesus!  Great things will happen when we live together as a family in this world and the next.

Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 9:38-41

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.

Success 101

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.”  Mark 9:35

Have you ever wanted to be the greatest at something?  The greatest basketball or baseball player?  The greatest concert pianist or artist that ever lived?  Maybe you dreamt of being the greatest executive that built a great firm from the ground up?  We all have dreams and aspirations of some kind and a built-in desire to succeed.  As lofty and grand as your plans may be, it is not wrong to set goals and pursue advancement, but there is a secret to it all.

In today’s reading, Jesus gives us one of those opposite principles.  He said that if you want to be first or the best, you have to always put other before yourself and serve them.  Ouch!  This is not the most popular message He ever gave, and it is certainly not something that is in our nature to do.  Most people tend to go to the pride side of things and want others to look what things they have done and achieved.  Bet Jesus said true success is when you take care of others and prefer people above yourself.

The apostle Paul talked about this in his letter to the Romans, Ephesians and Philippians.  He said in Romans 12:10 to be kindly affectionate to one another with brother love, in honor giving preference to one another.  It is a true success law and a principle set up by God that works every time you follow it. 

Our heavenly Father wants us to take care of one another in a way that we make others feel good and encouraged.  In order to accomplish this, you must put the focus on another person and take it off of you.  Think about it.  It doesn’t make anyone feel better about themselves if you tell them how great you are and how successful you have become because you had just the right ideas and plans.  Even if it is true, the thing that blesses others is when you talk about their strengths and their enablement to do great things.

You can also consider that it is not so special to others if they get to wait on you and serve your needs.  What really shows another person that they are special to you is when you humbly take care of their needs and desires.

So, today I want to encourage you to put yourself in first place by being the last.  Make yourself the greatest by serving the needs of others around you.  Accomplish the awesome feats in your life by blessing the people that God brings your way and put yourself in the path of God’s greatest plan by helping others to get to the top.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 9:30-37

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.

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.”

Help my unbelief

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24

Yesterday, I was believing God for some specific things for my day. Things concerning my job.  When I got to work, it didn’t look like things were headed in the direction that I had asked God about.  But, I maintained my attitude and kept believing that God was with me and things would work out ok despite my disappointment.  At one point I remember specifically thinking, “Can I be “in faith” and disappointed at the same time?”  I just kept the matter before the Lord every time the feelings of disappointment would come.  Surprisingly, in an instant, God turned everything around and the situation I was disappointed about was turned back the other way.  Then it happened two more times during the day where things were not going in the direction I had hoped, but just at the right time, God turned it all around.  I just kept these matters before Him and continued thanking Him despite the outward circumstances.  He is so faithful!

This reminds me of the verse in Ephesians 4:26 that says, “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.”  I have always wondered how this is accomplished.  How can I be angry and not sin?  After my experience yesterday, I was reminded that even when circumstances don’t look like they are going well and amid disappointments and even angry feelings, I can still maintain my faith by keeping the matter in God’s hands and thanking Him for working things out.  Then I don’t grumble and complain and talk to others about how bad the situation is because things aren’t going my way.  I rejoice instead because God’s got this.

In today’s scripture, we see a man that took his son to Jesus to be healed.  When Jesus wasn’t available, the other disciples tried to heal his son, but were not successful.  The man didn’t give up and he didn’t get angry.  I’m sure he was disappointed that it didn’t look good at first, but he waited on Jesus.  When Jesus got there, He told the man to believe, and all things would be possible.  The man immediately recognized that he did believe, but he also had unbelief in him.  This is the point where there is an opportunity to waver.  When things don’t look like they are going to change or work out, the appearance of the situation can cause us to give up.  However, if we cling to our belief in God, His ability, and thank Him for working on the issue, that will open the door for Him to come in and answer the prayer.

Today I want to encourage you to hold fast to your faith in God.  Don’t give up on the things you are believing Him to do in your life.  Even though it may have been a long time and things don’t look any better or may even look worse than when you started believing, it is never too late for God!  Maintain your best attitude, be thankful, and watch as the door opens to allow the Holy Spirit to come in and answer your requests.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 9:14-29

14 And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. 

15 Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. 

16 And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?”

17 Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. 

18 And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.”

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!”

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.”

What should you say?

Because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. Mark 9:6

Have you ever had a friend or a loved one who was uncomfortable with silence?   Anytime there is a gap in conversation, they feel the need to fill it?  They take it on themselves to keep control of any downtime or lull in social situations and speak whatever comes to their mind.  Usually it is useless information, gossip or boasting about their own accomplishments.  It can be more awkward than the silence and even annoying at times.

As we read through the gospel accounts of Jesus’ life here on earth, we get a little hint that Peter may have been that kind of person. In today’s reading it says that he didn’t know what to say.  It implies that he felt like he had to say something because he was afraid and didn’t understand fully what he was seeing and hearing.

An interesting thing happened though, God speaks over Peter and tells them that they should listen to His Son Jesus.  Basically, telling the disciples that were there that day to stop talking and listen.  I’m sure they were very afraid then, in fact in another account of this scene, it says they fell on their faces because they were greatly afraid. (See Matthew 17)

The point is, you do not need to feel pressured into speaking, just because there is a quiet time in conversation.  It is ok to sit and listen.  Check inside your heart to see if there is any prompting from the Holy Spirit.  Wait for others to share what is on their heart.  It might be an opportunity for you to show interest in what others are up against right now and to encourage them in their journey.

Today I want to encourage you to first of all, listen to what the Spirit of God is impressing on your heart.  Don’t just plan on doing and saying everything that pops into your head.  Make your conversations and attentions be on what God is doing in other people’s lives and take time to listen to the wisdom that other people may be speaking into your life and consider that. Make your words count for all eternity and use them to encourager and inspire those around you.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 9:1-13

1 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.”

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.

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.

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.”

Pursue the Kingdom

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Mark 8:36

Stuff!  It seems like the whole world is after it.  Constantly struggling to get more.  More things, pleasures, power, and recognition.  Today’s scripture asks the question, what value is it to gain the whole world?  I want us to consider, what am I running after in this world?  Is it things?  Am I trying to accumulate enough things to make me as comfortable as possible in this life?  Is my entire goal in life to work so I can have the things I want to have and do the things I want to do and go to the places I want to go?  When I look at the people of history who have a name that has stood through the ages, the reason isn’t because of how much they accumulated in life or how comfortable they were able to make life while they were here.  What stands the test of time is a life of self-sacrifice.  The people who have made a difference in this world were people who lived their lives for others.  Whether it was presidents, preachers, or people in the medical field, those who made a significant difference for the better were those who gave of themselves into the lives of others.

As I come to this part of my life, some of the things that I am recognizing is:  1. Life is short! 2. Only what’s done for the kingdom of heaven will last.  3. History is our teacher.  There are many people in history that gained great wealth that we have never heard of since the day they died.  Only those who contributed to others have built a lasting name.  Yet, even that fades over time.  The thing that will last for all eternity is being rich toward God.  Living a life that exemplifies love, not just any love, but the love of God.  It is not something that can be attained through wealth.  Which, by the way, is great news because anyone can have it.  It is only through God’s love that we can make our life count.

Most of us know that you cannot buy eternal life.  It is a gift from God, yet so many of us are so focused on loading up our bank account instead of loading up our heavenly account.  By turning everything we have over to God for the Kingdom of heaven’s expansion, we are storing up our treasure in heaven and not wasting it away here on earth.

Today, I encourage you to start being rich toward God in this world.  Turn everything you have and are over to Him.  Make a lasting difference in the world by committing to God your resources (time, abilities, words, and finances).  Everywhere you go, let your relationship with God through Jesus be the light that shines through.  When you enter a room, let it be God entering that place. Others will think of God when they see you because you do things differently than the rest of the world.  Make your life count for all eternity by building God’s eternal Kingdom not your temporary dwelling place in this world.

Today’s scripture reading:  Mark 8:34-38

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.”

Now is not the time for that

Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him.  Mark 8:30

Have you ever been to the symphony and listened to the beautiful flow of many instruments making music together in perfect harmony?  How soothing it can be when they are all in sync and following the musical plan intently.  If you look closely at the musicians, you will notice during certain parts some of the instruments are not play at all, but they still watch the conductor and follow the sheet music to know exactly the right time to begin.  When they pick up and begin to play the instrument at just the right moment to add their part into the concerto, oh how sweet it is to hear!  If someone misses a note or comes in at the wrong time, it is more than obvious, it is disruptive and chaotic.

In today’s reading, we read a discussion between Jesus and His disciples about what the people are saying about Him.  What a contrasting stand Jesus takes at this point in His ministry.  He asked the disciples what people are saying about Him and who do the think He is?  The disciples answer with a lot of different people: John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the prophets.  Then Jesus turned the questing to them.  “But, who do you say that I am?”  At this prompt, Peter spoke up boldly “You are the Christ (Messiah).”

The next statement is the contrasting part.  Jesus firmly told His disciples at that time don’t tell anyone about Him.  At the end of His time in this world, He told His disciples and many others to go tell the whole world about Him.  What was the difference if they told them at this point of the ministry or later?

If you continue reading the following verses, you will see that Jesus unpacked the reason and told them plainly and openly (See vs. 32) that the elders, chief priests and scribes are going to kill Him and after three days He is going to raise up from the dead.  His concern was the timing.  There was a plan, and He was following it step by step, day by day.  The disciples, on the other hand, were following Him, but didn’t necessarily know the plan or at least they didn’t understand it.  This was their direction for that time.  Don’t be telling everyone what you know until the timing is right.  Now is not the time for that.

If I think about it, I can easily understand the point about timing.  Many times, in my life I know the Lord dropped something into my heart.  Whether it was a dream for the future or even a kind and encouraging word for a friend or stranger.  If I would have run with it at the time, the results would not have been productive because He was just letting me know it was coming up some day, but not necessarily right now.  How did I know it wasn’t the time right now?  Mostly because in order to make it happen, I would have to force it or make it happen in my own strength and way.  When I pray about it and wait for the open door that He provides, then I know it is time to move.  He even reminds me about it when it is happening if I forget.

Timing is crucial to the plan of God.  Rushing to get things moving or pushing to make things happen is not His plan.  There are many examples in scripture to proof this out.  The way to execute God’s plans in your life is to watch the director, follow closely along in the written music (God’s Word) and begin to play at the appointed time, such a time as this.

Today I want to encourage you to press in.  Listen to the prompts and nudging the Holy Spirit is giving you.  Write down the thing He is dropping into your spirit.  Pray over these things daily and watch for the open door to walk through when the right time comes.  Play your part perfectly in God’s great orchestra and let Him pull you into the melody at just the right timing.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 8:27-33

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.

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.”

See Clearly

Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly. Mark 8: 25

Have you ever been in a situation that while you were in the middle of it, you just couldn’t seem to see things clearly or know what was the right decision to make?  It almost felt like the fact surrounding the circumstances were murky and didn’t make sense or there was no solid evidence to look at to make the choice.  Whether it was emotions getting in the way or maybe a disputers voice that was influencing your decisions, you just didn’t know what the right thing to do was.

Most life decisions are hard because we are most likely to make decision based on how we feel and who has touched or hurt our life.  Lately, I have found myself in places where I am ready to make a decision but then find out something that tries to change my mind because of someone I love has hurt feelings or I have hurt feelings.  I want to be loyal to my friend, but more importantly I don’t want to hinder something that God is working on.  Then I have to decide, is this something I am being tempted with or is this a work God is including me in?  I am recognizing now when my emotions are trying to pull me away from something God is doing, or I just don’t feel like doing it right now.  Year ago, I put myself on alert to what I call the “I don’t feel like it or I don’t want to” spirit.  It may not actually be a spirit, but it is a mind set that I only act when I am feeling it or have a desire. 

The problem with this attitude is that there is no faith in it and no action for that matter.  Many times God points me in a direction that can be scary or overwhelming.  I don’t usually feel like taking that step or moving away from where I currently am to step out in faith.  I mostly pray that if that is God leading me there than please put my desire there too instead of just saying, no, I don’t want to or feel like doing that.

Today’s reading is about a blind man, coming to Jesus for his sight.  Jesus took him away from the city and away from the voices of the crowd and once again did unexpected things to the man.  Afterward, the man can see, but everything was murky and unclear. Then Jesus touched him again and his sight was fully restored.  Jesus told him to go away from the people and don’t tell anyone.

I know it is a stretch to compare the man’s healing from blindness process to our decision-making ways, but the answer to the problem is the same.  Keep the matter before Jesus until the answer and direction is clear.  Don’t move on a murky and emotional foundation.  Wait until He makes things plain and clear for you to respond to.  If you follow His lead even when it doesn’t line up with your feelings, your life decisions will line up with the plan of God every time.

Today I want to encourage you with whatever you are going through and whatever decision you are up against right now, to take them to Jesus. Ask Him to make thing plain and clear so that you are able to do the right thing and not make decisions based on emotions or circumstances.  Begin to take faith steps each day and follow where He is leading.  Don’t let the goodness of God pass you by because you don’t feel like or want to do what He has asked Instead follow and obey His direction closely so that you can experience all the wonderful plans He has for your days.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 8:22-26

22 Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him. 

23 So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything.

24 And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.”

25 Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly. 

26 Then He sent him away to his house, saying, “Neither go into the town, nor tell anyone in the town.”

Leaven

Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” Mark 8:15

You may remember when you were a child how your parents told you that who you associate with will become who you imitate?  Another popular phrase when I was young was that one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch.  It takes some time, but it is very true that if you continue to connect yourself in toxic relationships, their toxins will poison your heart and your attitude.  Even if your intent is to help someone, it can backfire if you are not prepared in your heart and watching for the pollutants that can corrupt your way of life.

In today’s scripture, Jesus told His disciples to watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees.  This sect was the most religious group of the day.  Hardly a place where you would think you needed to be on guard.  Ideally the priests would be the people you would trust to point you in the right direction and always be looking out for you best interest.  However, that was not the case.  The Pharisees had become immersed in bad doctrine and over the generations had been corrupted by the teaching of the former generation.  They were set on rules and traditions and determined to make all people obey them.  Love and grace were nowhere on their radar.

When Jesus warned the disciples about the Pharisees, He wanted them to not be so entrenched in doctrine that they had no compassion for people.  He was basically telling them to watch out for the seeds that other people are planting in your heart. He wanted them to follow His example of grace, mercy and love and that was the attitudes Jesus wanted them to grow in, not religious rules and policies.  Jesus brought His disciples along with Him when He went out to reach hurting people.  Yes, it was so they could watch and learn, but it was also so He would surround Himself with partners to be accountable to.  Even though Jesus was God in person, the scripture says that He was also a man and tempted in all ways, so He did need to keep Himself in check with others, to not be lured away by the traps of the enemy. (See Hebrews 4:15)

Galatians 5:9 tells us that a little leaven leavens the whole lump.  This is the message Jesus was teaching the disciples.  Do not let the leaven/teaching of the Pharisees get on you or it will damage your heart and carry over to contaminate the whole group.  He prepared them for the future days when He would be gone, and they would stick together to encourage one another and keep each other from falling into the wrong mindset.

It is what He wants us to do today also.  He does not want us to take on a religious works mentality that makes us believe we are better than others because we do good things, and our bad things are not as bad as someone else.  Instead, He wants us to love one another despite the setbacks and falls that we all take in life.  To help each other out and lift each other up.

Today my encouragement is to love one another, help one another and have compassion on all others.  If you are in toxic relationships that continue to pull you down and leave you empty, step away from them today.  Find yourself a group that will support and encourage you as you begin to press into all that God has for you.  Keep yourself accountable and protected by asking a person or a group of people to check in and give you inspiring words.  The best place to start is God’s word.  Begin lining your heart and thoughts up with His love and kindness.  Then find a small group or bible study to connect in where you can surround yourself with loving Christians that are doing the work of ministry and helping others.  Make the decision today to purge out the unclean and corrupt attitudes and take the Word of God and others with you wherever you go. Make the leaven in your heart God’s leaven that will increase in His goodness in your life and the lives of those around you.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 8:11-21

11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. 

12 But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”

13 And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side. 

14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. 

15 Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”

16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have no bread.”

17 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? 

18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? 

19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?” They said to Him, “Twelve.”

20 “Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?” And they said, “Seven.”

21 So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?”

Three days and nothing

“I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. Mark 8:2

Have you ever gone 3 days without food?  These days most people have a hard time going 3 hours without anything to eat. Still, if you have gone for any length of time, even ½ day without eating, you body already begins to feel weak.  After missing one or two meals, most people can recognize that they need some nourishment to keep their focus and stay on task.

In today’s reading, Jesus felt compassion for the crowd, probably because He was feeling tired and hungry in His own body.  Though He never made provision for just Himself, He was always thinking of other first. Even though Jesus had recently fed 5000 people, with two fish and five loaves of bread, the disciples were trying to figure out again, where they would get food to feed this large group.

It is likely that most of the people there did not have extra water with them, yet these people were hungry for the words Jesus spoke.  This was the reason they were there, to hear Jesus.  Some may have been there to see miracles, but mostly, they were hungry for God’s Word.

I wonder if we still see that same hunger in the world today.  Are God’s people still pressing into His Word and time with Him to the point of missing meals?  I would say it probably doesn’t happen that often.  I believe it is time to recognize the source of strength that a personal relationship with Him provides.  We all know He gives us spiritual strength but pushing away from the table and telling your body no to food once in a while can also bring physical strength.  God’s power was present that day to heal and it is still here today to cleanse us from all that ails us.

Today I want to encourage you to take some extra time with Him.  Spend one or two of your mealtimes in prayer and connection with the One who loves you.  Step aside from the business of your day to slow down and press in.  I guarantee you will find strength, and I promise you will find healing in whatever area you need.  Then, have compassion on others and lead them to the One who can help them through whatever they are going through.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 8:1-10

1 In those days, the multitude being very great and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples to Him and said to them, 

2 “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. 

3 And if I send them away hungry to their own houses, they will faint on the way; for some of them have come from afar.”

4 Then His disciples answered Him, “How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?”

5 He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven.”

6 So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude. 

7 They also had a few small fish; and having blessed them, He said to set them also before them. 

8 So they ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets of leftover fragments. 

9 Now those who had eaten were about four thousand. And He sent them away, 

10 immediately got into the boat with His disciples, and came to the region of Dalmanutha.

Interesting instructions

And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue. Mark 7:33

Have you ever gotten direction from the Holy Spirit that didn’t seem to make sense at the time?  I sure have!  Once when we were in a situation with our neighbors to get a land easement required to buy our house, they were not willing to cooperate.  We looked at many options such as cutting a new access point down the middle of our property, taking them to court or looking for another home to buy.  Each of these options came with a high price and much more time that we didn’t have.  One morning during this process, I had a nudge in my spirit to bake a cake and take it to the neighbors and talk with them.  Honestly, I didn’t really want to, but I did anyway.  It was an amazing thing, as I baked and prepared, I actually got excited inside because I was able to do something and even if I didn’t get the results I wanted, I was going to be blessing someone who was probably scared and hurt in some way.  I didn’t tell anyone, not even my husband, so you can imagine his surprise when they called that afternoon to sign the paperwork.  Such a simple kind act that saved thousands of dollars and countless hours.  Not to mention the years of peace and friendship with the neighbors that could have easily ended up being enemies.  God is smart!  Once I was in a court battle and it was very stressful and tedious. It was also putting a strain on many important relationships to me and high costs.  The Holy Spirit directed me to get the matter out of the court system and let Him handle it.  This did not look like the way any other normal person in the world would handle it.  Yet when I obeyed, I had such peace and over time was healed of a big wound.  In the moment it looked like I was going to lose financially and precious time to me, but now 15 years later, it was the smartest and wisest thing I could have done!  I am so thankful.   

 If you look at the instructions in scripture that God gave His people, many seem like the opposite of what you would naturally do.  Jesus taught things like to be exulted, you have to humble yourself. To be a receiver, you need to give. If you want to be great, you have to be the servant of all and if you want to live, first you must die.

God gave the people of Israel plans that were so far out there many times that it is amazing they actually obeyed.  Like when He told Joshua to lead his army to march around the city for seven days.  That wasn’t really a common strategy in that day. Or when He told Abraham to pack up to move to a place that He would show Him later?  Not too many people do that.  They would be considered irresponsible if they did.  How about when He told Noah to build an ark when a drop of rain had never fallen.

Today’s reading is another one of those instances.  Jesus didn’t seem to do the same thing twice.  It was almost like when you came to Him for healing or deliverance of some kind, you should not expect that you know the direction He will give.  In the case of this man who was deaf and couldn’t speak, Jesus took him away from the people and then He put His fingers in his ears and touched his tongue.  Doesn’t seem too odd since those where the affected areas, but then Jesus told the man not to tell anyone?  That was pretty much impossible.  The man was practically turned into another person that could speak and hear, certainly others were going to notice.

Here’s my point: When you go to your Father in heaven with a request, don’t even imagine how He will answer it.  You will never get it right.  His way is supernatural, and His way will probably be the opposite of what you would think.  However, you can trust Him!  You may have to follow some unusual instructions, but if you obey, you will not be disappointed. When I look back and think about the directions, He has given me over the years, I am so thankful that I listened.  It has changed the course of my life forever and has led me to a path of purpose and fulfilment.  I haven’t always gotten it perfect and it is obvious, but I do get excited now when He leads me in an opposite way because I know something good is going to result from it.

Today I want to encourage you to consider the things you are talking to Him about right now.  Think about how you would like to see the answer come and then think about what the opposite response would be.  If you are struggling in your finances and are barely keeping your head above water, His instruction would be to tithe (give 10%) giving Him full access to your finances.  If you feel like someone owes you an apology and should come to you to ask forgiveness, your Heavenly Father will probably want you to humble yourself and go make it right.  If someone hates you and is trying to sabotage your life, His instructions will be to love them and do good to them.  When you do see the opposite thing to do or hear in your spirit a direction that may not make sense to you, take the step of faith and do it anyway.  Then trust that God knows what He is doing and watch for the results to be miraculous.  His ways are higher than ours, so don’t expect that you can ever understand them.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 7:31-37

31 Again, departing from the region of Tyre and Sidon, He came through the midst of the region of Decapolis to the Sea of Galilee. 

32 Then they brought to Him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and they begged Him to put His hand on him. 

33 And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue. 

34 Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.”

35 Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly. 

36 Then He commanded them that they should tell no one; but the more He commanded them, the more widely they proclaimed it. 

37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”