This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
What Is Mark? The Gospel of Mark is a fast-paced narrative about the ministry of Jesus. Likely written by John Mark, who knew both Peter and Paul, this Gospel emphasizes Jesus as both the Son of Man and the Son of God. It also shows Jesus as a humble servant leader, willing to suffer and die on the cross.
How Mark Fits Into the Story: The Gospel of Mark clarifies the nature of the promised Messiah. Though many individuals in Jesus’s day tried to claim the title, Mark redefined it in light of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. Jesus, the one, true Messiah, was a suffering servant, both fully human and fully divine. Mark’s Gospel shows us how Jesus’s authority, in both teaching and miracles, is present alongside His humanity.
Reflection Questions:
1. How do today’s readings about Jesus’s character and demeanor change your understanding of God’s posture toward His people?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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93 thoughts on "Mark"
Lord, you are so good to me
I think also a thing to look at it is dying to self and laying aside our selfish desires and ambitions to serve Christ, or family’s, and one another. It’s hard. As a stay at home homeschool mom I feel I’m constantly interrupted, forgetting my children are my number 1 disciples and their spiritual well being is my opportunity and responsibility. If we love him, we keep his commands and lay aside our selfishness. Thankful he doesn’t demand perfection but sanctification as we submit to his word and his spirit every day.
The part that gripped me the most was that through everything that Jesus had to go through, it was prophesied and Isaiah that he would do it humbly. The thought that this was prophesied so far before Jesus went through any of the verbal or physical persecution that he went through, and he did exactly what was prophesied would happen is amazing.
this reading has taught me that although it is human nature to be selfish we should have a servants heart and have a sense of humility.
God doesn’t ask us to do something that he hasn’t already done himself. He is humble and willing to serve and love to the point of death to save the lives of others.
God would rather us nail him to a cross and pay the price for our sin than for us to go to hell for all eternity.
God would rather humble himself and die on a cross and let us nail him to it than we can be saved from eternal hell and be reunited with him.
Humbling
❤
I love Isaiah 53:4 in the reading: “surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.” Like He bore our sins, and we see Him as afflicted for doing so, and while He was, it was also His choice; He knowingly and willingly was pierced for our transgressions. What a freedom to embrace humility in my own life! Jesus paid it all, *knowingly* , so I don’t have to be defensive, or be right, or make sure I stay on top. He has already borne our griefs and sorrows, deep sorrows like death and loss, and daily sorrows like when my sister ignores me. I don’t have to fight those to stay on top bc Jesus already did that, and He says it’s ok to be the least of these bc THATS WHERE HE IS (Phil 2:5-11)!! Amen for Jesus showing me I can be a servant in my own home bc I have nothing to prove to Him. He’s already paid for me.
Amen!
Jesus comes to earth to be one of us. He teaches us how to be humble and obedient to God. Following him takes great obedience.
Being sanctified to be more Christ like, means serving more like Christ. We are not Christ, but made in his image. So we should serve and love as He did. Christ was just so amazing. His kindness, love and grace is unmatched. When I read the red letters so many times, I’m taken aback at his goodness.
This reading has shown me that God, despite having no reason to be, is humble. He sent Jesus here to model humility, love, and being a servant to all as the way he wished for us live. He didn’t send him to live in a mansion, be adored, or live as a wealthy man with servants. He sent him to be the son of a carpenter, a man who was rejected and looked down upon, and to live as we live, to feel what we feel, and to teach us that by living a humble life and being a servant to others is how God desired for us to live while here on Earth.
Jesus chose to take the form of a servant and come to walk this earth with us as a servant, when he could have chosen divinity; he wanted to be close to us and experience what we experience walking the earth. And he accepted the deceit, the humiliation, and the pain we put Him through, and accepted God’s will to be done on the cross FOR US. Humility is a great word to use, but also LOVE. Jesus is unconditional love. His patience and forgiveness time and time again, and He still loves.
God wants his people to be FOR his people, WITH his people, SERVE his people and CARE for his people – I think that’s what I understood ☺️
I unintentionally got in an argument last night. I was asking him why he didn’t let me know about something going on with him and ended up making the whole situation about me. I made it seem like he didn’t trust me or that he doesn’t want to talk to me about things that are bothering him and he exploded. “How is this all now suddenly about you?” I my intention wasn’t to make it about me but I guess it was more so to prove that I was right in that situation. And OF COURSE Mark 9:33-37 was about the disciples in an argument. I texted him and apologized. These couple of weeks have been hard on us and just now have started to let up some but my behavior has still been slightly hostile and less loving. This reading showed me the character of Jesus and how he forgives in our childishness and loves us to turn us to Him and see his example. I don’t know how we will get through this transition but I know and believe that if I keep looking to Christ as my example, I will be doing the best for my family, my marriage, and myself.
I think that today’s reading shows us that God values humility and being a servant to others as exemplified in his Son, Jesus.
I feel like today’s reading emphasized how important of a virtue humility is to God. I think it is helpful to know that God holds humility and being a servant to others
Amen
Amen, Anne Stock ❤️
Thank you, ladies. So many of you expressed your awe in our God. I was recently thinking about how just leaving Heaven and coming to live as a man is is such and incredible sacrifice and act of love, Who would choose to leave there and come here and live as a poor man? He didn’t come and live in a palace. As someone mentioned, He didn’t come as a handsome man that everyone was drawn to. He took on a lowly state. Just think of His birth! To think of how He was hated, rejected, mocked, spat upon, beaten beyond recognition, and receiving the full cup of God’s wrath, is beyond my full comprehension. I imagine Him seeing and feeling every sin on the cross. That love is like no other. Dear God, Thank You for Jesus. Thank You for Your plan of redemption. There is none like You. Praises to the Lord ! He is highly exalted Amen.
Someone commented about haughtiness and pride. Of course, this is the opposite of how Jesus lived. I was reminded of a message by Tim Keller called , Haughty Eyes. I found out that some things may be rooted I pride that I didn’t think were. Here is a link if anyone wants to listen: https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/haughty-eyes/
VICTORIA E – Thank you for sharing the verse from 1 Samuel! I have been blessed by that verse so many times and didn’t think to include it. Continued prayers for a healthy and peace-filled pregnancy!
These readings about Jesus’ character and demeanor are not new to me, but I liked reading them together today. Reading them this way helped me to see yet again the way in which God, despite being glorious and omnipotent and worthy of our praise, loves us so much that he came here to model the best way to live (in addition to dying for us.) It shows me that God is humble, despite having no need to be. All the glory and the power is His, after all! And yet here is Jesus, showing us how to live as servants to each other.
May He help me to serve Him and others every day. Amen
Amen!!
We are redeemed by His unmovable humility.
No plan of man can stand in Gods way! I can do nothing to save myself except embrace what Jesus did for me. Our redemption is just the first step in His plan! He reveals himself to those who seek Him
Kathy, I will be praying for your daughter & son-in-law as they move to a new area but above all else that they, as well as my own 2 grown sons, will feel God’s spirit stirring in their lives to draw them back to a day-to-day relationship with Him. A good friend of ours, who has an amazing heart for God and his community, is in leadership in a church near Wake Forest – tell them to check it out. They also live stream the services. https://sevenmarkschurch.com/
God will never leave any question in heart unanswered even when the disciples did not respond he answered them anyway he truly cares about us always ready to help like a servant would. 2. Isa 53:6 struck me because growing up I used to think God is condemning not realising he was just trying to save me his lost sheep. Now I know I am so grateful to God
I love that God enters into our lives on such an intimate way. I pray I would enter into the lives’ of those around me the same way as Jesus.
I still am in awe how God loves me and want me to enjoy my life everyday. I love God, Jesus, and the word. When
WoW! Yes, LOVE and Serving are the correct answers. Thanks for the insight!
Angie, thank you & everyone else for your beautiful prayers yesterday. It seems every time I turn around they find something else wrong. So far the results are good. Fatty liver though…guess it should be expected since I’m both over weight & diabetic. It’s a catch-22. I’ll be praying for your muscle pain and healing rest Angie.
Mari V I’ve been praying for your daughter at camp.
Taylor Hite, welcome back.
Praying we get some news on Churchmouse, that the SRT folks will get a response.
God’s posture toward His people is one of drawing near to us, wanting to be near to us. The Son of Man taught his followers how to live and served them in the most ultimate way- he saved their lives. Our lives.
It amazes my brain just how much God desires our redemption, planned for our redemption and provided for our redemption. It is all God’s amazing doing.
I love reading the info SRT provides as well as all of your posts. In the section “How Mark fits into the story” I found the last paragraph interesting and new info I hadn’t known — “Mark’s Gospel shows us how Jesus’s authority, in both teaching and miracles, is present alongside His humanity.” So often we take for granite what is said in the Bible and don’t care about learning anything new. Because of these two studies I have decided I want to take time and “really closely” read through the Bible. I want to do it in chronological order though because I think it might make more since. I also will probably use several different versions so I can understand it better. I hope to use a study or devotional or two also to help me.
Have a great day sisters and be blessed. The has blessed me today — I’m getting ready to pick up a bonus check from my work for staying on with them. Some will of course goto the Lord.
Wonderful to hear about your bonus Dorothy! I have also been reading through the Bible in order- I’m in 2 Samuel now. Let me know if you have good resources you like, I have a cultural study guide Bible that I like to read from.
After watching the first season of the “The Chosen” I hear Jesus in the voice of the actor who played him. That series really brings out for me that Jesus was very much fully man. Kind, intentional, and full of all emotions. And yet the scriptures remind me how much he is also fully God. Kings are silenced because of him. Such a beautiful paradox that brings me to a point of pause and praise.
I do the same thing. Jesus in The Chosen is a very different portrayal than the one in say “Jesus of Nazareth”
I see Jesus as so humble and forgiving. Every time I stray from Him I know He will accept me back with open arms.
Amen Teresa!
Also, prayer request for me…in two weeks I’ll be starting my full time job at my college I just graduated from!! Part of me is excited, and the other part is nervous because…Well, this is it. I’m moving out of my parents house and living on my own (with roommates/friends I know though, so that’s a blessing for sure). I’ll be paying rent myself and groceries etc., so it’s just a little crazy/overwhelming. Also a full time job…I definitely did not expect this 6 months ago. But God. I’m praying that this is where he wants me, and that he would continue to guide me. I’m continually surrendering and trusting him, and asking that if he doesn’t want me here, to take it away or show me where to go. I just want to serve him witn my life. After 6 months of working for the university, they will be able to pay for a masters program. I’m glad I still have time to decide whether I want to get a master of teaching in elementary ed…hoping to shadow a teacher at some point to see what it’s like in the classroom. It’s definitely a shift from what my major was, but I’m praying that God would open and close doors and show me if he wants me to become a teacher. Sorry I’m rambling, lots of emotions but I know even in the changing seasons, God remains the same! Thank you Lord! Love you wll , praying for your requests as well.
Man,the theme of Jesus being the suffering servant struck a chord in me…who am I to think I’m so great or better than others? This is a small thing, but at work yesterday a guy asked me if I’d rather spend a day with Miley Cyrus or Katie Perry. And my immediate response was neither, because I don’t like either of them or their styles…but as I think about it now, even though they aren’t Christians and do some pretty inappropriate things, if I had a day with them, I could share the gospel with them and try to understand their hearts. I automatically thought I’m so much better than them because I don’t do the things they do, but in reality, we’re all sinful. And Jesus came for all of us. He did not come to call the righteous, but the sinners. He came to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. Thank you Lord, you came even knowing my sin. help me serve like you served.
The servant leader verses stand out to me, as does the radical hospitality in it all. A pastor challenged me this week, saying, if Jesus showed up at your home today, how would you treat him? Roll out the carpet, find the best meal, circle up and listen close? (Like Abraham to the three strangers?) Then he said, “now picture someone you’re not getting along with showing up to the door. Different politics, religion, ideologies, lifestyle etc. What would it be like to welcome them like you’d welcome Jesus?” And that melted me. What if I could put down all the “but he/she is wrong!” And actually love on people the way that Jesus asked me to? And suddenly, I remembered a lot of redeeming qualities about the people I’m not to fond of right now. How one of the bought me clothes when I was broke and pregnant. How another cooked us meals after his divorce. How others have insights and love to offer, even if there are walls that divide us. I want to be more hospitable this year, and these verses make me wonderfully uncomfortable about exactly what that really means.
Thank you for sharing!
This is very convicting for me in my current situation. Thanks for sharing.
@ TRACI GENDRON, Amen Lord!! Clean the inside of my cup!
@ OMORINSOLA AJAYI, it should seem apparent but, sometimes so easy to forget — “If God can die for us, there’s nothing else He won’t do for our own good.”– Thank you
@ ANGIE & MARI V…I also reached out to SRT re: Churchmouse… excited they know how to reach her. I’m praying she is well and feels blessed by our love.
@ MARI V, your comment resonated with me “I need to keep in mind I am at my work place to serve…As hard as it is to say that, that’s OK because my identity is not in my position at work. Even though it hurt sometimes… called to do a job and to do it well. I am blessed to say, “I love my job!””
@ERB and @KATHY, I’m praying.
@ ANGIE (and all my sisters with physical pain / ailments)… praying! What are the chances you can get “school starts in less than a month” out of your mind for now?! ❤️
In the meantime,…thank you for the insights about MARK the Evangelist and how God can use each of us…I LOVE THAT!! I will add that my studies show Mark was headed to Libya but, as he was passing through Alexandria, he broke his sandal strap which led him to visit the shoeshop of Anianus, who became the first Christian convert in Egypt. Through this and other interactions, MANY, many were converted. He is credited with being the instrument God used to bring Egypt to Christ!! (Egypt is also where he died for the name of Jesus.)
Really, Lord Jesus?! Can You use ME like that?!
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Wow. Loved that bit of info
@Nads that is so awesome!! Thanks for sharing that information
As I read Mark today, I wonder would I have followed Jesus. I tend to like pretty things. Tidy things. It grieves me to recognize this in myself. I can be harsh and judgmental. I crave to be more like Jesus. The gentleness in how he teaches. His humility. I pray for God to clean the inside of my cup. To teach me how to serve in love.
It’s so amazing ❤️
ANGIE, my sister, thank you!!
When I saw your detailed message as a prayer, I tried to kneel with my body and heart…I am praying along side you for YOU and all our sisters.
God bless you ❤️
Kathy, I am praying you would see God evidently in their lives. I think of John 10:28. No one can snatch them from His hand. I pray you would speak this over the situation and believe for God’s consistent movement in their hearts. May they find purpose and direction in Him, during this time of transition. I believe God is at work. In Jesus name! God bless and keep you, may this strengthen your faith and help you believe and trust Him more. :)
TAYLOR HITE, good morning!! We are so happy you are here. I struggle with prayer too but, this community of women has been EXCEEDINGLY helpful to me and to others!!
If you have a few moments, look back through the comments made throughout the last reading plan (This is the Old Testament). The topic of prayer, motivation to be intimate with God, not feeling worthy, practical suggestions all came up…and many of the comments themselves read like a prayer.
“The Son of Man has not come to be served, but to serve”. This verse really resonated with me this morning as lately I’ve been feeling less then, at work. Thank you Jesus for redirecting my thoughts.  I need to keep in mind I am at my work place to serve.. even when I don’t like what I see that’s OK. As hard as it is to say that, that’s OK because my identity is not in my position at work. Even though it hurt sometimes but that’s OK.
In the great scheme of things it’s really not that big of a deal. I am called to do a job and to do it well. I am blessed to say, “I love my job!”
I really see Jesus as a gentle listener in these passages. He asks the disciples what they were discussing and then listens to what they have to say. His answer isn’t what they were probably hoping for, but He is gentle in His response. This reminds me that my Father is always waiting to listen to what I have to say or ask and that He’ll respond to me kindly, even when the world does not.
Sorry for 3 posts this morning, they were just all so different.
ERB – Your post for your brother came in between mine. So I lift him before the Father right now and ask that our Lord and God would give wisdom, peace, discernment, and grace to his day and the decisions made in it.
Also, I saw some asked again about Churchmouse. I do not mean to start things up again. I did email SRT and received a response that they are reaching out to her. Because she orders hard copies of the studies they know her name and address. I don’t know if they will let us know for sure, I don’t know if they can. I know, prayers are always good.
A little personal news…yesterday was 2 months since the accident. I had 3 medical appointments – hoping to be released. I was not released from any of them. That sounds disappointing, and it was, except that by all 3, who do not know each other or work together, coming up with the same conclusion, I know that was from God and I trust Him. Also, one of the big things is that I wake throughout the night with muscle discomfort that won’t allow me to sleep. I have found ways to lessen the pain and use them through the night, but they take time and interrupt sound sleep. School will be starting back in less than a month. Yesterday two of the three suggested a muscle relaxer. I only took 1/2 last night but, oh my, praise Jesus, I slept all night. Actually I slept until almost 8! I can’t remember when I’ve done that. I’m thankful to God for not leaving me in the discomfort, just getting by, but helping me step by step. I think of so many of you who have shared of constant pain and I am praying for God’s help in your lives.
I’m glad you reached out to SRT regarding Churchmouse. I attempted about a couple weeks ago but they weren’t able to reach out to her then. hopefully now that a few of us have tried maybe they’ll reach out to her.
How much does God love us? So much that He sent His one and only Son to die on the cross for us all. Jesus – King of Kings and lord of Lords came humbly, obedient as teacher, servant and savior. In return God highly exalted Him and gave Him a name above every other name. God could have asked a thousand things from us, but He simply asks us to believe and receive Jesus and obediently follow in His steps. Jesus who knew no sin became sin for us! (2 Corinthians 5:21) I’m forever grateful for the cross and that Jesus came to seek and save (me) the lost! Glory to God!
Prayers please for my daughter Emily who will be having 4 wisdom teeth removed today. She is very nervous and concerned that she might have a panic attack in the midst of it – or pass out. Please pray God gives her His perfect peace and takes away every anxiety. Thank you in advance!
@Erb – praying wisdom, discernment, clarity, grace and peace for your brother as he meets with the doctor today.
@Taylor Hite – praying that God will have every piece of your heart and that you continue to walk with Him each day and grow in His knowledge and wisdom.
Praying for your daughter Emily.
God is a humble God. He meets us where we’re at. He loves us so much that He would come all the way down and die for us- ultimate humility. A lot of people think that God is so distant and hard to reach, but it is the opposite. God is always trying to reach out to us, if anything, we are the ones who are hard to reach. If God can die for us, there’s nothing else He won’t do for our own good.
Amen Omorinsola.
Sometimes when I have a sinful attitude I get afraid that God will punish me for it. Then I realize that “God does not punish us as we deserve” and that Jesus has already borne the cost of my sin. It makes me want to change my attitude so as to honor this great sacrifice that Jesus made. Some days (ok everyday) I just feel like I can’t wait to meet Him face to face. @Taylor Hite welcome back! So glad you are here
CeeGee, that reminds me of this verse from 1 Samuel: “People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” 1 Sam 16: 7
What I remember from former studies of Mark is that he was younger than the other writers and not super brave. I think he was the one that Paul had some issues with because Mark would get afraid, but Barnabas took him under his wing. He was also the guy who ran off naked when the soldiers came to get Jesus. (I guess one of them grabbed him by his clothes and Mark just ran off without them instead of being caught.) I’ve also heard commentators say they think he may have been ADHD, which shows a little in his writing style.
Why share those little tidbits? The teacher in me, I guess, loves that today’s readings exemplifies that God creates us uniquely and perfectly for His purpose for our lives and the kingdom. Our God is perfect. Perfect in who He is and what He creates. I know that…yet love and need the reminder at times when I want/expect perfect in me or others. (Just being brutally honest here.)
He called Mark and used his service for the kingdom, right where he was. That young man is able to share the happenings of Jesus life a little differently than anyone else. The four gospels are written by 4 very different men so that we can “see” Jesus’ life through different perspectives, using their human strengths and weaknesses.
The disciples were worried about who would be greatest in the kingdom. James and John even tried to get a promise for Jesus’ right and left. Jesus said, see this sweet, innocent, pure child; right here is your goal. These men were Jesus disciples, strong followers. Jesus knew and loved them as they were, while He continued to grow them as they served.
The Isaiah verses both break my heart and bring me to repentance. I understand that Jesus couldn’t be this super handsome guy that people would follow because of his looks or charisma. They needed to come because they recognized He was the Messiah, God, and chose to follow with their hearts and lives, not their eyes. At the same time I am convicted that sometimes my eyes lie to me and I think because someone/something is beautiful it is good, or when someone/something is not clean, pretty, together that somehow they are “less than”. I am so thankful Jesus gives us the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us. I am so thankful, in a culture where what we see so often draws us that the Holy Spirit heals our eyes so that we too can be drawn to the heart first. I am so excited to one day see my Savior face to face and the radiant beauty of my Jesus.
Thank you for the tidbits, Angie!
The theme of humility was strong in the readings for today. Why am I so proud and haughty when my savior was meek and humble? I also love the inclusion of prophesies from Isaiah in the readings, they are a comfort that God’s big picture plans are always being unfolded.
Maybe it is just that I have been watching my grandson for a few days, but I was struck by the gentle nudge toward the higher ways that Jesus spoke to the disciples after James and John asked for such audacious recognition. When the 10 were indignant after hearing of the brother’s request, Jesus says “Those regarded as rulers..lord it over them…BUT IT IS NOT SO AMONG YOU.” Somehow it just totally struck me that Jesus spoke as a dad, speaking life into a child. He did not say don’t do that or it is wrong to act that way. He just stated “it is not so among you.” Not in the future (as in, you will LEARN to act right), but in the present, as in I KNOW you act in a more godly fashion. As in, He has taught them and expects them to embrace it. The confidence of a parent who has done a good job and can send out the kids knowing they will behave. Not condescending. Not punishing. Just expecting the best from us because we know whose we are and how to share the awesome love He gave us. This is the first time I met Jesus in this fatherly fashion. Loving this study! Love and prayers to all you SRT sisters!
Sisters, I ask that you please pray for my daughter, Sara, and her husband, Will. They have just this past weekend moved to Wake Forest, NC, which is about 8 hours from where I am. (The hardest part is that they also moved my 16-month-old grandson with them. But you can fly from Chattanooga to Raleigh for about $150 round trip.)
They desperately need to be back into a relationship with God and back in church. They are both Christians they’ve just kind of lost their way. They lived in Wake Forest when they first got married so they have connections there and they had a church there. My deepest desire is that God will bring them both back to him. Will is searching for what to do with his life but has lost sight of the fact that he needs to be looking to God first. They both need to be looking to God. Please pray that God will use this move to bring them back to Him
If I want people to see Jesus in my life, I must follow His example. To serve isn’t to be a slave or a doormat, rather, it’s to be set free from the bondage of self-seeking and never being satisfied. There is joy in serving! Oh I have a long way to go, but my heart longs for Jesus!
I love the way you put that!
LISA EMILY – Lord God, be near to Lisa as she takes these exams the next two days. May she spend the time in study she needs to prepare. May her mind recall the information as well as be able to sort and apply it correctly. Be with her Lord and give her peace.
KATIE & HUSBAND – Lord, these two took a vow before you and became one. I pray that any sense of competition would be removed from their marriage. I pray that they would each be a servant to the other and not tally up the I dids/he or she dids. Heal them of past experiences that would cause them to need to be the head. May they love, respect, and serve each other as they would serve You. May their service draw them closer to You and ultimately closer to each other. May it start with Katie as she is asking for prayer but may her husband long for and be willing to draw near as well. Protect their hearts, minds, and marriage Lord Jesus I pray.
TAYLOR HITE – Thank you God for this woman who is hungry once again for your Word. You draw us Lord, You are drawing her. Give her the discipline to stick with it. Help her to find a good group to help hold her accountable like I did with Bible Study Fellowship. Without time in your Word Lord, we don’t grow closer to You, we don’t know You fully. Help her to hold onto Your hand. Open her eyes and heart to understanding. Be near to her Lord. May she be quick to repent, serve, and love You her God, Savior, Lord.
VICTORIA E – Creator God, thank you for the life growing inside of Victoria. Your hands form this child. Your breath will give him/her life. May Victoria be healthy and well through this pregnancy. May the child grow strong. Be near her Lord. We praise You alone for the conception and ask You care over the life You have given.
PAM C – Lord we are human… hospital, doctor appointments, tests can cause anxiety, if nothing less than their interruption to the day. However, may these tests today for Pam go as You have planned. May her spirit be a witness to You among the people she encounters. Give her peace and hope. Thank you for the wisdom and technology you have given that doctors who can figure out what is going on (somewhat) in these bodies of ours. We know Lord that only You have got it all figured out, even to the number of our days. At the same time we thank and praise You for the day to day ways You provide, guide and care for us. May Pam have peace and Lord we would ask for good results, trusting You and Your will always.
JANE K – Thank you for this mama who has spent years preparing her children in home and academically for life. This fall her youngest will launch off to college. Care for her daughter and guide Jane in the transition. May she continue to be used by You in new and beautiful ways.
FOSTER MAMA – Lord, I hear fear in the consequences of her choice not to help and to take the time for the healing she needed. Emails, texts, and phone calls are not the best way to talk through stuff. Begin to work healing in this relationship for her Lord. Start in Foster Mama. Hold her Lord. I know our timing and Yours are not always the same. May her heart for You shine to her family that she loves. May their hearts be softened and love abound.
EMILY DAFOE – Lord, this woman is asking for salvation for her parents. Hear her prayer Lord God. Draw them. Your love and desire for them to have new life in You is greater than even hers. May salvation come to these people. May they see You in her Savior and God.
Angie thank you for praying for me and the baby!!! Prayer is so powerful I appreciate you so much!
Jesus could have come as a warrior with sword drawn, stamping out sin and rebellion with all the power and might that was rightfully His. But He didn’t. He came in humility, as a servant. God doesn’t want to “scare” us into His arms. He woos us and is gentle with us, as a mother with her baby. I love this about God. I know that things happen in life that are scary and terrifying and cause us to run to God, but even then He doesn’t get mad at us, tell us how much we deserve what happened to us (even though we may deserve it). He draws us in, calms our fears, and if we ask makes us His children.
So beautifully put ❤️
My brother could really use prayer this morning!! His neurologist has concerns and they will be discussing those concerns and treatment method this morning (9:45am ET) Please pray for wisdom, discernment, clarity, grace and peace!!! Thank you so much!!!
ERB praying ! How are you?
Taylor Hite, I will be praying for you!
1. God’s posture toward His people is that of sacrificial love. Jesus was a servant and called his disciples to be lowly, too. God loves us so much that He would serve us by having His Son die for us. It makes me think of John 3:16.
2. For me, today’s readings highlight God’s love in the story of redemption. It is immense and I can’t comprehend it! Throughout the Old Testament he showed Israel such patience and kindness while they were disobedient and unfaithful. And then! He sends his SON to the same sinful and wayward people, not as a ruler (as we humans think of ruling) but as a servant to DIE for us?! It’s too great for me to understand. But I am so grateful for this Holy God who is my very life!
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that
JESUS CHRIST IS LORD,
to the glory of the Father.” Philippians 2:10, 11
Glorified God to suffering servant to exalted Christ.
Amen
This reading reminds me of how often we associate beauty/good looks, cleanliness, the right clothing, etc., with what/who we choose to love/help. We don’t know what God looks like, but we choose to love Him. He expects, rather commands, us to love others with that same abandon. Jesus was the best example of that humanly form of love. I have a long way to go in this respect! Praise God – what a Savior!!!
His humility despite the fact he could have taken every earthly kingdom for himself. I know I often forget the power he had because of the humility in wisdom he demonstrated.
hi friends! i’m getting back in the word after a long time of being away. for whatever reason, i wasn’t opening my bible/app/whatever. i’m realizing (because somehow i keep needing to be re taught) i want christ to be my all in my heart again. if you all could pray for this with me, as prayer is also a struggle for me.
@Taylor Hite. Praying for you
Thank you Taylor for that comment, well put.❣️
1) He is gentle and patient. He isn’t quick to anger.
2) I love the verse that says “he emptied himself”. He had to become low so we could have hope of redemption. He was a servant, not the military king the people were seeking. The theme of today’s readings to me is humility. Becoming like a child (helpless, dependent, even unruly) and a servant (lowly, no status, selfless). God is calling us to be like Jesus in humility, taking up a cross not of fame and excitement, but humility and service. Jesus is our perfect model.
I am in awe of how Jesus willingly humbled himself and took on human form and submitted to death on the cross and because of that is now exalted by God the Father. What a beautiful paradox!
I keep thinking of the phrase But God (thank you Tina) in response to the first question. He could have given us the punishment we deserve for our sins, BUT GOD sent Jesus as a sacrifice in our place. God is holy and could hold us to His standard of holiness to enter heaven BUT GOD loves us just too darn much and knows we could never measure up. He could have stayed up in Heaven and made another way BUT GOD wanted to be intimately close to His people. I am in awe. Thank you Jesus
Great points!
1. God is far above us in every aspect, but was willing to come very low so that we could be lifted up.
2. God’s plan for the redemption of humanity cost Him mire than it will ever cost me.
We all went astray like sheep. We all have turned to our own way. But instead of punishing us, instead of giving us what we deserve, the Lord has punished Jesus. He bore the iniquity of us all. He came to serve and to give His life. When the disciples were arguing, worrying about being the greatest, He didn’t get mad. Instead, He called them and taught them how they should live. God doesn’t expect any good works from us. He has earned and done it all for us. He is enough.