Mark 10: 32-45  Once again Jesus tells His disciples that He is going to go to Jerusalem, be killed and rise again in three days.  They still did not quite get it!   But, James and John must have decided that this was the time to prepare for the future.. so that ask Jesus a favor.  "Grant that we may sit in Your glory, one on Your right and one on Your left."

This request was a big one.. huge!  Even if they thought that Jesus was just going to be King of Israel.. they were asking to be princes..  Jesus let them know that He would not be granting that favor.. for "it is for those for whom it has been prepared... " Even so, they would drink the cup and be baptized with His baptism.  They would suffer like He would... for the sake of the Kingdom... the rest would be in the hands of the Father. 

The other disciples were indignant that James and John asked such a thing... they still didn't understand that the way to be great in God's eyes is to be the servant.. to serve as Jesus served. 

Verses 46-52 tell of Bartimaeus.  Sitting by the road in Jericho.. Bartimaeus hears that Jesus is coming by.. this is his chance.. so he cries out "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"  This blind beggar.. understood who Jesus was.. and what He could do.  He had faith.. in the power and in the mercy of Jesus Christ.  He did not allow the crowd to silence him.  He did not allow his blindness to hinder him.  He cried out and Jesus heard him.. called him.. and healed him. 

Faith... to ask Jesus big things.. for greater things ..... this is the faith that I need.  To truly believe.. truly trust.. and in faith.. ask. 

Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Grant me this kind of faith.. to trust and to obey.. to know Your will and to do it by the power and grace that Christ extends to all who believe. Faith.. to seek healing from hurts.. to ask for open doors to speak to others about Jesus.. to knock and keep knocking until the door is opened up and I can enter into Your Presence.  Have Your perfect way in our lives today, Lord God, that Your Name will be glorified in us, Your children and servants.  In Jesus' name. Amen. 

 Mark 10:1-31   In this chapter Mark records three significant teachings.. 

First, the question of marriage and divorce.  Jesus taught that divorce had been "allowed" by the Law,  but only because of the "hardness of heart" that characterizes people who don't remember that God brought together a man and a woman to be husband and wife.. to make them "one flesh". 

The second message was about children.. the disciple's attitude towards them was to send them away.. but Jesus was "indignant" about that.. He welcomed the children and honored them.. blessing them and "laying His hands upon them." 

The third teaching was about money.  The rich young ruler wanted the assurance and blessing of eternal life.. he kept the commandments.. but there was something missing.  When Jesus told him that he only needed to give up his wealth and follow Him.. well, that was not what he wanted to hear.  It is a "hard" thing for most people.. to give up.. to surrender all to Jesus.  But, praise the Lord.. it is not impossible! "For all things are possible with God."!! 

Surrender... our attitudes.. our desires.. our resources.. our whole lives.  That is what Jesus calls us to do. But, He does not leave us empty.. "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel's sake, but that he shall receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life." 

Father, forgive us our hard-heartedness and do the impossible work in us.. to bring us into the fullness of salvation.. into the perfect plan You have for each of Your children.  Help us to lay it all down.. to surrender all.. and to follow Jesus, trusting in Your Word and promises. Increase our faith that we might see Your Hand and experience Your mighty works in our own lives. We ask this in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

 Mark 9: 30-50   Jesus revealed His glory to Peter, James, and John on the mountaintop.. then He told them that He would "rise from the dead". After healing the boy that the other disciples could not, He takes them all on a journey through Galilee.. "and He was unwilling for anyone to know about it. For He was teaching His disciples.. "  Jesus very clearly tells His disciples what is going to happen to Him... "The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later."  ( v31)

This is the third time in a short period of time that Jesus has made this proclamation to His disciples... and they still do not understand.  Instead, they have a discussion over which one of them was "the greatest."  Patiently, Jesus tells them again.. what it REALLY means to be great in the eyes of the Lord... "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, servant of all."  Or, as the NIV translates it.. ".. he must be the very last, and the servant of all." Or, as the CJV says it, ".. If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all." 

Jesus illustrates this truth by taking a small child into His arms and saying to them... "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name, welcomes Me, whoever welcomes Me welcomes not me but the One who sent Me." ( CJV)  Matthew makes it a little more specific.. "And whoever.. gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you he shall not lose his reward."  To be the servant.. to a child.. well that was stunning to men at that time!  It is, perhaps, stunning to us too.. but, Jesus says this is what we MUST do.. make ourselves servant of all... for His sake. 

Jesus is not finished with this lesson.. 

John tells about seeing someone using the name of Jesus to cast out demons.. and wanting to stop him.  But, Jesus tells him that "there is no one who shall perform a miracle in My name and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me."  If that person is "not against" Jesus  ( or them) then he is for Him. 

Jesus switches His illustration from serving a child.. to someone serving the disciple.. "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 not lose his reward." (v41)  To serve the servants of Jesus.. this is how one is "for Him". 

Those who are "against" Jesus are the ones who cause little ones to stumble.. who stumble.. when their hands, their feet, their eyes.. control them and bring them into temptations that lead to sin and death and hell... who do not surrender their lives.. their bodies... their positions.. their wills.. to the Lord.  They are like salt that is unsalty...and they will be "cast into hell". 

"Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another." (v50) The disciples needed to stop arguing..  to stop trying to be the greatest.. and to start serving.. to start being at peace with each other.  To preserve that unity, that humble, gentle, patient, loving relationship that should characterize the followers of Christ. 

Father God, let Your Word penetrate our hearts and minds and lead us into true surrender to Your will. May we serve one another.. love one another.. be at peace with one another as You command. Teach me.. reveal to me... the attitude of my own heart and lead me in Your ways of righteousness. I ask this in the Name of Jesus, Lord and King forever. Amen. 

 Mark 9 

Verses 1-13  Peter, James, and John were invited to a special meeting.. on the top of a mountain.  They experienced a glimpse of glory that they never could have imagined.  Jesus was "transfigured" before their eyes.. His "garments.. exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth could whiten them.."  Elijah and Moses appeared and stood talking with Jesus. A cloud came over them and God spoke to them.. "This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!" 

This glimpse of the Kingdom led to another opportunity for Jesus to prepare them for His death and resurrection. They still did not understand... but they had learned something more about the Christ that they served. 

Verses 14-29 Coming down from the mountain Jesus saw a "large crowd" around His disciples. The center of attention was a man and his spirit-oppressed son... who was mute and who was thrown into fire and water with seizures.  The man "told" the disciples to cast out the demon but they could not do it.  Jesus gets to the heart of the problem.. "O unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you?" 

But, Jesus does not immediately deliver the boy.. He had a question for the father.." How long has this been happening to him?"  Why would Jesus ask this?  He knew that already.. for He knows all things. It leads the father to ask for help.. "But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!"  His attitude changed in this conversation.. from demanding help from the disciples.. to complaining about their lack of help.. to a humble plea for pity...  Yet, Jesus was still not done with him... "If You can! All things are possible to him who believes."   This... brings the father to the right attitude... "Immediately the boy's father cried out and began saying, 'I do believe; help my unbelief.'"  Finally, an inkling... a mustard seed  of faith.. an honest plea from the heart.. and Jesus cast the spirit out and healed the boy. 

Jesus.. the Beloved Son of God.. clothed in glory.. stood on the mountaintop with Moses and Elijah.. then came down to an "unbelieving generation" that needed help even to believe in Him.  This is the good news of the Kingdom.. all portrayed in 29 verses.  He came.. stepped down from glory... humbled Himself.. to suffer and die.. and to rise again.. all for us..  We cry out with the father in this story.. "Help our unbelief"!  O that we might see the glory of the Son!  O that we might have greater faith!

Father in heaven, how great is our God, the ruler of heaven and earth.. for there is no other. How wonderful is Jesus Christ the Lord.. the Beloved Son.. the King of glory.  Open our eyes.. fill our hearts.. heal us..cleanse us, help us to truly believe.. and make us wholly Yours. May Christ be exalted!  Your will be done in us today we pray... in Jesus' name. Amen. 

 Mark 8  

Verses 1-10  A multitude of people.. 4000 men plus women and children stayed with Jesus for 3 days.. listening to His words.  Feeling compassion for them.. Jesus again provides food, miraculously multiplying the bread and fish so that all are fed and "satisfied".  7 loaves of bread.. fed the multitude and left 7 baskets of leftovers!   Jesus provides more than enough to meet the need.  That is a truth we need to ponder!

Verses 11-21 The Pharisees track Jesus down so that they can argue with Him.. they want a sign.. "to test Him."  The miracles are not enough. The wisdom and understanding that He has displayed.. are not enough. They want to dictate the "sign" so that they can be convinced.. without having to have faith.  Jesus calls their teaching...  "leaven".. false teaching and tells His disciples to beware of it. But, the disciples miss the point and start worrying about not having enough to eat!  Jesus reminded them of the times He multiplied the bread and fish..and all that was left over.. why should they worry about bread? The reality is that they need to have faith.. to trust Him to meet every need.. physically and spiritually. "Do you not yet understand?"  Do we?

Verses 22-26  Jesus went to Bethsaida and a blind man came to Him.  Jesus did something different for this man.  He took him outside the village, touched his eyes.. twice.. because the first time some of his sight was restored but not totally.  It took time for clarity to come...

Verses 27-38  All this leads up to a very important moment... when Jesus asked His disciples who others thought He was.. and who they think He is.  It is the most important question we need to ask ourselves, isn't it?

The multitude who ate the bread and fish might say that Jesus was a prophet. The Pharisees wanted to call Him much worse. The blind man would call Him a healer. But, the disciples knew that He was so much more.. "Thou art the Christ." Peter said.. speaking for all of them.  It is at this point that Jesus began to teach them what that actually meant... 

"And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again."  Peter did not want to accept that message at all! But, Jesus rebuked him.. for that response was not from God but from Satan.

Jesus talks about "God's interests".. so different from man's interests.. The KJV says it this way " for thou savourest not the things of God, but the things that be of men."  To "savourest" - to exercise the mind.. to interest oneself in...  to go in a certain direction.  Jesus then goes on to preach, "if anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."  

It is in God's interests... it is when we set our mind on the things of God and not man's..  that we stop trying to save ourselves.. but instead disown ourselves for His sake.  

It is in God's interests.. when we set our mind on Him and what He wants for us...  that we take a stand for Jesus.. not being ashamed of Him or His message, but are willing to take up our own crosses for Him.  

It is in God's interest ... that we follow Jesus.. walk the same road as He did.. losing our lives for His sake so that we might be saved. 

Father in heaven, You have called us to Yourself that we might know Jesus, the Christ.. Your anointed Servant who came to be rejected, killed, and raised again.. that we might be saved from the consequences of sin. It is in Christ that we can have life.. not by trying to save ourselves, but in denying ourselves.  It is in Christ that we take our stand.. our cross.. and follow Him. We desire Your will to be done.. Your kingdom to come.. and for Your Name to be exalted.  Holy Spirit complete Your work in us today as we choose to savor the things of God and not the things of this world. Help us we pray, in Jesus' name. Amen. 

 Mark 7 The scribes and Pharisees complained to Jesus because the disciples did not follow "tradition".. washing their hands, etc.    The "tradition of the elders" had become more  important to them than the commandments of God, Jesus said in return.  "Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men."  For example, they failed to enforce the commandment of honoring their fathers and mothers, in order to keep what they wanted... calling it God's.  Their hearts were "far away" from God. They were concerned with washed hands.. but failed to see the cleansing needed in their hearts. 

Jesus took this time to call the multitude together again.. to teach this important truth. What we eat isn't what makes us sinful.. it is what is in our hearts already that makes us sin.. "For within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man." 

Jeremiah wrote," The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?" (17:9)  But, God said, "I, the Lord search the heart, I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds."  The scribes and Pharisees spent so much time and energy on their own traditions that they neglected this essential truth.  Jeremiah points to the only One who can change the heart.. " O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake Thee will be put to shame. Those who turn away on earth will be written down, because they have forsaken the fountain of living water, even the Lord. Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved. For Thou art my praise." ( v13-14) 

What is more needed than clean hands?  A clean heart! How can we have a clean heart?  Only by the cleansing that the blood of Jesus provides. Heal me Lord and I will be healed!  Save me and I will be saved!  It's all of Jesus.  Hallelujah ! What a Savior! 

Father in heaven, our Holy God, how else can we come before You, who sees our hearts.. except by the blood of Jesus Christ, shed for our sins.. that we might gain forgiveness of sins.. the cleansing from all unrighteousness. Thank You for the sacrifice of the Beloved Son that we might be healed and saved.  Like the woman in Mark 7.. we ask for the crumbs.. and You pour out Your love!  We come deaf and dumb.. and You have opened our ears and our mouths.. to bring You praise. You are good.. You are ready to forgive.. You are abundant in lovingkindness! We worship You alone, Great God and King. Fill us continually with Your Spirit that we might walk in Truth and grace... to the glory of our Lord Jesus forevermore. Amen. 

 Mark 6 Jesus went back to Nazareth.. home.. where His mother lived, where His brothers and sisters still resided.. where He was known as a carpenter.. where He was doubted.. where the people were offended at Him.. where unbelief filled and hardened there hearts.  It is sad that often it is those who think they know us best... are the ones who doubt us most.. it was true of Jesus and it is often true of new believers.  We kind of watch them closely to see if the changes are real.. if their faith is going to "stick".. or perhaps be choked out, like the seeds planted in the thorny soil.  Maybe Jesus wonders at our "unbelief" too... 

Jesus sent out His 12 disciples to preach and He gave "them authority over unclean spirits.."  What an experience they had! But, there was so much more to come. Going to a "lonely place" to rest.. didn't turn out the way they expected, for a great crowd followed by land and "got there ahead of them".  The disciples just wanted to send the people away to get their own food, but Jesus had a different plan. With 5 loaves and 2 fish.. 5000 men were fed.  It had to be such an extraordinary event.. we can't even fathom it.  But, again, Jesus had more to show them.  Sending the disciples away in their boat, He dismissed the crowd and spent time on the mountain to pray.  Then, seeing the disciples struggling in the windy sea.. He came to them.. walking on the water. 

Mark tells us that the disciples did not even know how to handle all of this.. "for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened." 

Are our hearts hardened too? Have we gained any insight into the person of Jesus Christ through these miraculous events? 

Jesus gave them authority over disease.. over demons.. Who else could make that possible?

Jesus took their meager portions and provided for thousands.. Who else could multiply resources?

Jesus crossed the waters.. made a way to them through the storms.. Who else could come to them in their times of need?

And He does the same for us.. He comes to us when we are stuck and unable to move.  He provides for us when we have so little to give.  He has given us His Spirit that we might minister to those who are sick and suffering.  We are called to pray in His Name.. go in His power.. give.. to His honor and glory.  

My Father.. hallowed be Your Name in all the earth. Soften my heart and rid me of all unbelief! Fill me with Your Spirit and lead me in Your paths so that I might do Your will.. always.. whatever that might be. Open our eyes, Lord, that we might see Jesus more clearly.. may we gain insight.. may we walk in faith and not be afraid in times of trouble...For we ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

 Mark 5  Three amazing events are reported in this chapter:   

A legion of demons are sent into the sea.

A 12 year affliction of blood is dried up.

A 12 year old daughter is raised from death to life. 

Very few words are recorded.. no sermons are given...  

Jesus and His disciples cross the sea and are met by the man.. so filled with demons that he lived in the graveyard, he screamed and cut himself constantly, he broke every chain that was used to try and subdue him.. but he came and fell before Jesus. 

It was the demons that "entreated" the Lord to send them into the swine. Think about that.. they prayed! 2000 pigs were sent into the sea by the demons who received permission to enter them.  and the man who was delivered.. "clothed and in his right mind" only wanted to follow Jesus.  He was given a ministry of his own.. to go and tell "what great things the Lord has done for you..."  We are told that he proclaimed it all through the Decapolis. 

Back across the sea, Jesus is "entreated" to go to Jairus' house to heal his daughter.  On the way, the woman who had suffered with hemorrhaging for 12 years reached out to touch his robe.. and was  healed. Jesus commends her faith.. and encourages Jairus to believe too.. even when the news of his daughter's death reaches him. Oh what rejoicing filled this home when the little girl is raised up and given life anew. 

New life.. for the demoniac.. for the woman who had suffered so long... for the little girl and her family. New lives of faith and joy and hopefully salvation for all of them.  What stories they have to tell!

Father in heaven, thank You for a Savior who has such compassion and kindness.. such power and mercy.  We need to learn to "entreat" You more.. to bring every care.. to reach out to You for every need.  Why do we get so.. self-centered, thinking we can solve our own problems and struggles?  We need You every minute.. every hour.. every day.  Come, fill us with Your Holy Spirit.. come O come and fill us now!  May we know the joy of new life in Christ and proclaim the glad news wherever we go.  Amen. 

 Mark 4  Jesus quoted Isaiah 6, ".. while seeing, they may see and not perceive; and while hearing, they may hear and not understand lest they return and be forgiven..."; explaining to His disciples why He was speaking in parables.  To His disciples,  He said, "To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God.. ".  This is a great mystery.. why God would not want to have all people see and perceive.. hear and understand so that they can repent and be forgiven? Why does some of the "seed" get snatched away.. choked out.. or burned up?  Why do some have "ears to hear" and others do not?

We cannot know the thoughts of God that are higher than our thoughts.. but we can know that Jesus came to preach the gospel.. the Good news.. that the Kingdom of God was near.. that He would make it attainable.  The central Truth in Jesus' parable about the seed is that the Word is sown.  Isaiah was sent to preach the Word of God.. knowing the people would not receive it.. but he went anyway.   Jesus came to preach the Word.. knowing that He would be rejected.. but He came anyway. The SEED would be sown...

Jesus talked about a light that should not be hidden.. and we see that He is that Light. 

Jesus talked about the Kingdom that starts out like a seed.. but grows into a plant to be harvested.. and a mustard seed that is so very small, but grows into a tree large enough to become a haven for the birds of the air.  And we know that is how it began.. this small group of disciples would grow.. and the Kingdom is still growing with every new believer who hears the Word and turns and finds forgiveness. 

Jesus entreats us to have "ears to hear".. so we listen and pray for understanding.. seeking the Kingdom truths that He alone makes us able to perceive.  We pray for others to have their blind eyes opened and their deaf ears made ready to hear!

Mark finishes this chapter with an extraordinary event.  Out on the stormy waters, Jesus is asleep.. until the frantic disciples wake Him crying, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"  But, He does care.. and He orders the wind and waves to "Hush, be still."  

Here is the greater mystery to the disciples.. "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"  

Father in heaven, we long to know the mysteries of the Kingdom that are still ahead of us.. to be able to comprehend the truths that we cannot yet attain to..  Some day we will be with You and these truths will bring even more praise to our lips.. eternal hallelujahs to Christ our King!  May we walk in faith and hope and love.. trusting that You will help us to see and perceive.. hear and understand.. to believe and obey Your Word until that glorious day!  Fill us with Your Word and let Your Spirit lead us in all the ways of Christ we pray. Amen. 

 Mark 3  Jesus healed the man with the withered hand.. on the Sabbath..in the synagogue.. and taught that doing good.. and saving lives is right... even if the religious leaders don't  agree.  This event set off the Pharisees.. again.. ready to destroy Him.  Meanwhile, Mark recorded, multitudes came.. from far and near.. pressing in on Him.. to just touch Him. 

Jesus chose the twelve to be His apostles.. knowing full well that Judas would betray Him.  (v13-19)

The demons.. fell down before Jesus.. but the scribes called Him a devil.. His family called Him crazy.. but He called those who followed Him.. those who did the Father's will.. His mother and brothers and sisters. 

If we read Mark's gospel with the intention of seeking to know Jesus more.. then we learn from this chapter that He was totally  different... we might even say that He was "other".. as He was and is God.  He did not follow the " religious" rules.. He did not follow His own family's misguided feelings.. He did not choose the most qualified ( in the worlds' estimations) to be His disciples and apostles.  

We learn that Jesus valued people over rules.  He chose to love and heal and speak Truth.   His priority is always the Father's will and the Father's glory.  He showed kindness to those in need.. taught truth to those mislead.. and gave hope to those who had none. 

Let us draw near.. near to His heart.. to be filled with His love, His kindness, and His grace. 

Father in heaven, how we thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ the Son.  You are holy, holy, holy! We praise the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit! Open our eyes to see You more clearly and to love You more and more and more each day. We love Your Word that leads us into fellowship with You.  Fill us again with Your Spirit that we might do Your will and  be the "brother and sister and mother.." of Jesus. Amen. 

 Mark 2  Mark takes us quickly through another series of events as Jesus came home to Capernaum:

He taught and so many came to hear that the house was filled. (v2)

He healed.. the paralytic who was let down through the roof.. He forgave his sins and caused the scribes to question Him. (v3-13)

He called Matthew and ate with the tax-gatherers and sinners. (v14-17)

And through these events we learn more about Jesus.  

We learn that He has the authority to forgive sins on earth. (v10)

We learn that He came to save the sinners.. regardless of their status.. (v17)

We learn that He is Lord of the Sabbath.. which was made for man. (v28)

We learn that He came.. not to patch up the old garment of religion.. but to bring a New Covenant... a new teaching.. to the glory of God. (v21-22)

Oh the riches.. the unfathomable riches of Christ.. "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." ( Col. 2:3)  He is rich in kindness.. in forebearance.. in patience.. in grace.. in glory.. in love! Praise the Name of Jesus!

Father, we praise and exalt Your Holy Name, giving thanks for the abundant life that You have poured out on us through Jesus Christ our Lord.  We are encouraged in Him. We are knit together in Him. We are built up in Him.. established in Him.. and made complete in Him. Hallelujah! What a Savior.  We are seeking the things above, Lord.. setting our minds on that which is above.  May we be "as those chosen of God, holy and beloved" should be.. with hearts of "compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other.. "( Col. 3)  We are Your servants.. Your children.. and we yield to Your Spirit that we might do all that You desire this day.. in Jesus' name. Amen. 

 Mark 1  "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."   Mark hurries through this "beginning" ... through John the baptist preaching repentance to prepare the way... through the baptism and temptation experiences of Jesus in the wilderness.. through the calling of the disciples .. the teaching in the synagogue and the healing of Peter's mother-in-law... 

Jesus cast out demons and healed broken bodies... but what He most wanted to do was to preach the good news.. " for that is what I came for... "  The Kingdom "is at hand".. the time had come, Jesus preached; so "repent and believe."   The Kingdom of God came to earth when the King overcame darkness, demons, and death.  Hallelujah!

The King of Heaven came to make a way for us to enter His kingdom.. through Himself.  Mark's account here highlights the actions of Jesus... that we might also "repent and believe".  

All Jesus did pleased the Father. (v11)

Jesus saw and called individual people to follow Him.. (v16-20)

Jesus taught with authority. (v22, 27)

Jesus rebuked demons and ordered them to be quiet. (v25, 34)

Jesus healed the sick. (v31, 34) 

Jesus went to be alone to pray. (v35) 

Jesus had compassion for the leper.. the despised and desperate one..

This is the Jesus who is King. Mark is declaring this Truth with every word that he writes.  His joy and excitement comes through these verses.  May we take them into our own hearts and minds and be filled with this kind of joy!

Father in heaven, thank You for giving us Your Word that we might come to know Jesus, as our  King and our Savior. Thank You for the gospel.. the Word that brings light that we might have Life.  Teach us Your ways, Your Truth.. that we might live to please You in all we do.  We rejoice that You have called us.. each by name. We rejoice that Jesus is Lord over darkness, death, and disease!  We rejoice that the Kingdom of God has come and is in us when we trust in Jesus Christ the King.  We pray for the fullness of Your Kingdom to come with the return of Christ.. soon...  We pray that, as we wait, we will bear much Kingdom fruit to the honor and glory of our King.  We pray this in His Name, according to Your will. Amen. 

 Psalm 148-150  The three final psalms continue the call to praise the Lord.  All of creation.. from the angels in heaven.. to the "sea monsters" in the deepest oceans.. are called to praise the Lord.. "For He commanded and they were created."  The Name of the Lord "is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven."  

Praise the Lord.. the psalmist exhorts us once again.. sing songs.. play music.. be glad and dance.. "for the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation." 

Praise the Lord.. "in His sanctuary.. in His mighty heavens.. for His acts of power.. for His surpassing greatness."  

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." 

Wherever we are.. however we want.. whenever we can.. let us praise the Lord.  Let us praise Him for Who He is.. for His greatness, which is unsearchable.. for His love which is everlasting.. for His grace which is lavished on us...for His unending lovingkindness towards us.  Let us sing these psalms and offer ourselves to Him in worship.. giving praise and thanks to our Great God.. our Heavenly Father and to the Son, Jesus Christ, our Wonderful Counselor and Eternal King.  Let us be filled with the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth.. bringing us to the throne of grace with hearts full of thanksgiving and praise. 

Amen. Praise the Lord!

 Psalm 147 gives us more things.. more reasons to praise the Lord!

The psalmist tells us that it is "good to sing praises to our God."  It is "pleasant.. and becoming". 

The Lord builds His city, Jerusalem.

He gathers outcasts.

"He heals the brokenhearted."

He binds our wounds. ( v2-3)

The Lord counts the stars.

He gives them names. 

He is "abundant in strength". 

His "understanding is infinite." 

He "supports the afflicted.." and "brings down the wicked," (v4-6)

The Lord makes the clouds, provides the rain, and makes the grass to grow.

He provides food for every animal that exists..( including me!) (v8-9)

Our God is not impressed with strong horses or men.. but "favors those who fear Him."

It is God who strengthens the city, gives peace to a country, provides food for the hungry.

It is God who controls the snow and the ice.. the cold and the wind.  (v 10-18)

It is God who sends forth His word.. to make known His perfect will. (v18)

Father in heaven, we give You praise for You are worthy! Everything.. everything comes from You and You are good.  Your greatness is unsearchable.. unfathomable..incomprehensible!  May our songs of praise be pleasant in Your ear.  We rest in the abundance of Your strength and rejoice in the grace and mercy that You have provided for us.  We are thankful that Your understanding is infinite.. that You see the beginning and the end.. that You are never confused.. never confounded... never mistaken.  We rest in the truth of who You are.  Our God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in lovingkindness!  We praise You, O Lord and exalt Your Name.  Praise the Lord!

 Psalm 146 "Praise the Lord!"  

This psalm continues to give us the truth of God's unsearchable.. incomprehensible, fathomless greatness.. this is why we praise Him "while [we] live"! 

He is our "help"  in times of trouble. ( v5)

He is our Hope!

He is the "Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them." v6

He "remains faithful forever." 

"He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry." v7

"The Lord sets prisoners free."

"The Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down." v8

The Lord "loves the righteous." 

"The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow." v9

The Lord "frustrates the ways of the wicked."

"The Lord reigns forever... for all generations." 

"Praise the Lord."

Which of these truths do you need to cling to today?  Praise the Lord! 

Father in heaven, thank You for being gracious and merciful.. slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.  You are my Refuge and Strength.. my shelter.. my stronghold.. my Deliverer.  I praise You!  I am looking to You for help.. for comfort.. and putting my hope in Your faithfulness and goodness.  May Your everlasting love and grace comfort those who are mourning today. Come near to our hearts this day.. filling us with Your Spirit.. for we ask this in the Name of our dear Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. 

 Psalm 145   I love this psalm. It is a song of praise.. filled with great truths about the God we serve. It is a good psalm to memorize and meditate on.. for it brings praise to our lips as we think of the greatness of the Lord. 

We exalt our God, who is our King.  Every day.. we praise Him and lift up His name.  This is right! We cannot wait for Sunday to come before we think about our God.  If we enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.. then how else will we come into His manifest Presence? Praise Him! Every day!

We praise the Lord for He is great.. He is "worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom." (v3)  Tozer wrote about the "Incomprehensible God"..  He quoted Richard Rolle, who said this, "Verily God is of infinite greatness.. more than we can think; ... unknowable by created things; and can never be comprehended by us as He is Himself. But even here and now, whenever the heart begins to burn with a desire for God, she is made able to receive the uncreated light and, inspired and fulfilled by the gifts of the Holy Ghost, she tastes the joys of heaven."  

This is what David is writing about! God is so great that we must praise Him.. "one generation.. to another";  speaking of His "glorious splendor".. of His "majesty".. of His "wonderful works".. of His "great power".. of His "abundant goodness" and His " righteousness. "

"The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made." ( v8-9) This is God's definition of Himself.. ( see Ex. 34:6) It is His revelation to His people.. that we might know something of the unknowable greatness of God. 

David proclaims that "all You have made will praise You, O Lord."  The saints will tell of the "glory of Your kingdom."  This is what we need to do.. tell of the glorious Kingdom:

That it is everlasting.. 

That His dominion will endure through every generation. 

That He is faithful to keep every promise. 

That He is loving to all that He has made. 

That He will help those who fall. 

That He will provide for all of His creations...

 that He opens His hands to "satisfy the desires of every living thing." 

The Lord is righteous.. He is near.. He hears our cries.  He watches over us with love.  He judges the wicked and saves those who call upon His name. 

Let us join with David  saying, "My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever. " 

Amen. 

 Psalm 144  Is the Lord.. my Rock?   Do I find Him to be my lovingkindness and fortress?  Is He my stronghold and deliverer?  Can I say He is my shield and that I take refuge in Him?

This psalm of David leads us to examine our own hearts.. " O Lord, what is man ( whom am I) that Thou dost take knowledge of him?"   The Lord does know each of us.. even though we are "like a mere breath" and our days are "like a passing shadow."  So thankful!

"Bow Thy heavens, O Lord, and come down." David prays.  He asks for the mountains to shake and the lightning to flash.. for the Lord to stretch out His hand.. to rescue Him.  We ask for so little in comparison.. don't we? But, David asks for even more:

" Let our sons in their youth be as grown-up plants, and our daughters as corner pillars fashioned as for a palace; let our garners be full, furnishing every kind of produce, and our flocks bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields; let our cattle bear without mishap and without loss, let there be no outcry in our streets!"   

In other words.. David is asking for the Lord's blessings on his people.. for he knows..  " How blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!" 

Are we praying?  Are we asking God to bless our sons and daughters.. our homes and businesses.. our neighbors.. our cities and towns?  We need to.. for if we.. the Lord's people.. do not pray.. who will?

Father in heaven, be my Rock.. my Fortress.. my shield and deliverer.  I am coming to You.. to take refuge in You!  Bless my children, my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren.. may they call upon Your Name, may they seek Your face.. may they do Your will and love You with all their hearts.... all the days of their lives.  Be their Rock, be their Fortress and their Deliverer.  Father, I pray for our town.. our country.. to return to You and be Your people. There is such an outcry on our streets Lord! There is such a need for truth and righteousness... for true justice and peace here in this world, Lord.  Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done.. Bow Your heavens and come down.. we ask.. in Jesus' name. Amen. 

 Psalm 142  David cries aloud... voices his supplication.. pours out his complaint.. and declares his trouble before the Lord.   He was overwhelmed.  He was trapped.  He was "very low".  But.. he was not without hope.  "Bring my soul out of prison, so that I may give thanks to Thy name; the righteous will surround me, for Thou wilt deal bountifully with me." 

How has the Lord "dealt bountifully" with us? He has loved us with an everlasting love. He has saved us from sin and death and hell by sending Jesus Christ, the Beloved Son, to die on a cruel cross. He has given us a living hope.. eternal life in Christ who rose from the grave and sits at the right hand of the Throne of the Father, interceding on our behalf.   I will give thanks to Your Name, O Lord!

Psalm 143  This is another prayer of supplication.. seeking help and deliverance and guidance.  "Answer me in Thy faithfulness, in Thy righteousness!" David pleads. 

David confesses his longing for God's Presence and help.  He has been crushed.. overwhelmed.. and persecuted.  "I stretch out my hands to Thee.. "  

"Let me hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in Thee;
Teach me the way in which I should walk;  for to Thee I lift up my soul.
Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I take refuge in Thee.
Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God; 
Let Thy good Spirit lead me on level ground. "  ( v8-10)

V 12 ".. For I am Thy servant. " 

 May this be the prayer of our hearts. 

Amen!

 Psalm 141  David offers this prayer as an evening offering.. as "incense" before the Lord. Consider these prayer requests:

v3 "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips."   Jesus said, ".. the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.."  Good comes from the mouth of one with a "good" heart and evil from the one who has a evil heart.. "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgement. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned." (Matthew 12:34-37  James wrote much about the trouble of the tongue and how it is so hard to tame.  This prayer request is one we might all do well to include in our daily prayers.

v 4 "Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice deeds of wickedness with men who do iniquity;"  Jesus taught us to pray.. ".. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil." (Matt. 6:13)  We are quite aware of the ways of this world.. we know the power of peer pressure.. and the lure of material things. David struggled.. and so do we at times.  Let us also handle it by prayer.. daily putting on the armor of truth, righteousness, and faith. 

v5 " Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me.."   I think this is a courageous prayer request. David asks that God will use others to discipline him when he errs. He prays that God will help him to receive that discipline.. "Do not let my head refuse it.."  There is both humility and wisdom in such a prayer. 

v9 "Keep me from the jaws of the trap which they ( the wicked) have set for me.. let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by safely."  David has turned his eyes to the Lord.. "In Thee I take refuge; do not leave me defenseless."  He knows that there are enemies that want to trap him and he prays for God's intervention and judgement against them.  We know that we have an enemy  " your adversary, the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."  Like David, may we turn our eyes to the Lord and "resist" the devil "firm in [our] faith." ( I Peter 5:8-9)

Father in heaven, hear these prayers as we follow the example of David and meditate on Your Word. Guard our mouths. Keep our hearts pure and keep us from temptation. Let us humbly and wisely listen to godly counsel.. even when it is uncomfortable. Keep our eyes on Jesus, help us to know that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.  Thank You for the Word of Truth that fills our hearts and brings us into oneness with Your Spirit.  Amen.