Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Mark - Hear Jesus

Hear Jesus

Mark 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
Mark 9:6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

Peter not knowing what to say, offers to make temporary dwellings for Moses, Elijah and Jesus. They were risen spirits, they needed no earthly dwelling place.

Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Heb 11:14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
Heb 11:15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
Heb 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Mark 9:7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

God the Father spoke from a cloud that overshadowed them: hear my Son, continuously hear the words of Jesus who shall make a new covenant by His shed blood.

Mark 9:8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.

Only Jesus now, The law and the prophets prepared us to meet the Son of God. We are to hear and obey him.

Mark 9:9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
Mark 9:10 And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.

They had many questions. Soon, they would understand, soon they would receive the Holy Spirit and be able to see the things of God and to speak boldly the message of the new covenant.

Eaglewings Ministries

Saturday, February 25, 2006

Mark - Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God

Mark 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

Luke 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

The kingdom of God is within a redeemed heart, those who trust in Jesus and have been born again of His Spirit. We live not by the flesh but by the Spirit, serving God.

John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Mat 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
Mat 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
Mat 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
Mat 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

The Holy Ghost must come to you to witness of Jesus. If we reject the way we come to Jesus, we cannot receive him and be saved from sin and wrath.

Mat 12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
Mat 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

If you are just religious after the flesh, your fruit is not good, it is of sin and corruption. If by the Spirit of God, your fruit is good, as the spirit has all good fruit. (Gal; 5:22-23)

His disciples were to get a glimpse of the kingdom of God in the natural world, probably because they only could see with natural eyes, not yet having His Spirit within them.

Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
Mark 9:3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

Peter, James and John were chosen to see the kingdom of God with their natural eyes. Jesus was transfigured, he appeared in his glorified body, shining white as an angel might appear.

Mark 9:4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.

The dead were alive! A foretaste of the resurrection. Jesus spoke to Martha, whose brother Lazarus had died:

John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
John 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
John 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

Elijah and Moses were alive and talking to Jesus.

Mat 22:32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

Those who believe in the Messiah, Jesus shall live forever. Elijah represented the prophets and Moses the law. Before Jesus came, these were how God spoke to his people. Now God has spoken to us by His Son. Behold the Kingdom of God is come.

Eaglewings Topical Bible Studies

Friday, February 24, 2006

Mark - Deny yourself

Deny yourself

Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

After Peter's rebuke after the heart of a sinful man, Jesus said we must die to our flesh mind, deny ourselves, and take up our cross. We are to put our old nature on the cross with its natural way of seeing and thinking, and follow Jesus. We follow him today by following the Holy Spirit that he left for us.

Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

You want your own way? You want a life as a sinner? That life shall perish; but if you give up your self-will, losing your life and serving the will of God, preaching the good news? You shall save your life, for eternity in Christ Jesus.

Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

You want all you can get of the things of this life? Give all to God and he will give you all you need that is good for you. You shall save your soul through faith in Jesus Christ.

Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Mark 8:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Nothing can compare to eternal life and escaping hell.

Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

So you want to be a person of the world at all costs? It may cost you your soul, don't do that. Do not be ashamed of Jesus in this life so that he will receive you in the next life. Flesh dies, the soul lives forever in heaven or in torment. This is the truth of God.

Jer 17:9  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Jer 17:10  I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Eaglewings New Testament Studies

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Mark - Two rocks and two churches

Two rocks and two churches

Peter had pleased the Lord Jesus and himself when he had said that Jesus is the Christ. Matthew tells us more:

Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

So far, none of his followers saw things spiritually, they only saw in the natural. This was a breakthrough, for Simon heard from God and was able to see spiritually. Jesus honored him with a name Peter, Petra, a small rock. The apostles would be living stones adding to the foundation of the new church that would be built on the solid rock, Jesus, the Son of God, the chief cornerstone. Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Jesus honored Simon with a name: Peter, Petros, a stone. The apostles would be living stones adding to the foundation of the new church that would be built on this rock, petra, a large stone, Jesus the solid rock, the chief cornerstone, the Son of God.

Was Peter the chief cornerstone? The rock that the church would be built on? The first pope? Hear his own words on this subject. He points to Jesus, not to himself, men fail, Jesus never failed.

1 Pet 2:3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
1 Pet 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
1 Pet 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1 Pet 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

The church is not a building or an institution made by men, it is a spiritual church, built by Jesus.

Mat 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

A spiritualchurch and with Holy Spirit power, Jesus shall build his church. This spiritual church shall have power and dominion, through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

Mark 8:31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Jesus speaks the gospel, the way the church shall be made; through the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Peter could save no one, Jesus is our rock and our salvation.

Mark 8:32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

Peter who had professed Jesus as the Christ now rebukes the Christ using his natural man's thoughts. He did not see the spiritual purpose in all that would happen through Jesus.

Mark 8:33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

Wow, from a high place of honor, Peter the rock, to being called satan. Peter and we, as we see and do things as a natural man or woman, often do not the things that honor God. We must see things with spiritual eyes, to understand and honor God, who is a Spirit and our Father.

I suppose one could see from this story that there is a natural church, one made by men, buildings made by man that may not even be doing God's will, but being all pious and religious. The end is hell and man supposedly getting them out of hell by works etc.

Then there is the spiritual church, not made with man's hands, but of our Lord Jesus Christ. The spiritual church is by faith in Jesus and no other. The end is everlasting life with Jesus. He is our salvation and our rock, our redeemer. The spiritual church receives God's grace and is led by the Word and His Spirit.

Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

We know we are saved, for we trust in Jesus Christ, not in man and traditions.

Eaglewings Testimonies

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Mark - Who is Jesus

Who is Jesus?

Mark 8:27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?

Jesus did not need the opinions of men, but to know Jesus as to who he is, one would have to know God. For Jesus did the very works of the Father.

John 10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
John 10:38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

Who do men say that I am?

Mark 8:28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.

John the Baptists introduced Jesus. They both ministered for a time preaching the kingdom of God and repentance. John was a great man, but Jesus is greater.

John spoke of Jesus:

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

Jesus was more than Elias, Elijah, who was used of God to do great miracles. He was greater than the prophets who spoke God's word. Jesus is the living Word from heaven; God come into a human body. Emmanuel, God with man.

Mat 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Mark 8:29 And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.

Peter heard from God, thou art the Christ, the anointed one of God; the Messiah. They thought and expected the Messiah to come and to deliver Israel from corrupt leaders and to set up a new kingdom.

Mark 8:30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.

Tell no one, for the new covenant in his blood had not yet come. In time Jesus would deliver the kingdom of God, but for now it is within the heart of those redeemed, those who would believe in Jesus. Time would soon come when we would be commanded to proclaim the name of Jesus as our saviour; He is the way to the Father's kingdom. He is the Christ.

Eaglewings Ministries

 

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Mark - Two part healing

Two part healing

Mark 8:22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.

Friends interceded for the blind man. We are to intercede for those who cannot help themselves.

Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

Anyone else spitting and it would be an insult, but not with Jesus who was all good. His spit brought healing. A snake can spit venom to cause blindness; Jesus came to destroy the power of the old serpent.

Mark 8:24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.

Jesus healed in many ways. God is a creative God. The source of healing was God, Jesus being the Son of God. The man was not yet completely healed.

Mark 8:25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

Jesus touched him again and he saw every man clearly. Sometimes Jesus heals in stages. We do not give up if we are not healed all at once, we do not lose hope.

Mark 8:26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

Go to your house, it was not yet time to go out and witness for Jesus. It was not yet time for Jesus to go to the cross because of the envious religious rulers. It was not yet time to die for our sins.

Eaglewings New Testament Studies

Saturday, February 18, 2006

Mark - Still not with understanding

Still not with understanding

Mark 8:15 And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.

Speaking of bread? Leaven permeates the entire loaf, causing the bread to puff up. Sin causes people to puff up too. A little can contaminate others. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of Herod, the world ruler. Beware of the thoughts and ideas of the world, give all to the Lord and follow him.

Mark 8:16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.

No, they see as men, not in the spirit. They must learn that Jesus usually has a deeper meaning in his words, a spiritual meaning and they must seek his mind.

Mark 8:17 And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?
Mark 8:18 Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?

Jesus was upset with them. Why did not even his closest followers yet see, nor hear, nor understand? Truth is, many do not like to speak of spiritual things...talking religion, they might say. Many are offended when we speak of spiritual things.

Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Mark 8:19 When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.
Mark 8:20 And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.
Mark 8:21 And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?

Addressing their observation that there was no bread, Jesus seemed upset with their lack of faith. Had they so soon forgotten the two miracle feedings? This was Spiritual power and truth that God is able to provide. Why do they and we not get it? Why are we so lacking in faith, so spiritually blind?

Eaglewings Ministries

Friday, February 17, 2006

Mark - No sign for unbelief

No sign for unbelief

Mark 8:10 And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.

Dalmanutha is a town on the west side of the Sea of Galilee, near Magdala. Mary of Magdalene, from whom he cast out seven demons, would become one of his most faithful followers.

Mark 8:11 And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.

Everyone knew of Jesus, his power from heaven. Still, as always there were the supposed religious people who did not believe in him. In every generation and today, people of self willed power, use their religion to condemn those who follow Jesus. They would not accept Jesus, they do not see him as from God. They do not see the evidence, they mockingly seek proof.

Luke 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

It is by faith in Jesus that we enter his Kingdom.

Mark 8:12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

Mat 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
Mat 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Mark 8:13 And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.

He left them who would not believe. Jesus stays with those who believe, for after he returned to the Father he gave us the Holy Spirit, our comforter. Jesus is always close to those who have faith in Him.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Mark - Second miracle feeding

Second miracle feeding

Mark 8:2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:

In Mark six, Jesus fed the five thousand who were with him the first night. Now, after three days of continuing with Jesus, he feeds another large group. This following the opening of the deaf mans ears and loosening his tongue.

What other thing would happen after three days? The resurrection of Jesus from the grave and the message of the new covenant. At first, Jesus the bread of life spoke of repentance and the coming kingdom. After the third day and the resurrection from the grave, the message was to be, forgiveness of sins, and new life through His shed blood and resurrection. The old testament law requirements passed away and the new way by faith in Jesus and his shed blood was brought forth.

Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Mark 8:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

He had compassion on the living who hungered, especially those who hungered for the word of life.

Mark 8:4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?

Can you believe that they did not know the answer? Especially after seeing the feeding of the five thousand? Perhaps, it was because Jesus often performed miracles in new ways? He would repeat this miracle the same way. We are to go to Jesus and ask him for our daily bread. He is our intercessor to the Father.

Mark 8:5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.
Mark 8:6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.
Mark 8:7 And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.
Mark 8:8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.

They began with seven loaves and had enough left over to fill seven baskets. Seven represents Jesus Christ and rest. He is the fulfilment of God's requirement for eternal life and he is our rest. We no longer must work to gain God's favor, we trust in Jesus through faith.

Mark 8:9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.

Eaglewings New Testament Studies

 

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Mark - He does all things well

He does all things well

Mark 7:31 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

Decapolis, deca means ten, ten cities situated in one district on the east of the Sea of Galilee.

Mark 7:32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

Those who brought the troubled man were intercessors on his behalf. When we pray for another's need, bringing him to Jesus, we are his intercessor through prayer.

Mark 7:33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

Jesus would heal in many ways. The source is God's power, not the method of the flesh.

Mark 7:34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

Jesus groaned and spoke to the Father: be opened.

Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Rom 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

God hears your sighs, but even these are to be of faith.

Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

This is important: that when in trouble we do not allow darkness to fill our hearts, but we cry out to Jesus, to God who hears and will come to our aid. Sing praises to him and feel the presence of the Living God.

Mark 7:35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

A great miracle, healed and given wisdom to speak.

Mark 7:36 And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;

News travels fast, even though they were told not to tell others. This would make it harder to travel in the cities and the religious leaders would be envious, seeking to stop him before the time.

Mark 7:37 And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

He hath done all things well, amen, God does all things well, we trust in him. In time of need, we keep the faith. God does all things well.

Mat 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Monday, February 13, 2006

Mark - Gentile healing

Gentile healing

Mark 7:24 And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.

Why was he there and into a Gentiles house? For he was sent to the Jews first. He was their Messiah that was to come to deliver them. He was the son of man, the son of David the king, and would receive the eternal throne that was prophesied. God's word must come to pass.

Mark 7:25 For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:
Mark 7:26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
Mark 7:27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.

Who were the children? The children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, for whom the Messiah came. The Jews called the Gentiles, dogs. Jesus was the bread of life.

John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Mark 7:28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.
Mark 7:29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.

Because of her faith, Jesus gave her grace, the devil was gone from her daughter.

Mark 7:30 And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

A miracle to the Gentiles. After Jesus would go to the cross, the Gentiles would be given a chance to receive him. The Gentiles are the Church, this is the time of the Gentiles, the time of the building of the church. We will be taken up to meet Jesus in the air and then the scales will fall from the eyes of Israel and they will receive Jesus as their Messiah.

1 Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1 Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Rom 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Mark - Body and Soul

Body and Soul

Mark 7:14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:

Listen to Jesus, this is important.

Mark 7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

Referring to foods, the restrictions on foods would soon be lifted. Peter would have a vision:

Acts 10:13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
Acts 10:14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
Acts 10:15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

Jesus was speaking of religious pretense. The Pharisees washed their hands, but their hearts were unclean. They were critical about outward religious things, but their hearts were not right. Religious people are quick to judge and to argue about religious things. If their hearts were right towards God, they would see God in Jesus and his disciples.

Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Mat 23:24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
Mat 23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Mat 23:26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Mat 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Mat 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Do you see the spiritual things? Is your heart right towards God? We are also told to be careful to not offend our soul. The body doesn't matter so much as the soul. The soul is eternal. Jesus spoke these things concerning the heart.

Mat 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Mat 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Mat 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Mark 7:16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Eaglewings Ministries

Thursday, February 9, 2006

Mark - Honor God from the heart

Honor God from the heart

Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

They talked but did not walk the talk. They said the served God, but not from their heart. They preferred doing outward things to be seen of man. God looks upon our hearts. He knows the heart motive of all we say and do.

Mark 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

We need the word of God, therein is the power of God. Flowery stories and traditions are not worthy to be compared to God's word. Better to read the Bible out loud, then to preach to make ourselves look good.

Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Mark 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

They were guilty of putting traditions above the word. Is your church speaking the word of God, or traditions? Does it matter to you, or are we just looking for a religious experience? Jesus gives another example of a tradition that does not respect the word of God. He goes to Moses, who they claimed to teach.

Mark 7:10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
Mark 7:11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.

Instead of honoring and caring for their parents, they made excuses and put their money somewhere else. Can we care for parents and choose to put our hearts elsewhere?

Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Mark 7:12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

They ignored the commands of God for the traditions of man. Where is our treasure? Is obeying God most important to us?

Eaglewings New Testament Studies

Wednesday, February 8, 2006

Mark - Traditions of Our Elders

Traditions of Our Elders

Mark 7:1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.

They sought Jesus out. Be sure that trouble will come to you, but this was an opportunity to learn.

Job 5:7 Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
Job 5:8 I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:

Mark 7:2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

They were always finding fault. The Pharisee spirit was proud and judgmental. Indeed there is no harm in washing hands. This was a good thing that kept germs from the hands. There was not yet knowledge of germs, but this was a good thing to wash the hands. To be condemning people all the time was not Good. The Pharisees were trusted to bring others to God, they were not doing this with their critical spirit.

Mark 7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

This was a tradition of men. Tradition meets the Living Word of God, in Christ Jesus.

Mark 7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables.

This is not unlike our society, preoccupied with cleaning the outside, but inside they were separated from God. The hearts are not right. Lots of rules and regulations, but nothing changed within the person to come closer to God.

Mark 7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

They confronted Jesus about not keeping the traditions of religious people of the past. Some traditions are good, but the word and Spirit of God are the truth we follow. Jesus would answer them using scriptures, God's word, not mans ideas. We must cleanse our hearts with the living word and in this way we will not sin against God.

Eaglewings Testimonies

Tuesday, February 7, 2006

Mark - Healing in Gennesaret

Healing in Gennesaret

Mark 6:53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore
Mark 6:54 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,

His reputation had arrived before him. They knew him as a great healer.

Mark 6:55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.
Mark 6:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

As he passed by people reached for the hem of his garment. Loved ones brought their sick and afflicted to him, he healed them all. Jesus the healer, Jesus, who fed the 5000, who walked on water, who stills the storms. This same Jesus is alive today. Through faith we reach out and touch him, he is as near as your heart if you have believed in him. He gave so much for us, we can give him our life in his service.

Mat 10:39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Eaglewings Ministries

Monday, February 6, 2006

Mark - Walking on Water

Walking on water

Mark 6:48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

Jesus, high on the mountain praying, could see out to sea that the disciple's ship was not moving very fast, for they were fighting the wind. Jesus was watching out for the disciples while praying in a quiet place. Watch and pray:

Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

It is good to know that Jesus watches out for us, but we also must be aware of things. Our concerns come to light in prayer, also the concerns of others are brought to our mind. I like to pray away from other people, this was the pattern of Jesus, to be alone with the Father in a wilderness place. Group prayer is good too, especially when a problem faces the whole church body.

Jesus walked upon the angry sea at the fourth watch; about 3 AM. It appeared that he was going to walk past them. He caught up with them, unhindered by the fierce wind. Why was he passing by? From other stories we see Jesus passing by as he walked to different places. It is when people reach out to touch him that help comes. Touching the hem of his garment or crying out to him, Jesus, Jesus, he responds when we approach him when he is near. Salvation comes when Jesus is nearby, first we must cry out to him.

Mark 6:49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

They cried out in fear, thinking he was a ghost.

Mark 6:50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

Cheer up, peace be with you, it is I, be not afraid, fear not. Mark does not tell us about Peter walking on water to Jesus.

Mat 14:28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
Mat 14:29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water,to go to Jesus.
Mat 14:30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Mat 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Perhaps Peter had spoken the account to Mark, leaving out the part of him walking on water, not wanting to share this with him.

Mark 6:51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

They were in wonder at this miracle. Never had a man walked on water.

Mark 6:52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

They had put out of their mind what had occurred earlier, the feeding of the five thousand, why? It says because their hearts were hardened. Many we witness to, do not receive the evidence of Jesus, Son of God, because their hearts are hardened. Many in our churches do not care to see more of Jesus and to be his disciples. Are we seeing the glory of the Son of God in these gospel accounts? We must see with a tender heart the love and glorious workings of the Lord.

Eaglewings New Testament Studies

Purpose, God's elect, our part in it

  GARY I POSTED EPH 2 10 TONIGHT IN JOURNAL DONT YOU THINK IT MEANS YOU HAVE A PURPOSE IN LIFE TO DO THE WILL OF GOD

   Yes...   Eph 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.


  Paul had a calling and a purpose from Jesus:  

 Acts 26:15  And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
Acts 26:16  But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
Acts 26:17  Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
Acts 26:18  To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.


 
Paul was called, chosen while opposing Jesus. He was called by Jesus to be an apostle to the Gentiles, non-Jews.   Jacob was called before birth, he was the elect of God.  

 Rom 9:10  And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;
Rom 9:11  (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)


 
God chooses us, we must respond. He doesn't always call in such miraculous ways. He tells us to go witness.  

Rom 10:13  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom 10:14  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hearwithout a preacher?
Rom 10:15  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Rom 10:16  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Rom 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rom 10:18  But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
Rom 10:19  But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
Rom 10:20  But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
Rom 10:21  But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
Rom 11:2  God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
Rom 11:3  Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
Rom 11:4  But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
Rom 11:5  Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Rom 11:6  And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Rom 11:7  What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
Rom 11:8  (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
Rom 11:9  And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompense unto them:
Rom 11:10  Let their eyes be darkened that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
Rom 11:11  I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: butrather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
Rom 11:12  Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
Rom 11:13  For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
Rom 11:14  If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
Rom 11:15  For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
Rom 11:16  For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
Rom 11:17  And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
Rom 11:18  Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
Rom 11:19  Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.
Rom 11:20  Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
Rom 11:21  For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
Rom 11:22  Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: (evidence of salvation)otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
Rom 11:23  And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.
Rom 11:24  For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
Rom 11:25  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:26  And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Rom 11:27  For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Rom 11:28  As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
Rom 11:29  For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Rom 11:30  For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
Rom 11:31  Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.


 
God's Spirit must draw us to Jesus. On occasion God chose certain people in miraculous ways: Jeremiah was chosen in his mothers womb to be a prophet, Jacob the second born twin was chosen before Esau, Paul who was persecuting Christians was knocked to the ground, Jesus chose him and opened his eyes...Many are blind. God also uses us as witnesses to reach the lost, Whosoever will come.  

 Rom 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Rom 8:29  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.


  God knows those who will receive him, yet we do not. We are called to witness, this is how God reaches people, through us and his Spirit.  

 Mat 28:18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
 

 Two things are required for salvation, our witness and his Spirit. They respond by repentance and belief in Jesus Christ. He chooses, we never know who will receive. We want people to receive, but God must move in their heart. Then we will fulfill God's purpose. One purpose we all have togetheris to witness for Jesus, and to be like Jesus. This is fruit that glorifies God. Our purpose is to glorify our God.
 

Sunday, February 5, 2006

Mark - Prayer Time

Prayer Time

Mark 6:45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

Jesus sent his close disciples away, in a ship, would they be conversing between themselves of the great miracle they were a part of? Did they see Jesus as God's Son? Perhaps there was doubt, or lack of concern? How many miracles has God done for us, that we have soon forgotten?

Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

At last Jesus was truly alone, to pray in a wilderness place with His Father. Listening is equally important in communication as is speaking.

Mark 6:47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

He prayed into the night and the ship was well out to sea. This would be a night to remember. Jesus would walk to them upon the sea!

Eaglewings Prayers Journal

Saturday, February 4, 2006

Mark - Feeding the 5000

Feeding the Five Thousand

Mark 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.

Jesus first asked them what they had to give. He uses what we have, if we are obedient, and he multiplies it.

Mark 6:39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.
Mark 6:40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.

We have seen on our TV's food trucks delivering sacks of rice to hungry people in destitute regions of the world. Often they rush the supply truck, the strongest get the supplies, the weak often go without. God cares for all, and is a God of order. No need to rush for food, going further, there is no excuse for stealing from another what is not yours. In the news, people in cities under peril of storm or fire are seen removing TV sets and valuables from stores. God will not honor this. They will be out from under his blessings. The best place we can be is in Jesus, obedient, orderly and trusting in our Lord. We work, we do our part, but the increase is up to him. He would supply the needs of this hungry multitude, by the blessings of God.

Mark 6:41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

They shared and God blessed.

Mark 6:42 And they did all eat, and were filled.

All were filled! God multiplied the offering. We give our best, he blesses and multiplies. This applies to finances, gifts from him, ministries, all given in his name will be blessed and will increase the giver, as God chooses. We do not name it and claim it, we are not to claim a pink Cadillac, but he will bless us as he sees our needs. Often he will give to us through another, so that they in turn will be blessed. What if all were all givers? There would be no needs unmet. if all trusted Jesus and gave believing he would bless, and multiply to meet needs, no one would be without the basic needs of life.

Mark 6:43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.

A basket full of leftovers for the disciples to have. They were able to experience the overflow of God's blessings.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Mark 6:44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.

Five Thousand fed, not counting the women and children. Five loaves and two fishes were divided and divided, by the giving disciples; multiplied and multiplied by the grace and miracle of God through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. To God be the Glory!

Life for Life

Paul would have given his soul for Israel  

Rom 9:1  I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
Rom 9:2  That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
Rom 9:3  For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
Rom 9:4  Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
Rom 9:5  Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.


Remember, it is Jesus who gave his life FOR ALL WHO WOULD BELIEVE in Him.  

Rom 8:3  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Rom 8:4  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:5  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:7  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:8  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Rom 8:10  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Rom 8:11  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken
your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Rom 8:12  Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, tolive after the flesh.
Rom 8:13  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Rom 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Rom 8:15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Rom 8:16  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Rom 8:17  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Rom 8:18  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Rom 8:19  For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Rom 8:20  For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Rom 8:21  Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Rom 8:22  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Rom 8:23  And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
 

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Friday, February 3, 2006

Mark - Feed Them

Don't Send Them Away, Feed Them

Mark 6:35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:
Mark 6:36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.

The disciples were concerned about the time, it was getting dark, they had not been able to share with Jesus and they were hungry. They had come here to rest, to share with Jesus and to eat something.

Mark 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

Now this great crowd was gathered, why don't you tell them to go home, and find some food to eat on the way?

Mark 6:37 He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?

What does Jesus say? Give them our food to eat? No, maybe he wants us to go buy food for them? More than a years wages would be required to feed this crowd. Who has that much money?

Jesus was wanting to show them something. There was a need and the disciples just wanted to send them away. Jesus wanted them to see peoples needs and to trust him to meet the needs. Are we willing to meet the needs of those seeking Jesus? They came for him, for Jesus to meet their needs, do we send them away? In our church services is it just about me? us? Or when people come seeking Jesus do we take them to him, placing their burdens on him? Are we willing to share what we have? Or do we hoard and keep to ourselves? Time will come when all we have will go to another. Now is the time to hear the voice of God, to follow Jesus and to do what he says.

Wednesday, February 1, 2006

Mark- A Need To Share

A Need To Share

Mark 6:30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.

The disciples who were sent out to preach the kingdom and to heal, report back to Jesus. Do you know that were are sent? We are not to do our own thing, but to do the will of the Lord who sends us into the world. We report back to him in continuous prayer. If too busy, too many distractions? Find a place where you can be alone with God.

Mark 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

They needed to be alone to rest in the Lord and to fellowship with the Lord.

Mark 6:32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

A deserted place, where no people were.

Mark 6:33 And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.
Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

He saw the needs and began to teach them. It was yet another opportunity. Do we see peoples needs as a nuisance or an opportunity? Jesus is our rest and we report to him. What have we to share with him?

Eaglewings Prayers Journal