Luke 14:26-30 & 33: Consider the Cost

 Luke 14:26-30 & 33: Consider the Cost

Luke 14:28 says, "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost..."

This portion of scripture made sense to me for the first time 9 years ago.  Jesus is saying that we must be prepared to lose it all if we want to follow Him.  You must consider what following Jesus (building a spiritual tower) may cost you.  It is a very real possibility that friends and relatives will desert you when you choose Jesus and a moral lifestyle.  Especially if your new beliefs go against their own or if you are now giving up hanging out with them at the bars, watching movies with them, etc.  The world is more than happy to make fun of you and call you judgmental when you choose to follow the ways of the Bible rather than the ungodly ways of the world.  

Verse 30 says the one who does not finish his tower will be "mocked" by others.  So yes, my dear readers, when you call yourself a Christian, you will be watched very closely.  If you backslide and decide you would rather be accepted by the world and therefore go back to your ungodly ways, you will indeed be mocked as being spiritually weak.    

When you go back to Verse 26, it does not literally mean we have to hate our family in order to follow Jesus, especially since the message of Jesus was to love one another.  We are to hate the sin and be willing to lose them if Jesus asks it of us.  To choose our relationship with Jesus over a relationship with those who oppose Him.  

We should be willing to follow the rules of to not be "unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?"  We are to "come out from among them, and be ye separate" so that we can be called God's "sons and daughters" (see 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1). 

Should an issue arise where I had to choose between any person or Jesus, I must know before it happens who I would choose and count the cost before I claim to be a disciple, or I cannot give Jesus 100% of my heart.  I must love Jesus above all and be willing to lose friends and family for the sake of the gospel.  I must take a stand for the King of Kings.

Please do not get me wrong, I am not suggesting we shun people who are different.  We still need to love and pray for those who are against our beliefs and witness as we can.  However, the Bible gives us permission to walk away from relationships with people who are overly cruel or antagonistic of our beliefs.  It also says in Luke 9:5 "And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet."  In other words, when others openly mock your Biblical stand, it is acceptable to walk away from a close relationship with them.  But again, pray for them and if they need help, be there for them and if they are every ready to receive the gospel, be quickly ready to share it again. 

No, I do not "hate" anyone, but I love Jesus, and I am willing to choose Christ above all others. If the world forsakes me, I will cling to Jesus, as He is all I need.

(Luke 14:26-33) [Jesus said,] "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple."

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, 'This man began to build, and was not able to finish.'"

"So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple."

Luke 13:23-28

 (Luke 13:23-28) And [Jesus] went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

Then said one unto Him, "Lord, are there few that be saved? 

And He said unto them, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."

"When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open unto us;' and He shall answer and say unto you, 'I know you not whence ye are:'"

"Then shall ye begin to say, 'We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.'"

"But He shall say,' I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.'"

"There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out."

Luke 12:42-48: Responsibility

Luke 12:42-48: Responsibility

Luke 12:48 says that "whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required."

The parable where this verse is located can be located in Luke 12:41-48.  It has to do with being prepared for the Lord's return and working for Him until He comes.  You can also interpret it as using God's gifts in a responsible way and learning to be a "faithful and wise steward" (verse 42).  The better you handle the responsibility, the more God may bless you.  Yet, if you waste the talents or misuse them, you may be punished.

Those that are given a lot of responsibility such as with a leadership position, much will be expected of them.  You will be held to a higher standard if you want to be the one in charge.  If you want to be the one giving the orders and, in some cases, even responsible for physical or spiritual lives, you cannot be a hypocrite and you need to practice what you preach.   In other words, you must lead with a moral example.  You will be accountable to God if you are dictatorial, stingy, unfair, or cruel, be it in the workplace, home, and especially in a spiritual or political position. 

If you are given much money, you are expected to be generous as well as frugal and responsible.  God does not fault us having nice things, but He is very displeased with those who spend their money on items of vanity and excessive unnecessary items rather than help the poor and needy.  How many hurting people could you support through a charity with the expensive jewelry, makeup/hair products, clothing, luxury items, electronics, etc., you waste money on each month? 

Another way to look at this verse is in the area of talent. The parable states that the Lord wants to "find" us using our talents for His glory when He comes.  If God has granted you with talent, no matter how big or small, you should use it for His glory and not to promote the world or yourself.  Be responsible by not using your gifts to glorify immoral behaviors you know go against the Bible.  In other words, if you have a talent for artwork, paint pictures glorifying the Lord and His creation, not sexualized, violent, or occult images.  If you can write, write stories or poems that show God at the center, not smut, murder mysteries that glorify death and violence, or stories about witchcraft.  If you have musical ability, use it to praise the Lord.  It is a huge pet peeve of mine when "Christian" artists sing cross-over music that promotes sex outside if marriage, drinking, have swear words in them, or have no message at all.  If God is gracious enough to bless you with an ability, why give that gift to the world and not back to the One who gave it to you? No matter how small you may think your talent is, don't refuse to share it with others and be willing to lift the name of Jesus high!

If God trusts you enough to bless you as a leader, with finances, and/or with talent, honor Him by treating your responsibility with wisdom, morality, and integrity.

(Luke 12:42-48) And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath."

"But and if that servant say in his heart,' My lord delayeth his coming'; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes."

"But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."

Luke 12:37 & 40

 (Luke 12:37 & 40) [Jesus said,] "Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when He cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if He shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

"Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."

Luke 12:1-3

(Luke 12:1-3) In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, [Jesus] began to say unto his disciples "First of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known."

"Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets [such as malicious gossip] shall be proclaimed upon the housetops."

Luke 11:39-40

 

(Luke 11:34-40) [Jesus said,] "The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light."

And as He spake, a certain Pharisee besought Him to dine with him: and He went in, and sat down to meat. And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that He had not first washed before dinner.

And the Lord said unto him, "Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?"

Sitting at the Feet of Jesus

 Sitting at the Feet of Jesus

That is a photo of me around 1980 when my family was on a road trip from Michigan to Washington state.  It was taken in Wisconsin.  May I always feel such awe at the face of Jesus!

I usually wait until the end of the book of the Bible before I post a song to represent that book, but I heard this song a few days ago and fell in love with it and just had to share it as it beautifully represents Luke 10:38-42.

You Tube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lElSWBjyLWA

Sitting at the Feet of Jesus

By Ernie Haase and Gaither Vocal Band

Sitting at the feet of Jesus
Oh, what words I hear Him say!
Happy place, so near, so precious!
May it find me there each day
Sitting at the feet of Jesus
I would look upon the past
For His love has been so gracious
It has won my heart at last

Sitting at the feet of Jesus
Where can mortals be more bless
There I lay my sins and sorrows
And when weary find sweet rest
Sitting at the feet of Jesus
There I love to weep and pray
While I from His fullness gather
Grace and comfort every day

Bless me, O my Savior, bless me
As I sit low at Thy feet
Oh, look down in love upon me
Let me see Thy face so sweet
Give me, Lord, the mind of Jesus
Make me holy as He is
May I prove I've been with Jesus
Who is all my righteousness
He is all my righteousness
He is all my righteousness

Luke 10:38-42

(Luke 10:38-42) Now it came to pass, as they went, that [Jesus] entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, "Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me."

And Jesus answered and said unto her, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Luke 10:2

 

(Luke 10:2) Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

(P.S. I apologize for the quality of some of these photos, such as this one.  The woman represents me saying, "Use me Lord for your glory!"  I must have taken them 6 or 7 times and some of them still turned out blurry no matter what I tried.  Hopefully you still see the artwork well enough for it to convey the message that inspired me.)

Luke 9:23: A Daily Decision

Luke 9:23: A Daily Decision

Your story as a Christian began before you were born.  John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." "The world" means every person who has or will ever live on this Earth.  Therefore, Jesus died for your sins before you were born.  Salvation is a free gift you do not have to earn.  This is the beginning for all of us.  However, from there it is up to you to decide what will happen next.

To be clear, I do not believe we are saved by our works, again, God's salvation is a free gift we could never earn. However, we must show the utmost respect for this gift and as it states in Romans 6:1-2, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" In other words, we are not to abuse the grace of God and use it as an excuse to sin.

We need to continue to grow in our walk with the Lord and make a daily decision to give up our sinful habits. Jesus said in Luke 9:23 "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."   Daily means daily, not just denying your sinful nature when you feel like it or are asking God for a favor.  This also means choosing to follow Jesus and His ways of righteousness. It requires daily self-examination and repentance.  For Jesus also said in John 14:15, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." And 1 John 2:4 makes it abundantly clear, "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."  

For the full article on this subject, feel free to read my writing titled: "

The Beginning, Middle, and End" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-beginning-middle-and-end.html

Luke 8:16-17: Light or Dark?

Luke 8:16-17: Light or Dark?

Luke 8:16-17 paints a good picture of light and darkness in our lives.  Verse 16 reminds us not to cover our lights, but to "setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light." We must do our best to let our Christianity shine brightly in order to encourage, comfort, and even sometimes gently correct others. 

Verse 17 reminds that "nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest."  Christ knows and sees all.  Even if no other person ever discovers your sins, God will ALWAYS know.  He may even find a way for others to discover your secrets as well.  

It is our choice - live in the Light or hide in the dark.  I choose the Light!

(Luke 8:16-17) No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither anything hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. 

Luke 6:35-36 & 38

 

(Luke 6:35-36) "But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil."

"Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.:

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

Luke 6:27-34

 

(Luke 6:27-28) "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."

(Luke 6:29-34) "And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again."

"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. "

"For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again."

Luke 6:20-23

(Luke 6:20-21) And [Jesus] lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and said, "Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh."

(Luke 6:22-23) "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets."

Luke 4:15-21

(Luke 4:15-21) And [Jesus] taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord."

And He closed the book, and He gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on Him.

And He began to say unto them, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears."

Luke 2:8-20

(Luke 2:8-20) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us."

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger... And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 1:26-38: No One Compares to Jesus

Luke 1:26-38: No One Compares to Jesus

Even by His very conception, Jesus proved that nothing is impossible within the will of God. His is the only virgin birth as a sign that He is pure and sovereign.  No one has ever come close to being as loving, tender, bold, brave, wise, fair, and sacrificial as Jesus Christ!

Jesus left a place more perfect than we can ever imagine to live in a sinful, primitive, violent world.  While we marvel at Jesus’ miraculous birth to a virgin, remember the story does not stop there. Jesus was born for the sole purpose of giving up His life thirty-three years later.  Jesus gave up His throne surrounded by angels for a life where His authority was rarely recognized.  He came to this cruel and heartless world in the form of pure innocence and humility.  He would willingly endure excruciating torture.  (The word excruciating exists because of the severe pain suffered during crucifixion.)  Yes, He also knew He would be raised from the dead three days after His death, but He did not endure long hours of agony just to glorify Himself.  He allowed Himself to be beaten raw and pierced through to die a slow death just for you and me! His blood on the cross is the only reason you and I have the option of spending eternity with Him in paradise.  He paid for our sins by hanging in humiliation on a cross with wood splinters buried into an already raw and bloodied back, a crown of literal thorns causing blood to burn his eyes as it dripped down His face.

It is His glorious face we must seek today! Do not throw away His precious gift bought with a terror we could never endure.  Repent of your sins and seek to live a life of holiness so that you can someday see the beautiful face of Jesus and His Father who allowed His son to be ripped from His side for more than three decades.

As you read through the book of Luke and of the shepherds marveling of the baby Jesus, think of how much more magnificent it will be to bow at the throne of the living God! Take a moment and thank Jesus with all your heart for choosing the path of pain and sorrow just so we can have an eternal life of peace and joy!

(Luke 1:26-38)  And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

And the angel came in unto her, and said, "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women."

And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

And the angel said unto her, "Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."

Then said Mary unto the angel, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?"

And the angel answered and said unto her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God... For with God nothing shall be impossible."

And Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. "

And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:5-14, 39-41, 57, 67, & 76-80: Prepare the Way for the Lord

Luke 1:5-14, 39-41, 57, 67, & 76-80: Prepare the Way for the Lord

God answered the prayers of Zacharias and Elisabeth because of their faithful obedience to Him.  Not only did God gift them with a son, but He sent an angel to foretell of this special child's birth!  This son was so important to the Kingdom of God, he was filled with the Holy Spirit even in the womb, and his future ministry was prophesied in Isaiah 40:3, (The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.")

This child was John the Baptist and would prepare the way for Jesus Christ.  What an honor!  May we all prepare the hearts of others for the love of Jesus Christ.

(Luke 1:5-14, 39-41, 57, 67, & 76-80) There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

But the angel said unto him, "Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

And Mary [the mother of Jesus] arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.

Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, "And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel."

If you are interested, you can read my writings on Zacharias and John the Baptist here:

Profile of a Doubter, Part 3: Zacharias: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2024/02/profile-of-doubter-part-3-zacharias.html

The Ministry of John the Baptist: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-ministry-of-john-baptist.html

The Book of Luke Quick Preview (Video)

The Book of Luke Quick Preview

I apologize that I am unable to share any videos to Blogger longer than a minute. but you can find the short preview on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/juliesbiblejourney

I want to make it clear that all of my dear readers understand that the purpose of sharing my Bible Journal is merely for the sake of helping others realize what the Bible truly says. I pray you read the entire Bible on your own, perhaps read each chapter along with the postings. I also pray you ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart as you read and make His holy words come alive to you and give you His understanding as you study.

Before each book of the Bible, I will take a quick video of the book so you can see a preview of what will be shared for that book. Just remember, I am not a very good artist. but I wanted to share with you how God's Word inspires me. These postings are in no way instructional on how to Bible journal. This is not about beautiful art that covers up and distracts from the scriptures on the pages, it is about expressing my love for the holy Word of God. So even when the pages I share are "ugly" or uncreative, I will still be sharing them as God's Word is always beautiful!

A few notes on the videos. I am not a professional and only have my inexpensive phone to record on. Also, I live in the Pacific Northwest where it will be cloudy from now until at least June, so I apologize if the quality of the videos is too dark!

Thank you for reading and watching! To God be all the glory!

"Worthy the Lamb"

I have decided that after I have finished posting each book of the Bible, I want to share a favorite song of mine that I feel beautifully relates to that book.  For the book of Mark, I have chosen this beautiful version of "Worthy the Lamb."  Only Jesus, the Lamb who willingly laid down His life for me, is worthy of my praise! 

YouTube version:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGtkad9VfUw

Worthy the Lamb

Song by

Gaither Vocal Band

Hear the cries of the shackled from the onset of time
For the chains of defeat there's no key
See the tears of the broken, the cries of the slaves
Is there no one worthy to set us free?

Then the crying is stilled as the chorus rings out
The shackled released from their chains
And thousands of voices are swelling the song
Worthy the Lamb that was slain

Worthy, worthy
Worthy the Lamb that was slain
Worthy, worthy
Worthy the Lamb that was slain

Then all the archangels, the saints of all time
Holding their crowns in their hands
Fall down before Him joining the song
Worthy, worthy the Lamb!

Worthy, worthy
Worthy the Lamb that was slain
Worthy, worthy
Worthy the Lamb that was slain

Praise Him, praise Him
Praise the Lamb that was slain
Praise Him, praise Him
Praise the Lamb that was slain
Praise the Lamb that was slain

Mark 16:1-7 & 14-20

 

(Mark 16:1-7 & 14-20) And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint Him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

And they said among themselves, "Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?" And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

And he saith unto them, "Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him. But go your way, tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you."

Afterward He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen.

And He said unto them, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Mark 15:12-15, 17-20, 22-26, 33-34, & 37-39

 

(Mark 15:12-15, 17-20, 22-26, 33-34, & 37-39) And Pilate answered and said again unto them, "What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?"

And they cried out again, "Crucify Him."

Then Pilate said unto them, "Why, what evil hath He done?"

And they cried out the more exceedingly, "Crucify Him."

And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged Him, to be crucified.  

And they clothed Him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about His head, And began to salute Him, "Hail, King of the Jews!"

And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon Him, and bowing their knees worshipped Him. And when they had mocked Him, they took off the purple from Him, and put his own clothes on Him, and led him out to crucify Him. And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. And they gave Him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but He received it not.

And when they had crucified Him, they parted His garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified Him.

And the superscription of his accusation was written over, "The King Of The Jews."

And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is, being interpreted, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God."

Mark 14:6

 

(Mark 14:60-62)  And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, "Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?"

But He held his peace, and answered nothing.

 Again the high priest asked him, and said unto Him, "Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?"

And Jesus said, "I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven."

Mark 13:3-8, 13-14, 21-27, & 32-37: "When shall these things be?"

Mark 13:3-8, 13-14, 21-27, & 32-37: "When shall these things be?"

Mark 13 speaks of Christ's return.  This chapter, as well as Matthew 24 and Luke 21 all make it very clear that it will be "after the tribulation." 

**Fellow believers, please let's not divide on this issue. Prayerfully study God's Word and love one another whether you agree or disagree.**

The Bible gives instructions on what the Christians should do during the tribulation to stay safe.  Verse 14 says, "flee to the mountains." When you read Revelation 12:6, it also says we must flee to the wilderness to be safe.  If we follow God's instructions, we will be kept safe.  If we realize there is not a pre-tribulation rapture and prepare now, we can be safe during times even more perilous than we are seeing now (this will include storing food before the great famine comes mentioned in Revelation 6:5-6).

(Mark 13:3-8, 13-14, 21-27, & 32-37) And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?"

And Jesus answering them began to say, "Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains. And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things."

"But in those days, AFTER that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. AND THEN shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. AND THEN shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch."

Mark 12:28-34

Notice these commandments first want us to acknowledge the sovereignty of God then next commands our devotion to God, and then to love.  Put God first and all else falls into place.

(Mark 12:28-34) And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, "Which is the first commandment of all?"

And Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these."

And the scribe said unto Him, "Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but He: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."

And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, He said unto him, "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God." 

Mark 10:43-45

(Mark 10:43-45) [Jesus said,] "But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

Mark 10:2-9

 (Mark 10:2-9) And the Pharisees came to Him, and asked Him, "Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?" tempting Him.

And He answered and said unto them, "What did Moses command you?"

And they said, "Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away."

And Jesus answered and said unto them, "For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder [tear apart]."

(Note: The photo is of my husband and me on our wedding day, June 10, 2012!!)

Mark 9:23

(Mark 9:23) Jesus said unto him, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."

Mark 7:6-9

 

(Mark 7:6-9) [Jesus] answered and said unto them, "Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, 'This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.' For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition."

Mark 6, 7, & 8: Faith and Understanding

Mark 6, 7, & 8: Faith and Understanding

In Mark chapter 6-8, you see the lack of faith and understanding in Jesus' disciples. 

Mark 6:52 says, "For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened."  This, of course, is speaking of the miracle Jesus performed a few verses earlier in verses 33-44, where He fed 5,000 people with just five loaves and two fish.  Now, when they see Jesus walking on the water in verses 47-52, the disciples have already forgotten about His miraculous power.

Next, in chapter 7, Jesus is trying to teach the disciples that the dietary laws are not necessary because it is not what enters a man that defiles him.  He begins with a frustrated question that shows Him wondering why His own disciples who are with Him most every day still cannot understand His teachings.

Again, in chapter 8, verses 17-21, Jesus is rebuking the disciples for their lack of faith and understanding.  He reminds them of both the previous miracle in Mark 7, and then a similar incident where He fed 4,000 (verses 1-9). When He tries to teach them that they must "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees," they mistakenly think He is talking about literal bread and not about sin.  Jesus asks them how they have "eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not?"  Don't they remember all the miracles they have seen this far?  He must have been so frustrated with those that sat at His feet and still were not grasping His teachings. Mark 8:21 He asks, "How is it that ye do not understand?"

I truly believe Jesus says the same words to me.  How can I witness His mighty works, feel His love, and still not get it?  How do I still doubt?  How can I read the words of Christ and still sin?  It is so important that I pray for understanding for my every-day walk.  I want the gift of discernment so that I do not miss the point Jesus is trying to teach me.

I pray for wisdom and faith to grasp all I read in the Bible and when I feel the presence of God.  I pray for remembrance lest I forget what He has already done! I do not want to be a forgetful thick-headed or hard-hearted disciple.  

Change my heart, o God, that I may always both hear and understand all you are trying to teach me!

(Mark 6:37-38, 41-44 & 48-52) He answered and said unto them, "Give ye them to eat."

And they say unto Him, "Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?"

He saith unto them, "How many loaves have ye? go and see."

And when they knew, they say, "Five, and two fishes."

And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, He looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.

And He saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw Him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled. 

And immediately He talked with them, and saith unto them, "Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid."

And He went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

(Mark 7: 18-23) And He saith unto them, "Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?" 

And he said, "That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man."

(Mark 8:2-9 & 14-21) "I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far."

 And His disciples answered Him, "From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness. "

And He asked them, "How many loaves have ye?"

And they said, "Seven."

And He commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to His disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people. And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and He sent them away.

Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf. And He charged them, saying, "Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod."

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "It is because we have no bread."

And when Jesus knew it, He saith unto them, "Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up?"

They say unto him, "Twelve." 

"And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up?"

 And they said, "Seven."

 And He said unto them, "How is it that ye do not understand?"