faith – Page 17 – Be Still…

Mark 9:14-29 – Stronger Faith

Today’s reading happens directly after yesterday’s in real time. In case you missed yesterday, it’s the story of the transfiguration where Jesus took the inner circle (Peter, James and John) up the mountain where they experienced something miraculous, leaving them a bit awestruck.

We often experience those mountaintop experiences in our lives. Maybe after a wonderful worship service, a spiritual healing, a large worship concert, or conference with other believers. When we come back to reality, the every day routine, re-entry can often be challenging. We don’t want to lose that feeling.

Here, Jesus and the disciples had to assimilate very quickly as there was a crowd waiting. From our readings in Mark, it seems like this is an every day occurrence that people are clamoring for Jesus’ attention with one need or another. It may seem like that still today as we lift our prayers up, asking God for this or for that to make our lives better.

Our prayers should be more than that, shouldn’t they? I read an interesting statement once, and I may have even used this in my marketing. It went something like this: “What if we woke up tomorrow with ONLY who and what we prayed for today?” That includes God. We need to never forget to whom we are praying.

He is worthy of our praise, and our praise should not be reserved for Sunday mornings. It’s an every day, every minute kind of thing. It should be our #1 purpose–to love and worship God at all times.

In our reading today, the frantic father cries out to Jesus, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” It would probably do us all good to make this cry part of our daily prayer.

Prayer is powerful. Our conversations with God are what keep us connected. We see another example of how powerful prayer is right here in today’s reading. The disciples had tried to heal the boy but failed. Jesus seemed a little impatient with them (but remember he is just back from a mountaintop experience). Jesus later told them what they had missed in their attempt. Prayer. Those stubborn demons require prayer to flee.

What demons are burdening you today? In the name of Jesus, and with prayer and belief, command them to flee.

Let’s pray. Lord, I come to you on bended knee, again humbled by your majesty and provision. Shield my heart from unclean thoughts and selfish desires. I long to know you more and share with others what you have done for me. May my life reflect you in all I say and do. I thank you for the mountaintop experiences I have had recently. I pray that as I get back to reality you will help me not be discouraged but instead to keep pushing forward. The best is yet to come, and I look forward to how you are going to use me and my voice. Thank you for your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 9:1-13 – See the Light

Read Mark 9:1-13

The story of the transfiguration was always a hard one to describe to little children. If I’m being totally honest, it is probably hard for us adults to grasp as well. Suffice it to say that God is mighty, and when he wants to make a statement, it will be a beautiful, unbelievable sight.

Here’s a beautiful song, Transfiguration, from Hillsong. Listen here. Let the beauty of the lyrics of praise wash over you.

We have a second declaration from God himself. The first one happened at Jesus’ baptism where God proclaimed his Son. This time the message is reserved for the inner circle of Jesus’ tribe of followers. I love how God puts it right out there, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” Listen to him! Of course. Up to now the disciples have been a little “lost” and certainly they have been missing a lot. It’s not every day you’re in the company of God. The message speaks to us, too. Are we listening to Jesus or the world?

I’m sure we have those times of being hard headed. It would take a sledge hammer to break into the walls we’ve built up or to clear away the debris we carry around. Imagine having one-on-one time with Jesus like this. Imagine experiencing something so wonderful you can’t even describe it, and then are told not to even try.

Have you been perplexed in your faith, perhaps surprised or confused by what you are reading or experiencing? Think of these disciples in their understanding, or lack thereof, of what being “raised from the dead” could actually mean. They were struggling to sort out what they were seeing. It was so different from the life they had known up to this point.

So many questions, yet they had the benefit of having an audience with Jesus. It seems my list gets longer and longer of things I’d like to ask Jesus when I meet him face to face. Then I realize that when the time comes and I do get those answers, the need for the answers will no longer exist. I’ll be with Jesus! My understanding will be made full. I won’t be able to tell everyone the answers they are all waiting for. It won’t matter. Eternal life with Jesus is the ultimate reward and no question could keep me from desiring that for my future. I hope you have that homing beacon burning bright in you, too, to want eternity with Jesus. No matter what!

Faith. It’s what we need to sustain us. It’s what we need to draw us closer to our Creator. It is the fuel we need for each day to make it through the challenges and distractions. We haven’t had the mountain top experience with bright lights and visitors from heaven to help our faith along. God is cultivating that in us without any intervention by us. We are right with God because of what Jesus did, and that should be our focus and our fuel.

Let’s pray. Lord you are mighty beyond description. Your ways are perfect. When you speak, I bow down in reverence. Help me to hear your voice above all the noise and distractions of this world. Thank you for becoming man to identify with our earthly struggle. I want to be planted securely in your will and ask for your leading. Shed your light on me so that I may burn bright for you, fueled by an unstoppable faith. As I look around, help me to see those who are waiting to hear from you but don’t know how to listen. Help clear my cluttered head so my eyes will be fixed on you alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 5:21-43 – Are You Sleeping?

Read Mark 5:21-43

Walking with the disciples through Jesus’ life, watching the events unfold, is such a blessing. The Bible brings it all to life as we read these accounts so many years later. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve watched a number of Jesus movies over the years, or watched a video Bible series, but the stories seem more real to me than ever.

I like to be around people, but I don’t think you could say I’m a crowd person anymore. Jesus is encountering one crowd after another it seems, and we do know that he cherishes his time with his Father in prayer.

Today’s reading focuses on two very different people with two very different needs. What they have in common is faith. The woman’s faith was so strong, she believed that if only she could touch Jesus’ robe she would be healed. Imagine her drive and her focus. In this crowd, she had to find her way through the sea of people just to be near Jesus.

In her desperation she received healing. As Jesus put it, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” How do you think she was feeling as the sickness left her body? I can almost sense the peace myself as I imagine.

And then we have Jairus. He comes in search of Jesus as a distraught father wanting to see his daughter healed. As a parent, I know how hard it is when our children are sick. We feel helpless, powerless to make it better. Watching our children suffer is so hard, especially when they are very young and unable to tell us how they are feeling.

What anguish Jairus must have felt when his messengers arrived to say his daughter had died. Jesus didn’t let one second go by but intervened giving Jairus hope once again. The story comes to a climax when Jairus’ daughter comes to life. Jesus had said she was only asleep.

How many of us need to wake up? Are we asleep, missing out on the benefits of being a follower of Jesus? Do we need Jesus to intervene in us, to cleanse our hearts and minds to be open to his glorious future for us? Take a moment to close your eyes and picture Jesus coming to you in this moment, taking your hand, bringing you into an embrace.

Let’s pray. Lord thank you for your presence in my life. Thank you for the peace you give. When I am feeling lost and alone, you perk me up. I pray that I would have the faith of the woman in the story knowing without a doubt that every need I have will be handled by you. Forgive me when I try to do everything on my own power. I know I am so much more effective when your power is leading me. Guide my steps this day and be present in all conversations. May I shine with your glorious light. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 4:35-41 – Are You in a Storm?

Read Mark 4:35-41

This has to be one of my favorite stories of Jesus. It can speak to us on so many levels. What are we afraid of? Is it causing us to be in a frenzy on the outside (like the disciples in ours story) or only on the inside?

I will always remember sharing this passage with our children’s ministry kids on one particular summer Sunday. It is one of those perfect Bible stories that can be acted out. Kids have great imaginations and an ability to be creative, more so than adults usually. We had kids making weather sounds, and we had the disciples. It was hard to keep them “in” the boat they were acting so frantically. Now our boat was not that creative, it was just a big oval marked on the floor with masking tape. And we had Jesus. He was classic – not wanting to wake up, and when he did, he totally nailed the nonchalant “what are you afraid of” response. Priceless memories.

As we read this today, we are probably in the midst of one storm or another in our life. We were not promised smooth sailing in this life. We may have calmer waters during certain times, but the storms and challenges do come. How we respond in those times is what matters.

We often forget who is standing beside us (or sleeping in the boat). Jesus is with us 24/7 offering us the comfort we need, the wisdom we seek, the peace we are longing for. As Jesus said to the disciples, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

This was the “wake up call” that I needed today. How about you? It is always a good reminder to remember who is in charge and who can calm the storms of our life. Who should we be giving our lives to? What is consuming the most of our time? Is it work, is it worry, is it wishing something was different?

We all need to let go and let God take control of our storm. There is no sense worrying – think of Jesus’ words about faith. Like I said, this short passage can speak to us on so many levels. Will you let Jesus’ words calm your storm?

Let’s pray. Father, you know my struggles today. You know the concerns that are crippling me. Thank you for this reminder that you are bigger than any of my storms. Thank you that you are calming them at this very moment. Forgive me for my wavering faith in the midst of these storms. I want to stand strong and courageous for I know that you are with me. Thank you for loving me even when I’m looking the other way. Your way, Lord, is the best way, and I want to be walking with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 3:1-6 – Not on the Sabbath

Read Mark 3:1-6

Jesus had emotion. Of course he did. But do we often picture Jesus angry? There are instances in Scripture, and that helps us to know we are not alone when our tempers well up. How we handle that anger is the critical thing.

We should never lash out, and yet we should never stuff our anger inside. There are healthy ways to manage anger, but I’m not an expert here. So, if that is your struggle, start with prayer, mediation and exercise, and then seek counsel from a good anger management coach.

For today, though, let’s look at the dynamic playing out in our reading. It’s the Sabbath, the day of rest. Unfortunately, I am not familiar with anyone in my circle of friends that staunchly follows the rules of sabbath of no work. That would mean no cooking, no cleaning, no carrying, and in the case in point, no healing.

In my last post, I talked a little about Sabbath and it’s importance for us today. We need to set aside that quiet time with God on a regular basis to be fully devoted to that relationship. We need to be open to hear God’s voice. We need to find time to rest and regroup listening to God’s direction for us.

Jesus clearly sets us straight on sabbath when he says, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” Jesus has encountered critics here and they are described as having hard hearts. This angers him and then saddens him. What is his response? He heals the man, saves his life with a good deed, a miracle.

When I read of the people in the Bible, usually devout believers, that are out “to get” Jesus, I am always saddened. I know Jesus’ purpose was to live as a servant king to give us the blueprint for how to live our lives, but that he died for us always boggles my mind. I struggle with the fact that those who “knew the most” about the law were the very ones who didn’t recognize they were in the very presence of God.

I suppose it follows that if everyone was in love with Jesus and following him completely, there would be no crucifixion. With no crucifixion there would be no sacrifice for our sins or glorious resurrection. All a beautiful plan because our Lord loves us that much!

How does this speak to us today? Are our hearts hardened by life and circumstance? Are we ready to accept Jesus with our whole heart? Are we ready to expect his mercy any day of the week? How are you doing at setting aside time for sabbath with your king?

Let’s pray. Father, I relish our quiet times. I wish that everyone would make time in their day to spend time with you. For those that don’t know you, I ask that you use me in some way to change their behavior. I am saddened by this crazy world we live in, and my heart breaks for you, God. You are watching us demolish your creation, disrespect each other and be totally self absorbed. Forgive me when I fall victim to worldly desires. Thank you that you stand beside me to ground me and direct me, may I be obedient. In Jesus’ name. Amen.