Mark 14

As Jesus was giving His defense before the high priest and the Sanhedrin, He foretold that they would “see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” At this the high priest tore his clothes and declared Christ guilty of blasphemy and worthy of death.  We hear this same contempt for Jesus in the mouths of the ungodly today. Sad to say, it has even become a political platform, denying Christ and the well-being of His followers.

Yet, we read that He will come in such majesty and power that ALL will know and acknowledge that He truly is the Son of the Living God. We have the honor to testify and even suffer for the name of Christ, our Lord.

It will be more than worth it.

Mark 13

Jesus exhorted His disciples concerning the last days, revealing many signs and events that will take place. Referring to His people as “the elect,” He encourages vigilance using the word “watch.” In other texts, He says, “watch and pray.”

This is to be our posture, our preparation. It’s clear that God intends to protect His people but wants them to be on their guard at the appearance of the signs of the times.

A daily devotional life to include prayer and the reading of His Word are essential. It’s wise to teach and model this discipline to children so they can cultivate good spiritual habits.

Mark 11,12

Jesus sat in the temple observing the giving process of worshipers. He saw men who gave great amounts of money, but then observed a poor widow who meekly gave a very small amount. He made the point that her offering was very great in the eyes of God, even more than all the others. She gave everything she had. They had given a mere portion.

When we give ALL to God, it really gets His attention. He is no man’s debtor. Whatever is given to Him will unleash His blessings upon that life, and family, and business, and home, and city, and church etc.

“Live to give!”

Mark 10

James and John asked Jesus if He would grant their request … to be promoted to sit at His right hand and left hand in authority. Christ said, “These places are for those for whom they have been prepared. They are for the ones whom the Heavenly Father has destined.

The ambition they displayed gave Jesus an opportunity to make a point. You don’t attain to positions of importance by merely desiring it or requesting it. He went on to identify the leadership quality He was looking for … service!  He said, “If you want to be great in God’s Kingdom, become the servant of all.” Christ Himself was the greatest example of servitude. He would rather serve than be served.

We should follow His example.

Mark 9

The context was a demon-possessed boy … his father wanted Jesus to cast it out. Jesus made the statement, “Everything is possible to one who believes.” The father immediately responded, “I believe, but help me with my unbelief.”

I guess the unbelief factor we all have is holding us back from seeing great miracles. Can we focus on that, eliminating the unbelief? Jesus challenged His disciples about their prayer. He said, “This kind of evil spirit can only come out by prayer.”

Hence, more focused prayer is a key to seeing spiritual power released. Focused prayer takes time and intentionality. We get into too much of a hurry.  We let our time management be determined by things of lesser importance. Let’s make some changes and begin seeing possibilities become realities.

Mark 7,8

Jesus made enough food from 8 loaves and a few fishes to “satisfy” the hunger of 400 people.

The New Testament dictionary says it means “to fill up.” They received enough food from His miracle to make it home after listening to His teaching for 3 days without food. Amazing!

My trouble is that I probably eat beyond the point of satisfaction. I’ve done it for so long that I don’t rightly know when to stop … the “satisfy light” has been on for some time.

Was Jesus overweight? I doubt it. Do I want to be like Jesus? Yes.

Lord Jesus, sit down with me when I eat and give me grace to stop when I am sufficiently satisfied with my food. Thank you. I believe.

Mark 6

Jesus became a very popular figure to those living around Galilee. News also spread to other regions so that it was no secret what He could do. Whenever He went to a town, they assembled all the sick and placed them in the market area to be healed. Whoever touched His garment was healed. Without exception, Jesus was compassionate towards the common people and healed them and performed miracles providing food for them. He was such a compassionate Savior.

He’s STILL THE SAME today. He is compassionate and cares about every need. When we pray, we need to address this kind of Jesus. It helps build our faith that He will touch us.

Lord, touch us and fill us with Your compassion. Forgive us for our carnal, hard attitudes. We want to love people like You do.

Mark 5

The woman who reached out and touched Jesus was healed. He knew power had gone out of Him. I remember this chorus from years ago:

Reach out and touch the Lord
As He passes by,
You’ll find He’s not too busy
To hear your heart’s cry.
He is passing by this moment
Your needs to supply.
Reach out and touch the Lord
As He passes by.

How do we reach out? … through prayer, at the altar, in fasting, in waiting in His presence, with tears, with brokenness and humility, with faith, with anticipation.

Why didn’t He know exactly who it was who touched Him? Maybe He wanted her to show her faith by being bold enough to identify herself.

Be bold, be strong, for the Lord Thy God is with thee.

Mark 4

When Jesus told the wind and waves on the Sea of Galilee to stop their torrent, His disciples had been fearful.  He asked them, “Why were you so afraid? Don’t you have any faith?”

In this story, faith seems to be the opposite of fear. When life becomes the equivalent of a squall on the sea, Christ encourages us to rely on our faith rather than succumb to our fears.

Are you facing one of life’s storms? Don’t fear. Jesus is in your boat. Wake Him up and let Him calm your storm. You have ALL you need to overcome.

Mark 2,3

Jesus taught that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.

The political division and hate currently flooding our nation simply cannot be good for us. I have never seen this kind of division and rancor over a president. It is being fueled by something stronger than a bipartisan political rivalry.

It is a time to pray for the U.S. God must be up to something to allow such turmoil. The Word says everything that can be shaken WILL be shaken. This must be going on right now.

We need to stay ON THE ROCK CHRIST JESUS.