Take a moment to praise God with your heart through words/tongues.
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Mark 10:35-45 (NKJV) part 1
Greatness Is Serving
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”
36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
37 They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.”
38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
39 They said to Him, “We are able.”
So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; 40but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.”
41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
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The disciples were not all-knowing; they too had many wrong ideas about the Messiah and His Kingdom. Therefore, what they desired in and from the Kingdom was almost always wrong; and as human beings - often, in the terms of earth and self-serving requests. But Jesus' Kingdom is not of this world. Let me say this again: Jesus' Kingdom is NOT OF THIS WORLD. It is nothing like it. It is not centered in palaces, thrones, and titles but in the hearts and lives of its followers (you and me). The disciples did not understand this, until after Jesus' resurrection; but we're blessed to receive understanding of this, through their example:
First, James and John wanted the highest positions in Jesus' Kingdom. Jesus told them that true greatness comes in serving others. Second, James and John said they were willing to face any trial for Christ. Both did suffer (as Jesus advised they would): James was put to death by the command of King Herod (Acts 12:2), and John was forced to live in exile (Revelation 1:9). It is easy to say we will endure anything for Christ, but it isn't easy to accomplish. Most of us complain about the most minor problems in our lives. We may say that we are willing to suffer for Christ, but are we willing to suffer the minor irritations that sometimes come with serving others?
Of this world - businesses, organizations, and institutions measure greatness by personal achievement. We live in a "ME" society, and often live according to the ways of this society. In Christ's Kingdom, however, service is the way to get ahead. The desire to be on top will hinder, not help. Rather than seeking to have your needs met, look for ways that you can minister to the needs of others. And yes it is hard! People begin to take advantage, they are or become ungrateful, there isn't any reciprocation; these are some of the reasons that often bother me! But go figure, the reasons for bothering me are focused on ME. If each of us reading this message today, begin to really implement this into our lives, each and every day - we will honor Christ, by obeying His command; and we WILL be making a difference for the Kingdom!
Will you join me? Let's support one another in serving!
*You may have noticed that Mark records that John and James went to Jesus with their request; in Matthew, their mother also made the request. There is no contradiction in the accounts -- mother and sons were in agreement in requesting honored places in Christ's Kingdom.
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Daily Prayer: Mighty God, we shout to You with cries of joy. How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth. LORD, first and always I come to you in the area of forgiveness. LORD, I lift up (name them) and I cover them with forgiveness from my heart. LORD, I ask for Your mighty help in letting this show forth in my actions and my every word. LORD, I ask for Your strength in making my forgiveness known to (each named person). Please show me any area ofunforgiveness creating a barrier between You and me. I ask for Your forgiveness in covering up and ignoring the smallest offense. For forgiveness gives me freedom and I desire to live in the freedom of a life with You. We sing praises to You, God. We sing praises to our King. For You are King of all the earth. You reign over the nations; You are seated on Your holy throne. We are Your people, for everything belongs to You. You are greatly exalted. In the mighty Name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen (Psalm 47).
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