THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 9:1-8 “The kingdom of God has come with power.” (Mark 9:1) The disciples were eager to see the kingdom of God come with power. This is why Peter was so adamant that Jesus the Messiah would not die. But Jesus challenges the way they think about the kingdom of God. It is…
Do I really want this?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 8:34-38 “Whoever wants to be my disciple…” (Mark 8:34) Look at this list, at what Jesus says is involved: do you want this? When I speak with other Christians, I assume that we WANT this. But if we wanted it, we would be pursuing it… right? We wouldn’t wait for it to…
If God kept a record…
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 130 “If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?” (Psalm 130:3) As a Jesus follower, I am very much aware of my sin. Not just specific sins, but my whole sin nature. I am painfully aware of my self-serving, self-loving nature. In subtle, and not-so subtle ways, I…
Admitting our impure hearts
THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 20 “Who can say, ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin?’” (Proverbs 20:9) After saying “the righteous lead blameless lives” (20:7), the teacher says this. Paul thought he was blameless at one time, but then he met Jesus (Philippians 3:6-9). The problem is our minds are deceptive and…
What did I do for Jesus today?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 19 “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord — and he will repay you!” (Proverbs 19:17) The people around me are a reflection of God, His image-bearers (James 3:9-10). How we treat people is how we treat the Lord, by extension. “Whatever you did for one of the least…
How is Satan whispering lies to me?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 8:31-33 “He rebuked Peter. ‘Get behind me, Satan!’” (Mark 8:33) God has a purpose for my life and gives me what I need to fulfill that purpose. Satan will use whatever – even people close to you – to hinder God’s purpose. Peter was not intentionally speaking for Satan. But he was…
May the Spirit convince you!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 8:27-30 “‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah.’” (Mark 8:29) God had promised for centuries that a Messiah (Lord , Saviour) would come. I can say that for myself, Jesus is my Lord and Saviour. He is my constant Friend, Guide, Leader, Helper, in very real, very…
One day I will see clearly!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 8:22-26 “Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes.” (Mark 8:25) Curious, why did this healing need to be a two stage process? We can only guess; my guess is that there was a reason unique to this man. We also know that similar things happen today. Some people are…
Missing the obvious?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 8:14-21 “Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?” (Mark 8:18) Once again, stated in several ways, Jesus is challenging them to think. He warned them about the ‘yeast’ of the Pharisees and Herod. They thought He meant physical bread, which they forgot to bring. We…
When shame is good
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 129 “May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame.” (Psalm 129:5) For the Jews, the hill called Zion symbolized all God’s promises. Not only their capitol, it was the city of David their king. And the location of their temple, where God lived with them. To hate Zion is to…