“Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

Mark 10:17-31

“Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:26b-27

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:17-31.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of three) division (vv23-27):

• The title for the second division per the commentary is: "It Is Harder Than You Think."  
• "The rich young ruler had come to the right person: Jesus. He had asked the right question: How do I inherit eternal life? He had received the right answer: Honor God and follow Jesus in complete trust like a little child. Sadly he did not respond correctly, and he walked away from the only true source of eternal life. “When Jesus called this young man to give up his money, the man started to grieve, because money was for him what the Father was for Jesus. It was the center of his identity. To lose his money would have been to lose himself” (Keller, King’s Cross, 132)."  
• "Jesus was not condemning wealth and commending poverty. This is not a call for asceticism. The point is, wealth breeds confidence in one’s self, and it has an addictive quality. Scripture addresses its dangerous attraction (see Matthew 6:19-21,24; Luke 12:13-21; 16:19-30; 1 Timothy 6:17). It becomes life’s priority and the things of God go by the wayside."  
• Jesus shares that "it takes only one thing like wealth to keep you out of God’s kingdom. [The disciples] did not see that coming. Jesus turns the value system of the world on its head."  
• "Judaism was guilty of its own “prosperity theology.” Wealth and riches were seen as an evidence of God’s favor (see Job 1:10; 42:10; Psalms 128:1-2; Isaiah 3:10). Jesus corrected their bad theology. Actually, wealth can build a barrier to the one thing necessary to enter the kingdom: helpless, childlike trust in Jesus (v15)."  
• "His answer to their question is one of the great theological affirmations in the Bible: “With men it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God.” Salvation is something man cannot accomplish." 
• Only God saves! 

It is both easier and harder than we think to be saved.  Easier in the sense that all we need to do is confess and be saved - there is not a thing we can do but God can do this for us.  At the same time, if we don't do this we cannot be saved.  This is the conclusion we must all reach to be saved - that God controls all the details of my life, holds my life and eternal destiny in His hands, and He saves!  There is not a thing we can do...God must incline our ears to hear Him and soften our hearts.  We must then confess Jesus as Lord and Savior and then follow Him daily.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You for saving me.  I am not deserving of my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Mark 10:17-31

And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Mark 10:21-22

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:17-31.  Excerpts from the commentary's introduction to this text and for the first (of three) division (vv17-22):

• The title for this chapter of the commentary covering the entirety of the text (vv17-31) is "What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? (Will You Leave Everything and Follow Jesus?)."
• The main idea from the commentary for the entirety of the text is "[f]ollowing Jesus may involve great personal cost, but it always results in great eternal gain."
• "This text [vv17-31] addresses the important question, Who or what should have first place in my life? Jesus demands that people give Him first place in their lives above all else and all others (Colossians 1:18)."
• "John Mark wrote the second Gospel about AD 65–68, making great use of an eyewitness, the apostle Peter. He wrote to a Roman audience facing severe persecution during the reign of Nero. He challenged them concerning true discipleship in 8:31–10:52. This section contains three passion predictions (8:31-33; 9:30-32; 10:32-34), each followed by instruction on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. In 10:13-16, Jesus says we must receive the kingdom of God like a little, helpless child. The account of the rich young ruler raises the question, Will someone with great wealth and standing receive the kingdom like a little child?"   
• The title for the first division per the commentary is: "It Is Easier Than You Think."  
• "Jesus was continuing His journey toward Jerusalem. Our Savior is engaging the disciples in teaching about true discipleship and His forthcoming crucifixion and resurrection. They are struggling students who can’t grasp what He is saying. Jesus has just told them that those who enter the kingdom of God must be like a little child (10:13-16). All must come to Jesus with nothing, in total dependence on Him. No one can earn the kingdom. The requirement is the same for all: simple, childlike reliance on Jesus. It is that easy. It is in the context of this teaching that one who is the opposite of a helpless child approaches Jesus."  
• In support of it's claim that it's "easier than you think" to receive the kingdom of God like a little child," the commentary starts with: "ask the right questions."   
• The rich young ruler asks Jesus a question. "This question is one of the most significant in the whole Bible and for all humanity: How do I get eternal life?" 
• "His question, though by no means a bad one, implies he believes eternal life is something you work for. “What must I do?” All religions of the world can be categorized under “do” or “done.” I am saved by what I do or by what another has done. Christianity is a done religion/relationship. Eternal life is not achieved; it is received as a gift (John 1:12) based on what Jesus has done for us (John 3:16). So the young ruler must have both a change of theology and a change of heart if he is to inherit eternal life."  
• One must first "go to the right person," then "get the right answers."   
• "Jesus does not return the young man’s flattering greeting as might have been expected. Jesus puts the focus of the issue where it must be: on God. The young man’s starting point was wrong because it was himself. “What must I do?” The rich young ruler was no doubt a “good man” by the standards of his day.  He saw in Jesus another good man whose insight into spiritual matters could perhaps solve some lingering questions that plagued his soul. Jesus forced him to look to God for any hope of genuine goodness and eternal life." 
• "Furthermore, Jesus implicitly confronted the young ruler with his evaluation of Jesus. To call Him good is to call Him God. Is that what he meant? If Jesus is not God, then He, like the rest of humanity, is a sinner and therefore not good in the supreme sense. On the other hand, if He is God, it would be appropriate to call Him good. It would also be appropriate to worship Him, follow Him, and obey Him. He challenges the young ruler to think clearly and choose his words carefully, a challenge each one of us should accept."  
• After Jesus asks him whether he has kept the commandments, "[t]he young man responds, “Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth.” The young man had conducted his life according to the law of God. He had honored it and obeyed all of it! In an external sense what he said was probably true. Like the apostle Paul he was faultless (Philippians 3:6) with respect to the outward demands of the law as taught by the religious teachers of Israel."  
• "Having addressed the last six commandments, Jesus now addresses the first (Exodus 20:3). God must be God in our lives. No one and nothing can stand between Him and us. The particular demand Jesus puts on the rich young ruler is not a general command for all persons. It was specific to him, though it could be specific to some of us too! His wealth occupied the place that only God should have in his life. It was his idol, his god."  
• "The call to discipleship is a call to radical trust and commitment to Jesus. Jesus challenges all of us to put away anything that is an obstacle to our following Him. You cannot love your wealth supremely and love Jesus supremely."  
• The final directive by Jesus is to "give the right response" (v22).  "Verse 22 records the tragic end of their encounter—“stunned.” A cloud of gloom and sorrow moved in. “He went away grieving.” Why? “Because he had many possessions.” His gold would remain his god. Jesus’ difficult demand was met with a “no.” He got the right answer to his question."

As I posted yesterday, we must first and foremost focus on the two most important commandments as the others all hang on these two per Matthew 22:34-40.  If we earnestly don't love God with all of our heart, soul and mind, then we must throw ourselves at Jesus' feet and like the father from earlier in Mark ask Jesus to "help us with our unbelief" (Mark 9:23-25).  If we do hunger and thirst for righteousness, we will be filled (satisfied) (Matthew 5:6).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who saves!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and how You saved me - I know I was saved while still sinning, hostile and an enemy to You. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a blessing - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.

Mark 10:17-31

And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.  Mark 10:18

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 10:17-31, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God seeks love of Him above all things.  The rich young man who knelt before Jesus in v17 loved his wealth above all - wealth was his idol (v22).  God does want obedience to His commands (v19), but our love of God results in our obedience.  If we love God we will want to love others and want to please Him in all that we are and do. See also 1 John 5:3.  We cannot earn our salvation as it is completely dependent on God's will and decisive action - vv26-27.  We must put everything in life below God in terms of priorities - v29.  Those who do this will be blessed either now or in Heaven (or both) - vv29-30.  These verses vv29-30 also describe how believers will not only be blessed but also subject to persecutions - see also John 16:33. Jesus came not to be served but to serve (v45) - so we should also serve and take up a posture of humility. 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: People are often distracted by the world and what it offers: money, status, etc. Such distractions can lead to not just sin but eternal damnation.     
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid idols - put everything in this life below God in terms of priorities. Be humble.  Love God and love others - all of commandments hang on these two (Matthew 22:34-40). Be bold and lean on God and He will deliver through His strength - not our own.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You ARE good, Holy and perfect and You gave me faith and the Holy Spirit and You are working in me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor how You bless by working in me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Mark 10:13-16

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Mark 10:15-16

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:13-16.  Excerpts from the commentary's final section which explores the question of "what happens to those who die in infancy, die young, or never reach an age of moral discernment (often called the “age of accountability”)" - whether these children go to heaven:

• It is acknowledged that debate over this is not settled and often highly esteemed theologians differ including RC Sproul (negative), Charles Spurgeon (affirmative), and Billy Graham (affirmative).
• The author of my commentary - Danny Akin - offers seven points that guides him to his position which is also affirmative.  
•  "First, the grace, goodness, and mercy of God would support the position." See 1 John 4:8, 1 Timothy 2:4, and Matthew 18:14.
• "Second, when the baby boy who was born to David and Bathsheba died (2 Samuel 12:15-18), David did two significant things. He confessed his confidence that he would see the child again, and he comforted his wife Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:23-24). David must have been confident that his little son was with God." 
• "Third, in James 4:17, the Bible says, “So it is a sin for the person who knows to do what is good and doesn’t do it.” The Bible is clear that we are all born with a sin nature as a result of being in Adam (Romans 5:12), called “original sin.” However, the Scriptures make a distinction between original sin and actual sins. Infants are incapable of actual sins because they are incapable of moral discernment. Original sin is why infants die physically. Actual sins committed with knowledge and understanding are why people die spiritually and eternally if they die without Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:12-13)."  
• "Fourth, Jesus affirmed that the kingdom of God belonged to little children (Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17)."  
• "Fifth, Scripture affirms that the number of saved souls is great (Revelation 7:9)."  
• "Sixth, some in Scripture are said to be chosen or sanctified from the womb (1 Samuel 1:8–2:21; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:15). This affirms the salvation of some infants and refutes the view that only baptized babies are assured of heaven. 
• "Seventh, Deuteronomy 1:35-39 is helpful. After the children of Israel rebelled against God in the wilderness, God sentenced that generation to die in the wilderness. But God specifically exempted young children and infants from this sentence and explained, '[y]our little children, whom you said would be plunder, your sons who don’t know good from evil, will enter there.' This passage bears directly on the issue of infant salvation and implies that the accomplished work of Christ has removed the stain of original sin from those who die in infancy. Knowing neither good nor evil, these children are incapable of committing sins in the body—are not yet moral agents—and die secure in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." 
• "Anyone who is saved is saved because of the grace of God, the saving work of Jesus Christ, and the undeserved and unmerited regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Like all who have ever lived, except for Jesus, infants need to be saved. Only Jesus can take away their sin, and if they are saved, it is because of His sovereign grace and abounding mercy....For those incapable of willful acts of sin, we can rest assured God will, indeed, do right. Precious little ones are the objects of His saving mercy and grace."

As a parent of a special needs child (17 yrs old), I am greatly comforted by the study this morning.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who saves.  Thank You for the comforting words spoken through my commentary this morning.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

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. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Mark 10:13-16

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. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Mark 10:14-16

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:13-16.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of two) division (vv14-16):

• The title for this division per the commentary is "We Should Learn from Children About the Kingdom of God." 
• "There is something about a child that is essential for entrance into the kingdom of God. It is not their innocence, for they are not innocent! They are little sinners just like we are big sinners. Nor is it their purity or that they are sweet. Again, they are sinners with Adam and Eve’s and your and my DNA running throughout their being. Still, for some reason, Jesus says children are a better example of how to enter the kingdom than are adults. “We tell children to behave like adults, but Jesus tells the adults to model themselves after the children” (Wiersbe, Be Diligent, 99)!"   
• "Children are helpless. Their lives are in the hands of another. Yet, even at a tender age, they seem to be filled with hope and expectation. They don’t know all they need, but they know they need the help of another, and they are hopeful they will receive it."  
• "Jesus says the kingdom of God is received not earned. It is received like a little child, or it is not received at all. By their display of trust and absolute dependence on another, children point the way to entrance into God’s kingdom."  
• "Jesus picked up the children. What a picture of amazing gospel grace! He is tender and affectionate to those who bring nothing to Him but their need. He even “laid His hands on them and blessed them.”...He picked up and held these children, spoke a word of blessing over them, and attached high value to their intrinsic worth."

Children assume a posture of humility by nature.  Adults can assume this posture through humility - in my view of the greatest themes in scripture.  First and foremost we must understand that God is in control of all the details in the universe and we are in His hands, completely dependent on Him for everything....and for believers this of course includes our own salvation and faith.  Apart from God we can do nothing - see John 15:5.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that is all powerful and in control of every aspect of my life yet at the same time full of grace, mercy, and love - You save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 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 10:13-16

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 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 10:13-14

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:13-16.  Excerpts from the commentary's introduction to this text and for the first (of two) division (vv13-14):

• The title for the this chapter of the commentary covering the entirety of the text (vv13-16) is "Jesus Loves the Little Children (Why I Believe Children Who Die Go to Heaven)."
• The main idea from the commentary for the entirety of the text is "Jesus loves all children, and He lovingly calls all people to become like dependent children if they are to enter His kingdom." 
• The title for the first division per the commentary is: "We Should Bring Children to Jesus."  
• "Throughout history the intrinsic value of children has often been ignored. Biblical examples of dishonoring children as image bearers include Herod’s killing of babies during Jesus’ day, mirroring the Pharaoh in Exodus. In general children were not held in high esteem by Romans. By Jesus’ time Romans had a trash heap beside many homes where people could leave unwanted children. If other people wanted the children, they would pick them up. Sometimes these kids were raised to be prostitutes, gladiators, or slaves. Unfortunately, the world is not much safer for today’s children."  
• "The only way to have a balanced view of children is to have a biblical view, to see them as God sees them: they are His gifts to parents (Psalms 127:3-5); they provide an illustration as to how we enter the kingdom of God (Mark 9:14-15)."  
• "Chapter 10 divides into five major sections: Jesus teaches on marriage in verses 1-12 and on children in verses 13-16. Then He addresses the perils of possessions (vv17-31) and the glory of sacrificial service (vv32-45). Finally, Jesus responds to the faith of a blind man (vv46-52). The concern and love our Savior has for children is crystal clear."   
• "One would have a difficult time finding in ancient literature concern for children comparable to that shown by Jesus (Edwards, Mark, 306)." 
• We are encouraged to be like those who brought the children to Jesus in v13.  Stand up and focus on children. 
• V14 "is the only time Jesus is said to be “indignant.” His righteous anger was aroused, and He publicly rebuked them. James Edwards says, “The object of a person’s indignation reveals a great deal about the person. Jesus’ displeasure here reveals his compassion and defense of the helpless, vulnerable, and powerless” (Mark, 306). Jesus is affirming that children are worth His time, and they should be worth our time!" 
• "There are several ways we can consistently and actively lead children to Christ. We can evangelize them with a gospel-saturated home. We can disciple them with a Bible-saturated home. We can pray with them in a prayer-saturated home. We can encourage them, bless them, and challenge them." 

I indeed feel blessed by children, echoing the words of Psalm 127:3-5.  I also understand the responsibilities God charges myself and Lisa with to be parents.  Father God please help us be the parents You design us to be!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that saves, loves, and blesses - including marriage and children.  Thank You!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor these blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Mark 10:13-16

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. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Mark 10:14-15

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 10:13-16, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus believes that children are important - we as a community of believers should not put anything in the way of them hearing the gospel message.  Jesus also wants all of us to emulate how children are, including how they are curious and soak up their teachings, and how they possess other attributes, including dependence on others for care and provision.    
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Some see children as important - see the parents and caregivers in v13. There are many people however - i.e. the disciples v13 - who often don't see children as important to God.  Yet, anyone seeking to receive the Kingdom of God must approach God with a child-like presence and unless you do, you will not experience nor enter God's Kingdom.     
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Children are an example to follow in terms of their attributes of learning and dependence, etc.  The claim to promise is the inverse of v15 where if believers do receive the Kingdom of God like a child we will enter it. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You for my salvation and for meeting my every need.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.