Belief and Prayer

N. T. #386 “Belief and Prayer”

Sept. 9, 2024

Mark 9-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW 

It was hard to accept-the death of my mother. We had just moved back 6 weeks earlier. I prayed for healing, yet she died anyway. I felt cheated of my time with her that was taken away. We had lived away 17 years, only visiting her once or twice a year. Mom was so excited that we finally were having time to be together. Yet, the Word says there is a time of birth and death determined by God, not me. It was her time. I was blessed to have a few precious visits with her before her home going. God knew it was time for mom to go home and I was allowed to be there for it. (I was not there when dad passed.)

How about you? Are there prayers unanswered? Does it make you bitter or better?

All things are possible to him who believes. (Verse 23) Jesus was omnipotence in human flesh, so He could do anything He determined to do. His activity is contingent upon the belief of the one in need. That is, trust and confident. We surrender our will to His trusting that God knows best. God’s kindness and mercy doesn’t change. 

Why could the disciples not drive out the demon? It took prayer. The disciples list their sense of dependence on Jesus. Prayer is focusing and directing of faith in specific requests to God. Spiritual power is in God alone. 

How is our faith and prayer life? So we ask and then leave the results in God's hands? Or do we thry to manipulate it?

LET IT GROW 

Here are 4 questions Swindoll has for us:

1. Do you believe God can do anything?
2. Are you willing to leave “anything “up to God?
3. Will you stop worrying and interrupting, cease striving, and simply pray?
4. Will you accept the answer He chooses to give?

When we get there, look for God to work in amazing ways. Granted, sometimes God's answers are no or wait. We are here to do His will, His way. 

LET IT GO

Help our unbelief, Jesus. 

How faithful You are!

How Strong is Your Faith?

N.T.#385 "How Strong is Your Faith?"

Sept. 6, 2024 

Mark 9-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

While the disciples had earlier been out on the mission, they encountered a man's son who had a demon. They could not cast out the demon. So when Jesus showed up, the father sought deliverance from Him. (The son was not able to speak and had convulsions)

Jesus called the group a faithless generation-referring to a whole race, scribes voiced doubts, disciples couldn't heal, a father was in despair, no genuine faith is evidenced. Matthew and Luke used the phrase as an "unbelieving and perverted generation."

And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. (verse 22)

 The despairing father wondered if Jesus could do anything about his son, since His disciples had failed .People fail. People disappoint. People hurt us. But Jesus never fails. He is omnipotent God, all-powerful. It is our faith that wavers, not His ability. 

Do we have compassion to help those in need?

LET IT GROW 

How did Jesus respond?

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. (verse 23)

Jesus meant that anything is possible if we believe, because nothing is too difficult for God. We cannot have everything we pray for as if by magic, but with faith, we can have everything we need to serve Him. 9 (LifeApplication Study Bible)

The man confessed his imperfect faith with tears-help mine unbelief. God granted his request. Jesus took the boy by the hand and lifted him up and he arose.

Belief and faith are not something we can obtain without help. Faith is a gift from God. (Eph. 2:8-9) There is no self-sufficiency in faith, it isn't bought. It must be renewed daily as we trust in Jesus.

How strong is your faith? What a lesson on faith and God's character.

LET IT GO

Great is thy faithfulness Lord unto me.

When Jesus Shows Up

N.T.#384 "When Jesus Shows Up"

Sept. 5, 2024 

Mark 9-Part 1

LET IT GLOW 

What an experience Peter, James, and John had on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus. They saw Elijah and Moses conversing with Jesus, Jesus' form changed into His heavenly glory (Shekinah), and God's voice acknowledging Jesus as His Son. (verses 2-7) 

The Law and the prophets pointed to Jesus. the prophets described the Messiah as both a conquering king and a sacrificial martyr-a man who would die to save the people of Israel, (Isaiah 42, 49, 50-53) yet one who would reign forever as their king. (Dan. 7:14, Zech. 9) John the Baptist was a type of Elijah, who was killed. (Swindoll)

Jesus is the Messiah, who would be killed, too, but would rise from the dead. Peter wanted to stay there (mountaintop experience), but they had a mission of sharing the Gospel to the people below.

James was the first of the 12 that died for Christ, and John survived them all, to be the last eyewitness of this glory. (John 1:14, 2 Peter 1:16-18)

The deity of Jesus broke through His humanity so that it was undeniably visible. this glimpse of glory was a sneak peek of the glory of the coming kingdom. (Evans)

Dear on, do you believe Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior, the Messiah? Is your faith the size of a mustard seed? Then that is enough for you to become a child of God.

LET IT GROW 

When Jesus came down from the mountain with the three, He found the scribes questioning the rest of the disciples. (verse 14) In other words," What is the quarrel now?" Apparently, the scribes stopped their questioning since Jesus was present and had no answer.

How did the crowd react? Immediately they were greatly amazed (surprised) and greeted Him. (verse 15)

Are we greatly amazed when Jesus shows up in our life? How do we greet Him?

LET IT GO

Glory and honor and praise to our King Jesus!

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord!

 

A Changed Heart

N.T.#383 "A Changed Heart"

Sept. 4, 2024 

Mark 9

LET IT GLOW

I enjoy seeing butterflies. Mostly, they are around wildflowers. The other day, I was at the farm to feed my cats and saw a white butterfly. Usually, they are colorful. What a symbolism for me: Jesus can change hearts by making them clean after confessing sins. Today, we learn about someone being changed in appearance. Read on to find out who it is.

There are many interpretations of what Jesus meant in verse 1. Jesus told His disciples some standing would not die before they saw the kingdom of God arrive in great power. Then 6 days later, the three, Peter, James, and John who witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus. It took place on Mount Hermon, some 9,000 feet up. 

What happened there?

• Jesus was transfigured, in English it is metamorphosis, which described Jesus's body was altered in its appearance. 
• His garments were shining brighter than white snow, according to Mark.
• Peter told Mark His garments radiated like the sun. 
• It was whiter than white clothes washed.
• They caught a glimpse of Jesus' divine glory.
• Elijah and Moses appeared and talked with Jesus.
• Peter suggested they build 3 tabernacles to worship there.
• A voice from heaven said, This is my beloved Son: hear Him. (verse 7)
• Then the two disappeared and only Jesus was visible.
• Peter, James, and John were terrified.
• Jesus orded them to tell no one what they saw until the Son of man were risen from the dead.(verse 10)

I think I would have been terrified and speechless, but not Peter. Don't you know that scene was forever in their memory. Elijah represented the prophets, who predicted the coming Messiah and Moses represented the Law. Jesus came to fulfill those. 

Have you had an experience with Jesus? Is He your Savior? 

LET IT GROW 

The three disciples where questioning each other what rising from the dead should mean. (verse 10) Little did they know what was ahead of them. Not only would Peter, James, and John see Jesus die on the cross, but see Him after 3 days as the Resurrected Christ. Jesus has power over death. He is King over all. God has given us His Word so we can read all of this. It is by faith that we come to Him.

Do we let God transform our life, heart, soul daily? 

LET IT GO 

When things get us down, look up.

Change our heart Jesus, washing our sinful heart with Your blood.

May we be like You.

How loving You are!

How Much is Our Soul Worth?

N.T. #382 "How Much is our Soul Worth?"

Sept. 3, 2024 

Mark 8-Part 11

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (verses 35-36)

LET IT GLOW 

I have picture of dirty tennis shoes titled, "How are you walking?" on my desk. I look up and see it, needing to reevaluate my spiritual walk of life. Some days my walk is by stumbling, while other days it is straight and good. Are we following Jesus? Are we obeying God and His Word? Are we denying ourself? Those are hard questions. Yet Jesus told us to if we are to following Him and please the Father. (verse 34)

Self-denial means giving up one's rights. Sometimes God requires abandoning our personal property, and other times He does not. the cross-bearing penitent sinner becomes aware that he cannot save himself, and holding nothing back, surrenders completely to God's mercy. 

Follow means to move behind someone in the same direction or to come after. 

We are commanded to do as Jesus did and to follow in His footsteps. It is a necessary condition of discipleship. 

In our key verse, life means life or soul. 

In other words, whoever wishes to save his physical life will lose his spiritual life, but whoever turns over his physical life for Jesus' sake and the gospel's will save his spiritual life. Which is the better investment in the long run?

Jesus wants us to choose to follow Him rather than to lead a life of sin and self-satisfaction. Let Him direct us instead of controlling our own life and destiny.  Jesus asks for submission and loose our self-centered determination to be in charge. (Life Application Study Bible)

Are God's plans and priorities what we seek and hold onto or is it the worldly ideas, attitudes, actions, or material possessions? Whatever it is that is holding us back from completely selling out, we must let them go.

LET IT GROW 

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. (verse 38)

Webster's Dictionary tells us the meaning of ashamed is to feel guilt, disgrace, inferior, unworthy.

So if we are embarrassed or disgraced of Jesus, then He will do the same toward us before God when we die and stand before a holy God-Judge. 

We only have one life to live, what is done for Jesus is what will last. If we know Jesus is in our heart, then we should not be embarrassed. Be careful that we don't let the pleasures in this world replace the true meaning of life-loving Jesus and others. Be filled with joy and not shame.

LET IT GO

Is there anything keeping us from following Jesus?

Are we daily giving up our rights so we can follow Jesus?

Self Denial

N.T.#381 "Self Denial"

Sept. 2, 2024 

Mark 8-Part 10

LET IT GLOW 

This example is not to toot my own horn, but to challenge you, my friend. Last week, some of our church people decided to help out a sister church by providing a meal for those in a neighboring community. (Tornado victims are still restoring homes.) Four of us cooked, and others helped us serve supper. It is quite an experience to be able to reach out with what we have to meet needs of so many people. But what a blessing it was, too. It seemed like a little sacrifice of time and energy, but the blessings are great. How do you help others in your community?

We got our marching orders from our King, Jesus. If we are going to serve the Master, then we need to obey Him, right? That includes denying ourself (turn from selfish ways), taking up our cross, and following Jesus, the Savior. After all, He is the way, the truth, and the life. 

What else did Jesus instruct about our life as we following Him?

1. If we hang onto our life, we will lose it. 
2. If we give up our life for Jesus' sake and for the Good News, we will save it.

When we encounter danger or are threatened, we go into self-preservation mode. Life is a valuable thing and a natural thing to avoid suffering and pain, or even death. If we fail to lay down our life, deny Christ, give up a profession of Him and His Gospel, then we forfit peace, happiness, pleasure for comfort.

Yet, if we are willing to give up whatever is required of us (job, money, comfort, time, material things), for Jesus to have His purpose accomplished will not regret it. Blessings of abundant life and a home in glory await those who obey and follow Jesus.

Are we willing to do whatever it takes in order for others to be saved? Will we give up inconveniences and difficulties so we identify with Jesus? Or will we forfeit a relationship with Jesus now? Do we tell our desires no when it comes to a conflict with the kingdom work, or the Word?

Friend, have you asked Christ to forgive your sins and be your Savior? His mercy is willing to forgive.

LET IT GROW

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (verses 35-36)

This world is only temporal. Eternity is forever. 

C.T. Studd wrote, "Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last."

Dear one, let's not make the pleasures of world replace the true meaning of life-loving and serving Jesus. That is our challenge this week.

LET IT GO 

May we choose a life of following You, Jesus, rather than lead a life of sin and self-satisfaction.

Direct us daily as Your servants.

Keep us in submission to You.

Whatever we do, in word or deed, may it be for Your glory.

Who Are You Following?

N.T.#380 "Who Are You Following?"

August 30, 2024 

Mark 8-Part 9

LET IT GLOW 

We can read a little more detail of this event in Matthew. Matthew tells us that Jesus told His disciples how He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and raised on the third day. Mark does not say where Jesus must go for it to happen. Also, we read what Peter was meaning in Matthew 16:22," Heaven forbid, Lord, this will never happen to you!"

It was a dangerous trap for Jesus by Satan, and Peter fell into it. Peter was seeing from a human point of view, not from God's. Jesus is the Messiah, King of the Jews, so no king should not suffer on a cross to die. Peter had just been praised for being God's spokesman, then was condemned as Satan's mouthpiece. Don't we tend to do the same, off and on? We have a mountaintop experience with the Lord, but then something happens, and we are back down in the valley we go again. Yep, I'd say Peter was human.

The world looks on success when one has great power, leads other to battle in their place, use others like rungs up the ladder, acquire money for it is power, give away only what makes you looks charitable, give only out of your abundance, and sacrifice nothing that might keep you comfortable. (Swindoll)

However, without the death and resurrection of Jesus, there could be no atonement for our sin, nor our salvation. After shocking Peter in line, Jesus called the crowd to Himself-disciples, followers, seekers, critics, and skeptics. He clarified His disposition toward the current world order. He was about to make a summation of the believer's life, their instructions, and how to please God.

Are we ready?

LET IT GROW 

Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (verse 34)

Let's break it down so we can understand this better:

• If we are desiring to serve, love Jesus, we get in line behind Him. I used to try to step in my dad's footprints in the snow when I was young. How are we to walk like Jesus?
• Jesus is our Master, Leader, Way, Truth, Life. His Spirit and His teachings are what we are to be following, not the world's. We are supposed to be different from them, stand out.
• First, we must deny ourself. A repentant sinner cannot save their soul but must surrender completely to God's way and mercy. We come to the point of self-denial for salvation.
• Then when we will to be a follower of Jesus, we must be willing to be a cross-bearing person in order to do God's will. We are on mission with Jesus, then, carrying out the Father's will in our own life. Take up our cross.
• Follow Jesus by doing what He says do, going where He says go, living like He says live. He is our Master and we obey His commands.

The thing is, are we willing? Do we love Jesus enough to make sacrifices for Him? Are we willing to suffer for being a Christian? Will we give up anything He requires?

LET IT GO 

                               ... and follow Jesus.