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The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness. He fasts for forty days and faces intense temptation from the devil. Satan asks Jesus to turn rocks into bread, to accept kingdoms from the devil, and to jump and challenge God to catch Him. On each occasion, Jesus quotes scripture, gives credit to God, and refuses to fall in the face of temptation. Following this, Jesus comes to Nazareth, enters the synagogue, and asks to read from the book of Isaiah. He reads about the favorable year of the Lord and proclaims that the time has come! They doubt Him and even try to drive Him off a cliff! Jesus goes to Capernaum, where He is better received. He preaches the kingdom of God and casts out demons and heals many.
The devil uses three common tools to tempt Jesus: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life. This is how he tempted Adam and Eve in the beginning, and this is how he tempts us. Jesus uses faith, scripture, and wisdom to reject him, and we can do the same in His name. Jesus is the anointed One, and our Helper, and has ushered in a favorable age of victory over the devil. Jesus has proven His power in the wilderness, but also in casting out demons, healing the sick, and proving His limitless might. Even the demons proclaim Him to be the “Holy One of God.” How much more so should we?
Gracious Lord, thank You for the example Your Son set for us in His ministry. Help us to be more like Him and see through the devil’s common and carnal tools of temptation. To choose Satan is to reject Your Son, and we pray to flee evil and cling to Christ. Jesus brought us freedom from captivity and has shown us that He controls the spiritual and physical world. It is sad to see His hometown drive Him out. Please help us to always be humble and in awe of Him and to never push our King away.
- Have you tried categorizing temptations? When you feel it coming, identify if Satan is tempting your eye, your flesh, or your pride.
- Jesus’ hometown could not accept that He was God’s one and only plan to save them. Do you accept and embrace that fact today?
- What does it say about Christ’s glory that even the demons fear and confess Him as God? How must your faith be better than the demons?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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John the Baptist’s ministry begins as he preaches “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” He fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy as the one to come and to “make ready the way of the Lord.” John speaks against many who come to be baptized, calling them “a brood of vipers” and instructing them to bear fruit in repentance. They want baptism, but they are not interested in fleeing from sin. John explains to them that true repentance means treating others fairly. Before John’s arrest, he speaks of the mighty One who would come after Him bringing baptisms of the Holy Spirit and fire! He then baptizes Jesus, as the Spirit descends on Him and God speaks about Him from heaven! The chapter ends with the genealogy of Jesus back to Adam.
Three ideas from John’s ministry set the tone for Jesus’ teaching: baptism, repentance, and the forgiveness of sins. We must be baptized in water to have our sins washed away. Jesus’ baptism sets an example for us. But we must also be willing to turn from sin, so that, by the planning and grace of God, our sins are forgiven. This choice is crucial as Jesus would bring two baptisms: the Holy Spirit in association with salvation or fire bringing destruction. The genealogy of Jesus is important because it proves Him to be the fulfillment of prophecies by connecting Him to both David and Abraham. He is God’s choice from the beginning to be our Savior.
Great God, You have the right to demand anything in order for us to become Your children. You have told us to believe in Jesus, to repent of our sins, and to be baptized in water. Thank You for showing this to us and teaching us how to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. John was arrested for preaching these things. Help us to be bold in proclaiming this soul-saving truth to others. Jesus is the descendant of David, the seed of Abraham, Your plan for our salvation from the beginning. We praise His mighty name.
Thought Questions for the Day:
- Many Jews desired baptism but were unwilling to repent. Are you willing to not only be baptized but continually turn from your sin?
- When John teaches on repentance, he speaks of how we treat others. Is charity, fairness, and kindness to others important fruits of faithfulness?
- Jesus was baptized, and then He began His ministry for God. How should we follow His example in baptism and in what comes after?
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If you are looking to live a worry free life, consider these things:
1) Make things right with a fellow believer. You need each other.
2) Be about God and thankful to God ALL the time. Don't just reach out when you are in a pinch.
3) Think on spiritual things. Read the word. Have bible discussions.
4) Practice what you read. Pick at least one action item per day.
5) Find contentment in the nearness of Christ. His strength is aways enough.
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem for a census. Jesus is born there in a manger since the inn is full. An angel appears to shepherds proclaiming Jesus as the “Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” A multitude of angels then appear praising God! The shepherds visit the family and report these wonderful things. After eight days, Jesus’ family takes Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord at the temple. A righteous man named Simeon prophesies that Jesus would be a light even to the Gentiles. Twelve years later, the family comes to Jerusalem for the Passover. When they leave for home, Jesus stays behind and astonishes the teachers in the temple. His parents return for Him, but He explains He must be in His Father’s house.
Jesus returns to Nazareth with his parents after the Jerusalem event. His parents did not understand what was coming, but His mother treasured all of this in her heart. She knew how special He was. This chapter is filled with prophecy and proclamations about the greatness of Jesus. We should treasure all of this in our hearts as well. The angels appear and praise God for the “peace on earth” that Jesus would bring. In the temple, Simeon holds Jesus in his arms and says to God, “My eyes have seen Your salvation.” They believed He was God’s gift to change the world. We know of His birth, His death, and His resurrection. We should openly proclaim His glory even more!
Heavenly Father, world history has two halves: before Jesus was born, and after. Thank You for blessing us to live in the days after Jesus came. So much anticipation and hope were tied to the coming of the Messiah. And by Your grace, He has come. May His worthiness dominate our hearts, and may He be “good news of great joy” every day of our lives. As a child, He wowed the teachers. His wisdom exceeds all men, including us. Help us to humbly be in awe of Him, to study His teachings, and to surrender our lives to follow Him.
Thought Questions for the Day:
- God’s only Son was birthed in a barn. What does that teach you about where and how God might begin wonderful things?
- Simeon prophesied Jesus would be the Light for Jews and Gentiles. How has God had your salvation in mind since the beginning?
- In His youth, Jesus prioritized the temple over traveling with His family. How does this foreshadow the message of the kingdom?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Luke opens his letter by noting that he has investigated things carefully so he can report “the exact truth.” He details the events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist and the conception of Jesus in the longest chapter in the New Testament. Elizabeth is barren until an angel appears to her and Zacharias and tells them they will have a son named John. Six months later, the angel Gabriel appears to Mary. He tells her she will conceive of one named Jesus, “the Son of the Most High,” who will reign forever! Mary visits Elizabeth and offers a beautiful prayer of praise to God. After Mary’s departure, John is born, and his father Zacharias prophesies concerning redemption, mercy, forgiveness, and peace! The age of the Savior begins!
Luke sets out on a specific mission with this gospel. This record of the life of Jesus provides carefully researched facts intended to build the faith of a man named Theophilus, and it can do so for all who read it today. It begins by showing God’s supernatural involvement in the birth of John, the forerunner for Jesus. Angels from heaven appear to Elizabeth and Mary. Elizabeth’s womb is open. Zacharias is struck mute for a time. Later he regains his speech, is “filled with the Holy Spirit”, and begins to prophesy. The story of Jesus begins with God’s hand directly involved in the affairs of mankind. God actively accomplishes redemption for those who would see His works and believe.
Benevolent Lord, among all the gifts You have given, there are none as valuable as Your Son. We praise You for Gabriel’s message to Mary, that Jesus would rule and “His kingdom would have no end.” Living in that kingdom is our daily and constant source of peace. We see Your consistency and wisdom in bringing John the Baptist into the world to fulfill prophecy and prepare the way for Jesus. His teachings call people to repent and surrender their lives to Christ. Lord help us to receive that message and prepare ourselves to be led by the Savior.
Thought Questions for the Day:
- Elizabeth and Zacharias were “both righteous in the sight of God” and they were blessed. Does God hear and help people of faith today?
- Zacharias questioned the angel’s words and was struck mute for nine months. Might God still react like that if we doubt His promises?
- Mary praised God, believing she carried the Messiah. Why is it important to rejoice in faith even before we see incredible outcomes?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]Mark 16
Women followers of Jesus come to the tomb early on Sunday morning, hoping to anoint His body with spices. They arrive to see the stone rolled away. A young man is sitting inside the tomb, an angel of the Lord, who tells them the most wonderful thing about Jesus: “He has risen.” Jesus then appears to Mary Magdalene and sends her to report to the disciples. When they hear, they refuse to believe. Jesus appears to two other disciples. They report it to the apostles, who still will not believe. Jesus then comes to the eleven and reproaches them for their unbelief. He charges them to go and preach the gospel to all, performing miracles to confirm His word. They witness Jesus ascend into heaven and immediately begin spreading His message.
The empty tomb is the most life-changing event of all time. It took some time for the disciples to believe it, as they had always struggled to understand the death portion of Jesus’ ministry. But His resurrected appearance in the flesh changed all of that. The followers of Christ went from fear to faith, committing themselves to sharing the power of Jesus over death. Having watched Him ascend into heaven, they gave their lives teaching others that He would once again return. If we believe in His resurrection, then our hopes are forever secure, our fear is taken away, and we can live for Jesus in full assurance of faith, sharing His message everywhere and with everyone.
Great Father of Power, we believe. We believe that the grave is empty. We believe Jesus has forever defeated Satan, sin, and death. Thank You for the testimony of eyewitnesses and all the evidence of His resurrection. Please provide us opportunities to share this message with others and open their hearts to move from fear to faith, from unbelief to absolute assurance. Father, we are committed to the ministry charged to believers. Please help us to be so certain of Christ’s ascension and return that we will share the gospel in any environment and with everyone we know.
Thought Questions:
- Why do you believe Jesus was raised from the dead? How important are the proofs of His resurrection to know and share?
- Christ’s resurrection changed the Apostles forever. How is your life changed by the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus?
- We are not apostles, but we are messengers of Christ. What can you do today to share saving belief and baptism with someone you love?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 15Mark’s record of Christ’s crucifixion focuses heavily on the people around Him. The Jewish leaders seek to kill him. Pilate gives in to them, but he is confused about the Christ. Barabbas, an actual murderer, is released instead of Jesus. Soldiers scourge the Messiah, beat Him, mock Him, and crucify Him. Jewish onlookers relentlessly attack Him. The two criminals hurl abuse at Him. But at His death, the focus shifts to people of faith. The Centurion says, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Women of faith stay close to the body of Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea requests the body and gives Him a proper burial. This sets a contrast between the sinful work of man in Christ’s death and the faith and hope that would grow from His sacrifice.
The sinful work of man is on full display during Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. People get so sure of what they believe, and they let envy and pride lead them to the most heinous behavior. We must learn from their failures. We must check our hearts, pride, and intentions, to center them on honoring Christ. If not, we may end up living our lives against Him. If we trust in Him, then His life, death, and resurrection can become the anthem of our lives. So many have been changed by His sacrifice, like the Centurion and Joseph in our story. That change is possible in you. But also, in many around us, if we will share Jesus with them.
Tender Father, how painful it must have been to watch Your Son be ridiculed by those He came to save. Above all today, we pray to never be that way in Your sight. Humble and mold us to be people who appreciate His death and who seek to glorify Him because of His sacrifice. Lord God, give us a voice to proclaim the gospel message. Others are living in sin and need to see what He did and learn to love Him for it. Will you reveal those people to us today and give us the courage to speak His name?
Thought Questions:
- Pilate is a tragic character. He was conflicted about Jesus, but he ultimately relented. How does your faith show more resolve than Pilate?
- Jesus’ death changed people, like the criminal and the Centurion. Do you think His self-sacrifice still has the power to do that today?
- The women and Joseph were faithful even at personal risk. How does your life prove that you serve Jesus no matter what cost is required?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 14Mark’s gospel moves swiftly toward Jesus’ arrest and trial. There is a powerful contrast between the woman who anoints Him with expensive oil and Judas who betrays Him for thirty pieces of silver. Both would be remembered for generations for very different reasons. Jesus proceeds to meet with the disciples and institute the memorial supper. He announces that a betrayer would come from among them. But He later tells them that, in the short term, they will all fall away. Peter, of course, denies this vehemently. Following this, Jesus prays in the garden, while Peter, James, and John fall asleep a short distance away. Jesus is then arrested and accused of blasphemy by Jewish leadership. In those moments, Peter falters in faith and denies Jesus three times. Peter then weeps in sorrow.
The potency of this chapter is in the characters around Jesus. The woman anoints Him with costly oil, demonstrating service and her understanding of His sacrifice. Judas, on the other hand, lets greed dominate his thinking. It has blinded him to true and selfless faith. We would do well to study them both and decide who we want to emulate. The rest of the chapter turns attention to Peter and his pride. He said he would never desert Jesus. While he certainly had a stronger faith than Judas, he did not prepare well to stand firm. He was overconfident and it cost him. We should learn humility from this story, to pray fervently, and to prepare for temptation.
Dear loving Father, who sent Your Son to die for our sins and redeem us to You. Thank You for His willingness to suffer and die for us. Some never understood the value of His death. Some even contributed to it. Others struggled to understand what it means to stand up for it. Lord God, help us to learn from all those people. Give us the gratitude to praise His sacrifice every day and help us develop the humility to spend time each day in prayer. Prepare us and encourage us to share in His suffering with selfless, faithful living.
Thought Questions:
- Judas traveled with Jesus but harbored greed in his heart. How do you cultivate your heart to remain selfless and free from greed?
- The Lord’s Supper is important to Jesus and to Christians. How are you already preparing to partake on Sunday in fellowship with Jesus?
- Peter was a man of faith, but he had a lot to learn about humility, prayer, and facing temptation. What do you learn from his example?
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My recent passion has been to discover Jesus on every page of Scripture. For a long time, my first impulse was to seek myself, which is honestly typical human behavior. However, at times I overlooked the Ruler to focus on the rules, which led me to misunderstand them. I encourage you to perceive the entirety of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, as a JESUS BOOK. When you see Him, you witness perfection and glory, resulting in deeper faith and greater appreciation for the Messiah. Then, when you examine a second time for application, things may appear a bit different, and you will be the better for it. Join me as we explore a couple of examples to illustrate all of this.
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Phone: 205-326-7364
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 13Jesus leaves the temple and announces that it will be completely torn down. His four closest apostles later ask Him about this devastating event. Jesus tells them that many things must happen first, and they should not believe those who claim to know the time of the temple’s destruction. The gospel must first be preached. The apostles would face heavy persecution before it happened. But when the attack draws near, He warns them to flee to the mountains and get far away from Jerusalem. It will be a judgment on the Jews and the destruction will be accomplished by Jesus. These things would happen during their generation. The disciples are warned not to be misled by false teachers, but to stay alert. No one knows the day or the hour.
Jesus describes the destruction of Jerusalem. It was the judgment of Christ after He ascended to heaven, but it was carried out by the Roman government. Jerusalem was destroyed, many Jews were killed, and the temple was completely dismantled. This was God’s punishment upon the Jews for killing His Son and refusing His kingdom. This took place in 70 A.D. Leading up to it, there were rumors and false prophecies. Jesus was warning about that decades in advance. The key was to stay alert and ready to go. This has clear parallels to the destruction that is coming in the final judgment and our need to be alert and prepared. No one knows the day or the hour.
Dear Father, we know You took no joy in the destruction of the Jewish city, temple, and people. Your judgment was forced by their refusal to honor Christ. They were warned, and most did not listen. Great God, we pray for open hearts and ears. Help us to commit to Christ and to wait for His return. Sadly, it will also be a judgment day against the ungodly, and it will come on a day no one knows. We want to be ready. Please discipline us to be on the alert, so we will be saved when that day comes.
Thought Questions:
- God destroyed His temple because of unbelief among the Jews. What does that tell you about how serious the Father is about faithful living?
- Before the judgment day of God, the apostles would have to face persecution and trust in the Spirit. Are you prepared to do the same today?
- There is a final day of judgment coming. What are the daily things you think and do to make sure you are always prepared for His return?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 12Jesus and the Jewish leaders battle in this chapter. It begins with the parable of the vineyard workers. They attack the owner’s delegates and eventually kill his son. The result was wrath from the father and the destruction of the murderers. The Jews know Jesus is talking about them, so they send inquisitors to try and trap Jesus in His words. They ask Him about paying poll taxes to Caesar. Jesus responds by saying to give Caesar his taxes. They ask about a seven-time widow and her marriage in heaven. Jesus responds with divine wisdom about eternity. They ask about the greatest commandment, and He responds perfectly with the law of love. These prideful men are set in contrast with the humble widow who contributes all that she has to God.
The widow at the end is praised by Jesus because her devotion to God is real and sacrificial. She is fully committed to God, while many others only give out of their surplus. She is the opposite of the Jewish leaders. The parable at the beginning is about killing the son of the owner so they can have the vineyard. The motivation is selfishness and greed. All their questions for Jesus are about diminishing Him so they don’t have to submit. Their main priority is themselves and what they can get and keep. We are challenged to be less like them and more like the widow at the end. It cannot be about us and Him. We must choose Him.
Benevolent Father, You are a gracious gift giver and we have all that we could ever need. Help us to see this in Jesus and His church and to flee the temptation to be greedy and worldly. The Pharisees turned against Jesus because He sought a seat of authority in their hearts that they wanted for themselves. Father, forgive our selfish thinking and any greed or envy that is born of it. Train us to trust Jesus and never to question His wisdom. Humble us to be like the widow, freely giving all that we have to You.
Thought Questions:
- How does your life change when you see yourself as belonging to God, instead of seeing God and His creation as merely gifts for you?
- The Jews asked hard questions of Jesus. We may ask some as well. What is the right way to approach your King when asking for clarity?
- Most believers are somewhere between the ones giving out of surplus and the widow giving all she had. How do we grow in this area?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 11The events of this chapter connect to a barren fig tree. Jesus approaches a tree that has no fruit on it. He immediately condemns it to never bear figs again. The next day, the tree is shriveled up and the disciples ask about it. Jesus responds with these four words: “Have faith in God.” He goes on to say that incredible things are possible if disciples trust in God. In Jesus’ midst are people of faith, like those who lay down coats and worship Jesus as He enters Jerusalem. But there are also hard-hearted Pharisees who have no faith. They defile God’s temple with money tables. And they question Christ’s authority over them, though He silences them almost immediately. They are like that fig tree, condemned for being spiritually barren.
The gospel of Jesus has had the same effect, all over the world, for centuries. Some believe. They lay their coats before Him and worship Him as their King. Believers pray in His name, live with great faith, and bear amazing fruit in His honor. These are the few and they belong to Him. But there are always many who live for themselves, are overtaken by greed, and will not submit to Christ’s right to rule their lives. They are plants with every ability to thrive but are fruitless and dead. We must choose, every day, which of the two we are going to be. We are the fig trees, and Jesus has the ongoing right to draw from us richly.
Loving Father and gift giver, we praise Your name for the coming of Jesus to be our Savior and King. May we sing as believers did when He entered Jerusalem: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord…” Indeed He is blessed, and He is a blessing to all who believe in Him. Help us to bear fruit by His power and for His glory. Lead us to be prayerful, to ask forgiveness when our branches grow bare, and to give Him the authority and the right to draw from us things that please Him.
Thought Questions:
- The plant imagery is helpful. If you are a fig tree that belongs to Jesus, how does that impact the nourishment and growth you pursue daily?
- Jesus was deeply offended that the temple of God was infiltrated by greed. Is there a sense in which that has meaning for us in His church?
- There is instruction on prayer in this chapter. Why does Jesus call us to forgive “anything against anyone” before we seek God’s forgiveness?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 10This chapter is packed with events: the Pharisees question Jesus about divorce and the rich young ruler turns from Jesus when asked to sell all he has. Jesus speaks of how difficult it is for the rich to be saved. The apostles have given up everything, but they struggle to understand that the mission will cost Jesus His life and theirs as well. James and John ask for positions of glory, but Jesus informs them that great sacrifice will be required first. A blind beggar approaches asking Jesus to heal Him. The disciples try to silence him, but Jesus heals him because of his faith. There is a common thread of love and mercy throughout all these stories. Everyone needs to learn that the kingdom is about caring for others.
The Pharisees asked about divorce. But that was not God’s will, because it would be unloving and consequential for the wife who was sent away. The rich man was asked to sell his goods and give them to help the poor, but he did not have the heart to do it. The apostles sought places of honor because they struggled to see the mission as being about others. They even tried to prevent a blind man from being healed. Jesus came to earth because He loves us and wants to provide blessings for us. His followers will make decisions based on how they affect other people. We are here to love God and love our neighbor with sacrificial love.
Wonderful Father of love, please soften our hearts to feel more love and compassion for others. It was Your love for us that brought Your Son to come and die for our sins. Whether it is our spouse, the poor among us, or fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, help us to make decisions that reflect care for them. Selfishness is dangerous and hurtful. Cleanse our hearts and make us more like Your Son. Give us the wisdom to see the blind around us looking for sight and develop in us the Christ-like compassion to show Jesus to them.
Thought Questions:
- What would happen to divorce in our country if everyone prioritized selfless love and service for the person they chose to marry?
- How would the poor and homeless be affected in our area if all believers extended charity to them in the likeness of Jesus’ kindness to us?
- Will you take some time today to look around at people, all people, and see them with the same love and compassion that Jesus does?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 9Jesus is transfigured on the mountain, as Peter, James, and John look on. They see Elijah and Moses appear, and they hear the Father say: “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” This is a great moment of honor for the Son. Afterward, however, many seem to lack full trust in Him. The disciples lack the faith to cast a demon from a boy, and Jesus must step in and do it. Jesus later tries to teach the disciples more about His coming death, but they are enamored with a discussion of who among them is greatest. Jesus emphasizes the greatest to be the one who serves. He then teaches about not causing others to stumble, and instead making sacrifices to serve them. Hell is reserved for those who refuse.
The comforting part about the imperfect faith of the disciples is that we can relate. He had shown them so much. And He was counting on them to shine so brightly. Yet, they sometimes were not prayerful enough and lacked the power to do great things. They often got sidetracked about places of honor and personal greatness. We know too well those same shortcomings and emotions. And yet, Jesus came to save us. He came to patiently teach us and help us grow in understanding. He warns us of the possibility of hell if we are prideful and hurt others, but even that warning is an act of grace to help us yearn and strive for greater faith.
Holy, heavenly Father. We know You sit in a place of eternal glory. Thank You for sending Jesus to this earth to lead us home to You. Thank You for testifying of His glory in wonderful ways. We lack the faith You deserve. Lord, we believe; but we ask you to help our unbelief. Help us to make time to pray, and to commit to a closer walk with Christ. May that extend beyond just loving Him and cause us to be more loving and committed to the people You put in our lives, careful to not make them stumble.
Thought Questions:
- The Father said, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” How do those words affect you? What are some things Jesus said that you must hear?
- Jesus was upset when the man said, “If you can do anything, take pity on us.” How does faith require more than just asking “if” Jesus can help?
- To cause tender souls to stumble is highly offensive to the Lord. How far are you willing to go to keep someone from being discouraged?
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Thank you. Thank you for listening. I appreciate your patience with me. Thank you for your love and kindness. It wasn't easy to decide to revisit the document from last February. I trust you understand that I do not intend to shift focus onto someone else or mount a defense. That's all in the past. But it has been a year. Time has been a valuable asset, and I want to use a specific event to illustrate how God is at work. Please receive this with that intent—an example of God’s grace in my life. And thank you once again for your friendship.
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 8Jesus has a compassionate heart. This leads him to feed thousands because He sees that they are hungry. This is a sign of His power and love. However, the Pharisees come asking for more signs. For them, nothing Jesus does will be enough to believe. It is this hard-heartedness He warns the disciples to avoid. Jesus then heals a blind man. This physical sight given by faith is set in contrast to the Pharisees who think they see and yet remain spiritually blind. Jesus then asks His disciples who they believe Him to be. They say, “You are the Christ.” This faith would be crucial, as their faith would be tested by His arrest and death, as well as the extreme sacrifices they would be called to make in His name.
Jesus demonstrates His glory and His right to be called the Christ. We must choose whether to believe in Him or not. But this cannot be done halfway. His call to disciples is extreme. It starts with demanding we understand that His Lordship would require His death. Peter struggled with this. More than that, He demands allegiance from us for His glory. We must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him. We must lose our life in devotion to Him to see the salvation of our lives in eternity. Many will want to give everything to be saved in the judgment and will have nothing to give. We must serve Him now, confessing His name courageously in this world.
Great Father, we thank You for your lovingkindness and the compassion that Your Son has for us. We know that His ability to help us is only limited by the borders of our faith. Help us to expand our trust and surrender our entire lives to Him. We sometimes fall into pride, blindness to truth, and even doubts about Your will. But great God, we believe Your Son is the Christ sent to die for our salvation. Forgive our failings and restore us to commitment and strength and to never be ashamed of our Lord.
Thought Questions:
- Do you believe Jesus sees you and feels for you in times of struggle? How do you trust in that, even when results do not come right away?
- The Pharisees had things in their hearts that blinded them to Christ’s glory. What has He done in your life to keep your heart from hardening?
- What does it mean to lose your life for His sake? And what would it profit you to keep your life and gain the world but not have Jesus?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 7The Pharisees show up making accusations against Jesus’ disciples for not properly washing their hands. Jesus quickly confronts them about enforcing their traditions on others, while at the same time, neglecting actual commandments! Jesus then explains to His disciples that these accusations are matters of the heart. If the intentions of the heart are selfish, prideful, and bitter, then it will show up in a merciless view and application of God’s law. Following the educated Pharisee’s sinfulness, we are introduced to a Gentile woman who pleads for Jesus’ help to cure her demon-possessed daughter. She begs for His help, and He rewards her faith. Jesus also heals a deaf man. The leaders who know the law are condemned, and those who do not know it well, but have humble hearts, are blessed!
The contrast between the characters in this chapter is potent. It opens with the Jewish leaders accusing, being unkind, and enforcing their own rules. They neglected important laws of mercy, like caring for their parents. In comparison, the Gentile woman is utterly humble before the Lord so that she can save her daughter! She is entirely motivated by love and unrelenting in her pursuit of Jesus. We must be constantly checking our hearts, especially as we grow in knowledge. We will never be any more worthy than the Gentile woman or the deaf man. We must approach Jesus for help and be willing to carry His spirit of compassion to everyone around us, including our parents.
Dear Lord, we call upon You to examine our hearts. Your Son teaches that the intentions of the heart represent the true nature of a person. Cleanse us of all pride, evil thoughts, deceit, and ungodly anger. Help us understand how to know Your law and teach it, but with a spirit of kindness, patience, and love. May we never be as foolish and misguided as the Pharisees. Instead, teach us to be like the Gentile woman and the deaf man, who humbly pursued Jesus. We call upon Him for blessings in our lives and for those we love.
Thought Questions:
- Knowledge can lead to pride. How are you careful not to bind your interpretations of scriptures on others unlawfully as the Pharisees did?
- How do you check your heart? Jesus says that is the key to everything. What is the process of making sure your heart is pure and undefiled?
- A man prayed for his ears to be cleared and His tongue mended. In a spiritual sense, how can you pray for similar things today?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 6Jesus returns to His hometown but is not greatly honored there. He does few miracles because of their unbelief. He then summons the twelve apostles and sends them out in pairs to work miracles and teach people to repent of their sins. They have wonderful success in the ministry. Following this, Jesus works two large-scale miracles: He feeds the 5,000 followers with five loaves and two fish. And after sending the disciples across the sea in a boat, He approaches them walking on the water! The disciples are astonished because their hearts are not yet fully softened to understanding the glory of Christ. Between these events, the author Mark records the story of John the Baptist being beheaded by Herod at the request of the daughter of Herodias.
This chapter shows the challenges Jesus faced in His ministry. He was the perfect Teacher, and yet people in His hometown doubted Him. He sent out the apostles and they did well, but at other times they didn’t understand His power to feed the people or control the water on the sea. Added to this, Jesus’ cousin John the Baptist died at the hands of evil men, and this brought Jesus great sorrow. Two lessons emerge. First, Jesus never gave up. He stayed patient and committed and kept going and teaching. Two, we must carry His spirit into our daily walk. Some will doubt us, while others support us. Some may leave us. We must keep going in Christ.
God of patience and grace, it is hard to imagine people seeing Your Son in the flesh and doubting His worthiness. And yet, He faced an assortment of doubters and disappointments. We praise Him for His endurance and limitless love for people. Thank you for feeding us and calming the seas, even when we do not have the depth of faith that we should. May Your Son’s work in our lives open our eyes to His nearness and give us the courage to live each day in confidence. And please send us out on the mission of sharing His great name!
Thought Questions:
- If Jesus received less honor in His hometown, what can you expect from the people who have known you the longest? How will you react to that?
- John the Baptist lost his life in service to God. How does his story give you the resolve to be strong in truth even when others do not approve?
- Jesus was not always pleased with His disciples, but He never stopped mentoring them. Do you believe He has that same patience with you?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 5Three miracles of Jesus are documented in this chapter. Each is given significant detail. The first is Jesus casting demons out of a man and into a herd of swine. The man is in torment and the demons are many, but they are subject to the authority of Christ. They even ask permission from Jesus to be cast into the pigs. The second miracle is with a woman who has been bleeding for twelve years. Amid a massive crowd, she pushes through and touches His coat and is immediately healed. Jesus praises her faith. The final miracle is raising a synagogue official’s daughter from the dead! Jesus tells the man, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.” Peter, James, and John are allowed to witness this incredible miracle!
Each of these stories tells us something about Jesus’ authority. Casting out the demons shows that Jesus controls all the spiritual realms. The demons knew He was “the Son of the Most High God,” and they were powerless against Him. The woman’s healing demonstrates Jesus’ power over the human body, as He heals her in an instant. The raising of Jairus’s daughter proves Jesus can bring life after death. All of this is designed to increase our faith. He controls the demons and casts them away from us. He can heal and protect and help us and our bodies. And not even death can separate us from the power of Jesus, who commands our souls to come and go wherever He chooses.
Great God of glory, we believe in the authority and power of Your Son Jesus Christ. We believe He controls the spiritual world beyond our sight. We know He has power over our bodies and lives. And we live with the assurance that He has the keys to death and hades and will give us life again after physical death. He has proven His ability in the miracles of His ministry and His resurrection from the dead. Please empower us to remember and share these eternal truths. Help us to surrender our lives to His authority.
Thought Questions:
- The man with the demon needed Jesus. You may be overcome by struggles you cannot bear alone. How should you approach Jesus about those?
- The woman was desperate when she reached for Jesus’ cloak. Have you ever felt like that? And what does it look like to reach out for Him?
- The people laughed when Jesus said He would raise the girl. Do you believe Jesus will raise you? How does that affect your daily life?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 4Jesus addresses His followers. He shares the parable of the sower and the seed. The seed is spread in all directions. It falls on four surfaces: the road, rocky ground, among the thorns, and into the good soil. The seed fails to grow in the first three soils but prospers in the good soil. Jesus later explains the soils represent different hearts. Only one of the four would befit the kingdom. Jesus adds two more parables that teach that growth is possible in swift and powerful ways: the overnight sprout and the large mustard plant. An event at sea tests the personal spiritual growth of the disciples. A great storm comes up and their faith falters. Jesus expects them to grow in faith and eliminate the fear that holds them back.
Jesus uses parables to challenge the hearer. If we have a heart for Him, these stories transform our lives. If we are not seeking truth, they have little impact. The parable of the sower reinforced Jesus’ teaching: “Many will be called, but few will be chosen.” Some will not listen. Some will hear and then be overcome with fear. Some will hear but let worry and greed rule their lives. The seed, the word of God, is perfect and powerful and can completely transform us. But we must open our hearts, put aside all else, and receive His word deep within us. Even then, faith will be tested by the elements, by storms, and by trials. We must trust in Jesus.
Dear Father, Your grace and love for mankind are abundantly clear in the coming of Jesus. Thank You for sharing the life-giving word with all the world. It is sad to think how many reject Your word or let fear and temptation rob it from their hearts. Please soften hearts in this world and use us to share the life-changing gospel. And Father, please help the truth to sink more deeply into us as well. May we bear fruit for you, face our fears, and stand strong with trust in Jesus during the trials and temptations of life.
Thought Questions:
- What will you do today because you are striving to be the good soil? How do you keep from becoming like the rocky or thorny soil?
- Do you believe change can happen in your heart and life? Do you believe that God can do big things through you if you let Him?
- Are you prepared for your faith to be tested? How will you trust in Jesus when things get scary, hard, or temptation rages around you?
- Montre plus
