Jesus And His Twinky Obsession!

So today I would like to ask a question to you listeners that is similar to the one I asked in one of my previous posts (Beware Of The Judas Spirit). The only difference is that I'm technically not asking the question. We are going to be in Mark 8 and we are looking at just a few verses! 


"Jesus went out with His disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the road He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am? ” They answered Him, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, one of the prophets.” “But you,” He asked them again, “who do you say that I am? ” Mark 8:27-29a 

Jesus has done many things, taught a ton about the kingdom, fed thousands upon thousands, and even walked on water. He's with His closest friends, and asks two major questions! 

First he asks, who the people think He is. Mighty names are thrown out from the New and Old Testaments.  None of which were true. This would be similar in our day! If I asked the question, "Who do think Jesus is?" I can't imagine the amount of answers! Things even farther off base would probably be said.

Then Jesus asks the infamous question! One that He had never asked before to his friends! "Who do you say that I am?" I can't imagine the silence, or maybe the desire to answer. Either way, that moment was crucial! Jesus was getting at their hearts! He wanted everything else aside, just honesty!

Then Peter speaks up!

“But you,” He asked them again, “who do you say that I am? ” Peter answered Him, “You are the Messiah! ” Mark 8:29 

You are the one Foretold! You are the Ancient Of Days of the prophet Daniel! Your are the Anointed above all others anointed! You are the Highest Priest! You are the CHRIST! 

Amen Peter, Amen! If I were in that place I'd be excited to be that guy's friend! 

You know what the saddest news is? We as Christians here in America say that we would be 100% Peter in this story. We undoubtably believe we'd say this too if that were us! 

It's the Twinky principle. This delicious, fat treat looks like a light fluffy cake on the outside. But when you get to it's core, it's a creamy center. This delicacy can be a cake all it wants until the pressure is on. Once the Twinky is squeezed, the real inside comes out!

We say we want to be Peter in this passage, but when the pressure is on, is that true of our creamy center? I've found the more I ask this question, there is a place in our lives that where the pressure is on, we are hypocrites. 

Don't throw stones yet! My hope tonight is to challenge you to think! Think of that area of your walk with God, and reflect. Don't bet yourself up, but reflect! 

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

I want to be the disciple who speaks the truth in this passage, in every facet of my life!

Are you willing to surrender that area, that struggle to Jesus tonight?

Do you realize Jesus is anxiously waiting to forgive and empower you to do His will?

I ask you to surrender it all Beloved! 

Authoritative Aftermath!

As we dive into scripture this week, let me tell you how caught off guard I was by this weeks revelation! As I write these blogs, I tend to write something that has a lot to do with what was taught at our Thursday Bible study, but this truth was too good to pass up. Most people tend to look at this section of Mark 6 and focus on how this chapter tries to compare the kingship of Jesus and Herod. We, however, have a whole new thing to think about!

What In The World?

This week we are going to continue on the theme of 1 John 2. I love studying this book because the truth is as plain as day and raw. John basically writes in a way that says, “Wake up and smell the roses!” I tell the students I work with that this is a book that definitely will give you a swift kick in the spiritual butt. The next set of verses we’re going to discuss is ones that I find some of the most uncomfortable verses in the bible. When I am confronted with these, I still feel uneasy!

Again, remember the idea of this book is assurance and to exemplify what true fellowship with Jesus looks like. Written by the Apostle John, who was a first hand witness of Christ’s ministry, and is being led by the Holy Spirit. Look at 1 John 2:15-17:

How Humiliating!!

As I sit here tonight reflecting on my day, I felt lead to share a moment with you that I had earlier today and humbly use it as an example to encourage you all right where you are! For those of you that have been around me a while, or for those who have read this blog a lot have noticed that I enjoy sharing God’s word and challenging others to not only read it but notice some things for themselves about it and how it relates to them. This blog is one outlet arm of what I’m talking about. The other is something I have the privilege of doing on Sunday mornings.

For the past two and a half years now I have been pouring my heart into Junior High Students at Northpoint Church. I love everyone of them as if there are my own little brother or sister. I preach to them three out of four Sundays a month and have really come to know them. During this time I have realized that God not only uses me in the JH environment, but that He uses me in the lives of other Christians of almost any age. PTL!! As I said, currently my heart is for JH and HS students, but I have seen myself in thoughts and in ministry doing bigger venues as well.

All of this is simply the backdrop to this story. I currently am also the Teen Coordinator at the local YMCA and our facility is one where my church uses the auditorium on Sunday mornings. Normally I preach in front of 15 to 20 JH students as compared to the ample amount of seating in the auditorium. Tonight at the Y I had a moment where I stood on the stage and looked out at the empty seats, the lights were off (even the stage ones) and there was just enough light coming through a side door that allowed me to see everything dimly lit. I looked out and said, “God how awesome would it be to be an insignificant, filthy man that could one day preach the truth of God and the power of His son Jesus on this stage someday.”

As the word left my mouth I was reminded of a few things.

1) The bold advice of Paul when he instructed Timothy to guard what God had entrusted him with (1 Tim 6:20*) God said, “Bryan you are already doing what that desire declares, but only the world and your flesh is telling you that the stage is small. WOW that on rocked me!

2) When you have this heart in mind, something like the future desire will happen. For example, Matthew 25:21,23** are the responses of God to those who are diligent and trustworthy with few things and He promises more. Now some people will focus on these promises as something God owes them for being faithful, but tonight I’m led to believe that God doesn’t owe me them, He is just so awesome that these statements are true. But in that moment tonight I was reminded that what I have may be few in some people's eyes, but in being trustworthy bigger things will come.

I know this is somewhat different of me to not place all of the scripture up here, but I’m writing to those of you who look at one thing in this Christian walk and place it as the pinnacle of where you want to be by the end of this side of heaven. God’s heart for you and me tonight is simple. REJOICE IN THE POSITIONING YOU ARE IN NOW AND BE TRUSTWORTHY WITH THE FLOCK HE’S GIVEN YOU! Everything else will take care of itself!

I love you Beloved!

* “1 Timothy 6:20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding irreverent, empty speech and contradictions from the "knowledge" that falsely bears that name.”

**“Matthew 25:21,23 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master's joy!”