Mark 9:38-50

Do Not Hinder

The disciples tried to stop a person from casting out demons in Jesus name because they were not following them. The disciples believed that if they were going to use the name of Jesus they needed to have the same commitment that the disciples had. Jesus corrected them and let them know that their are people that are searching for the truth and that they will find it as they experience Christ.

Jesus taught them that as they experience the power of Christ they will find it difficult to speak against Christ. Instead they will have their faith strengthened because they experienced the miraculous power of Christ.

Then Jesus proclaimed that if people are not against him then they are for Him. Jesus is teaching that anyone who is not opposed to following Christ has hope of salvation. It is only the rejection of Jesus that disqualifies a person from salvation. As long as they are on the journey towards Christ there is hope for salvation.

Jesus refers to the seeking person as one who gives them a cup of water. All works in the name of Christ are recognized by Christ and rewarded by Him. Casting out demons seems pretty significant, but even giving a cold glass of water to a thirsty person is rewarded by Christ.

If you often feel lost in the hustle of daily public interactions, remember that small gestures resonate in the Kingdom of God. This week, take purposeful steps to show kindness to service workers, whether it's a smile, a thank you, or a brief conversation. Ask them how their day is going and genuinely listen. These simple acts embody Christ’s love and demonstrate that we are His hands and feet in our communities, making every encounter meaningful and impactful.

Do Not Mislead

Jesus warns not to mislead children. He says that you are better off dead than to mislead a child. He gives a descriptive illustration of a millstone tied around your neck and being thrown into the sea.

What we teach our children is most important. The greatest thing we can teach our children is the Bible. Deut. 6:6-7

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 NASB95

“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. “You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.

The best way I have found to teach the Bible to my kids was to apply biblical principles to real life events. For example, if the were worrying about something, I would share Phil. 4:6

Philippians 4:6 NASB95

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Then we would discuss how to practically apply this passage to their situation.

We also need to make sure that our behavior in front of them is Christlike. When children see us behaving in a way that is not biblical they may construe what you did as proper behavior.

We need to correct what the world teaches them. Children are inundated with false teaching. We must be diligent to teach them truth.

As a parent, your words and actions shape your child's understanding of the world. If you find yourself frustrated with their choices or behavior, take a moment to consider how you've responded to them. Instead of expressing anger or discouragement, create a space for open and honest communication. Encourage them to ask questions and share their thoughts. This practice not only helps correct misunderstandings but also models healthy dialogue and trust. Implement family ‘talk time’ where everyone can voice their opinions without judgment, guiding them toward a compassionate and Christ-centered worldview.

As a grandparent, your wisdom and experiences can greatly impact your grandchildren. If you find them grappling with difficult topics such as morality or faith, share personal stories from your life that illustrate how you navigated similar challenges. Invite them to participate in activities that highlight biblical principles—such as volunteering together—allowing you to actively demonstrate God’s love through action. Create a family ritual, like prayer or reading Scripture together, which fosters a culture of faith in the home and seamlessly integrates spiritual teachings into everyday life.

Do Not Use Your Hand to Sin

Our hands are meant for us to do things. We can use our hands for good things like work, write, build fix, sew, and the list can go on. We can also use our hands for sinful behavior. We can use our hands to fight, steal, cuss, and destroy. We must choose to do good with our hands and not evil.

At home, perhaps you’ve found that daily routines have become drudgerous, leading to impatience and short tempers. To combat this, implement a weekly family ‘hands-on’ night where everyone engages in a creative or service project, like crafting or working on a home improvement task. As you collaborate, watch how your hands can create not only tangible items but also an atmosphere of joy and shared purpose. This will transform your interactions, making it harder to harbor negativity when you’re enjoying constructive time together.

In the hustle and bustle of your workplace, it’s easy to let small frustrations with colleagues lead to gossip or negative actions. When faced with a challenge, instead of using your hands to type up a harsh email or make a snarky comment, practice turning them into instruments of encouragement. Start a ‘kind notes’ initiative where you leave positive, uplifting messages on coworkers’ desks or send encouraging texts. This small act can create a wave of positivity, transforming your office environment as you actively choose to lift others up rather than tear them down.

Do Not Use Your Feet to Sin

Our feet represent where we go. We must choose to go to places that encourage worship and goodness. We must avoid places that tempt us and cause us to sin.

If your home environment is filled with distractions that pull you away from worship, consider establishing a specific 'worship corner' or space dedicated to prayer and reflection. Set regular times during the week where you intentionally step away from technology and devote time to Bible study or prayer. This sacred space can serve as a reminder to choose paths that lead to spiritual growth, instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows that offer no spiritual nourishment.

When you're in public spaces, you may face temptations that can lead you astray. This week, be intentional about choosing the places you frequent; maybe opt for a local café that promotes community events or one that hosts live Christian music. Avoid environments that encourage poor decision-making. Engage in conversations with those around you about faith-based topics. Look for ways to direct discussions toward uplifting themes and share your faith where it's welcomed.

Hosting a weekly family night can be a powerful way to steer your household toward worship and goodness. Choose activities that foster spiritual discussions—like sharing testimonies or watching faith-based movies. Involve everyone in selecting the activities, ensuring that even the younger members have a say. This not only strengthens family bonds but also cultivates an atmosphere of holiness at home, urging everyone to think about their daily choices and the places they go.

Do Not Use Your Eyes To Sin

Jesus cautioned us to be careful of what we allow into our minds through our eyes. The Lord gave us eyes to see the great and wonderful things of His creation. We do not need to use them for things that are going to cause us to sin.

There’s a saying that 'you are what you eat', but it’s also true that 'you become what you see.' If you feast your eyes on negativity, anger, and doubt, you’ll find your spirit heavy and burdened. Instead, let's fill our eyes with the joy of God’s creation and His Word, bringing light to our lives instead of darkness.

At home, it's easy to overlook the influence of media on our thoughts and spirits. If you find yourself watching shows or videos that lead your mind toward temptation or negativity, consider implementing a 'media fast' for a week. During this time, deliberately choose uplifting content that glorifies God – such as worship music, Christian films, or inspirational books. Reflect daily on how these choices affect your mood and perspectives, steering your heart towards God's beauty instead of the world's distractions.

In the workplace, you may encounter situations where office gossip or inappropriate conversations are prevalent. To safeguard your mind, actively choose to engage in positive conversations that build others up. Start with small changes; for example, each day, make it a point to compliment a coworker or share a testimony of God’s work in your life. This not only helps you focus on uplifting thoughts but also creates a healthier atmosphere at work, showing your colleagues the light of Christ through your actions.