The Daily Dose

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.”

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.