Mark Bible Sketches

Help! I can’t fix things.

 

How do I cope with what’s on my plate?

 

The therapist says, “Remember, words matter.”

Apathy, lies and challenges too tough to swallow make us hunger for just a sliver of solution to crack and break through dysfunction. Things have gotten so bad that one finally asks a counselor for help; another, lacking enthusiasm, tags along with a belligerent disposition. The counselor’s goal isn’t to provide coping skills so to fester in a harmful environment; she wants to train her patients to utilize good manners and work together toward mutual kindness. By emphasizing the value of improving communication, she hopes to make a safe place to grow and repair damage. Her reasonableness sounds so good to only one patient.

With all the wishful thinking in the world, often there’s no human fix to stop all hurting between people. When issues are exposed, sometimes, things get dangerously worse. Good intentions are twisted and rejected. Continual misplaced blame piles up until it outweighs the more innocent’s survival mode. Capability to carry on is crushed by the weight of it all. One can be caught in the middle of two opposing parties. The scope is wide on topics that strain relationships and bring on sadness.

• one’s own error and fault may be quickly recognized, confessed and corrected; or may rarely or never be admitted
  
• apologies may be immediately forgiven and dropped; or forgiveness is denied and the subject will be remembered for later use as ammunition
  
• one desires professional advice for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health improvement; yet to the irresponsible, help is unwelcome and won’t penetrate sin-plugged ears 
  
• misunderstandings—one is eager to discuss and learn; yet the contrary declares evidence inadmissible
  
• interactions range from hospitable to hostile
• levels of maturity have less to do with age than to do with selfish ambition or conceit in contrast to empathy and compassion for one another
  

Joyful benefits of goodwill and favorable virtues such as humility, encouragement, comfort, affection and sympathy are lost by failure to make an effort to

• repent of resentment and bitterness
• consider others’ needs more important and urgent than my own
  
• confess that I, individually need help, without pointing at another
  
• get help for myself so that I can enjoy healthy, thriving relationships with others
  

When we aren’t walking by the Spirit in an attitude of fear, love, and trust in God who empowers and motivates us and is greater than anything in the world, then we fall to temptations (sin). Greedy, corrupted minds say

• there’s no personal problem I have that can’t be blamed on something or someone else, even on God
  
• there’s no reason to change since my [worst] character traits serve me well
• leave me alone and let your problem fade away
• I can use whatever [spiteful harsh, hollow] words I want
  
• you should be like __ (fill in name of another person)
  
• I’m smarter, bigger, and have more power than you, so I can
  
  • cut you down or cut you off
    
  • insist you think exactly like me
  • manipulate you to do what I want whenever I want

Broken trust is real, whether it be 

• a person stops trusting that God loves them
  
• a person stops trusting that another person loves them 

Advice such as let sleeping dogs lie or don’t poke the bear remind us how vital it is to remember that when you’re in unhealthy dangerous situations, God’s Words of love matter more than the silence of estrangement or noisy, senseless raging words that ring in ears and damage souls. The Author and Perfecter of Faith hasn’t promised to remove every difficulty or problem of this world; yet He does promise to help us through these experiences. Thankful for our Creator’s good will, in Jesus Name we may pray for

• people who persecute us
  
• ability to recognize lies and stand firm in truth
  
• protection from harm and deliverance from temptations which flow from being bitten
  
• a repentant heart with clarity of own failures
• desire to listen to God’s responses to prayers: you’re forgiven, yes, no, or not yet
  
• faith to receive God’s grace even when people refuse to offer grace
  
• motivation to be kind when others are cruel
• healing
• peace and confidence, acknowledging God is in control 

…and believe the authority of God’s will be done.

As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”—Mark 11:20-25

…And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
—Mark 13:37 (watch/listen/read more)

Mark 4:21-22

And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. Mark 4:21-22

Transparency is key to unlock closed doors and move toward light. 

Hiding is useless. No thought, word or deed can be hidden from God. Honesty is the best policy. All of us can pray to resist temptations to

• hide behind closed-minded stubborn lies such as: I don’t have to listen to anyone, or consider anyone’s feelings, or change my ways—I’ve read books on this, or experienced enough to know—I’m right and you’re wrong, period.
• be dishonestly blind to the reality of how own actions affect other people
  
• cut off healthy communication
• think too highly of oneself without looking in the mirror of Truth 
  
• refuse to forgive, apologize, empathize, and show compassion
• harbor a vengeful attitude
• put the worst construction on situations
• doubt Savior Jesus removes sin
• deny the power of the Holy Spirit changes people
  

Behind the fog of human passion, desire, pride, arrogance and mask of self-isolation, immaturity takes risky directions from the principalities of evil which surround and tempt us to spin on slippery surfaces and slide into the ditch. Power-trips, provoking others and wasting precious time puts oneself and innocent people at risk. Without restoration by the Word to return to the new way of life, truth, and Christlike love, we can get lost, crash, burn and end up eternally dead.

Jesus defends us from the fear of our enemies and provides everything needed for life now until eternity.

Thank our Heavenly Father for His perfect planning around our mistakes and hard times. He utilizes everything for His good purposes, entrusting those who love Him with influential means for growth toward His Son. Because we can only see dimly in this world and have no super-power to fix things, we permit the Spirit of Truth to lead and encourage faith. God is Almighty and we are not. In His cross He carried the full weight of every sin—thought, word, and deed—of all people, past, present and future. He nudges, fills us with His breath of life which draws us to take refuge by bringing our heavy concerns to Him and praying others would do the same. In our weakness, the Spirit of Truth helps us pray and intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Jesus serves everyone, including those with whom He disagrees and exclaims from the cross, “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.” Have you ever wondered what to do or why is this happening? Our freedom is in reliance on The Only Way to be guided on our journey to the safe place He provides. Christ’s humiliation and exaltation creates plenty of space for us to receive His benefits of redemption, mercy, deliverance, restoration and healing. We praise and adore Him for this work!

By the Holy Spirit’s power, we’re drawn outside of ourselves and given certain hope. 

We honor the One who has no limitations when we acknowledge our own and trust that He cares. The Bible reveals that by our own reason or strength, it’s impossible to do what’s needed to save ourselves from the power of evil. The Spirit of Life gives faith to repent and trust Jesus who already defeated sin, death and evil. God’s Word corrects false notions that individually on our own, a counselor, parent, child, friend, teacher—any person we know—science, or government could solve problems for us. Believing what’s served to us in bread and wine, we receive absolute forgiveness as well as strength to trust Christ has done for us—what we are unable to do for ourselves and for others. Jesus knows our afflictions. We may cling to righteousness won for us at His cross of crucifixion. Believers who are forgiven and healed by the power of His passion and resurrection, will also be bodily resurrected on the Last Day! Empowered in our weakness and equipped with grace sufficient for each day, we share His purpose by showing mercy to others, even those with whom we disagree. Grasping grace, walking in the Spirit of Truth, we effectively transfer trustworthy wisdom revealed in God’s Word for us and all people.

The same Word gets different reactions from various people. 

The Holy Spirit, received by the faith given in Baptism with the Gospel, can be handled two ways:

1. Believe and take to heart the work of the Holy Spirit—the body of believers of the One True God pray according to His will, regularly receive His gifts, praise Him, take refuge and share the Good News of the grace of God who will save them on the Last Day.
2. Not wanting help, ignore and refuse the work of the Holy Spirit—join unbelievers who become their own god or invent their own gods. Cannot please or be heard by the One True God. Will be welcomed by Satan in hell on the Last Day.
   

For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38

Without the light of Christ people are walking in darkness. Imagine the feeling of being alone in a cold, dark, scary cave. There’s a Psalm to pray for this situation.

With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him. When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me. Psalm 142

How bright and wonderful is humble transparency mingling with the Light-of-the-World’s atoning perfection! We need salvation no matter how old we are, so we prayerfully bring babies to the baptismal font to be given faith. Then, by grace, we raise them up to be shaped by God in His Word for their spiritual well-being. The Lord, faithful to His promises, gave His life as a ransom for all people.

But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Mark 10:14

A child isn’t born innocent. We are all under the power of the devil, lost, until Christ claims us as His own when we are reborn and named as God’s own child.

“Conceived and born in sin” is the way the Scriptures put it (Ps. 51:5). Every human is born spiritually blind, dead and an enemy of God (see 1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:1; Rom. 5:10). The theological term is “original sin.” What is Sin? by Rev. Herbert C. Mueller

The very first thing every infant in this world learns is their need for help. All they do is receive, like our dependence to receive gifts from God who provides daily bread, faith, forgiveness (to be no longer held accountable for sin, making us forgivers of others), rescue from temptation, freedom from guilt of being entangled with consequences of sin. We need help from other Christians. [explore how guilt and forgiveness affect a person’s health]

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” Mark 10:25-26

Mark 10:27

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

 

God is full of love for people who don’t deserve it.

God’s sacrifice saves people who are undeserving to enter the kingdom of God. Only by the merit of Jesus, anything is possible. Doing good things for everyone, especially those in the body of Christ, and making good decisions is great, yet it isn’t what qualifies us for faith or a spot in heaven. The Counselor, working through The Church, helps us hear, believe and receive Christ’s redeeming work. Jesus willingly took punishment we deserve and finished what was planned before creation—the ultimate solution at the cross of crucifixion for mankind’s salvation—His perfect shed blood and sovereign risen body. So much better than just a sliver or a full slice of pie—beyond anything of our making or served on our plate—our Heavenly Father sees contrite sinners through the lens of His Holy Son who

• knows sorrows
  
• cancels debts
• richly forgives
  
• calms the storms of life
  
• strengthens faith to resist growing weary
  
• gives wisdom to live in the Word
• blesses with gifts of righteousness, grace, mercy, patience, integrity, comfort, refuge…heaven
  
• shines light, joy and peace through each person who receives and loves Christ [learn more]
• is love, joy, peace, patience, kind, good, faithful, gentle
  

“The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!” —Jesus (Mark 1:15)

Mark

• Overview video
• Intro audio
• Sermonette
• Law and Gospel lesson  

Prayer Hymn

Our Father, Who from Heaven Above —LSB 766

Compare apples to oranges, people are like fruit salad

When life throws you lemons [pray] make lemonade and “chill” with a bowl of fruit salad.

Apple and Orange

Apples and oranges are different, just as people are unique individuals.

If it were possible for an apple to convert an orange to change in order to become like itself the apple, most of the juice would need to be sucked out of the orange. When “Mr./Ms. Know-it-all” pushes me to “become him/her”, frustration sets in, causing loss of concentration, positive energy, creativity and ambition to do things that work best for me. I cannot prevent his/her insistence. Human nature leads each of us believe our own way of thinking is superior to others—we long to hang on to our individuality.

A quick prayer and an optimistic outlook helps me bite my tongue when subjected to behaviors of controlling personalities. I do not attend every argument I am invited to. Occasionally, my task being inspected can be transferred to him/her so it can be “done right” and I can move on to other things. In situations where how a task is carried out really doesn’t matter, I might as well take advantage of opportunities to learn something new and tackle the challenge of doing it “his/her way”. We’re not competitors—we’re on the same team! I do accept invitations to learn new tricks. It will take a while to catch-on, it may be less efficient than ways I know well; yet, different methods do make sense sometimes. I’m willing to pack in my brain, new (sometimes useless) information. Simultaneously, I’m determined to remember and maintain use of skills I am comfortable with for their proven efficiency. Once “enlightened”, discernment to choose the best option, based on all the variables of a situation, is necessary. All this effort may decelerate the process of completing the very tasks which were hoped to accelerate, but perhaps it is a test of perseverance.

I value opinions of others even though I do not always appreciate or agree with them. Alternately, I hope for mutual respect; however, I must be patient when it isn’t granted. Certain tasks can be accomplished in a variety of ways through the use of technology, equipment and software which have been specifically designed to meet the preferences of people with a broad range of artistic, eye-hand coordination and cognitive skills. Discernment in handling issues varies based on the matter and the level of virtues blessed with.

• Opinion
• Previous critique
• Past praise or success
• Education
• Habit
• Experience
• Talent
• Skill 
• Creativity
• Knowledge
• Physical capacity
• Mental capabilities
• Spirituality
• Maturity

The happiest couples (or associates) never have the same character and talents—they have the best understanding of their differences. I say, let an apple be an apple, let an orange be an orange! We are a diverse variety of God’s creation, tossed together like fruit salad. The recipe calls us to allow His Spirit to stir us so we become something amazing.

But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. …If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:18,26

Bananas and Lemon

Lemons and bananas compliment each other unawares.

“When life throws you lemons, make lemonade” is an axiom about optimism and resilience when things are bad. Squeeze a lemon—dunk sliced bananas and chopped apples in its juice for protection from turning soft and brown. A sour person, however caustic or acrid, may actually have my best interests in mind and care about me (especially if it benefits him/her in some way). Imagination is detrimental when it is used to assume that others are against me. When I resist imagining negative intentions, I don’t need to take on a defensive attitude. A peer once told me, “you must have a heart of steel” regarding a situation she was imagining for me. When another person’s sour attitude is shoved in my face, I become temporarily shaken, but by the grace of God, I let it bounce off and try to forget it—that’s when a poor memory serves me well! Annoyed by the behavior, I still care and have hope for the person. Everyone has bad moments (or days). Some may not even realize they’re rude if they are immature or have not learned social graces. When I offer “lemons” the benefit-of-the-doubt, a calming peace allows me to pull positives from ugly situations. I push myself to seek ways to grow through adversity. Amazing is the power of a humble spirit open to critique! Someone driven to control me may be seeking a power trip, but oh well—it might provide him/her with insight to the Spirit of humility as a witness to my response!

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

[I’m adding this note, years after this post was published. Please take time to click this link: Whole Lotta Squeezing Goin’ On regarding the lemonade phrase. Be comforted and understand that God’s Word promises that He’s not sitting idly by, but is with us acting on our behalf through our trials. The pressure to make lemonade doesn’t fall on us as if we’re the one doing all the squeezing.]

Watermelon

Watermelon served as dessert for dinner brought out a terrifying imaginary picture. Humorous in an adult perspective, it was a childhood lesson on teasing and the meaning of the word gullible.

When I was a child, I was teasingly told that if I swallowed a watermelon seed, watermelons would grow out of my ears. I found out everyone cannot always be trusted, but to honor truth and learn from wise people. Watermelon contains annoying seeds that need to be spit out in order to fully enjoy the thirst quenching qualities of the refreshing fruit. Likewise, annoying behaviors get in the way of positive relationships, so it is important to focus on separating the bad from the good. I try to look past people’s irritating “bad seeds” in order to see and appreciate their virtuous qualities. I seek to plant healthy Christian “good seeds” of faith to help others grow. My favorite fruit salad is made by scooping the watermelon out of its shell to create a bowl that holds a variety of fruits together. No one is perfect. We learn from each other and share knowledge. We scoop each other out of our shells. Our shells hold us together.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe or muskmelons have a hard, scaly, tough rind.

I need tough skin when others poke with rejection, probe with rude remarks, refuse to listen to (or understand) reason, deny apologies, focus on my (confessed) imperfections and decline my love. Bullish behavior is associated with spiritual immaturity. Everyone sins, including those who know better. It is part of life on earth. Like cantaloupe’s thick skin, the ability to confess and repent of my own sin comes with the gift of faith. The suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for my sake, offers forgiveness. His sacrifice assures hope and keeps hurtful words and actions from damaging my soft inner soul.

Green Grapes

Grapes which are not spoiled, are versatile—fresh, fermented or aged.

Rotten grapes need to be picked off and thrown away to prevent their bad taste from spreading to the fresh fruit and spoil the whole bunch or ruin the entire salad. This process reminds me of Baptism which is God’s command for us. Like washing fresh grapes, through water and Word, we are given the free gift of faith which trusts Him. I could turn away and refuse to trust and grow in the Word; but faith will always be there and it is new every day I receive it. Living in faith is a constant challenge. It isn’t glamorous or understood by those who reject it. Faith helps me see the bad grapes in myself—through repentance it offers grace, forgiveness, freedom and the certainty of eternal salvation.

“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4

Out of thanksgiving for the opportunity to live in peace, faith helps me become active, productive and share Good News.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17-18

Dehydrated grapes are raisins—wonderful in trail mix snack, Thanksgiving turkey dressing and many recipies. Wine is made with grapes through fermentation, improving with age. Wine is mentioned a couple hundred times in the Bible. The most significant reference being all about the blood of Jesus Christ in The Lord’s Supper / Holy Communion / The Sacrament of the Altar.

My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 7:1-3

Strawberries

Strawberry flavor depends on the climate and soil where they are planted.

When I was a young girl, I picked fresh strawberries from the patch on the rich soil at my parent’s farm. After filling an ice cream pail full, we’d rinse them, take out the stem and serve them in a variety of ways. My parents planted seeds of faith and provided the fertile benefits of devotional readings, church and Sunday school.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Pineapple

Pineapple has a prickly surface. People with a prickly exterior naturally emit negative tension vibes.

People may be cold and non responsive to other’s attempts to be kind and cordial. We are often are willing to share criticism, but nothing positive. When I’m under someone’s critical magnifying glass, I suddenly become clumsy and my heart races as though it’s being pumped up like a beach ball receiving pressure from a stabbing knife. No one is immune to falling into some degree of this gloomy nature from time to time. By the power of the Holy Spirit I recognize it in myself and seek to resist it. Receiving God’s help, I take a step back before responding to an irksome situation—I count to ten when I become a victim under the attack of someone possessing this personality. The same Spirit tells me when someone’s bark is worse than their bite, so I can have peace when I’m barked at and remain calm when I’m bitten. Satan feeds me crap and wants me to have hurt feelings, become insecure, resentful, revengeful and allow negative anger to take hold and grow roots in my life. Wisdom, tenacity and courage are abilities achieved when I apply the healing balm of God’s Word heard in church and through devotional Bible study.

A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11

Blueberries

Blueberries are full of healthy antioxidants and provide beautiful contrasting color to fruit salad.

As a child, I took a trip to visit my eldest sister in northern Minnesota. We ventured into the forest to pick tender, wild blueberries. The delicious bounty returned to my sister’s kitchen and together, we created blueberry pie. Berries are among the first plants to regenerate in areas recently cleared of trees or recovering from a forest fire. Like berries that grow again after their habitat has changed or following natural disaster, people bear each-others’ burdens. With prayer, patience and gentle support, we share life’s difficulties. Sad events bring about comfort, encouraging words and hugs. We trust each other and give thanks for faithful, honest advice. Blessings of laughter come with funny times. Love, kindness and joy fills our lives with sweet deliciousness. These are the fruit of the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23

Fruit Salad in Watermelon Bowl

Watermelon Bowl Fruit Salad

Mother’s Recipe

This is my favorite summer treat for picnics, parties and potlucks! Chill and wash everything (including melons) before cutting.

• Watermelon, stab zig-zag pattern with a long knife, then split open.
• Cantalope, cut in half, discard seeds. Use a melon baller to scoop out balls of fruit. Scrape out the rough edges of the watermelon interior—set upside-down to drain rind to use for bowl (top can be used as cover). Honeydew melon, optional.
• Pineapple, cut in chunks (or use canned, drain).
• Green grapes
• Blueberries
• Strawberries, cut the stems out and slice large ones in half.
• Apples, chop.
• Bananas, peel, slice.
• Lemon, squeeze for juice to coat bananas and apples before adding them to the salad (or use bottled).

Gently toss—chill if fruits were room temperature when starting—serve immediately. Bananas and strawberries will begin to get soft in a day or two, so you might want to find and eat them before storing leftovers in the refrigerator.