A ROUGH SPELLING-LESSON
Mark 9:30-42
Selfishness is the smoother way of spelling Satan. That sounds a bit rough; but it’s true. The inner core of Satan is preferring himself to yes, even to God; wanting everything for himself. Selfishness may be cultured and scholarly and polished (it’s surprising how a coarse thing takes a high polish). Or, it may be coarse and brazen and open. But scratch it; and you always find underneath the hooked Satan fingers reaching and holding.
LIVING A PRAYER
2King 4:27-37
When prayer takes hold of all there is of you, you can take hold of all you will through prayer. But prayer isn’t saying religious words with your eyes shut and a terminal “amen” attached. Real prayer is a life. It begins as an act. It grows into a habit, then into a mental attitude. Then it becomes your very life. Then the man becomes the prayer. Such prayer can raise the dead, even now, into real life.
LET’S GO TO SCHOOL DAILY
Luke 9:30-37
Prayer-touch with the Father—daily, open- hearted, honest, unhurried, intimate, reverent touch—this is the secret of every needed thing. If we’d go to school daily to God, with the open Book, and learn how to pray, confidently, intelligently, like a child in simplicity, like a man in maturity, nothing could resist our touch. The life would be transfigured, and the service marked with God’s own subtle, fragrant touch.
THE UNFAILING JESUS
Mark 9:19-29
But Jesus never failed anybody yet. The evil spirit fled like a whipped cur at his word. The demonized boy was released from his sore bondage. The broken-hearted father, relieved, overjoyed, hurried home with the boy to his mother. The critical, sneering crowd was forced to recognize the unmatched power of Jesus. It was the close touch with his Father, insisted upon, that turned the disciples’ dismal failure into sweeping victory.
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Think about these questions as you meditate on the verse. What does this verse teach me? How does this verse apply to my Life?
ARE WE FAILING SOMEBODY?
Mark 9:11-18
People expect much of Jesus’ followers. They class us with him. What he did we can do, they think. They come to us expectantly, when we least think it. Without saying so, they bring their needs to us, their difficulties, temptations, hungry hearts, themselves. They expect something. They have a right to, too. Are we jailing them? and Jesus? and ourselves? Then they quit expecting if they find we haven’t anything. That’s the worst failure of all.
