The Challenge -- Day 72

Today's Scripture: Mark 13:1-23
[Click the reference above to read online.]

Leaving the Temple that day, Jesus described the future that awaits the world. Wars and disasters will continue; Jesus' followers will suffer persecution.

This message gives us principles that apply to suffering Believers in every age.

"... When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed... 

there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines.

This is but the beginning of the birth pangs."

Mark 13:7-8

"As for yourselves, beware..."

Mark 13:9

Jesus' greatest concern was that His followers not be deceived by false teachers or false signs. 

How important it is for us to study and know the prophetic scriptures so we will not be "in the dark" and led astray.

How can we be found looking for the Savior rather than for signs?

Father God, with each sign of the end --- wars, rumors of wars,

famines, earthquakes --- open my eyes to look for the coming of Jesus in each.

Bless me with the peace of knowing this is all about the birth of something new.

"Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up;

do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert

and streams in the wasteland. ..."

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV84

The Challenge -- Day 71

Today's Scripture: Mark 12:18-44

Still trying to trap Jesus in His speech, the Pharisees revealed their ignorance of God's Word and power. Their knowledge of the Word was shallow and their submission to it very insincere.

One of the scribes got the message: If we love God, we will show it by loving our neighbor. He boldly agreed but the others did not grasp the message.

Do we followers of Jesus today understand the importance of obeying from the heart?
Do we have the knowledge of His Word and power in order to obey?

Lord, bless me with a hunger for Your Word.

Bless me with the revelation of Your power.

I no longer want to walk around in ignorance.

I want to fully grasp Your message and 

live it out wholeheartedly!

The Challenge -- Day 70

Today's Scripture: Mark 12:1-17
[Open your Bible to the Scripture, or open the Scripture online by clicking the above link.]

Jesus began receiving confrontations from the authorities, as they plotted to kill Him. The sins in their hearts were revealed by their questions.

When Jesus affirmed that He was the Messiah the religious leaders became even more upset. They determined to trap Him.

It is often forgotten, God influences the establishment of human government for our good. Knowing this, do we readily respect the officials and obey the law? Do we pray for our elected leadership to receive guidance and to maintain integrity and morality?

Father God, You work all things for our good and Your glory, even the business of government. Ultimately, I choose to come under Your authority, therefore, I will respect, pray for, and encourage the governing bodies You have established.

The Challenge -- Day 69

Today's Scripture: Mark 11:12-33
[Click the reference above to read the passage online.]

Jesus likened the fig tree to the nation of Israel. It was producing no fruit. It's spiritual roots were dead.

The scribes, elders, and chief priests grew increasingly angry at what Jesus was doing and saying. Instead of repenting they wanted to challenge His authority and destroy Him. They were not ready to receive Jesus and trust Him.

Will we become aware of our lack of fruit and change to become more fruitful?
What keeps you from submitting to God's will?

Lord, pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness

often keep me from repentance and surrender to Your will.

Reveal what's keeping me from producing fruit for Your kingdom. 

Prepare my heart to receive Your truth. 

Grow my spiritual roots deep into Your Word.

Sabbath Challenge -- Day 68

Today's Scripture: Mark 10:35-11:11
[Take time to seek out a Bible today, if you don't already have one near. The link above will take you to the digital reading if you prefer.]

Jesus was moving closer and closer to His death in the last week of His life. When a blind man cried out to Him on His way to Jerusalem, Jesus stopped. The blind man begged for and received his sight. Here is a vivid demonstration of what it means to set aside one's own burden to give everything in service to others.

What do you want Jesus to do for you? A good question to ask ourselves now that Easter has come and gone for this year. Remember "we walk by faith not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Sit a little longer with Him today.
Consider your current burdens, we all have them. Some large. Some small.
What is preventing you from serving others in your family? work place? neighborhood?

Ask God to show you how you can serve others despite your load.
Commit to a specific act of service this week and follow through in Jesus's name.

Lord, I want to serve like You.

The Challenge -- Day 67

Today's Scripture: Mark 10:17-34
[Click the Scripture reference above, if you don't have a Bible near.]

The rich young man asked what he could do to inherit eternal life. Even though moral and honest, there must have been a restlessness in his soul. Jesus instructed him to give away his wealth and follow the Lord, but he turned away. How unlike a trusting child.

When Jesus and the disciples moved on toward Jerusalem, they maneuvered to gain preferred places in Jesus's coming Kingdom. They still did not seem to understand the concept of servanthood as disciples of Jesus, but desired to rule over others by power.

Is it difficult for us to turn away from our need to be in control through trust in wealth or power and put all our trust in God? Do you have the faith of a child?

Lord Jesus, bless me with childlike faith.

The Challenge -- Day 66

Today's Scripture: Mark 10:1-16
[No Bible within reach? Click the reference above to read online.]

Jesus refers to the Law of Moses for the basic principle of guidance.

God calls for us to live in peace with a strong stress on faithfulness, and on grace. He has provided for mutual support and love for growth in marriage. But at times the ideal is not realized and a divorce is the outcome.

Sometimes marriages become so distorted that divorce seems the best option. Jesus called for a permanent relationship. Even though remarriage falls short of the ideal, be thankful for forgiving grace.

Father God, Your law is perfect,

it is my own hardness of heart that keeps me from

following Your commands in all areas of my life.

Work in my heart, soften it for Your Word,

I want to walk in Your Way, because it is perfect.

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

Psalm 19:7-8 NIV84

The Challenge -- Day 65

Today's Scripture: Mark 9:30-50
[Click the reference above to read the passage online.]

It is important that we "have salt" --- maintain true Christian character and integrity.

Jesus asked if salt has lost its savor, how will it be salted again?

How is your soul? Need some spiritual salt?

By Your grace, You say I am the salt of the earth.

Use me to make others thirsty for You,

enhance the flavor of life,

and preserve Your righteousness in a dark world.

The Challenge -- Day 64

Today's Scripture: Mark 9:2-29
[No Bible? Click the Scripture reference to read on BibleGateway.com.]

Peter, James, and John viewed the inner glory of Jesus. A cloud appeared which covered them. A voice said:

This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him.

As they came down the mountain, Jesus told them not to tell anyone what they had seen and heard until the "Son of Man had risen from the dead." They did not understand what His rising from the dead meant.

Do we truly grasp the significance of Jesus rising from the dead ourselves, even though we know the rest of the story?

Lord, I long to live out the power of Your resurrection in my life.

I believe... help my unbelief.

And my God will supply every need of yours

according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 ESV

The Challenge -- Day 63

Today's Scripture: Mark 8:22-9:1
[Click the link above to read the passage online.]

Jesus and the disciples move on toward Jerusalem and He continues further instruction to the disciples. It is at this time Peter affirms that Jesus is "the Christ." This becomes a turning point for the disciples.

Have you affirmed Jesus as the Christ? Could this be a turning point for you?

Father God bless me with the faith to surrender every aspect of my life

to Jesus Christ as Lord. Keep me always turning toward Him and His way

and away from the way of the world.

The Challenge -- Day 62

Today's Scripture: Mark 8:1-21
[If you aren't within reach of a Bible, click the reference above to read online.]

The pressures on Jesus included open opposition. The Pharisees wanted to trap Him and asked Jesus to perform a miracle to show God approved of Him. Jesus did not want the people to depend on signs and wonders.

He used the discussion about bread to warn His disciples to avoid false teachings. The symbolism of leaven at Passover should have readily come to mind, as well as Jesus's earlier miraculous feeding of the 5000.

Are we like the disciples, prone to forget all His benefits?

Lord, bless me with discernment and faith to recognize and retain Your truth.

False teachings leave me empty, only Your truth fills to overflowing.

Sabbath Challenge -- Day 61

Today's Scripture: Mark 7:14-37
(It's Sunday, we usually have a little more time to linger over His Word. You may want a Bible in your hands today, but if not, click the Scripture reference to read online.)

Only the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse the heart of sin and make us new creations in Christ.

From the individual's heart comes evil things that make one unclean --- evil ideas and immoral acts.

Jesus brought forth healing from His heart: casting out a demon from the Gentile's daughter, opening the ears and mouth of a deaf-mute.

Take a moment to examine your own heart.
What comes out of it: good or evil? healing or harm?
Are you living out the reality of being a new creation in Christ? Or are you continuing to let the old man rule in your heart?

Place all your actions and words from the past week before the cross.
Ask Him to redeem and restore the harm you have done to yourself and others.
Ask Him to show you how He wants to use you to bring healing to a hurting world.
Offer a prayer of repentance and thanksgiving.

The Challenge -- Day 60

Today's Scripture: Mark 6:53-7:13
(Click the reference above to read online.)

Jesus observed that many of the rules the Pharisees and scribes followed were merely man-made and not the commands of God. Traditions were passed down and even given more authority than the Word of God.

They were failing to serve God from the heart.

What about you? Are you giving more weight to church or denominational traditions than God's Word?

Father God reveal any traditions I follow that actually negate Your Word.

Fill me with a hunger to know Your ways and put the man-made traditions aside.

The Challenge -- Day 59

Today's Scripture: Mark 6:30-52
(No Bible? Click above to read online.)

But he answered them, "You give them something to eat."

Mark 6:37 NRSV

It is Christ's Spirit who ministers to our needs and enables us to minister to others.

Sometimes, Christians (ministers included) experience "burn-out" from trying to do too much... they become "weary in well doing."

When we were given our assignments while in seminary for our internships, our instructor sent us out with this directive: While helping others is a good thing just do not let persons push all their expectations on you. And do not neglect the Bread of Life for your spiritual well-being.

Lord Jesus, apart from You I can do nothing.

Remind me to stay under Your yoke when serving,

and dependent on Your strength, guidance, and direction.

"...I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him,

he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ..."

--- Jesus

John 15:5 ESV

The Challenge -- Day 58

Today's Scripture: Mark 6:1-29
(If you find yourself without a Bible, click the reference above to read on BibleGateway.com.)

He ordered [the twelve] to take nothing for their journey except a staff;

no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals

and not put on two tunics.

Mark 6:8-9 NRSV

How have we grown so self-sufficient?

Being able to trust the Savior in every day life and live by faith is not the most common and easy practice.

More and more God's people need to live by faith in the Savior and not be so encumbered by the things of modernity that we do not need.

Lord, show me places in my life where self-sufficiency has smothered faith.

I long to follow You unencumbered by fear and all I think I need.

The Challenge -- Day 57

Today's Scripture: Mark 5:21-43
(Click the Scripture reference above to read online.)

Jesus alone is the only One who can conquer sin, sickness, and death.

So many times the written Word tells us, "Be not afraid, only believe." The promises of God may be, at times, all we have to hang on to for courage. Whether we realize it or not in these times --- when all is seemingly falling apart --- it may be the very opportunity to give glory to God, and most importantly, to put our whole trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Father God, help me to find courage in Your promises.

Your Word never fails.

Help me to see difficult times as an opportunity to glorify You

and not lose faith in the work that You are about,

in me and others.

The Challenge -- Day 56

Today's Scripture: Mark 4:35-5:20
[If you're not within reach of a Bible, click the Scripture above to read online.]

Although we may not be totally aware of the power of darkness and evil around us, it is a fact that we can depend on the over-powering Spirit of Jesus the Christ.

His deliverance is genuine and readily available.

The desire to live victoriously through Him behooves us to believe and call upon Christ's conquering Spirit.

Can you identify areas in your life where the power of darkness may be influencing you? Do you trust Jesus to overcome whatever darkness there is in your life?

Jesus, open my eyes to the spiritual war being waged around me.

Prepare me for the battle. Teach me to stand in Your mighty power.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand

against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle

against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,

against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, 

against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:10-12 ESV

The Challenge -- Day 55

Today's Scripture: Mark 4:10-34
(Can't get a Bible in your hands? Click the reference above to read online.)

Just as the soil receives the seed so must we receive God's Truth.

How we hear and what we hear are enlightened by the Holy Spirit. The Word of God becomes powerful as it enlightens the listener.

Do you receive the Word just because you enjoy it?

Do you pray to ask how you might share it?

Remember God alone can give the increase because only His Spirit can make the seed grow.

Lord, prepare my heart as good soil for Your Word.

Sabbath Challenge -- Day 54

Today's scripture: Mark 3:22-4:9
[Read the scripture on BibleGateway.com by clicking the reference above, if you don't have a Bible with you.]

Jesus taught the crowds many things by the use of parables (earthly stories with a heavenly meaning) to help explain spiritual truths about "The Kingdom of God."

His message was powerful for those with ears to hear. But for those who could not it was confusing, or even offensive.

The religious leaders accused Him of being empowered by the devil, because they were unwilling to submit to His authority and refused to believe.

Would you have believed that His ideas were truly revealed wisdom from God?

Take a few extra moments this day and ask God to reveal areas of unbelief and rebellion in your heart.
List them as they come to mind.
Consider whether you will choose to believe what He says about you.
Respond to His word to you.

Father God, I pray for ears to hear and recognize 

Your revealed wisdom from Your Word. 

Prepare my heart to submit to Your authority 

and cast out unbelief from my heart.

The Challenge -- Day 53

Today's scripture: Mark 3:1-21
[Click the scripture reference above, if you do not have a Bible within reach.]

Jesus threatened and compromised the Jewish traditions.

Not only did men follow Him, they were even willing to be His servants and come under His authority.

Twelve were commissioned as His apostles!

Family and friends of Jesus were greatly worried about Him. What could they do to stop this radical behavior?

If you had been there and observed Jesus in action, what would you be thinking?

Lord Jesus, sometimes I just don't know

what to think about You and Your ways.

I want to follow You and serve You,

but sometimes... I just don't know...
Help me to understand You better.

The Challenge--Day 52

Today's Scripture:  Mark 2
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

Some believed only God alone could heal. Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

If you were to choose to be one of the characters in the case of the healing of the paralytic found in verses 3-5, which one would you choose?

...the owner of the home... one of the four friends... a person in the crowd... Jesus... the paralytic...?

At first I chose one of the four friends. Then it hit me! For I realize I need healing and forgiveness of my sins. Just like the paralytic.

If my soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.

Psalm 62:1

Close today's devotional in prayer by using the verse from Psalm 62 as inspiration.

The Challenge--Day 51

Today's Scripture:  Mark 1:21-45
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

Jesus taught as one having authority. News about him spread quickly. Jesus changed people's lives by healing many who had various diseases. The people were amazed. Jesus sought out a solitary place early to pray. He traveled throughout Galilee preaching. People came to him from everywhere!

Can Jesus change our lives too? Do you believe in the miracles that Jesus did as the Son of God? Do you believe he still works miracles even today?

Jesus, I believe.

Help me in my unbelief.

The Challenge--Day 50

(Just a note before we begin our fiftieth day. The devotionals for the book of Mark were written by Rev. Enid Shepard.)

Today's Scripture: Mark 1:1-20
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

God sent someone to help prepare (to show us) "The Way."

Who has helped you find "The Way" and who will you help to find "The Way?"  Do your every day beliefs and practices include neighborliness and love?  What will you do differently to show you want to serve God?

Lord, thank You for those You placed in my path to show me The Way.

Grow me so I might help others find Your Way through love, grace, and service.

The Challenge -- Day 49

Today's Scripture: Matthew 28
(No Bible handy? Click the Scripture reference above to read online.)

...as the first day of the week was dawning...

The first day of the week dawned with the beginning of a New Way.

Just as God's first creation in the beginning was light, we see Him usher in the New Covenant with the raising of the Light of the world from the darkness of death!

In the beginning, God commanded those He placed in the garden: Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth...

At this new beginning, He commanded: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations...

An echo of the first command ever given: Multiply and fill the earth...

This new beginning, miraculous as the first, requires a response.

For the women, on this first day, they ran with fear and joy to tell others.

The guards were terrified. When they reported what had happened, they were instructed to begin a cover up of the truth.

For the disciples who met Him in Galilee, all worshiped, some doubted, but they were all given the same command.

This good news of a new beginning stirs hearts with joy and worship or fear and dread.

What effect has it had on you?
Has your life changed since you heard the good news?
Are you following His command?

Father God, thank You for new beginnings.

Fill me with joy and awe over the work of Christ.

Override my doubts with faith and worship.

Grow me as a disciple, so I can go forth

and multiply disciples as You call me to.

Sink this truth deep into my heart!

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,

because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor,

he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and the opening of the prison to those who are bound,

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor...

Isaiah 61:1-3 ESV

The Challenge -- Day 48

Today's scripture: Matthew 27:45-66
(No Bible near? Click the reference to read online.)

Darkness in the middle of the day...
The temple curtain torn, top to bottom...
The earth shook, rocks split...
Saints rose from the dead...

Truly, this was the Son of God!

Even the Roman centurions recognized Jesus for who He was in this moment.

What signs do you see that He is who He says He is?
What inspires you to awe and wonder, when it comes to the Son of God?

Father God, never let me forget what Jesus did for me.

Keep awe and wonder close to the surface of my faith.

Tender my heart to the depravity of mankind,

that we would treat Your Son in such a way.

Sabbath Challenge--Day 47

Today's Scripture: Matthew 27:24-44
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

Can you imagine standing among the people to get a glimpse of what was going on that day? You heard about this man Jesus. People couldn't quit talking about it. The miracles... healings... the angry leaders... and now crucifixion.

Suddenly you find yourself carrying his cross. No longer are you a part of the crowd... you're a part of the story. I wonder what Simon of Cyrene was thinking... what he felt.

I'm sure of what he didn't know as he walked with the cross. He didn't know that in three days a tomb would be found empty... an angel would bring good news to the women. He didn't know a beaten wounded body that hung on the cross would be walking around in a few short hours. He didn't know grave clothes would be left in the tomb. He... didn't... know...

But we do. It's Resurrection Sunday and we know what Simon didn't.

He is not dead... he is alive!

REJOICE!

Father God, thank You for Your great gift of grace!

Thank You, Jesus, for Your great gift of sacrifice!

Holy Spirit, thank You for the gift of knowledge!

The Challenge--Day 46

Today's Scripture:  Matthew 27:1-23
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

[Click here to view on YouTube, 
or click post title to view on Growing in Faith at FUMC.]

Father God, Your love is beyond my comprehension.

The power of Your love, beyond my understanding.

Thank You, for Your awesome love for bad people---

rebels, murderers, thugs, thieves, slanderers, liars,

and me.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,

that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 ESV

The Challenge--Day 45

Today's Scripture:  Matthew 26:57-75
(Click on the link if you don't have a bible near.)

Peter denied being with Jesus. Maybe he was scared? Maybe he was doubting all that he had seen? Maybe he didn't really even think about it... his answer was just a reaction in a stressful circumstance?

We rarely find it difficult to claim Jesus as Lord. We are blessed to live in a country where freedom of religion reigns. So let's rejoice! Every time you pass a church today give thanks.

Father God, thank You for the freedom to claim Jesus as Lord.

Embolden us to do so even when we might find it difficult.

Bless us with the grace and faith to be joyfully united 

with other brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter the denomination.

The Challenge--Day 44

Today's Scripture:  Matthew 26:36-56
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

"Could you not stay awake..." The disciples were finding it hard to stay awake and pray. Jesus said the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

What's your weak spot... the place your flesh easily gives in to temptation... when it comes to the spiritual discipline of prayer? Take time to ask God to show you how to become strong in this area of your life.

Jesus, You told us to pray so that we might avoid the time of trial.

You laid the responsibility on us to STAY AWAKE!

Stir my heart, faith, and spirit to the importance of prayer, 

I want to be diligent instead of complacent when it comes to praying.

The Challenge--Day 43

Today's Scripture:  Matthew 26:17-35
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

It's easy to judge the betrayer. How could he after being in the presence of God? Why did he betray the one he had followed for some time? It's always easier to judge someone else's sin instead of deal with our own.

Imagine yourself as the betrayer. What sin in your life is moving Jesus toward the cross?

Lord Jesus, forgive me for my judgment of others' sin,

while being blind to my own through justification,

pride, and arrogance. No matter my sin, selfishness is at the root.

Wanting to live my life, my way.

You gave thanks for Your Body, which You'd been given

to sacrifice on behalf of others.

You gave thanks for the blood You'd been given

to pour out for the forgiveness of all sin.

Move my heart, to be thankful for all You've given me to use,

not for myself, but for others in Your name.