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.