WAIT! WHAT?

MUSINGS - October 30, 2018

WAIT! WHAT?

Mark 9:30-32
They left that place and were passing through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where he was because he was teaching his disciples. He taught them, "The Son of Man will be betrayed and handed over to people. They will kill him, but on the third day he will come back to life." The disciples didn't understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him.

This is the second time that Jesus had explicitly told them that he must suffer and die and then come to life again.  The first time he said this Peter argued with him. He told Peter that he was thinking in human terms not as God thinks.*

This time they didn't ask questions because they are afraid. They are afraid to admit that they don't understand what he meant. Perhaps they kept quiet because they didn't want to thought foolish.

After all, Jesus often spoke in parables and analogies. Perhaps they thought he didn't mean that he would literally die, perhaps it was was a figure of speech.  Maybe they didn't want to accept what he said because of the consequences it would mean for their own lives.

Through the centuries since many have failed to understand or accept Jesus's words at face value. I, though, will ever proclaim Jesus crucified in my place. Jesus rose from the dead that I might live again. He will come again to gather his own to him. I believe Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

*Mark 8:31–32

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BELIEF AND PRAYER

MUSINGS - October 28, 2018

BELIEF AND PRAYER

Mark 9:14-29
When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them. Some scribes were arguing with them. All the people were very surprised to see Jesus and ran to welcome him. Jesus asked the scribes, "What are you arguing about with them?"

A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son. He is possessed by a spirit that won't let him talk. Whenever the spirit brings on a seizure, it throws him to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes exhausted. I asked your disciples to force the spirit out, but they didn't have the power to do it."

Jesus said to them, "You unbelieving generation! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me!" They brought the boy to him. As soon as the spirit saw Jesus, it threw the boy into convulsions. He fell on the ground, rolled around, and foamed at the mouth. Jesus asked his father, "How long has he been like this?" The father replied, "He has been this way since he was a child. The demon has often thrown him into fire or into water to destroy him. If it's possible for you, put yourself in our place, and help us!"

Jesus said to him, "As far as possibilities go, everything is possible for the person who believes." The child's father cried out at once, "I believe! Help my lack of faith." When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he gave an order to the evil spirit. He said, "You spirit that won't let him talk, I command you to come out of him and never enter him again." The evil spirit screamed, shook the child violently, and came out. The boy looked as if he were dead, and everyone said, "He's dead!" Jesus took his hand and helped him to stand up.

When Jesus went into a house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we force the spirit out of the boy?" He told them, "This kind of spirit can be forced out only by prayer."

Let's recall the story. A boy who has seizures is brought to the disciples. They try and fail. An argument ensues been the disciples and the scribes (think lawyer). Jesus arrives and all were surprised.(why? I'll have to explore that later)

Jesus questions the scribes. They don't answer. The boys father did and then said, "If it's possible for you, put yourself in our place, and help us!"

To which Jesus responds, As far as possibilities go, everything is possible for the person who believes." I have to think that Jesus was staring into each of the disciples eyes when he said it. The boy's father admits how small is his belief, but the disciples say nothing. Jesus was clear upset with them when he said,p"You unbelieving generation! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you?

How much faith do we have and how much do we need? In Matthew 17:20
Jesus told them, "I can guarantee this truth: If your faith is the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." And in Luke 17:5-6
when the apostles said to the Lord, "Give us more faith." The Lord said, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Pull yourself up by the roots, and plant yourself in the sea!' and it would bobey you."

I have never said to a mountain or a tree, "Move!" However, I have witnessed miracles after much prayer.
" (Matthew 21:22)

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MI CASA ES TU CASA

MUSINGS - October 27, 2018.

MI CASA ES TU CASA

Mark 9:1-8
He said to them, "I can guarantee this truth: Some people who are standing here will not die until they see the kingdom of God arrive with power." After six days Jesus took only Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone. Jesus' appearance changed in front of them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah and Moses appeared to them and were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it's good that we're here. Let's put up three tents--one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." (Peter didn't know how to respond. He and the others were terrified.) Then a cloud overshadowed them. A voice came out of the cloud and said, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" Suddenly, as they looked around, they saw no one with them but Jesus.

Peter//, James and John didn't know what to do. You really can't blame them, can you? They suddenly had the entirety of scriptures made real to them: Moses (the Law), Elijah (the Prophets), the voice of God revealed in a cloud (the Old Testament), and Jesus (the New Testament).

Their human minds were overwhelmed. "Let's put up three tents" was their response. Let us make a place to keep them. It will be a place where we can go and be with them. Too many Christians still do that. Our churches are buildings where we house God. We go there to be with him once a week, or once a year, it once in a while. It's almost like visiting a zoo. I enjoy looking at the exotic creatures. But I don't want them in my home.

God should be in our homes, our businesses, our schools, our vehicles, and our lives. Jesus said, "Where two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them." (Matthew 18:20)

Lord, my home is your home.

Dios, mi hogar es tu hogar".

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THE PRICE AND THE PRIZE

MUSINGS - October 26, 2018

THE PRICE AND THE PRIZE

Mark 8:34-38
Then Jesus called the crowd to himself along with his disciples. He said to them, "Those who want to follow me must say no to the things they want, pick up their crosses, and follow me. Those who want to save their lives will lose them. But those who lose their lives for me and for the Good News will save them. What good does it do for people to win the whole world yet lose their lives? Or what should a person give in exchange for life? If people are ashamed of me and what I say in this unfaithful and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of those people when he comes with the holy angels in his Father's glory."

If you thought being a follower of Christ would be easy, you are delusional. It ain't easy, my friends, but it's doable. Even Jesus's twelve closest friends and first followers suffered greatly. Although the scriptures only tell if the deaths of two of them, early church reports and legends claim that all but one died horrible deaths by crucifixion, stoning, burning, decapitation, and stabbing by knives, swords and spears.

You can't say that they weren't warned of the cost of following him. He told them, "Go! I'm sending you out like lambs among wolves." (Luke 10:3) You must be willing to abandon everything and everyone that is important too you for his sake. It is not always required to give up everything but it's always required that you be willing to do so. Read Luke 9:57-62 for more on the cost of discipleship.

No we are not promised that life will be easy but it will be easier because he will share our burdens and comfort us. There are rewards in this life and the next. Matthew 25:34 "Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, my Father has blessed you! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world."

Keep you eyes on the prize.

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UNDERSTANDING THE MESSIAH

MUSINGS - October 25, 2018

UNDERSTANDING THE MESSIAH

Mark 8:27-33
Then Jesus and his disciples went to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say I am?" They answered him, "Some say you are John the Baptizer, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets." He asked them, "But who do you say I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Messiah!" He ordered them not to tell anyone about him.
Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man would have to suffer a lot. He taught them that he would be rejected by the leaders, the chief priests, and the scribes. He would be killed, but after three days he would come back to life. He told them very clearly what he meant. Peter took him aside and objected to this. Jesus turned, looked at his disciples, and objected to what Peter said. Jesus said, "Get out of my way, Satan! You aren't thinking the way God thinks but the way humans think."

Messiah literally means the anointed one.

According to Wikipedia, In Jewish eschatology, the Messiah is a future Jewish king from the Davidic line, who is expected to be anointed with holy anointing oil and rule the Jewish people during the Messianic Age and World to come. The Messiah is often referred to as "King Messiah". This is the Messiah the Peter was talking about when he called Jesus Messiah.

Jewish history was full of messiahs. All of their kings had been anointed with oil, much like our presidents take an oath of office. But this future messiah was to be THE MESSIAH. He was expected to usher in a new age where Israel would be the center of power for the entire world.

However, as Jesus explained, that was humanity's expectation and not God's plan.

We have a record of very few of Jesus teachings. Only around 2,000 words. To get that in perspective, a typical article in Wall Street Journal had around 1,000 words. Over the approximately three years of his public ministry he didn't keep a journal and neither did his disciples. The earliest gosples were written around A. D. 70. The earliest followers were expecting an immediate return of the Messiah do they saw no need of a written record. It wasn't until the original witnesses began dieing that things started to be documented from memory, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

I bring that up because I wonder how much our human expectations over the last two thousand years have varied from God's plan?

Let those with ears, hear. It is necessary to pray for understanding and guidence before, during, and after reading those precious few words. And I believe they need to be read over and over. They needed to be read like your life depends on understanding them. Because it does.

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HEAD A MIRACLE

MUSINGS - October 24, 2018

HALF A MIRACLE

Mark 8:22-26
As they came to Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus. They begged Jesus to touch him. Jesus took the blind man's hand and led him out of the village. He spit into the man's eyes and placed his hands on him. Jesus asked him, "Can you see anything?" The man looked up and said, "I see people. They look like trees walking around." Then Jesus placed his hands on the man's eyes a second time, and the man saw clearly. His sight was normal again. He could see everything clearly even at a distance. Jesus told him when he sent him home, "Don't go into the village."

"Some people brought a blind man to Jesus." And then some people begged Jesus to heal him. The blind man had no voice in nor took any action in his healing. Jesus often said, "Your faith has made you well."* However, to this man he said nothing like that. His friends had faith in Jesus. Perhaps the blind man only had faith in his friends not in Jesus. Maybe that is why Jesus seperated him from the others, so that he would begin to trust Jesus. His faith developed in stages. To begin with, he had no faith. Then he had a little. Finally, he believed.

I was like that blind man. I went to church only because a friend invited me. I wasn't looking for Jesus. I was spiritually blind. Little by little my eyes were opened until at last I could say with the author of Amazing Grace, "I was blind but now I see!"

The blind man in this scripture had to receive half of a miracle before he could be made whole.

How about you? Have you received a partial miracle and are satisfied with that? Or can you agree with the hymn It is Well With My Soul and say, "My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more"?

*Mark 5:34, Luke 17:19, Luke 7:50, Luke 8:48, Luke 18:42, Matthew 9:22, Mark 19:52

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ARE YOU BLIND AND DEAF?

MUSINGS - October 23 2018

ARE YOU BLIND AND DEAF?

Mark 8:14-21
The disciples had forgotten to take any bread along and had only one loaf with them in the boat. Jesus warned them, "Be careful! Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod!" They had been discussing with one another that they didn't have any bread. Jesus knew what they were saying and asked them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you don't have any bread? Don't you understand yet? Don't you catch on? Are your minds closed? Are you blind and deaf? Don't you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets did you fill with leftover pieces?" They told him, "Twelve." "When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many large baskets did you fill with leftover pieces?" They answered him, "Seven." He asked them, "Don't you catch on yet?"

There it's something surreal about this story. There is a lot of talk about bread that isn't really about bread at all. Unfortunately the disciples take it took literally.

Yeast or leaven throughout the old and new testaments is a symbol of sin. Modern bakers use yeast to make the bread rise. In ancient times most bread was what we would call sour dough.

My mother would make sour dough bread. Before you could make the bread, you first had to make the starter. Mom called the starter Herman I don't know why, but it was Herman. This was done by mixing flour and water (no yeast) and letting it sit at room temperature for a day or so. It would start to ferment as yeast and bacteria in the air began to digest the dough and produce carbon dioxide bubbles within it. Herman would need to be fed with new flour for several days until the entire dough was full of the bubbles and spongy. Finally a small portion of the fermented dough could be added to fresh flour and water. Then the dough could be seasoned, shaped, and baked. The remainder of Herman would continue to be fed until she was ready to bake more bread.
The key is that you only need to add a very small amount of fermented dough to make new dough rise. (Leaven/yeast is basically old, fermented dough that is placed in new dough to make it rise. The key is that you only need to add a very small amount of fermented dough to make new dough rise. (Gal 5:9) describes this saying, "a little leaven leavens the whole lump."

So Jesus was warning his disciples to avoid the sin of the religious and political leaders, as in Luke 20:45-47 "Beware of the scribes! They like to walk around in long robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces, to have the front seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at dinners. They rob widows by taking their houses and then say long prayers to make themselves look good. The scribes will receive the most severe punishment." However, the disciples completely missed the point and think that Jesus is actually upset because they set out on this trip with only a single loaf of bread.

He asks then to recall the two times he has fed thousands with just a few loaves. He asks then to think of the excessive abunance leftover. And even then they still miss the point.

How frustrated Jesus was when he said to his disciples, "Are you blind and deaf?" How frustrated he must still be when, those who called themselves by his name, begin to act smug in their supposed righteousness while behaving like the Pharisees if old.

"Are you blind and deaf?

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SHOW US A SIGN

MUSINGS - October 22, 2018

SHOW US A SIGN

Mark 8:10-13
After that, Jesus and his disciples got into a boat and went into the region of Dalmanutha . The Pharisees went to Jesus and began to argue with him. They tested him by demanding that he perform a miraculous sign from heaven. With a deep sigh he asked, "Why do these people demand a sign? I can guarantee this truth: If these people are given a sign, it will be far different than what they want!" Then he left them there. He got into a boat again and crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.

Do you see the influence Jesus is having as he travels around Israel? He is such a threat to the religious-political hierarchy that they come seeking him. But they come not seeking his wisdom and truth. They don't come questioning. Not do they come to debate with him. They come to argue. They hope to destroy his credibility, to prove him a false prophet and a fake messiah. "Show us a sign of heaven," they demanded.

These teachers of tradition and misinterpretation of the law have had plenty of opportunities to see the miraculous signs he'd performed on Earth. Now they demand a big flashy sign of heaven. Jesus sighed in exasperation knowing that whatever sign here gives them will still be dismissed as trickery.

Due to their closed minds and hardened hearts he returns to his boat and leaves, unable to do the good he came to do.

Lord, open our minds and hearts that we might clearly hear and understand your message for us. Make us aware of all the small miracles around us every day.

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SHHHH!

MUSINGS - October 20, 2018

SHHHH!

Mark 7:31-37
Jesus then left the neighborhood of Tyre. He went through Sidon and the territory of the Ten Cities to the Sea of Galilee. Some people brought to him a man who was deaf and who also had a speech defect. They begged Jesus to lay his hand on him. Jesus took him away from the crowd to be alone with him. He put his fingers into the man's ears, and after spitting, he touched the man's tongue. Then he looked up to heaven, sighed, and said to the man, "Ephphatha!" which means, "Be opened!" At once the man could hear and talk normally. Jesus ordered the people not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them, the more they spread the news. Jesus completely amazed the people. They said, "He has done everything well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute talk."

This scripture is so concise that it is difficult to sermonize. I'm not alone in think this way about the text. Martin Luther had this to say about this section of scripture, "Dearly Beloved: I hope you thoroughly understand this Gospel, for it is plain. However, as we have but one old story to preach, and since it is so precious and cannot be sufficiently considered, we will apply our text also to this old story, and briefly speak of faith and love. In the first place, we will look at the simple story of the text itself; then, if time permit, we will also speak a little of its spiritual meaning."

Having said that, Luther went on for an hour long sermon anyway. Hey, that's what preachers are paid for, right? I have no long sermon to preach, just a quick thought. Many times in this gosple the author has pointed out that Jesus kept telling people not to tell about him. "Jesus ordered the people not to tell anyone." And in every case the word went out fast and wide about this amazing teacher and healer.

We're not good at keeping secrets Benjamin Franklin said, "Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead."

And Sarah Yager, writing in The Atlantic said, "research shows an association between keeping an emotionally charged secret and ailments ranging from the common cold to chronic diseases [3]. Other evidence in favor of disclosure includes multiple studies showing that writing about a traumatic experience can boost the immune system [4], and the finding that teens who confide in a parent or close friend report fewer physical complaints and less delinquent behavior, loneliness, and depression than those who sit on their secrets [5]."

Perhaps the gosple spread so quickly because it was supposed to be a secret. With that in mind, I urge you to not tell anyone today that their burdens can be lifted by turning to Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Shhhh!

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TESTED

MUSINGS - October 19, 2018

TESTED

Mark 7:24-29
And rising up, he went from there to the area of Tyre and Sidon. And entering into a house, he intended no one to know about it, but he was not able to remain hidden. For a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit, as soon as she heard about him, entered and fell prostrate at his feet. For the woman was a Gentile, by birth a Syro-Phoenician. And she petitioned him, so that he would cast the demon from her daughter. And he said to her: “First allow the sons to have their fill. For it is not good to take away the bread of the sons and throw it to the dogs.” But she responded by saying to him: “Certainly, Lord. Yet the young dogs also eat, under the table, from the crumbs of the children.” And he said to her, “Because of this saying, go; the demon has gone out of your daughter.”

I'll admit that this encounter with and insulting dismissal of this Greek woman has always bothered me. It seems so ... so un-Messiah-like. He who came to save everyone* from every time, shouldn't turn away anyone who earnestly seeks him. Previously he had placed no restriction on whom he healed. He had saved the life of the servant of a Roman soldier**, forgave the Samaritan woman at the well,*** and crossed the sea to cast demons from a foreign man.****

This woman comes to Jesus with high expectations because of the good things she has heard about him. Indeed his fame has spread so that, evern though he intended that no one knew he was there, he was constantly sought for. He came to seek the Lord. But the lost also come seeking him.

She falls before his feet and begs for her daughter's release from the demons who attack her. And he dismissed her with a word often used by the Jews against non Jews, "dog". It is equivalent to a more modern term "S.O.B." Why these hateful words from this loving man?

Take note the he didn't not say he would not have grant her petition. He only said, "First allow the sons to have their fill."

She wisely heard his words and responded, feed the children first but remember that the dogs must also be fed. To her credit, she did not demand to be moved to the front of the line but only asked to be heard in her turn. Because she humbled herself, her daughter was healed. He had tested her and found her faith sufficient.

There are times I take my wants and needs to the Lord and don't immediately receive an answer. Perhaps it is because "I'm determined to have things, but I can't get what I want. I quarrel and fight. I don't have the things I want, because I don't pray for them. When I pray for things, I don't get them because I want them for the wrong reason--for my own pleasure. (personalized from James 4:2-3) And sometimes maybe I don't receive because my faith is being tested like the woman in our scripture reading was tested.

*1 Timothy 4:10 and Acts 27:22-31

**Luke 7:1-10 Z f

***John 4:4-10

****Mark 5:1-15

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GIGO

MUSINGS - October 18, 2018

GIGO

Mark 7:14-23
Then he called the crowd again and said to them, "Listen to me, all of you, and try to understand! Nothing that goes into a person from the outside can make him unclean. It's what comes out of a person that makes him unclean. Let the person who has ears listen!"

When he had left the people and gone home, his disciples asked him about this illustration. Jesus said to them, "Don't you understand? Don't you know that whatever goes into a person from the outside can't make him unclean? It doesn't go into his thoughts but into his stomach and then into a toilet." (By saying this, Jesus declared all foods acceptable.) He continued, "It's what comes out of a person that makes him unclean. Evil thoughts, sexual sins, stealing, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, cheating, shameless lust, envy, cursing, arrogance, and foolishness come from within a person. All these evils come from within and make a person unclean."

Remember that this is a continuation of the events that began at the beginning of this chapter when the Pharisees accused the disciples of being unclean because they didn't wash their hands before they ate.

GIGO* is programmer slang that means if the input data is flawed, them the output will also be flawed. The same principle applies in logic. If the original premiss is flawed themy the conclusion will be flawed.

The Pharisees premiss was that a person could become spiritually unclean by not following the strict observance to cleanliness and dietary laws. Jesus declared this to be a case of GIGO*. It is what is in the mind and heart of a person that makes them unclean. Proverbs 23:7 echos this thought. "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he."

Maybe we all needed to check out lives for GIGO*.

*Garbage In Garbage Out

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UNCLEAN

MUSINGS - October 17, 2018

UNCLEAN

Mark 7:1-13
The Pharisees and some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus. They saw that some of his disciples were unclean because they ate without washing their hands. (The Pharisees, like all other Jewish people, don't eat unless they have properly washed their hands. They follow the traditions of their ancestors. When they come from the marketplace, they don't eat unless they have washed first. They have been taught to follow many other rules. For example, they must also wash their cups, jars, brass pots, and dinner tables.)

The Pharisees and the scribes asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples follow the traditions taught by our ancestors? They are unclean because they don't wash their hands before they eat!"

Jesus told them, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites in Scripture: 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is pointless, because their teachings are rules made by humans.' "You abandon the commandments of God to follow human traditions." He added, "You have no trouble rejecting the commandments of God in order to keep your own traditions! For example, Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother' and 'Whoever curses father or mother must be put to death.' But you say, 'If a person tells his father or mother that whatever he might have used to help them is corban (that is, an offering to God), he no longer has to do anything for his father or mother.' Because of your traditions you have destroyed the authority of God's word. And you do many other things like that."

This is an unusual confrontation between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees. In most of the recorded conflicts they have, the Pharisees ask a question of Jesus for the purpose of trapping him. Jesus in turn asks the Pharisees a country question that they either can't answer it are afraid the answer.

Jesus did not counter their question with a question this time. He went on the offensive and attacked them directly and specifically. He points out how they use manmade traditions to circumvent the laws of God.

My first reaction is, "Go get 'em, Jesus!" But one of my favorite study technically it's put myself into the story. I'll try to see it through The eyes of all those involved. I can be comfortable putting myself in as one of the disciples or even Jesus. But as I look through The eyes of the religious leaders, I become very uncomfortable. I am them. That makes me question my own traditions. Do they really line up with the Holy Scriptures or do I just follow them because that is what I was taught?

How about you? Are you willing to dive into the scriptures and seek the truths for yourself? Or will you just accept what you've been taught?

Here is an example: "The Lord helps those who help themselves." You've heard it before, right? Do you believe it? Don't. It's not scriptural, not found in the Bible. As a matter of fact it is the exact opposite of what Jesus taught. He taught that the Lord helps those who rely on Him and follow His commandments.

Are you willing to accept what I just said? Or will you study to show yourself approved? (2 Timothy 2:15)

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TOUCH THE HEM

MUSINGS - October 16, 2018

TOUCH THE HEM

Mark 6:53-56
They crossed the sea, came to shore at Gennesaret, and anchored there. As soon as they stepped out of the boat, the people recognized Jesus. They ran all over the countryside and began to carry the sick on cots to any place where they heard he was. Whenever he would go into villages, cities, or farms, people would put their sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch the edge of his clothes. Everyone who touched his clothes was made well.

This episode brings to mind the woman who for twelve years had a bleeding problem. She snuck up behind Jesus the touch his clothes for a healing. However, it is different in that these people begged his permission to touch his clothes. They knew him to be busy with healing so many others that they didn't want to distract him from that work. We will soon come to the story of a Greek woman who begs Jesus for crumbs from the table. These are stories about humble people, faith filled people, who come to the Lord begging for help.

And the Lord responded and all were healed.

Lord, I don't want to bother you today with my little problems. Just let me touch the edge of your clothes and I will be fine.

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ONE MORE STORM AT SEA

MUSINGS- October 15, 2018

ONE MORE STORM AT SEA

Mark 6:45-52

Jesus quickly made his disciples get into a boat and cross to Bethsaida ahead of him while he sent the people away. After saying goodbye to them, he went up a mountain to pray. When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on the land. Jesus saw that they were in a lot of trouble as they rowed, because they were going against the wind. Between three and six o'clock in the morning, he came to them. He was walking on the sea. He wanted to pass by them. When they saw him walking on the sea, they thought, "It's a ghost!" and they began to scream. All of them saw him and were terrified. Immediately, he said, "Calm down! It's me. Don't be afraid!" He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped blowing. The disciples were astounded. (They didn't understand what had happened with the loaves of bread. Instead, their minds were closed.)

Once more Jesus sent his disciples across the sea. If you'll recall, the last time he was with them, when the storm arose, and they were terrified. He called them cowards for their lack of faith. (Mark 4:35-41)

This time, after feeding and teaching the 5,000, here stayed behind to pray. The disciples were alone and battling the sea and the wind.

Here is the part I've overlooked every other time I've read this passage: from his view point on the mountain, Jesus could see that they were having trouble. That was in the evening. However, he waited until early morning to take his stroll through the waves. And then ... and then, "He wanted to pass by them."

It appears to me that, though he was watching over them, it was his intent that they continue to struggle under their own power ... or use the power he, had given them. The author said that they still did not understand, that their minds were closed.

How many storms in our lives do we have to go through before our minds are opened and we understand what Jesus had been teaching us?

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THE PRICE OF FAME

MUSINGS - October 13, 2018

THE PRICE OF FAME

Mark 6:30-34
The apostles gathered around Jesus. They reported to him everything they had done and taught. So he said to them, "Let's go to a place where we can be alone to rest for a while." Many people were coming and going, and Jesus and the apostles didn't even have a chance to eat. So they went away in a boat to a place where they could be alone. But many people saw them leave and recognized them. The people ran from all the cities and arrived ahead of them. When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw a large crowd and felt sorry for them. They were like sheep without a shepherd. So he spent a lot of time teaching them.

"Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.”* Jesus, the Servant King, has no time to rest, to eat, or be alone with the twelve students he is training. His fame is spreading and huge crowds are following him or running ahead to where they know he will be next.

In Mark's narrative there were at least 5,000 people here. They were drawn to this man for many reasons including his healings and amazing explainations of the scriptures. Some came just so that they could say that had seen this famous person. Whatever their reason for being here, they all came needing something from him. And Jesus could not turn them away because these were the lost sheep he had come to rescue. The price here was paying for his fame is nothing compared to the price he has paid for his love of humanity. His love for me and for you.

John 3:16-17
God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but to save the world.

*King Henry IV, Act III, Scene I,

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DON'T KILL THE DOCTOR

MUSINGS - October 12, 2018

DON'T KILL THE DOCTOR

Mark 6:14-29
King Herod heard about Jesus, because Jesus' name had become well-known. Some people were saying, "John the Baptizer has come back to life. That's why he has the power to perform these miracles." Others said, "He is Elijah." Still others said, "He is a prophet like one of the other prophets." But when Herod heard about it, he said, "I had John's head cut off, and he has come back to life!" Herod had sent men who had arrested John, tied him up, and put him in prison. Herod did that for Herodias, whom he had married. (She used to be his brother Philip's wife.) John had been telling Herod, "It's not right for you to be married to your brother's wife." So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she wasn't allowed to do it because Herod was afraid of John. Herod knew that John was a fair and holy man, so he protected him. When he listened to John, he would become very disturbed, and yet he liked to listen to him. An opportunity finally came on Herod's birthday. Herod gave a dinner for his top officials, army officers, and the most important people of Galilee. His daughter, that is, Herodias' daughter, came in and danced. Herod and his guests were delighted with her. The king told the girl, "Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you." He swore an oath to her: "I'll give you anything you ask for, up to half of my kingdom." So she went out and asked her mother, "What should I ask for?" Her mother said, "Ask for the head of John the Baptizer." So the girl hurried back to the king with her request. She said, "I want you to give me the head of John the Baptizer on a platter at once." The king deeply regretted his promise. But because of his oath and his guests, he didn't want to refuse her. Immediately, the king sent a guard and ordered him to bring John's head. The guard cut off John's head in prison. Then he brought the head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. When John's disciples heard about this, they came for his body and laid it in a tomb.

Jesus cried, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you kill the prophets and stone to death those sent to you!"* Things seldom go well for those who go against the will of those in power. Modern day "whistle blowers" may not be physically destroyed, but those with power will certainly seek to destroy their credibility and attempt to censure them or imprison them. This was true in the past, is still true today, and will remain true until the LORD comes.

We humans don't like to have our faults cruises and secrets exposed. However, admitting our sins is the first step that each of must take on the road to salvation. Understanding that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 2:23) includes yourself isn't an easy pill to swallow. If you deny the sickness you will never see the cure. Don't kill the doctor who diagnosed the disease but seek his help.

*Matthew 23:37, Luke 13:34

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FROGS

MUSINGS ,- October 12, 2018

FROGS

Mark 6:7-13

He called the twelve apostles, sent them out two by two, and gave them authority over evil spirits. He instructed them to take nothing along on the trip except a walking stick. They were not to take any food, a traveling bag, or money in their pockets. They could wear sandals but could not take along a change of clothes. He told them, "Whenever you go into a home, stay there until you're ready to leave that place. Wherever people don't welcome you or listen to you, leave and shake the dust from your feet as a warning to them." So the apostles went and told people that they should turn to God and change the way they think and act. They also forced many demons out of people and poured oil on many who were sick to cure them.

Jesus had been training the twelve to be servants completely relying on the Master. At this time they are to be emissaries for the Master, acting as the Master and with all of the authority of the Master. And, as in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:12-27), they are expected to bring an increase into the kingdom of God.

Now they are commissioned to go into the world and tell everyone the Good News while curing them. It is the same command that he will repeat to them in his last few earthly moments. (Mark 16: 24-18, Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:8)

They are to go with nothing but the clothes in their backs. They are to be Fully Reliant On God. It is the samething Jesus requires of all his followers: be willing to abandon everything and everyone that would keep you from serving God. (Mark 8:34)

Are you ready to be a F.R.O.G.?

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2018 October 10 Wednesday

2018 October 10 Wednesday in Liberty Hill, Texas

67° that reached 75° under a cloudless sky.

Grandies met from 9-12 including the time for a game.

Some of us had lunch at Hobo Junction. Gotta love that chicken fried steak done right.

After lunch we came home so that I could get that patch on the roof. We need to wait 24 hours to for the sealant to cure. After that I'll paint it with elastomeric roof coating. I may need to apply some caulking also

While I was working on the roof, Ella was missing up some laundry detergent. It contains, washing soda, borax, Oxyclean, and Fels-Naptha. We've used it for years now and it works great.

We had time for a nap before going back to the church for choir practice.

Choir was a little shorter than usual so that we could go to the fellowship hall and celebrate Donna's 90th birthday.

Birthday party

G’nite y’all!

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BACKHANDED COMPLIMENT

MUSINGS - October 10, 2018

BACKHANDED COMPLIMENT

Mark 6:1-6
Jesus left that place and went to his hometown. His disciples followed him. When the day of worship came, he began to teach in the synagogue. He amazed many who heard him. They asked, "Where did this man get these ideas? Who gave him this kind of wisdom and the ability to do such great miracles? Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" So they took offense at him. But Jesus told them, "The only place a prophet isn't honored is in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own house." He couldn't work any miracles there except to lay his hands on a few sick people and cure them. Their unbelief amazed him. Then Jesus went around to the villages and taught.

Do you know what a backhanded come is? It sounds like a compliment with a zinger attached. Examples: "You are very attractive in an obese sort of way." "I always feel smarter when I'm around you."

Jesus received these backhanded compliments from the people of his home town. "He sounds amazing ... for a carpenter." Jesus have them the message of life. But they couldn't hear it because of their familiarity with the messenger. They remembered him as the kids who played in the dirt and the rocks into the sea. That filter of familiarity blinded them to the eternal truths of his message.

An expert is someone from fifty miles away, a prophet isn't honored at home, and familiarity breeds contempt. These are all truths and proofs of the world in which we live.

I would hate to be forever judged by the things I did as a child. I thought as a child and I spoke as a job. But I'm no longer a child. By God's grace I am a new creation with my pay forgiven and my future secure.

How are you perceived by those who have known you the longest? How is your witness to them?

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STEALING A HEALING

MUSINGS - October 09 2018

STEALING A HEALING?

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Mark 5:25-34
In the crowd was a woman who had been suffering from chronic bleeding for twelve years. Although she had been under the care of many doctors and had spent all her money, she had not been helped at all. Actually, she had become worse. Since she had heard about Jesus, she came from behind in the crowd and touched his clothes. She said, "If I can just touch his clothes, I'll get well." Her bleeding stopped immediately. She felt cured from her illness. At that moment Jesus felt power had gone out of him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" His disciples said to him, "How can you ask, 'Who touched me,' when you see the crowd pressing you on all sides?" But he kept looking around to see the woman who had done this. The woman trembled with fear. She knew what had happened to her. So she quickly bowed in front of him and told him the whole truth. Jesus told her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace! Be cured from your illness."

This story comes in the middle of, and indeed interrupts the story of Jesus restoring life to the young daughter of the synagogue Leander. Here is the setting, Jesus it's in the midst of a moving mob of people. He is on the way to save the life of the daughter of a synagogue leader. And then the unexpected happened.

He stopped. He stopped and looked around as if he'd lost something. His disciples were concerned and confused. They were on the way to save a life. Why did he stop? What was he looking for? And then he said the strangest thing, Who touched my clothes?"

The answer to that was, "Everybody!" This wasn't a stationary sit-on-the-hillside-and-teach situation. They were on the move. Everyone was follow him to Jairus's home to see him heal a child. And, if course, everyone wanted to be as close to the action as they could get. They were talk touching him.

However, one touch was different. One touch was with a purpose. One person wanted a healing, but on their own terms. They didn't want to beg for it nor did they want to be made a public spectacle like what was happening with Jairus's daughter. And it appeared to have worked because the bleeding stopped and she felt better.

That, however, wasn't enough for Jesus. He stopped this surging crowd and demanded to know who had touched him. In fear, she knelt before him and confessed. In love, he blessed her faith in him and then ... and only then, he said, "Be cured from your illness." The bleeding had stopped when she touched him, but the cure only came after coming face to face with the Master.

I gate to admit it, but I have at times been like this woman. I wanted a miracle on my terms. But it is only when you can say, "Not my will, not my way, but Yours, my Lord," that God is able to provide what I truly needed.

Have you come pleading with the Lord or have you come to take it without acknowledging his Kingship?

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BEGGING JESUS

MUSINGS - October 08 2018

BEGGING JESUS

Mark 5:21-24
Jesus again crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee in a boat. A large crowd gathered around him by the seashore. A synagogue leader named Jairus also arrived. When he saw Jesus, he quickly bowed down in front of him. He begged Jesus, "My little daughter is dying. Come, lay your hands on her so that she may get well and live." Jesus went with the man. A huge crowd followed Jesus and pressed him on every side.

(I'm skipping over a few verses. We'll get to those tomorrow.)

Mark 5:35-43
While Jesus was still speaking to her, some people came from the synagogue leader's home. They told the synagogue leader, "Your daughter has died. Why bother the teacher anymore?" When Jesus overheard what they said, he told the synagogue leader, "Don't be afraid! Just believe." Jesus allowed no one to go with him except Peter and the two brothers James and John. When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a noisy crowd there. People were crying and sobbing loudly. When he came into the house, he asked them, "Why are you making so much noise and crying? The child isn't dead. She's just sleeping." They laughed at him. So he made all of them go outside. Then he took the child's father, mother, and his three disciples and went to the child. Jesus took the child's hand and said to her, "Talitha, koum!" which means, "Little girl, I'm telling you to get up!" The girl got up at once and started to walk. (She was twelve years old.) They were astonished. Jesus ordered them not to let anyone know about this. He also told them to give the little girl something to eat.

Because we so often read of Jesus's confrontations with the religious leaders in Jerusalem, we can get the scewed perspective that all the leaders hatred Jesus. This is not true. He often spoke in the synagogues as he traveled around the country.
Here we see Jairus, a leader in the local synagogue, in the midst of a large crowd, come and fall at Jesus feet. Here was a man of importance but he did not come to Jesus demanding special attention because of his position. No, he came humbling himself and begging. His twelve year old daughter was gravely ill.

Her age is recorded here because it was important. If she were younger than twelve, she would not be accountable for her actions under the Law of Moses. At age twelve she becomes responsible for any sins she may have committed. So, Jairus was not just begging for his daughters life but also her soul.

When word comes that she had died, it is too late for the physician, the healer. It is impossible to heal the dead. But Jesus is not a doctor. He is God the Son to whom nothing is impossible.

Many thing in life are impossible in the natural order of things. However, if it be God's good will, His supernatural power can make them possible. If we humble ourselves and fall at his feet begging, we may see a miracle, if our will and His will are aligned. (James 4:2-3)

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AMAZING GROWTH

MUSINGS - October 05 Friday 2018

AMAZING GROWTH

Mark 4:30-34
Jesus asked, "How can we show what the kingdom of God is like? To what can we compare it? It's like a mustard seed planted in the ground. The mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds on earth. However, when planted, it comes up and becomes taller than all the garden plants. It grows such large branches that birds can nest in its shade." Jesus spoke God's word to them using many illustrations like these. In this way people could understand what he taught. He did not speak to them without using an illustration. But when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

Cottonwood trees* are abunant near our summer home in Iowa. I've often thought that, if they had grown in the Holy Land, how much better they would have been in place of the mustard plant.

But, of course, the story isn't about mustard seeds. It is about the kingdom of God. Jesus asks the question as to himself wondering how he who has seen the beginning, the present, and the end** is going to explain the concept of how the kingdom of God will grow on the Earth. He gives them the example of one of the smallest seeds (the original twelve followers) can grow into something huge (an estimated 300,000,000 Christians in the world today. This is the kingdom today. What can it still become in a world of over 7 billion people? The answer is it's up to us, you and me, to keep planting, watering, and nourishing the every growing kingdom of God

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*Cottonwood trees are the fastest growing trees in North America. A young tree can add 6 feet or more in height each year. This rapid growth leads to weak wood that is easily damaged. The trees can grow to well over 100 feet tall, with eastern species sometimes reaching 190 feet. And it takes nearly 400,000 seeds to make a pound and only 280,000 musterd seeds to a pound.

** Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And Revelation of John 22:12-13 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

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MASTER OF THE SEA

MUSINGS - October 06 2018

MASTER OF THE SEA

Mark 4:35-41
That evening, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's cross to the other side." Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus along in a boat just as he was. Other boats were with him. A violent windstorm came up. The waves were breaking into the boat so that it was quickly filling up. But he was sleeping on a cushion in the back of the boat. So they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care that we're going to die?" Then he got up, ordered the wind to stop, and said to the sea, "Be still, absolutely still!" The wind stopped blowing, and the sea became very calm. He asked them, "Why are you such cowards? Don't you have any faith yet?" They were overcome with fear and asked each other, "Who is this man? Even the wind and the sea obey him!"
Squire Enos Parsons Jr. wrote a gosple song, based on this scripture passage. In it he answers the question that the disciple asked, "Who is this man?" He is the "Master of the Sea,"*

The disciples did not yet fully understand why was in their boat with them. For he is more than master of the sea, he aker of the sea.** Of course he could calm the sea with a word because he is the Word made flesh. (John 1:14)

The author of John's gosple was well aware of this traditional Jewish understanding of the Messiah Memra--the Word of Yahweh. Within the Old Testament, many times it is said that work done by the Lord was done by that Word of the Lord, whom we call Jesus the Christ our Lord.

I'm so glad that Parsons wrote, "Though the storms of life may rage
Mighty billows round you roll
Then He can calm life's troubled sea
Oh as He did in days of old."

When the storms of life rage in your life, take heart that the Master has promised "I am always with you until the end of time." (Matthew 28:20)

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*Master of the Sea
One night upon the sea
A ship was tossing to and fro
Breakers dashed on every hand
Angry winds around did blow
All on board were filled with fright
As the mighty billows rolled
Then they called upon the one
Who the winds and waves controlled
Chorus
When He reaches out His hand
Billows cease at His command (His command)
Winds and waves obey His will
When He says to them be still
What man is this they all did say (They did say)
That the winds and sea obey (sea obey)
He's the one who sails with me
Oh He's still the Master of the sea (of the sea)
Though the storms of life may rage
Mighty billows round you roll
Then He can calm life's troubled sea
Oh as He did in days of old
And as upon life's sea you sail
Why don't you trust in Him who's never ever failed
I'm so glad He sails with me
Oh He's still the Master of the sea
Chorus
Tag:
I'm so glad He sails with me
He's the Master of the sea.

**Genesis 1:1-2
In the beginning God created heaven and earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep water. The Spirit of God was hovering over the water.

And

John 1:1-3
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was already with God in the beginning. Everything came into existence through him. Not one thing that exists was made without him.

PAY ATTENTION

MUSINGS - October 04 2018

PAY ATTENTION

Mark 4:24-29
He went on to say, "Pay attention to what you're listening to! Knowledge will be measured out to you by the measure of attention you give. This is the way knowledge increases. Those who understand these mysteries will be given more knowledge. However, some people don't understand these mysteries. Even what they understand will be taken away from them." Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seeds on the ground. He sleeps at night and is awake during the day. The seeds sprout and grow, although the man doesn't know how. The ground produces grain by itself. First the green blade appears, then the head, then the head full of grain. As soon as the grain is ready, he cuts it with a sickle, because harvest time has come."

There is something that I believe and I've tried to teach my children: Everything is easy if you know the answer. It is such a simple and at the sametime profound truth. For almost everything in this life there is an answer. Sometimes the answer is discovered easily and sometimes it may take years to uncover the right answer.

Pay attention to what you're listening to! Knowledge will be measured out to you by the measure of attention you give. This is the way knowledge increases.

The more you question, the more answers you seek, the more you pay attention, the more you learn.

The Bible isn't a story book. It is an owner's manual, an instruction book for understanding God, others, and yourself. Many people ask, what is the meaning of life? What's my purpose? They ask but fail to pay attention, to actively seek the answers in The Book.

Become a student of the Bible.

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THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE

MUSINGS - October 03 2018

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE

Mark 4:21-23
Jesus said to them, "Does anyone bring a lamp into a room to put it under a basket or under a bed? Isn't it put on a lamp stand? There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed. There is nothing kept secret that will not come to light. Let the person who has ears listen!"

Matthew 5:14-16
"You are light for the world. A city cannot be hidden when it is located on a hill. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket. Instead, everyone who lights a lamp puts it on a lamp stand. Then its light shines on everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine in front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your Father in heaven.

Mark and Matthew may be discribing the same event or perhaps Jesus used the same illustration at different times to a different crowd. In any case the message is clear, let your light shine.

Though the analogy seems totally different than Jesus' story about the farmer scattering seed, in both cases he requires us to share what we have. Seed and light are both symbols of the gospel.

Are you hiding your light? Have you lifted it high so that it will reach further into the darkness?

Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!

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IF YOU HAVE EARS, LISTEN

MUSINGS - October 02 2018

. IF YOU HAVE EARS, LISTEN

Mark 4:1-20
Jesus began to teach again by the Sea of Galilee. A very large crowd gathered around him, so he got into a boat and sat in it. The boat was in the water while the entire crowd lined the shore. He used stories as illustrations to teach them many things. While he was teaching them, he said, "Listen! A farmer went to plant seed. Some seeds were planted along the road, and birds came and devoured them. Other seeds were planted on rocky ground, where there wasn't much soil. The plants sprouted quickly because the soil wasn't deep. When the sun came up, they were scorched. They didn't have any roots, so they withered. Other seeds were planted among thornbushes. The thornbushes grew up and choked them, and they didn't produce anything. But other seeds were planted on good ground, sprouted, and produced thirty, sixty, or one hundred times as much as was planted." He added, "Let the person who has ears listen!" When he was alone with his followers and the twelve apostles, they asked him about the stories. Jesus replied to them, "The mystery about the kingdom of God has been given directly to you. To those on the outside, it is given in stories: 'They see clearly but don't perceive. They hear clearly but don't understand. They never return to me and are never forgiven.'" Jesus asked them, "Don't you understand this story? How, then, will you understand any of the stories I use as illustrations? "The farmer plants the word. Some people are like seeds that were planted along the road. Whenever they hear the word, Satan comes at once and takes away the word that was planted in them. Other people are like seeds that were planted on rocky ground. Whenever they hear the word, they accept it at once with joy. But they don't develop any roots. They last for a short time. When suffering or persecution comes along because of the word, they immediately fall from faith. Other people are like seeds planted among thornbushes. They hear the word, but the worries of life, the deceitful pleasures of riches, and the desires for other things take over. They choke the word so that it can't produce anything. Others are like seeds planted on good ground. They hear the word, accept it, and produce crops--thirty, sixty, or one hundred times as much as was planted."

Teacher, tell us about the kingdom of God! There was a great crowd following Jesus. He told them a story about themselves and said. "Let the person who has ears listen!"

There were many who came to the seashore and each had their own reason for being there. Some came for the show, seeking nothing more than to be entertained. Some came as though to a doctor, looking to be cured. Some came out of curiosity, they saw a crowd and wondered what was going on, There were those who came to see the celebraty of the day. Some came for the teaching, seeking understanding.

Jesus looked into the hearts and minds of these people and cast his words as a farmer spreads seeds. He knew the odds of getting a return on his investment just as a farmer calculates the expenses versus the potential profit. He was looking for those who hear the word, accept it, and produce crops

Many things have changed in the thousands of years since God walked the world in the body of a man. Printig presses, radio, telivision, world wide internet, cell phones, and other advances have given us the ability to spread the seed into far flung fields. But now as then Jesus is not so much seeking a harvest as he is training Farmers.

Pick up your Bible. Read it. Study it. Be filled with it. Let the words of life grow and mature in you. Then gather your harvest and spread those seeds.

If you have ears, listen. If you have eyes, see. If you have a mouth, speak.

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FAMILY TIES

MUSINGS - October 01 2018

FAMILY TIES

Mark 3:31-35
Then his mother and his brothers arrived. They stood outside and sent someone to ask him to come out. The crowd sitting around Jesus told him, "Your mother and your brothers are outside looking for you