The Daily Dose

Press through in humility

But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”  Mark 7:27

Have you ever wanted something so badly, but something happened on the way to getting it that stole your hope?  I’m sure we all have. In fact, I remember a time when we were trying to buy our home and complications kept setting in to slow down the process.  It was almost like an offense to me and for sure a disappointment.  When we were close to closing on the property, there was an unexpected death in the family that really put the whole thing in perspective. I had all but given up on the sale actually going through.  I was becoming bitter and resentful because of all the struggles we were going through to get to the results.

This same disappointment threatens to happen to the women in today’s reading.  She had come to Jesus from another land asking for Him to heal her daughter from demonic oppression.  This is one time in His ministry that it looks like He actually tried to turn her away without her answer.  On top of it all, He told her His ministry was to His own people and then He insulted her by referring to her people as dogs.  These words could have become an offense to her when they fell on her ears, but she just humbly picked them up, took them on and agreed with Jesus but added them to her request.  She was determined to get her daughter delivered no matter how long or how low she had to go.  What happened next looks like Jesus changed His mind about releasing her daughter from the demons, but I believe it was giving her a heart check to see if she would take on the offense.  Of course, she passed, but why would Jesus do that?  Certainly, He knows our hearts and doesn’t need to see our reaction to discern where we are spiritually.

This happened to Naaman, in the Old Testament.  He was a commander of an army in another country.  He had great power in his own land and with that came much pride.  However, when he went to the prophet in Israel to be healed of leprosy, he was given instructions to receive his healing.  When he heard it, he was offended.  He stormed away in anger because he felt the task was beneath him.  Thankfully, someone spoke up in wisdom to him and he decided he would follow the direction because there was little risk involved, only his pride. (See 2 Kings 5)

How many times have we given up on prayers and request because they didn’t come when we thought they should or in the way we wanted them to?  And how many times have we given up and became bitter and resentful when all the while we could have humbly pressed in to receive wisdom and direction.

So, it seems that Jesus turned the woman away to see her humility.  Not to humiliate her, but so that she would continue to humbly come to Him. It also showed her what was in her own heart and actions. This is an extreme case, but the truth in this message is that we must humbly come before Him with our requests and not leave with pride.  Faith is required to come into His presence, but humility is necessary to receive.  When you get there, stay close with Him, be willing to humbly obey His direction and your answer will get through.

Today I want to encourage you to humbly bring your petitions and requests to Him.  Don’t get discouraged if you do not see immediate results and don’t come to Him complaining about what is wrong about the situation.  Simply hang on to Him and thank Him for receiving your words and working on them even when you don’t see what is going on in the spirit realm.  Don’t let offense and disappointments knock you off course, and if you are impressed to take some action, take it quickly even if it doesn’t make sense or your pride speaks against it.  Don’t let offense, resentment or pride steal the good things that God wants to do in your life and the lives of those you love, humble yourself today and He will lift you up!

Today’s scripture reading:  Mark 7:24-30

24 From there He arose and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but He could not be hidden. 

25 For a woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet. 

26 The woman was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 

27 But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

28 And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.”

29Then He said to her, “For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter.”

30 And when she had come to her house, she found the demon gone out, and her daughter lying on the bed.

Heart Check               

There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. Mark 7:15

Have you ever wondered what is in your heart?  I’m not talking about chambers and valves.  I’m talking about checking your heart as the core of your existence.  Your head is the commander of the body and tells it where to go and how to move.  The heart is the General over all and will send the order to the brain to execute.  So, when I say to examine your heart, I am talking about the thoughts and intents that governs your life.

Today’s scripture is about Jesus examining the heart of the Pharisee and religious leaders.  He told them they make sure everything is clean on the outside like their hands, cups and external items.  While it is certainly a good thing to wash your hands regularly in the world we live in today, it is not for show or for appearances, it is for sanitation and cleanliness.  Jesus went on to tell the Pharisees that what comes out of your heart defiles a person, not what you eat.

It is true that you can eat things that may make you sick physically, but what you take into your heart makes you strong or weak spiritually.  Jesus gave a long list of evil things that come out of the heart, and they are evident by a person’s words and actions.  You can actually examine your spiritual heart health by listening to your words.  If you hear a lot of criticizing, condemning and complaining coming out of your mouth, you are probably holding on to a lot of evil thoughts like pride, covetousness and foolishness.  If your words or thoughts are about desiring things or other people, lust is lurking in the depths. These are the things that defile and make us unclean.

There is good news today.  You can change and grow the good things in your heart by feeding them.  It only takes a decision and the grace of God.  When you ask God to turn the desires of your heart toward Him and His ways, He will empower you to feed what is good in your heart and starve out the bad.  He will show you how to be more loving, more gracious and kinder to everyone that is around you.  Then you will recognize His presence and an undefiled heart by the goodness and mercy that comes up from your core and out of your mouth.

Today I want to encourage you to do a heart checkup.  Listen to how you speak about others.  Are you speaking the love of God over them and their circumstances? Or are you spewing a curse of criticizing and complaining about them and their situations.  Surrender your heart and your words to Him today and get rid of the unclean and defiled ways that want to take over your whole body.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 7:1-23

1 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem. 

2 Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. 

3 For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders. 

4 When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.

5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?”

6 He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.

7 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men —the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”

9 He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. 

10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ 

11 But you say, ‘If a man says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban”—’ (that is, a gift to God), 

12 then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, 

13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

14 When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand: 

15 There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. 

16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!”

17 When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. 

18 So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, 

19 because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?” 

20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 

21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 

22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 

23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

Be of good cheer

They all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”   Mark 6:50

In today’s world, it can be very easy to take on a spirit of fear.  Just take a look at the latest headline or get a glimpse of the current world situation and inevitably the anxious thoughts overwhelm you. It can be easy to justify the feelings of stress and apprehension because our world is definatly in a complex state.  I know when I hear of the latest crisis, I ask myself questions like: “How is it ever going to change?” or “What can be done to make things better?”  At first glance it can all appear to be hopeless.

There is good news today and we do have hope.  Our hope is not in people though, and it is definitely not in the government or world leaders.  Our hope is in the Lord Jesus!  He is the only one who can make a difference in this world, and He is the only one that can bring peace to our circumstances.  Not only peace, but He brings good cheer and joy.

I am reminded of this when I read todays scripture.  The disciples were in a tumultuous situation on the water.  There were working hard to navigate despite the circumstances and winds that were blowing against them.  They were struggling to keep the boat on course and to avoid any disaster like capsizing or property damage.  When they saw the power of Jesus to walk on the water, they were very afraid, thinking it was a ghost in the night, but when Jesus spoke to them, He gave them peace, He gave them hope and He gave them joy.  Jesus calmed the surrounding winds that they were fighting against and changed the entire scene and atmosphere they were in.

He will do the same for us today.  Oh, I know we don’t struggle with the climate so much, but we still navigate storms around us every day.  The storms of life show up in the world’s conditions, bad reports and personal crisis, but Jesus shows up speaking to us in the middle of these storms.  His words are the same to us today! If you take time to listen, you can hear His Spirit speaking softly to your heart. “Be of good cheer and rejoice, I am here, you do not have to be afraid any longer!”  He is with you, and He will go with you through whatever you are facing.  Receive the peace and joy that He gives knowing His presence is right there with you in the middle of every trouble you encounter.

Today I want to encourage you to call out to Him for the needs you may have.  If you have a personal dilemma, ask Him for wisdom and peace to get you through.  If you are facing fear because of the current world trauma, believe He is bigger than all the world can come up with.  If you are stressed because of day-to-day pressures, let His peace invade your space by sitting with Him quietly each day.  He didn’t take the disciples out of the place where they were, He simply calmed their hearts and the circumstances surrounding them.  He gave them peace and He will give it to you also, it’s up to you to receive it.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 6:45:56

45 Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away. 

46 And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray. 

47 Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. 

48 Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. 

49 And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; 

50 for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 

51 Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. 

52 For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.

Our Shepherd   

And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.  Mark 6:34

This passage makes me think of the 23^rd Psalm because it says that the Lord Jesus is our Shepherd.  However, in today’s passage, Jesus saw the crowd and had compassion because they were like sheep without a shepherd at all.  He immediately rose up to take that flock as His own because He saw their need and loved them.

How did He know they had no shepherd?  The first thing that was obvious to Him was that they were trying to follow Him even when He had to leave.  Have you ever had a pet that tried to follow you ever where you went?  Even when you told them to “stay!”  they just wanted to be with you.  That’s kind of the way it was when Jesus wanted to step away from the people to rest and refresh, they figured out a way to be with Him.

He also saw that they were hungry for His message and miracles because they were not getting them from a shepherd that they didn’t have.  Lastly, they were unsettled.  These people that were following Jesus were restless and looking for answers.  Jesus began to teach them and meet their needs wherever He went.

Today we know we have a Shepherd, and He is the good Shepherd.  When we trust in Him and follow His direction, we have no want for any other shepherd.  We will not be chasing or seeking someone for the latest “prophecy” or hyped-up message.  We will be satisfied to stay close to Him and let His provision of green pastures, still waters and rest restore our soul.  We will fear no evil if we have to walk through a valley because our Shepherd is with us.  And we know He will always comfort us because He keeps guard and protects with His rod and staff.  He even prepares a message of hope and peace for us to encourage and inspire us even in the presence of our enemy and disappointments. He anoints us with oil until our cup runs over.  His goodness and mercy chase after us all the days of our lives here in this world and when it is all done, we will live with our good Shepherd and Lord forever and ever. (Psalms 23) 

Today’s scripture reading Mark 6:30-44

30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 

31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 

32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.

33 But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. 

34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. 

35 When the day was now far spent, His disciples came to Him and said, “This is a deserted place, and already the hour is late. 

36 Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat.”

37 But He answered and said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?”

38 But He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they found out they said, “Five, and two fish.”

39 Then He commanded them to make them all sit down in groups on the green grass. 

40 So they sat down in ranks, in hundreds and in fifties. 

41 And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and the two fish He divided among them all. 

42 So they all ate and were filled. 

43 And they took up twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish. 

44 Now those who had eaten the loaves were about five thousand men.

            Peer Pressure

For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.  Mark 6:17

Have you ever felt pressured to do something you didn’t want to do?  Something that a friend or co-worker was pushing you to.  Maybe gossip or go behind someone’s back?  Maybe it was something worse like breaking the law or even crossing over one of your own personal boundaries.

Today’s scripture is probably the worst case of peer pressure in the bible.  The verse says that King Herod wanted to protect John the Baptist and that he personally held him in high regard.  However, he was convinced to have John executed because of an open promise he made in front of many witnesses and not just any witnesses, they were his high officers and the most important men of his region.  He felt so much pressure to not only impress them, but also to show his power that it cost the life of one of God’s prophets.

I always thought this was a demonic demonstration by King Herod, but instead it was just a king feeling the pressure of “important” people to do what they wanted and not what was the right thing to do. 

Pressure from our peers is something that we all feel.  Whether it is to go along with something they think or believe just so we can fit it or go along with them someplace where we shouldn’t be going.  It seems it is so much easier today than ever to cross the lines.

So, what is the solution?  First of all, setting boundaries and submitting your life and your day to God first thing each morning.  Asking your Father in heaven to protect you against the pressures of those around you and empowering you to walk away from groups that have pressured you in the past.  Make a fresh break from the influences that you know you are susceptible to, especially those who are not walking in the same direction that you are.

Today I want to encourage you to surrender all your thoughts, attitudes and actions over to your heavenly Father.  Set up a guard over your habits and decisions.  Make note of areas where you have compromised in the past and feel you may still be weak in and set up boundaries way before you get to the point of caving under pressure.  You may have to cut back on social media time or chatting at the “water cooler” at work, but you will not be missing anything.  Most of all, make the decision that you are going to walk out God’s plan for you life and not the plan of the ones trying to influence you.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 6:14-30

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

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

16 But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!” 

17 For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. 

18 Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

19 Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; 

20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

21 Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. 

22 And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” 

23 He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”

24 So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist!”

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

26 And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. 

27 Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, 

28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 

29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.

Shake it off

And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”  Mark 6:11

I talked about offense yesterday and how the people of Jesus’ hometown were offended because they thought they know who Jesus was. They were not willing to admit that they could have been wrong or that maybe there was something they didn’t know about Him.

We have many opportunities in life to become offended and we often take them.  Maybe because of something that was said, or maybe it was something that wasn’t said.  Usually, we become offended because of some action that someone did that we didn’t feel was appropriate or the “right” thing to do.

Today’s scripture is the answer and solution to when we are tempted to get offended.  Jesus told the disciples to go out into other cities and minister there by giving them power.  He told them not to take any provisions with them and trust that the people being ministered to would take care of them.  Then He tells them that if their message and power they offered were not received, don’t hold on to hurt feelings and disappointments but shake it off and it would be a testimony against them.

That is what we must do when offense or any hurt and bitter feelings try to take over our heart, shake it off.  Of course, this is easier said than done.  As I said earlier, I was heading in the direction of offense and didn’t even realize it until days later.  So, the first step to staying out of offense is to recognize when the temptation is coming.  Although offense is very subtle, you can recognize its symptoms right from the beginning.  First peace will leave your heart and you begin thinking about the situation almost continuously.  Fear will settle in, and you begin to wonder why this happened and how could someone be that way?  Then you will begin to rally those closest to you around your hurt feeling by telling them the situation which ultimately results in complaining about and criticizing those involved.  Most times when you are getting offended, you do not want to go right to God with the subject, you want to examine it from every angle first.

After you have set these warning signs in place and use these feelings as an alarm to alert you when you are stepping toward the bait of offense, the first step is to go to God and get your peace back.  Then ask for the power to shake off the resentment and disappointment that was trying to trip you up. Wait there until you have received that release. Then thank your Father in heaven for empowering to stay away from offense and keep love in your heart.

Today I want to encourage you to shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against whatever and whoever is bringing an offense toward you.  Set the boundaries and use the feelings that come in when you are turning toward offense as a warning to you to go to your heavenly Father instead.  Ask Him to forgive you and whoever has hurt you and then ask for the power to shake these feeling off and get your peace back.  Offense is a trap, and the good news is you can escape it and avoid it.  By talking to God first and staying there until you have release. Then you can stay out of the enemy plan to snare you in those ugly bitter feelings of being offended.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 6:7-13

7 And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. 

8 He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts— 

9 but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.

10 Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. 

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

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

Unbelief

And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching. Mark 6:6

Nothing stops the power of God in a life faster than unbelief.  Unbelief is nothing more than doubt and fear.  When you doubt something is true and question its authenticity or are afraid that something is too good to be true or even might not be, you are in unbelief.

In today’s reading, the passage says that Jesus could do no mighty work in His hometown.  I used to believe it was because there was no work to be done there.  That His hometown did not have a need for Jesus’ miracles.  That was just not the case.  Everyone needs Jesus in their life, its the reason He came in the first place. The scripture goes on to say in the very next verse that it was because the people did not believe Him because they thought they already knew who He was.  In verse 3 the passage says the people of His hometown were offended.

Offense is the root cause of unbelief, so it is the one thing that can hold back the power of God in our lives today.  Offense becomes an instant barrier in our connection with God.  When we are offended, it begins to take over our thoughts and our heart.  It essentially tries to step into first place in our lives.  We become preoccupied with the ideas of: how could this happen and why did this happen?  Even thoughts like: that is not right and I don’t deserve this.  We begin to think: I would have done it different, and someone else should make this right.

Even now as I am writing this, I realize that I have recently been offended.  I didn’t even realize it was happening, but I became preoccupied with a situation and mostly I was offended because I could not know the circumstances surrounding it.  It was a confidentiality issue that I felt should have been given an explanation, but there was none to be found.  It festered in me for a while, but ultimately, I recognized that I need to do what’s right and not focus on what I feel others are doing wrong.

In that offense, I was beginning to talk to others about the situation instead of talking to God and that was only feeding the offense.  That attitude was starting to come between me and my Lord.  It was trying to take over my life and I sincerely felt that I was right, and I should have answers.

Thankfully, the Lord is so gracious and showed me where I was getting off track.  He pulled me back in close to Him, but I had to turn away and let go of the offense.  It was cutting off the power that God wanted to pour through my life onto others.

Today I want to encourage you to check your heart for unbelief.  Don’t assume there isn’t any there, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any offense or unbelief in your life.  When He does, quickly repent and lay that down.  Don’t let that anger and resentment come between you and you loving heavenly Father.  Decide today that you will let offense go and ask Him to help you get rid of all unbelief in your life.  Soon you will see the power of God flowing in all areas of your life again.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 6:1-6

1 Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. 

2 And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! 

3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.

4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 

5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 

6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.

Producing Results

_{And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. Mark 5:40}

Have you ever gotten a direction from God and were excited in your spirit to take that step of faith required to get there?  Inevitably the next thing that happens is you tell a close friend, and they begin to warn you off, telling you why it will not work.  They sincerely think they are helping and are not deliberately trying to sabotage you, but they are not considering that you are following the leading of God’s Spirit and He has a plan.

This is a similar experience to what Jairus had when he took Jesus and His disciples to his house.  When he got there, all the people were carrying on because the little girl had died.  They were sincerely sad but when Jesus told them she was just sleeping, they begin to ridicule Him and give Him all the reasons that they knew better than that.

I love what Jesus did next.  He made them all leave the house.  This was a bold move especially because it was not even His house.  I’m sure these were friends and relative’s of Jairus.  People he had known for years maybe even his whole life, but that didn’t matter to Jesus.  He just cleared the place out.

I have often wondered why He did that.  Surly there were some that were offended and even hurt that Jairus would allow a stranger to come in at such a time and make them all leave.  There were probably even some that were upset with Jairus because he didn’t step in and say it was okay for them to stay.  I don’t believe the reason Jesus asked them to leave was because He needed quiet so He could concentrate on preforming a miracle and I don’t think He made them leave because their weeping and wailing was annoying Him.  I believe the reason He made them all leave was because of their unbelief.  He didn’t want the negative words and attitude shutting down the miracle that was about to happen.

I know that you are probably thinking that He is Jesus, and He could do anything at anytime regardless of who was coming against His actions, and it is true. Yet, even the scriptures say that in Jesus own town He could do no mighty work there because of the people’s unbelief. (See Matthew 13:58) The truth is that our heart and attitude have everything to do with seeing a move of God in our lives.  It is up to us to shut out the nay-sayers and the doubting words that people want to “help” us with and trust the scriptures and words from God that He has given to us to follow.  Even when it comes to directly to obeying scripture, some people may try to talk you out of it because it is Old Testament or just for bible times day.  However, if you truly want to walk with God in life, you will have to stop walking with unbelief and fear of what others will think. Walking with God will always require steps of faith continually.

Today I want to encourage you to take a look at the places where you have stepped out in faith following the direction God has given.  Did you ever have to resist some negativity?  Now think about the steps the Holy Spirit is leading you to now?  Are you hearing any doubting and steering away from cynical words from the people around you?  Begin today to put those voices out and step closer to the ones who will support and help you accomplish all that God has put in your heart.  Don’t loose out on your miracle because of doubt and unbelief, turn away from the opposers and criticizers and turn toward the One who will make it all come to pass by leading you step by step!

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 5:35-42

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

36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” 

37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 

38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. 

39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”

40 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 

41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 

42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. 

43 But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.

Press into God

“When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”  Mark 5:27-28

I can’t even imagine what this woman must have been going through.  She was sick!  Sick for twelve years.  The passage says she suffered through many “medical” treatments from many physicians.  In that day, you can pretty much be sure the “treatments” were barbaric.  Not only that, she had given everything she had for the chance to be made well and only grew worse in her condition.   After twelve years, it would seem like there was no hope for her to ever be well.  On top of everything, she was considered unclean, and the law prohibited her to live among healthy people.  She was considered contagious.  I am confident that a surge of hope began to grow in her when she heard about Jesus.  Maybe there was a chance she could be healed like others she had heard about.  However, she didn’t think “maybe”. The scripture says she believed it so much that she kept saying, “if I can get to Him and touch Him, I know I will be made well.”  She was convinced that touching just the hem of Jesus’ clothes would be all it took to make her cleansed.  The reason was because she kept saying it until she believed it.  She repeated over and over, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” What is really amazing to me is that she never asked if it was God’s will for her to be well. She somehow knew that what she was going through was evil and if she could get to Jesus, she would reach the goodness of God.

Let’s take a look at what she did.  First of all, she came up behind Him in a crowd of people, thinking she could just sneak her healing from Him, without Him even knowing. (Not very likely) She took her faith stand by repeating to herself, “I only have to touch His clothes.”  She didn’t even want Him to know she was there.  However, as soon as she did touch Him, He felt that healing power leave Him.  What?  This is unbelievable.  How could Jesus unintentionally heal someone? Then to make it even more unbelievable, there were many people touching Him at that exact moment.  The disciples said the crowd was thronging/pressing Him.  Why didn’t any of the others get that release of power?

The answer is in vs. 34.  Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”  Jesus told her that she did it.   It was her faith that drew the healing power out of Jesus.  We know that faith comes by hearing and apparently, she heard about Jesus healing others, then she heard herself say, “I can just touch His clothes and be healed.”  Nobody else ever did that, at least not that had been written about. 

Lastly, I want to consider how she was feeling.  We know she wasn’t feeling good.  She was sick and for sure she was weak and drained of energy because of her blood issue.  Yet she pushed through it all to get to where Jesus was.  She believed so much that if she could get to where Jesus was, she would be better.  Therefore, nothing could hold her back.  In all likelihood, she was crawling on the ground to get to Jesus.  How many of us today are willing to take on that kind of faith?  I know when we are not feeling well we do not always have the energy to get up and press into Him, but if we can push through to get to Him, our healing is on the other side of the press.

Today I want to encourage you to press into God with faith in the area where you need an answer to prayer.  Say in your heart and out loud the promise that He has given you about that situation.  Keep saying that scripture or “word” you have from Him about your struggle and draw His power from Him with the faith His Word has given you!

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 5:25-34

25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 

26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 

27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 

28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”

29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. 

30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”

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

32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 

33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 

34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

Humility

And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet.  Mark 5:22

I have read this passage many times and heard many messages on the power of Jesus to raise Jairus’s daughter.  Only after reading it again today did I see something new in it.   It is the steps of humility that Jairus took to get to Jesus.

First of all, He was a ruler of the synagogue.  If you know anything about Jesus’ ministry, you know that most of the religions leader of His day only came to hear Him speak to try to trap Him or discredit His message.  Being a leader of the synagogue, it would have been a great risk for Jairus to openly visit Jesus. To ask for His help would have probably jeopardized his job as a leader and it definitely would be bad for his reputation.

But Jairus didn’t come to Jesus as a leader, and He didn’t come to Him about religion or rules of conduct.  He came to Jesus in humility.  We know this because the very first thing Jairus did was fall at Jesus feet.  He didn’t come with an attitude that he was someone important and special and Jesus should drop everything because of that reason.  He came to Jesus as a father desperate for his daughter’s life to be spared.  He was willing to risk public humiliation and his position as a leader with the Priests and Pharisees.   Nothing else in the world matter to him except seeing his daughter raised up and restored to his family.

Of course, Jesus was ready to go with Him.  He is always available when we come to him with a humble spirit.  It is when we come with a heart of entitlement that we may be put on hold for a while.

So, what is it with you?  What are you facing that you are holding your ground and not willing to humble yourself to the direction of the Spirit of God?  What relationships do you need to surrender over to Him to have His perfect work in your life be completed?  What issue are you holding onto, believing that you can handle it on your own or that you are right and don’t have to submit to His authority and directions?  How’s that working out for you?  Trust Him today and come to Him with a broken and contrite spirit (Psalms 34:18). Make the most important thing to be restoration and peace and then do everything He leads you to do to get that healing in every area of your life.

Today I want to encourage you to take the steps Jairus took when you have trouble in your life.  Take a step of humility and take the issue to Jesus.  Fall down before him and tell Him your request and petition. Believe that He has the answer and when you get the steps you need to take for Him to bring that answer into the circumstances, do them quickly, even if you have to humble yourself to do them.  He will come into the situation, and He will heal whatever it is that is broken.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 5:21-24

21 Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. 

22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 

23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” 

24 So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.