Today’s reading: Psalms 47:1-9

“God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise.” ‭Psalms‬ ‭47:5-7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I usually try to write each day about the New Testament portion, but this really struck me today.

How loud am I singing?
Am I allowing the world to mute my praise? Am I fearful about really going out bold in Jesus’ name?

This says God has ascended among shouts of joy. God, I shout to you with joy, knowing you alone bring victory. May nothing drown it out! You are King. May I start living like it all day, all night, all my life.

Today’s reading: Mark 11:1-26

“Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.” Mark 11:11 NIV

I had never noticed this verse before.

Before Jesus goes into the Temple to cleanse it (turn tables over, etc.), He goes into the area to see what was happening. I wonder as he went to bed that night… did His righteous anger continue to increase? He had done the same thing at the beginning of his ministry (3 years earlier) and now He does it again.

It was to be a house of prayer, not a house to exact gains from the worshipers.

Jesus, refocus me today about my actions and the intentions behind my actions.

May worship of you be at the forefront of all I do and say.

Today’s reading: Mark 10:32-52

“But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ‭Mark‬ ‭10:43-45‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Leaders seek ways to serve others.

This should change how we view our role in the local church. Am I attending to be fed or am I attending to make a difference? Am I attending to be entertained or am I attending to encourage?

This passage also has the ability to transform our friendships. Who doesn’t want a friend like Jesus, one who sacrifices for others, one whose only agenda is love?

Today’s reading: Mark 10:13-31

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”” ‭Mark‬ ‭10:27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Limited, small thinking.

Lack of creativity.

Tendency to give up when we don’t see a clear way out. We are too far gone. Jesus thinks differently and acts differently.

Jesus never sees impossibility.

Jesus sees hope in every situation, in every human life.

Today’s reading: Mark 9:30-50, 10:1-12

“But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” ‭Mark‬ ‭10:6-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

1+1=1

Jesus defined (male+female), defended, and affirmed marriage as it appears in Genesis. He also doubles down on giving a special message to those who were wanting to dump their wives for no real reason. Divorce isn’t something that can be done whenever we aren’t being pleased. Marriage is for the good and the bad seasons, even when we may not be feeling it. Marriage is also supposed to get better with time (as we age together).

Today’s reading: Mark 9:1-29

“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark‬ ‭9:22-24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What honesty from this father. He will do anything to see that his son gets relief. He is trying to overcome his unbelief, yet he is open and vulnerable with Jesus. May we come to God in prayer like this for ourselves and for each other.

“Father God, I need you to make up the margin between where I am and where you know I can belief. Pick me up and drop me into that space this morning. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Today’s reading: Mark 8:11-38

“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” ‭Mark‬ ‭8:34-38‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Following Jesus means something quite a bit more than reading our Bibles and being at church on Sunday mornings.

It also includes being willing to give up everything in order to follow Him.

It means being willing to die for the sake of the gospel.

It means releasing control of our lives and allowing Jesus full reign over all.

Peter was confused and didn’t want Jesus to die!

Today’s reading: Mark 7:24-37, 8:1-10

“First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. (‭Mark‬ ‭7‬:‭27-30‬ NIV)

This passage always convicts me about any entitlement I have in my life when it comes to thinking I deserve God’s grace. I, in fact, deserve hell, punishment for all that I’ve done. I do not deserve an extra measure of grace.

This woman’s faith is off the charts. She doesn’t launch into a theological debate with Jesus about how just because she isn’t a Jew doesn’t mean that she was unclean, a dog, an outsider.

She simply says, “Even the dogs.”

Jesus did not really believe she was a dog. He was simply saying what all other Jewish people were saying. He gave her a chance and she took it!

Today’s reading: Mark 6:30-56

“Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share.” Mark‬ ‭6:41‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus’ way, over and over:
1. Take
2. Bless
3. Break
4. Give

Jesus, do the same with us as you did with this bread. 🥖 Multiply us as we share your gospel with everyone we encounter. Open up their hearts to hear about Your kingdom. May we not shirk at the breaking, for the giving comes right afterward. Humble us and send us!

Today’s reading: Mark 5:21-43

“He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Mark‬ ‭5:34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Hundreds were making contact with Jesus, bumping into him. Yet there was one woman who was desperate enough, faith-filled enough, to witness physical breakthrough in her life.

Jesus felt it.

She felt it.

The disciples? They tried to dismiss it.

If anyone comes to Jesus, they will find rest for their souls (Matthew 11:28-30).

Faith.
Healing.
Peace.
Freedom.
Joy.

Now, let’s see Jesus proceed for raise a middle school girl from the dead. Mark is recording history, and he is inviting us into it.

Jesus, we come to you in faith!