Refreshing Our Spirits With Scripture

8.17- Jesus teaches that we are to follow God even if our family might turn against us.  When Jesus was on the cross dying He was caring for His mother.  He instructed John to take care of His mother.  He taught that we should honor and support our mother and father.  At the same time He was aware that discipleship was toward Him even beyond our following of our family. Mark 13. 12  Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and [ h ] have them put to death. 13  You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. Luke 14. 25  Now [ m ] large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them, 26  “If anyone comes to Me, and does not [ n ] hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. 27  Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.  

8.16- Do not be naive.  There are false teachers.  They will do "miracles" "signs and wonders". There are people who promise freedom and give captivity. Mark 13. 22  for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show [ l ] signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect. Matthew 7. 15  “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16  You will [ k ] know them by their fruits. [ l ] Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17  So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18  A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20  So then, you will [ m ] know them by their fruits. 1 John 4. 4  Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many fa

8.15- The best choices in life are those that you would be happy for those around you to make.  Would you be happy for your children and grandchildren to do this or not to that.  What habits do you want your family members to have.  Then have those habits for yourself. 1 Timothy 4. 12  Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example [ e ] of those who believe. 13  Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture , to exhortation and teaching. 14  Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the [ f ] presbytery. 15  Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16  Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will [ g ] ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

8.14- The theories of science come and go. There are fads and trends and the next new things. What remains is the word of God. Mark 13. 31  Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

8.13- It is the nature of God to be forgiving. Psalm 33. 7  Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; According to Your lovingkindness remember me, For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord .

8.12- It is common for us to be seeking a path toward greatness.   We want to be significant.   I believe this drive and ambition is not bad in itself but Jesus answer as to the location of greatness is important.   He said greatness is found in the life of a child.   The greatest workers are the greatest servants.   Yes, servants.   Those who serve others will not lose their reward.   There is the reward within meeting the need.   There is the reward of working with God.   There is the reward of knowing that by God’s grace we can be with Jesus forever. Mark 9. 33  They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34  But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35  Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 36  He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, h

8.11- Do not be afraid of pain and suffering.   It comes to all.   Better to move out and help and heal and make a positive difference.    Then the pain is given some meaning and significance. There are times when our emotions cry out, “How long?” Mark 9. 14  When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15  As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16  “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17  A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18  Whenever it 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 could not.” 19  “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the