# 552 - Today's Du-Votional comes from: Mr 9:39,40 “But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. "For he who is not against us is on our side.”
Something needs to be said here about the idea of using the name of Jesus. Sometimes we fall into the trap of using the name of Jesus as some sort of a secret formula. But according to the bibilical scholar and commentator Lenski, , the idea of “the name of Jesus” in Scripture is always tied to the “basis of the revelation of Jesus one has received.” In short, it's always tied to the measure of faith that one has received.
Whoever this exorcist was, he had enough revelation about Jesus given to him, (enough faith) that he sincerely believed that Jesus would cast out demons through him, and He did!
Here's the thing, John and the disciples had no clue about this man's faith and they had no business forbidding him from putting it into practice. But Jesus knew everything about it. Jesus was fully aware of every demon that had been displaced by this man when he called on His name.
Let Jesus be the judge of the strength of ones faith. He knows things about faith and individuals that we can't possibly know. One thing we know for sure and that is whoever taps into the revelation of Jesus (His name) rightly is not operating in the rejection mode. They are always open to more of Jesus. More revelation. More faith, and that's where this man appeared to be and Jesus tells us here that it's a good place to be.
Father, I am so quick to judge the faith of others. Deliver me from this wrong and let me rejoice at any and all evidence of faith in Your name. Help me to remember that faith is a gift from You and help me to treasure it and nourish it all my days.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Room For Only One Strongman
# 551 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:38,39 “Now John answered Him, saying, "Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us." But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me.
Something Jesus had just said bothered John. Jesus had just mentioned the power of His name in relation to receiving a little child into the church. (Baptism) It is the greatest miracle of all that with a little water and the name of Jesus, a soul is born again! “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (Jn 3:5)
As Jesus was speaking to His disciples about receiving these little children, John picked up on the words, “no one,” and he wondered out loud if he and the others had overstepped their bounds in demanding that this other exorcist, who was not one of them stop using the name of Jesus!
Jesus then told them they had indeed overstepped. Do you know why? Because it's not about the “one ” in “no one.” It's about the name and command of Jesus.
What is baptism if not a form of exorcism? It is a method commanded by God by which we receive the Holy Spirit.
Ac 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
When the Holy Ghost moves in, the devil and his demons must move out. They are “exorcized.”That's the gist of Jesus' statement concerning the strongman in Lu 11:22 "But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils
Therefore, in the matter of baptism for example, its efficacy is not based on the faith walk of the one performing the rite. It's efficacy comes from everything entailed in the name of Jesus and the authority of His command. It's about Him.....not us.
Father, thank You for the reminder again, that it is not about us, but about Jesus. Help me to keep it that way not only in baptism, but in all things.
Something Jesus had just said bothered John. Jesus had just mentioned the power of His name in relation to receiving a little child into the church. (Baptism) It is the greatest miracle of all that with a little water and the name of Jesus, a soul is born again! “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (Jn 3:5)
As Jesus was speaking to His disciples about receiving these little children, John picked up on the words, “no one,” and he wondered out loud if he and the others had overstepped their bounds in demanding that this other exorcist, who was not one of them stop using the name of Jesus!
Jesus then told them they had indeed overstepped. Do you know why? Because it's not about the “one ” in “no one.” It's about the name and command of Jesus.
What is baptism if not a form of exorcism? It is a method commanded by God by which we receive the Holy Spirit.
Ac 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
When the Holy Ghost moves in, the devil and his demons must move out. They are “exorcized.”That's the gist of Jesus' statement concerning the strongman in Lu 11:22 "But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils
Therefore, in the matter of baptism for example, its efficacy is not based on the faith walk of the one performing the rite. It's efficacy comes from everything entailed in the name of Jesus and the authority of His command. It's about Him.....not us.
Father, thank You for the reminder again, that it is not about us, but about Jesus. Help me to keep it that way not only in baptism, but in all things.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Receiving In Jesus' Name
# 550 - Today's Duvotional comes from: Mr 9:36,37 Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, "Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me."
This is the charge that Jesus has given His church. We are to receive (take in) little children in His name. The church takes in it's members through baptizing in the name of Jesus, using the name He gave us in the great commission. (“Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”) This is what is meant here by “receiving in Jesus' name.
Most of us are familiar with the Great Commission, Mt 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:” but few are aware that the force of the Greek here is that disciples are made by baptizing!
It is in baptism that disciples (students, followers) are enrolled in the Kingdom. It is by enduring in the faith bestowed at baptism, that they remain on the roll.
In these verses in Mark, Jesus is reminding us that, He comes to live in the baptized, and as we receive people in baptism, we are in effect receiving Him and the One who sent Him. It is then the church's responsibility to serve these little ones, helping them to grow and endure in their God-given faith.
Father, thank You again for the gift of faith. May we as parents, sponsors, and congregations take this charge seriously. Equip us and give us the desire to nurture these little ones and to raise them in the way they should go.
This is the charge that Jesus has given His church. We are to receive (take in) little children in His name. The church takes in it's members through baptizing in the name of Jesus, using the name He gave us in the great commission. (“Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”) This is what is meant here by “receiving in Jesus' name.
Most of us are familiar with the Great Commission, Mt 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:” but few are aware that the force of the Greek here is that disciples are made by baptizing!
It is in baptism that disciples (students, followers) are enrolled in the Kingdom. It is by enduring in the faith bestowed at baptism, that they remain on the roll.
In these verses in Mark, Jesus is reminding us that, He comes to live in the baptized, and as we receive people in baptism, we are in effect receiving Him and the One who sent Him. It is then the church's responsibility to serve these little ones, helping them to grow and endure in their God-given faith.
Father, thank You again for the gift of faith. May we as parents, sponsors, and congregations take this charge seriously. Equip us and give us the desire to nurture these little ones and to raise them in the way they should go.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Enrolling Disciples
# 549 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:36,37 Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, "Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me."
Remember, this conversation and demonstration is being done for the benefit of the church. (The twelve disciples being symbolic for the church.)
Jesus “took a little child,” How little was this child? Well in the Matthew account we read that He called the child over to Him, (Mt 18:2) so we know the child was old enough to respond to his name, and yet he was small enough that Jesus could take the child up in His arms.
The Greek word used here for “little child,” would indicate an infant or a toddler. This little child is set in the middle of the twelve, indicating an association with them. Jesus then takes the child in His arms. (he receives the child as His own)
This is a beautiful picture of what happens in baptism. Jesus receives this little child into His church. God uses baptism to add to the roll of His church: Ac 2:41 says, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. Baptism is God's method of enrolling souls in His church and He means to include “little children.”
Furthermore, the gist of the Greek in the great commission as stated in Mt 28:19 is that disciples are made by baptizing. The idea being that baptism enrolls us as students or followers of Christ. With the help of God, it is the beginning of a life-long journey of growing in Christ.
Thank You Father, for what You do in baptism. We don't have to understand it, let us just rejoice in it, and help us Lord to remain followers of Christ for all the days that You grant us on this earth.
Remember, this conversation and demonstration is being done for the benefit of the church. (The twelve disciples being symbolic for the church.)
Jesus “took a little child,” How little was this child? Well in the Matthew account we read that He called the child over to Him, (Mt 18:2) so we know the child was old enough to respond to his name, and yet he was small enough that Jesus could take the child up in His arms.
The Greek word used here for “little child,” would indicate an infant or a toddler. This little child is set in the middle of the twelve, indicating an association with them. Jesus then takes the child in His arms. (he receives the child as His own)
This is a beautiful picture of what happens in baptism. Jesus receives this little child into His church. God uses baptism to add to the roll of His church: Ac 2:41 says, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. Baptism is God's method of enrolling souls in His church and He means to include “little children.”
Furthermore, the gist of the Greek in the great commission as stated in Mt 28:19 is that disciples are made by baptizing. The idea being that baptism enrolls us as students or followers of Christ. With the help of God, it is the beginning of a life-long journey of growing in Christ.
Thank You Father, for what You do in baptism. We don't have to understand it, let us just rejoice in it, and help us Lord to remain followers of Christ for all the days that You grant us on this earth.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The True Measure of Greatness
# 548 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."
A family meeting. This must be very important stuff. Jesus sits down and calls the twelve to Him He didn't call the “disciples,” He called the twelve. Whenever I see the number twelve in Scripture I think of the church, so this instruction is very important for the church. This “family meeting” is for us!
Jesus in no way trashes the idea of greatness in His church. Excellence in the church of Jesus Christ is to be desired and something to strive for! The problem is our method of measuring greatness has been greatly influenced and twisted by the world. So Jesus sits us down here and says, “this is the standard of greatness in My church.
“Get rid of self!”
The greatest members of the church are those who have learned to live in the reality of the crucifixion of self and live in the new birth of faith. This living according to the New Man automatically produces acts of servant-hood toward others, because it allows for Jesus, the greatest Servant of all-time, to live through us.
THE WORLD MEASURES GREATNESS BY THE NUMBER OF SERVANTS A MAN HAS, JESUS MEASURES GREATNESS BY THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WE ARE WILLING TO SERVE. This number is directly proportional to the degree that we have let go of self and yielded to Jesus.
Father, forgive me of my selfishness, help me to overcome it. Give me that servant heart of Jesus.
A family meeting. This must be very important stuff. Jesus sits down and calls the twelve to Him He didn't call the “disciples,” He called the twelve. Whenever I see the number twelve in Scripture I think of the church, so this instruction is very important for the church. This “family meeting” is for us!
Jesus in no way trashes the idea of greatness in His church. Excellence in the church of Jesus Christ is to be desired and something to strive for! The problem is our method of measuring greatness has been greatly influenced and twisted by the world. So Jesus sits us down here and says, “this is the standard of greatness in My church.
“Get rid of self!”
The greatest members of the church are those who have learned to live in the reality of the crucifixion of self and live in the new birth of faith. This living according to the New Man automatically produces acts of servant-hood toward others, because it allows for Jesus, the greatest Servant of all-time, to live through us.
THE WORLD MEASURES GREATNESS BY THE NUMBER OF SERVANTS A MAN HAS, JESUS MEASURES GREATNESS BY THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WE ARE WILLING TO SERVE. This number is directly proportional to the degree that we have let go of self and yielded to Jesus.
Father, forgive me of my selfishness, help me to overcome it. Give me that servant heart of Jesus.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Tooting Your Own Horn
# 547 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:33,34, “Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, "What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?" But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest."
Once again, Jesus throws out a question, that He already knows the answer to, but He wants His disciples to revisit their dispute and learn from it.
Do you pick up a sense of conviction here? It's like everyone of them knew they had been caught doing something wrong. Like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar, they had no defense. So no one spoke.
Remember the context here. Jesus had just dropped the bombshell that betrayal lay upon the horizon. What were these disciples doing with this “discussion”? Were they trying to figure out who that betrayer might be, based upon their own perceived goodness?
Oh the personal horn tooting that must've been going on here! Must've sounded like the sixth grade band on their first day of practice. Not exactly music to our Lord's ears! But then pride and making a case for self-advancement never are.
The truth is, all of us are capable of betrayal. “There is none righteous, no, not one: (Rom 3:10) And if there is to be found anything good in any one of us, it can only be found in Jesus. To God be the glory!
Father, forgive me for the times I fall into the trap of self-advancement. Especially when it leads to trashing others in order to make myself look good.
Once again, Jesus throws out a question, that He already knows the answer to, but He wants His disciples to revisit their dispute and learn from it.
Do you pick up a sense of conviction here? It's like everyone of them knew they had been caught doing something wrong. Like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar, they had no defense. So no one spoke.
Remember the context here. Jesus had just dropped the bombshell that betrayal lay upon the horizon. What were these disciples doing with this “discussion”? Were they trying to figure out who that betrayer might be, based upon their own perceived goodness?
Oh the personal horn tooting that must've been going on here! Must've sounded like the sixth grade band on their first day of practice. Not exactly music to our Lord's ears! But then pride and making a case for self-advancement never are.
The truth is, all of us are capable of betrayal. “There is none righteous, no, not one: (Rom 3:10) And if there is to be found anything good in any one of us, it can only be found in Jesus. To God be the glory!
Father, forgive me for the times I fall into the trap of self-advancement. Especially when it leads to trashing others in order to make myself look good.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Avoiding the Hurting Brother
# 546 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:30-32, “Then they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know it. For He taught His disciples and said to them, "The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day." But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him.
Again we see the urgency of Jesus. He knows the time is short and He wants to spend it away from the crowds, teaching His disciples. But look, a new word has been added to His teaching! The word is “betrayed.”
The word speaks of a trusted person turning against a friend. This was unthinkable to these disciples. It was beyond their comprehension that one of them could possibly betray Jesus. Yet, Jesus has dropped the bombshell, this very unpleasant betrayal was going to take place.
Notice the reaction of the disciples. Notice how similar they are to us. They avoid the subject. They'd rather talk about it amongst themselves, (in a totally inappropriate way as we shall see) than go to the One who has the answers.
How often do we seek to avoid unpleasant realities? How often do we fail to make that consoling call or walk down a different aisle in the grocery store rather than come face to face with someone we know is facing a difficult situation?
Father the next time we are tempted to avoid a hurting brother or sister, remind us that You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, and help us to find ways to properly express that love and concern.
Again we see the urgency of Jesus. He knows the time is short and He wants to spend it away from the crowds, teaching His disciples. But look, a new word has been added to His teaching! The word is “betrayed.”
The word speaks of a trusted person turning against a friend. This was unthinkable to these disciples. It was beyond their comprehension that one of them could possibly betray Jesus. Yet, Jesus has dropped the bombshell, this very unpleasant betrayal was going to take place.
Notice the reaction of the disciples. Notice how similar they are to us. They avoid the subject. They'd rather talk about it amongst themselves, (in a totally inappropriate way as we shall see) than go to the One who has the answers.
How often do we seek to avoid unpleasant realities? How often do we fail to make that consoling call or walk down a different aisle in the grocery store rather than come face to face with someone we know is facing a difficult situation?
Father the next time we are tempted to avoid a hurting brother or sister, remind us that You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, and help us to find ways to properly express that love and concern.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
.Avoid Spiritual Flabbiness
# 545 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:29. “So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."
Let's talk about spiritual discipline today. It seems to me that it is sorely lacking in the church today, and without spiritual discipline we become spiritually flabby. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that spiritual discipline is only for the spiritually elite. It's not. It is an EARMARK of all true followers of Christ.
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus named the three spiritual disciplines of His followers and made it clear they WILL engage in them on a regular basis. He said, “When you give to the needy,” (Mt 6:2) and “When you pray,” (Mt 6:5) and “When you fast,” ( Mt 6:16) This is not an option. He didn't say, “SUPPOSE you fast,” or “IF you give to the needy, “ or “PERCHANCE when you pray,” He said “WHEN!”This takes effort and commitment on your part, just as it takes effort and discipline on your part to get your body into shape.
I urge you to get started on these spiritual disciplines in your life. Start small. Start by setting some money aside over and above your tithe to give to the poor. Start rising 15 minutes early every day to spend devotional time with God, and start skipping a meal once a week for the purpose of fasting. Then keep at it because it doesn't take long to lose any edge you may have gained.
FATHER, FORGIVE OUR SPIRITUAL FLABBINESS, LIGHT A FIRE UNDER US THAT WE MAY ONCE AGAIN COMMIT TO THE DISCIPLINES THAT MARK YOUR CHILDREN.
Let's talk about spiritual discipline today. It seems to me that it is sorely lacking in the church today, and without spiritual discipline we become spiritually flabby. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that spiritual discipline is only for the spiritually elite. It's not. It is an EARMARK of all true followers of Christ.
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus named the three spiritual disciplines of His followers and made it clear they WILL engage in them on a regular basis. He said, “When you give to the needy,” (Mt 6:2) and “When you pray,” (Mt 6:5) and “When you fast,” ( Mt 6:16) This is not an option. He didn't say, “SUPPOSE you fast,” or “IF you give to the needy, “ or “PERCHANCE when you pray,” He said “WHEN!”This takes effort and commitment on your part, just as it takes effort and discipline on your part to get your body into shape.
I urge you to get started on these spiritual disciplines in your life. Start small. Start by setting some money aside over and above your tithe to give to the poor. Start rising 15 minutes early every day to spend devotional time with God, and start skipping a meal once a week for the purpose of fasting. Then keep at it because it doesn't take long to lose any edge you may have gained.
FATHER, FORGIVE OUR SPIRITUAL FLABBINESS, LIGHT A FIRE UNDER US THAT WE MAY ONCE AGAIN COMMIT TO THE DISCIPLINES THAT MARK YOUR CHILDREN.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Fasting + Prayer = Spiritual Clout
# 544 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:28,29. “And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?"
So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."
In Matthew's account of this incident Jesus also mentions the necessity of faith in this process of deliverance. “if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you..” (Mt 17:20)
I like to think of Jesus as that mustard seed. (See my archived blog from March 2nd, 2011)
This Mustard Seed (of faith) comes to us in the Holy Spirit at our baptism, but it must be nourished and enabled to grow in each one of us if we are to have any kind of spiritual clout.
This faith is nurtured in part through the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting.
Prayer being defined as the process of continual communication with God (pray without ceasing. 1 Thess 5:17) and fasting as any form of denial of the flesh for the purpose of strengthening faith.
This kind of prayer and fasting must be practiced on a regular basis BEFORE the hour of need. Are you engaged in regular communication with God and are you practicing the discipline of fasting?
If not, get started now, so that when the spiritual battles come, you don't end up like the seven sons of Sceva. These exorcist wannabes, thought it was enough to toss out the name of Jesus without having an intimate relationship with Jesus. Look what happened!
Ac 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" 16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”
Tired of losing your spiritual battles? Then start practicing intimacy with Jesus through prayer and fasting, nurturing the mustard seed of faith that God planted in you at your baptism.
Father, it is so easy to get out of the good spiritual disciplines You have provided for us, to strengthen our faith. Help me to not be a lazy servant, but one who earnestly seeks You through prayer and fasting, that I might be prepared for whatever the devil, the world, and the flesh throws my way.
So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."
In Matthew's account of this incident Jesus also mentions the necessity of faith in this process of deliverance. “if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you..” (Mt 17:20)
I like to think of Jesus as that mustard seed. (See my archived blog from March 2nd, 2011)
This Mustard Seed (of faith) comes to us in the Holy Spirit at our baptism, but it must be nourished and enabled to grow in each one of us if we are to have any kind of spiritual clout.
This faith is nurtured in part through the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting.
Prayer being defined as the process of continual communication with God (pray without ceasing. 1 Thess 5:17) and fasting as any form of denial of the flesh for the purpose of strengthening faith.
This kind of prayer and fasting must be practiced on a regular basis BEFORE the hour of need. Are you engaged in regular communication with God and are you practicing the discipline of fasting?
If not, get started now, so that when the spiritual battles come, you don't end up like the seven sons of Sceva. These exorcist wannabes, thought it was enough to toss out the name of Jesus without having an intimate relationship with Jesus. Look what happened!
Ac 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" 16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”
Tired of losing your spiritual battles? Then start practicing intimacy with Jesus through prayer and fasting, nurturing the mustard seed of faith that God planted in you at your baptism.
Father, it is so easy to get out of the good spiritual disciplines You have provided for us, to strengthen our faith. Help me to not be a lazy servant, but one who earnestly seeks You through prayer and fasting, that I might be prepared for whatever the devil, the world, and the flesh throws my way.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
When the Bully Won't Budge
# 544 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:28,29. “And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?"
So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."
I can see myself asking the same question of Jesus. ”Where did we go wrong Jesus?” And Jesus gently and privately instructs them.
In Matthews account of this incident Jesus also addresses the matter of their lack of faith as being an obstacle. (Mt 17:20 So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 "However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.")
First lesson here for us is that prayer and faith are closely linked. When the bully (the devil) won't budge, (the immovable mountain), you don't roll up your shirtsleeves and take him on yourself. You call on your Big Brother Jesus, confident in His power to take care of the bully. This is called the prayer of faith. It is asking specifically for your Big Brother to come to your aid, believing that He is able and willing to come.
Tapping into just a mustard seeds worth of the power of Jesus through prayer is enough to dispense of this bully, anytime and anyplace.
Thank You Father for our Big Brother Jesus. I pray that He will come to the aid of those being bullied around by the devil today.
So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."
I can see myself asking the same question of Jesus. ”Where did we go wrong Jesus?” And Jesus gently and privately instructs them.
In Matthews account of this incident Jesus also addresses the matter of their lack of faith as being an obstacle. (Mt 17:20 So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 "However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.")
First lesson here for us is that prayer and faith are closely linked. When the bully (the devil) won't budge, (the immovable mountain), you don't roll up your shirtsleeves and take him on yourself. You call on your Big Brother Jesus, confident in His power to take care of the bully. This is called the prayer of faith. It is asking specifically for your Big Brother to come to your aid, believing that He is able and willing to come.
Tapping into just a mustard seeds worth of the power of Jesus through prayer is enough to dispense of this bully, anytime and anyplace.
Thank You Father for our Big Brother Jesus. I pray that He will come to the aid of those being bullied around by the devil today.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Another Beautiful Picture Of Infant Baptism
# 542 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:25-27, “When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!" Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose..”
The ordeal is finally over. The devil's rag doll has been set free. Jesus has given strict orders to this demon to never possess this boy again. I ask you, “what did the boy do to aid Jesus in this process?” He did nothing. Jesus did it all! He took care of that which was controlling the boy and then took him by the hand and “he arose.”
This is a beautiful picture of what Jesus does in baptism. He does it all! An infant is like this boy. They cannot hear with discernment or speak with intelligence. They are “conceived in sin” ( Ps 51:5) and therefore dead spiritually.
But when they are brought to the waters of baptism, by even the weakest of faith (the father here), Jesus delivers them from their condition of original sin. He crucifies the old man in them and RAISES them to new life. (Col 2:12) Sealed with the Holy Spirit, marked as God's property now, (Eph 4:30) the child is safe as long as he chooses to remain in the “unpluckable” hands of Jesus. (Jn 10:28)
Thanks again Father, for painting a beautiful picture of what You do for us in water baptism. It's all You! And we can do nothing but bow down in worship and praise!
The ordeal is finally over. The devil's rag doll has been set free. Jesus has given strict orders to this demon to never possess this boy again. I ask you, “what did the boy do to aid Jesus in this process?” He did nothing. Jesus did it all! He took care of that which was controlling the boy and then took him by the hand and “he arose.”
This is a beautiful picture of what Jesus does in baptism. He does it all! An infant is like this boy. They cannot hear with discernment or speak with intelligence. They are “conceived in sin” ( Ps 51:5) and therefore dead spiritually.
But when they are brought to the waters of baptism, by even the weakest of faith (the father here), Jesus delivers them from their condition of original sin. He crucifies the old man in them and RAISES them to new life. (Col 2:12) Sealed with the Holy Spirit, marked as God's property now, (Eph 4:30) the child is safe as long as he chooses to remain in the “unpluckable” hands of Jesus. (Jn 10:28)
Thanks again Father, for painting a beautiful picture of what You do for us in water baptism. It's all You! And we can do nothing but bow down in worship and praise!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Ask the Lord To Dig A Ditch
# 541 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:24, “Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"
The father had just heard Jesus say that all things are possible to him who believes and his response is immediate and powerful. He yelled out through his tears of despair for his son, “I believe, help my unbelief!”
The word believe shows up several times in these verses and it always means the same thing. To believe is to entrust or have faith in something. And of course that something is Jesus. To believe is to entrust your entire well-being to Christ
This father is in a great place of faith here. He realizes that EVEN HIS FAITH IS DEPENDENT UPON JESUS. “Jesus,” he says. “Give me what faith I am lacking.”
The word “help” is very interesting as well. It means to ask for aid or relief. It comes from another word that means to dig a ditch. The picture I get is relieving pressure in a flood by diverting the flow of water by creating a ditch. And I see this father as saying, “Lord dig a ditch that will allow Your grace to flow into this situation and strengthen my faith.”
This simple asking of help from Jesus is actually a form of worship. Mt 15:25 says, Then she came and WORSHIPED saying, "Lord, HELP me!" When you pray, “Lord help me,” you are engaged in worship! May this truth strengthen your resolve to pray.
O God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Help all those today who need an extra measure of Your grace. Dig a ditch of relief and let the flood of Your grace come to them in their time of need.
The father had just heard Jesus say that all things are possible to him who believes and his response is immediate and powerful. He yelled out through his tears of despair for his son, “I believe, help my unbelief!”
The word believe shows up several times in these verses and it always means the same thing. To believe is to entrust or have faith in something. And of course that something is Jesus. To believe is to entrust your entire well-being to Christ
This father is in a great place of faith here. He realizes that EVEN HIS FAITH IS DEPENDENT UPON JESUS. “Jesus,” he says. “Give me what faith I am lacking.”
The word “help” is very interesting as well. It means to ask for aid or relief. It comes from another word that means to dig a ditch. The picture I get is relieving pressure in a flood by diverting the flow of water by creating a ditch. And I see this father as saying, “Lord dig a ditch that will allow Your grace to flow into this situation and strengthen my faith.”
This simple asking of help from Jesus is actually a form of worship. Mt 15:25 says, Then she came and WORSHIPED saying, "Lord, HELP me!" When you pray, “Lord help me,” you are engaged in worship! May this truth strengthen your resolve to pray.
O God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Help all those today who need an extra measure of Your grace. Dig a ditch of relief and let the flood of Your grace come to them in their time of need.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
It Is the Father's Good Pleasure To Give You the Kingdom
# 540 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:23, “Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."
If you can believe what? Simply, if you can believe that Jesus is able. Jesus is able to do what? All things. Yes Jesus is indeed able to do all things, but will He do all things?
Our view of “all things” is often quite different from His. The “all things” referred to in Scripture are always those things within the good and gracious will of God. Many times we pray and ask for things and are perplexed as to why we didn't receive the answer we desired.
Well, was the thing asked for within the good and gracious will of God? One of the keys to answered prayer is to know what is the good and gracious will of God. This is a good place to start in prayer. Ask for those things that are related to His kingdom.
Lu 12:32 says, "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Ask for kingdom things, things that will advance God's kingdom and bring glory to Him! You will find these things in His Word, and when you do.....ask for them..
This father, prayed for compassion and compassion is certainly an earmark of God's kingdom. There are of course, many other things in God's dispensary. For instance, Ga 5:22,23 gives a great list of things to ask for. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These attributes are certainly among the list of “all things” that Jesus is more than able to dispense to you for your present situation.
Ask Him!
Father, I am dumfounded by the fact that it is Your good pleasure to give us the things of Your kingdom. May that truth change my attitude towards prayer.
If you can believe what? Simply, if you can believe that Jesus is able. Jesus is able to do what? All things. Yes Jesus is indeed able to do all things, but will He do all things?
Our view of “all things” is often quite different from His. The “all things” referred to in Scripture are always those things within the good and gracious will of God. Many times we pray and ask for things and are perplexed as to why we didn't receive the answer we desired.
Well, was the thing asked for within the good and gracious will of God? One of the keys to answered prayer is to know what is the good and gracious will of God. This is a good place to start in prayer. Ask for those things that are related to His kingdom.
Lu 12:32 says, "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Ask for kingdom things, things that will advance God's kingdom and bring glory to Him! You will find these things in His Word, and when you do.....ask for them..
This father, prayed for compassion and compassion is certainly an earmark of God's kingdom. There are of course, many other things in God's dispensary. For instance, Ga 5:22,23 gives a great list of things to ask for. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These attributes are certainly among the list of “all things” that Jesus is more than able to dispense to you for your present situation.
Ask Him!
Father, I am dumfounded by the fact that it is Your good pleasure to give us the things of Your kingdom. May that truth change my attitude towards prayer.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Tap Into His Compassion
# 539 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:22, "And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."
The father continues to explain the situation. This demon has often sought to destroy his son by casting him into fire and water. This is no doubt the work of the devil who seeks to destroy as we read in Joh 10:10. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
This is definitely a job for Jesus, for only He is able to bind the devil. The father's faith has wavered in light of the fact that the nine followers of Jesus were not able to cast out the demon, but he still has enough faith to pray. Listen to his prayer and may it be instructive for you and I as we pray in our hour of need.
“ But God, if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
All the man is asking for is compassion, a prayer that will always perk up the ears of God because it touches on a main part of His character..
Jas 5:11 says, “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord--that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
The Lord is compassionate, ask His help! His answer may not be what we want, but it will always be what we need, and that's the heart of compassion.
Father, thank You for Your compassion. Thank You that I can be assured that You hear my cries for help in my times of need, and thank You that Your answer will always be perfect.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Necessary Transfer of Ownership
# 538 - Today's Living Word comes from: Mr 9:21 “So He asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood.
Boy, I bet Jesus was surprised by that answer! I love “God questions” in the Bible. I think they would be a great topical Bible Study sometime. Why does an all knowing God ask questions as if He needs the information? The answer of course is that in His question, He has information for us that we need!
This boy has been possessed by the devil from his childhood, (the Greek word means infancy. We could rephrase the question like this, “How long has this child been a ragdoll for the devil?” How long has he owned or possessed this child? From infancy!
This child needs a transfer of ownership! We all need a transfer of ownership because as innocent as we all appear as infants, the truth is we are all conceived in sin! This transfer of ownership is accomplished in baptism where we receive the Holy Spirit and are given the seal of God's ownership, and as long as we remain in the faith, we remain in His protective custody.
2Co 1:21,22 “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”
Back up a bit in this account of the demon possessed child. What did Jesus say about this child in v19? “Bring him to me.” Parents, bring your infants to Jesus in the waters of baptism. Jesus said in Joh 3:5, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God”
Father, thank You again for the reminder that our infants need to have a transfer of ownership, and thank You for providing the means of transfer through the waters of baptism.
Boy, I bet Jesus was surprised by that answer! I love “God questions” in the Bible. I think they would be a great topical Bible Study sometime. Why does an all knowing God ask questions as if He needs the information? The answer of course is that in His question, He has information for us that we need!
This boy has been possessed by the devil from his childhood, (the Greek word means infancy. We could rephrase the question like this, “How long has this child been a ragdoll for the devil?” How long has he owned or possessed this child? From infancy!
This child needs a transfer of ownership! We all need a transfer of ownership because as innocent as we all appear as infants, the truth is we are all conceived in sin! This transfer of ownership is accomplished in baptism where we receive the Holy Spirit and are given the seal of God's ownership, and as long as we remain in the faith, we remain in His protective custody.
2Co 1:21,22 “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”
Back up a bit in this account of the demon possessed child. What did Jesus say about this child in v19? “Bring him to me.” Parents, bring your infants to Jesus in the waters of baptism. Jesus said in Joh 3:5, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God”
Father, thank You again for the reminder that our infants need to have a transfer of ownership, and thank You for providing the means of transfer through the waters of baptism.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
A Picture of the Devil's Last Stand
# 537 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:20 Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth.
Get the picture. The demon possessed boy is brought to Jesus and the demon gives it one last hurrah. Convulsing, falling to the ground, wallowing, foaming at the mouth...Someone is having a bit of a snit!
I believe the Holy Spirit is trying to point us to something here. Something that is in the context of what is about to happen to Jesus in Jerusalem. We read about it in Rev 12:10-12, “Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. 12 "Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time."
The demon in this boy knew he had a short time and what took place with that boy is a great picture of what is taking place with the devil in these last days. He is having a snit, instigating as much mayhem as possible on God's creation.
But know this beloved, He that is in you is greater than he who is in the world! And as you persevere and remain in the faith, the devil can rant and rave against you, but he can never snatch you out of the Father's hand.
Father, thank You for Your protection. Keep us securely in Your hands until the Day Jesus returns.
Get the picture. The demon possessed boy is brought to Jesus and the demon gives it one last hurrah. Convulsing, falling to the ground, wallowing, foaming at the mouth...Someone is having a bit of a snit!
I believe the Holy Spirit is trying to point us to something here. Something that is in the context of what is about to happen to Jesus in Jerusalem. We read about it in Rev 12:10-12, “Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. 12 "Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time."
The demon in this boy knew he had a short time and what took place with that boy is a great picture of what is taking place with the devil in these last days. He is having a snit, instigating as much mayhem as possible on God's creation.
But know this beloved, He that is in you is greater than he who is in the world! And as you persevere and remain in the faith, the devil can rant and rave against you, but he can never snatch you out of the Father's hand.
Father, thank You for Your protection. Keep us securely in Your hands until the Day Jesus returns.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
We Are the Faith Full Generation
# 536 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:19 He answered him and said, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me."
Some say that Jesus was referring to His nine disciples as the “faithless generation” and others say that He was referring to all the people of His day. I prefer the latter simply because of the context of these verses.
The focus of the Gospel of Mark shifted to the Passion of Christ back in Mark 8:27, and in context here, Jesus is simply getting all of us to consider the amount of time He has left to live physically among these people. “How long shall I be (physically) with you?”
Remember the Holy Spirit has not yet been given to individuals. The indwelling Holy Spirit would come to this generation and all subsequent generations, on the Day of Pentecost, and one of the things He brings is faith. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, FAITH,
Jesus, speaking to His disciples, said this of the Holy Spirit in Jn 14:17, “You know Him for He dwells with you (now, in the physical presence of Christ) and will be in you, (at a future time through baptism)”
So, I don't believe that Jesus is necessarily upset with their lack of faith. He is merely stating facts, and looking forward to the time when His Passion will be complete and His followers will have the opportunity to be a faith FULL generation thanks to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
A time when He will not be away from them on a remote mountain top but a time when He will be personally available for spiritual victory to all who call on His name.
Father, thank You for the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, may I learn to lean on Him and live a faith full rather than a faith less life.
Some say that Jesus was referring to His nine disciples as the “faithless generation” and others say that He was referring to all the people of His day. I prefer the latter simply because of the context of these verses.
The focus of the Gospel of Mark shifted to the Passion of Christ back in Mark 8:27, and in context here, Jesus is simply getting all of us to consider the amount of time He has left to live physically among these people. “How long shall I be (physically) with you?”
Remember the Holy Spirit has not yet been given to individuals. The indwelling Holy Spirit would come to this generation and all subsequent generations, on the Day of Pentecost, and one of the things He brings is faith. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, FAITH,
Jesus, speaking to His disciples, said this of the Holy Spirit in Jn 14:17, “You know Him for He dwells with you (now, in the physical presence of Christ) and will be in you, (at a future time through baptism)”
So, I don't believe that Jesus is necessarily upset with their lack of faith. He is merely stating facts, and looking forward to the time when His Passion will be complete and His followers will have the opportunity to be a faith FULL generation thanks to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
A time when He will not be away from them on a remote mountain top but a time when He will be personally available for spiritual victory to all who call on His name.
Father, thank You for the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, may I learn to lean on Him and live a faith full rather than a faith less life.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Relying On Their own Strength
# 535 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:18 "And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not."
I think so much of what is going on here concerns the reality of the two natures present in the baptized followers of Jesus. The father has brought his afflicted son to Jesus, but Jesus wasn't there when he arrived, and so he asked these freshly empowered disciples (remember He had given them “authority over unclean spirits” Mark 6:7) to deliver his boy.
Well, they tried but “they could not” evict the demon. The ESV says , “and they were not able,” some versions state that they “had not the strength.” How is is that possible? The strength was there! It had been given to them by Jesus!
It is only possible if the disciples are leaning on something other than the power Jesus has bestowed upon them. They were relying on the power and strength of themselves, (the old man). And the old man is no match for the devil and his demons, in fact, he is in cahoots with him, and there is no way he can cast out himself. (Mr 3:23)
Our heart is deceitful above all things and many times we think we are relying on Jesus but in reality our flesh is calling the shots. Such reliance always spells defeat. How can you tell the difference? Maybe it's those times when we actually see that mountain tumble into the sea. Maybe the difference is in the results.
Father, I am so easily fooled by my flesh, that old man in me. Help me better discern Your will and give me the faith necessary to rely on it in whatever comes my way today.
I think so much of what is going on here concerns the reality of the two natures present in the baptized followers of Jesus. The father has brought his afflicted son to Jesus, but Jesus wasn't there when he arrived, and so he asked these freshly empowered disciples (remember He had given them “authority over unclean spirits” Mark 6:7) to deliver his boy.
Well, they tried but “they could not” evict the demon. The ESV says , “and they were not able,” some versions state that they “had not the strength.” How is is that possible? The strength was there! It had been given to them by Jesus!
It is only possible if the disciples are leaning on something other than the power Jesus has bestowed upon them. They were relying on the power and strength of themselves, (the old man). And the old man is no match for the devil and his demons, in fact, he is in cahoots with him, and there is no way he can cast out himself. (Mr 3:23)
Our heart is deceitful above all things and many times we think we are relying on Jesus but in reality our flesh is calling the shots. Such reliance always spells defeat. How can you tell the difference? Maybe it's those times when we actually see that mountain tumble into the sea. Maybe the difference is in the results.
Father, I am so easily fooled by my flesh, that old man in me. Help me better discern Your will and give me the faith necessary to rely on it in whatever comes my way today.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
A Murderer From the Beginning
# 534 - Today's Du-Votional comes from: Mr 9:16,17 “And He asked the scribes, "What are you discussing with them?" Then one of the crowd answered and said, "Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. "And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid.
As we read the Matthew and Luke accounts of this incident we find out that this boy is an only child and he has suffered these bouts since infancy. These bouts of what we would call epilepsy would cause the boy to throw himself into the fire or throw himself into water. One has to wonder how many times the boy had to be fished out in order to save his life.
Be careful here not to lump the deaf and dumb and epileptics into the category of demon possessed people. This just happened to be this particular demon's weapon of choice. Bottom line is he wanted to harm or kill the boy because he is in legion with the devil and as Jesus said of the devil in Jn 8:44, “ He was a murderer from the beginning,”
Arm yourself with this truth about the enemies of your soul. Even though they cannot possess a vessel occupied by the Holy Spirit, they can still oppress and they seek to harm us or others and even drive us to end our lives or the lives of others. When this spiritual oppression comes, in ANY form, look to Jesus, because HE who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 Jn 1:4
Father, we do not wrestle with flesh and blood, and we must have your help in this battle. Come to the rescue of those who are struggling with oppression today. Deliver them and give them the victory through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and SAVIOR, Amen
As we read the Matthew and Luke accounts of this incident we find out that this boy is an only child and he has suffered these bouts since infancy. These bouts of what we would call epilepsy would cause the boy to throw himself into the fire or throw himself into water. One has to wonder how many times the boy had to be fished out in order to save his life.
Be careful here not to lump the deaf and dumb and epileptics into the category of demon possessed people. This just happened to be this particular demon's weapon of choice. Bottom line is he wanted to harm or kill the boy because he is in legion with the devil and as Jesus said of the devil in Jn 8:44, “ He was a murderer from the beginning,”
Arm yourself with this truth about the enemies of your soul. Even though they cannot possess a vessel occupied by the Holy Spirit, they can still oppress and they seek to harm us or others and even drive us to end our lives or the lives of others. When this spiritual oppression comes, in ANY form, look to Jesus, because HE who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 Jn 1:4
Father, we do not wrestle with flesh and blood, and we must have your help in this battle. Come to the rescue of those who are struggling with oppression today. Deliver them and give them the victory through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and SAVIOR, Amen
Saturday, September 10, 2011
The Right Time God
# 533 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:14,15 “And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them.
15 Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him.”
Jesus, Peter, James, and John, come down from their mountaintop experience and immediately arrive at a lynching. (Well it wasn't that bad, but there was some very spirited debate taking place between the scribes and the disciples.)
If we were to read on we would see that at the center of the debate is a father and his only child. This child Had been afflicted since infancy with epilepsy and in addition was not able to hear or speak.
Please note that the word “disputing” here means “questioning.” We aren't told what those questions were, but I imagine they were challenges to the disciples faith and perhaps the last question uttered was “Where is this Jesus now!” This type of question would explain the crowds reaction to seeing Jesus. “They were greatly amazed!” At the peak of the crisis, look who shows up....Jesus!
Learn from this. So often we falsely accuse God of showing up at the last minute. My friend, God never shows up at the last minute, He always shows up at the RIGHT minute. His sense of timing brought amazement to this crowd, let His timing in all His dealings with you evoke the same response.
Father, our finite minds are so locked into time. The ticking of the clock so often drives us to panic and fear, spare us from unnecessary anxiety, and let us trust in Your perfect timing for all things.
15 Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him.”
Jesus, Peter, James, and John, come down from their mountaintop experience and immediately arrive at a lynching. (Well it wasn't that bad, but there was some very spirited debate taking place between the scribes and the disciples.)
If we were to read on we would see that at the center of the debate is a father and his only child. This child Had been afflicted since infancy with epilepsy and in addition was not able to hear or speak.
Please note that the word “disputing” here means “questioning.” We aren't told what those questions were, but I imagine they were challenges to the disciples faith and perhaps the last question uttered was “Where is this Jesus now!” This type of question would explain the crowds reaction to seeing Jesus. “They were greatly amazed!” At the peak of the crisis, look who shows up....Jesus!
Learn from this. So often we falsely accuse God of showing up at the last minute. My friend, God never shows up at the last minute, He always shows up at the RIGHT minute. His sense of timing brought amazement to this crowd, let His timing in all His dealings with you evoke the same response.
Father, our finite minds are so locked into time. The ticking of the clock so often drives us to panic and fear, spare us from unnecessary anxiety, and let us trust in Your perfect timing for all things.
Friday, September 9, 2011
What Does It Mean To "Turn the Hearts of the Fathers To Children and the Hearts of the Children To the Fathers?
# 532 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:13 "But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him."
If I were to paraphrase this verse, I would say something like this: I'm telling you guys that Elijah has come as it was written of him in Malachi 4:5,6, but the religious rulers of the day rejected his message and eventually killed him.“
(By the way, Mal 4:5,6 reads as follows: Mal 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."
When Jesus said that they “did to him whatever they wished,” the disciples thoughts would automatically be turned to John the Baptist who was beheaded, and of course who had arrived on the scene before Jesus and would go before Jesus, calling people to repentance “in the spirit and power of Elijah.” (Luke 1:15)
Now, notice what this modern day Elijah (the Baptist) would do According to Mal 4:6, he would, “turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."
The idea of “turning” here is to restore. Last time, we talked about the meaning of restore and the the role of water baptism in the restoration process. In New Testament baptism, sins are washed and the Holy Spirit is received, “be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
It is the Holy Spirit then who “turns hearts” (restores) and consequently produces childlike faith in fathers, and initiates godly wisdom in children. Forgiveness, faith and wisdom from above, come to us packaged in the Holy Spirit in water baptism.
But this turning of heart must be constantly maintained, because the old man in us would have us turn back to our sinful ways. It's called daily contrition and repentance and we must never weary in practicing it. It's part of what it means to believe.
Mr 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
Baptism, marks the beginning of our faith journey, but if we don't continue in our journey of faith (believe) we will be condemned, or as Malachi put it, “struck with a curse.”
Father, thank You for all the gifts You bring to us in baptism, but I pray especially for those who have been led to believe that baptism alone saves! God rekindle that true faith given to us in baptism, turn us back to that child-like faith that saves and keeps us from being struck with the curse.
If I were to paraphrase this verse, I would say something like this: I'm telling you guys that Elijah has come as it was written of him in Malachi 4:5,6, but the religious rulers of the day rejected his message and eventually killed him.“
(By the way, Mal 4:5,6 reads as follows: Mal 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."
When Jesus said that they “did to him whatever they wished,” the disciples thoughts would automatically be turned to John the Baptist who was beheaded, and of course who had arrived on the scene before Jesus and would go before Jesus, calling people to repentance “in the spirit and power of Elijah.” (Luke 1:15)
Now, notice what this modern day Elijah (the Baptist) would do According to Mal 4:6, he would, “turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."
The idea of “turning” here is to restore. Last time, we talked about the meaning of restore and the the role of water baptism in the restoration process. In New Testament baptism, sins are washed and the Holy Spirit is received, “be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
It is the Holy Spirit then who “turns hearts” (restores) and consequently produces childlike faith in fathers, and initiates godly wisdom in children. Forgiveness, faith and wisdom from above, come to us packaged in the Holy Spirit in water baptism.
But this turning of heart must be constantly maintained, because the old man in us would have us turn back to our sinful ways. It's called daily contrition and repentance and we must never weary in practicing it. It's part of what it means to believe.
Mr 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
Baptism, marks the beginning of our faith journey, but if we don't continue in our journey of faith (believe) we will be condemned, or as Malachi put it, “struck with a curse.”
Father, thank You for all the gifts You bring to us in baptism, but I pray especially for those who have been led to believe that baptism alone saves! God rekindle that true faith given to us in baptism, turn us back to that child-like faith that saves and keeps us from being struck with the curse.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Where Does Water Baptism Get Its Punch?
# 531 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:12 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?
Jesus uses the question of the disciples concerning Elijah to connect the ministry of the Baptizer with His own death and resurrection. Although the wording of this portion of Scripture is difficult, the best way to view it is simply this: Where does water baptism get its punch?
The answer is, it get's it's punch, it's efficacy, from the suffering, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus. Peter would restate this truth later on as we read in 1 Peter 3:20,21, “who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”
Baptism now saves us because it gives us the answer of a good conscience. ( a good conscience is one without guilt because all sin has been washed away.) And the clout of baptism or it's effectiveness is as Peter states, “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.!
The use of the term “through” here automatically includes our Lord's Passion and death on the cross.
Father, let me never look at baptism as some sort of cheap grace. It's clout and benefits came at a great price. Thank You Jesus
Jesus uses the question of the disciples concerning Elijah to connect the ministry of the Baptizer with His own death and resurrection. Although the wording of this portion of Scripture is difficult, the best way to view it is simply this: Where does water baptism get its punch?
The answer is, it get's it's punch, it's efficacy, from the suffering, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus. Peter would restate this truth later on as we read in 1 Peter 3:20,21, “who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”
Baptism now saves us because it gives us the answer of a good conscience. ( a good conscience is one without guilt because all sin has been washed away.) And the clout of baptism or it's effectiveness is as Peter states, “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.!
The use of the term “through” here automatically includes our Lord's Passion and death on the cross.
Father, let me never look at baptism as some sort of cheap grace. It's clout and benefits came at a great price. Thank You Jesus
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Reconstituted In the Waters of Baptism
# 530 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:12a. “Then He answered and told them, "Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things.
Jesus tells His disciples that the Scribes had it right about the necessity of Elijah coming first, but the scribes missed the part about him coming as a TYPE of Elijah. In Matthew's account of this incident, we are told that the disciples understood that Jesus was talking about John the Baptist. (Mt 17:13) John the Baptist preceded Jesus. He would “restore” all things. He was the TYPE of Elijah.
This word, “restore” is very interesting. It means to reconstitute. Listen to the definition of reconstitute: “to restore to a former condition by adding water.” Is that amazing or what? The Baptist came and restored with water! (and the Word)
John came preaching the necessity of repentance. Why? Because we are all sinners and we need to see ourselves in this light. We are in need of cleansing“ and in order to be restored to the original (the former) sinless condition of Adam, we need to have our sins washed away and God has chosen the waters of baptism to accomplish this “reconstituting.”
When the Apostle Paul was converted Ananias told him, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' (Acts 22:16)
In baptism, we are calling on the name of the Lord to use the water, connected with His promise to reconstitute us. We are born again, cleansed of our sin and reconstituted in the new Adam.
Lord, thank You for the clarity of words we find in Scripture. You choose them wisely, let us hear them wisely.
Jesus tells His disciples that the Scribes had it right about the necessity of Elijah coming first, but the scribes missed the part about him coming as a TYPE of Elijah. In Matthew's account of this incident, we are told that the disciples understood that Jesus was talking about John the Baptist. (Mt 17:13) John the Baptist preceded Jesus. He would “restore” all things. He was the TYPE of Elijah.
This word, “restore” is very interesting. It means to reconstitute. Listen to the definition of reconstitute: “to restore to a former condition by adding water.” Is that amazing or what? The Baptist came and restored with water! (and the Word)
John came preaching the necessity of repentance. Why? Because we are all sinners and we need to see ourselves in this light. We are in need of cleansing“ and in order to be restored to the original (the former) sinless condition of Adam, we need to have our sins washed away and God has chosen the waters of baptism to accomplish this “reconstituting.”
When the Apostle Paul was converted Ananias told him, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' (Acts 22:16)
In baptism, we are calling on the name of the Lord to use the water, connected with His promise to reconstitute us. We are born again, cleansed of our sin and reconstituted in the new Adam.
Lord, thank You for the clarity of words we find in Scripture. You choose them wisely, let us hear them wisely.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
At Any Moment
# 529 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:10,11 “ So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant. And they asked Him, saying, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
The disciples are dealing with one subject matter here but they have two questions. First of all, they are trying to sort through all this talk about death and resurrection, and then the timing of it all.
The scribes, (the religious experts) maintain that Elijah would have to first make a miraculous appearance and then all things would be restored. Jesus will straighten out their line of thinking in the next few verses, may He use this incident to straighten us out as well.
So much has been written about the second coming of Christ by modern day religious experts. Many Christian sects have carefully laid out a chronology of events that must happen before the Last Day. Some have even boldly predicted the very Day He will return.
Let me just say this, the Jews and the disciples thought they had more time than they actually did, after all, Elijah had not yet come back in the flesh.
Well, the disciples certainly sang a different tune after the death and resurrection of Jesus! As you read the New Testament, you can't help but pick up on their sense of urgency. Their message was simple and oft repeated: Jesus could return at any moment, be ready. It's a message we would do well to ever keep in front of us today.
Father, let us not be as lazy and sleepy servants, but rather, give us a sense of urgency regarding the Day of Thy Son, our Lord and Savior's return.
The disciples are dealing with one subject matter here but they have two questions. First of all, they are trying to sort through all this talk about death and resurrection, and then the timing of it all.
The scribes, (the religious experts) maintain that Elijah would have to first make a miraculous appearance and then all things would be restored. Jesus will straighten out their line of thinking in the next few verses, may He use this incident to straighten us out as well.
So much has been written about the second coming of Christ by modern day religious experts. Many Christian sects have carefully laid out a chronology of events that must happen before the Last Day. Some have even boldly predicted the very Day He will return.
Let me just say this, the Jews and the disciples thought they had more time than they actually did, after all, Elijah had not yet come back in the flesh.
Well, the disciples certainly sang a different tune after the death and resurrection of Jesus! As you read the New Testament, you can't help but pick up on their sense of urgency. Their message was simple and oft repeated: Jesus could return at any moment, be ready. It's a message we would do well to ever keep in front of us today.
Father, let us not be as lazy and sleepy servants, but rather, give us a sense of urgency regarding the Day of Thy Son, our Lord and Savior's return.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Looking For Loopholes
# 527 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:10,11 “ So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant. And they asked Him, saying, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
Put yourself in the disciples position for a while. They had just seen a little heaven on earth, but this experience brings out some questions.
They were especially intrigued by the conversation that took place between Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. We read about it in Luke 9:31, where they “spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.”
This decease was about to be accomplished! It was going down soon! What could this mean? How is it possible to “kill” the Son of God? And how can this be “soon,” doesn't Elijah have to return in the flesh first?
There is something very subtle taking place here. The disciples aren't buying into the immediacy of the death of Jesus. In bringing up the “accepted” teaching of the scribes, (Elijah must miraculously appear in the flesh,) they think they may be buying some time for Jesus. In essence, they are looking for a loophole in the Scriptures.
Sometimes, we try to avoid living according to the Father's will by looking for possible loopholes in Scripture. Often, when faced with difficult commands in God's Word, our first response is the same as these apostles, “well what about this scenario or that scenario?”
Beloved, put your scenarios aside and remember what the Father said. “This is My beloved Son, hear Him.“ The word “hear” doesn't just mean in one ear and out the other, it means to heed what you hear.
Father, forgive me for those times when I have sought to disobey or delay my obedience to Your Word as I seek justification through my own interpretation of Your words. Help me to be quick to do Your bidding in all things.
Put yourself in the disciples position for a while. They had just seen a little heaven on earth, but this experience brings out some questions.
They were especially intrigued by the conversation that took place between Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. We read about it in Luke 9:31, where they “spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.”
This decease was about to be accomplished! It was going down soon! What could this mean? How is it possible to “kill” the Son of God? And how can this be “soon,” doesn't Elijah have to return in the flesh first?
There is something very subtle taking place here. The disciples aren't buying into the immediacy of the death of Jesus. In bringing up the “accepted” teaching of the scribes, (Elijah must miraculously appear in the flesh,) they think they may be buying some time for Jesus. In essence, they are looking for a loophole in the Scriptures.
Sometimes, we try to avoid living according to the Father's will by looking for possible loopholes in Scripture. Often, when faced with difficult commands in God's Word, our first response is the same as these apostles, “well what about this scenario or that scenario?”
Beloved, put your scenarios aside and remember what the Father said. “This is My beloved Son, hear Him.“ The word “hear” doesn't just mean in one ear and out the other, it means to heed what you hear.
Father, forgive me for those times when I have sought to disobey or delay my obedience to Your Word as I seek justification through my own interpretation of Your words. Help me to be quick to do Your bidding in all things.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
He Can Tame the Sea, He Can Tame Your Tongue
# 527 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:8 Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves. 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. So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.”
Sounds kind of surreal doesn't it? “Suddenly! Like poof! There they were with Jesus just as they had been moments before He was transfigured! Pinch me to see if I'm awake or did I just dream that?”
Well, the ensuing conversation clears up that notion. Jesus commands them to not tell anyone what they had literally seen until after He rises from the dead.
Personally I believe that this command of Jesus had the same force as when He commanded the waves to be still. I believe HE literally sealed their lips until the seal on the tomb was broken and the Holy Spirit gave them the green light to tell others about their experience.
Seriously, their only human! How could one keep silent about such an experience without the supernatural help of Jesus.? Yet they did! All the more reason, to bow down and worship Jesus, for who but God is able to tame the tongue of men?
Liars! Gossipers! Verbal assassins, like we all tend to be! There's hope!
Struggling with your tongue? Remember this passage and ask God to help you seal your lips.
Father, there are so many words we have spoken that we would like to have back. Help us Lord to control our speech. May it be seasoned with grace as we yield our speech to You.
Sounds kind of surreal doesn't it? “Suddenly! Like poof! There they were with Jesus just as they had been moments before He was transfigured! Pinch me to see if I'm awake or did I just dream that?”
Well, the ensuing conversation clears up that notion. Jesus commands them to not tell anyone what they had literally seen until after He rises from the dead.
Personally I believe that this command of Jesus had the same force as when He commanded the waves to be still. I believe HE literally sealed their lips until the seal on the tomb was broken and the Holy Spirit gave them the green light to tell others about their experience.
Seriously, their only human! How could one keep silent about such an experience without the supernatural help of Jesus.? Yet they did! All the more reason, to bow down and worship Jesus, for who but God is able to tame the tongue of men?
Liars! Gossipers! Verbal assassins, like we all tend to be! There's hope!
Struggling with your tongue? Remember this passage and ask God to help you seal your lips.
Father, there are so many words we have spoken that we would like to have back. Help us Lord to control our speech. May it be seasoned with grace as we yield our speech to You.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Swallowed Up By Grace
# 525 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:7 And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!"
In Matthew's account of this incident he mentions that the cloud was bright. The bright cloud representing the beneficial presence of God, as opposed to a dark cloud which would indicate a more threatening posture. When God gave the ten commandments on Mt Sinai, the cloud was dark because the Law “threatens.”
When I think of the beneficial presence of God, I think of His grace, and so these three disciples are completed overshadowed, completely swallowed up in God's grace. That's a good place to be!
And in the midst of grace, the disciples hear the Father speak, and it's like He's saying, “This grace that envelopes you now shall be forever with you, if you understand and believe that Jesus is My beloved Son, listen to Him as if you were listening to Me.”
Do you want to live a life swallowed up in the grace of God? Then acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God and then “hear Him!” Hear what He has to say about all of the Christian life, then remember what the Holy Spirit speaks through James in Jas 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Father, envelop me with Your grace, for it is only in Your grace that I am able to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and eagerly hear and serve Him for Your glory.
In Matthew's account of this incident he mentions that the cloud was bright. The bright cloud representing the beneficial presence of God, as opposed to a dark cloud which would indicate a more threatening posture. When God gave the ten commandments on Mt Sinai, the cloud was dark because the Law “threatens.”
When I think of the beneficial presence of God, I think of His grace, and so these three disciples are completed overshadowed, completely swallowed up in God's grace. That's a good place to be!
And in the midst of grace, the disciples hear the Father speak, and it's like He's saying, “This grace that envelopes you now shall be forever with you, if you understand and believe that Jesus is My beloved Son, listen to Him as if you were listening to Me.”
Do you want to live a life swallowed up in the grace of God? Then acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God and then “hear Him!” Hear what He has to say about all of the Christian life, then remember what the Holy Spirit speaks through James in Jas 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Father, envelop me with Your grace, for it is only in Your grace that I am able to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and eagerly hear and serve Him for Your glory.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Trying to Impress?
# 525 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 9:5-6 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" because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.
Good old Peter. Open mouth, insert sandal. This Gospel of Mark is basically the Gospel of Peter as told to Mark. And so Peter here tells us why he spoke so foolishly. He and the other disciples were literally, “frightened out of their wits.” (Remember some of the stupid things you said on your first date out of fear as you desperately tried to impress your date?)
Don't forget, he and the disciples had not been transfigured. They were still stuck in their unholy, sinful earthly tents. The old man in them was still present, and the old man would quite naturally try to say something impressive. And out of this backdrop comes the stupid suggestion of constructing tabernacles.
One can hardly blame him though, for this incident was as close as anything has been to heaven on earth! Why not keep it here as long as possible!
One thing I think we could learn from this is that the old man in you and I, is full of stupid suggestions! And one of those stupid suggestions is that he can somehow impress God with what he does in the flesh. How did Isaiah put it?
Isa 64:6 But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.”
The old man IS a filthy rag, and that's all he can produce. The only thing that impresses God is perfection, and that is only found in those who by faith are in Jesus. So bring that filthy rag to Jesus every day. Allow Him to cleanse it, then submit yourself to Him, and allow Him to use you as a vessel for God's glory.
Father, my flesh wants so much to impress You as if in impressing I may be worthy of salvation, forgive me, and help me to rely on Jesus alone, for He alone is worthy.
Good old Peter. Open mouth, insert sandal. This Gospel of Mark is basically the Gospel of Peter as told to Mark. And so Peter here tells us why he spoke so foolishly. He and the other disciples were literally, “frightened out of their wits.” (Remember some of the stupid things you said on your first date out of fear as you desperately tried to impress your date?)
Don't forget, he and the disciples had not been transfigured. They were still stuck in their unholy, sinful earthly tents. The old man in them was still present, and the old man would quite naturally try to say something impressive. And out of this backdrop comes the stupid suggestion of constructing tabernacles.
One can hardly blame him though, for this incident was as close as anything has been to heaven on earth! Why not keep it here as long as possible!
One thing I think we could learn from this is that the old man in you and I, is full of stupid suggestions! And one of those stupid suggestions is that he can somehow impress God with what he does in the flesh. How did Isaiah put it?
Isa 64:6 But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.”
The old man IS a filthy rag, and that's all he can produce. The only thing that impresses God is perfection, and that is only found in those who by faith are in Jesus. So bring that filthy rag to Jesus every day. Allow Him to cleanse it, then submit yourself to Him, and allow Him to use you as a vessel for God's glory.
Father, my flesh wants so much to impress You as if in impressing I may be worthy of salvation, forgive me, and help me to rely on Jesus alone, for He alone is worthy.
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