Friday, March 7, 2014

Praying with Forgiveness

Mark 11

Inspired thots

How powerful to PRAY in FAITH and RECEIVE whatever we ask of our Heavenly Father! But the condition is that we MUST FORGIVE anyone who has offended us first. Hence, Unforgiveness hinders prayers from being answered.

It is the will of God that all His people live harmoniously with one another as the last chapter mentioned. It is good not to burden self unnecessarily with the things that eat your heart and soul.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

The FIRST & the LAST

Mark 10

Inspired thots

How interesting that the First shall be Last and the Last First in the kingdom of God? Is God exercising a FIFO (first in first out) or LIFO (last in first out)? Is it like the parable of hiring the workers where the last hired were paid first and the first hired were paid last? But ALL received the SAME Wages. That is our wonderful God who is no respecter of persons; loving one and all the same. 

So, it suffice for God's children to BE CONTENT with their personal lot as each gets the same from God. The world's view is different; material possessions differentiate one from another in status; so with intelligence and character in interacting with others to get forward.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Have Salt in Yourself

Mark 9

Inspired thots

The last line of the chapter..."have salt in yourselves"... stands out this morning. This is similar to what Jesus taught in Matthew 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth". Mark 9:50 is a prelude. Before we can be the ''salt of the earth", we must "have salt" in ourselves.

Salt is good for seasoning;  hence, those in Christ must be seasoned with the word and ways of God. For the verse ends with "be at peace with one another". When we are well seasoned, we are at peace with everyone as nothing can rattle us with our focus right on God despite all circumstances.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

No Signs; only Faith to Prove

Mark 8

Inspired thots

The Pharisees continued their relentless attacks on Jesus asking for signs to prove His Sonship and Kingdom. Jesus would not give any due to the intense unbelief in their hearts; knowing that the Pharisees would probably not turn from their arrogant ways even if a sign is given. Miracles of healing and deliverance of demons were performed and yet, these do not constitute as signs for the Pharisees.

Hence, Jesus demanded that one should 'pick up his cross daily and follow Him' to gain eternal life and be welcomed into God's kingdom. Faith is the only proof of Jesus' kingship; not the ways of the world.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Bound by Tradition

Mark 7

Inspired thots

The Pharisees and Jews were so bound by tradition that they had lost sight of God; they had honored their ancestors more than God with their own way of living that there are so many rules and regulations to keep to prove one's righteousness. 

However, it is not so with God. Honoring Him stands above all others. How simple to life a righteous and fruitful life when it is focused on God. The child of God is set free from all bindings of man when his life is focused on pleasing God who does all things well. Traditions can mask the word and will of God to make it void as hearts become harder and minds dull towards honoring God. Ears no longer hear what God speaks.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

No Honor

Mark 6

Inspired thots

One must be careful against 'Familiarity breeds Contempt.' When we are too familiar with someone, we think we know them very well; inside out. But God can call a person to a special ministry with a transformation that no one could thought possible; just like Saul to Paul.

Jesus did not receive honor as the Son of God or prophet when He ministered in His hometown although He was highly revered outside. No wonder the Jews do not accept Him while Gentiles are openly embracing the kingdom of God. Hallelujah for the bud grafting for others to enter the kingdom of God!

Let us allow God to work in each child of God's life to do His will as God is able to change anyone who has a willing heart. 

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Healing through Faith

Mark 5

Inspired thots

Jesus went about healing many many people. Demons recognized Him and feared Him; yet He had mercy even on them. He sent the Legion into a herd of swine which drowned in the sea. What happened to the demons? They can torment man but they too fear being tormented by Jesus. Great is my Savior!

Great is the faith of the woman with the blood issue; her faith made her well. I pray that Sharon would be made well too through her faith. We claim her total healing through faith, Lord! Have mercy! Let us not fear; only believe! v34

Even the ruler of the synagogue came to Jesus to appeal for healing of his daughter who was on the brink of death! Desperation for loved ones can drive one to belief and action. Great is the love of the father; and Jesus was willing. Praise the Lord!