Posts with the category “40-day-through-mark”

Friday, May 20 | Day 20
by Robert Click on May 20th, 2022
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Scripture Insights Scripture optimistically calls us to the best in the middle of difficult circumstances: Hope is great, but joy in hope is greater; surviving affliction is great, but patience in affliction is greater; occasional prayer is helpful, but faithfulness in prayer is greater. Qualifiers make the difference: “joy...  Read More
0
Thursday, May 19 | Day 19
by Robert Click on May 19th, 2022
Romans 8:26-27 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. Scripture Insights Paul is reminding us of the wonderful gift the Holy Spirit i...  Read More
0
Wednesday, May 18 | Day 18
by Robert Click on May 18th, 2022
Romans 8:15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Scripture Insights We were foster parents to a teenage girl. We had the opportunity to remove the term “foster” from our relationship. The adoption decree stated that “she shall be deemed and taken t...  Read More
0
Tuesday, May 17 | Day 17
by Robert Click on May 17th, 2022
Ezra 8:23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. Scripture Insights The principle of fasting figures high in today’s text. I could go in many directions to plumb the riches of fasting, but my focus is on its aid to fervency in prayer. James 5:16 gives us a three-part formula for availing prayer. I liken these three to the necessaries of fire (fuel, heat, oxygen...  Read More
0
Monday, May 16 | Day 16
by Robert Click on May 16th, 2022
Acts 4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Scripture Insights Following Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was actively empowering and expanding the body of Christ. As opposition arose, the faithful turned to the Lord seeking even greater boldness and the assurance of his continued presence thro...  Read More
0
Sunday, May 15 | Day 15
by Robert Click on May 15th, 2022
Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Scripture Insights Pentecost stirred up a hunger for prayer within the church. People were brought together “in one place” (Acts 2:1). Through corporate prayer, they experienced a powerful unity, and this resulted in the Lord bestowing his blessings and “life forevermore” (Ps. 133...  Read More
0
Saturday, May 14 | Day 14
by Robert Click on May 14th, 2022
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Scripture Insights Can you imagine how impossible this promise must have felt to those who first heard it? How could they be witnesses to the ends of the earth when few of them had even been outside of Judea? Even with all our...  Read More
0
Easter 2022
by 40 Days Through Mark on April 17th, 2022
...  Read More
0
Day 40 | April 16
by 40 Days Through Mark on April 16th, 2022
Luke 16:15 says, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every living creature,” and that is exactly what my dad did.  He believed in spreading the gospel whether he was in the pulpit or showing God’s love through his daily actions.Old age and a bad earthly heart had really slowed dad down.  Mom insisted that he wouldn’t be able to attend church on Easter but that didn’t stop him from m...  Read More
2
Day 39 | April 15
by 40 Days Through Mark on April 15th, 2022
“It’s Too Good to be True!”Mark tells of Christ’s appearance to the “eleven” following the resurrection.  Christ had appeared to numerous believers.  The eleven disciples who had been so close to Christ had yet to experience this reunion.  The reports of a risen Christ seemed to the eleven like nonsense.  In Mark 16:14, the faith of the eleven was put to the test.  Christ was suddenly in their mid...  Read More
4
Day 38 | April 14
by 40 Days Through Mark on April 14th, 2022
As a young child, I experienced boredom while shopping with my mother (most likely because we were not looking at something for me). I was passing time running back and forth between my mother and grandmother – until I wandered off. When my mother discovered I was not with my grandmother, she began frantically looking up and down the aisles and in the middle of the clothing racks, but I was not in...  Read More
4
Day 37 | April 13
by 40 Days Through Mark on April 13th, 2022
As I read this passage of Scripture I can feel the weight of loss that these women are feeling. It is a heavy weight of grief as they see the One they love dying the worst deaths that could ever be.You can see the pain and sorrow etched heavily on their faces. The tears of grief and deep sorrow are falling down their cheeks. This is Jesus, who has been the son of one of them and great friend to al...  Read More
7
Day 36 | April 12
by 40 Days Through Mark on April 12th, 2022
it was a Saturday morning...we sat in a booth near the back of the cafe. Our trio had gathered to ask questions regarding the Eternal, to speak of Hope, to not only wonder but also wander. This day was about the journey.The learned one of our trio holds multiple degrees and a pedigree that is second to none. He, too, joins to not only consider what the Mystery has beheld in each of our journeys bu...  Read More
4
Day 35 | April 11
by 40 Days Through Mark on April 11th, 2022
“You are Peter a rock”, that is what Jesus called Simon in Matthew 16:18 (The Message). Boy, did Peter blow it, right? He said he would go with Jesus, he would even die for Him (John 13:36-38 New Living Translation). His denials, three of them, came after others had seen him with Jesus. He was also associated with the other disciples and labeled a Galilean. “With his heart shattered, Peter broke d...  Read More
5
Palm Sunday
by 40 Days Through Mark on April 10th, 2022
“Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!””...  Read More
0
Day 34 | April 9
by 40 Days Through Mark on April 9th, 2022
Arrested in the middle of the night. Taken before the High Priest, the chief priests, elders and the scribes to face an inquisition. Hearing the false testimony mounting against Him, Jesus raised no defense. It didn’t hurt that the false witnesses could not get their stories straight. Still, this illegal trial went forward.Jesus’ unwillingness to respond raised the ire of the religious leaders. Th...  Read More
2
Day 33 | April 8
by 40 Days Through Mark on April 8th, 2022
The words of Jesus caught his disciples off guard, especially the bold outspoken Peter, who declares: “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.”And at that time, Peter believed he would stand firm. But we know how it went for him and the others. Their fear of loss and the possibility of death overcame their mental and verbal commitment to remain true to their Master.That humanity i...  Read More
4
Day 32 | April 7
by 40 Days Through Mark on April 7th, 2022
A young musician who played her flute in the Messiah said that during performance, she recognized this was an opportunity she could show Jesus she loved Him. She prayed, “I’ll play my best, and if You can hear my flute in Heaven, this is for You, God.” Mark 14 tells of a lady who also longed to express her love to Jesus. She took her alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume that was worth nearl...  Read More
4
Day 31 | April 6
by 40 Days Through Mark on April 6th, 2022
This passage comes from what is considered one of the most difficult chapters of the New Testament because all through this passage Jesus uses imagery that was familiar to the Jews of his day, but these images are not so familiar to modern readers.  Yet we cannot disregard this passage since it is the source of so many ideas about the second coming of Jesus, and it has truth to tell us.  Verse 23 ...  Read More
5
Day 30 | April 5
by 40 Days Through Mark on April 5th, 2022
This is a passage of scripture where Jesus describes some of the events of the end times.  It’s not a pretty picture.  Not unlike us, those closest to Jesus were asking for inside information regarding what the future looked like.Jesus was asking that his closest friends not be misled by those who would pretend to be just like him. He also suggested that standing up for him would cost them much pa...  Read More
4
Day 29 | April 4
by 40 Days Through Mark on April 4th, 2022
As you read verses 35-37, then 38-40 and finally 41-44, please ponder these thoughts:  -Why did Jesus speak in that order?  -Why talk about the Christ as David’s Lord and immediately start talking about the teachers of the law and finally the widow’s mite?  Honestly, as I first read verses 35-37 in order to write this devotional, I didn’t understand the full impact or importance of them.  Why was ...  Read More
4
Day 28 | April 2
by 40 Days Through Mark on April 2nd, 2022
Humans are inquisitive by nature.  We want answers, so naturally we ask a lot of questions.  Toddlers and highbrow scholars alike are often asking “why?” or “how?” questions.  We all know the old saying, “nothing is certain except death and taxes,” and yet most of us still have many questions about both!This passage begins with questions of finance and taxes; Jesus responds and as verse 17 says “....  Read More
6
Day 27 | April 1
by 40 Days Through Mark on April 1st, 2022
At this point in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is walking in the temple courts teaching. This bold behavior shows a lack of regard for the temple authorities. When Jesus walks in like he owns the place, it doesn’t sit well with the chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders. Instead of trying to argue with them when they demand that he defend his authority, he tells them a story. (Sounds like Jesu...  Read More
4
Day 26 | March 31
by 40 Days Through Mark on March 31st, 2022
It’s a familiar story – so familiar that we are tempted to rush through the behind the scenes preparations.  Two unidentified disciples retrieve a colt from an unknown owner.  Unnamed followers cut down branches to prepare the way, others scattered their garments. They were all part of the preparations, but nobody thought to record their names.  After all, it wasn’t about them.There is an identifi...  Read More
4
Day 25 | March 30
by 40 Days Through Mark on March 30th, 2022
Our Scripture today opens with Jesus teaching his disciples what awaited him as they made their way to Jerusalem.He wanted them to grasp the truth that he had come to fulfill his mission to be the “Lamb of God” who would “take away the sin of the world.” His life was fully committed to do the will of the Father. Somehow the disciples were not ready to receive this hard truth.  James and John, the ...  Read More
5
Day 24 | March 29
by 40 Days Through Mark on March 29th, 2022
This Lenten season is a time to prayerfully reflect on Jesus’ time on earth. It was the immeasurable love of Christ that brought Him to the cross and tomb. We know He died on the cross to give us new life.Effective pastors and teachers often tell stories to illustrate Biblical truth. This story from Mark’s gospel is packed with vital and important truths for us.A man who had heard Jesus speak came...  Read More
5
Day 23 | March 28
by 40 Days Through Mark on March 28th, 2022
“Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.  Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong!”  Many of us grew up singing this beloved kid’s song.  But I would venture to say this is a song and reminder for all of us.As the Early Childhood director, I was naturally drawn toward the last half of the scripture today.  Despite the attempts of some of the “grown-ups” in the are...  Read More
4
Day 22 | March 26 | Mark 9:38-50
by 40 Days Through Mark on March 26th, 2022
For many reasons I will never forget seeing my father lying in his casket. One thing that struck me was his hands resting on his chest. A few years before he died he had lost the tip of one finger while using a table saw. The mortician left that maimed finger on top of his folded hands. It occurred to me that we ought to place a small card in his hand with Matthew 9:43 written on it: “If your hand...  Read More
4
Day 21 | March 25 | Mark 9:30-37.
by 40 Days Through Mark on March 25th, 2022
Lamb, Leader and LittleWhat is God teaching you today? Do you consider yourself a Disciple? According to a dictionary, a disciple is “a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher”. It must have been amazing to be an “in-person” disciple of Jesus Christ! I’m not suggesting we are  “virtual” disciples today. The current, popular series called “The Chosen” brings Jesus Christ’s walk wit...  Read More
4
Day 20 | March 24 | Mark 9:14-29
by 40 Days Through Mark on March 24th, 2022
He was a desperate father, longing for someone to help his child.  He’d worn out all other options. Now he was pleading with Jesus to do anything He could.  “’If you can’?” Jesus said. “Everything is possible for the one who believes.”  Why is it that most people turn to God only as a last resort?I know what it’s like to be desperate, but it took flashing lights in the rearview mirror and handcuff...  Read More
8
Day 19 |March 23 | March Mark 8:34 – 9:6
by 40 Days Through Mark on March 23rd, 2022
1 And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.”Who was standing there when he said this?  And what were they going to see? Right after saying this, Jesus took three of the disciples (Peter, James, and John) to a high mountain where they witnessed something they did not understand.  They saw Jesu...  Read More
5
Day 18 | March 22 | Mark 8:22-33
by 40 Days Through Mark on March 22nd, 2022
“Wow! There are leaves on the trees!” As a sixth-grade boy walking out of the optometrist office with a brand new pair of glasses, I vividly remember having this thought as I walked outside with an upgraded vision. I didn’t simply see a glob of green on the trees. I saw distinct leaves. Mark tells the story of Jesus healing a blind man by spitting on the man’s eyes. If my optometrist said he would...  Read More
6
Day 17 | March 21 | Mark 8:1-21
by 40 Days Through Mark on March 21st, 2022
My family has enjoyed watching The Amazing Race over the years. The television show is made up of 11 or 12 teams of two, competing against each other in a race around the world. The team still standing at the end of the final leg walks away with a million dollars! Not a bad way to see the world.At some point during a leg of the race, contestants encounter a ‘road block’ challenge where only one of...  Read More
8
Day 16 | March 19 | Mark 7:24-37 By: Kasey Johnson
by 40 Days Through Mark on March 19th, 2022
Some of my favorite Bible stories involve Jesus healing someone. The man in our story was deaf and mute – but not blind. He saw everything Jesus was doing and I’m guessing there were times he questioned the necessity behind Jesus’ approach.Let’s reflect on the steps Jesus took so we might be ready for the healing, redemptive power of Jesus to do a new work in our life, too.Jesus took him aside. So...  Read More
5
Day 15 | March 18 | Mark 7:1-23
by 40 Days Through Mark on March 18th, 2022
Did you wash your hands before you ate?As we journeyed through the requirements of COVID in the past couple of years, we often were cautioned to be certain that we thoroughly washed our hands; even being given special instructions as to the correct way to do that.Today’s Scripture passage follows the account of the many powerful works, and growing popularity of Jesus, in the Jewish region. Mark te...  Read More
5
Day 14 | March 17 | Mark 6:45-56
by 40 Days Through Mark on March 17th, 2022
Sailing through life can be difficult, especially during times of storms and high winds. Many times God sends us out on our own to deal with these types of trials.Jesus did just that with his disciples in these verses. They had just fed the five thousand and were tired and Jesus made them go ahead of him on a boat with no rest. That's the way life is for us from time to time. So, how do we deal wi...  Read More
5
Day 13 | March 16 | Mark 6:30-44
by 40 Days Through Mark on March 16th, 2022
Have you ever been invited to a meeting on a hillside? Perhaps it was part of a camp meeting where you were to meet and hear a speaker.The case in Mark 6 is a setting where people were coming to hear Jesus of Nazareth, the new prophet who had uncommon insights into the Torah. The account given by Mark is probably in the Scripture as told to him by the Apostle Peter. A big issue with the disciples ...  Read More
5
Day 12 | March 15 | Mark 6:7-29
by 40 Days Through Mark on March 15th, 2022
Think back to your high school days: What was your reputation? Were you known as an athlete? Musician? Brainiac? Prankster? A reputation is a belief or opinion that is held about someone based on how people perceive that person. During my school days, your reputation seemed important because it affected how people spoke about and treated you.In today’s passage, Jesus gives His followers a command ...  Read More
4
Day 11 | March 14 | Mark 5:35-6:6
by 40 Days Through Mark on March 14th, 2022
Interruptions, interruptions, interruptions. We all deal with interruptions in our lives.As we saw yesterday, Jairus had approached Jesus with an urgent request. His daughter was sick, and he had tried everything. He was desperate so he approached the miracle worker from Nazareth who had just appeared on the shore of his town.However, as they started off on this urgent mission, there was an interr...  Read More
4
Day 10 | 40 Days Through Mark
by Robert Click on March 11th, 2022
Is there anyone that doesn’t want a healing touch from Jehovah Rapha? The Lord who heals: physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually.   Read More
7

Recent

Archive

 2022

Categories

Tags