Bible In One Year-Day 74 (Saturday, March 15, 2014)

Commentary: Mark7-9. Chapter6 revealed a great truth to have in mind;

Mark 6:7 “And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;”

John the Baptist states concerning Jesus in Mark 1:8 “I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit”.

And Jesus also compliments John The Baptist in Matthew 11:11 “Verily, I say to you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding, he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he”.

Going by these two verses, we deduct that man is only allowed to do water Baptism; only Jesus could Baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire; no man can do that ordination, only Jesus. The privilege to serve in the vineyard could be given by a man, but the power for service is only given by Jesus. The condition for receiving this power is as He says in Mk8:34-38; you must not be ashamed of Jesus and His word, self denial, not putting value over your life more than the work or assignment of God and with no distracted focus. The power is not given to the lazy man, physically or spiritually. Chapter9 actually tells what it takes; specifically, verse29. What that simply means is that, it is not when they bring problem to you that you start fasting, the power is accumulated through constant and regular fasting.

Talking about Mark8:33, at a point the Spirit of revelation manifested by the mouth of Peter, at another point, Satan manifested as the spirit of discouragement by the same mouth. This evil spirit of discouragement is the greatest weapon in the hand of Satan when it comes to the will of God. This is why we have to be vigilant in our dealings with people around us. Peter had a good intention for rebuking the Lord, but Satan took advantage of that to speak against the things of God, i.e. the will of God. Satan will not discourage you when you are out of the will of God, but the moment you discover that will and ready to go for it, he comes in form of discouragement and fear, and usually through those close to you. This is how many have been diverted from the right path; friends could come to tell you they had a dream or the spirit impressed it on them concerning you, you have to be careful. Parents have discouraged their children in this wise and spouses have friends which have been instrument for this spirit at one time or the other. Prayerfully inquire from God if you are not certain and wait patiently for answer from Him. You must seek to know the spirit behind every piece of advice and counsel, especially from close ones;

1 John 4:1 “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”

Through the book of Mark, faith is spoken of mostly when it comes to healing and deliverance. May the Spirit of divine direction shine His light on our path in the name of Jesus. Our reading for today is Mark10-12. Keep the fire burning and alive. ALL ABOUT JESUS!!!