9 Early on the first day of the week, after rising from the dead, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 After she had seen Jesus, she ran to tell his disciples, who were all emotionally devastated and weeping. 11 Excitedly, Mary told them, “He’s alive and I’ve seen him!” But even after hearing this, they didn’t believe her.
12 After this, Jesus appeared to two of the disciples, who were on their way to another village, appearing in a form they did not recognize. 13 They went back to Jerusalem to tell the rest of the disciples, but they didn’t believe it was true.
14 Then Jesus appeared before the eleven apostles as they were eating a meal. He corrected them for having such hard, unbelieving hearts because they did not believe those who saw him after his resurrection.
15 And he said to them, “As you go into all the world, preach openly the wonderful news of the gospel to the entire human race! 16 Whoever believes the good news and is baptized will be saved, and whoever does not believe the good news will be condemned. 17 And these miracle signs will accompany those who believe: They will drive out demons in the power of my name. They will speak in tongues. 18 They will be supernaturally protected from snakes and from drinking anything poisonous. And they will lay hands on the sick and heal them.”
19 After saying these things, Jesus was lifted up into heaven and sat down at the place of honor at the right hand of God! 20 And the apostles went out announcing the good news everywhere, as the Lord himself consistently worked with them, validating the message they preached with miracle-signs that accompanied them!
Tori's Comments:
Even after all they'd heard and seen from Jesus, the disciples could not grasp faith easily.
Side Note: How often do I preach the good news openly? What miraculous signs accompany my faith?
But the Lord wants to work WITH us. We are, after all, working to bring him glory!
Terrie's Comments:
these miracle signs will accompany those who believe... as the Lord himself CONSISTENTLY WORKED WITH THEM, validating the message they preached with miracle-signs...
We are a part of the entire human race. If we believe the good news and are baptized we are a part of those who believe. We can expect the Lord himself to consistently work with us as we proclaim the gospel and to validate the message we preach with miracle signs through the ministry of the Holy Spirit within us! Do we believe?
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!
Showing posts with label Mark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mark. Show all posts
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Friday, February 9, 2018
Day 66 - Mark 16:1-8
1–2 On the first day of the week, as the Sabbath was ending, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jacob, and Salome made their way to the tomb. It was very early in the morning as the first streaks of light were beginning to be seen in the sky. They had purchased aromatic embalming spices so that they might anoint his body. 3 And they had been asking one another, “Who can roll away the heavy stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 But when they arrived, they discovered that the very large stone that had sealed the tomb was already rolled away! 5 And as they stepped into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right, dressed in a long white robe. The women were startled and amazed. 6 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I know that you’re here looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here—he has risen victoriously! Look! See the place where they laid him. 7 Run and tell his disciples, even Peter, that he is risen. He has gone ahead of you into Galilee and you will see him there, just like he told you.”
8 They staggered out of the tomb, awestruck, with their minds swirling. They ran to tell the disciples, but they were so afraid and deep in wonder, they said nothing to anyone.
Terrie's Comments:
I wonder how long it took for the news to finally settle into their spirits to a point where they allowed themselves to rejoice about the news?
Tori's Comments:
Why did Jesus first reveal himself to these three women? I understand that he would first appear to his mother, but why the other two?
Also: WOOOOOHOOOOOO! Such joy comes after such pain and sorrow.
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!
8 They staggered out of the tomb, awestruck, with their minds swirling. They ran to tell the disciples, but they were so afraid and deep in wonder, they said nothing to anyone.
Terrie's Comments:
I wonder how long it took for the news to finally settle into their spirits to a point where they allowed themselves to rejoice about the news?
Tori's Comments:
Why did Jesus first reveal himself to these three women? I understand that he would first appear to his mother, but why the other two?
Also: WOOOOOHOOOOOO! Such joy comes after such pain and sorrow.
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, February 8, 2018
Day 65 - Mark 15:42-47
42 Evening was fast approaching, and it was a preparation day before a Sabbath. 43 So a prominent Jewish leader named Joseph, from the village of Ramah, courageously went to see Pilate and asked to have custody of the body of Jesus. Joseph was a highly regarded member of the Jewish council and a follower of Jesus who had focused his hope on God’s kingdom realm. 44 Pilate was amazed to hear that Jesus was already dead, so he summoned the Roman officer, who confirmed it. 45 After it was confirmed, Pilate consented to give the corpse to Joseph.
46 Joseph purchased a shroud of fine linen and took the body down from the cross. Then he wrapped it in the linen shroud and placed it in a tomb quarried from out of the rock. Then they rolled a large stone over the entrance to seal the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph were there and saw exactly where they laid the body of Jesus.
Tori's Comments:
I'm curious as to the significance of Jesus's "quick" death.
Terrie's Comments:
Joseph was very bold to ask for the body of a man whom religious leaders had demanded to be crucified. He was a prominent Jewish leader himself. This was certainly an act of faith on his part towards 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!
46 Joseph purchased a shroud of fine linen and took the body down from the cross. Then he wrapped it in the linen shroud and placed it in a tomb quarried from out of the rock. Then they rolled a large stone over the entrance to seal the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph were there and saw exactly where they laid the body of Jesus.
Tori's Comments:
I'm curious as to the significance of Jesus's "quick" death.
Terrie's Comments:
Joseph was very bold to ask for the body of a man whom religious leaders had demanded to be crucified. He was a prominent Jewish leader himself. This was certainly an act of faith on his part towards 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!
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Day 64 - Mark 15:33-41
33 For three hours, beginning at noon, darkness came over the earth. 34 About three o’clock, Jesus shouted with a mighty voice in Aramaic, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?”—that is, “My God, My God, why have you turned your back on me?”
35 Some who were standing near the cross misunderstood and said, “Listen! He’s calling for Elijah.” 36 One bystander ran and got a sponge, soaked it with sour wine, then put it on a stick and held it up for Jesus to drink. But the rest said, “Leave him alone! Let’s see if Elijah comes to rescue him.” 37 Just then Jesus passionately cried out with a loud voice and breathed his last. 38 At that moment the veil in the Holy of Holies was torn in two from the top to the bottom.
39 When the Roman military officer who was standing right in front of Jesus saw how he died, he said, “There is no doubt this man was the Son of God!
40–41 Watching from a distance, away from the crowds, were many of the women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and had cared for him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jacob the younger and Joseph, and Salome. Many other women who had followed him to Jerusalem were there too.
Terrie's Comments:
In Verse 34 Jesus was referring to the scriptures, which the religious scholars would have known well. He was referring back to the Psalms and reminding them of what was said about that moment.
At the moment that Jesus died the veil in the Holy of Holies was torn in two from top to the bottom and their was no longer anything separating us from having an open relationship with God our Father!! That was a glorious moment for humanity for sure!
Tori's Comments:
I was about to ask a question about verse 34, but glanced at Terrie's and found the start of an answer :)
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 Some who were standing near the cross misunderstood and said, “Listen! He’s calling for Elijah.” 36 One bystander ran and got a sponge, soaked it with sour wine, then put it on a stick and held it up for Jesus to drink. But the rest said, “Leave him alone! Let’s see if Elijah comes to rescue him.” 37 Just then Jesus passionately cried out with a loud voice and breathed his last. 38 At that moment the veil in the Holy of Holies was torn in two from the top to the bottom.
39 When the Roman military officer who was standing right in front of Jesus saw how he died, he said, “There is no doubt this man was the Son of God!
40–41 Watching from a distance, away from the crowds, were many of the women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and had cared for him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jacob the younger and Joseph, and Salome. Many other women who had followed him to Jerusalem were there too.
Terrie's Comments:
In Verse 34 Jesus was referring to the scriptures, which the religious scholars would have known well. He was referring back to the Psalms and reminding them of what was said about that moment.
At the moment that Jesus died the veil in the Holy of Holies was torn in two from top to the bottom and their was no longer anything separating us from having an open relationship with God our Father!! That was a glorious moment for humanity for sure!
Tori's Comments:
I was about to ask a question about verse 34, but glanced at Terrie's and found the start of an answer :)
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, February 6, 2018
Day 63 - Mark 15:21-32
21 As they came out of the city, they stopped an African man named Simon, a native of Libya. He was passing by, just coming in from the countryside with his two sons, Alexander and Rufus, and the soldiers forced him to carry the heavy crossbeam for Jesus. 22 They brought Jesus to the execution site called Golgotha, which means “Skull Hill.” 23 There they offered him a mild painkiller, a drink of wine mixed with gall, but he refused to drink it.
24 They nailed his hands and feet to the cross. The soldiers divided his clothing among themselves by rolling dice to see who would win them. 25 It was nine o’clock in the morning when they finally crucified him. 26 Above his head they placed a sign with the inscription of the charge against him, which read, “This is the King of the Jews.”
27 Two criminals were also crucified with Jesus, one on each side of him. 28 This fulfilled the Scripture that says:
He was considered to be a criminal.
29 Those who passed by shook their heads and spitefully ridiculed him, saying, “Aha! You boasted that you could destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. 30 Why don’t you save yourself now? Just come down from the cross!”
31 Even the ruling priests and the religious scholars joined in the mockery and kept laughing among themselves, saying, “He saved others, but he can’t even save himself! Israel’s king, is he? 32 Let the ‘Messiah,’ the ‘king of Israel,’ pull out the nails and come down from the cross right now. We’ll believe it when we see it!” Even the two criminals who were crucified with Jesus began to taunt him, hurling insults on him.
Tori's Comments:
What a worthy, beautiful, saviour we serve. Just reading these accounts puts me in awe of all that he endured to save us, that we might be called children of God!
Terrie's Comments:
There are so many prophecies that were fulfilled in just this one day it is almost unbelievable, yet that is what makes it believable and proves that Jesus is who He claimed to be when he walked on the earth with us. So many little tiny details that were talked about happened just the way God predicted that they would through the prophets of the Old Testament.
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 They nailed his hands and feet to the cross. The soldiers divided his clothing among themselves by rolling dice to see who would win them. 25 It was nine o’clock in the morning when they finally crucified him. 26 Above his head they placed a sign with the inscription of the charge against him, which read, “This is the King of the Jews.”
27 Two criminals were also crucified with Jesus, one on each side of him. 28 This fulfilled the Scripture that says:
He was considered to be a criminal.
29 Those who passed by shook their heads and spitefully ridiculed him, saying, “Aha! You boasted that you could destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. 30 Why don’t you save yourself now? Just come down from the cross!”
31 Even the ruling priests and the religious scholars joined in the mockery and kept laughing among themselves, saying, “He saved others, but he can’t even save himself! Israel’s king, is he? 32 Let the ‘Messiah,’ the ‘king of Israel,’ pull out the nails and come down from the cross right now. We’ll believe it when we see it!” Even the two criminals who were crucified with Jesus began to taunt him, hurling insults on him.
Tori's Comments:
What a worthy, beautiful, saviour we serve. Just reading these accounts puts me in awe of all that he endured to save us, that we might be called children of God!
Terrie's Comments:
There are so many prophecies that were fulfilled in just this one day it is almost unbelievable, yet that is what makes it believable and proves that Jesus is who He claimed to be when he walked on the earth with us. So many little tiny details that were talked about happened just the way God predicted that they would through the prophets of the Old Testament.
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, February 5, 2018
Day 62 - Mark 15:16-20
16 The soldiers took Jesus into the headquarters of the governor’s compound and summoned a military unit of nearly six hundred men. 17 They placed a purple robe on him to make fun of him. Then they braided a victor’s crown, a wreath made of thorns, and set it on his head. 18 And with a mock salute they repeatedly cried out, “Hail, your majesty, king of the Jews!” 19 They kept on spitting in his face and hit him repeatedly on his head with a reed staff, driving the crown of thorns deep into his brow. They knelt down before him in mockery, pretending to pay him homage. 20 When they finished ridiculing him, they took off the purple robe, put his own clothes back on him, and led him away to be crucified.
Terrie's Comments:
Why 600 men? This was not a private mocking and beating by any stretch of the imagination. They were mocking the very heart of who He was and didn't know what they were accomplishing as they were doing it. By Jesus stripes we were healed. By this horrific act we now have healing in the name of Jesus forever! Amen
Tori's Comments:
It hurts to read this. Especially when compared with accounts of Jesus that describe him as the King he truly is and the kingdom He will bring...
If HE could endure such as humbling as this, and asks us to follow in his footsteps, maybe I need to think of myself a little less.
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!
Terrie's Comments:
Why 600 men? This was not a private mocking and beating by any stretch of the imagination. They were mocking the very heart of who He was and didn't know what they were accomplishing as they were doing it. By Jesus stripes we were healed. By this horrific act we now have healing in the name of Jesus forever! Amen
Tori's Comments:
It hurts to read this. Especially when compared with accounts of Jesus that describe him as the King he truly is and the kingdom He will bring...
If HE could endure such as humbling as this, and asks us to follow in his footsteps, maybe I need to think of myself a little less.
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, February 4, 2018
Day 61 - Mark 15:6-15
6 Every year at Passover, it was the custom of the governor to pardon a prisoner and release him to the people—anyone they wanted. 7 Now, Pilate was holding in custody a notorious criminal named Barabbas, one of the assassins who had committed murder in an uprising. 8 The crowds gathered in front of Pilate’s judgment bench and asked him to release a prisoner to them, as was his custom.
9 So he asked them, “Do you want me to release to you today the king of the Jews?” 10 (Pilate was fully aware that the religious leaders had handed Jesus over to him because of sheer spite and envy.)
11 But the ruling priests stirred up the crowd to incite them to ask for Barabbas instead.
12 So Pilate asked them, “Then what do you want me to do with this one you call the king of the Jews?”
13 They all shouted back, “Crucify him!”
14 “Why?” Pilate asked. “What evil thing has he done wrong?” But they kept shouting out with an deafening roar, “Crucify him at once!”
15 Because he wanted to please the people, Pilate released Barabbas to them. After he had Jesus severely beaten with a whip made of leather straps and embedded with metal, he sentenced him to be crucified.
Tori's Comments:
Jesus takes our place like he took Barrabas's.
I wonder what Barabbas did next. Did he turn to worship the one who took His place? Or did he continue in a life without Him?
Terrie's Comments:
I am pretty sure this did not end the way Pilate expected it to. He was thinking that it was a black and white decision and inevitably Jesus would be free... right? This mob against Jesus escalated so quickly from a crowd who was worshiping Jesus just a short time before this. Are we ones who worship Jesus and stand on the Word of God no matter what or do we only stand on the Word when it is convenient and goes with popular opinion? The Bible isn't politically correct. We will not always be popular when we live our lives according to the Word of God no matter 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!
9 So he asked them, “Do you want me to release to you today the king of the Jews?” 10 (Pilate was fully aware that the religious leaders had handed Jesus over to him because of sheer spite and envy.)
11 But the ruling priests stirred up the crowd to incite them to ask for Barabbas instead.
12 So Pilate asked them, “Then what do you want me to do with this one you call the king of the Jews?”
13 They all shouted back, “Crucify him!”
14 “Why?” Pilate asked. “What evil thing has he done wrong?” But they kept shouting out with an deafening roar, “Crucify him at once!”
15 Because he wanted to please the people, Pilate released Barabbas to them. After he had Jesus severely beaten with a whip made of leather straps and embedded with metal, he sentenced him to be crucified.
Tori's Comments:
Jesus takes our place like he took Barrabas's.
I wonder what Barabbas did next. Did he turn to worship the one who took His place? Or did he continue in a life without Him?
Terrie's Comments:
I am pretty sure this did not end the way Pilate expected it to. He was thinking that it was a black and white decision and inevitably Jesus would be free... right? This mob against Jesus escalated so quickly from a crowd who was worshiping Jesus just a short time before this. Are we ones who worship Jesus and stand on the Word of God no matter what or do we only stand on the Word when it is convenient and goes with popular opinion? The Bible isn't politically correct. We will not always be popular when we live our lives according to the Word of God no matter 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!
Saturday, February 3, 2018
Day 60 - Mark 15:1-5
1 Before dawn that morning, all the ruling priests, elders, religious scholars, and the entire Jewish council set in motion their plan against Jesus. They bound him in chains, took him away, and handed him over to Pilate.
2 As Jesus stood in front of the Roman governor, Pilate asked him, “So, are you really the king of the Jews?”
Jesus answered, “You have just spoken it.”
3 Then the ruling priests, over and over, made bitter accusations against him, but he remained silent.
4 So Pilate questioned him again. “Have you nothing to say? Don’t you hear these many allegations they’re making against you?” 5 But Jesus offered no defense to any of the charges, much to the great astonishment of Pilate.
Terrie's Comments:
Have you ever been falsely accused - in a situation that you knew saying anything would only make it worse? It is a horrible feeling but all too often we feel the need to defend our innocence and more often than not it does make the situation worse or at least prolong it. It is no wonder that Pilate was astonished that Jesus was silent when there were many allegations, which were all false, being shouted at Jesus.
Tori's Comments:
I picture Jesus's silence as a noble one. What a king we serve!
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 As Jesus stood in front of the Roman governor, Pilate asked him, “So, are you really the king of the Jews?”
Jesus answered, “You have just spoken it.”
3 Then the ruling priests, over and over, made bitter accusations against him, but he remained silent.
4 So Pilate questioned him again. “Have you nothing to say? Don’t you hear these many allegations they’re making against you?” 5 But Jesus offered no defense to any of the charges, much to the great astonishment of Pilate.
Terrie's Comments:
Have you ever been falsely accused - in a situation that you knew saying anything would only make it worse? It is a horrible feeling but all too often we feel the need to defend our innocence and more often than not it does make the situation worse or at least prolong it. It is no wonder that Pilate was astonished that Jesus was silent when there were many allegations, which were all false, being shouted at Jesus.
Tori's Comments:
I picture Jesus's silence as a noble one. What a king we serve!
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, February 2, 2018
Day 59 - Mark 14:66-72
66 Meanwhile, Peter was sitting below in the courtyard when a girl, a servant of the high priest, came near the fire. 67 When she saw Peter there warming himself, she said to him, “I recognize you. You were with that Nazarene, Jesus.”
68 But Peter denied it, saying, “I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.” Then he went out to the gateway of the courtyard and the rooster crowed.
69 When the servant girl noticed him, she said to all the bystanders, “I know this man is one of his followers!”
70 Once again, Peter denied it. A short time later, the bystanders said to him, “You must be one of them. You’re a Galilean, like he is, for your accent proves it!”
71 Peter cursed and said, “I tell you, I don’t know this man you’re talking about!”
72 At the same moment Peter spoke those words, the sound of a rooster crowing pierced the night for the second time. And Peter remembered the words Jesus had spoken to him earlier: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” With a shattered heart, Peter broke down and sobbed with bitter tears.
Tori's Comments:
I really struggle to read this story without it accompanying the one where Jesus reinstates Peter... because you see Peter understand the depth of failure of humanity, and yet Jesus still offers grace.
Terrie's Comments:
That moment of realization that Jesus was right again... and another confirmation that He is the Son of God in the flesh! I am sure that Peter was sincere when he said to Jesus he wouldn't turn away and deny him even if everyone else did. He did stick around longer than anyone else. I wonder what Peter thought was going to happen in this trial? Jesus being spat on, mocked and beat would be enough to shake me up to I think.
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!
68 But Peter denied it, saying, “I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.” Then he went out to the gateway of the courtyard and the rooster crowed.
69 When the servant girl noticed him, she said to all the bystanders, “I know this man is one of his followers!”
70 Once again, Peter denied it. A short time later, the bystanders said to him, “You must be one of them. You’re a Galilean, like he is, for your accent proves it!”
71 Peter cursed and said, “I tell you, I don’t know this man you’re talking about!”
72 At the same moment Peter spoke those words, the sound of a rooster crowing pierced the night for the second time. And Peter remembered the words Jesus had spoken to him earlier: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” With a shattered heart, Peter broke down and sobbed with bitter tears.
Tori's Comments:
I really struggle to read this story without it accompanying the one where Jesus reinstates Peter... because you see Peter understand the depth of failure of humanity, and yet Jesus still offers grace.
Terrie's Comments:
That moment of realization that Jesus was right again... and another confirmation that He is the Son of God in the flesh! I am sure that Peter was sincere when he said to Jesus he wouldn't turn away and deny him even if everyone else did. He did stick around longer than anyone else. I wonder what Peter thought was going to happen in this trial? Jesus being spat on, mocked and beat would be enough to shake me up to I think.
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, February 1, 2018
Day 58 - Mark 14:53-65
53 Those who arrested Jesus led him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, to a meeting where the religious scholars and Jewish leaders were assembled. 54 Now, Peter had followed him from a distance all the way to the chief priest’s courtyard. He sat with the guards and was warming himself by the fire.
55 The chief priests and the entire supreme Jewish council of leaders were doing their best to find false charges that they could bring against Jesus and condemn him to death, but they could not find any. 56 Many false witnesses came forward, but the evidence could not be corroborated. 57 Some came forward and testified against him, saying, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I can destroy this temple made with hands and then build another one again in three days not made with hands!’” 59 Yet even on this point the witnesses did not agree.
60 Finally, the chief priest stood up in the middle of them and said to Jesus, “Have you nothing to say about these allegations? Is what they’re saying about you true?”
61 But Jesus remained silent before them and did not answer. So the chief priest said to him, “Are you the anointed Messiah, the Son of the Blessed God?”
62 Jesus answered him, “I am. And more than that, you are about to see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Almighty and coming in the heavenly clouds!”
63 Then, as an act of outrage, the high priest tore his robe and shouted, “No more witnesses are needed, 64 for you’ve heard this grievous blasphemy.” Turning to the council he said, “Now, what is your verdict?”
“He’s guilty and deserves the death penalty!” they all answered.
65 Then they spat on his face and blindfolded him. Others struck him over and over with their fists and taunted him by saying, “Prophesy to us! Tell us which one of us is about to hit you next?” And the guards took him and beat him.
Terrie's Comments:
Peter was being so brave following Him this far when everyone else had scattered so quickly. I wonder if Peter and his personality were having trouble listening to all that was going on in this mock trial?
Tori's Comments:
The high priests were so blind to the truth that Christ offered 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!
55 The chief priests and the entire supreme Jewish council of leaders were doing their best to find false charges that they could bring against Jesus and condemn him to death, but they could not find any. 56 Many false witnesses came forward, but the evidence could not be corroborated. 57 Some came forward and testified against him, saying, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I can destroy this temple made with hands and then build another one again in three days not made with hands!’” 59 Yet even on this point the witnesses did not agree.
60 Finally, the chief priest stood up in the middle of them and said to Jesus, “Have you nothing to say about these allegations? Is what they’re saying about you true?”
61 But Jesus remained silent before them and did not answer. So the chief priest said to him, “Are you the anointed Messiah, the Son of the Blessed God?”
62 Jesus answered him, “I am. And more than that, you are about to see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Almighty and coming in the heavenly clouds!”
63 Then, as an act of outrage, the high priest tore his robe and shouted, “No more witnesses are needed, 64 for you’ve heard this grievous blasphemy.” Turning to the council he said, “Now, what is your verdict?”
“He’s guilty and deserves the death penalty!” they all answered.
65 Then they spat on his face and blindfolded him. Others struck him over and over with their fists and taunted him by saying, “Prophesy to us! Tell us which one of us is about to hit you next?” And the guards took him and beat him.
Terrie's Comments:
Peter was being so brave following Him this far when everyone else had scattered so quickly. I wonder if Peter and his personality were having trouble listening to all that was going on in this mock trial?
Tori's Comments:
The high priests were so blind to the truth that Christ offered 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!
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Day 57 - Mark 14:43-52
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!
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!
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!
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