43 At that moment Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, along with a large crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent to arrest Jesus by order of the ruling priests, the religious scholars, and the Jewish leaders. 44 Now, Judas, the traitor, had arranged to give them a signal that would identify Jesus, for he had told them, “Jesus is the man I will kiss. So grab him and take him safely away.” 45 Judas quickly stepped up to Jesus and said, “Rabbi, my Teacher!” and he kissed him affectionately on both cheeks.
46 Then the armed men seized Jesus to arrest him. 47 One of the disciples pulled out a sword and swung it at the servant of Caiaphas, the high priest, slashing off his ear.
48 Jesus said to the mob, “Why would you arrest me with swords and clubs as though I were an outlaw? 49 Day after day I sat with you in the temple courts, teaching the people, yet you didn’t arrest me then. But all of this fulfills the prophecies of the Scriptures.” 50 At that point all of his disciples ran away and abandoned him.
51 There was a young man there following Jesus, wearing only a linen sheet wrapped around him. 52 They tried to arrest him also, but he slipped from their grasp and ran off naked, leaving his linen cloth in their hands.
Tori's Comments:
I think when the disciple used his sword, and I know other passages describe the encounter in more detail, it was suddenly realized that Jesus's kingdom would not be what they expected. That rather than freedom from the Romans in battle victory, their Messiah and Savior would be hung on a cross. Although this probably didn't fully sink in until his death, or even his resurrection, the vision of God's promised Kingdom they each created looked a lot different from the one Jesus proclaimed. And sometimes, so does mine. My Kingdom looks like me at the forefront, crowds cheering my name... but God offers me citizenship into a Kingdom where I lay down my life and take up His. Where I don't have to fight for freedom and acceptance. Where the greatest serve the least.
Terrie's Comments:
I wonder if Judas really realized the depth of what the plans were for Jesus after he handed him over? Did he know that their plan included the death of Jesus?
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Day 56 - Mark 14:32-42
32 Then Jesus led his disciples to an orchard called “The Oil Press.” He told them, “Sit here while I pray awhile.” 33 He took Peter, Jacob, and John with him. An intense feeling of great horror plunged his soul into deep sorrow and agony. 34 And he said to them, “My heart is overwhelmed with anguish and crushed with grief. It feels as though I’m dying. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
35 He walked a short distance away, and being overcome with grief, he threw himself facedown on the ground. He prayed that if it were possible, he would not have to experience this hour of suffering. 36 He prayed, “Abba, my Father, all things are possible for you. Please—don’t allow me to drink this cup of suffering! Yet what I want is not important, for I only desire to fulfill your plan for me.”
37 Then he came back to his three disciples and found them all sound asleep. He awakened Peter and said to him, “Simon, are you asleep? Do you lack the strength to stay awake with me for even just an hour? 38 Keep alert and pray that you’ll be spared from this time of testing. For your spirit is eager enough, but your humanity is feeble.”
39 Then he left them a second time and went to pray the same thing. 40 Afterward, he came back to the disciples and found them sound asleep, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open and they didn’t know what to say to him.
41 After praying for the third time, he returned to his disciples and awoke them again, saying, “Do you plan on sleeping and resting indefinitely? That’s enough sleep! The end has come and the hour has arrived for the Son of Man to be handed over to the authority of sinful men. 42 Get up and let’s go. Don’t you see? My betrayer draws near.”
Terrie's Comments:
I have felt a deep sorrow and agony while praying for others before... this eventually lifted as I felt breakthrough come. I can't even imagine the depth of how this would have felt knowing what was coming shortly. Being treated so horribly by your own creation so that they could be free.
Tori's Comments:
I'm so grateful this vulnerable moment is recorded in the Bible... Jesus experienced so much, and felt so much, and poured that out in prayer. This is a reminder to me of the importance of establishing that deep connection with God, and relying on Him.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
35 He walked a short distance away, and being overcome with grief, he threw himself facedown on the ground. He prayed that if it were possible, he would not have to experience this hour of suffering. 36 He prayed, “Abba, my Father, all things are possible for you. Please—don’t allow me to drink this cup of suffering! Yet what I want is not important, for I only desire to fulfill your plan for me.”
37 Then he came back to his three disciples and found them all sound asleep. He awakened Peter and said to him, “Simon, are you asleep? Do you lack the strength to stay awake with me for even just an hour? 38 Keep alert and pray that you’ll be spared from this time of testing. For your spirit is eager enough, but your humanity is feeble.”
39 Then he left them a second time and went to pray the same thing. 40 Afterward, he came back to the disciples and found them sound asleep, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open and they didn’t know what to say to him.
41 After praying for the third time, he returned to his disciples and awoke them again, saying, “Do you plan on sleeping and resting indefinitely? That’s enough sleep! The end has come and the hour has arrived for the Son of Man to be handed over to the authority of sinful men. 42 Get up and let’s go. Don’t you see? My betrayer draws near.”
Terrie's Comments:
I have felt a deep sorrow and agony while praying for others before... this eventually lifted as I felt breakthrough come. I can't even imagine the depth of how this would have felt knowing what was coming shortly. Being treated so horribly by your own creation so that they could be free.
Tori's Comments:
I'm so grateful this vulnerable moment is recorded in the Bible... Jesus experienced so much, and felt so much, and poured that out in prayer. This is a reminder to me of the importance of establishing that deep connection with God, and relying on Him.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Monday, January 29, 2018
Day 55 - Mark 14:22-31
22 As they ate, Jesus took the bread and blessed it, tore it, and gave it to his disciples. He said to them, “Receive this; it is my body.” 23 Then taking the cup of wine and giving praises to the Father, he declared the new covenant with them. And as each one drank from the cup, 24 he said to them, “This is my blood, which seals the new covenant poured out for many. 25 I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the day comes when we drink it together in the kingdom realm of my Father.” 26 Then they sang a psalm and afterwards left for the Mount of Olives.
27 Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away and desert me. This will fulfill the prophecy of the Scripture that says:
I will strike down the shepherd
and all the sheep will scatter far and wide.
28 “But after I am risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”
29 Then Peter spoke up and said, “Even if all the rest lose their faith and fall away, I will still be beside you, Jesus!”
30 Jesus said, “Mark my words, Peter. This very night, before the rooster crows twice a few hours from now, you will utterly deny that you know me three times.”
31 But Peter was insistent and replied emphatically, “I will absolutely not! Under no circumstances will I ever deny you—even if I have to die with you!” And all the others repeated the same thing.
Tori's Comments:
How it must have been for Jesus to know those who told him of their love would desert him... he knew the hearts of humans, and even still, he died for them.
Terrie's Comments:
I wonder if it even crossed Peter's mind that if Jesus said something was going to happen that it always happened? Was he speaking from his heart of hearts or just speaking what came naturally at that moment?
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
27 Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away and desert me. This will fulfill the prophecy of the Scripture that says:
I will strike down the shepherd
and all the sheep will scatter far and wide.
28 “But after I am risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”
29 Then Peter spoke up and said, “Even if all the rest lose their faith and fall away, I will still be beside you, Jesus!”
30 Jesus said, “Mark my words, Peter. This very night, before the rooster crows twice a few hours from now, you will utterly deny that you know me three times.”
31 But Peter was insistent and replied emphatically, “I will absolutely not! Under no circumstances will I ever deny you—even if I have to die with you!” And all the others repeated the same thing.
Tori's Comments:
How it must have been for Jesus to know those who told him of their love would desert him... he knew the hearts of humans, and even still, he died for them.
Terrie's Comments:
I wonder if it even crossed Peter's mind that if Jesus said something was going to happen that it always happened? Was he speaking from his heart of hearts or just speaking what came naturally at that moment?
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Sunday, January 28, 2018
Day 54 - Mark 14:12-21
12 On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover Lamb is sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where would you like us to prepare the Passover meal for you?”
13 So he sent two of his disciples ahead into Jerusalem with these instructions: “Make your way into the city and watch for a man carrying an earthenware pitcher of water. Follow him, 14 and say to the owner of whatever house he enters, ‘The Teacher wants to ask you: “Do you have my room ready where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?”’ 15 And he will show you a large upstairs room ready and with a table set. Make preparations for us there.”
16 So they went into the city and found everything to be exactly like Jesus had prophesied, and they prepared for him the Passover meal. 17 And when evening came, he entered the house and went upstairs with his twelve disciples. 18 Over dinner, while they were reclining around the table, Jesus said, “Listen to the truth: One of you eating here with me is about to betray me.”
19 Feeling deeply troubled by these words, one after another asked him, “You don’t mean me, do you?”
20 He answered, “It is one of you twelve who has shared meals with me as an intimate friend. 21 All that was prophesied of me, the Son of Man, is destined to soon take place, but it will be disastrous for the one who betrays the Son of Man. It would be far better for him if he had never been born!”
Terrie's Comments:
I have had a couple of dreams that foretold events that were going to take place. And then when they happened exactly as the dream said they would it was a confirmation that the dream was indeed from God Himself. When Jesus prophesied about this event and then his disciples experienced it just as He said they would it was another confirmation that Jesus was indeed sent from God Himself and was the true promised Messiah!
Tori's Comments:
This is what it means to live by the Spirit. Jesus set an example for us in how he lived and obeyed God.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
13 So he sent two of his disciples ahead into Jerusalem with these instructions: “Make your way into the city and watch for a man carrying an earthenware pitcher of water. Follow him, 14 and say to the owner of whatever house he enters, ‘The Teacher wants to ask you: “Do you have my room ready where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?”’ 15 And he will show you a large upstairs room ready and with a table set. Make preparations for us there.”
16 So they went into the city and found everything to be exactly like Jesus had prophesied, and they prepared for him the Passover meal. 17 And when evening came, he entered the house and went upstairs with his twelve disciples. 18 Over dinner, while they were reclining around the table, Jesus said, “Listen to the truth: One of you eating here with me is about to betray me.”
19 Feeling deeply troubled by these words, one after another asked him, “You don’t mean me, do you?”
20 He answered, “It is one of you twelve who has shared meals with me as an intimate friend. 21 All that was prophesied of me, the Son of Man, is destined to soon take place, but it will be disastrous for the one who betrays the Son of Man. It would be far better for him if he had never been born!”
Terrie's Comments:
I have had a couple of dreams that foretold events that were going to take place. And then when they happened exactly as the dream said they would it was a confirmation that the dream was indeed from God Himself. When Jesus prophesied about this event and then his disciples experienced it just as He said they would it was another confirmation that Jesus was indeed sent from God Himself and was the true promised Messiah!
Tori's Comments:
This is what it means to live by the Spirit. Jesus set an example for us in how he lived and obeyed God.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Day 53 - Mark 14:1-11
1 Two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the leading priests and religious scholars were committed to finding a way to secretly arrest Jesus and have him executed. 2 But they all agreed that their plot could not succeed if they carried it out during the days of the feast, for they said, “There could be a riot among the people.”
3 Now Jesus was in Bethany, in the home of Simon, a man Jesus had healed of leprosy. And as he was reclining at the table, a woman came into the house, holding an alabaster flask. It was filled with the highest quality of fragrant and expensive oil. She walked right up to Jesus, and with a gesture of extreme devotion, she broke the flask and poured out the precious oil over his head. 4 But some were highly indignant when they saw this, and they complained to one another, saying, “What a total waste! 5 It could have been sold for a great sum, and the money could have benefited the poor.” So they scolded her harshly.
6 Jesus said to them, “Leave her alone! Why are you so critical of this woman? She has honored me with this beautiful act of kindness. 7 For you will always have the poor, whom you can help whenever you want, but you will not always have me. 8 When she poured the fragrant oil over me, she was preparing my body in advance of my burial. She has done all that she could to honor me. 9 I promise you that as this wonderful gospel spreads all over the world, the story of her lavish devotion to me will be mentioned in memory of her.”
10 One of the twelve apostles, Judas Iscariot, went to the leading priests to inform them of his willingness to betray Jesus into their hands. 11 They were delighted to hear this and agreed to pay him for it. So immediately Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray him.
Tori's Comments:
I think verse 8 is a key verse for me to understand this story. She wasn't just giving Jesus perfume, she was showing her faith in him. I don't know how much insight she had, and to what extent she was led by the Spirit in doing this, but this woman seemed to understand something none of the disciples whom had been with him for years understood: she knew Jesus would die, and that that death deserved honour and devotion. And while she did this thing whilst being ridiculed by the disciples, Jesus saw her humble heart and faith in Him. What an amazing act of faith!
Terrie's Comments:
Do I do all that I can do to Honor Jesus? Is there anything that I hold onto dearly and am not willing to release in praise, worship and honor of my King?
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
3 Now Jesus was in Bethany, in the home of Simon, a man Jesus had healed of leprosy. And as he was reclining at the table, a woman came into the house, holding an alabaster flask. It was filled with the highest quality of fragrant and expensive oil. She walked right up to Jesus, and with a gesture of extreme devotion, she broke the flask and poured out the precious oil over his head. 4 But some were highly indignant when they saw this, and they complained to one another, saying, “What a total waste! 5 It could have been sold for a great sum, and the money could have benefited the poor.” So they scolded her harshly.
6 Jesus said to them, “Leave her alone! Why are you so critical of this woman? She has honored me with this beautiful act of kindness. 7 For you will always have the poor, whom you can help whenever you want, but you will not always have me. 8 When she poured the fragrant oil over me, she was preparing my body in advance of my burial. She has done all that she could to honor me. 9 I promise you that as this wonderful gospel spreads all over the world, the story of her lavish devotion to me will be mentioned in memory of her.”
10 One of the twelve apostles, Judas Iscariot, went to the leading priests to inform them of his willingness to betray Jesus into their hands. 11 They were delighted to hear this and agreed to pay him for it. So immediately Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray him.
Tori's Comments:
I think verse 8 is a key verse for me to understand this story. She wasn't just giving Jesus perfume, she was showing her faith in him. I don't know how much insight she had, and to what extent she was led by the Spirit in doing this, but this woman seemed to understand something none of the disciples whom had been with him for years understood: she knew Jesus would die, and that that death deserved honour and devotion. And while she did this thing whilst being ridiculed by the disciples, Jesus saw her humble heart and faith in Him. What an amazing act of faith!
Terrie's Comments:
Do I do all that I can do to Honor Jesus? Is there anything that I hold onto dearly and am not willing to release in praise, worship and honor of my King?
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Friday, January 26, 2018
Day 52 - Mark 13:32-37
32 “Concerning that day and exact hour, no one knows when it will arrive, not the angels of heaven, not even the Son—only the Father knows. 33 This is why you must be waiting, watching and praying, because no one knows when that season of time will come.”
34 “For those days can be compared to a man who was about to leave on a journey, but before leaving he placed his servants in charge and gave each one work to do while he was away. Then he commanded the watchman to be on guard at all times. 35 So I say to you, keep awake and alert—for you have no idea when the master of the house will return; in the evening, at midnight, at four o’clock in the morning, or at dawn. 36 Be alert, for he’s coming suddenly and may find you sleeping! 37 And what I say to the four of you, I say to everyone—be awake at all times!”
Terrie's Comments:
Does it make it easier to do the will of the Father and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit's directions if we know Jesus will return at any moment? I don't think we are to be physically away at all times but I do think we are called to be spiritually awake and spiritually alert ready to listen to whatever the Holy Spirit calls us to do. Hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit takes practice. Being in the word of God helps immensely to discern His voice as well.
Tori's Comments:
We have such a limited time here on earth compared to the eternity stretched before us. And while we are called to be ambassadors of heaven here, let us make the most of every opportunity in spreading the gospel and light of Jesus Christ! Reading these passages certainly does remind me of what my priorities should be, especially in a culture that idolizes success and wealth and media consumption.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
34 “For those days can be compared to a man who was about to leave on a journey, but before leaving he placed his servants in charge and gave each one work to do while he was away. Then he commanded the watchman to be on guard at all times. 35 So I say to you, keep awake and alert—for you have no idea when the master of the house will return; in the evening, at midnight, at four o’clock in the morning, or at dawn. 36 Be alert, for he’s coming suddenly and may find you sleeping! 37 And what I say to the four of you, I say to everyone—be awake at all times!”
Terrie's Comments:
Does it make it easier to do the will of the Father and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit's directions if we know Jesus will return at any moment? I don't think we are to be physically away at all times but I do think we are called to be spiritually awake and spiritually alert ready to listen to whatever the Holy Spirit calls us to do. Hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit takes practice. Being in the word of God helps immensely to discern His voice as well.
Tori's Comments:
We have such a limited time here on earth compared to the eternity stretched before us. And while we are called to be ambassadors of heaven here, let us make the most of every opportunity in spreading the gospel and light of Jesus Christ! Reading these passages certainly does remind me of what my priorities should be, especially in a culture that idolizes success and wealth and media consumption.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Day 51 - Mark 13:24-31
24 “This is what will take place after that suffering:
The sun will be darkened and the moon will reflect no light.
25 The stars will be falling from the sky
and all the cosmic powers will be shaken.
26 “Then they will see the Son of Man appearing in the midst of clouds and revealed with mighty power and great glory. 27 At that time he will send his messengers, who will gather together his beloved chosen ones from every direction—from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven!”
28 “Now, learn the lesson from the parable of the fig tree. When spring arrives, and it sends out its tender branches and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is soon to appear. 29 So also, when you observe all these things progressively taking place, you will know that he is coming near, even at the door! 30 I assure you, this family will not pass away until all I have spoken comes to pass. 31 The earth and sky will wear out and fade away before one word I speak loses its power or fails to accomplish its purpose.”
Tori's Comments:
How beautifully God describes His children! How great is the taste of grace! This passages provide hope for Christians everywhere, and the knowledge that God is in control and with us every step of the way.
Terrie's Comments:
I am glad that I am his beloved and will be gathered by his messengers.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
The sun will be darkened and the moon will reflect no light.
25 The stars will be falling from the sky
and all the cosmic powers will be shaken.
26 “Then they will see the Son of Man appearing in the midst of clouds and revealed with mighty power and great glory. 27 At that time he will send his messengers, who will gather together his beloved chosen ones from every direction—from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven!”
28 “Now, learn the lesson from the parable of the fig tree. When spring arrives, and it sends out its tender branches and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is soon to appear. 29 So also, when you observe all these things progressively taking place, you will know that he is coming near, even at the door! 30 I assure you, this family will not pass away until all I have spoken comes to pass. 31 The earth and sky will wear out and fade away before one word I speak loses its power or fails to accomplish its purpose.”
Tori's Comments:
How beautifully God describes His children! How great is the taste of grace! This passages provide hope for Christians everywhere, and the knowledge that God is in control and with us every step of the way.
Terrie's Comments:
I am glad that I am his beloved and will be gathered by his messengers.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Day 50 - Mark 13:14-23
14 “When you witness what Daniel prophesied, ‘the disgusting destroyer,’ standing where it must not be [Let the reader learn what it means], then those in the land of Judah must escape to higher ground. 15 On that day, if you happen to be outside, don’t go back inside to gather your belongings. 16 And if you’re working out in the field, don’t run back home to get a coat. 17 It will be especially hard for pregnant women and for those nursing their babies when those days come. 18 So pray that your escape will not be during the winter months. 19 For this will be a time of great misery beyond the magnitude of anything the world has ever seen from the beginning of time or ever will see. 20 Unless God limits those days, no one would escape. But because of his love for those chosen to be his, he will shorten that time of trouble.
21 “And if you hear reports from people, saying, ‘Look, the Messiah is over here,’ or, ‘The Messiah is over there!’ don’t believe it. 22 For there will be imposters falsely claiming to be God’s ‘Anointed One.’ And false prophets will arise to perform miracle signs, and if it were possible, they would cause God’s chosen ones to wander off the right track. 23 Be alert, for I prophesy all this will happen!”
Terrie's Comments:
The sheep know the shepherds voice. Get to know the voice of the Holy Spirit and practice responding to Him. If you have developed an intimate relationship with Jesus you will not be able to be deceived.
Tori's Comments:
I am pretty sure other translations describe the disgusting destroyer as the abomination...? Which I know has historical context, but I'm not completely sure what...
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
21 “And if you hear reports from people, saying, ‘Look, the Messiah is over here,’ or, ‘The Messiah is over there!’ don’t believe it. 22 For there will be imposters falsely claiming to be God’s ‘Anointed One.’ And false prophets will arise to perform miracle signs, and if it were possible, they would cause God’s chosen ones to wander off the right track. 23 Be alert, for I prophesy all this will happen!”
Terrie's Comments:
The sheep know the shepherds voice. Get to know the voice of the Holy Spirit and practice responding to Him. If you have developed an intimate relationship with Jesus you will not be able to be deceived.
Tori's Comments:
I am pretty sure other translations describe the disgusting destroyer as the abomination...? Which I know has historical context, but I'm not completely sure what...
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Day 49 - Mark 13:1-13
1 As Jesus was leaving the temple courts, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Teacher, look at these magnificent buildings! And what tremendous stones were used to build all this!”
2 Jesus turned to them and said, “Take a good look at all these enormous buildings, for I’m telling you, there will not be one stone left upon another. It will all be leveled!”
3 Later, while Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the temple, his disciples, Peter, Jacob, John, and Andrew, came to him privately where he was sitting and said, 4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what supernatural sign should we expect to signal your coming and the completion of this age?”
5 Jesus answered, “At that time deception will run rampant. So beware that you’re not fooled! 6 For many will appear on the scene claiming my authority or saying about themselves, ‘I am God’s Anointed,’ and they will lead many astray. 7 You will hear rumors of wars nearby, with more rumors of wars to come. Make sure that you are not thrown into a panic or give in to your fears, for these things are destined to happen. Prepare for it, but still the end is not yet. 8 For nations will go to war against each other and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be terrible earthquakes in place after place—seismic events of epic proportion. And there will be famines and riots. This is how the first contractions and birth pains of the new age will begin.”
9 “Be on your guard! For they will repeatedly hand you over to the ruling councils, and you will be beaten in public gatherings. And you will stand trial before kings and high-ranking governmental leaders as an opportunity to testify to them on my behalf. 10 But prior to the end of the age, the hope of the gospel must first be preached to all nations.
11 “So when they put you under arrest and hand you over for trial, don’t even give one thought about what you will say. Simply speak what the Holy Spirit gives you at that very moment. And realize that it won’t be you speaking but the Holy Spirit repeatedly speaking through you. 12 Brothers will betray each other unto death—even a father his child. Children will rise up to take a stand against their parents and have them put to death. 13 Expect to be hated by all because of your allegiance to the cause that bears my name. But determine to be faithful to the end and you will be saved.”
Tori's Comments:
"make sure that you are not thrown into a panic or give in to your fears, for these things are destined to happen." I've heard people speak about the end of the world whilst totalling freaking out many times... even Christians! But he tells us not to fear because the fear shows a lack of faith. Stand on the word of God and on truth, and let nothing sway you. It's pretty evident that the world can be fully of terrible, terrible things, and it will only get worse form here. Christians should be a light in a dark world. When the God of all Creation is leading us into a battle he's already won against the darkness, what do we have to be afraid of? Our peace will be a witness to those in the world who crave it in a flip-flopping world.
Terrie's Comments:
Nothing that I have to say on my own is even worthy to utter. I would rather speak the words that the Holy Spirit would like to speak through me. They are powerful and have the power to change lives forever! My words are just words.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
2 Jesus turned to them and said, “Take a good look at all these enormous buildings, for I’m telling you, there will not be one stone left upon another. It will all be leveled!”
3 Later, while Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the temple, his disciples, Peter, Jacob, John, and Andrew, came to him privately where he was sitting and said, 4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what supernatural sign should we expect to signal your coming and the completion of this age?”
5 Jesus answered, “At that time deception will run rampant. So beware that you’re not fooled! 6 For many will appear on the scene claiming my authority or saying about themselves, ‘I am God’s Anointed,’ and they will lead many astray. 7 You will hear rumors of wars nearby, with more rumors of wars to come. Make sure that you are not thrown into a panic or give in to your fears, for these things are destined to happen. Prepare for it, but still the end is not yet. 8 For nations will go to war against each other and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be terrible earthquakes in place after place—seismic events of epic proportion. And there will be famines and riots. This is how the first contractions and birth pains of the new age will begin.”
9 “Be on your guard! For they will repeatedly hand you over to the ruling councils, and you will be beaten in public gatherings. And you will stand trial before kings and high-ranking governmental leaders as an opportunity to testify to them on my behalf. 10 But prior to the end of the age, the hope of the gospel must first be preached to all nations.
11 “So when they put you under arrest and hand you over for trial, don’t even give one thought about what you will say. Simply speak what the Holy Spirit gives you at that very moment. And realize that it won’t be you speaking but the Holy Spirit repeatedly speaking through you. 12 Brothers will betray each other unto death—even a father his child. Children will rise up to take a stand against their parents and have them put to death. 13 Expect to be hated by all because of your allegiance to the cause that bears my name. But determine to be faithful to the end and you will be saved.”
Tori's Comments:
"make sure that you are not thrown into a panic or give in to your fears, for these things are destined to happen." I've heard people speak about the end of the world whilst totalling freaking out many times... even Christians! But he tells us not to fear because the fear shows a lack of faith. Stand on the word of God and on truth, and let nothing sway you. It's pretty evident that the world can be fully of terrible, terrible things, and it will only get worse form here. Christians should be a light in a dark world. When the God of all Creation is leading us into a battle he's already won against the darkness, what do we have to be afraid of? Our peace will be a witness to those in the world who crave it in a flip-flopping world.
Terrie's Comments:
Nothing that I have to say on my own is even worthy to utter. I would rather speak the words that the Holy Spirit would like to speak through me. They are powerful and have the power to change lives forever! My words are just words.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Monday, January 22, 2018
Day 48 - Mark 12:38-44
38 Jesus also taught the people, “Beware of the religious scholars. They love to parade around in their clergy robes and be greeted with respect on the street. 39 They crave to be made the leaders of synagogue councils, and they push their way to the head table at banquets. 40 For appearance’s sake, they will pray long religious prayers at the homes of widows for an offering, cheating them out of their very livelihood. Beware of them all, for they will one day be stripped of honor, and the judgment they receive will be severe.”
41 Then he sat down near the offering box, watching all the people dropping in their coins. Many of the rich would put in very large sums, 42 but a destitute widow walked up and dropped in two small copper coins, worth less than a penny. 43 Jesus called his disciples to gather around and then said to them, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given a larger offering than any of the wealthy. 44 For the rich only gave out of their surplus, but she sacrificed out of her poverty and gave to God all that she had to live on, which was everything she had.”
Terrie's Comments:
It is pretty obvious at this point why Jesus was warning against listing to religious scholars.
When we give let us give generously to anyone God calls us to give to. He gives us all that we have. Let us live with open hands.
Tori's Comments:
Pride is quick to infiltrate the hearts of those in authority. I must make sure to always focus on Jesus and depend on Him for everything.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
41 Then he sat down near the offering box, watching all the people dropping in their coins. Many of the rich would put in very large sums, 42 but a destitute widow walked up and dropped in two small copper coins, worth less than a penny. 43 Jesus called his disciples to gather around and then said to them, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given a larger offering than any of the wealthy. 44 For the rich only gave out of their surplus, but she sacrificed out of her poverty and gave to God all that she had to live on, which was everything she had.”
Terrie's Comments:
It is pretty obvious at this point why Jesus was warning against listing to religious scholars.
When we give let us give generously to anyone God calls us to give to. He gives us all that we have. Let us live with open hands.
Tori's Comments:
Pride is quick to infiltrate the hearts of those in authority. I must make sure to always focus on Jesus and depend on Him for everything.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Day 47 - Mark 12:28-37
28 Now a certain religious scholar overheard them debating. When he saw how beautifully Jesus answered all their questions, he posed one of his own, and asked him, “Teacher, which commandment is the greatest of all?”
29 Jesus answered him, “The most important of all the commandments is this: ‘The Lord Yahweh, our God, is one!’ 30 You are to love the Lord Yahweh, your God, with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, with every thought that is within you, and with all your strength. This is the great and supreme commandment. 31 And the second is this: ‘You must love your neighbor in the same way you love yourself.’ You will never find a greater commandment than these.”
32 The religious scholar replied, “Yes, that’s true, Teacher. You spoke beautifully when you said that God is one, and there is no one else besides him. 33 And there is something more important to God than all the sacrifices and burnt offerings: it’s the commandment to constantly love God with every passion of your heart, with your every thought, and with all your strength—and to love your neighbor in the same way as you love yourself.”
34 When Jesus noticed how thoughtfully and sincerely the man answered, he said to him, “You’re not far from the reality of God’s kingdom realm.” After that, no one dared to question him again.
35 While Jesus was teaching in the courts of the temple, he posed a question to those listening: “Why do the religious scholars say that the Messiah is David’s son? 36 Yet it was David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, who sang:
The Lord Jehovah said to my Lord,
‘Sit near me in the place of authority
until I subdue all your enemies under Your feet.’
37 Since David calls him Lord, how can he be his son?”
The large crowd that had gathered around Jesus took delight in hearing his words.
Tori's Comments:
I wish we learned whether the religious scholar ever came to know Christ!
Terrie's Comments:
Jesus brick by brick was dismantling their ideas that were not based on truth but on human ideas and tradition. We, as humans, tend to cling tightly to things that we build up to "protect" ourselves. Let us not cling tightly to anything here on earth. It may just be something that the Holy Spirit wants to dismantle and free you from. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to keep molding us into the image of our Lord Jesus Christ!
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
29 Jesus answered him, “The most important of all the commandments is this: ‘The Lord Yahweh, our God, is one!’ 30 You are to love the Lord Yahweh, your God, with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, with every thought that is within you, and with all your strength. This is the great and supreme commandment. 31 And the second is this: ‘You must love your neighbor in the same way you love yourself.’ You will never find a greater commandment than these.”
32 The religious scholar replied, “Yes, that’s true, Teacher. You spoke beautifully when you said that God is one, and there is no one else besides him. 33 And there is something more important to God than all the sacrifices and burnt offerings: it’s the commandment to constantly love God with every passion of your heart, with your every thought, and with all your strength—and to love your neighbor in the same way as you love yourself.”
34 When Jesus noticed how thoughtfully and sincerely the man answered, he said to him, “You’re not far from the reality of God’s kingdom realm.” After that, no one dared to question him again.
35 While Jesus was teaching in the courts of the temple, he posed a question to those listening: “Why do the religious scholars say that the Messiah is David’s son? 36 Yet it was David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, who sang:
The Lord Jehovah said to my Lord,
‘Sit near me in the place of authority
until I subdue all your enemies under Your feet.’
37 Since David calls him Lord, how can he be his son?”
The large crowd that had gathered around Jesus took delight in hearing his words.
Tori's Comments:
I wish we learned whether the religious scholar ever came to know Christ!
Terrie's Comments:
Jesus brick by brick was dismantling their ideas that were not based on truth but on human ideas and tradition. We, as humans, tend to cling tightly to things that we build up to "protect" ourselves. Let us not cling tightly to anything here on earth. It may just be something that the Holy Spirit wants to dismantle and free you from. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to keep molding us into the image of our Lord Jesus Christ!
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Day 46 - Mark 12:18-27
18 Some of the Sadducees, a religious group that denied there was a resurrection of the dead, came to ask Jesus this question: 19 “Teacher, the law of Moses teaches that if a man dies before he has children, his brother should marry the widow and raise up children for his brother’s family line. 20 Now, there was a family with seven brothers. The oldest got married but soon died, and he had no children. 21 The second brother married his oldest brother’s widow, and he also died without any children, and the third also. 22 This repeated down to the seventh brother, none of whom had children. Finally, the woman died. 23 So here’s our dilemma: Which of the seven brothers will be the woman’s husband when she’s resurrected from the dead, since they all were once married to her?”
24 Jesus answered them, “You are deluded because your hearts are not filled with the revelation of the Scriptures or the power of God. 25 For when they rise from the dead, men and women will not marry, just like the angels of heaven don’t marry. 26 Now, concerning the resurrection, haven’t you read in the Torah what God said to Moses at the burning bush? ‘I AM the living God, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? 27 God is not the God of the dead, but of the living, and you are all badly mistaken!”
Terrie's Comments:
It is kind of ironic that a sect of religious group that does not believe in the resurrection of the dead would ask a question directly relating to the resurrection of the dead!
It is a pretty powerful thing to realize that God is the God of the Living and those who have gone before are still living, not dead!
Tori's Comments:
"your hearts are not filled with the revelation of the Scriptures" Does that mean they are not truly understanding what they are reading?
What hope this passage provides for us! God is the God of the LIVING!!
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
24 Jesus answered them, “You are deluded because your hearts are not filled with the revelation of the Scriptures or the power of God. 25 For when they rise from the dead, men and women will not marry, just like the angels of heaven don’t marry. 26 Now, concerning the resurrection, haven’t you read in the Torah what God said to Moses at the burning bush? ‘I AM the living God, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? 27 God is not the God of the dead, but of the living, and you are all badly mistaken!”
Terrie's Comments:
It is kind of ironic that a sect of religious group that does not believe in the resurrection of the dead would ask a question directly relating to the resurrection of the dead!
It is a pretty powerful thing to realize that God is the God of the Living and those who have gone before are still living, not dead!
Tori's Comments:
"your hearts are not filled with the revelation of the Scriptures" Does that mean they are not truly understanding what they are reading?
What hope this passage provides for us! God is the God of the LIVING!!
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Friday, January 19, 2018
Day 45 - Mark 12:13-17
13 Then they sent a delegation of Pharisees, together with some staunch supporters of Herod, to entrap Jesus with his own words. 14 So they approached him and said, “Teacher, we know that you’re an honest man of integrity and you teach us the truth of God’s ways. We can clearly see that you’re not one who speaks only to win the people’s favor, because you speak the truth without regard to the consequences. So tell us, then, what you think. Is it proper for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
15 Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said to them, “Why are you testing me? Show me one of the Roman coins.” 16 They brought him a silver coin used to pay the tax.
“Now, tell me,” Jesus said, “whose head is on this coin and whose inscription is stamped on it?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
17 Jesus said, “Precisely. The coin bears the image of the emperor Caesar, so you should pay the emperor his portion. But because you bear the image of God, you must give back to God all that belongs to him.” And they were utterly stunned by Jesus’ words.
Tori's Comments:
The things of this world matter little when compared to the things of God.
Terrie's Comments:
"but because you bear the image of God, you must give back to God all that belongs to him." We bear the image of God and we belong to Him... how do we practically give our lives back to God? By following the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives fully.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
15 Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said to them, “Why are you testing me? Show me one of the Roman coins.” 16 They brought him a silver coin used to pay the tax.
“Now, tell me,” Jesus said, “whose head is on this coin and whose inscription is stamped on it?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
17 Jesus said, “Precisely. The coin bears the image of the emperor Caesar, so you should pay the emperor his portion. But because you bear the image of God, you must give back to God all that belongs to him.” And they were utterly stunned by Jesus’ words.
Tori's Comments:
The things of this world matter little when compared to the things of God.
Terrie's Comments:
"but because you bear the image of God, you must give back to God all that belongs to him." We bear the image of God and we belong to Him... how do we practically give our lives back to God? By following the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives fully.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Day 44 - Mark 12:1-12
1 Then Jesus began to speak to them in parables: “There once was a man who planted a vineyard and put a secure fence around it. He dug a pit for its winepress and erected a watch tower. Then he leased it to tenant-farmers and traveled abroad. 2 When the time of harvest came, he sent one of his servants to the tenants to collect the landowners’ share of the harvest. 3 But the tenants seized him and beat him and sent him back empty-handed. 4 So the owner sent another servant to them. And that one they shamefully humiliated and beat over the head. 5 So he sent another servant, and they brutally killed him. Many more servants were sent, and they were all severely beaten or killed. 6 The owner had only one person left to send—his only son, whom he dearly loved. So he sent him to them, saying, ‘Surely they will restrain themselves and respect my son.’ 7 But the tenants saw their chance and said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come! Let’s kill him, and then we’ll inherit it all!’ 8 So they violently seized him, killed him, and threw his body over the fence! 9 So what do you think the owner of the vineyard will do? He will come and put to death those tenants and give his vineyard to others. 10 Haven’t you read what the psalmist said?
The stone the builders examined and rejected
has become the cornerstone,
the most important stone of all?
11 This was the Lord’s plan—
and he is wonderful for our eyes to behold!”
12 Now, the chief priests, religious scholars, and leaders realized that Jesus’ parable was aimed at them. They had hoped to arrest him then and there, but they feared the reaction of the crowd, so they left him alone and went away.
Terrie's Comments:
It amazes me how bold Jesus was when talking to the chief priests, religious scholars, and leaders. He was able to be bold because He knew who He was and whose authority He carried with Him. Do we know who we are in Christ and whose authority we have been given? Do we use that authority to advance God's kingdom here on earth or do we stand in fear, lacking confidence because we don't yet know whose we are?
Tori's Comments:
The Jewish leaders were so caught up in their rules and regulations they failed to see the son of God, the promised Messiah, right in front of them. I pray to also keep my eyes on Jesus rather than the law.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
The stone the builders examined and rejected
has become the cornerstone,
the most important stone of all?
11 This was the Lord’s plan—
and he is wonderful for our eyes to behold!”
12 Now, the chief priests, religious scholars, and leaders realized that Jesus’ parable was aimed at them. They had hoped to arrest him then and there, but they feared the reaction of the crowd, so they left him alone and went away.
Terrie's Comments:
It amazes me how bold Jesus was when talking to the chief priests, religious scholars, and leaders. He was able to be bold because He knew who He was and whose authority He carried with Him. Do we know who we are in Christ and whose authority we have been given? Do we use that authority to advance God's kingdom here on earth or do we stand in fear, lacking confidence because we don't yet know whose we are?
Tori's Comments:
The Jewish leaders were so caught up in their rules and regulations they failed to see the son of God, the promised Messiah, right in front of them. I pray to also keep my eyes on Jesus rather than the law.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Day 43 - Mark 11:20-33
20 In the morning, they passed by the fig tree that Jesus spoke to and it was completely withered from the roots up. 21 Peter remembered and said to him, “Teacher, look! That’s the fig tree you cursed. It’s now all shriveled up and dead.”
22 Jesus replied, “Let the faith of God be in you! 23 Listen to the truth I speak to you: If someone says to this mountain with great faith and having no doubt, ‘Mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the midst of the sea,’ and believes that what he says will happen, it will be done. 24 This is the reason I urge you to boldly believe for whatever you ask for in prayer—believe that you have received it and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, if you find that you carry something in your heart against another person, release him and forgive him so that your Father in heaven will also release you and forgive you of your faults. 26 But if you will not release forgiveness, don’t expect your Father in heaven to release you from your misdeeds.”
27 They came again into Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the Jewish rulers—the chief priest, certain religious scholars, and the elders—approached him. They came up to him 28 and asked, “What right do you have to say and do these things? Who gave you the authority to do all this?”
29 Jesus replied, “I too have a question to ask you. If you can answer this question, then I will tell you by what power I do all these things. 30 Where did John’s authority to immerse come from? Was it from heaven or from people? Answer me now.”
31 They stepped away and debated among themselves, saying, “How should we answer this? If we say, ‘from heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Then why didn’t you respond to John and believe what he said?’ 32 But if we say, ‘from the people,’ we fear the crowds, for they’re convinced that John was God’s prophet.”
33 So they finally answered, “We don’t know.”
“Then neither will I tell you where my power comes from to do these things,” Jesus replied.
Tori's Comments:
Why do we make so many excuses in our hearts? My first instinct when I read verse 23 is that , "Sure, he said that, but he didn't MEAN it". But that's what the Bible says. The bigger question is why I'm so quick to doubt it? Faith has and will accomplish big things in the eyes of God.
Terrie's Comments:
"Let the faith of God be in you! 23 Listen to the truth I speak to you: If someone says to this mountain with great faith and having no doubt, ‘Mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the midst of the sea,’ and believes that what he says will happen, it will be done. 24 This is the reason I urge you to boldly believe for whatever you ask for in prayer—believe that you have received it and it will be yours."
How often do we wait for confident assurance in God arise before praying? Faith comes from hearing the Word of God. If we spend time in the word of God and expect the Holy Spirit to speak to us through His word, faith will be the natural bi-product. Once faith arises through our time spent in the Word, we can then pray a prayer with great faith and having no doubt.
Many times this is not what happens. We pray from a place of fear, uncertainty, and we aren't sure if God will even answer our prayer. When faith arises through time in the Word, we will have the Holy Spirit confirming the word inside of us. The natural result is praying with confident assurance, believing that we have received what we have asked for.
I encourage you to be in the Word. Faith will arise from within and soon you will be able to boldly believe for whatever you ask for in prayer, believing that you have received what you have asked for! The enemy would love you to believe otherwise. To believe that we need to still approach the throne trembling. Jesus made a way for us to approach the throne of grace with bold confidence. We don't need to fear anymore. God is on our side.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
22 Jesus replied, “Let the faith of God be in you! 23 Listen to the truth I speak to you: If someone says to this mountain with great faith and having no doubt, ‘Mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the midst of the sea,’ and believes that what he says will happen, it will be done. 24 This is the reason I urge you to boldly believe for whatever you ask for in prayer—believe that you have received it and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, if you find that you carry something in your heart against another person, release him and forgive him so that your Father in heaven will also release you and forgive you of your faults. 26 But if you will not release forgiveness, don’t expect your Father in heaven to release you from your misdeeds.”
27 They came again into Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the Jewish rulers—the chief priest, certain religious scholars, and the elders—approached him. They came up to him 28 and asked, “What right do you have to say and do these things? Who gave you the authority to do all this?”
29 Jesus replied, “I too have a question to ask you. If you can answer this question, then I will tell you by what power I do all these things. 30 Where did John’s authority to immerse come from? Was it from heaven or from people? Answer me now.”
31 They stepped away and debated among themselves, saying, “How should we answer this? If we say, ‘from heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Then why didn’t you respond to John and believe what he said?’ 32 But if we say, ‘from the people,’ we fear the crowds, for they’re convinced that John was God’s prophet.”
33 So they finally answered, “We don’t know.”
“Then neither will I tell you where my power comes from to do these things,” Jesus replied.
Tori's Comments:
Why do we make so many excuses in our hearts? My first instinct when I read verse 23 is that , "Sure, he said that, but he didn't MEAN it". But that's what the Bible says. The bigger question is why I'm so quick to doubt it? Faith has and will accomplish big things in the eyes of God.
Terrie's Comments:
"Let the faith of God be in you! 23 Listen to the truth I speak to you: If someone says to this mountain with great faith and having no doubt, ‘Mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the midst of the sea,’ and believes that what he says will happen, it will be done. 24 This is the reason I urge you to boldly believe for whatever you ask for in prayer—believe that you have received it and it will be yours."
How often do we wait for confident assurance in God arise before praying? Faith comes from hearing the Word of God. If we spend time in the word of God and expect the Holy Spirit to speak to us through His word, faith will be the natural bi-product. Once faith arises through our time spent in the Word, we can then pray a prayer with great faith and having no doubt.
Many times this is not what happens. We pray from a place of fear, uncertainty, and we aren't sure if God will even answer our prayer. When faith arises through time in the Word, we will have the Holy Spirit confirming the word inside of us. The natural result is praying with confident assurance, believing that we have received what we have asked for.
I encourage you to be in the Word. Faith will arise from within and soon you will be able to boldly believe for whatever you ask for in prayer, believing that you have received what you have asked for! The enemy would love you to believe otherwise. To believe that we need to still approach the throne trembling. Jesus made a way for us to approach the throne of grace with bold confidence. We don't need to fear anymore. God is on our side.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Day 42 - Mark 11:12-19
12 The next day, as he left Bethany, Jesus was feeling hungry. 13 He noticed a leafy fig tree in the distance, so he walked over to see if there was any fruit on it, but there was none—only leaves (for it wasn’t yet the season for bearing figs). 14 Jesus spoke to the fig tree, saying, “No one will ever eat fruit from you again!” And the disciples overheard him.
15 When they came into Jerusalem, Jesus went directly into the temple area and overturned all the tables and benches of the merchants who were doing business there. One by one he drove them all out of the temple courts, and they scattered away, including the money changers and those selling doves. 16 And he would not allow them to use the temple courts as a thoroughfare for carrying their merchandise and their furniture.
17 Then he began to teach the people, saying, “Does not the Scripture say, ‘My house will be a house of prayer for all the world to share’? But you have made it a thieves’ hangout!”
18 When the chief priests and religious scholars heard this, they began to hatch a plot as to how they could eliminate Jesus. But they feared him and his influence, because the entire crowd was carried away with astonishment by his teaching. 19 So he and his disciples spent the nights outside the city.
Terrie's Comments:
Is the church a place of prayer and God's business or do we use the time in church to serve our own needs? Are we advancing the will of God... healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons, preaching the good news of hope and freedom in Jesus Christ? Are we loving Jesus as we love each other with the motive of spreading the good news and serving without selfish ambition getting in the way?
Tori's Comments:
We have become the temple of God, with the Holy Spirit dwelling inside each of us. And God flips the tables of jealousy, idolatry, love of money, etc. in our hearts because there's room for Him and only Him. God had done so much for His people and they continued to turn away from him. When Jesus cleared the temple the way He did, I'm sure it didn't stay that way. A few days later, the merchants probably returned and things went back to the state.
God has done so much for us. Christians have become the living temples. But when Jesus clears out hearts of things that keep us from Him, will we turn back to them?
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
15 When they came into Jerusalem, Jesus went directly into the temple area and overturned all the tables and benches of the merchants who were doing business there. One by one he drove them all out of the temple courts, and they scattered away, including the money changers and those selling doves. 16 And he would not allow them to use the temple courts as a thoroughfare for carrying their merchandise and their furniture.
17 Then he began to teach the people, saying, “Does not the Scripture say, ‘My house will be a house of prayer for all the world to share’? But you have made it a thieves’ hangout!”
18 When the chief priests and religious scholars heard this, they began to hatch a plot as to how they could eliminate Jesus. But they feared him and his influence, because the entire crowd was carried away with astonishment by his teaching. 19 So he and his disciples spent the nights outside the city.
Terrie's Comments:
Is the church a place of prayer and God's business or do we use the time in church to serve our own needs? Are we advancing the will of God... healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons, preaching the good news of hope and freedom in Jesus Christ? Are we loving Jesus as we love each other with the motive of spreading the good news and serving without selfish ambition getting in the way?
Tori's Comments:
We have become the temple of God, with the Holy Spirit dwelling inside each of us. And God flips the tables of jealousy, idolatry, love of money, etc. in our hearts because there's room for Him and only Him. God had done so much for His people and they continued to turn away from him. When Jesus cleared the temple the way He did, I'm sure it didn't stay that way. A few days later, the merchants probably returned and things went back to the state.
God has done so much for us. Christians have become the living temples. But when Jesus clears out hearts of things that keep us from Him, will we turn back to them?
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Monday, January 15, 2018
Day 41 - Mark 11:1-11
1 Now, as they were approaching Jerusalem, they arrived at the place of the stables near Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of his disciples ahead 2 and said to them, “As soon as you enter the village ahead, you will find a donkey’s colt tethered there that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it to me. 3 And if anyone asks, ‘Why are you taking it?’ tell them, ‘The master needs it and will send it back to you soon.’”
4 So they went and found the colt outside in the street, tied to a gate. When they started to untie it, 5 some people standing there said to them, “Why are untying that colt?”
6 They answered just as Jesus had told them: “The master needs it, and he will send it back to you soon.” So the bystanders let them go.
7 The disciples brought the colt to Jesus and piled their cloaks and prayer shawls on the young donkey, and Jesus rode upon it. 8 Many people carpeted the road in front of him with their cloaks and prayer shawls, while others gathered palm branches and spread them before him. 9 Jesus rode in the center of the procession, with crowds going before him and behind him. They all shouted in celebration, “Bring the victory! We welcome the one coming with the blessings of being sent from the Lord Yahweh! 10 Blessings rest on this kingdom he ushers in right now—the kingdom of our father David! Bring us the victory in the highest realms of heaven!”
11 Jesus rode through the gates of Jerusalem and up to the temple. After looking around at everything, he left for Bethany with the Twelve to spend the night, for it was already late in the day.
Tori's Comments:
I just finished an Old Testament class, and it was amazing seeing the parallels between this moment and throughout Israel's history. This matches the 'coronation' for King Solomon, so when these people were calling Jesus "King" in this way, they were being very serious.
Terrie's Comments:
They were expecting big things from Jesus. They had their own expectation about how he would act as their King and Lord. They had their own expectations about how the victory would look like. They had their own expectations about how the kingdom of heaven would be ushered in. When their expectations were shattered they scattered and were quick to turn on Him.
Do we put our confidence in Jesus only when he is acting the way we think He should? Do we put Him in a box? How do we respond towards Jesus when He does something that goes against how we think things should go? Is He King and Lord in our lives no matter what or is it conditional?
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
4 So they went and found the colt outside in the street, tied to a gate. When they started to untie it, 5 some people standing there said to them, “Why are untying that colt?”
6 They answered just as Jesus had told them: “The master needs it, and he will send it back to you soon.” So the bystanders let them go.
7 The disciples brought the colt to Jesus and piled their cloaks and prayer shawls on the young donkey, and Jesus rode upon it. 8 Many people carpeted the road in front of him with their cloaks and prayer shawls, while others gathered palm branches and spread them before him. 9 Jesus rode in the center of the procession, with crowds going before him and behind him. They all shouted in celebration, “Bring the victory! We welcome the one coming with the blessings of being sent from the Lord Yahweh! 10 Blessings rest on this kingdom he ushers in right now—the kingdom of our father David! Bring us the victory in the highest realms of heaven!”
11 Jesus rode through the gates of Jerusalem and up to the temple. After looking around at everything, he left for Bethany with the Twelve to spend the night, for it was already late in the day.
Tori's Comments:
I just finished an Old Testament class, and it was amazing seeing the parallels between this moment and throughout Israel's history. This matches the 'coronation' for King Solomon, so when these people were calling Jesus "King" in this way, they were being very serious.
Terrie's Comments:
They were expecting big things from Jesus. They had their own expectation about how he would act as their King and Lord. They had their own expectations about how the victory would look like. They had their own expectations about how the kingdom of heaven would be ushered in. When their expectations were shattered they scattered and were quick to turn on Him.
Do we put our confidence in Jesus only when he is acting the way we think He should? Do we put Him in a box? How do we respond towards Jesus when He does something that goes against how we think things should go? Is He King and Lord in our lives no matter what or is it conditional?
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Day 40 - Mark 10:46-52
46 When Jesus and his disciples had passed through Jericho, a large crowd joined them. Upon leaving the village, they met a blind beggar sitting on the side of the road named Timai, the son of Timai. 47 When he heard that Jesus from Nazareth was passing by, he began to shout “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me now in my affliction. Heal me!”
48 Those in the crowd were indignant and scolded him for making so much of a disturbance, but he kept shouting with all his might, “Son of David, have mercy on me now and heal me!”
49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him to come to me.” So they went to the blind man and said, “Have courage! Get up! Jesus is calling for you!” 50 So he threw off his beggars’ cloak, jumped up, and made his way to Jesus.
51 Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The man replied, “My Master, please, let me see again!”
52 Jesus responded, “Your faith heals you. Go in peace, with your sight restored.” All at once, the man’s eyes opened and he could see again, and he began at once to follow Jesus, walking down the road with him.
Terrie's Comments:
"he threw off his beggars' cloak, jumped up, and made his way to Jesus"... This was an act that showed his faith. He was calling to Jesus and the moment Jesus responded he threw off his beggars' cloak and left it behind. He was ready to exchange is life of begging to a new life of following Jesus Christ and his faith in Jesus Christ healed him :-) Are we willing to leave our old identity and step into a new identity following Jesus Christ? What is holding you back from fully surrendering to our freedom?
Romans 8:4-6 talks about this freedom
4 So now every righteous requirement of the law can be fulfilled through the Anointed One living his life in us. And we are free to live, not according to our flesh, but by the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit!
5 Those who are motivated by the flesh only pursue what benefits themselves. But those who live by the impulses of the Holy Spirit are motivated to pursue spiritual realities. 6 For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set controlled by the Spirit finds life and peace.
Tori's Comments:
This man had faith, and His story moves me by just how public he was about it.
He KNEW Jesus was the answer. And because of that knowing, he didn't care what anyone else thought. He shouted Jesus's name when He knew His presence was near. He shouted His name despite others' complaints. He shouted His name "with all his might", begging God to heal Him.
And Jesus heard him.
May I never fear to shout out Jesus's name in faith, and cry out to the one who is my answer, no matter what the world thinks.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
48 Those in the crowd were indignant and scolded him for making so much of a disturbance, but he kept shouting with all his might, “Son of David, have mercy on me now and heal me!”
49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him to come to me.” So they went to the blind man and said, “Have courage! Get up! Jesus is calling for you!” 50 So he threw off his beggars’ cloak, jumped up, and made his way to Jesus.
51 Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The man replied, “My Master, please, let me see again!”
52 Jesus responded, “Your faith heals you. Go in peace, with your sight restored.” All at once, the man’s eyes opened and he could see again, and he began at once to follow Jesus, walking down the road with him.
Terrie's Comments:
"he threw off his beggars' cloak, jumped up, and made his way to Jesus"... This was an act that showed his faith. He was calling to Jesus and the moment Jesus responded he threw off his beggars' cloak and left it behind. He was ready to exchange is life of begging to a new life of following Jesus Christ and his faith in Jesus Christ healed him :-) Are we willing to leave our old identity and step into a new identity following Jesus Christ? What is holding you back from fully surrendering to our freedom?
Romans 8:4-6 talks about this freedom
4 So now every righteous requirement of the law can be fulfilled through the Anointed One living his life in us. And we are free to live, not according to our flesh, but by the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit!
5 Those who are motivated by the flesh only pursue what benefits themselves. But those who live by the impulses of the Holy Spirit are motivated to pursue spiritual realities. 6 For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set controlled by the Spirit finds life and peace.
Tori's Comments:
This man had faith, and His story moves me by just how public he was about it.
He KNEW Jesus was the answer. And because of that knowing, he didn't care what anyone else thought. He shouted Jesus's name when He knew His presence was near. He shouted His name despite others' complaints. He shouted His name "with all his might", begging God to heal Him.
And Jesus heard him.
May I never fear to shout out Jesus's name in faith, and cry out to the one who is my answer, no matter what the world thinks.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Day 39 - Mark 10:32-45
32 Jesus and his disciples were on the road that went up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was leading them forward. The disciples were filled with wonder and amazement at his bravery, but those following along with them were very afraid. As they approached the city, he took the Twelve aside privately and told them what was going to happen. 33 “I want you to know that we are going to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be handed over to the ruling priests and religious scholars and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Romans. 34 And they will mock him, spit in his face, torture him, and kill him, but three days later he will rise again.”
35 Jacob and John, sons of Zebedee, approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, will you do a favor for us?”
36 “What is it you’re wanting me to do?” he asked.
37 “We want to sit next to you when you come into your glory,” they said, “one at your right hand and the other at your left.”
38 Jesus said to them, “You don’t have a clue what you’re asking for! Are you prepared to drink from the cup of suffering that I am about to drink? And are you able to endure the baptism into death that I am about to experience?”
39 They replied, “Yes, we are able.”
Jesus said to them, “You will certainly drink from the cup of my sufferings and be immersed into my death, 40 but to have you sit in the position of highest honor is not mine to decide. It is reserved for those whom grace has prepared them to have it.”
41 Now the other ten disciples overheard this, and they became angry and began to criticize Jacob and John. 42 Jesus gathered them all together and said to them, “Those recognized as rulers of the people and those who are in top leadership positions rule oppressively over their subjects, but this is not the example you are to follow. 43 You are to lead by a different model. If you want to be the greatest one, then live as one called to serve others. 44 The path to promotion and prominence comes by having the heart of a bond-slave who serves everyone. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served by everyone, but to serve everyone, and to give his life as the ransom price in exchange for the salvation of many.”
Tori's Comments:
I'm not sure I understand why Jacob and John asked this. Was it as simple as greed for glory?
"live as one called to serve others" We live in a culture all about serving yourself. YOU matter first. But Jesus, the son of God Himself, did not live this way, so why should we? He calls us to a life of humility and love.
Terrie's Comments:
Jesus did not come expecting to be served by anyone... I feel like there is a desire in most of us (almost an entitlement) to come to a place in life or possibly many places, where we want to be served. We enjoy being served and waited on hand and foot. How many of us could even go a whole year without ever expecting or desiring to be served even once? It is almost built into our North American culture. What would happen if we embraced the model of leadership that Jesus layed out. The higher up you get, and with every promotion, you choose to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
35 Jacob and John, sons of Zebedee, approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, will you do a favor for us?”
36 “What is it you’re wanting me to do?” he asked.
37 “We want to sit next to you when you come into your glory,” they said, “one at your right hand and the other at your left.”
38 Jesus said to them, “You don’t have a clue what you’re asking for! Are you prepared to drink from the cup of suffering that I am about to drink? And are you able to endure the baptism into death that I am about to experience?”
39 They replied, “Yes, we are able.”
Jesus said to them, “You will certainly drink from the cup of my sufferings and be immersed into my death, 40 but to have you sit in the position of highest honor is not mine to decide. It is reserved for those whom grace has prepared them to have it.”
41 Now the other ten disciples overheard this, and they became angry and began to criticize Jacob and John. 42 Jesus gathered them all together and said to them, “Those recognized as rulers of the people and those who are in top leadership positions rule oppressively over their subjects, but this is not the example you are to follow. 43 You are to lead by a different model. If you want to be the greatest one, then live as one called to serve others. 44 The path to promotion and prominence comes by having the heart of a bond-slave who serves everyone. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served by everyone, but to serve everyone, and to give his life as the ransom price in exchange for the salvation of many.”
Tori's Comments:
I'm not sure I understand why Jacob and John asked this. Was it as simple as greed for glory?
"live as one called to serve others" We live in a culture all about serving yourself. YOU matter first. But Jesus, the son of God Himself, did not live this way, so why should we? He calls us to a life of humility and love.
Terrie's Comments:
Jesus did not come expecting to be served by anyone... I feel like there is a desire in most of us (almost an entitlement) to come to a place in life or possibly many places, where we want to be served. We enjoy being served and waited on hand and foot. How many of us could even go a whole year without ever expecting or desiring to be served even once? It is almost built into our North American culture. What would happen if we embraced the model of leadership that Jesus layed out. The higher up you get, and with every promotion, you choose to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Friday, January 12, 2018
Day 38 - Mark 10:23-31
23 Jesus looked at the faces of his disciples and said, “How hard it is for the wealthy to enter into God’s kingdom realm.”
24 The disciples were startled when they heard this. But Jesus again said to them, “Children, it is next to impossible for those who trust in their riches to find their way into God’s kingdom realm. 25 It is easier to stuff a rope through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter into God’s kingdom realm.”
26 But this left them all the more astonished, and they whispered to one another, “Then who could ever be saved?”
27 Jesus looked at them and replied, “With people it is impossible, but not with God—God makes all things possible!”
28 Then Peter spoke up and said, “Can’t you see that we’ve left everything we had to cling to you?”
29 “Listen to my words,” Jesus said. “Anyone who leaves his home behind and chooses me over children, parents, family, and possessions, all for the sake of the gospel, 30 it will come back to him a hundred times as much in this lifetime—homes, family, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, possessions—along with persecutions. And in the age to come, he will inherit eternal life. 31 But many who are considered to be the most important now will be the least important then. And many who are viewed as the least important now will be considered the most important then.”
Terrie's Comments:
Everything God requires of us is impossible on our own strength. He wants us to cling wholeheartedly to Jesus, knowing that we are nothing on our own. God makes all things possible! I am grateful for the ministry of the Holy Spirit and all He empowers us to do.
Tori's Comments:
Again, God can do the impossible! Even use someone like me in furthering His kingdom. Never let the world's opinion of you sway you from doing what God has called you to do. Nothing can separate us from the love of God!
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
24 The disciples were startled when they heard this. But Jesus again said to them, “Children, it is next to impossible for those who trust in their riches to find their way into God’s kingdom realm. 25 It is easier to stuff a rope through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter into God’s kingdom realm.”
26 But this left them all the more astonished, and they whispered to one another, “Then who could ever be saved?”
27 Jesus looked at them and replied, “With people it is impossible, but not with God—God makes all things possible!”
28 Then Peter spoke up and said, “Can’t you see that we’ve left everything we had to cling to you?”
29 “Listen to my words,” Jesus said. “Anyone who leaves his home behind and chooses me over children, parents, family, and possessions, all for the sake of the gospel, 30 it will come back to him a hundred times as much in this lifetime—homes, family, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, possessions—along with persecutions. And in the age to come, he will inherit eternal life. 31 But many who are considered to be the most important now will be the least important then. And many who are viewed as the least important now will be considered the most important then.”
Terrie's Comments:
Everything God requires of us is impossible on our own strength. He wants us to cling wholeheartedly to Jesus, knowing that we are nothing on our own. God makes all things possible! I am grateful for the ministry of the Holy Spirit and all He empowers us to do.
Tori's Comments:
Again, God can do the impossible! Even use someone like me in furthering His kingdom. Never let the world's opinion of you sway you from doing what God has called you to do. Nothing can separate us from the love of God!
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Day 37 - Mark 10:13-22
13 The parents kept bringing their little children to Jesus so that he would lay his hands on them and bless them. But the disciples kept rebuking and scolding the people for doing it. 14 When Jesus saw what was happening, he became indignant with his disciples and said to them, “Let all the little children come to me and never hinder them! Don’t you know that God’s kingdom realm exists for such as these? 15 Listen to the truth I speak: Whoever does not open their arms to receive God’s kingdom like a teachable child will never enter it.” 16 Then he embraced each child, and laying his hands on them, he lovingly blessed each one.
17 As Jesus started on his way, a man came running up to him. Kneeling down in front of him, he cried out, “Good Teacher, what one thing am I required to do to gain eternal life?”
18 Jesus responded, “Why do you call me good? Only God is truly good. 19 You already know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give a false testimony, do not cheat, and honor your father and mother.’”
20 The man said to Jesus, “Teacher, I have carefully obeyed these laws since my youth.”
21 Jesus fixed his gaze upon the man, with tender love, and said to him, “Yet there is still one thing in you lacking. Go, sell all that you have and give the money to the poor. Then all of your treasure will be in heaven. After you’ve done this, come back and walk with me.”
22 Completely shocked by Jesus’ answer, he turned and walked away very sad, for he was extremely rich.
Tori's Comments:
We're so quick to dismiss others or judge them. How could a child understand theological truths? How could God accept a murderer into His kingdom? But God does the impossible, and time and time again we see him choose the least likely to work through and show his glory.
Terrie's Comments:
What is hindering me from fully surrendering my life to Jesus Christ? Is there any "treasure" here on earth that I hold onto dearly and would not give up for the kingdom if asked? Everything I have is given to me by God and Everything I have should be available for His use if He requests it.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
17 As Jesus started on his way, a man came running up to him. Kneeling down in front of him, he cried out, “Good Teacher, what one thing am I required to do to gain eternal life?”
18 Jesus responded, “Why do you call me good? Only God is truly good. 19 You already know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give a false testimony, do not cheat, and honor your father and mother.’”
20 The man said to Jesus, “Teacher, I have carefully obeyed these laws since my youth.”
21 Jesus fixed his gaze upon the man, with tender love, and said to him, “Yet there is still one thing in you lacking. Go, sell all that you have and give the money to the poor. Then all of your treasure will be in heaven. After you’ve done this, come back and walk with me.”
22 Completely shocked by Jesus’ answer, he turned and walked away very sad, for he was extremely rich.
Tori's Comments:
We're so quick to dismiss others or judge them. How could a child understand theological truths? How could God accept a murderer into His kingdom? But God does the impossible, and time and time again we see him choose the least likely to work through and show his glory.
Terrie's Comments:
What is hindering me from fully surrendering my life to Jesus Christ? Is there any "treasure" here on earth that I hold onto dearly and would not give up for the kingdom if asked? Everything I have is given to me by God and Everything I have should be available for His use if He requests it.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Day 36 - Mark 10:1-12
1 Then Jesus left the region and went into the district of Judea, across from the Jordan River, and again, massive crowds flocked to him, and Jesus, as was his custom, began to teach the people. 2 At one point, some of the Pharisees came, seeking to entrap him with a question. “Tell us,” they asked, “is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”
3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?”
4 They replied, “Moses permitted us to write a certificate of separation that would be valid to complete a divorce.”
5 Jesus said, “Yes, Moses wrote this exception for you because you are hardhearted. 6 But from the beginning God created male and female. 7 For this reason a man will leave his parents and be wedded to his wife. 8 And the husband and wife will be joined as one flesh, and after that they no longer exist as two, but one flesh. 9 So there you have it. What God has joined together, no one has the right to split apart.”
10 Once indoors, his disciples asked him to explain it to them again. 11 So he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. 12 And if the wife divorces her husband and marries another, she also commits adultery.”
Terrie's Comments:
Marriage is a very real representation of Christ and his bride, the church body. When we treat marriage as just a contract or a convenience we are down playing the intimacy and the commitment that Christ wants to have with his bride, the church. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ and believe in who He is and what He has done for us, we are joined together to Him and He longs for deep intimacy with us.
Tori's Comments:
Christ's love for the church is supposed to be represented by marriage. Just as Christ loves the church should a man love his wife! And just like God has pursued us throughout the centuries, so should we hold tight to our spouses.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?”
4 They replied, “Moses permitted us to write a certificate of separation that would be valid to complete a divorce.”
5 Jesus said, “Yes, Moses wrote this exception for you because you are hardhearted. 6 But from the beginning God created male and female. 7 For this reason a man will leave his parents and be wedded to his wife. 8 And the husband and wife will be joined as one flesh, and after that they no longer exist as two, but one flesh. 9 So there you have it. What God has joined together, no one has the right to split apart.”
10 Once indoors, his disciples asked him to explain it to them again. 11 So he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. 12 And if the wife divorces her husband and marries another, she also commits adultery.”
Terrie's Comments:
Marriage is a very real representation of Christ and his bride, the church body. When we treat marriage as just a contract or a convenience we are down playing the intimacy and the commitment that Christ wants to have with his bride, the church. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ and believe in who He is and what He has done for us, we are joined together to Him and He longs for deep intimacy with us.
Tori's Comments:
Christ's love for the church is supposed to be represented by marriage. Just as Christ loves the church should a man love his wife! And just like God has pursued us throughout the centuries, so should we hold tight to our spouses.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Day 35 - Mark 9:38-50
38 John spoke up and said, “Teacher, we noticed someone was using your name to cast out demons, so we tried to stop him because he wasn’t one of our group.”
39 “Don’t stop him!” Jesus replied. “For the one who does miracles in the power of my name proves he is not my enemy. 40 And whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Listen to the truth that I speak: Whoever gives you a cup of water because you carry the name of Christ will never lose his reward. 42 But if anyone abuses one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for him to have a heavy boulder tied around his neck and be hurled into the deepest sea than to face the punishment he deserves!
43 “If your hand entices you to sin, let it go limp and useless! For it is better for you to enter into life maimed than to have your entire body thrown into hell, the place of unquenchable fire. 44 This is where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out. 45 And if your foot leads you into sin, cut it off! For it is better to enter life crawling than to have both feet and be flung into hell. 46 This is where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out! For it is better to enter into life with one eye than to be thrown into hell with two. 48 This is where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out!
49 “Everyone will pass through the fire and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 Salt is excellent for seasoning. But if salt becomes tasteless, how can its flavor ever be restored? Your lives, like salt, are to season and preserve. So don’t lose your flavor, and preserve the peace in your union with one another.”
Tori's Comments:
We have so many little disagreements with each other... but we are all ONE under Christ. This is a theme I've noticed pop up quite often throughout Mark.
Terrie's Comments:
"preserve the peace in your union with one another." It is so vitally important to keep unity and peace within the body of Christ... among believers of Jesus Christ. We can't afford to let doctrine, denomination or even our own convictions get in the way of this union and peace. If you believe in Jesus Christ that is enough for us to have common ground and maintain peace between us. We are to keep our eyes on Jesus, love others (especially our brothers and sisters in Christ) and leave the rest of the work to the Holy Spirit among us!
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
39 “Don’t stop him!” Jesus replied. “For the one who does miracles in the power of my name proves he is not my enemy. 40 And whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Listen to the truth that I speak: Whoever gives you a cup of water because you carry the name of Christ will never lose his reward. 42 But if anyone abuses one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for him to have a heavy boulder tied around his neck and be hurled into the deepest sea than to face the punishment he deserves!
43 “If your hand entices you to sin, let it go limp and useless! For it is better for you to enter into life maimed than to have your entire body thrown into hell, the place of unquenchable fire. 44 This is where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out. 45 And if your foot leads you into sin, cut it off! For it is better to enter life crawling than to have both feet and be flung into hell. 46 This is where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out! For it is better to enter into life with one eye than to be thrown into hell with two. 48 This is where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out!
49 “Everyone will pass through the fire and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 Salt is excellent for seasoning. But if salt becomes tasteless, how can its flavor ever be restored? Your lives, like salt, are to season and preserve. So don’t lose your flavor, and preserve the peace in your union with one another.”
Tori's Comments:
We have so many little disagreements with each other... but we are all ONE under Christ. This is a theme I've noticed pop up quite often throughout Mark.
Terrie's Comments:
"preserve the peace in your union with one another." It is so vitally important to keep unity and peace within the body of Christ... among believers of Jesus Christ. We can't afford to let doctrine, denomination or even our own convictions get in the way of this union and peace. If you believe in Jesus Christ that is enough for us to have common ground and maintain peace between us. We are to keep our eyes on Jesus, love others (especially our brothers and sisters in Christ) and leave the rest of the work to the Holy Spirit among us!
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Monday, January 8, 2018
Day 34 - Mark 9:30-37
30 They went on from there and walked through the region of Galilee. Jesus didn’t want the people to know he was there, because he wanted to teach his disciples in private. 31 He said to them, “The Son of Man is destined to be betrayed and turned over to those who will execute him. But after three days he will rise again.” 32 But the disciples didn’t have a clue what he meant and were too embarrassed to ask him to explain it.
33 Then they came to Capernaum. And as soon as Jesus was inside the house, he asked his disciples, “What were you arguing about on the way here?”
34 No one said a word, because they had been arguing about which one of them was the greatest. 35 Jesus sat down, called the twelve disciples to come around him, and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be content to be last and become a servant to all.” 36 Then he had a child come and stand among them. He wrapped the child in his arms and said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes a little child in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes not only me, but the one who sent me.”
Terrie's Comments:
So how do we welcome a little child? I get the feeling that children were not the most valued members of society. So if we welcome the people that no one values in the name of Jesus we are welcoming Jesus as well. If we welcome Jesus we are also welcoming our heavenly Father.
Our societal norms are almost completely reversed. Children are highly valued and their needs, wants and desires are put first in many families. In order to appreciate this passage I think we need to throw our minds back to a time when children were meant to be seen and not heard - or possibly only valued when they were invisible all together.
There are many in our society who are not valued, ignored, and we act like we only value them when they are acting invisible... tolerated comes to mind. How can we change this in our personal realm? How can we welcome those whom society has deemed unworthy of being welcomed?
Tori's Comments:
Am I content as last and servant to all? By serving others, we are serving Christ! This is a lesson God has been showing me by allowing me to see Jesus working through others.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
33 Then they came to Capernaum. And as soon as Jesus was inside the house, he asked his disciples, “What were you arguing about on the way here?”
34 No one said a word, because they had been arguing about which one of them was the greatest. 35 Jesus sat down, called the twelve disciples to come around him, and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be content to be last and become a servant to all.” 36 Then he had a child come and stand among them. He wrapped the child in his arms and said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes a little child in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes not only me, but the one who sent me.”
Terrie's Comments:
So how do we welcome a little child? I get the feeling that children were not the most valued members of society. So if we welcome the people that no one values in the name of Jesus we are welcoming Jesus as well. If we welcome Jesus we are also welcoming our heavenly Father.
Our societal norms are almost completely reversed. Children are highly valued and their needs, wants and desires are put first in many families. In order to appreciate this passage I think we need to throw our minds back to a time when children were meant to be seen and not heard - or possibly only valued when they were invisible all together.
There are many in our society who are not valued, ignored, and we act like we only value them when they are acting invisible... tolerated comes to mind. How can we change this in our personal realm? How can we welcome those whom society has deemed unworthy of being welcomed?
Tori's Comments:
Am I content as last and servant to all? By serving others, we are serving Christ! This is a lesson God has been showing me by allowing me to see Jesus working through others.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Sunday, January 7, 2018
Day 33 - Mark 9:23-29
23 Jesus said to him, “What do you mean ‘if’? If you are able to believe, all things are possible to the believer.”
24 When he heard this, the boy’s father cried out with tears, saying, “I do believe, Lord; help my little faith!”
25 Now when Jesus saw that the crowd was quickly growing larger, he commanded the demon, saying, “Deaf and mute spirit, I command you to come out of him and never enter him again!”
26 The demon shrieked and threw the boy into terrible seizures and finally came out of him! As the boy lay there, looking like a corpse, everyone thought he was dead. 27 But Jesus stooped down, gently took his hand, and raised him up to his feet, and he stood there completely set free!
28 Afterwards, when Jesus arrived at the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why couldn’t we cast out the demon?”
29 He answered them, “This type of powerful spirit can only be cast out by fasting and prayer.”
Tori's Comments:
"If you are able to believe, all things are possible to the believer". Let's just rest on that for awhile....
So many excuses we make for God not moving are shut down with this statement from Christ. Have faith, and Lord, help our unbelief.
Terrie's Comments:
Fasting and Prayer are two things that turn our focus from our physical needs to completely focused on Jesus! Just as the Israelite's were saved from the deadly snakes in the desert by fixing their eyes intently on the bronze snake on the pole. We need to refuse to give attention to the problem and keep our eyes fixed on our solution... JESUS! We are able to be used of God through the gifts of the Holy Spirit when our eyes are fixed solidly on Jesus alone.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
24 When he heard this, the boy’s father cried out with tears, saying, “I do believe, Lord; help my little faith!”
25 Now when Jesus saw that the crowd was quickly growing larger, he commanded the demon, saying, “Deaf and mute spirit, I command you to come out of him and never enter him again!”
26 The demon shrieked and threw the boy into terrible seizures and finally came out of him! As the boy lay there, looking like a corpse, everyone thought he was dead. 27 But Jesus stooped down, gently took his hand, and raised him up to his feet, and he stood there completely set free!
28 Afterwards, when Jesus arrived at the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why couldn’t we cast out the demon?”
29 He answered them, “This type of powerful spirit can only be cast out by fasting and prayer.”
Tori's Comments:
"If you are able to believe, all things are possible to the believer". Let's just rest on that for awhile....
So many excuses we make for God not moving are shut down with this statement from Christ. Have faith, and Lord, help our unbelief.
Terrie's Comments:
Fasting and Prayer are two things that turn our focus from our physical needs to completely focused on Jesus! Just as the Israelite's were saved from the deadly snakes in the desert by fixing their eyes intently on the bronze snake on the pole. We need to refuse to give attention to the problem and keep our eyes fixed on our solution... JESUS! We are able to be used of God through the gifts of the Holy Spirit when our eyes are fixed solidly on Jesus alone.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Saturday, January 6, 2018
Day 32 - Mark 9:14-22
14 Now when they came down the mountain to the other nine disciples, they noticed a large crowd of people gathered around them, with the religious scholars arguing with them. 15 The crowd was astonished to see Jesus himself walking toward them, so they immediately ran to welcome him.
16 “What are you arguing about with the religious scholars?” he asked them.
17 A man spoke up out of the crowd. “Teacher,” he said, “I have a son possessed by a demon that makes him mute. I brought him here to you, Jesus. 18 Whenever the demon takes control of him, it knocks him down, and he foams at the mouth and gnashes his teeth, and his body becomes stiff as a board. I brought him to your disciples, hoping they could deliver him, but they were not strong enough.”
19 Jesus said to the crowd, “Why are you such a faithless people? How much longer must I remain with you and put up with your unbelief? Now, bring the boy to me.”
20 So they brought him to Jesus. As soon as the demon saw him, it threw the boy into convulsions. He fell to the ground, rolling around and foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus turned to the father and asked, “How long has your son been tormented like this?”
“Since childhood,” he replied. 22 “It tries over and over to kill him by throwing him into fire or water. But please, if you’re able to do something, anything—have compassion on us and help us!”
Terrie's Comments:
The thief comes to steal and to kill and destroy. Jesus always sets us free!
Tori's Comments:
It's so easy to fall into a place of unbelief.... despite the miracles God has done all throughout our lives! That's why it's so important we stand on God's word to remind us of the truth, and of who Jesus is, and of who we are in Him!
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
16 “What are you arguing about with the religious scholars?” he asked them.
17 A man spoke up out of the crowd. “Teacher,” he said, “I have a son possessed by a demon that makes him mute. I brought him here to you, Jesus. 18 Whenever the demon takes control of him, it knocks him down, and he foams at the mouth and gnashes his teeth, and his body becomes stiff as a board. I brought him to your disciples, hoping they could deliver him, but they were not strong enough.”
19 Jesus said to the crowd, “Why are you such a faithless people? How much longer must I remain with you and put up with your unbelief? Now, bring the boy to me.”
20 So they brought him to Jesus. As soon as the demon saw him, it threw the boy into convulsions. He fell to the ground, rolling around and foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus turned to the father and asked, “How long has your son been tormented like this?”
“Since childhood,” he replied. 22 “It tries over and over to kill him by throwing him into fire or water. But please, if you’re able to do something, anything—have compassion on us and help us!”
Terrie's Comments:
The thief comes to steal and to kill and destroy. Jesus always sets us free!
Tori's Comments:
It's so easy to fall into a place of unbelief.... despite the miracles God has done all throughout our lives! That's why it's so important we stand on God's word to remind us of the truth, and of who Jesus is, and of who we are in Him!
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Friday, January 5, 2018
Day 31 - Mark 9:1-13
1 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, there are some standing here now who won’t experience death until they see God’s kingdom realm manifest with power!”
2 After six days, Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, Jacob and John, and hiked up a high mountain to be alone. And Jesus’ appearance was dramatically altered, for he was transfigured before their very eyes! 3 His clothing sparkled and became glistening white—whiter than any bleach in the world could make them. 4 Then suddenly, right in front of them, Moses and Elijah appeared, and they spoke with Jesus.
5 Peter blurted out, “Beautiful Teacher, this is so amazing to see the three of you together! Why don’t we stay here and set up three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah?” 6 (For all of the disciples were in total fear, and Peter didn’t have a clue what to say.) 7 Just then, a radiant cloud began to spread over them, enveloping them all. And God’s voice suddenly spoke from the cloud, saying, “This is my most dearly loved Son—always listen to him!”
8 Suddenly, when they looked around, the disciples saw only Jesus, for Moses and Elijah had faded away.
9 As they all hiked down the mountain together, Jesus ordered them, “Don’t tell anyone of what you just witnessed. Wait until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” 10 So they kept it to themselves, puzzled over what Jesus meant about rising from the dead.
11 Then they asked him, “Why do the religious scholars insist that Elijah must come before the Messiah?”
12 He answered them, “They’re right. Elijah must come first to put everything in order. And what about all that is written about the Son of Man? It is true that he must endure many sufferings and be rejected. 13 So Elijah has already appeared, just as it was prophesied, and they did to him whatever they pleased.”
Tori's Comments:
v.1: God's Kingdom is NOW!!
Terrie's Comments:
When Peter didn't know how to respond to an encounter with the heavenly realm he responded by suggesting something that is very human. Let us make a place of residence here on earth. We, as humans, tend to think about our physical needs often. We put our efforts into creating homes, feeding ourselves and our families, and dressing ourselves. How much energy and focus do we give the word of God itself? Or take time to understand that as believers we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us and we have the heavenly realm living in our midst everyday.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
2 After six days, Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, Jacob and John, and hiked up a high mountain to be alone. And Jesus’ appearance was dramatically altered, for he was transfigured before their very eyes! 3 His clothing sparkled and became glistening white—whiter than any bleach in the world could make them. 4 Then suddenly, right in front of them, Moses and Elijah appeared, and they spoke with Jesus.
5 Peter blurted out, “Beautiful Teacher, this is so amazing to see the three of you together! Why don’t we stay here and set up three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah?” 6 (For all of the disciples were in total fear, and Peter didn’t have a clue what to say.) 7 Just then, a radiant cloud began to spread over them, enveloping them all. And God’s voice suddenly spoke from the cloud, saying, “This is my most dearly loved Son—always listen to him!”
8 Suddenly, when they looked around, the disciples saw only Jesus, for Moses and Elijah had faded away.
9 As they all hiked down the mountain together, Jesus ordered them, “Don’t tell anyone of what you just witnessed. Wait until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” 10 So they kept it to themselves, puzzled over what Jesus meant about rising from the dead.
11 Then they asked him, “Why do the religious scholars insist that Elijah must come before the Messiah?”
12 He answered them, “They’re right. Elijah must come first to put everything in order. And what about all that is written about the Son of Man? It is true that he must endure many sufferings and be rejected. 13 So Elijah has already appeared, just as it was prophesied, and they did to him whatever they pleased.”
Tori's Comments:
v.1: God's Kingdom is NOW!!
Terrie's Comments:
When Peter didn't know how to respond to an encounter with the heavenly realm he responded by suggesting something that is very human. Let us make a place of residence here on earth. We, as humans, tend to think about our physical needs often. We put our efforts into creating homes, feeding ourselves and our families, and dressing ourselves. How much energy and focus do we give the word of God itself? Or take time to understand that as believers we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us and we have the heavenly realm living in our midst everyday.
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Day 30 - Mark 8:31-38
31 From then on, Jesus began to tell his disciples that he, the Son of Man, was destined to go to Jerusalem and suffer great injustice from the elders, leading priests, and religious scholars. He also explained that he would be killed and three days later be raised to life again. 32 Jesus opened his heart and spoke freely with his disciples, explaining all these things to them.
Then Peter took him aside and rebuked him. 33 But Jesus turned around, and glancing at all of the other disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, “Get out of my sight, Satan! For your heart is not set on God’s plan but man’s!”
34 Jesus summoned the crowd, along with his disciples, and had them gather around. And he said to them: “If you truly want to follow me, you should at once completely disown your own life. And you must be willing to share my cross and experience it as your own, as you continually surrender to my ways. 35 For if you let your life go for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, you will continually experience true life. But if you choose to keep your life for yourself, you will forfeit what you try to keep. 36 For what use is it to gain all the wealth and power of this world, with everything it could offer you, at the cost of your own life? 37 And what could be more valuable to you than your own soul? 38 So among the unfaithful and sinful people living today, if you are ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of you when he makes his appearance with his holy messengers in the glorious splendor of his Father!”
Terrie's Comments:
I wonder what was going through the disciples heads as they heard what Jesus plainly told them about what was coming? Did they understand any of it?
I am looking forward to the moment that I leave my earthly body and enter my glorified body. I know that all of these questions that I tend to pose on this blog and as I read the scriptures will be fully understood on every level. Just as the disciples questions were completely answered when they passed into the heavenly realm as well.
Tori's Comments:
How easy is it for me to forget what Jesus has done and get caught up in my day to day struggles? I forget that my life is not about me, and that these things that are so frustrating in the moment will matter little at the end of my life. What will matter is God and how I've grown and trusted in Him throughout my life!
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Then Peter took him aside and rebuked him. 33 But Jesus turned around, and glancing at all of the other disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, “Get out of my sight, Satan! For your heart is not set on God’s plan but man’s!”
34 Jesus summoned the crowd, along with his disciples, and had them gather around. And he said to them: “If you truly want to follow me, you should at once completely disown your own life. And you must be willing to share my cross and experience it as your own, as you continually surrender to my ways. 35 For if you let your life go for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, you will continually experience true life. But if you choose to keep your life for yourself, you will forfeit what you try to keep. 36 For what use is it to gain all the wealth and power of this world, with everything it could offer you, at the cost of your own life? 37 And what could be more valuable to you than your own soul? 38 So among the unfaithful and sinful people living today, if you are ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of you when he makes his appearance with his holy messengers in the glorious splendor of his Father!”
Terrie's Comments:
I wonder what was going through the disciples heads as they heard what Jesus plainly told them about what was coming? Did they understand any of it?
I am looking forward to the moment that I leave my earthly body and enter my glorified body. I know that all of these questions that I tend to pose on this blog and as I read the scriptures will be fully understood on every level. Just as the disciples questions were completely answered when they passed into the heavenly realm as well.
Tori's Comments:
How easy is it for me to forget what Jesus has done and get caught up in my day to day struggles? I forget that my life is not about me, and that these things that are so frustrating in the moment will matter little at the end of my life. What will matter is God and how I've grown and trusted in Him throughout my life!
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)