Category: Daily Word

Let’s read the Bible!

Daily Word

Mark 14

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Read Mark 14:27-72 –  Timing is everything.   In 2004 I had just come to the realization that Jesus was real, and surrendered my life to His care and control.  Also that year,  THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, was released, and I went to see it on a layover in San Diego.  It was filmed in the Biblical languages of the time with English subtitles. I wanted to look away when the betrayal and brutal scenes played across the screen, but the foreign dialog would not give me any hints as to when to look up. I returned to the hotel aching and bewildered. I opened my Bible; surely the filmmaker exaggerated.  My tears streamed as God’s Word told me a truth I could hardly bear, my Savior endured this, knowing beforehand the cost of my sin.  

Jesus says, “Go ahead and sleep. have your rest.  But no – the time has come.  The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.” :41  The time has come… for betrayal, false witness, mockery and abandonment. The time has come for beating and persecution.  The time has come for Jesus to endure the unimaginable agony of laying His life down, that we might be saved.  Jesus endured this. He knew full well the cost, and He did it anyway.

As I write, I am again on a layover in San Diego.  Scripture blended with my memories.  I recall my younger self,  then an infant in the faith,  as you may be now,  Beloved.  Do your best to read the hard parts and don’t look away.  Remember Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.” John 10:11

Jesus did all this with steadfast love and determination, for sinners like us. I pray these last chapters of Mark meet you in a personal and unique way, strengthening your faith and filling you with the desire to know Jesus even more. 

Daily Word

Mark 14:1-26

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Reflections on Mark 14:1-26 – Beloved, we are blessed with the ability to take our time, so let’s spend more than one day in Chapter 14.
Meet the woman with the alabaster jar of perfume. Mark does not name her, but in the book of John we are told she is Mary, the sister to Lazarus and Martha (John 11:2). She was praised once before for sitting at Jesus’s feet, and now she is being praised for anointing his head with this expensive perfume. Mary had a special love for Jesus and she was never hindered to show him love, although some of the men at the table didn’t like her actions (:4-5). When they begin to scold her, Jesus tells them to leave her alone, and gives a few reasons why. May you remember her, and remember that your acts of love for Jesus, no matter how big or small, all are seen and priceless to Jesus.

Judas agrees to betray Jesus (:10-11). It breaks my heart that those entrusted to keep and teach the Word of God and the one who walked with the living Word Himself, conspired against Him. It says the religious leaders were ‘delighted’… that is such a lovely word, but their delight was purely sinister. It says Judas ‘began looking’ for an opportunity to betray Jesus…. Beloved, the anticipation to do evil can be titillating… the devil whispers and entices, don’t fall prey to his schemes. Once one acts on sin, the enticing whispers become damning condemnation.

In Judaism, there are seven main festivals. I once did a study on the festivals and discovered that the spring festivals all point to Jesus’s first coming and the fall festivals point to His second. Amazing, right? Everything the Lord calls us to has a multidimensional quality.

Our chapter began two days before Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread (:1). This is a precious detail because the Passover celebration is both a remembrance of when the Lord sent the plague to Israel, killing all the first born, but ‘passed over’ the Israelite homes marked with the blood of the lamb (see Exodus 12), AND it is a dress rehearsal of Jesus’s life and atonement for sinners like me and you! This Passover meal in particular is known as The Last Supper, where Jesus gives instruction on Holy Communion (:22-25).

I would love to go on and on, but my purpose is to encourage you to read the Bible for yourself. Happy reading!

Daily Word

Mark 13

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Reflections on Mark 13 – Jesus speaks of end times events in our chapter.

Now, Jesus had just left the Temple where he tossed the tables and chased out the rotten eggs when one of the disciples said,  “Teacher, look at these magnificent buildings! Look at the impressive stones in the walls. ” Perhaps he was wanting to calm Jesus down after the excitement.

Jesus responds with news they could not have anticipated.   The Temple would be destroyed without a stone standing. 

Later, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked to know more. Jesus cautions them to not be deceived, many would come pretending to be Him. :6. There will be wars and rumors of war (:7), earthquakes and famines(8).  And yes, these things have always happened, but the frequency will increase like never before.  That won’t mean the end, but it will build like birth pains.

The biggest caution comes in verse :14, when we see the abomination that causes desolation, spoken of in the Old Testament prophecy of Daniel.   Jesus said then it’s time to run for the hills (:14). 

Beloved, I cannot comprehend how bad this will be. Verse: 20 tells us not a single person would survive unless the Lord shortened those days.  Most importantly, Jesus tells us to keep watch and be ready,  (:35-37).

This is a tough chapter; no one wants to consider hard times.  But being unaware is worse, like a doctor withholding a bad diagnosis to spare hurting your feelings.  One must be aware.  One must make preparations.  We are all accountable to the preparation of telling others.  We are all accountable to love the Lord with our whole hearts.  We all would be wise to not hold on to the things of this world too tightly because our time here is short. 

Beloved, may you be encouraged by this chapter to live more fully, to love others wholeheartedly, and seek to know Jesus more, both in knowledge (The Word) and love (your personal relationship with Him/prayer), each and every day.

Daily Word

Mark 12

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Reflections on Mark 12 – I love this chapter!  There is much to reflect on, but the verse that truly changed my life is in the section :28-34, and :31 in particular.  Do you have time for a little testimony, Beloved?  

You see, when I started walking with Jesus in full measure, I fully understood and loved the number one commandment to love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength; :30.  And I thought I was doing an impressive job with the second commandment, to love my neighbor as myself, because I wrongly thought I loved others more than myself.  I carried a lifelong burden of insecurity.  It ruled my life; I was constantly making self-deprecating comments to show others that I held them in higher esteem than myself… Do you know what the truth behind this lie is?  Insecurity was my idol; it came before God, and it devalued His gift of my life.  It kept Jesus’s gift of my Salvation subdued.  It was like getting a gift and loving it, but putting it in the back of the closet for safekeeping… To honor the giver is to delight in the gift.

You can imagine my joy when the Holy Spirit finally helped me see this!  The reality was that I wasn’t truly loving others – I was desperate for approval.  It’s a very hard way to live and a very hard thing for others to be around.  It was not the life Jesus died to give me.  

Beloved, the freedom of this realization was transforming for me!  “The thief came to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  John 10:10  The more I delight in Jesus, the more I am able to delight in my life and the more love pours out on everyone!  That is the heart of ‘loving my neighbor as myself’.  Hallelujah!

Mark 12 covers many wonderful teachings of Jesus, The Parable of the Evil Farmers, shows the wickedness of the religious leaders.  The trick of Taxes for Caesar was a ploy by those same leaders to trap Jesus.  And the beautiful Widow’s Offering, :41-44, reveals how much Jesus treasures the heart behind the offering.  Beloved, which of these parables or verses was Jesus’s gift to you today?

Daily Word

Mark 11

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Reflections on Mark 11 – Jesus is King!  Jesus has been serving behind the scenes, healing, teaching, saving souls, and often telling those whose lives he changed/healed to tell no one.  Now he enters Jerusalem as King, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy on Zechariah 9:9.  And the people lined the streets, laying their garments and green branches on the road ahead of Him (:8).  And Jesus rode in as the people shouted praises to the one who came in the name of the Lord – Beloved, glory, glory, hallelujah!  Jesus is recognized as Messiah at last!  We celebrate it today as “Palm Sunday”; it falls on the Sunday before Easter.  

Next, some things happen that may seem confusing, but check it out:  Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem, then He goes into the Temple and looks around, and leaves (:11).  

The next day He saw a fig tree in full leaf and He was hungry, so He looked for fruit, found none and cursed it (:12-14).  The fig tree is a living metaphor for Israel.  The religious leaders were all dressed up and looked good on the outside, like this fig tree, but on careful inspection they did not bear any fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are the types of fruit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23).  Therefore, Jesus cursed the tree and it withered from the roots up (:20).  

So, back up again to where Jesus looked around the Temple and left(:11).  Jesus saw what was going on, but did not react at that moment.  Beloved, sometimes you will see a situation that must be dealt with, but wisdom and timing are crucial.  Sometimes it is best to step away and pray.  

The next day, Jesus deals with the corruption in the Temple – driving out those selling animals for sacrifice, knocking over tables, etc. 

Beloved, church is essential, and it should not be run for the profit of thieves.  The Church should unite us to Jesus and one another as one body, His bride, and each of us should be growing the Galatians 5 fruit.  Our church leaders have a great responsibility, and we do too.  Ask yourself how healthy are your roots?  Are you feeling dry?  Are you spending time with the Lord beyond Sunday morning?  Have you fallen away from attending church in person?  Are you reading His Word for yourself?

Daily Word

Mark 10

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Reflections on Mark 10 – Rafiki!  It means friend in Swahili, one of the languages of Africa.   When Jesus says,  “Let the little children come to me; do not hinder them,  for to such belongs the kingdom of God,” :14, I think of the precious children I met in Tanzania.  Their reality is one of poverty far beyond what we know in America, yet they have a pure joy that is utterly magnificent. They sang songs for us, greeting us with a joy that still warms my heart. They receive our simple gifts,  a piece of candy,  a pencil,  a ball, with more gratitude than one can put into words. 

When I return one day, I will bring even more to share. Their joy is what Jesus loves.   Their joy connects me to my Savior in a full and transforming fashion…and just recalling it now draws me back in to the childlike faith Jesus wants for me and you.  

Beloved, can you grab ahold of a verse from chapter 10 and ask Jesus to bring it to life for you? 

Daily Word

Mark 9

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Reflections on Mark 9 – Wow!  Jesus gives us a glimpse of himself as he truly is – radiant and in the company of Elijah and Moses (two of the old testament heroes) .  

Peter, James and John were witnesses to His transfiguration. Sweet Peter didn’t know what to say; it seems like he just wanted to seem useful without understanding how when he offered to build shelters.  And then God’s voice is heard from the cloud,  “This is my beloved Son; listen to him. ” And then the moment was over as Jesus stood with Peter, James and John,  instructing them to stay quiet about these events until He had risen from the dead.

Beloved, can you imagine? Do you imagine?   I encourage you to do so. 

Next,  Jesus heals the boy with the unclean spirit.   The boy’s father asked Jesus to heal his son, and adds ‘if you can’:23.  Jesus calls him out on this to which he responds,  ‘I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!’ :24.  Isn’t that an encouragement?   I have something I’ve prayed for a very long time, and there is a measure of unbelief,  but Jesus,  I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!  How about you,  Beloved? 

There’s more treasure to uncover.   What spoke to you most in Mark 9? I would love to hear from you. 

Now,  on to Mark 10!

Daily Word

Mark 8

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Reflections on Mark 8 – It’s about so much more than bread.  Jesus performs a similar miracle to the one in Mark 6, by feeding 4,000 men,  plus women and children, with just seven loaves of bread and a few fish.  

After this they get back in the boat,  but the disciples forgot to bring bread and start discussing it, :16.  Jesus is trying to teach them about the leaven of the Pharisees, and they are hung up on bread. They missed the fact that a little with Jesus is more than enough.  And they missed the lesson about being cautious with the Pharisees.  Beloved, what about you?   Does your faith cover the little, practical things in life?   Are you paying attention to any signs of leaven at your church?

Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do people say I am?”  And there were a few theories floating around like John the baptist, Elijah, or a prophet. Then Jesus asks the all important question: “But who do you say I am? ”  

Beloved, that is the question. Who do you say Jesus is? 

Next,  read Mark 9.

Daily Word

Mark 7

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Reflections on Mark 7 – The theme of our chapter is sincerity.  It begins with condemnation against the Pharisees for their legalistic corruption of God’s laws, by putting their tradition of ceremonial (done so that others could see) handwashing over true, loving, God-honoring obedience.  Jesus cares most of all about the condition of one’s heart. If it is reflecting evil, and :21 spells it out, that person has missed the mark.

Verse :24 “Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre.  He didn’t want anyone to know which house he was staying in, but he couldn’t keep it a secret.”  Beloved, Jesus couldn’t keep his presence a secret; may your lesson be that YOU are not to hide Jesus.  If He is truly in your heart, your home and your life, His presence should be evident.  

Scripture goes on to say a woman, whose daughter was demon possessed, found him right away and begged him to cast the demon out.  Jesus asks a question that would not only set her daughter free, but would also create a relationship of faith for this Gentile woman.  Her response has been a power-verse in my life against insecurity… “She replied, ‘That’s true, Lord, bet even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.’” :28  Beloved, this is the kind of faith Jesus will bless!  If you find yourself wrestling with your worth, your significance, or any level of self-loathing,  remember these words.  May you grab onto a crumb and know that it is more than enough.

Then Jesus is asked to heal a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, :32.  He does some odd things, but look closer. Jesus led the man aside, giving him individual attention.  Jesus put his fingers in the man’s ears, touch matters.  Jesus used his own spit, okay gross, but also, saliva has medicinal properties in that it kills germs.  Jesus looked up to heaven, all glory to God.

Beloved, I hope you were blessed by this chapter.  May your heart be pure; may your faith carry you to Jesus, and may you use your god-given abilities to love those He brings to you.

Read Chapter 8.

Daily Word

Mark 6

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Reflections on Mark 6 – Beloved, there is so much to take in! 

First, the people of Jesus’s hometown amaze him, but in a very bad way.  They scoffed at him and dismissed him as merely a carpenter, one of Mary’s kids, :3.  “And he was amazed at their unbelief.” :6  The ministry was soaring. Jesus was teaching from town to town. The disciples were sent out, telling everyone to repent and turn to God.  And they cast out demons, healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil.  Yet the people in his hometown did not honor him.

Then there is a shift from Jesus’s ministry to the death of John the Baptist.  Beloved, this always breaks my heart, but also reminds me that this life is short, we live in a fallen world and terrible things happen, but heaven is our part two.  Before John’s head was in Herod’s presence, he was in paradise.  He did incredible kingdom work on earth, and what Herodia’s meant for evil was simply promotion day for John the Baptist.

Next, Jesus feeds five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish.  After, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back in the boat and cross the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home.  Beloved, do you wonder if they asked questions?  Like if we leave you here, how will you get to Bethsaida?  Maybe they should have asked, because when Jesus came walking by on the turbulent water they thought he was a ghost!  (This is one of my heavenly questions, were ghosts so common that this seemed logical to them?)  Jesus sets them at ease with the words, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage! I am here!”  : 50.  Beloved, may these words echo in your heart anytime fear threatens your peace.  

On to chapter 7!