relationships (Mark 10:17-52) Showing True Love

 (Mark 10:17-52)

17 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do so that I may inherit eternal life?” 18 But Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not give false testimony, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth.” 21 Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But he was deeply dismayed by these words, and he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

It is all about realizing our need for the Lord, and making Him Lord of our lives.  This is to put God ahead of everyone and everything else.  While it is not necessary for us to sell all that we have and give it to the poor, this was a test for this man- who- obviously loved money more than God.  In fact, we can possibly assume that this man wasn't really earnest in knowing how to get to heaven.  I'm going to venture a guess and assume that he anticipated being asked for some money (as some teachers did), and he would have been more than willing to give some money "to the cause", but- with the desire for Jesus to tell him how upstanding and awesome he was.

Here is what we see and can know. Back then, a pious man would typically seek out his own teacher, but a wealthy man could typically "buy" the best or most popular teacher/mentor for himself.  Obviously, at that time, Jesus was both the best and was very popular.

The man knelt before Jesus, to show great respect to Him.  Obviously, his heartfelt respect wasn't all that great.  The demonstration was most likely to butter up Jesus.  And then flattery (another manipulation tactic)- the man called Jesus "Good".  Of course Jesus was and is Good, because He was and is God!  But Jesus knew that this man didn't realize it.  This is why Jesus asked the man exactly why he called Him "Good", while reminding the man that only God is good.  Not that the Lord plays games.  People like to play games.  God will meet us where we are at, and challenge us.

Now notice the man's question.  He wanted to know how he could work his way to heaven- by "doing" things.  And it was with the purpose to "inherit eternal life", which meant to many people at that time- to share in the Millennial kingdom (which is when Jesus will fulfill all covenants with Israel, giving them all of their promised land, seed, and blessings).  IF an Israelite fully understood how this will come to pass, they will know that it requires them (as a nation) to have accepted Jesus into their hearts as their personal Lord and Savior.  Which would then be to accept Jesus as their King (both personal and physical, to reign over their personal lives, as well as the nation of Israel).

Now here, Jesus lists the last set of the ten commandments which have to do with human relations.  These are fairly easy to judge, because they are more obvious if and when someone is obeying these.  Jesus followed that up with a test of the man's heart, regarding the first set of commandments, which is all about one's relationship with God!  Inheriting eternal life is to accept the salvation which can only be found in Jesus, when we repent of our sins and accept Him into our hearts- to have a close, personal relationship with Him.  Remember, as Jesus said, this is the greatest and most important commandment!.

In verse 21, it's very important to note that Jesus "showed love" to the man- by asking asking and saying what He did.  "If only" God is good, that means we are NOT.  Then, the man would have to admit he has broken some commandment.  And if the man had recognized that Jesus is the Lord God, and he had chosen to believe in Him, he would have THEN inherited eternal life.  This is showing love, to share the gospel message with others, because God's desire is that all come to know Him!

relationships (Mark 10:13-16) Love and True Transition

(Mark 10:13-16)

13 And they were bringing children to Him so that He would touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Allow the children to come to Me; do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” 16 And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Just a few verses back, Jesus was telling the disciples how bad it is to be the cause of a "young" believer to stumble!  In society, it is so easy to forget that children are not only vulnerable, but they do grow up to be adults.  And then, what kind of adults will they be if and when they have not embraced God and His salvation?

Many unbelievers with evil intentions fully understand the value of children and their vulnerabilities.  If and when children are neglected and not protected, pedophiles and sex traffickers will be grooming them, cults will be luring them in to indoctrinate them, extreme political regimes will be radicalizing and recruiting them... In the guise of love, parents will even use their children to bring themselves fulfillment, which means that these children have been born with a purpose to please their parents as their god.  Parents will also use their children as leverage against (ex-) spouses or other family members, causing the children to believe that all problems and dysfunctions within the family is somehow all their fault.

While a child might come across as quite determined and independent, they fully need both parents to be involved in their lives, to love them, nurture and care for them, and guide and equip them for life.  Most importantly, children benefit when both parents continually strive in being steadfast believers, and examples for them to follow.  Children benefit from being around communities of Christians who love, mentor and encourage them in their spiritual walk with the Lord.

Jesus loves EVERYONE!!!  We are not to be prejudiced toward anyone- it doesn't matter one's age, one's sex, one's skin color, one's financial situation... "Everyone" means "everyone"!  We do not have to start a list of which people we need to include.  By making these lists and labels, we are literally dividing people up into groups, and we will somehow exclude someone somewhere.  God does not make mistakes, but people do.  And Satan and his realm want to deceive, distort, divide and destroy with the purpose of keeping people away from God.  But God has for us a purpose of love, unity, and a better way.

Because of His great love, Jesus went to the cross for all people, of all time (past, present and future).  Anyone going to the Lord to humbly repent of their sins, will be adopted into God's family, receiving His indwelling Holy Spirit who changes us from the inside out.  It is the Lord who transitions us from the realm of sin and death to the kingdom of heaven which is eternal life, healing peace, inexplicable joy and most certain hope.

relationships (Mark 10:2-12) Finding the Right One

(Mark 10:2-12)

2 And some Pharisees came up to Jesus, testing Him, and began questioning Him whether it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife. 3 And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send his wife away.” 5 But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, God created them male and female. 7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, 8 and the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore, what God has joined together, no person is to separate.”

10 And in the house the disciples again began questioning Him about this. 11 And He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her; 12 and if she herself divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing adultery.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

This is God's will: that a believer marries another believer, that marriage is between a man and a woman, and they become an intimate team as the two become one, with God as their foundation of faith, pillar of strength and guiding light.  This is why it is so important not to rush into marriage.  

Here are a few things to keep in mind when single:

• to find the "right one", do not be looking for the right one
• seek after God to fill you, satisfy you, and complete you
• (Jesus is literally your soulmate!)
• let God know your desires
• then patiently rest in the Lord
• be content in all things, even in being single
• do not get desperate, keep your eyes fixed on the Lord
• pray a lot, pray about everything, even pray for your future spouse
• mature in the Lord as a steadfast believer 
• (in God's guidance, become one who will make a great spouse)
• serve the Lord, and get involved in your church
• surround yourself with steadfast, mature friends
• keep walking and striving with the Lord
• and then when you see someone walking beside you in the same direction, introduce yourself!

relationships (Mark 10:1) Being Accustomed

(Mark 10:1)

1 Setting out from there, Jesus went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan; crowds gathered to Him again, and, as He was accustomed, He once more began to teach them.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

I know that because of the Lord, there will be those who instantly hate us, or even somehow fear us.  And even though one of my relatives said that our house had "good energy", she still had the same reaction as some of my other cousins, who claim that when they are around me, they feel judged.  Which is weird, because we never or rarely discuss anything spiritual.  While I can be socially awkward, I know that there is a spiritual battle in their lives oppressing them.  So,  I do pray for them, and most likely, a lot of their feelings are the Holy Spirit convicting their hearts.  How could there not be, when their dark spiritual realm meets up with God's!

I have had some people who noticed a difference in me, and wanted to know more.  I pray that this would happen MORE!!!  But it's not about my efforts, or trying to contrive some sort of essence or scenario.  It is all about me drawing closer to Jesus in my personal relationship.  And then, praying for opportunities!  And praying that when He gives me opportunities that I realize it, and ask Him to give me the right words!  So, like Jesus, I would be "accustomed" to being God-led in teaching (sharing) God's message of hope, when there are those wanting to hear more.

We cannot forget God's love in all of this!  Therefore, in the same way, if and when we are accustomed to drawing closer to the Lord of agape love, as we embrace and are filled with His love, this is what should be flowing out from us.  Not our love, but God's love.  And only THIS (God's agape love) will be "attractive" to those who are seeking unconditional love, truth, hope, peace, joy, healing, strength, and purpose in their lives.

relationships (Mark 9:42-50) Losses That Are Worth It

(Mark 9:42-50)

42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it is better for him if a heavy millstone is hung around his neck and he is thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed, than, having your two hands, to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot is causing you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life without a foot, than, having your two feet, to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye is causing you to sin, throw it away; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be thrown into hell, 48 where their worm does not die, and the fire is not extinguished. 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

We will all go through fire, which equates to God's judgment!  Anyone who has not received the Lord's forgiveness, will remain "in fire" for all eternity.  Anyone who has received the Lord's forgiveness will be "fireproof", because we are covered by His righteousness and we have His indwelling Holy Spirit.  Our good deeds done with impure motives will be burned up.  Believers will be judged and rewarded for those good deeds done with pure motives, those deeds done in the Lord's righteousness and all to His glory!  

There is both impure and pure salt.  I'm thinking that to have salt in ourselves would be synonymous to having God's indwelling Holy Spirit, which all believers have, along with eternal life, and therefore we cannot lose our salvation.  Even though we have God already in our lives, we are still told to "be filled" with His Holy Spirit.

(Matthew 5:18) And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

Because Christianity is all about a personal relationship with the Lord, when we sin and stray, we will not lose the Holy Spirit, but we will certainly quench God's spirit.  In this, if we are struggling with some sin, even though it might SEEM enjoyable, any sin is deceptive, divisive, and destructive, and God will allow consequences in our lives to discipline us, to get our attention, and to bring us back to Him.  One might think that there isn't all that much difference, but there is.  

There have been two times in my life where I started drifting away from God, and being around other believers, thinking that I was getting more out of life that way.  What drew me away from God was "the promise" of having close friends.  And even though my straying was not all that dramatic, when I returned to seeking after the Lord and being around His children - the differences WAS very dramatic!  It was literally from darkness to light!  

Did I have to lop off any limb?  Figuratively, yes.  Both times I had lost friends.  I had walked away from good friends, to be with other friends, who either brought me closer to feeling hopeless, or outright turned on me.  I had to cut off that limb, to then lose those other (shallow) friends!  But, the Lord God replaced that "limb" when I went back to Him, and developed deep, meaningful friendships with other steadfast believers. 

In all likelihood, when I had strayed, I probably negatively impacted other young Christians.  Maybe even inspired them to walk away from their faith.  If so, I pray that they saw my "return", which encouraged them to do the same.  Our faith is a journey.  In our personal relationship with the Lord, the closer we grow to Him, the more like Him we will be... the less likely we will cause a young Christian to stumble or stray from their faith.  The closer we all draw to God and His great love and peace, the closer we will draw to one another.

relationships (Mark 9:38-50) The Dangers of Deflection

(Mark 9:38-50)

38 John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

In the verses just previous to these, we saw Jesus talking to the disciples about being humble, like a child.  And now John tries to deflect... which is still looking at others as competition.  Classic sinful human behavior.  When someone tells us what we have done wrong, we say, "But look at THAT person over there!"  

Not only is this wrong to do, but John was pointing out someone who was actually doing God's work!  This is slander.  And when we really look at the details around the false accusation, it was giving the demonic realm credit for God's work.  Also, take careful note in verse 38, John's criticism was that the person was doing things in God's name, but was not following THEM.  We do need to constantly look at the "logs" in our own eyes, confess our sins, and make sure that WE are focused on the Lord, and are encouraging others to remain focused on the Lord!

If a person is a true Christian (Christ follower), and is doing and saying things in the Lord's name, love, guidance and power... we should be very excited about this!  Encouraging those people!  Praying for those people!  Sadly, I've heard too many people trying to compare their churches with others.  Look, unless there is solid proof that a church has gone astray in their doctrines, we need to rejoice at the fact that people are going to a good church!  Even if it isn't our church!  To put down and tear down another church just so ours looks better - is to do the work of Satan!

We are told to pray for all spiritual leaders, all churches, all fellow Christians- so that we all continue to strive in God's steadfast love and truth!  It's not about us.  It is about God, and how much God loves everyone, and desires that all come to know Him in a personal relationship.

relationships (Mark 9:33-50) Humble Success

(Mark 9:33-50)

33 They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them: “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. 35 And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And He took a child and placed him among them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

People are very competitive!  Competition is not a bad thing, until sin is introduced.  Our problem is that we are sinful, selfish and self-centered.  And if and when one starts to love money and power, things will go very wrong.  If and when one places great importance on their appearances, things will go very wrong.  Etc.

Competition can be healthy, when we are striving to do the best we can at who we are and what we are doing- when it is done with God's love, guidance and strength! Otherwise, we can not only drive ourselves crazy, but we can negatively impact others in our "religions" of success.

Of course, sports is a great outlet to use aggression "for good" when we play with integrity, according to the rules.  It's okay and even good to work hard, as unto the Lord, which will provide greater opportunities for promotions, and not have us mooching off of others.  But most importantly, working with integrity will be a living testimony for God.  Whatever it is that we are striving for or towards, it needs to be in proper perspective.

Since our spiritual walk with the Lord is all about having a personal relationship with Him, and it is all about serving the Lord in promoting His will and desire that all come to know Him, whatever we do and say should reflect Jesus and His love.  Since it is not OUR love and OUR way that will bring true success in showing GOD'S love and carrying out GOD'S will, it comes down to how humble we are.

Like a child, one is to humbly repent and receive the Lord into their hearts.  And like a child, we are to continuously depend on the Lord for everything!  If we are concerned about being great, or better than someone else, that means that we have taken our eyes off of God, and are focused on ourselves and others.  It is only when we ask and allow the Lord to work for us, with us, in us and through us, that the Lord can accomplish great things.  Just like Jesus came in flesh to serve, we are to have the heart of a servant- a heart for THE Servant- who died for us, saved us, cares for us, equips us and helps us!!!