I am Blessed…are You?!

It’s about 1am and I am laying awake watching my dear sweet son sleep. I know he will be up in just an hour to eat, but just looking at his peacefulness sends a smile to my face. This got me thinking about these Bible Verses:

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thess. 5:16-18).

WOW!! Here lately, I’ve been so tired, it was hard to find things to rejoice in. I’ve been fighting off ear infections after ear infections. Thought I was going to have surgery on my ears–hopefully, I won’t have to. The fluid finally disappeared from behind my ears. Noah has been fighting off cold after cold. Now, he has a sinus infection which he shared with his big sister. But, now, what is sleep anyhow?? Just in a few blinks of my eyes, my dear sweet babies, won’t be babies. So, as I lay awake, I am thinking of just how blessed I am! Here is a few to get you started on my blessed life:

1. Jesus died to save me!! Praise God! Heaven is just one prayer away for those who want to know Jesus. I will get to spend an eternity with Him!
2. My mother chose to have me! She could have just tossed me aside like so many girls chose abortions instead of life!
3. My dad was an amazing father! My mother taught me how to be a mom! They supported and stood by me when it seemed the world was against me!
4. I am a college graduate–OBU baby!
5. I met the love of my life while attending OBU.
6. 6 years of marriage to my best friend and love!
7. My two healthy babies–Jamie and Noah. (I am thankful I was born in the 20th century–cuz I had to have c-sections because I can not have babies naturally.) The Lord knows what he is doing!
8. My husband has an amazing job that allows me to be a stay-at-home mom. Thanks Gary!
9. I was born and live in a country that allows me to chose my religion. I can worship God and not be afraid.
10. I have a wonderful house to live in and food to eat.
11. I have amazing family and friends!!!!! Love Ya!
12. I get to hear someone say I love You everyday!
13. I am special!
14. I am a member of a wonderful church body.
15. Most of all, I am LOVED and I get to give LOVE!

Thank you, Lord, for all my blessings in my life!

Let’s try to remember–to be glad through the storm. My husband sings this beautiful song–the anchor holds by ray boltz. If you haven’t heard this song, please listen to it or at least look up the words. It is such an encouragement. Thank you all so much for being a part of my blessings from heaven. it never hurts to remember what you have and thank God for it all! May you be blessed and give encouragement to those who need it. Have a great week!

I’m Still Alive!

Hello Everyone!  I am so sorry it has been forever since I last blogged.  I have had 2 sick kids off and on for the past few months–and I’ve been getting really bad ear infections.  I have one right now.  I thought you outgrew those things, but I guess NOT!  Anyhow, I’ve been seeing an ENT doctor.  Hopefully, I will be as good as new soon!  So any tips on not getting ear infections?!  I hope to be back blogging about our daily bible readings soon!  May God Bless You and Check back in the middle of the week to see if there is a new post!  Til then, KEEP SMIILING!

Mark Chapter 15: Have you forsaken me?

Hey everyone!!  It’s been a long time!!  Things have gotten so busy at our house.  First, a dear friend died and then my two children got sick.  It took my son a long time to get over it.  But, I am finally back!!  Praise the Lord!  Well, let’s jump right in–Mark Chapter 15.

Jesus Before Pilate:  Very early in the morning–all the ones who were against Jesus bound him and handed him over to Pilate.  Pilate questioned Jesus.  Jesus only answered one question.  Pilate asked him if he was the “King of the Jews” and Jesus replied, “Yes, it is as you say.”  He asked him to respond to the things they are accusing you of.  Jesus remained silent and Pilate was amazed!  There was a custom during the Feast to release a prisoner at the people’s request.  The people requested that Pilate release Barabbas, a killer, instead of Jesus because the chief priests stirring up the crowd.  Then, Pilate asked what he should do with Jesus.  The crowd shouted, “Crucify Him!”  (This just gives me chills).  So, Pilate released Barabbas and had Jesus flogged, and handed over to be crucified.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus:  The soldiers led Jesus away into the Palace and put a purple robe on him, make a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and began to make fun of him.  Then, they took the robe off him and put his normal clothes on him and let him out to crucify him.

The Crucifixion:  Simon from Cyrene was forced to carry Jesus’ cross.  They took Jesus to Golgotha (means place of the skull).  They offered him wine mixed with myrrh and Jesus did not take it.  And they crucified him.  They cast lots to see who would get Jesus’ clothing.  It was during the third hour when they crucified him.  The charge against him read: “The King of the Jews”.  They crucified two robbers with him, one on each side.  Many hurled insults at Jesus.  They told him to save himself if he was really the King of the Jews.  But, Jesus knew what he had to do. 

The Death of Jesus:  At the sixth hour, darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.  At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out, “Eloi Eloi, lama sabachthani”–which means, My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”  Those standing around said, “Listen, he is calling Elijah.”  One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus.  “Now leave him alone.  Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” the man said.  With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.  The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 

The Burial of Jesus:  It was Preparation Day, the day before the Sabbath.  Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.  Pilate was surprised the Jesus was dead.  He gave Jesus’ body to Joseph.  So, Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock.  Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.  (in Matthew Chapter 27, we learn that they were guards placed outside the tomb to keep watch, because Jesus said he would rise again!!!)

“Have you forsaken me?!”  What a question.  Forsaken means to abandon.  So, I leave this question with you for today….Have you forsaken Jesus?!

Sorry…

Sorry..it’ll be a little longer–I have two very sick kids and I’m sick, too!!  See Ya When We All Get Better!!!

Mark Chapter 14: Strong Enough??

Welcome back!!  Can you believe that it is Wednesday already?!!  What a wonderful week it has been.  I am so excited.  We are having some wonderful youth over for a few days from our previous church.  We are so excited for them to meet our little boy.  Ok, enough about my family…let’s get to the heart of things.  Mark Chapter 14. 

Jesus Annointed at Bethany:  The Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread was only 2 days away.  Those tricky Pharisees and teachers of the law were up to no good.  They were looking for a sly way to arrest Jesus and have them killed.  But, they decided to take a little break…they were afraid to have it done during the feast because of the crowds might cause a riot.  So, Jesus was in Bethany.  A woman approached and broke an alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus’ head.  This perfume could have been sold for over a years wages!!!  Many were saying why did she do this?  She is crazy for wasting that perfume.  (We know from John that the woman was Mary, Martha and Lazarus’ sister).  Jesus thought her actions were a beautiful thing.  He sees it as a complete outpouring of her love.  Today, each of us can be like that woman if we are willing to break our most precious gift–the gift of ourselves–and pour all we have before our Savior. 

The Lord’s Supper:  On the first day of the Feast, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover Lamb, Jesus disciples asked him where he wanted to eat the Passover.  Jesus sent two disciples into the city and told them to find the man carrying a jar of water, follow him, ask him where his guest room is, and tell him the Teacher sent them.  The disciples followed his orders and prepared for the Passover.  As they sat to eat the meal, Jesus told them that one of them would betray him.  They wanted to know who it would be..but Jesus did not tell them.  He took bread, broke it, gave thanks, and told them that was his body.  Then he did the same for the cup.  Then, they sang a hymn and went out.  This was Jesus’ last meal.  Jesus gave them all a breath of hope at the end.  He spoke of his second coming, life after his death, and the kingdom of God. 

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial:  Jesus told them that they would all fall away.  He told after was risen, he will go ahead of them into Galilee.  Well, Peter told Jesus that there was no way he would fall away.  Jesus told him that before the rooster crows twice–Peter will have betrayed him three times!  Peter told Jesus that even if he had to die, he would never disown Jesus.

Gethsemane:  They went to Gethsemane.  Jesus told them to sit there while he prayed.  Jesus took Peter, John and James with him.  He told that his soul was overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.  He told them sit there and keep watch.  Jesus fell to the ground and prayed asking his Father to take that cup from him.  But that Jesus would do God’s will.  He returned to the disciples to find them asleep.  He told them that they couldn’t even keep watch for 1 hour.  He told them to pray and watch.  Jesus went and prayed again.  He once again found them sleeping.  He did this the third time and they were sleeping again.  Jesus told them to get up because it was time.  The betrayer was near.

Jesus Arrested:  Jesus was talking with the disciples and Judas appeared.  Judas came with a crowd armed with swords and clubs sent by the chief priests, teachers of the law and the elders.  Judas betrayed Jesus with a simple kiss.  The crowd took Jesus and arrested him.  Then someone drew their sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.  Jesus told them that it was time for the Scriptures to be fulfilled. 

Before the Sanhedrin:  They took Jesus to the high priest, all the chief priests, elders, and teachers of the law.  Peter was following them at a distance.  The priests and Sanhedrin was looking for evidence against Jesus, so they could put him to death.  Someone came forward and told them that Jesus had said that he would destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man.  They asked Jesus to defend himself and he remained quiet.  They asked Jesus if he was the Christ.  Jesus told them yes and that he will sit at God’s right hand and journey through the clouds.  This was considered blasphemy.  This crime had a sentence of death.  So, they condemned him to death.  The guards struck him, spit at him, blindflooded him, and beat him. 

Peter disowns Jesus:  While Peter was watching in the courtyard, a servant girl said that she had seen him with Jesus.  Peter quickly denied it.  Again the girl said that she thought she had saw him with Jesus, he denied it again.  Then a group said that Peter was a disciples.  Peter called down curses and swore to them that he didn’t know Jesus.  The rooster crowed the second time.  Peter remembered what Jesus had said and he broke down and began to weep.

Peter denied his Lord.  Peter’s faith is strong enough to take him into the courtyard near where Jesus is being tried, but not strong enough to get him through the test of recognition as a follower.  And while it’s easy to condemn Peter, perhaps we should consider how we, too, have failed to recognize Jesus as our Lord or stand up for our faith.  Peter’s confident assurance that he will never deny Jesus is based on his own strength, which is too weak to stand the test.  Not until the day of the Pentecost does Peter receive the power that allows him not only to profess his love for Christ but to tell thousands the message of a risen Lord.  So, are you strong enough to tell the world of Jesus’ love—or strong enough to tell our neighbor, friend, family, coworker of what Jesus did for them??  So, are you strong enough?

Mark Chapter 13: Signs of the Times

Welcome back to another day with Smiles4Moms!!  The Lord has blessed us so much.  Please remember to thank him for all you have.  Let’s dive right in!  Mark Chapter 13.

Signs of the End of the Age:  As Jesus and the disciples were leaving the temple, one of them told Jesus to look at the huge buildings with such big stones.  Jesus told them that not even one stone will be left on another; every stone will be thrown down.  As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives.  A few of the disciples asked him to tell them when those things will happen and what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled.  Jesus told them to watch out that no one deceives you.  Many will come claiming to be something they are not.  Some will even claim they are Christ.  He continued that when you hear about wars and rumors of wars, don’t be scared.  Because the end is near.  There will be famines and earthquakes.  He told them to stay on their guard!  Brothers will betray brothers do death!  Children will rebel against their parents!!  But stand firm in Christ.  Some will be prisioned for their faith.  When the sun is darkened, the moon gives no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and heavenly bodies will be shaken–then you will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory!  Let’s remember verse 31:  Heaven and Earth will pass away but the word of the Lord stands forever!

The Day and Hour Unknown:  No one knows when Jesus will return, but God!  Jesus doesn’t even know.  Can’t you picture him saying…Hey Dad, can I go all my brothers and sisters??  Come on Dad…is it time yet?  Jesus warns us to watch and be on guard..cuz we don’t know when he will return.  When you are doing something..just keep in mind..if Jesus came back right now..would I want him to catch me doing this or being here??  He is always watching..so let’s always watch for him!

The disciples are curious about signs of the end of the age and Jesus’ return.  Reading Jesus’ answers to their questions can be overwhelming; yet, three promises rest among these signs.  God never send Judgement without a warning.  Even if believers are required to face opposition, God will be near them, giving them courage and providing them with the words to speak.  And false prophets will appear, showing signs and wonders, but the elect will be guarded by God.  This passage assures us that, although we don’t always understand everything about future events, we can trust that God will tell ust what we need to know and will streghten us for what we need to face.  Just remember that Jesus returns, victory for him and his followers is assured, and he begins his forever reign in his new and peaceful kingdom. 

Mark Chapter 12: Led Astray

Hello Internet Land!!  We are back again!!  I really enjoy doing this blog.  I sure hope you are enjoying it also.  My little boy is smiling and cooing at me.  He is laying on the bed next to me!  What a miracle babies are!!  Well, if you are a mother you know..we could talk about our children all day!!  But, let’s move on to our study!!  Hold on to your seats because today is going to be great!!!

The Parable of the Tenants:  There once was a man, who planted a vineyard, built a wall around it, hug a pit for the winepress, and built a watchtower.  (Boy, was he busy!!!)  He rented out the place to some farmers and went away for a while.  At harvest time, he sent a servant to collect from them some of the fruit.  But, they were greedy–they beat him up and sent him away with nothing.  The man sent another servant and the same thing happened only it got worse..this servant was struck on his head and treated shamefully.  Again this happened…but this servant was killed!  The man had only one person left to send, his son.  Well, those tenants plotted against the son, the heir of the vineyard.  So, they killed him.  Jesus asked them what will the owner of the vineyard do?  He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.  The Pharisees and teachers of the law looked for a way to arrest him, because they knew Jesus was speaking about them.  But, they were afraid of the large crowd…so they left. 

Paying Taxes to Caesar:  The tricky Pharisees tried to catch Jesus by using his words.  They came to Jesus and asked if it was right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?  But Jesus knew what they were doing, so he called them out!  He asked them why they were trying to trap him.  Jesus was much smarter than they were.  Jesus asked them to bring him a coin.  He asked them whose picture was on the front.  It was Caesar’s.  So, Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”

Marriage and the Resurrection:  The Sadducees came to Jesus with a question.  Remember, the Sadducees don’t believe in resurrection.  They said that Moses wrote that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife with no children, the man must marry the widow and ahve children for his brother.  They continued..say there is seven brothers.  The first one married and died without leaving children.  The second one married the widow, and died leaving no children.  All of them married her and each died.  Then, the woman died without any children.  At the resurrection..whose wife will she be?  Jesus told them that they didn’t know the scriptures or the power of God.  When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in married.  They will be like the angels in heaven. 

The Greatest Commandments:  Those tricky teachers of the law overhead them talking.  He knew that they didn’t trick Jesus because he gave a good answer.  So..it was his turn.  He asked Jesus, “Out of all the commandments…which one is the most important?”  Jesus told them that the most important one was “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”  (Mark 12:30)  Jesus continued with the second greatest, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  (Mark 12:31).  The man told Jesus that he was right.  Jesus told the man that he was not far from the kingdom of God.  From then on…no one dared ask him any more questions. 

Whose Son is the Christ?:  Jesus was teaching in the temple courts.  He asked the crowd, “How is it that the teachers of the law say that the Christ is the son of David?”  David had already declared, “the Lord said to my Lord:  Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”  David called Christ, Lord.  How can this be his son??  The crowd listened with delight.  Jesus warned them about the teachers of the law because they make a big show and still devour widows’ houses.  Jesus told them that men like that will be severely punished.

The Widow’s Offering:  Jesus watched the crowd putting money into the temple treasury.  The rich men gave lots of money.  But a poor widow put in two small coins worth only a fraction of a penny.  Jesus called the disciples over.  He told them that the poor widow has put more into the treasury than anyone.  They gave out of their wealth, but she gave out of her poverty, put in everything…all she had to live on.

Mark Chapter 12:  Led Astray–Jesus told of the Sadducees’ error.  Error means to lead astray.  They did not deny the truth outright; instead, they allow their thinking to be led astray by unanswered questions.  They deny any truth they cannot prove…such as resurrection and angels.  They claim to believe in God’s power but tehy do not live as through they do.  Has such thinking crept into your mind?  Such negative thought patters can be stopped by reading God’s Word–The Bible!  And soon, you will be “fully persuaded that God has power to do what he has promised!! (Romans 4:21).  AMEN!! 

Mark Chapter 11: Cleaning out the Temple

Hey everyone!  Today is such a pretty day!  I should be outside with my kids before it gets too hot, but I have a feeling if I don’t go ahead and post–it won’t get done until late!!  My little girl is running around, carrying her baby, and pushing a stroller….they sure like to mimick what mommy does.  I have to be on my toes around her..but shouldn’t I be on my toes all the time??  God is always watching.  Anyhow, let’s get started with Chapter 11.  Please sit back and enjoy!

The Trimphal Entry:  As they were getting close to Jersusalem, Jesus sent two of the disciples ahead of them to go into the village and get a colt that was tied up that no one had ever ridden before and bring it to him.  He told them if anyone asks what you are doing…tell them the Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.  So, they did just that.  When they brought the colt back to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, Jesus at on it.  Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the field.  The people shouted, “Hosanna!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!  Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!  Hosanna in the highest!”  Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple.  He looked around at everything, but since it was late, he went out to Bethany with the disciples.

Jesus Clears the Temple:  The next day, Jesus was hungry.  He saw a fig leaf in the distance.  He went to see if it had any fruit.  It did not.  Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.”  The disciples heard Jesus say that.  They went to Jerusalem.  Jesus went to the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there.  He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.  He wouldn’t allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.  Jesus told them that the temple was a house of prayer, but they had made it a den of robbers.  The chief priests and teachers of the law heard this and began really looking for a way to kill Jesus.  They were afraid of the way the crowds were amazed at his teachings.

The Withered Fig Tree:  As Jesus and disciples went along, they saw a withered fig tree.  Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look!  The fig tree you cursed has withered.”  Jesus told him to have faith in God!  Jesus continued, “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes what he says will happen, it will be done for him.”  He, also, told them that when we pray, don’t hold on to anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you and your sins. 

The Authority of Jesus Questioned:  They went again to Jerusalem.  While Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him.  They asked him what authority are you doing these things.  Jesus told them-if they could answer one question, he woudl tell them.  The question was, “John’s baptism–was it from heaven, or from men?”  The chief priests, teachers of the law, and the elders discussed it.  They answered…we don’t know.  Because of their answer, Jesus wouldn’t tell them what authority he was doing those things. 

So, let’s clean out our temple…like Jesus cleaned out the temple.  What’s in your temple–your heart?  With all the baggage in the temple, is there room for Jesus?  We can store so many evil things in our hearts.  If we keep sinning, but do not ask forgiveness, then they stay right there in our hearts–bugging us.  So, clean it out.  Ask forgiveness and Repent!!!  Make Jesus’ temple, our hearts, clean again for him.  Make your heart a place of worship for Jesus.  Forgive us, Lord!!!  I’ll see ya here tomorrow for Chapter 12!  God Bless You!

Mark Chapter 10: Special Service

Hello!!  How are you today?!  It’s another hot and beautiful day in Arkansas!!  I hope you have a wonderful day!  Let’s get started with Mark Chapter 10.  I sure hope you are enjoying this study.  What book would you like to study next?  I was thinking Acts?  Let me know!

Divorce:  Crowds of people came to Jesus and he taught them.  Some Pharisees came to test Jesus.  They asked him was it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?  Jesus replied–what did moses say?  The Pharisees answered his question by saying Moses permitted a man to divorce and send her away.  Jesus told them the reason Moses allowed that was because the people’s hearts were hard.  Jesus continued by saying–At the beginning of time he made us male and female…for this reason a man would leave his parents and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh.  So, they became one.  Jesus, also, said “Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate!”  After everyone left, the disciples were curious.  That asked Jesus about divorce.  Jesus told them, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her.  And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”

The Little Children and Jesus:  People were bringing little children to Jesus..so Jesus could touch them.  But the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this he became indignant (which means feeling or expressing anger or scorn, esp. at unjust, mean, or ungrateful action or treatment).  Jesus told them to allow the children to come to him because the kingdom of God belongs to them.  We should not hinder little children who want to know more about God.  We need to be on our best behavior in front of our children–they are always watching–we need to let them see the Jesus in us!

The Rich, Young Man:  As Jesus started on his way, a young man fell at his feet.  This rick, young man asked Jesus what he needed to do to be saved.  He continued to tell Jesus that he had kept his commands since he was a little boy.  Jesus told him that there was one thing he lacked.  Jesus told him that the needed to sell everything he had and give to the poor so he could have treasure in heaven.  Then come and follow Jesus.  At this the man went away sad.  Jesus told the disciples how hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.  Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”  The disciples wondered who then can be saved.  Jesus told them, “With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible!”

Jesus Again Predicts His Death:  As they were on their way to Jerusalem, the disciples were astonished.  Jesus took the disciples aside and told them what was going to happen to him.  Jesus said, “We are going to Jerusalem and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law.  They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him, spit on him, flog him and kill him.  Three days later he will rise.” 

The Request of James and John:  James and John gave Jesus a request.  They wants to sit at Jesus right and his left in heaven.  Jesus told them that they didn’t know what they were asking.  Jesus told them that he can’t grant that request because God has that authority and those places belong to those whom they have been prepared.  When the other disciples heard about what James and John asked..they were indignant with them.  Jesus called the Twelve together and told them anyone who wants to become great among them must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all.  Because even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve an give his life as a ransom for many. 

Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight:  They came to Jericho.  As Jesus, the disciples and a large crowd were leaving the city, a blind man–Bartimaeus–was sitting by the roadside begging.  When  he heard Jesus, he began to shout, “Jesus, have mercy of me!”  Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet.  But kept shouting for Jesus to have mercy of him.  Jesus stopped and told them to call him over.  Bartimaeus jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.  The blind man said that he wanted to see.  Jesus told him to go and your faith has healed you.  Immediately, he received signt and followed Jesus along the road. 

In this chapter, we learned that Jesus said his purpose on earth was to serve and give his life for many.  So…how can we follow his example?  We can take care of the sick:  take them a meal, help with household chores, send them a card, call to check on them, run their errands, and LOVE them!  We can take care of the grieving:  make a personal visit, sit and listen, remember the anniversary of their loved one with a card or note, get personally involved with their lives.  We can take care of the poor:  give money through your church or another ministry that works with the poor, take your children to search through their clothes and toys to share with others.  Keep your special service helpful by making it special and specific. 

Meet ya back here tomorrow for Mark Chapter 11!!!

Mark Chapter 9: For or Against?!

Welcome Back.  I am so thankful that you are here today.  Sorry today’s post is late….My son had a doctor’s appointment, I had to see the doc again about my spider bite, and my husband had fireman training.  My little boy is swinging in his swing and my daughter is relaxing on the couch-don’t know how long that is going to last.  hehe.  You never know with babies.  Since I don’t have much time..let’s just jump right in.

The Transfiguration:  Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a high mountain.  There he was transfigured before them.  He clothes became a dazzling white (whiter than anyone could bleach them).  And suddenly Elijah and Moses appeared and talked with Jesus.  Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud–”This is my Son, whom I love.  Listen to Him!”  Peter, James and John looked around and Moses and Elijah were gone and Jesus remained.  Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.  They kept it a secret. 

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy:  When they returned from the mountain, a crowd gathered around them and the teachers of law were arguing with them.  Jesus asked them what they were arguing about.  A man in the crowd told Jesus…I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.  Whenever the spirit seizes him it throws him to the ground–he foams at the mouth–gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid.  I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit but they couldn’t.  Jesus told them man to bring the boy to him.  Immediately, the spirit threw the boy into another spell.  Jesus asked the man how long had the boy been like this.  He told Jesus from childhood and it has often threw him into fire or water to kill him.  Please take pity on us.  Jesus told the father to believe..and he did.  Jesus rebuked the evil spirit and commanded it to come out of the boy.  The spirit shrieked, convulsed the boy and came out.  The boy looked dead.  But Jesus took the boy by the hand and lifted him up.  Jesus told the disciples the reason they could do it was because this kind can only come out by prayer. 

Jesus Predicts His Death the 2nd Time:  Jesus was teaching his disciples.  He told them that the Son of Man was going to be betrayed into the hands of men.  They will kill the Son of Man and after three days he will rise.  They didn’t understand what he meant and were too afraid to ask Him.

The Disciples Argue about Who Would Be the Greastest:  The disciples were arguing.  Jesus asked them what they were arguing about.  They kept quiet because they had argued about which of them was the greatest.   Jesus sat them down and said, “If anyone wants to be first. he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”  Jesus took a little child by the hand and said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.” 

Whoever Is Not Against Us Is For Us:  John told Jesus he saw a man driving out demons in Jesus’ name and told him to stop because he wasn’t a disciple.  Jesus told him Do not stop him.  No one who does a miracle in Jesus name can in the next moment say anything bad about me.  “For whoever is not against us is for us.” 

Causing to Sin:  Jesus told them that if anyone causes a little one to sin, it would be better for them to be thrown into a sea with a millstone around their neck.  If your hand causes you to sin…cut it off, because it is better to get into heaven maimed than have two hands and go to hell where the fire never goes out.  If your eyes causes you to sin, pluck it out.  It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.  Be at peace with one another.

So….are you for Jesus or against him?  Do you cause others to sin?  Are you going to Heaven or Hell?  You have to be for Jesus, love him, trust him, and have him in your heart to go to Heaven.  All you have to do is NOTHING to go to hell….it’s your choice.  But, God wants us all to go to heaven.  So, let me ask you again, you are for him or against him?  For those who are for Jesus, our goal is to build up his kingdom.  Just remember, people don’t have to be just like us to love Jesus!!!   And Remember, Do People See Jesus in you????  If you want to know more about becoming a follower of Christ..click the link–ABCs of Salvation.  Well, see ya tomorrow for Mark Chapter 10!!  God Bless You!