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Mark

Mark 
Day 
Day 213

2 Peter 2:22 "But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: 'A dog returns to his own vomit; and "a sow having washed, to her wallowing in the mire." 2 Peter 2:22"

Day 213 – Mark 9

“But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: ‘A dog returns to his own vomit; and “a sow having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:22

LAYING STRONG FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES OF MINISTRY

A person may speak of serving the Lord, and yet lack vital foundational principles of ministry. The Lord Jesus wanted His Disciples to bear in mind the following principles.

1. Avoid the “forbidding” approach

There are a number of reasons why some adopt this approach. The following may be highlighted:-

a) Ignorance of God’s greater plan
b) A legalistic and restrictive attitude towards “others”.
c) Sometimes, a spirit of arrogance may even be adopted.
d) The “us” and “them” approach must not be encouraged.

2. A more gracious and wholesome approach

How may we be sure that this approach would not ultimately “backfire”? The following things may be employed to ensure the least possible abuse:-

a) Examine how the name of the Lord Jesus is regarded.
b) The individual must never speak evil of the name of the Lord Jesus.
c) The individual makes it very clear that he is on the side of the Lord Jesus.

3. The issue of “Others”

a) There will always be others who serve the Lord in a different manner.
b) These may serve the Lord in different capacities (different from the ways we may be used to).

THE MINISTRY OF GIVING A CUP OF COLD WATER

Surely, one of the humblest ways of serving the Lord is described in the following text. Even this very humble ministry is not to be despised!


“For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name,
because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you,
he will by no means lose his reward.”
MARK 9:41